Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/828387
Ready to meet your family's new doctor? Begin your search at chofsa.org/findadoc. Picking the Perfect Pediatrician "Your pediatrician is unique in that he or she becomes a part of your family from birth to adulthood," says Juan Jose Ferreris, M.D., M.H.A., FAAP, primary care pediatric medical doctor with The Children's Hospital of San Antonio. "So it's important to take your time and choose someone who will be a good fit for you and your family." When it comes time to find a qualified pediatrician, Dr. Ferreris suggests searching for a pediatrician who possesses these characteristics: Personable first, convenient second — While your pediatrician should always make things as easy as possible for you, don't choose one based on location alone. It's much better to drive an extra five minutes to see a pediatrician you like. A good communicator — With medicine, very little is black and white. You need to be sure that your pediatrician can walk you through the grey areas and help you and your child understand any treatment plans. Well-connected — A pediatrician won't be able to fix every problem but should know someone who can. Find one who is connected with hospital specialists through shared electronic record systems to avoid any breakdowns in communication or repeated steps. Child-approved — As soon as children begin speaking, they should have a say in which pediatrician they see. Shots or throat cultures may be scary, but it's never normal for your child to fear or dislike his or her doctor. Use these tips to find the ideal match for you and your child. Setting Safeguards for Social Media Smart apps are outlets for learning, gaming and social connection, but need limitations to stay positive. Social media helps children connect with friends, but when children fail to unplug and make connections elsewhere, they can lose sleep, withdraw from others, complain of headaches, turn moody, and lose focus at school and at home. "Data suggest extensive social media use can be harmful, but there are ways to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits," says Juan Jose "Joe" Ferreris, M.D., MHA, FAAP, medical director, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio, Primary Care Group. Your Game Plan Dr. Ferreris suggests these ground rules for social media use: 1. Clock it. Teach them to track their usage so they know where their time goes. 3. Choose to engage. Sit down and scroll their newsfeed together, enjoying posts and helping to decipher real from "fake" news. 2. Prioritize the present. If a human is talking, the screen should disappear. 4. Talk about risks. Children may not understand that posted pictures and comments last forever, so help them understand the consequences of such actions. "While there are more questions than answers, one thing is absolute: apps are never really free, because we give them our time," Dr. Ferreris says, "which is a useful way to frame the conversation about social media use." If you notice your child is showing physical or emotional symptoms from digital use, partner with their pediatrician. To schedule an appointment, call (844) 778-KIDS or visit chofsa.org/findadoc. Juan Jose "Joe" Ferreris, M.D., MHA, FAAP, 3 The Children's Hospital of San Antonio • chofsa.org