PennCare for Kids | Penn Medicine

CDC Recommends HPV Vaccine for Males

2011-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made new recommendations about the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. The HPV vaccine, protects against the The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the world, with an estimated 5.5 million people infected annually. Sexually active individuals have an 80 to 85 percent...

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Stay Healthy: Get your flu shot today

2011-09-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon the 2011-2012 season vaccine becomes available. Charles Schwartz, MD, of PennCare® for Kids says: “Each flu season, different flu viruses develop and spread. The flu can affect people...

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New Guidelines for Keeping Toddlers Safe

2011-06-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advise parents to keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until they reach the age two or they maximum height and weight specifications posted on the car seat. The previous policy advised infants and toddlers remain in rear-facing car seats until they were a year old. A 2007 study published in the journal Injury Prevention showed...

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Protect Children’s Health with this Important Appointment

2011-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

It is important that parents bring children in for the two-and-a-half-year (30-month) appointment to ensure their health and happiness, as well as address any parental concerns. During the visit, parents should be ready to discuss: • Family routines and activities • Language promotion and communication • Social development • Preschool considerations • Safety The visit also includes an in-depth...

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Fight Childhood Obesity

2010-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today, 12.5 million children are overweight in the United States. Overweight children are at greater risk for serious health problems. The pediatricians at PennCare for Kids believe in the importance of parents and adults promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Here are a few tips to guide families toward healthy eating:Make sure half of the grains are whole grains. Choose foods such...

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Teach Good Hand Washing Habits

2010-12-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

The staff at PennCare for Kids knows that hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent spreading germs. Parents by example and can demonstrate proper hand washing techniques for kids. Step 1: Wet hands with water and apply the amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to hands. Step 2: Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands...

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Cover Your Cough - Stop the spread of germs that can make you and others sick!

2010-11-02T07:59:00.002-07:00

Influenza (flu) and other serious respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. The doctors at PennCare for Kids offer these tips to help stop the spread of germs. Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put used tissues in the waste basket. If...

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Back to School Reminders

2010-08-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Has your child received a back-to-school physical and required vaccinations? It's recommended that children receive an annual flu shot or nasal spray vaccine. Students junior-high age and older should receive a meningitis vaccination and physicians recommend children entering kindergarten receive the hepatitis A vaccine as well as a chicken pox booster. Peter Smith, MD, a PennCare® for Kids...

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School Year is Right Around the Corner!

2010-07-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Check out your school’s website to check what vaccinations your child may need before the start of the new school year or prior to the first fall sport/activity practice. Most fall sports programs require completed medical forms prior to student participation. We do try to accommodate your schedule as well as your student’s schedule, but waiting too late in the summer will limit your...

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