In the Know
Stay up-to-date with the latest health news and what’s happening at Andover Pediatrics.
In the Know
Stay up-to-date with the latest health news and what’s happening at Andover Pediatrics.
Patient Service Announcements
New & Latest News
Parenting in A Pandemic
Helping Families Manage Anxiety through COVID-19. A One-Session Seminar for Parents – Parent Guidance: Do’s and Dont’s, How to help your child, How to talk to your child about COVID-19. Psycho-education: How to set a routine, What is a normal level…
COVID-19 Updates
We wanted to reassure you that we are here for you and want to give you an update on our office:
We continue to take appropriate precautions within our office by separating well and sick visits, doing regular disinfecting of surfaces, frequent handwashing…
Helpful information during COVID-19
1. Visit virusanxiety.com
This website has articles, meditations, and concrete strategies for managing anxiety related to COVID-19.
2. Routine/Schedule. Kids thrive with a schedule because…
Office Policies during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Information regarding Coronavirus is changing rapidly and has been changing rapidly. Fortunately, children fare well, most often with mild or no symptoms. We follow the CDC Guidelines and the directives from the State of Massachusetts to help control…
Family Counseling Associates of Andover
We have all been surprised and concerned about the recent spread of the coronavirus. During this time Family Counseling Associates is do everything we can to support you and your family’s emotional and physical health. For most of us, this is an unprecedented public health concern, and we know our clients still…
Influenza
Influenza Influenza Is it the Flu? Telephone triage: Current guidelines for symptom management should be used based on the parents concern for their child. Illnesses caused by Influenza virus infection are difficult to distinguish from other respiratory pathogens...
Menstrual Periods
Menstrual PeriodsMenstrual Periods First Menstrual Cycle (Period) Girls will experience their first menstrual cycle, or period, about 2 1/2 years after breast development begins. Breast development begins with small lumps, called breast buds, under the nipples. Also,...
Starting Solid Foods in Infancy
Starting Solid Foods in Infancy Starting Solid Foods in Infancy Starting Solid Foods in Infancy How do I know my baby is ready for solid foods? Indications that your baby is ready for solid foods: His tongue thrust reflex is gone or diminished and is beginning to...
Infant Crying
Infant Crying Infant Crying Infant Crying When babies are first born, they are usually quiet and sleepy over the first few days. Gradually, they become more awake and interested in feeding. Mother and baby begin to develop a pattern of nursing or bottle feeding every...
Advancing Solid Foods
Advancing Solid Foods Advancing Solid Foods Advancing Solid Foods 6-8 Months Some infants may have already begun to add some solid foods into their diet. Other infants may be just starting. As time goes on you will expand the texture and consistency of food from...
Breastfeeding Resources
Breastfeeding Resources Breastfeeding Resources Books Brazelton, MD, T. Berry, Touchpoints: Your Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Development Leach, Penelope, Your Baby and Child’s Growth and Development: Your Guide to Joyful and Confident Parenting LaLeche...
Breast Engorgement: Prevention & Treatment
Breast Engorgement: Prevention & Treatment Breast Engorgement: Prevention & Treatment Breast Engorgement: Prevention & Treatment During the first week after delivery, as the colostrum is changing to mature milk, your breasts will become full. This normal...
Breast and Nipple Care
Breast and Nipple Care Breast and Nipple Care Breast and Nipple Care Breastfeeding is meant to be a comfortable and pleasant experience. When you are first getting started with breastfeeding, you may feel awkward – that is common. It will take some practice and...
Breastfeeding Guidelines: The first few days at home
Breastfeeding Guidelines: The first few days at home Breastfeeding Guidelines: The first few days at home Breastfeeding Guidelines Congratulations on the birth of your baby. We support your decision to breastfeed and provide some important information to help you...
Important Update: Dosing and Concentration Changes
Important Update: Dosing and Concentration Changes Important Update: Dosing and Concentration Changes Dosing and Concentration Changes for OTC Infants’ Acetaminophen Products Companies are changing the concentration of their medications for infants, and there are new...
Children’s Dosage Guide
Children's Dosage Guide Children's Dosage Guide Children's Dosage Guide Always ask your healthcare professional which product is right for your child. Acetaminophen/TYLENOL® Take every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. tsp = teaspoon *Please read...
Our Vaccine Schedule
Our Vaccine Schedule Our Vaccine Schedule Our Vaccine Schedule Current Vaccine Schedule endorsed by Andover Pediatrics supported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics: Birth dose Hep B 1 Month Hep B 2 Months...
High Calorie Ideas for Toddlers
High Calorie Ideas for Toddlers High Calorie Ideas for Todders Recipes: Fortified Milk: Add 2-4 tbsp of powered skim milk to 1 cup of whole milk. Super Shake: 1 cup of ice cream1 cup of fortified milk1 package of Carnation Instant Breakfast Super Pudding: 1 cup...
Healthy Snack Ideas
Healthy Snack Ideas Healthy Snack Ideas Healthy Snack Ideas Snacks can be anything satisfying to you. They can generally be limited in calories, helping you control hunger between meals. Aim for snacks to be around an average of 150 calories each. 1 String cheese Tree...
Good Eating on Milk/Soy Elimination Diet
Good Eating on Milk/Soy Elimination Diet Good Eating on Milk/Soy Elimination Diet Good Eating on Milk/Soy Elimination Diet Finding good foods to eat while following a milk/soy elimination can be hard but with some practice reading labels and some creative shopping, it...
Feeding Your Picky Eaters
Feeding Your Picky Eaters Feeding Your Picky Eaters Feeding Your Picky Eaters Every week, have a “Try-a-New-Food-Day.” Try to keep it the same day of the week. Plan the choice ahead, and let everyone make selections, too. Teach your family about the variety of tastes,...
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and diarrhea usually result from gastroenteritis (GE), an intestinal infection. They can also arise from acute food poisoning, food allergies, or surgical problems such as appendicitis. All GE...
Tick Bites
Tick Bites Tick Bites Tick Bites The proper way to remove a tick is to use a set of fine tweezers and grip the tick as close to the skin as is possible. The proper technique for tick removal includes the following: Use fine tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the...
Sunburn Prevention
Sunburn Prevention Sunburn Prevention Sunburn Prevention There are a number of effective ways to prevent sunburn, including staying out of the sun during peak hours, sunscreen, and protective clothing. While these measures are important for everyone, they are...
Sports Related Injury – Head Trauma
Sports Related Injury - Head Trauma Sports Related Injury - Head Trauma Head Trauma Kids fall and bump their heads commonly, and luckily the vast majority of these injuries are minor. A child’s skull is more flexible than an adult’s, and can therefore tolerate more of...
Sore Throat
Sore Throat Sore Throat Sore Throat Sore throats are a very common complaint in children during the late fall and winter months. They arise from inflammation of any throat structure (tonsils, pharynx etc…), and in most cases, are mild and require no special treatment....
Slivers and Splinters
Slivers and Splinters Slivers and Splinters Slivers and Splinters A sliver or a splinter is a foreign body embedded in the skin. Most of these are slivers or splinters of wood. Others are slivers of glass, metal, plastic, thorns or cactus needles. Most slivers are in...
Skin Rashes
Skin Rashes Skin Rashes Skin Rashes Skin rashes may be an acute (sudden or short lived) problem or they may be a chronic persistent symptom. A rash should be considered chronic when it is present for more than 1-2 weeks. In that case it should always be seen by the...
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy Poison Ivy What does the poison ivy rash look like? The rash is characterized by weeping blisters which occur in a linear streak or patch. It may be accompanied by mild redness and swelling. Extreme itchiness is common. The rash may occur 1-2 days after...
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis Mononucleosis Mono Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection, commonly known as mononucleosis or “mono”, can occur at any age, but is most common in adolescence and early adulthood. Generally, the younger a person is when they get mono the better – children are...
Minor Injuries
Minor Injuries Minor Injuries Scrapes & Abrasions Wash thoroughly with soap and water and leave open to the air as much as possible so it will dry and a scab (nature’s bandage) will form. Generally the only reason to cover such a wound would be to keep it clean...
Health Abnormalities
Health Abnormalities Health Abnormalities Screening for Heart Abnormalities in Student Athletes Sudden deaths of student athletes are tragic events that have considerable impact on a community. These deaths are often caused by unsuspected abnormalities. Andover...
Fluoride
Fluoride Fluoride Fluoride Currently 141 Massachusetts public water systems receive water fluoridation. Click here for the list of towns.
Fevers
General Recommendations for Helping Children with ADHDFevers Fevers Fever means that the body temperature is higher than normal. The average normal body temperature is 98.6 F. Most people agree that a fever is a rectal temperature greater than 100.4 F or an oral...
Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear Infections (Otitis Media) Ear Infections (Otitis Media) Ear Infections (Otitis Media) Ear pain is the most common symptom of otitis media. Because the pain of otitis media is a result of increased pressure behind the eardrum due to the presence of pus in the...
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Your baby is home…now what do you do? (601k pdf) Down Syndrome Health Guidelines – 0-12 years (600k pdf) Down Syndrome Health Guidelines – 13 Years to Adulthood (431k pdf) Educational Evaluation Request Form (442k pdf)...
Diaper Rash
Diaper Rash Diaper Rash What is a diaper rash? Diaper rash can be any rash that develops inside the diaper area. In mild cases, the skin might be red. In more severe cases, there may be painful open sores. You will usually see a rash around the abdomen, genitalia, and...
Croup
Croup Croup Croup Croup is a viral infection of the airway below the vocal cords. It is usually part of a cold. The symptoms of croup can include a barking seal cough, a hoarse voice, and a harsh raspy sound when the child breathes in (called stridor.) Croup usually...
Constipation
Constipation Constipation What is constipation? Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements tend to be hard, dry, and difficult and painful to pass. Constipation is common in children and is usually without long-term consequences; however, it can diminish a...
Conjunctivitis
ConjunctivitisConjunctivitisConjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a sort of sac around the eye. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergy. The white part of the eye can become pink or red, and eyelashes may be stuck together...
Common Cold
Common Cold Common Cold Common Cold A “cold” is a virus in which the main symptom is a runny nose. This is the least serious and most common respiratory illness, and is usually viral. Ordinarily the nasal discharge starts clear and watery, gradually thickens, becomes...
Child Safety Seat Tips
Child Safety Seat TipsChild Safety Seat Tips Use a rear-facing child safety seat From birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age The harness straps should be at or below shoulder level For babies who are under one year and over 20 pounds, be sure they...
Autism
Resources for parents of a child with an ASD Resources for parents of a child with an ASD Autism Speaks The nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization; dedicated to funding research, increasing awareness of ASD’s, and advocating for the needs of persons...
ADHD
General Recommendations for Helping Children with ADHD General Recommendations for Helping Children with ADHDLearn more about ADHD The National Resource Center on ADHD provides science-based information on ADHD. Services include a resource center staffed by highly...