Hello parents!

School and Sports Physicals.
Choose your appointment time. Now is the best time to come in for physical exams and sports exams. As we get closer to school, the office gets busier. Twenty-two days to go.

Well Check Schedule
Parents have been asking about the well check schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly schedules at 3, 4 and 5 years. Every two years at 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 years of age. ADHD and Asthma follow-ups are done every three months.

Web Mail Oddities
Our web site and mail list host is checking on why some odd emails went out to some parents. We are very protective of our list and working to assure its integrity.

Art Contest
Enter your child's coloring work for a Kroger Gift Card. Two prizes - $100 and $50. Contest is open only to children in our practice. Templates are listed below. Be sure to write your child's name and age on the work. Winners are chosen be a random drawing. Every child has an equal chance of winning.

Here are links to the templates for the coloring contest:

• Pail and Shovel Template.gif
• Palm Tree Template.gif
• Tree Template.gif
• Beaver Chewing Tree Template.gif
• Blue Crayon Template.gif
• Mailbox Template.gif

Sincerely,

Harold J. Livera, MD
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD

Please send E-mail replies only to office@thebestkids.com

We want your advice!!!

We have been discussing new summer hours and would really appreciate the input of our patient families. We are always striving to provide the best possible care for our patients. This also includes the most convenient care for our patients. We strongly believe the level of care and continuity of care you receive at The Best Kids is far superior to any medical care you could receive at an urgent/convenient care center. It is very important to establish a true medical home.

What can we do to help you? We have had great success with our early morning walk in hours for sick patients and have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback. We want to do more for you! Would you prefer an evening clinic 1-2 times a week, or maybe a morning walk in clinic for well visits? We want to accommodate our patients in any way we can, and we would like to do what would work best for the majority of our families. Please take a few minutes and let us know your thoughts. How would you like to see our hours change? We would love to hear from you!!! Thank you so much for helping us make The Best Kids, the "best" we can be.

Please send replies only to office@thebestkids.com

Sincerely,

Harold J. Livera, MD
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD
office@thebestkids.com

Spring is in the air!!!!

Its time to start thinking about your child's summer physicals for camp, school and sports.

We wanted to take this opportunity to impress upon our patients the importance of a "medical home". We treat our patients from birth into young adulthood, and this continuity of care is extremely important. We take our relationship with your children very seriously. We know their medical history and developmental history better than anyone. We have taken meticulous care of them and of their medical records. We know them as friends, not just as patients with a number.

We understand there are many facilities out there that can "do" your child's physical and fill out the necessary forms. They may be convenient and inexpensive...but it is not your child's medical home. They do not know their history, they do not know your child's last blood pressure reading, last lab work, etc. It may be convenient, but it is not comprehensive; and is not performed by a Pediatrician. Your child's health and physical well being should be of the utmost importance. We know you would never knowingly put your child's health at risk. It is our job, as your child's pediatrician, to take care of his or her health and physical well being in order to decide if they are healthy enough to participate in sports and camps.

We realize, as your children get older, they have less need to see their pediatricians. They are sick less often and they are better able to handle common illnesses. This is our opportunity to see these kids and make sure their health maintenance is taken care of. We not only perform the medical exam, we also discuss all the risky behaviors our adolescents are exposed to and give them a chance to have a voice and participate in their care. It is an opportunity to screen these children and make sure they have all the necessary vaccines and routine lab work completed. Please take advantage of this opportunity and remember THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE for your child's pediatrician and medical home.

We are making appointments now for the summer. We are making every effort to accommodate your busy schedules by adding more spots on our schedule for physicals. Don't wait until the last minute to make your appointment.

Sincerely,

The Doctors and Staff at The Best Kids
Sincerely,

Harold J. Livera, MD
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD
office@thebestkids.com

Our office now has H1N1 that is approved for all ages. We had some of the vaccine that was recalled due to a decreased level of potency. Our patients that received it are still considered adequately covered. There is no need to repeat that dose.

If you have had one dose of H1N1 and are less than ten years old a second dose is needed.

We are also still giving the seasonal flu vaccine for all ages, too. Children less than 9 years of age who are getting the seasonal vaccine for the first time will need a second dose.

Again, here is the new consent form: Flu-Consent-Form 12-17-09

Filling it out ahead of time will get you in and out quickly.

Best holiday wishes to all. Please mail in your holiday photos for our board. We can't print color at the office so please use the post office.

The doctors and staff for the Best Kids

More H1N1 vaccine has has been allocated for us.

Saturday, December 19th will be our last clinic for this year. 12 till 2 PM. Please do not come early as we will be seeing sick patients and getting ready.

Due to manufacturer's guidelines we will not have vaccine for children who are 3 years old . We have vaccine for 6 through 35-month old kids and vaccine for 4 year old children and up.

We need to clarify that H1N1 vaccine is also available here for parents. We now have enough for everyone who needs it. There is a ten dollar fee to cover the administration of the vaccine. For the children in our practice, we will bill your insurance company.

Some confusion exists about Flu activity in our community. The Health Department correctly stated that less flu is circulating at this time. They also stated that it is prevalent in the community. We hope our patients are covered as the holiday season approaches. As we get together in group settings, Increased exposure can lead to increased levels of infection.

There will be an H1N1 clinic in January for patients who need boosters. A one month interval between doses is optimal. (Reminder: Children 10 and over need one vaccine shot, and those under 10 will need two.)

Here is the consent form for this new allotment of H1N1 Flu vaccine: Flu-Consent-Form 12-17-09

Please call and we will give you an appointment.

The staff and doctors of The Best Kids

We have received all doses of the H1N1 vaccine as promised from the Heath Department! The clinic is tonight. If you want the vaccine call for an appointment.

The hours will be from 6PM till 8 PM tonight, December 3.

Here is the link to the consent form for children 3 years and older: H1N1-Consent-3yrs&older

Please fill one out for each person getting the vaccine. Doing it at home saves you time and you'll be through here very quickly.

Bring your Best Kid in to get protected.

Happy Holidays!

The staff and doctors of The Best Kids

New H1N1 Vaccine Information

We have just been notified by the health department that our office will be receiving 500 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. We will hold a vaccine only clinic for our patients wishing to receive the H1N1 vaccine Wednesday December 2nd, and Thursday December 3rd from 6-8 pm.

Wednesday night will be for all patients ages 6 months-35 months. Thursday night will be for patients ages 3 and older. (We are getting 2 separate shipments of the vaccine).

The immunization form will be available on our website Monday November 30th to fill out ahead of time. We will not be giving any seasonal flu vaccines at these times. Children under age 10 should receive 2 doses of the H1N1vaccine at least 4 weeks apart.

Please call the office today to reserve your spot for the H1N1 vaccine. In addition, please check your e-mail frequently prior to the clinic nights just in case our shipment falls through. Please understand that we are at the mercy of the health department, but we are doing all that we can to protect our patients.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The staff and doctors of The Best Kids

H1N1Vaccine

We have received a very small amount of the H1N1 vaccine. We will be offering the vaccine at this time only to our high risk patients. This includes children ages 6 months -18 years with chronic medical conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, diabetes, immunodeficiency, and heart disease. We are following the guidelines set forth by the CDC.

We anticipate more vaccines as soon as they become available for distribution in the state of Kentucky. Please understand, that we would love to vaccinate each and every one of our patients, but we are not able to do so at this time. We will keep you posted via e-mail alerts from our office.

If you have a high risk child, please call the office to schedule your vaccine appointment. If your child is not high risk, please wait until further notice to call the office regarding this vaccine. We will make appointments on a first come first serve basis. If you miss your scheduled time, your vaccine will not be held. It will go to the next patient. Please be respectful and considerate to our staff, for we are receiving a high volume of calls, and we are at the mercy of the vaccine distributors.

As we get more vaccines, the next eligible group of children will be all patients ages 6 months - 4 years. As with the seasonal flu vaccine, this one is also contraindicated in people with an egg allergy. Children 10 and over need one vaccine shot, and those under 10 will need two separated by one month. If you have access to the vaccine elsewhere, we encourage your children to get the vaccine.

Thank you for your understanding,

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD

THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com

The Best Kids Infection Control

As we move into the flu season, we wanted to review with our patients our infection control procedures we use in the office to protect our patients and our staff. We understand the concern over the H1N1 flu virus that is in our community. We want you all to be reassured that we are using universal precautions as well as additional infection control measures to protect our office the best we can.

We have two separate waiting rooms to protect our well children from any and all illness. Please respect this policy, and use our sick waiting room if you are scheduled for a sick visit. We now have hand sanitizer in each and every patient room, including our waiting rooms and at the front desk. We also have masks available at the front desk, for those children who have flu like symptoms or other respiratory symptoms that may produce infectious respiratory droplets. This is to decrease any spread of disease through the air. We are trusting our patients to follow this respectful procedure to help protect those around you.

We clean each patient room after every visit with a bleach solution. This includes tables, chairs, and door handles. We also need all of our patients to wait inside their designated rooms, instead of the hallways. Again, this is for your protection. This is a very busy time in the office and we don’t have a lot of space for hallway congestion.

We understand the fear of the "sick" waiting room, and we hope this helps reassure you that we are doing all we can to keep the spread of infection down. We have many patients wishing to wait outside or in the car. We apologize if this is an inconvenience to you, but we are leaving it up to parents to check on their appointment time. We do not have the capability to call cell phones and tap on windows during this very busy season. I hope you understand that our number one priority is taking care of our patients within the walls of our building.

Wash hands often! Change your kids clothes when they get home from school or daycare! Eat healthy and practice good sleep habits!

We are still awaiting information regarding the H1N1vaccine and will let you know as soon as we can!

Thank you for working with us as a team on infection control.

Sincerely,
The doctors and staff of The Best Kids

Hello Best Kids,

If you are scheduled for a flu vaccine immunization on the 17th or 21st of October, please complete and bring with you the updated Flu Consent Form that was attached to our most recent email.

The Consent Form will greatly speed up your visit with us.

Here is the link for this most recent and updated Flu Consent Form with the three lot numbers on it:
Oct15-FluVacConsentForm2009-10.pdf

Appointments have been scheduled for all of our current supply of seasonal flu vaccine for persons greater than 3 years old. If your child is less than 3 years of age, we still have vaccine available on the 17th or 21st of October. Call us now idf you have not signed up yet.

The H1N1 Flu Vaccine

We have requested the H1N1vaccine from the Health Department. As soon as they give us a ship date we will let you know. A flu shot clinic will be scheduled as soon as posssible after we receive it.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD

THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com

And the winners by random drawing of the Kute Kid Photo Contest for Kroger gift certificates are:

1st Place Tess Barrick $100

2nd Place Cullen and Hayden Spalding $50

3rd Place Henry and Townes Berry $25

Congratulations to all!

Dr. Livera
Dr. Segeleon
Dr. Posnansky

Flu Vaccine

Information about the flu vaccine and vaccine season is constantly changing. We will be giving the vaccines according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. We have ordered the seasonal vaccine and the emerging H1N1 vaccine. The Best Kids uses a very kid-friendly system. We try very hard to make this experience as hassle free as possible. The waiver form can be easily downloaded from our website.

Note: We will post the Flue Consent Form when the Flu Shot Saturday date is finalized. Please be sure we have your E-mail address, so you can be notified.

Complete the form and bring one form for each person to be vaccinated with you. You will come in the parking lot door and exit the Breckenridge door. To make this a smooth, easy process, appointments are required. We will let you know when our flu-shot days will be scheduled, and then you can call and make an appointment.

We will begin flu shots in early October. The flu vaccine is given on Saturday afternoons to children and their parents. There is a cash charge for parents. We will bill your insurance company for our patients. If the paperwork is ready the whole process takes less than five minutes. We look forward to seeing the whole family!

Kute Kid Photo Contest Deadline Extension Till August 10 at 5 PM

Enter now... as of today your odds are one in five to win a prize! Those are great odds. First Prize $100. Mail in a photo of your child 8-years-old and under. Be sure to write the name and birthdate on the back. Winners are chosen by random drawing.

Water Safety We received this response from a patient's Dad. "Along with pool safety, please remind everyone to wear their life jackets when boating. As a 10-year rescue/recovery diver for LMPD, I have never pulled out a drowning victim wearing a life jacket. Our latest victim was Tony Reynolds owner of Reynolds Marine Performance. He was testing a boat and was thrown out without a jacket on. He swam towards a boater trying to help, but due to his injuries was unable to make it. Tony was an excellent swimmer and that day forgot his life jacket."
GERMS GERMS GERMS		Life jackets save lives every day. Be a Best Kid and set a good example!

We are installing hand sanitizers on the walls of all of our rooms and waiting areas. All of our nurses and doctors are required to wash or sanitize their hands before and between every patient contact we have. You may not always see us, but we assure you this process is never missed. Universal hand washing is the number one way to decrease the spread of infection. It is how we better protect ourselves and our patients. We also use a bleach spray on our exam tables in between every patient. Cleanliness and decreasing the spread of infection are two of our top priorities.

What to expect during the Adolescent Exam:

The dreaded 6th grade physical and adolescent exam.

We understand that this visit prompts a lot of anxiety with your child and we wanted to help prepare you both by going over what to expect. Your child will be brought back to a room and asked to put on a gown. Part of a complete physical exam is to examine the whole body, and we can't do our job when the child is under layers and layers of clothes. There are also many skin problems that get missed when the skin is not fully exposed.

Your child should also expect to have their "private parts" examined as well. We do not do internal gynecologic exams unless they are scheduled in advance. There will also be a part of the visit dedicated to discussions about overall health maintenance, including body changes, puberty, smoking, drinking, drugs, opposite sex, etc. We may even ask the parent to step out of the room in order to give the adolescent an opportunity to ask questions of their doctor alone. This is meant not to offend, but to foster a trusting relationship between patient and physician. The visit will end with catching up on any necessary vaccines, finger sticks, urines, and other lab work. Most 11 year olds should expect 2-5 vaccines and a screening blood count at this visit. We may also do a screening vision and/or hearing exam. We hope this helps alleviate some of the anxiety. We do our best to make this a pleasant and comfortable environment for all ages.

What are those Blue Disks Taped to the Wall?

Those are the new best thing when your child vomits! It is a plastic ring with a long plastic bag attached. Just perfect for vomit.

Sincerely,
Harold Livera, MD
Jennifer Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD

THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com

Hello Parents,

School Physicals

We are quickly approaching the start of school. Let’s get going and set up your school physical early. Call now and choose the time slot that is convenient for you.

Photo Contest

Is your baby the cutest baby in the neighborhood? How does $100 $50 or $25 sound? Send us your photo and we will choose by random drawing three winners. Three gift cards to Kroger - first prize $100; Second prize $50; and Third prize $25 - will be awarded. Contest ends August 3rd at 5 p.m. All patients under 8 years old are eligible. Of course, all photos will be displayed in our hallway. Be sure to write your name on the back of the photo.

Bug Bites

Many parents are asking about infected bug bites.

Here are some Bite Basics:

Come in if : the redness is worsening or spreading, pus, drainage or streaks appear, it is painful or there is fever greater than 100.4.

Yellow Duck Pool Safety

Pool safety is huge concern. Children can drown without struggling enough to be noticed. When everyone is watching no one is watching. Having parents take turns holding the yellow duck for 15 minute periods can really help. Whoever has the duck is responsible for the pool. Pass this tip on and make a difference.

Sincerely,
Harold Livera, MD
Jennifer Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD

THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com

Dear Parents,

We hope your family is enjoying the Spring Break that is here already.

SURVEY

This is an invitation to comment and rate how we are doing through SurveyMonkey. This is our survey. It is completely anonymous. We do not collect email or computer information. Please take the few minutes - less than five! - and help us improve and provide better service to our kids. We take your input and make changes every year from what we learn.

Here is a link to the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HazgCCbXCNLRufrBsgvgUg_3d_3d

Please note: If you do not wish to receive further surveys from us, please click the link below, and you will be automatically removed from our survey mailing list.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/optout.aspx?sm=HazgCCbXCNLRufrBsgvgUg_3d_3d

Our website thebestkids.com

Our web site is now being hosted by Bluegrass.net. You should see no difference other than some small updates. You can help by letting us know if any features or links are not working.

School physicals

School physicals done now are valid for the coming school year. July and August are often completely booked. Come in now and avoid the rush.

E-mail

The Best Kids sends out about four E-mails on important changes or topics a year. You are on our E-mail list because you are a patient family in our practice and have given us your E-mail address. If you no longer want to be included, send us an E-mail with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Sincerely,
Harold Livera, MD
Jennifer Segeleon, MD
Brian Posnansky, MD

THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com

Walk-in Appointments

You’ve told us you’ve been thrilled with our new walk-in hours. If you have not heard, we’re open from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday to see those kids (and their parents!) who have been up all night or whose illness has gotten worse.

Here are some tips if you need to use our early walk-in service:

Arrive early. We see patients on a first-come, first-served basis.

Be patient. Only one doctor will be on duty from 8:00-9:00 a.m., and you may have to wait.

Remember: The early walk-in service is available only Monday through Thursday. There are no walk-in hours on Friday or Saturday

Of course, if you feel your child has an urgent illness, then please call our office for an appointment. We want to help as quickly as possible.

So you’re not sure when you should use the early walk-in service, and when you should wait for an appointment. Here are some examples that may help you decide:

The Best Kids … Restaurant?

No, we’re not allowed to serve food, and you’re not allowed to bring food or drink into the office. The only exception is baby bottles.

What’s the problem? There are several. Certain foods/drinks can mask some illnesses or lead to an improper diagnosis. A sick child who eats in the office could become sick … and you know what happens then! Plus coffee or drink cups spill easily and frankly, there’s no place to put them. To reinforce the fact, we doctors have some "not-so-serious" medical terminologies for the problems food in the office can cause:

Seriously, for health reasons, food and drink are just not allowed inside the doctor’s office. Please be forewarned: If you bring food or drink into the office, we will ask you to take it back to your car.

Of course, mothers are allowed to nurse their children in the office, and baby bottles are allowed.

When You Just Know it’s Going to Happen…

Each examining room now has a vomit bag on the wall. Please open it only if your child feels they are about to vomit. This new device has a hard ring at the top and a long plastic bag is attached. If you are having difficulties, call out and we’ll rush in to help.

Flu Vaccine

Thanks to those of you who filled out the consent forms ahead of time. Doing so made most flu shot visits take less than five minutes. Thanks also to our great staff who worked hard to make the "Flu Shot Saturdays" a smooth experience for our patient families. If your child was not quite old enough, if first timers have not yet had the second flu shot, or you simply have not had time, call us to schedule your flu shot. Yes, they are still available! Please call us!

2009 Patient Information Update Forms – Oh No, Not Again!!!

Yes, the time has come to fill out new health forms. We will ask you to fill out new forms when you come to the office. However, you can save time by filling them out at home and bringing them in with you. They’re available online at http://www.thebestkids.com/patient-regis-forms.html

Sure, it is a hassle, but having correct patient and family information is vital for our office, and filling out yearly forms are mandatory. Having them available on our Web site is our way to help you get the paperwork done before you come to the office, so your visit will be easier.

Going Metric

We are now giving liquid prescription dosages in milliliters (ml). For example, one teaspoon equals 5 ml.

Why are we doing this? It will actually improve the accuracy of dosing and will prevent some side effects that could hurt your child. If you have any questions about metric doses, please ask.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP
THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com/

Hello to all,

Flu Shot Saturday 11/22/08
Well, today we saw some snowflakes at the office. Very pretty, but it's also a sign that we are into cold and flu season. There will be another Flu Shot Saturday this weekend. Please call now for an appointment. We have adult and pediatric doses available. The Flu vaccine is recommended for children ages 6 months to 18 years of age. It is usually a good idea for adults to get the vaccine also, unless you have a medical reason to not get it. It is strongly recommended if you have or spend time with children who are less than 6 months of age.

Consent Forms
Everyone getting a flu shot needs to fill out a consent form. This includes children who get two shots this year. You need a second shot if you are less than 9 years of age and have not had two shots before. Click on the links below for the Flu vaccine consent form and to read the important vaccine information statement.

CLICK HERE for the Flu Consent Form.

CLICK HERE to read the vaccine information statement: "Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, What you need to know -- 2008-2009"

Art Contest
The winners of the random drawing were: Maggie Bremner, Maraya Goldstein, Thomas Stevenson and Ava Sutton. Congratulations to them. We hope they enjoy their $25 Toys R' Us gift certificates.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP
THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com/

It's Flu Shot Time Again!

Flu Vaccine Days 2008- 2009
Flu shots will be given only on certain days. Appointments are required.
Please bring a separate Consent Form with you for each person getting the vaccine.

Who needs two flu shots?
If your child is less than 9 years old and this is her first flu shot, she must have a second shot at least one month later, so please make both appointments. This now includes children less than 9 years old, who did not receive two shots the first year they got the flu vaccine.

When are we giving flu shots?
The shots will be given beginning at noon on these days:

• Saturday, October 11th
• Saturday, October 25th
• Saturday, November 22nd - for patients requiring a second round.

Where is the Flu Vaccine Consent Form?
The form is an attachment to your email, and it is also available online at our web site, http://www.thebestkids.com/
Look for the button on the Home Page labeled "Important Info & Consent Forms ."

Or, you can find it by clicking here: http://www.thebestkids.com/d/flu_consent_form.pdf/

Who is eligible to get the Flu Vaccine?
Everyone over 6 months of age is eligible for the flu shot.
We are urging those patients with asthma and others who are considered high-risk to schedule their appointments
for October 11th.

People considered at high risk are:

• All children 6 to 23 months of age;
• People 6 months and older with chronic disease, heart or lung conditions, including asthma; metabolic disorders such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease or immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with HIV;
• Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy. (Note: Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye syndrome.)

Also considered at high risk are:

• Pregnant women;
• Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care;
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

Payment for flu shots
We will submit this charge to your insurance company for your children.

We are also offering the shots to parents for $35. If you intend to submit your charge to your insurance company, you cannot receive the vaccine here. You are not our patient. We can provide this service to adults as a courtesy to you.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP
office@thebestkids.com

Hello Parents,

We need your help. Soon we will begin using a combination vaccine called Pentacel. It combines vaccines we currently give separately. It will allow us to give fewer injections. It combines DTaP, IPV and Hib vaccines. There will be seven less injections in the first 18 months of age.

We need parents who have Cigna insurance to call their customer service department. All the other insurance companies have authorized the use and adequate payment of the vaccine. The number is on the back of your insurance card. Ask Cigna to authorize payment for the Pentacel vaccine at our regional level. They need to hear from parents who have purchased insurance coverage from Cigna.

Please call now.

We and all the Best Kids we care for thank you.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP

Best Kids Moms Take Olympic Gold 2008

Hello Parents,
We hope you find this newsletter useful. Please share it with your friends.

Breast-Feeding in Kentucky
We are very proud of all the breast-feeding Moms in our practice. You are all nursing more babies and for longer periods of time than ever before. Kentucky’s ranking in this department is not a reflection of our Moms efforts and perseverance. Dara Torres may win Olympic Gold for swimming but many of our Moms are in their 40's and nursing as she did. There should be a gold medal for our Moms.

Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are nurses who have worked hard and spent literally thousands of hours doing one-to-one sessions to earn this advanced level of certification. Not all lactation consultants are IBCLC certified. We are proud of the great work Melissa Wilson and Tina Martin do to help our Moms be successful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/magazine/29torres-t.html?

Discipline
If you only read one article, this is the one to read! A Yale professor has a great interpretation of Time Out. Time Out is difficult to do properly. There are tips for everyone. http://www.slate.com/id/2194331/

Walk In Hour
Our Monday through Thursday walk in hour from 8 to 9 AM, has been a great help to our busy parents and sick children. No appointment is needed. Only patients who need brief visits are seen. Examples would be: ear aches, sore throats, fevers, rashes and coughs. Issues that have been present for more than a few days will be worked in after 9 AM. Please help us maintain our flow by abiding by these guidelines.

Booster Seats
Many parents are asking about the new Booster Seat law. Here is some useful and life saving information.

Kentucky's new law requires children who have outgrown their car seats to use booster seats. Booster seats should be used until children are 57 inches tall and weigh 80 pounds.

This is the American Academy of Pediatrics Guide for Car Safety

School Physicals
Once again we are coming to the stretch for school physicals. Call now to avoid the last minute rush. The AAP vaccine schedule and requirements have changed dramatically in the past few years, therefore most school age children will need vaccines at each checkup. Don’t let them be surprised or make promises you can’t keep. If you do have special camp, school or sports forms that need to be filled out, please-please help us out and highlight the parts we are responsible for. And fill out what you can before you bring your children in. The kindergarten physical must be within 12 months prior to or 60 days after the start of school in order to be valid. Children will also require a vision exam by either an optometrist or an opthamologist. The doctors and staff would greatly appreciate your help.

A Reminder
If you haven’t filled out a 2008 Patient Update form this year, you can now download it from the web site by clicking on the following link: http://www.thebestkids.com/TBK-patient-update.pdf. Bring it in on your next visit. We know it’s a tedious task, but it is very important for our records; and we are trying to make it as easy as possible for you. This is the new shorter version.

Sun Screen
Tis the season for sun screen. Please protect your kids from the damaging sun rays by reapplying your sun screen every 2 hours and make sure whatever you use has UVA and UVB protection, with an spf of at least 30. No children under 6 months should use sun screen. They need to be in the shade or wear loose long clothing. We recommend sunglasses for all ages.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP
THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com/

Flu is here!
We have been seeing cases of Flu in our practice for the past week. For the past few years we have seen Flu arrive late. This may represent a long-term change in what was considered the Flu season.

Under current guidelines adults and children can still get the vaccine. If you or your child(ren) have not gotten the vaccine, call now for an appointment. We still have some vaccine available. Any child who needs a second dose should come in ASAP.

New Walk-In Hours
Don't forget We are starting walk in hours Monday-Thursday. You may bring your child in without an appointment. This will be for single problem appointments and only for those who are signed in before 9 AM. We will not address chronic or multi-symptom issues.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP
THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com/

New Walk-in Hours! Starting February 4, 2008
8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday - Thursday

We are starting walk-in hours Monday - Thursday. To better serve our patients, you may bring your child in without an appointment! We will see your children on a first come, first serve basis. This will be for single problem appointments and only for those who are signed in. We will not address chronic or multi-symptom issues, and we will not see siblings unless they have signed in. All patients must be here by 9 a.m. to be considered a walk-in.

Sincerely,
Harold J. Livera, MD, FAAP
Jennifer L. Segeleon, MD, FAAP
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD, FAAP
THE BEST KIDS
217 Breckenridge Lane,
Louisville, KY 40207-3858
502-895-9421
FAX (502) 899-5762
office@thebestkids.com/