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Say Boo to the Flu and Schedule Your Child’s Vaccine

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

As October rolls in and Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to protect your little ones from the flu and COVID-19.

We’re excited to announce that we now have flu and COVID vaccines available at all three of our offices! To make it even easier, we’ve set up several flu clinics throughout the month of October.

Don’t wait until the last minute—call us today at (847) 295-1220 to schedule your immunization appointment. Let’s keep our community healthy and ready for all the Halloween festivities!

Together, we can say “Boo!” to the flu!

Friday (9/20) Employee Appreciation Party

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

On Friday (9/20), our Annual Employee Appreciation gathering will be taking place at noon. Our offices will be closed for the rest of the afternoon, and our phones will be set to our after-hours greeting. During that time, you can leave a message on voice mail or on our website patient portal. Our on-call service will still be notifying our physician on-call for urgent matters.

 

Our Lake Bluff and Lindenhurst offices will reopen Saturday (9/21) for our normal Saturday hours.

 

Thanks for your understanding!

Plan Ahead – Summer Camp and School Forms

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

Summer camp and school forms

Summertime is approaching fast! Time to start planning ahead to summer camps and the 2024-2025 school year.

If your child is attending a summer camp and needs to have camp forms filled out, please send in forms ( either drop them off at any office location or attach them to a portal message ) with patient information completed along with any parent questions answered. Allow at least 2 weeks before the camp forms are needed. This will allow time for our staff to complete your forms and get them back to you well before the start of camp.

Call our office at  847-295-1220 to schedule your child’s well checkup. If your child needs additional school/medication forms for the upcoming school year (outside of the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination) you can bring those in with you to the appointment. Please allow 2 weeks for our staff to complete forms and return back to you.

Schedule an Annual Well-Child Checkup

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

Summer is an excellent time to prioritize your child’s health with a well-child checkup. Here’s why:

Annual Wellness Exam: Summer break serves as a timely reminder to schedule your child’s annual comprehensive wellness exam (also known as a “well-child checkup”). During this visit, your child’s pediatrician assesses their overall health, development, and well-being.  The annual checkup can also serve as a sports physical for the next 12 months.

Adolescent Development: Adolescents experience rapid physical and emotional changes. A yearly wellness visit allows you and your child to check in and address any health concerns before the new school year begins and help reinforce making healthy decisions. Balancing academics, home life, friendships, and extracurricular activities can be challenging, and a checkup provides valuable insights into your child’s overall well-being.

School Requirements: Many schools require proof of immunizations, a physical examination, and eye and dental checkups. These requirements may vary based on the grade your child is entering. Make sure to review your child’s school guidelines to ensure compliance.

Building Trust: Regular checkups help children build trust with their healthcare provider. When faced with challenges, they feel safe discussing their health openly and honestly. Summer checkups contribute to this trust-building process.

Remember, prioritizing your child’s health during summer sets the stage for a successful school year. Schedule that well-child checkup and ensure your child’s overall well-being!

Please call 847-295-1220 or reach out via the Patient Portal to schedule an appointment.

Moms, Lactation Consultants are Available

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

Lake Forest Pediatrics has two providers who are Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants, Dr. Katie Hidaka, MD, IBCLC and Melissa Hilb, CPNP, IBCLC.

Dr. Hidaka joined Lake Forest Pediatrics in 2009. After taking a brief hiatus in 2022, she has returned to the group with her lactation consulting certification and is exclusively doing lactation consultations. She has available appointments on Monday and Tuesday at our Vernon Hills office and Thursday at our Lake Bluff office.

In addition to being a board certified lactation consultant, Melissa Hilb is also one of our nurse practitioners.  She has lactation appointments available on Monday, Thursday and Friday – office location varies depending on her schedule that day.

Mothers, if you are experiencing :
– sore nipples/painful latch
– low milk supply
– pumping questions
– breast refusal/nursing strike
– bottle refusal
– need help with strategies for twins/multiples
– plugged ducts / oversupply
you can set up a lactation appointment to discuss any of these concerns.

Please call 847-295-1220 or reach out via the Patient Portal to schedule a lactation appointment.

Office Holiday Closures

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

Please be advised that all 3 of our offices will be closed on Thanksgiving (11/23). We will still have an on-call physician for urgent matters.

Please also be aware that on Friday, 11/24, only our Vernon Hills office will be closed. Lake Bluff and Lindenhurst will be open.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Flu Clinics Scheduled – Appointments Available

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

Flu Clinics Scheduled – Appointments Available

Good news! Our practice has received its shipment of flu vaccines for the current flu season. We can now schedule appointments for our Annual Flu Clinics. Please reach out to us via the Website Patient Portal to schedule your child’s appointment or call 847-295-1220.

Flu Clinic Dates and Times:

Monday, 9/25
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lake Bluff Office and Lindenhurst Office

Saturday, 9/30
8:30 am – 11:45 am
Lindenhurst Office

Tuesday, 10/3
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lindenhurst Office

Thursday, 10/5
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lake Bluff Office

Saturday, 10/7
8:30 am – 11:45 am
Lindenhurst Office

Monday, 10/9
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lake Bluff Office and Lindenhurst Office

Tuesday, 10/10
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Vernon Hills Office

Wednesday, 10/11
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lake Bluff Office

Thursday, 10/12
8:30 am – 11:45 am
Lindenhurst Office

Saturday, 10/14
8:30 am – 11:45 am
Lake Bluff Office

Monday, 10/16
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lindenhurst Office

Thursday, 10/19
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Lake Bluff Office
9:15 am – 11:45 am
Vernon Hills Office

Saturday, 10/21
8:30 am – 11:45 am
Lindenhurst Office

Friday, 10/27
9:15 am – 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Vernon Hills Office

Saturday, 10/28
8:30 am – 11:45 am
Lake Bluff Office

Please reach out to us via the Website Patient Portal to schedule your child’s appointment or call 847-295-1220. Learn about the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance for the 2023-24 flu season: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25438/New-flu-guidance-for-2023-24-season-emphasizes.

Exciting News: Enhancing Your Healthcare Experience with Our New EMR System

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

We are thrilled to share some important news regarding an upcoming change that will enhance your healthcare experience.

After over two decades of partnering with Greenway for our Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, we have made the decision to transition to Athenahealth (https://www.athenahealth.com/). This was not a choice we made lightly; it comes after careful consideration and is driven by our commitment to providing you with the best possible care.

We will officially go-live on the Athenahealth system October 31, 2023. This transition marks an exciting milestone for us, as it enables us to offer you an improved and more streamlined healthcare experience.

One of the key enhancements you can anticipate is our brand-new, fully functional Patient Portal. This intuitive platform will empower you to effortlessly access your health records, update your personal information, and conveniently complete pre-appointment paperwork online. We understand the importance of seamless communication and information accessibility, and this new portal is designed to cater to your needs.

While we understand that change can sometimes be a challenge, we firmly believe that this transition will be immensely beneficial for both our patients and our dedicated healthcare providers. The Athenahealth system promises increased workflow efficiency for our staff, which will directly translate into a smoother and more efficient experience for you.

We ask for your understanding and patience during the initial phase of this transition. Our teams have been working diligently to ensure a seamless switch, but as with any change, there may be a learning curve. Rest assured, we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.

We are excited about the positive impact this transition will have. Please stay tuned for further updates as we move forward. Our primary goal remains providing you with exceptional care, and we are confident that our new EMR system will contribute significantly to achieving this aim.

Thank you for your trust in us, and we look forward to embarking on this exciting journey together.

 

Important Update: Changes in Office Hours Starting 12/1/23

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

Dear Valued Patients,

We would like to inform you about an upcoming change in our office hours that will take effect December 1, 2023.

As part of our commitment to providing the community with the best possible care, we are adjusting our office hours to better align with our staffing resources. Starting in December, our offices will be closed on Sundays and holidays. However, we want to assure you that your well-being remains our top priority, even during these adjusted hours.

While our offices will be closed on Sundays and holidays, we will continue to have our dedicated team of physicians available to assist you. We understand that medical needs can arise at any time, and we want to ensure that you have access to medical advice and assistance whenever you require it. Our physicians will be on-call, ready to address any urgent medical concerns that you may have during these times.

Please note that our regular office hours from Monday to Saturday will remain unchanged. We are committed to providing you with the same level of compassionate and high-quality care that you have come to expect from us.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change in office hours may cause and appreciate your understanding as we strive to provide the best care possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.

Thank you for trusting us with your healthcare needs. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your families for years to come.

Lake Forest Pediatric Associates’ Tips for Back To School Anxiety

Posted on by Lake Forest Pediatric Associates in

As kids head back to school it’s common for them to experience a range of emotions, including anxiety.

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children navigate these feelings and ensuring a smooth transition.

First and foremost, maintaining open communication is essential. Encourage your child to express their worries and fears about returning to school, and listen attentively without judgment. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and offer support by discussing strategies to manage anxiety.

Establishing a consistent routine can also provide a sense of stability, helping to alleviate uncertainty.

A visit to the school together before classes start, allows your child to become familiar with their surroundings and possibly meet their teacher.

Encourage positive thinking by focusing on the exciting aspects of school, such as seeing friends, engaging in activities they enjoy, and learning new things.

Lastly, lead by example by practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques that your child can mimic.

By combining understanding, preparation, and emotional support, parents can effectively help their children conquer back-to-school anxiety and embark on a successful school year.