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We
understand many people are
concerned about the novel H1N1 |
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swine flu virus. This is why we continue to post any
and all updates from the CDC, which are available
to you 24 / 7, via our
website.
We will advise you by e-mail blast of any additional
news regarding our vaccine status. We would like
to thank you again for your continued patience. |
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We
had an amazing amount of patient families respond to our online survey back in
October of this year.
The results have been processed and all of your comments have been
reviewed. We truly appreciate all
your feedback! As we continue to improve and build our practices in
Arlington Heights and Algonquin,
we have already made plans to incorporate a couple items which
received great attention. Let's look at
the numbers...
In response to the question,
If our offices had evening hours,
weekdays until 8:00 PM, how often
would you make use of these hours?, just over 50% of our
patient families said they would make use
of these hours. Thus, starting the week of
January 4th, 2010 our practice in Arlington Heights will
be open on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM along with
extended hours each
Saturday from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (we anticipate extended
hours for our Algonquin practice in early
Spring of 2010).
We asked the question,
If given the option to purchase
your child’s prescribed medications at
check-out, how likely would you utilize this resource? and over
86% of you said you would love to
have this option. Therefore, we are
looking at a few companies who can provide us with a quality
service, which can be offered at our office, safely, efficiently
and at a competitive price. As we
explore the options available to us, we expect to make prescribed
medications available in early 2010.
We only want the very best for our patients so we are being
thorough with our search.
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Some other survey results...
Do you like
receiving our e-newsletter and e-mail blasts? 100%
said "yes".
Is our
website easy to navigate? Everyone who took our
survey, replied "yes".
Would you
recommend our practice to your family, friends, neighbors
and
co-workers? 100% said they would recommend our
practice. Thank you much...
we love referrals!
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We received a
great number of comments and we wanted to share some of them
with you...
From our Algonquin practice, Jennifer wrote...
"I have been with your practice since 1999. I have traveled from
Huntley to Arlington Heights
until the Algonquin office opened. I never once
considered changing pediatricians. I trust you
completely with my children. Thank you."
Kimberly, from Algonquin, said..."We
love your office. We never have to spend a lot of time
waiting
and the doctors always take time to answer questions and we never
feel rushed. The nurses
and staff are wonderful...very polite and friendly. We were
referred by a co-worker and we, in
turn, recommend your practice to everyone."
Jill, from Rolling Meadows, writes..."I have recommended
this practice to neighbors and friends.
Being in the health care industry myself, I believe my standards
are high and tough. This
practice has exceeded all my expectations by far. Staff is
friendly, I never have to wait,
appointments are easy to make, love every physician we have met. We
are treated with respect.
Never seen a medical office run so well. Thank you so much for a
wonderful experience."
Angela, from Mt. Prospect, said..."I DO recommend you to
everyone I know. Thank you so much
for being outstanding. There is an awesome feeling to know that my
kids are always so well
cared for. I LOVE APL!!!"
We are truly fortunate to have families
like you and we take all your comments to heart. Thank you
for
letting us be a part of your lives and we look forward to a healthy
new year!
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At
APL, no question is too silly and remember the first five-thousand are free. |
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Acute Otitis Media is an infection of the middle ear,
commonly called an “ear
infection”. The infection may be caused by viruses or
bacteria that invade the
space behind the ear drum. They are most common in
infants and children
less than 3 years of age but can occur at any age.
Often, an ear infection is the complication of a cold.
A cold can block off the
Eustachian tube, the tube that connects the middle ear
to the back of the
throat / nose. The blockage causes fluid to build up in
the middle ear. Viruses
and bacteria infect this fluid, leading to swelling and
pain in the ear. |
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In some children, the pressure in the middle ear causes the
eardrum to rupture and drain a yellow or
cloudy fluid. This perforation leaves a small hole that
typically heals on its own.
What are the symptoms?
There is pain because the trapped, infected fluid puts
pressure on the eardrum, causing it to bulge.
Other symptoms include poor sleep and irritability or
fussiness. Often there is fever. Feeding problems
occur because swallowing may cause increased ear pain.
Some children may experience hearing
trouble or dizziness.
How are they treated?
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to kill bacteria
causing the ear infection. It is important to complete
the entire prescription as written by your physician,
even though your child will likely feel better after just
a few days. If the antibiotic is stopped too soon, some
of the bacteria that caused the infection may still
be present and cause an infection to start again.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be used for pain relief
and fever control, particularly in the first few
days. After the antibiotic is used for a couple days,
these medicines are usually not needed.
Are there any restrictions?
Your child is not contagious once the fever, if
present, has resolved for 24 hours without the use of fever-
reducing medicines. There is no need to cover the
child’s ear during an ear infection. Swimming is okay
as long as there is no perforation (hole) in the
eardrum. Children on antibiotics for ear infections may fly
in an airplane. However, some may experience an
increase in ear pain. Encourage your child to chew,
swallow fluids or suck on a pacifier during takeoffs
and landings.
Is a follow-up appointment needed?
Yes! Children with ear infections need to be re-examined 3
weeks after the initial diagnosis. It is
important to insure the infection has cleared and no
further antibiotics are needed. The doctor will look
to see if there is any non-infected fluid remaining
behind the eardrum. This fluid may lead to hearing loss
and other complications if it persists. If there was a
perforation, the doctor will check to ensure the hole
has sealed up again. If your child shows no improvement
in pain or fever after 48-72 hours of antibiotic
treatment for an ear infection, please call the doctor.
What can be done to prevent ear infections?
* Reduce your child’s exposures to colds. Most ear
infections are caused by colds.
* Protect your child from second hand tobacco smoke
exposure. Passive smoking increases the
frequency and
severity of upper respiratory infections.
* Avoid bottle-propping. Hold your baby at a 45 degree
angle during feeds to minimize the flow of fluids
back into the
Eustachian tube.
* Control allergies. Stuffy noses lead to secretions
blocking the Eustachian tube.
Are there any complications?
There are a few complications of ear infections,
especially if not treated properly and completely. Call
immediately if your child develops a stiff neck or does
not respond to you appropriately. Call if your child
refuses fluids and seems like he/she may be getting
dehydrated. Call if a rash, redness or tenderness
develops behind the ear. Call if your child seems to
have hearing difficulty or drainage from the ear.
Ear infections are very common childhood diseases. Most
are treated easily with no long-term
complications.
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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
algonquinpediatrics.com
arlingtonpediatrics.com |
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Below are a few jokes we found
funny. Let us know if you have any
good ones for our next issue.
What do snowmen wear on
their heads?
Ice caps.
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Did you hear the story about
the skunk?
Never mind, it stinks. |
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If a child refuses to sleep during nap time,
are they guilty of resisting a rest?
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Our
motto: "We treat our patients like our own children and
grandchildren." |
^ Top of Page |
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