Pediatric Care with a Parent’s Touch
The Quarterly Check-Up
It’s our first birthday! As parents you know how special that first birthday is, so we’re sure you can understand how we feel about Almaden Pediatrics’ first birthday…we are so proud! And we are so thankful to all of our established patients who stayed with us through the move as well as our many new patients who have joined us in the past year.
Before and after!
Boy, what a difference a year makes! These before and after pictures show how our humble beginnings have turned in to a thriving pediatric practice.
New Faces at Almaden Pediatrics
Jennifer Mclane, C.N.P.
Jennifer Mclane, C.N.P.
Jennifer is a Nurse Practitioner who joined Almaden Pediatrics in September. She works on Thursdays and Fridays. Many of you already know Jennifer from Pediatric Associates (where she started working with Dr. Pete in 2001) or have met her at our new office. Jennifer lives in Morgan Hill with her husband and two children ages 6 and 3. She enjoys cooking, skiing and hiking.
Click here to learn more about Nurse Practitioners
Kacia Richens
Kacia (Kay-sha) Richens
Kacia joined Almaden Peditrics this month and is working in the front office with Katie. Kacia has been working in medical offices for several years and is learning the ropes quickly. We are sure you will enjoy Kacia’s cheery attitude and fresh smile!
Important Reminders
It’s time to update your contact information with us. Every year we ask that all of our patients complete a new contact form so that we have the most current information for your family. If you have not yet completed the new form, please download the form and complete it and either fax it or bring it in to your next appointment. Note: You can type directly into the form, or print it and complete it manually.
Bring your insurance card to every office visit. Please bring your insurance card to every visit so that we may verify your coverage. If we do not have the proper insurance information at the time of the visit you may be charged for the visit.
Email updates: We regularly send out email updates with important information and updates related to Almaden Pediatrics. Please make sure we have your correct email address so you receive these updates. And be sure to check the emails. We do our best to make them short and easy to read.
Ask the Docs
Why do kids get ear infections?
Ear infections are the most common bacterial infection in kids. 75% of all kids will experience at least one ear infection by the time they are three years old. Ear infections occur when fluid and mucous get trapped behind the ear drum when the eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the middle of the ear with the sinuses) and adenoids (adenoids are like tonsils that sit over the roof of the mouth near the middle ear) become inflamed and swollen in response to a cold or other viral illness.
Children are particularly susceptible to ear infections because the Eustachian tube is shorter and straighter than in adults which allows fluid to enter the middle ear but not drain out as easily. Also children’s adenoids tend to get swollen more easily and block the opening of the eustachian tube.
The most important part of treating an ear infection is managing the pain. In most instances, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can relieve the pain in about 1 hour. If you think your child has an ear infection, bring them in to see us and then we can discuss the treatment options.
Office Visit Tip
Do you have pre-teen or teen who hates to wear that stupid gown when they come to see us? To avoid having to wear the gown and allow us to do a thorough exam, an easy solution is to have your child wear loose fitting clothing such as sport shorts or baggy sweats to their appointment. This is particularly important for physicals and when we need to examine areas such as the knees, hips, or back.
We’ve caught the Social Networking bug!
Awards and Recognition
Congratulations to Dr. Pete! Dr. Pete was voted a Family Favorite 2009 by Bay Area Parent readers! Thanks to all who voted for him!