
	Volume 11, Issue 1


January 2009

   As of January 1st, 2009, APL is accepting new patient families at both
   office locations - Algonquin and Arlington Heights. In the past, APL was
   only able to accommodate newborns but with the addition of our new
   office on Randall Road we have room for growth. Existing families will
   continue to receive the same level of professional service you are
   accustomed to. Visit our websites at: algonquinpediatrics.com or
   arlingtonpediatrics.com to view the many different health plans we are
   affiliated with. If you or someone you know is interested in being part of
   the APL family, please call us at (847) 398-0400.

   The American Academy of Pediatrics has some valuable tips on how to keep
   your children safe and warm this winter season.

   What to Wear
   Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will
   keep them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long
   johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots,
   gloves or mittens, and a hat.

	Hypothermia - Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet. - As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Their speech may be slurred and his body temperature will decline. If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911. Until help arrives, take him indoors, remove wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes. Frostbite - Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb. - Do not rub the frozen areas. After a few minutes, dry and cover him with clothing or blankets. Give him something warm to drink. If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor. Winter Sports and Activities (Outdoor Play) Set reasonable time limits to prevent frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up. Ice Skating - Allow children to skate only on approved surfaces. Check for posted signs posted by local recreation departments, or call your local police department to find out which areas have been approved. - Consider having your child wear a helmet while ice skating. Sun Protection The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. Make sure to cover your child’s exposed skin with sunscreen.

At APL, no question is too silly and the first five-thousand are free.

     Influenza, or “the flu,” is a respiratory virus that strikes each winter. The onset
     of illness is usually quite sudden, and can cause symptoms of stuffy nose,
     sore throat and a nagging cough. Patients may also experience muscle pain,
     headache, fever, and chills.

     Influenza should not be confused with gastroenteritis, the” tummy flu”.
     Gastroenteritis consists of vomiting and diarrhea. The flu shot helps prevent
     influenza not the tummy flu.

     For most people, influenza is just a "bad" cold and bed rest is not necessary. Flu is not dangerous to
     people who are otherwise healthy. But influenza is highly contagious.

                            The best way to prevent spread of “flu” from person to person is to:

                       - Practice good hand washing      - Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing

- Avoid kissing on the face or mouth - Avoid sharing cups, spoons, etc.

- Wipe all surfaces with a disinfectant

	The best way to avoid getting the Flu in the first place is to get a flu shot. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends Flu vaccination for all children 6 months to 18 years of age. The treatment for influenza involves symptomatic care. Affected children should drink plenty of fluids, take Tylenol or Motrin as recommended for fevers, aches and pains and get plenty of rest. At APL, our physicians do not use antiviral medicines to treat the flu because these medications may only reduce the time that your child is sick by one day. Usually the fever lasts 2-3 days, runny nose lasts 7 to 14 days and the cough lasts 2 to 3 weeks. All antiviral medicines must be given within 48 hours of the start of influenza symptoms to have any effect. Although most people who contract the flu feel like they have “just a bad cold”, occasionally more severe complications can occur. Some complications of the flu include bacterial infections such as pneumonia and ear infections. Warning signs to look for include recurrence of fever after it has been gone for a few days, prolonged fevers lasting more than 3 days, or worsening of your child’s symptoms. If this happens, please call the office and have your child seen. Children can return to school / daycare after the fever is gone and when they feel well enough to resume normal activities.

We have made it easy for you by centralizing calls for both offices. To make an appointment, talk to a nurse or to contact a physician, dial our main office number. (847) 398-0400 Main Number (847) 398-9590 Fax arlingtonpediatrics.com algonquinpediatrics.com

    Does your child love to
   draw? Well we'd like to
   showcase their work in
   our Arlington Heights
   office.

	Bring in your child's artwork to either location at your next visit or mail it to the following address: Arlington Pediatrics, Ltd. 3325 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 100A Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004

Our motto: "We treat our patients like our own children and grandchildren."

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