Neela Parekh M.D. Pediatrician

With new challenges of on-line schooling and unhealthy air quality due to the recent wildfires, I want to remind you that our office is here to support you and your family. We have the following updates. Requesting Online Appointments We have introduced a new feature of requesting appointments online!... Visit our website 24/7 at www.drparekh.com and click Book Appointment. Please create an account with Hourmine (our scheduling interface). When requesting an appointment, please include your child’s name, date of birth, and preference for in-person or telemedicine visit. Requests will be confirmed during our business hours. Flu Vaccines While a potential COVID vaccine is in the news, the American Academy of Pediatrics still emphasizes the importance of protecting your child from the flu. Flu vaccines are available in our office starting September. This year, we are offering drive-through flu clinics on certain Saturdays. Call our office to learn more. You can request your appointment online or over the phone. Physical check-ups Do not delay important developmental screenings, laboratory tests and vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that all children and adolescents are up to date on their physical exams and vaccines. We are offering telemedicine physicals for patients who are high risk. Prior to your video visit, please measure your child’s weight, height and temperature so we can document this data. Please make sure you are in a well-lit room with strong internet connection. Unhealthy Air Quality We are experiencing poor air quality due to fires throughout our region. Everyone should follow basic precautions to stay healthy and stay indoors as much as possible. Children with respiratory conditions need to be careful and watch for symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office. The safety and welfare of our patients is our top priority, we continue to be vigilant in our monitoring of the current situation. Thank you for continuing to trust us with your child’s care.

Dr. Sejal Parekh will also be seeing patients Tuesday and Thursday mornings for the upcoming month!

Dear Families, I know these are challenging times. I applaud you in maintaining a sense of normalcy for your children. As your pediatrician, I wanted to update you on a couple things. Well Child Checks... The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that all infants, children and adolescents are up to date on their physical exams and vaccines. Do not delay important developmental screenings, laboratory tests, and vaccines. In the office, I want to reassure you that I am taking precautions recommended by the CDC to ensure your safety. Such measures include masking for all employees and patients, patient cohorting to separate sick and well visits, social distancing, and room sanitation. To minimize gatherings, I am asking patients will call the front desk when they are in the parking lot so they can be roomed immediately. We are limiting the number of people in the office by allowing one parent per child for in person visits. All patients are pre-screened for coronavirus symptoms and possible exposures. Telemedicine We are offering video appointments for sick visits, follow up visits, and health counseling. Video appointments can be scheduled through the front desk at (408) 356-6167 or office cell (408) 748-4220. Please make sure you are in a well-lit room with a strong internet connection prior to your video visit. If possible, weigh your child and take their temperature prior to visit so we can document this data. Please also have your child’s medicines nearby in case you want to discuss any changes. School Re-Opening Many parents have many questions regarding school re-opening. I understand that every family is different. Some of you have high-risk family members such as grandparents living at home. Some of you have children who are at higher risk of falling ill in general, due to asthma or other conditions. I highly encourage you to book a video visit to discuss any concerns you have about schooling for your child in the upcoming year. We continue to be vigilant in our monitoring of COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for continuing to trust us with your child’s care. The safety and welfare of our patients is our top priority, our office is open weekdays except for Wednesday afternoon. Up to date and accurate information can be found at: https://cdc.gov https://sccgov.org https://covid19.ca.gov Best regards, Neela Parekh, M.D. and Staff

Getting outside during #COVID19 provides more than a fun break for children and teens. It is also good for their physical and mental health and development. Learn how to enjoy the outdoors safely this #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth: https://www.healthychildren.org//Getting-Children-Outside.

Teens may be experiencing big letdowns as graduations, proms, sports seasons, college visits and other long-planned events are cancelled or postponed. Here are a few ways you can help your teen during #COVID19. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth https://www.healthychildren.org//P/Teens-and-COVID-19.aspx

Check out these tips on learning from home for your kids. From the American Academy of Pediatrics. healthychildren.org//Working-and-Learning-from-Home-During

Check out some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to keep your kids safe and still explore the outdoors! https://www.healthychildren.org//Getting-Children-Outside.

How social distancing helps keep you safe https://www.healthychildren.org//Social-Distancing-Why-Kee

Navigating the COVID19 pandemic with a child with special needs? Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org//COVID-19-Information-for-

Have a new addition to the family? Check out these tips for having a newborn during the COVID19 pandemic, from the American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org//Tips-for-Coping-with-a-Ne

Looking for reliable information about COVID19? Check out this page from the American Academy of Pediatrics https://healthychildren.org//P/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

In light of COVID19 and school closures, it can be hard to maintain a routine. These webinars can offer strategies to minimize screen time for children during the quarantine. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6HQPMursT4yPSYxjNDVvqw https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rzzMN3YxQGyOkSX5KR0g7A

Do you feel like your baby always has a diaper rash? Read this explanation from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information. Make an appointment if you would like to discuss your baby's rash further! https://www.healthychildren.org//di/Pages/Diaper-Rash.aspx

Want some tips on safe skin care for your toddler this winter? Check out this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Make an appointment so we can examine your baby's skin! https://www.healthychildren.org//Avoiding-Dry-Winter-Skin-