WOMEN’S HEALTH

•  Maternal-Infant Care Services
  Preconception counseling, prenatal visits, postpartum care for Mom following delivery, and pediatric care for beautiful newborns!
•  Contraceptives – many options, let’s talk!
•  Cancer screening
•  Education, screening & treatment for sexually-transmitted infections

INFANTS, CHILDREN, TEENS

•   Same-day appointments for sick kids; Wednesday evening and Saturday morning appointments for busy schedules!
•  Childhood immunizations and vaccines
•  Guidance on child development, parenting, sleep-training, etc.
•   Sports medicine and treatment of teen athletes
•   School, sports and camp physicals

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As we head outside for a summer of fun in Michigan, remember:

SLIP on a shirt
SLOP on sunscreen
SLAP on a hat
WRAP on sunglasses

Skin cancer is on the rise in the US. Protect your skin from harmful UV radiation by taking MORE THAN ONE precaution.

Shining a Light on Sunscreens

6 Must-Know Facts:

• Everyone needs sunscreen including African Americans and especially kids.Broad Spectrum label is vital. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays.Use SPF of 30 to 50. Below 30 is not enough; 50 blocks 98% of rays. African Americans can use SPF 15. NO sunscreen lotion offers full protection.Early, often, a lot. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside, reapply it every 2 hours, and use an ounce (a shot glass size.)Water RESISTANT not waterproof. No sunscreen is waterproof, reapply as instructed.Spray Sunscreens, easy to use but …  Current FDA regulations on testing and standardization do not pertain to sprays. They continue to be evaluated to ensure safely and effectiveness. Also, people tend to apply only 1/2 as much as needed. Do not inhale or apply near heat.

  Take a Look!
  *    Examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.

  *    See your health care professional once a year for a checkup.

  *    Learn more – Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection from the American Cancer Society.

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Childhood immunizations are a safe and effective way to keep kids from getting 14 serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

Saturdays at Packard Health – Kids’ Immunizations 

Call Packard Health, (734) 971-1073, to determine if your child is due for vaccines. We can schedule a convenient Saturday appointment.

Saturday, 8am – 12pm
Packard Health Principal  
3174 Packard Road

We’re here to answer questions and educate parents about recommended childhood vaccines. Give us a call!

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VACCINES  

1. Children should have 80 percent of their immunizations by age two.
2. Infants are often more vulnerable to disease than older children and adults, and often the diseases are more serious.
3. A child’s risk of having a health problem from an immunization is MUCH LESS than his or her risk of suffering from the disease itself.
4. Many diseases that can be prevented have no cure or treatment.
5. Vaccines not only protect the child who receives the immunization, but they also protect others who:

• Have weakened immune systems
• Cannot get shots because of a medical condition or because they are too young or too old
• Are not fully immunized

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Whooping Cough (Pertussis) continues to be diagnosed in Washtenaw County

Be sure you and your family are up-to-date on pertussis vaccinations, including boosters.

What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)? 

• Pertussis is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a bacterium
• Initial symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough, which may seem like a typical cold.
• Usually, the cough slowly becomes more severe, and eventually the patient may experience bouts of rapid, violent coughing followed by the “whooping” sound that gives the disease its common name.
• Whooping cough can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, permanent disability, and even death, especially in infants and young children. See CDC Whooping Cough Fact Sheet For Parents

Babies are at higher risk for severe cases

• They have smaller airways and less developed respiratory systems
• They’re not optimally covered until completing the vaccine series at 18 months

Create a circle of protection around babies

• All adults who are around infants should receive a pertussis booster-Parents & grandparents, childcare workers, siblings
• Protection diminishes over time so get a booster!

Whooping cough rates in the US have been increasing since the 1980’s. Be sure ALL of your vaccinations are up to date! Contact Packard Health.

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Spring! Time to launch into outdoor sports and recreation. As we take to our bikes, boards and scooters, head to the playground and run down the field, let’s all remember – be brain smart!

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) related to sports and recreation are on the rise in the US. A bump, blow or jolt to the head can disrupt how the brain works, sometimes seriously.
Full TBI definition »

3 things to know:
1.  Bicycling is the sport with most estimated TBI-related Emergency Room visits.
2. Children are most at risk for TBI’s, with increased severity & longer recovery.
3. More than 173,000 children are treated for sports-related TBI’s each year
Statistics from Centers for Disease Control.

Preventing Sports-related TBI’s
Helmets – Protection Plus! 

• For many recreational activities, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce risk of a serious head injury, or even save a life.
• Be sure helmet is appropriate to activity and fits properly
• “Which Helmet for Which Activity” – brochure with lots of good info about fit, features, safety, i.e., children should NOT wear helmets on playground. Published by US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Play It Safe

• Proper technique, safe practices, good sportsmanship are always in season.

All About TBI’s  – Recognize & Respond

The CDC has compiled a wealth of info on TBI’s, including:

• Concussion in sports (more than 75% of TBI’s are concussions)
• Concussions: Recognize and Respond

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