Perry County Memorial Hospital | Health Scene | Spring 2017

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It’s normal for kids to need space as they
become teens. And that includes during
doctor visits, according to the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The AAP recommends that children as
young as 11 have some time alone with
their doctor. The child may be more likely
to speak openly and honestly if a parent
isn’t there.
Private time between a teen and the
doctor:
w wHelps teens develop independence and
rapport with the doctor.
w wGives teens experience talking about
health issues.
w wCan uncover health issues that might
not come up with a parent present.
w wGives teens a chance to ask questions
about how their bodies are changing.
Privacy is also important while your
teen is having a physical examination,
unless he or she wants you present.
Stepping back can be scary. But it’s
an opportunity to show teens you trust
them—and that can help you both grow.
Private time
Teens need time
to talk with a doctor
When is an ounce of prevention worth
more than a pound of cure? When it has
the potential to save your child’s life.
Vaccines are like an ounce of preven-
tion. They don’t take long to give. And
insurance usually covers them. But they
could keep your child from getting certain
diseases—and help keep others safe from
those diseases too. Here’s how:
1. Vaccines protect against life-
threatening illnesses. Thanks to vaccina-
tions, some diseases that used to injure or
kill kids, like polio and smallpox, have been
completely or nearly eliminated in the U.S.
But other serious illnesses (such as men-
ingitis, measles and whooping cough) are
still around. Vaccinating your kids protects
them—safely.
Doctors and scientists review vaccines
to ensure their safety. Very few children
have serious side effects. And because
vaccines are 90 to 99 percent effective in
preventing disease, the benefits outweigh
any possible side effects for most kids.
2. They protect others. Some diseases,
like chickenpox and measles, are highly
contagious. But getting your kids vacci-
nated greatly reduces their risk of catching
these diseases—and passing them on to
others. That’s especially good news for vul-
nerable people, including newborns who
haven’t had all their shots yet.
3. They save time and money today—
and tomorrow. Vaccinated kids avoid
diseases that could make them miss school.
They’re also protected from illnesses that
could lead to long-term disability, lost work
time and wages, and high medical costs.
For more about vaccinations, visit
cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Department of Health and
Human Services
3 great reasons to vaccinate your kids
Breakfast chef
w wScrambled eggs.
w wPeanut butter and jelly.
w wCottage cheese and fruit.
w wRefried beans and cheese.
Get rolling in the morning with an easy breakfast wrap. Here’s how to make it:
Start with a pancake, tortilla or a piece of bread. Next, roll up your favorite fillings. Here are
some tasty ideas, but you can use whatever sounds good: