Dr. Shelly Flais featured in Parents Magazine
Shelly Flais, MDOver the last 3 decades, the rate of twins and triplets born in the US has risen dramatically. The Naperville area has seen a similar increase in multiple births, to the point that some in the national media have referred to Naperville as the "Twins Capital of America." For families double- or triple-blessed, the news can come with a mix of emotions. If you, friends, or family are raising multiples, check out this informative article from Parents magazine, which includes advice from Pediatric Health Associates' Dr. Shelly Flais:                     ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - January 21, 2015 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

The CDC reports that the flu is now widespread across the nation.
Many parents are wondering whether they should get their child vaccinated against the flu this year because a different strain than expected is causing a flu epidemic in 43 states as of yesterday.   Here are some things to consider:This year’s vaccine is about 61% effective.Flu strains can morph into another strain.Some schools have closed briefly to clean the classrooms because so many children are out with the flu.Some children are sent to school ill because of parents being unable to take time off work.Closed quarters make it more likely that illness will be shared.21 children have died thus far this year fr...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - January 6, 2015 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Vaccination Information Source Type: news

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 Wishing your family a healthy and safe new year! (Source: Pediatric Health Associates)
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - December 31, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

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We  Wish  You A Very Merry  Christmas     Our Christmas wish for everyone:PEACE               JOY               LOVE               HAPPINESS (Source: Pediatric Health Associates)
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - December 24, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

Safe Sleeping
Reminder:  The Walk-In Clinic is open Mon-Fri from 8 am to 9 am at the Naperville office.We tend to think the U.S. is more advanced in healthcare than any other developed nation.  In many ways it is but when it comes to infant mortality, we’re one of the worst with SIDS still being the #1 cause of death in infants between 1 month to one year of age.  In this country, about 2,100 babies die each year from SIDS.   Statistically that comes to one baby dying EVERY four hours!While the specific cause for SIDS is unknown, there are ways to reduce the risk. Cribs should be free of bumper pads, pillows, ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - December 5, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Healthy Habits Source Type: news

Thanksgiving Blessings
Yesterday families all over the U.S. gave thanks for the blessings in their lives.  Most celebrated the day with a traditional turkey dinner with family and friends. Each year Drs. Shoshara and Shakir work on an annual turkey drive to provide turkeys to needy families in the Chicago area.  Dr. Shakir’s father runs a food pantry in Chicago and together with several volunteers and organizations they put together the 14th Annual Chicago Muslim Turkey Drive.  How fitting it is that on the 14th Drive they could distribute 1400 turkeys (almost double the amount of turkeys from just two years ago)!   ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - November 28, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Volunteer Opportunities Source Type: news

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For the next few months you may see a new face here at PHA.  Pediatrician Raman Singh, D.O. will be assisting us while some of our docs are on leave.   Dr. Singh is currently doing a fellowship in sports medicine so he will be a great asset in helping with sports injuries.  We know you will enjoy meeting him with his welcoming presence!                  Remember flu season is upon us….schedule your flu shots today.      Hard to believe that the holidays are here already. Last year’s winter was too lon...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - November 26, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

Office Updates
a.)  We anticipate our flu vaccine supply to improve by mid-November.  Please call at that time to schedule your appointment.b.)  Our walk-in clinic is available Monday thru Friday at the Naperville office from 8 am to 9 am!c.)  If you are having trouble contacting the State of Illinois about the changes in your All-Kids insurance, please contact our office for help.  You must contact them by the end of November to continue being seen in our office. (Source: Pediatric Health Associates)
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - November 7, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

Marijuana....a rite of passage?
For many years there has been controversy over marijuana use and whether it should be legalized.  We are now seeing several states opening up pot shops across the country.   While most states restrict the sale for medicinal reasons, as does Illinois, pot can be easily purchased in most schools and neighborhoods. Medicinal cannabis has been altered to have more or less of certain ingredients such as THC according to the condition being treated.  It has made a radical impact for those living with severe seizure disorders.   So how does THC impact the brain?  Initially euphoria occurs, stimu...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - November 7, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Healthy Habits Source Type: news

Baby Ruth is a little peanut!
Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Thomas and her husband James on the birth of their baby girl, Ruth! Born September 15, 2014.   Her big brothers Jonah and Gideon are excited to have a baby sister! (Source: Pediatric Health Associates)
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - October 3, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

Why are vaccines still important in this day and age?
At Pediatric Health, we feel one of the most critical decisions you can make for your child is to vaccinate them. While we appreciate there are conflicting signals sent by some via the internet or television, none of these arguments are valid in the face of the evidence.If you are on the fence about whether to vaccinate your children or not, you may want to view a PBS program called “Vaccines—Calling the Shots”.    See the link below. At birth our immune system is immature leaving us at risk for infections.  After two months of age, the protection provided by the mother drops off rapidly. Vaccines...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - October 3, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

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 ATTENTION ALL KIDS PATIENTS!The State of Illinois will be moving many patients into a managed care program.   If you are selected, you will be receiving a letter asking you to pick which managed care program you want to be part of.  Each of these programs will provide you with benefits that may not have been offered to you in the regular All Kids program such as transportation services.IF YOU DO NOT CHOOSE A PROGRAM, ONE WILL BE CHOSEN BY THE STATE FOR YOU.   You will also need to choose a primary care provider (PCP) from the managed care plan that you choose.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE FOR YOUR...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - September 5, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Changes at PHA Source Type: news

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Pediatric Health Associates is excited to announce that we are starting a walk-in clinic starting Wednesday September 2nd at the Napervilleoffice from 8 to 9am Monday through Friday. Our goal is to provide parents with more convenient access in a familiar environment with pediatricians that know your children and allow families with busy schedules the ability to better manage their day. We do request that if your child has a chronic illness, multiple issues, or a lengthy complaint that requires more time with a provider to please schedule an appointment.Walk-ins will be based on a first come first serve basis. In order to ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - August 8, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news

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Have you signed up for the patient portal for your chance to win our next drawing for the mini iPad?Drawing September 1st!With kids playing outside this summer they are more likely to come across dogs in the park or in the neighborhood. Regardless of whether the dog is a stray or belongs to a family, here are some recommendations from Prevent the Bite to decrease the risk of your child being bitten.                  WAIT: Wait, Ask, Invite, TouchIn order to pet a dog, you must go through each step of the WAIT process.Wait to approach the doguntil you see that the dog is wit...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - July 23, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Healthy Habits Source Type: news

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Starting Tuesday, July 15th Dr. Shelly Flais' newest book "The Big Book of Symptoms" will be available in bookstores.Tune into Good Day Chicagoon the Fox network this Thursday July 17th at 8:45 am to hear Dr. Flais discuss the book.We congratulate Dr. Shelly Flais on her new book “The Big Book of Symptoms” published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some highlights from the book:What is the purpose of the book and why is it something every parent should have available to refer to?                   &n...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - July 14, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news