#Pediatric Health

[gumjrop]

Pediatric pneumonia cases requiring hospitalization are up 30% in Central Virginia.

While not a cause for panic, it does call for caution.

Christopher Doern, M.D., director of microbiology at VCU Health, said the initial investigations suggest that this rise in hospitalizations may be because of an increase in rhinovirus and enterovirus.

“The last time we saw this phenomenon was in 2014 during the EVD68 outbreak,” Doern said. “I don't have any speculation as to why this is only being observed in Central Virginia and would be surprised if it doesn't soon disseminate to the rest of the region and beyond.”

David Marcello, M.D., chief of pediatric hospital medicine, answers some key questions about the spike in pneumonia cases and the type of care being provided at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

What might be causing this current rise in pediatric pneumonia?

In addition to increased Mycoplasma infections (atypical bacterial pneumonia), community acquired bacterial infections, we’re also seeing a spike in rhinovirus/enterovirus infections. These are two types of the many respiratory viral infections that typically rise this time of year with back to school, weather changes and increased pollen counts. It may be that there’s a new strain of rhinovirus or enterovirus that is more virulent than in the past, something that occurs every 6-10 years. We know viral infections can also lead to bacterial pneumonias (typical or atypical).

What care is your team providing for children in the hospital with pneumonia?

These children are provided supportive care in the hospital, which varies depending on their specific symptoms and needs. It may include hydration via IV or by mouth, or oral hydration via nasogastric tube (tube from nose to stomach) for children who can’t take liquids by mouth. Oral is always preferred, especially now with the shortage of IV fluids due to Hurricane Helene storm damage. They may also receive oxygen through a nasal cannula, mask or in very severe cases a ventilator (with a tube from the mouth into the breathing passages).

Antibiotics are an important component of care if a bacterial infection is suspected. We’ll also give steroids and albuterol to patients who experience an asthma attack in addition to their pneumonia.

Do you expect that this will improve or get worse in the coming weeks?

It’s likely to worsen with pollen and mold counts rising, colder weather keeping everyone inside and the holidays bringing people together. Asthma is triggered by infection and cold weather, so we often see patients with asthma needing extra care this time of year as well.

When should families seek medical care for children’s respiratory symptoms?

Not all cases of respiratory illness require care in a medical setting. That said, if you notice any of the following symptoms, we urge you to check with the pediatrician if possible or bring your child to the emergency room:

High fever (higher than 100.4˚F for infants younger than 3 months, or higher than 102.2˚F in children older than 3 months) that lasts more than 2-3 days despite Tylenol and/or Motrin

Inability to drink liquids or vomiting so much that they’re not urinating regularly (fewer than three wet diapers per day in an infant, using the bathroom less than once per day in older children)

Dry lips or mouth

Working hard to breathe/catch their breath (seeing their ribs with each breath, belly breathing more than usual, gasping for air, inability to speak if they’re typically verbal)

If your child has asthma, cough with wheezing, needing more than four breathing treatments per day, and working hard to breathe with no response to breathing treatments would all warrant medical assessment and care.

Should families try any care at home for respiratory symptoms before seeking medical treatment?

For mild symptoms, we encourage lots of liquids and Tylenol or Motrin for pain relief. Honey can help decrease cough but should only be given to children over 1 year of age (there’s a risk of botulism in little ones with immature digestive tracts). Children with asthma should follow their asthma action plan instructions.

If symptoms begin to cause concern, seek medical care right away.

What are the best ways to protect ourselves and our kids from getting sick?

Infection prevention measures are essential, including:

Washing your and your child's hands

Staying home and away from others until symptoms are improving and there is no fever for 24 hours without the assistance of fever-reducing medication

Getting the flu vaccine (now is the time to get the vaccine and start building immunity)

Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines

Getting all childhood vaccines on schedule

Wearing a mask if tolerated, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are recovering from illness

A version of this story was originally published by Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

[blogbound]

Your Guide to Successful Social Media Advertising

The relationship between consumers and brands has changed drastically since the rise of social media. Social media sites like LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have billions of users, providing unrivaled chances to connect with new and current clients. Brand awareness, lead generation, and revenue growth can all be achieved through well-planned and executed social media advertising campaigns.

An audience-centric and goal-oriented social media advertising campaign is the way to go. Thorough preparation, innovative implementation, and exact monitoring are all required. A methodical approach can maximize the impact of advertising budgets and produce measurable results.

Learn all you need to know to make killer social media ads with the help of this comprehensive tutorial. Here, you will find extensive guidance on how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media advertising, from identifying your objectives and demographics to developing engaging ad creatives and monitoring key performance indicators.

Prioritizing Your Campaign Objectives

A well-defined and quantifiable objective is the bedrock of any effective social media advertising strategy. Whether your goal is to boost sales, create more leads, or raise brand recognition, a clear objective can help you stay focused and achieve your success.

When you have a specific objective in mind, you can better craft a campaign that speaks to your target demographic through its messaging, images and calls to action. One possible objective for a pediatric clinic in Queens, NY that targets parents would be to increase the number of patients they see. Marketing strategies emphasizing the accessibility and professionalism of your clinic could help you reach this goal.

Goals may be better tracked and data-driven decisions can be made to maximize campaign success if they are SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

The Art of Audience Identification

The first step in establishing successful social media advertising campaigns is figuring out who you're trying to reach. You may make your language and images more appealing to your ideal customer by learning about their wants and needs. Both the possibility of interaction and the efficacy of your campaign are enhanced by this focused strategy.

Factors such as demographics, interests, and habits should be considered when identifying your target audience. Parents in the Queens area would make up the bulk of your target audience if you were a Queens pediatrician. Considerations such as age, economic level, and particular interests about the health and well-being of children could further help you narrow your targeting.

You can make sure that the right individuals see your social media ads when you correctly identify your target demographic. You can get the most out of your advertising dollars, boost conversion rates, and accomplish all of your campaign objectives with this laser-focused strategy.

Writing Ad Copy That Converts

Without interesting and engaging ad content, you won't be able to reach your target audience. A strong and successful advertising campaign is the result of content development that satisfies both the campaign's objectives and the preferences of the target audience.

Make your ads more interesting by writing in a way that your target demographic can understand and relate to. Stay away from complicated vocabulary and technical phrases and stick to plain, ordinary English. Incorporating eye-catching visuals like high-quality photos and videos can also assist draw in viewers and leave a lasting impression.

If you're a pediatrician in Queens, New York, trying to reach out to parents, you might use pictures of happy kids playing or chatting with doctors and nurses. Some possible advantages of your clinic that could be mentioned in the accompanying language are that it has skilled pediatricians, easy appointment scheduling, and a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. You can make commercials that get people to pay attention and take action by integrating eye-catching images with a powerful message.

Selecting the Appropriate Platform

To get the most out of your advertising strategy, it's important to choose the correct social media platform. To make sure your message reaches the correct individuals, you need to choose platforms that are compatible with their habits and tastes.

There are a variety of ad styles and functionalities offered by various social media networks. Instagram, on the one hand, and Facebook, on the other, are great for aesthetically pleasing content, community involvement, and targeted advertising. You can build effective advertising strategies by learning the ins and outs of each platform.

Using Facebook's location-based targeting options, a physician in Queens, NY, can reach parents in the area who are searching for a "pediatrician near me." You may reach your target audience and receive local leads by using these targeting features.

Determining an Affordability

You can't have a successful social media advertising strategy without first establishing a reasonable budget. You may keep your ad costs under control and avoid unforeseen spending by setting a budget in advance. To make the most of your campaign's resources and get the word out, you need a clear budget.

You need to think about things like the ad kind, your target audience, and the length of your campaign when you select your budget. Consider the case where the cost per click is cheaper for a text-based ad compared to a video ad. A similar rise in CPM may occur if you were to target a certain geographic area or demographic.

A part of your advertising budget for a "pediatrician Queens NY" campaign could go toward boosting certain postings so that they reach more people in the area. Your campaign's success and the outcomes you want can be optimized with careful budget allocation.

Assessing the Success of Ads

To measure how well your social media advertising strategy is doing, you must keep tabs on key performance indicators (KPIs). Impressions, clicks, and conversions are some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can shed light on audience behavior and campaign efficacy.

To improve the performance of your campaign, you can use data-driven insights to make smart decisions. You can, for instance, increase spending on a certain ad creative if it's doing well. On the flip side, if an ad isn't doing well, you can change its settings or pause it.

To find out what works and what doesn't in your campaign and to adjust your approach for future efforts, you need to monitor and analyze it regularly. If the "best pediatrician in Queens" advertising campaign is a smashing success, you can use it as a guide for all of your future marketing and patient acquisition initiatives.

Assembling the Parts for an Effective Advertising Campaign

A well-planned, sequential process is essential for making social media advertising work. You can make your advertising efforts work harder by being specific about what you want to achieve, finding out who you're trying to reach, creating engaging content, choosing the correct channels, sticking to your budget, and monitoring your results.

Remember that ads on social media platforms will always be there. You can maximize your strategy's efficacy and performance by constantly tracking and analyzing your campaigns' statistics. Find out what your audience responds to best by trying out various ad formats, targeting options, and messaging.

Ads on social media can expand your audience, bring in new customers, and boost revenue if you follow these steps. Advertising on social media may be a great tool for reaching your marketing goals, whether you're a physician in Queens, NY trying to reach parents seeking a pediatrician in Queens, or a local business trying to connect with customers.

[familythings]

Promising Study Links Breast Milk Fat to Reduced Cerebral Palsy Risk

A recent study has found an exciting link between a fat in breast milk and the potential to lower the risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disorder in children. It can cause lifelong challenges, like trouble walking, speaking, and doing everyday tasks. Researchers at Duke University discovered that this special fat may help form new cells that…

[parentingvip]

[clevelandeyeclinic]

At the Cleveland Eye Clinic, we are proud to serve the people of our communities and their families—including their littlest members! Our pediatric eye specialists are skilled and equipped to care for any common refractive issue.

[ventexhomehealthagencyinc]

Here at home health care services in Houston, Texas, we know keeping your little ones healthy is your top priority. With all those germs floating around, a strong immune system is a parent’s best friend. While genetics play a role, you can do plenty of things to give your child’s natural defenses a helping hand.

[guiasmaternos]

Child Flu: How to Recognize, Treat, and Prevent

Child flu is a common but manageable concern for parents. Get updated information on how to recognize, treat, and prevent it. Learn about symptoms, home treatment, vaccination, myths, and more.

Child flu is more than just a simple cold and can be a frightening experience for both the child and the parents. With proper understanding of the symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures, this condition can be effectively managed. Symptoms of Child Flu Child flu symptoms may include: High fever Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Fatigue Headache Treatment Child flu…

[mindblowingscience]

Imagine your child has broken a bone. You head to the emergency department, but the doctors won't prescribe painkillers. This scenario is one that children of color in the U.S. are more likely to face than their white peers, according to new findings published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. Researchers reviewed dozens of recent studies looking at the quality of care children receive across a wide spectrum of pediatric specialties. The inequities are widespread, says Nia Heard-Garris, a researcher at Northwestern University and a pediatrician at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, who oversaw the review.

Continue Reading.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Erin Reed at Erin In The Morning:

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics explores the long-term experiences of transgender youth, focusing on individuals six to ten years after transitioning. The findings show that transgender youth who transition at a young age report high levels of satisfaction with their care. Notably, only 3% of participants discontinued hormone therapy, according to the study's main sample. The research employed innovative methodologies to address “loss to follow-up,” a common issue when participants stop responding to surveys, and utilized a prospective approach. This study is likely to become one of the most significant pieces of evidence countering critics who argue for banning transgender care.

The study began recruiting participants in 2013, with final recruitment completed by 2017. All participants were 12 years old or younger at the time of enrollment. Researchers followed these individuals through their transitions and gender-affirming care, conducting multiple surveys along the way. The survey referenced in this study was issued in 2023. The study included only those who had started gender-affirming care—269 youth in total. Of these, 220 responded to the 2023 survey, and researchers found that just 3% had discontinued care. Additionally, satisfaction rates were extremely high, averaging 6.5 on a 7-point scale, demonstrating that 6 to 10 years after transition, transgender youth remain highly satisfied with their treatment and overall experiences. One of the most innovative aspects of this study wasn't just its prospective design but how it addressed a common issue known as “loss to follow-up.” Many studies that rely on surveys to collect patient experiences around medical care experience this problem, which occurs when a significant number of participants fail to return surveys. This is a frequent challenge in survey-based research. Critics of transgender care often exploit this issue to dismiss studies showing the positive effects of gender-affirming care, arguing that those who didn’t respond likely had negative experiences, despite no evidence that this is the case.

The study dealt with this problem by utilizing clinical notes, following up directly with a subset of the questions, evaluating patient emails, and even looking at hormone discontinuation rates among those who did not follow up. What they found was that those who did not follow up had very similar continuation rates for gender affirming care to those who did follow up, only around 6% in the secondary sample discontinued hormone therapy. This finding is important, as it will likely neuter further attempts to argue that loss to follow up is a significant issue in research around gender affirming care, which was an argument used by the Cass Review which has been used to crack down on youth and adult care in the United Kingdom.

The findings of this study align with other recent research, including a study from Australia that also used innovative methodologies to address the issue of “loss to follow-up.” That study, also published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that only 4% of transgender youth reidentified with their sex assigned at birth. It successfully collected data on 548 of 552 patients by using clinical notes to support its conclusions. Similarly, studies in the United States have reported very low rates of desistance or detransition. A Dutch study also reported comparably low rates, along with many other studies. According to a review of literature by Cornell University, the regret rate for gender-affirming care ranges from 0.3% to 3.8%, depending on the study's methodology. Within hours of its release, anti-trans activists and bloggers, including Benjamin Ryan, published critiques of the study. They argued that the participants were not representative of transgender youth today, noting that the sample included a higher proportion of individuals assigned male at birth than is typically seen. Critics also pointed out that the population studied was younger and more affluent than average. Additionally, they claimed the follow-up period was still too short, referencing the Cass Review and speculating—with little evidence—that detransition might commonly “take five to 10 years” to occur.

[...] This study is poised to become a cornerstone in affirming the importance of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Its extended follow-up period and findings that show no significant differences between those who completed follow-ups and those who did not directly rebut common anti-trans arguments. The innovative methodology strengthens the case for previous studies, undermining the assumption that those who fail to follow up regret their care. As more research like this emerges, it becomes increasingly clear that claims questioning the effectiveness of gender-affirming care lack a solid foundation and will continue to fall short.

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reports that an overwhelming majority of trans youth are highly satisfied 6-10 years after transitioning, with only 3% in the survey discontinuing the transition process.

See Also:

LGBTQ Nation: 97% of trans youth don’t regret transitioning, new study finds

[mental-mona]

This is a very comprehensive resource for anyone who suspects or knows that their child has migraines. It goes through symptoms at different ages, diagnosis, potential triggers, acute & preventive treatments, overall migraine management, other stuff like possible comorbidities & correlated conditions...it's quite a pediatric migraine 101. It even links to another massive resource on managing pediatric migraine at school!

[fatfox142]

It's actually really messed up of the AAP to issue such a controversial guideline when almost half of the family physicians and pediatricians participating in an American study stated that they would never refer an obese adolescent for bariatric surgery. This is a really informative thread on the medical ethics issues with severe obesity interventions that I just felt a little soapboxy on.

The drug that was referenced in the CBS article, Wegovy, also doesn't reduce pounds past 5% of your total weight about 22% of the time. You regain nearly all the weight you lost when you go off it, so you kind of have to be on it indefinitely if you want to stay that size.

There's even a petition on the AAP guideline that was made recently following the announcement.

In all seriousness to the thread, it's really messed up the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending a drug that costs $1350/mo. without insurance to youth struggling with obesity.

So I did a bit of a research rabbit hole to see the medication Wegovy that was being mentioned in the article as this sort of near cure-all in other articles. It's not even an obesity drug, it was a diabetes medication that is now also being used to treat severe obesity thanks to new findings.

There's just so many issues, and at a time when 1 in 5 American youths are obese, this couldn't have come at a worse time!

[blogbound]

Boost Your Pediatric Marketing with 5 Strategic Partnerships

The highly competitive landscape and the necessity of effectively engaging and reaching parents present distinctive challenges in pediatric care marketing. Standing out and effectively communicating your pediatric services can be challenging in a market where numerous healthcare providers are competing for attention. To attract and retain patients, it is essential to develop marketing strategies that are effective in showcasing your expertise and resonate with parents.

In this competitive environment, conventional marketing strategies may not be sufficient. To have a significant impact, pediatric practices must implement innovative strategies that capitalize on expert insights and partnerships. A promising solution is provided by collaborating with health organizations, which combine resources and expertise to improve marketing efforts.

This blog will investigate the potential advantages of collaborating with health organizations in the marketing of pediatric care, as well as how these challenges can be addressed. By utilizing these partnerships, you can enhance your credibility, reach, and overall effectiveness in engaging with the families you serve.

Increased Influence and Reach

The visibility and reach of pediatric practices are significantly increased through the partnership with health organizations. These organizations' established networks and diverse audience base can be leveraged to help your practice connect with a greater number of parents seeking pediatric care through collaboration. In a competitive market, visibility can be a significant factor in attracting new patients, making this extended reach crucial.

Shared resources and combined efforts are frequently the result of collaborations, which increase the marketing impact. Health organizations can offer valuable platforms for the promotion of your services, such as collaborative campaigns, newsletters, or community events. For example, by collaborating with Long Island pediatricians through these partnerships, you can capitalize on their local network and influence, thereby reaching a greater number of families in the region.

In general, these partnerships generate a synergy that enhances your marketing endeavors. Your practice's visibility and influence can be enhanced by collaborating with health organizations, which will facilitate the process of parents discovering and selecting your pediatric services.

Enhanced Credibility and Trust

The credibility and trustworthiness of a pediatric practice can be substantially improved by forming partnerships with established health organizations. Your services are further validated by the endorsement of reputable organizations, which serves to reassure parents that your practice adheres to the highest standards of care. This association is essential in the healthcare industry, where trust is of the utmost importance, as it assists in the establishment of your practice as a reputable provider in the community.

Particularly when selecting a pediatrician, trust is an indispensable component of healthcare. Parents are in search of trustworthy and highly regarded healthcare providers for their children, and your practice can be distinguished by its affiliation with reputable health organizations. For instance, your reputation can be further solidified and parents may feel more at ease when selecting a pediatrician near me when you are associated with notable health organizations.

In conclusion, these partnerships not only enhance your credibility but also cultivate trust among potential patients. Ultimately, you can establish a more reliable and trusted presence in the healthcare market by allying with established health organizations, which will effectively communicate quality and reliability.

Utilization of Common Resources and Knowledge

Your pediatric practice's marketing initiatives are significantly improved by partnerships with health organizations, which offer valuable access to shared resources. As an independent practice, you may not have access to sophisticated marketing tools, technology, or industry expertise that are frequently provided by these collaborations. By utilizing these resources, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and expand your overall outreach.

Cost-effectiveness is one of the primary advantages of shared resources. You can reduce individual costs associated with marketing and technology investments by pooling resources and partnering with health organizations. For instance, a social media agency in New York can provide specialized services and tools that are more affordable and accessible when shared through a partnership. This enables you to execute high-quality campaigns without incurring a significant financial burden.

These partnerships offer valuable expertise that can enhance your marketing approach, in addition to cost reductions. Your practice can enhance its visibility and engagement with potential patients by implementing more effective strategies, which are facilitated by access to sophisticated tools and experienced professionals. In general, the pooling of resources and expertise through partnerships can result in more efficient and impactful marketing efforts for your pediatric practice.

Prospects for Collaborative Marketing Campaigns

Joint marketing campaigns are an effective method for increasing the reach and influence of both partners. Your pediatric practice can create marketing efforts that resonate more broadly with your target audience by collaborating with health organizations, which capitalize on shared strengths. More comprehensive and effective strategies that benefit both parties are the result of these campaigns, which combine resources and expertise.

Visibility and engagement can be substantially improved through collaborative marketing initiatives. Educative webinars, co-hosted community events, or shared promotional content are all potential components of a collaborative campaign between Long Island pediatricians and a local health organization. These campaigns not only expand the audience reach but also establish a more robust and influential marketing presence by establishing associations with reputable entities, thereby enhancing credibility.

The efficacy of these partnerships is underscored by their successful joint campaigns. A health expo that showcases a variety of pediatric services from partner practices and attracts families in search of comprehensive care is an example of a well-executed event. By collaborating, both stakeholders can enhance their marketing effectiveness, expand their potential patient base, and establish a more robust community presence.

Greater Community Influence

The health and well-being of the local population are significantly improved through community involvement, and partnerships with health organizations can be instrumental in achieving this. Your pediatric practice can support a variety of community health initiatives, including health festivals, educational seminars, and local wellness programs, by partnering with established entities. These endeavors not only address urgent health concerns but also cultivate a more informed and healthier community.

Partnerships with health organizations enhance the effectiveness of your community engagement initiatives. For instance, a collaborative effort with a nearby health organization could entail the organization of informative seminars for parents or the provision of complimentary health screenings. These partnerships serve as a testament to your dedication to community health and can substantially improve the reputation of your practice. This involvement establishes your practice as a compassionate and dedicated organization within the community.

There is a substantial improvement in the reputation of your pediatric practice. Recognition and trust from local families are achieved by your practice through active participation in and support of community health initiatives. Not only does your reputation become more robust, but you also establish enduring relationships with the families you serve by being perceived as a baby doctor near me and participating in beneficial community projects.

An Overview of How Health Organizations Can Assist in the Marketing of Pediatric Care

Pediatric practices require strategic partnerships to prosper in the current competitive healthcare environment. A practice's success can be substantially influenced by the multitude of benefits that can be obtained by collaborating with health organizations. These partnerships can be transformative, enabling the access of valuable resources, the development of potent joint campaigns, and the expansion of reach and trust. Pediatric practices and health organizations can not only improve their marketing strategies but also significantly impact the health and well-being of the community by collaborating.

As a reminder, a robust partnership is founded on effective communication, shared objectives, and mutual respect. Pediatric practices can establish a foundation for long-term success by meticulously selecting the appropriate partners and cultivating these relationships.

[wikipediapictures]

Midwife

“Village Midwife Rachel Yusufu (holding the baby), Mnyiramba, and Ayah Brim Masasi, Msukuma, weighing an infant and giving advice to the mother during an infant welfare clinic session at Kishapu Native Authority Dispensary and Clinic in Shinyanga District, Lake Province.” - via Wikimedia Commons

[sysig]

Dr. “Has to get a good grade in therapy” Doran (Patreon)

[amatrudalab]

The L.A. Cancer Challenge supports life-saving research with support from ordinary people committed to making a difference. It will happen on October 21st.

You can participate in Los Angeles or virtually by reporting your steps through the Internet. You can also donate here.

This year, they aim to raise $600,000. As of July 25th, they have already raised $42,356.

The Amatruda Lab thanks everyone who helps us raise money to save lives. We can't do this without the generosity of normal people!