In 2004, the US was glad to announce that endemic measles was eliminated due to effective vaccination. Historically, before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that measles outbreaks lead to approximately 2.6 million deaths each year. Sadly, there has…
Lead is a metal found in the environment kids can be exposed to through a variety of methods. We worry about lead because lead toxicity is associated with decreased IQ and often has no symptoms until the level becomes very high; in those cases it…
Providing expressed breastmilk is an alternative to nursing for mothers who either have difficulty with latch, are working or otherwise away from their baby, or who find it more convenient. Nursing frequently and on demand is the best way to stimulate milk production in the…
The term “vaping” is used to differentiate between smoking an electronic cigarette versus the conventional cigarette. The electronic cigarettes were initially introduced in 2003 in China, and later in the US and European markets in 2006 as a method to help individuals to stop smoking. …
by Dr. Elizabeth Leon It’s a time for giving thanks… Thanks to our past families who began with our practice 22 years ago. Thanks to our present families who come to visit us currently. Thanks to our future generation of patients who now have babies…
Now that the flu season is beginning again, it is a good time to remind families to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) rather than aspirin. Why? In 1963, the first case of Reye’s syndrome was described and presented as encephalopathy and liver disease. This particular disease was…
Our hearts go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Many families are looking for ways to help. Families can donate items like toiletries, diapers, wipes, baby bottles. Many organizations are also looking for volunteers to donate their time. Listed below are some…
Why get 3 shots instead of 2 ??? For the ages of 9-14 years, the HPV vaccine series has been decreased from 3 doses down to 2 doses! Just recently, a new recommendation for the HPV vaccine series was made by the CDC and Advisory…
Teething begins around 4 months and lasts for about 2 years. So, what is a parent to do? The best answer is to offer firm toys or teethers that are cool. Beware of frozen toys that can cause an ice burn or liquid teethers with…
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for me to express my gratitude towards all the families of West Plano Pediatrics. It has been a joy to see patients grow up from infancy to young adulthood. I never grow tired from seeing a 2 month old baby…
National Grandparents Day was celebrated last month on Sept. 11th, 2016. This special day to honor grandparents was initiated by Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade in 1970. It was first celebrated in West Virginia in 1973, and later US Congress passed legislation in 1978 to celebrate…
Therefore we must prepare with timely vaccination. West Plano Pediatrics will be holding our first flu clinic on September 27, 2016. This year the Influenza injection (“Flu Shot”) will be the only vaccine available. Due to the ineffectiveness of the live nasal spray vaccine (“Flumist”).…
Our lives are highlighted by many milestones; the first which begins from the time we are born and take our first breath. As a parent and physician, it has been a wonderful journey watching not only my own children achieve their milestones, but observing hundreds…
School is out! Summer vacation starts! As a child growing up in a family of five, I often took road trips with my family whenever we traveled on vacation. I remember sitting snugly between my sisters in the backseat for hours and hours. I also…
When the weather warms up, our children enjoy being outdoors- especially exploring wooded areas and looking for creatures in the creeks. At other times, they simply enjoy spending time with us as we work on our yards and gardens. Now that the outdoors are green…