Health Quest 4
Vassar Brothers Medical Center's pediatrics
unit has the training, expertise and equipment
needed to take care of your family 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
"All of our nurses are certified in Pediatric
Advanced Life Support and have on average
15 years of experience in caring for kids,"
says Nari Darragh, R.N., director of Patient
Care Services in Pediatrics at VBMC.
"We also coordinate care with cardiology,
gastroenterology, pulmonary, genetics and
hematology subspecialties."
Pediatric hospitalists, easily accessible in-
house physicians who oversee a child's care
throughout his or her stay, collaborate with
specialists in those areas, as well as organize
laboratory, radiology and other services
as needed.
With room service available and adult-sized
cots in each room for parents and caregivers,
the pediatrics unit was planned specifically
for children and their families.
"We practice a family-centered approach
and encourage family participation in making
a plan of care," Darragh says. "Our child life
workers also incorporate diversional activities
that decrease stress as much as possible for
the child."
In addition to day-to-day medical care,
VBMC sponsors support groups for parents
and children dealing with a variety of
medical, developmental and emotional issues,
including childhood diabetes, attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and
bereavement.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PEDIATRICS UNIT
AT VBMC, VISIT HEALTHQUEST.ORG/PEDIATRICS.
Set a snacking schedule.
Mindless snacking while
playing and watching TV fills
kids up and makes them more
inclined to be "picky" at meal
times. Schedule snack times as
you would meals — after all,
children are far more willing
to eat when they're hungry!
When your child is sick or injured,
you want access to the best medical
care available.
PUT
A
HALT
TO
Parents know that kids need a healthy, balanced
diet. But persuading a child to eat carrots instead
of cheese puffs is sometimes easier said than done.
CARE
PICKY
EATING
Most young children go through a picky-eating phase. Even many
elementary school-aged kids are still choosy. Say goodbye to pickiness
with these tips:
Let kids help plan the
menu. Take your kids to
the grocery store and allow
them to select a new fruit
or vegetable for the family
to try. Kids are often more
open to new foods when
provided choices.
Do some creative
"marketing." Giving
veggies fun names, such
as super-hero spinach,
teleporter tomatoes or
cosmic carrots, may make
them more appealing.
Show, don't tell.
Set a good example
and pile your plate
with the same healthy
foods you're serving
your child.
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Kid-Focused
