News

Safety Alerty: Accidental Exposures to Household Cleaners and Disinfectants

The CDC reports that since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic there has been an alarming increase in accidental exposures to household cleaners and disinfectants. Calls to Poison Control hotlines have risen significantly.

Although the disinfectants and hand sanitizers play an important role in the decrease of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we must realize they are potentially very dangerous to children, especially in concentrated forms.

Please follow the American Academy of Pediatric safety recommendations to prevent possible life- threatening accidents:

Products must be stored in their original labeled containers and in places inaccessible to children.
Diluted disinfectants and sanitizers in spray bottles must be labeled and stored out of the reach of children.
Solutions should not be sprayed when children are nearby to avoid inhalation and exposing skin and eyes.
Before using any chemical, read the product label and manufacturer’s material safety data sheet.

If there is an accidental exposure or ingestion to these products please call Poison Control immediately.

Health Alert about the dangers of E-Cigarettes and Vaping

E-Cigarettes are electronic devices designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings and other substances to the smoker by an inhaled aerosol. The use of E-cigarettes has drastically increased over the last several years. In 2018 one out of five high school students and one out of twenty middle school students used E-cigarettes. These devices have been marketed to appeal teenagers. It is important to understand that most E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance, as well as other harmful substances that are inhaled and exhaled and are dangerous to the user as well as people nearby. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain and can negatively affect learning, memory and attention. E-cigarettes can also lead to using other tobacco products and other addictive drugs.

The “CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping.” As of September 30, 2019 there have been 805 reported cases in the US, with 12 deaths, of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes. As of September 30 there have been 99 cases reported in New York States, 28 of those were in Western New York.

The CDC states that children and adolescents and pregnant women should NOT use e-cigarette products.

Please take the time to read the links below to learn more about the dangers of e-cigarette use and what steps you can take to keep your child safe from their harmful and addictive effects.

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/factsheet/index.html
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipsheet_508.pdf
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease/need-to-know/index.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OxUpuPIfaA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mS9bnUGQGo&feature=youtu.be

Allentown Pediatrics Designated Breastfeeding Friendly Practice

Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has recently achieved designation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Practice by the New York State Department of Health. We have policies and clinical practices in place to create a breastfeeding friendly office environment, encourage breastfeeding and offer support to mothers while breastfeeding. Our practice is in the process of training a staff member as a Certified Lactation Consultant to provide additional support to our breastfeeding mothers. We have also established a referral source for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in the community.

For information on breastfeeding, click on the links below:

Allentown Peds Patient Portal

The Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Patient Portal is accessible by clicking the link above.

The Patient Portal allows secure electronic communication between the patient and Allentown Pediatrics. You will be able to request and cancel appointments, request medication refills, view your child’s immunization record and other aspects of the medical record, and request certain forms. Your doctor will be able to share lab and test results as deemed appropriate. For more information, click here.

Spectrum Human Services Collaboration (www.shswny.com)

We are fortunate to have mental health providers from Spectrum located in our office to see Allentown Pediatric patients. Appointments are on a referral basis and patients can expect to be seen in a timely fashion. If you are interested in learning more about this valuable service, please contact our office.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Program. Thanks to the hard work of our entire Allentown Peds Staff and with the support of Catholic Medical Partners, we have been able to continue our PCMH status since 2011. The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication, and patient involvement. Patient-Center Medical Home recognition shows that Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has the tools, systems, and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.

Phone (716) 332-4472 | Fax (716) 332-4474

Allentown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine is located at 560 Franklin Street, at the corner of North Street. Free parking is available.