WELCOME TO KIDS CREEK CHILDREN'S CLINIC
CELEBRATING
50 YEARS!!
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY ONE CHILD AT A TIME
Kids Creek Children's Clinic has been serving the families of the Grand Traverse region since 1961. Though the faces have changed over the years, our mission has remained the same. Simply put, we care for our community's healthcare needs one child at a time.
At Kids Creek Children's Clinic, we are proud to offer comprehensive health care that centers on a child’s physical, emotional, and developmental well being. Our compassionate and experienced providers are all Board Certified in the specialty of Pediatrics and serve patients from infancy through early adulthood. Our entire staff welcomes the opportunity to support families as they provide healthy environments in which children can thrive as they grow.
Current Health News
My Mother, my friend so dear
throughout my life you're always near.
A tender smile to guide my way
You're the sunshine to light my day.
Happy Mother's Day!!
Gardasil vaccine now available for boys
This past fall, the human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil) was recommended for routine use in boys as well as girls. Most major insurance companies are now covering this vaccine for all young adolescents. Ask your Kids Creek Children's Clinic provider how you can protect your son or daughter. To read more about this vaccine: HPV and your child.
New Cholesterol Screening Guidelines Endorsed
Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed new guidelines for cardiac health and risk reduction in children and adolescents. A major change comes by way of recommended universal cholesterol screening for all children between the ages of 9-11. Other recommendations included: encouraging breastfeeding until 12 months of age; limiting screen time to less than 2 hours for all children over the age of 2 (and no screen time for those under 2); limiting tobacco exposure; emphasizing a diet low in saturated fat starting at age 1; and encouraging age appropriate physical activity. Prevention of heart disease is encouraged to start early to keep childrens' risk low. To read more about the new recommendations: Cardiovascular Health.
Kids Creek Welcomes Doctor Tina Smith
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We are happy to announce that Dr. Tina Smith has joined our practice as of August 4th, 2011. She is a graduate of Kent State University, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency program. Dr. Smith recently moved to northern Michigan with her husband and two small children. She will be seeing patients in the office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday and looks forward to meeting your family! |
Influenza Information
We currently have ample supplies of flu vaccine for all ages. Both intranasal (Flumist) and injectable (Fluzone) vaccines are being offered. Children are receiving flu vaccine at regularly scheduled well child appointments and immunization appointments daily. Several afternoon flu clinics are also scheduled. Please call our office to inquire about getting you child immunized for seasonal flu. To read more information about seasonal flu:
New Changes to Prescription Refill Policy for Controlled Medications
Effective immediately, Kids Creek Children's Clinic will be requiring a signature and verification of identification when controlled substance prescriptions are picked up in the office. Please be prepared to sign our log book and provide one valid piece of personal identification. In addition, we will need advance notice if someone other than a parent will be picking up the prescription. Only patients who are over 18 years of age may pick up their own prescription. Our front office staff will be happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding this change. Thank you for your cooperation.
Office Hour Changes
Beginning Thursday August 5th, our clinic hours will be changing. We will offer appointments for your child's healthcare needs during the following hours:
Monday - Thursday: 830am - 530pm
Friday: 830am - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 12n
We look forward to seeing you!
Meningitis Vaccine Booster Recommended for Adolescents
The new immunization recommendations for 2011 call for adolescents to receive a booster dose of the meningococcal vaccine (Menactra, Menveo). This is to enusure that protection continues during later adolesence (16-21 years), when risk of disease is at its greatest. The first dose of vaccine continues to be recommended at age 11, with the booster given at age 16. If your teen has only received one dose, here are the recommendations for the booster dose:
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If 1st dose given at ages 11-12, a booster dose is recommended at age 16
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If 1st dose given at ages 13-15, a booster dose is recommended at ages 16-18
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If 1st dose given at or after ages 16, a booster dose is not recommended
To read more about this important vaccine to protect your teen against meningitis:
American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Car Seat Recommendations
With childrens' safety as the focus, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has changed car seat recommendations for children age 2-12. Most notably:
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Toddlers should remain in rear facing car seats until the age of 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat.
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Children are advise to ride in a belt-positioned booster seat until they hae reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between the ages of 8 and 12 years.
To read more about the car seat changes;
AAP Car Seat Guide for Parents
While the AAP creates policies and guidelines for health care providers and parents, actual safety laws may vary from state to state. To read about vehicle safety laws in Michigan: Michigan Seat Belt Law.
Important Sports Physical Information
The staff at Kid's Creek Children's Clinic would like to remind families of student athletes about some important pre-participation information:
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All students enrolled in the 7th grade and beyond must have a current physical examination on file before participating in any school sports program.
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The Michigan High School Athletic Association requires that these physical exams be conducted yearly.
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In order to be eligible for sports during the 2011/12 school year, the pre-participation physical must be performed after April 15th, 2011. Eligiblity for the 2012/13 year will require physicals be completed after April 15th, 2012. As most insurance companies only pay for one well visit or physical per year, we strongly encourage families to schedule their student athlete visits to our office after April 15th each year. This will help to avoid any additional charges which may become the responsibility of the family.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with The American College of Sports Medicine, recommend that pre-participation sports physical be performed by the primary care provider. This option, compared to mass screening programs offered through the schools, provides for better continuity of care for your student athlete. In addition to performing the physical exam, your Kids Creek provider will review and update vaccines, as well as offer your student important advice on nutrition, safety, and social and emotional well being.
We look forward to assisting your student athlete with all of their health care needs. You may call our office to schedule a sports pre-participation appointment during our regular business hours.