Framingham Pediatrics April 2024 Newsletter

Allergies

Allergy season is upon us. Here is some useful information from Stephanie Lubin-Levy, NP.

• Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal membranes and eyes caused by certain particles in our environment. Common triggers include pollen, molds, dust mites and animal dander.
• The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching of the eyes, nose, or throat, cough, and sometimes headache and fatigue.
• Allergen avoidance is the first step to managing allergy symptoms. Keeping bedroom and car windows closed, preventing outdoor pets from coming into the bedroom, and washing hair nightly can help reduce allergy symptoms. Frequent washing of bedding and use of allergy covers for mattresses and pillows can also help.
• Allergy medications can help relieve many, but not all, symptoms. It is generally a good idea to have your child take allergy medication(s) regularly during the allergy season, rather than just when they have symptoms. 
• The main treatment option for seasonal allergies is a non-sedating oral antihistamine such as Claritin®, Zyrtec®, Allegra® or Xyzal®.  Zaditor® (ketotifen) or Naphcon A® (Naphazoline / Pheniramine) are the most effective eye drops for itchy, teary or red eyes. Steroid nose sprays, such as Flonase® (fluticasone) and Nasacort®, are effective for nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. All of these medications are available over the counter without a prescription. 
• Take home message: with the correct treatments and interventions, most children will be able to find relief from allergy symptoms and be able to function normally. 

For additional information on allergic rhinitis check out our website.

Did you know? Our office is open 365 days a year. Come to your medical home before going to Urgent Care. And our web page is open 24/7/365 with lots of information about medication dosing, common health topics, office information and so much more!

From the Providers' Desk 

Does your child have Asthma?

Here are some very helpful instructional videos and information sheets from Boston Children's Hospital for those who have Asthma.

• How to Use a Nebulizer with Facemask
• How to Use an Inhaler with Spacer and Facemask
• How to Clean Your Inhaler and Spacer
• Helpful Asthma Educational Sheets

From the Front Desk

Do you have a High School senior heading off to college?

Most schools require medical information such as immunizations and/or past physical. If your child will be playing collegiate sports, they might require your child’s PCP’s signature on some paperwork. Please make sure to get your forms to us as soon as possible to ensure they are completed in time. If your child is due for their well visit or hasn’t received their Men B vaccine, call the office at your earliest convenience. Summer schedules are filling up. 

From the Billing Department

Just a little reminder that co-pays and outstanding balances are due at the time of your visit. If you have any questions regarding your balance, please ask for a detailed statement from the front desk. If they cannot answer your questions, they will have our billing department contact you.

Please note that balances due can be paid through your MyChart account. Please take a look!

Did you know? Dr. Richard Garber and Dr. Margaret Crawford were among the doctors named by Boston Magazine to be the Top Doctors of 2024 - Pediatrics.

Behavioral Health Corner:

Dear Framingham Pediatrics Families,

It is with the deepest appreciation that I write to you to share that I will be leaving my role at Framingham Pediatrics, effective May 1.

I came to Framingham Pediatrics in 2018 following my fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. This practice is where I began my career as a licensed clinical child psychologist after spending the previous 12 years working towards that goal. It is also where my love of primary care psychology grew.  

Almost two years after joining the practice, COVID-19 changed the world, and I transitioned from providing in-person care to telehealth, which I have provided exclusively for the past four years after my family and I moved to New Hampshire.  The needs of Framingham Pediatrics have now changed, and there is less need at the practice for the telehealth services I provide. 

I will transition to work within a pediatrics practice with a greater need for telepsychology. My husband and I are excited to be expecting our second child, and I will take maternity leave this summer. Afterward, I hope to return to Massachusetts and teach graduate psychology while also seeing patients.

I am so grateful to have worked alongside the medical providers and staff at Framingham Pediatrics for the past six years. They are so dedicated to patient care and child development, and recognize the importance of behavioral health. I am also thankful to have met and worked with the amazing families of this community. 

Thank you for your trust and for your support and for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I know you will continue to be in excellent hands with your team at Framingham Pediatrics. I wish you continued health and joy.

With gratitude,

Maxine Kantor Gingrande, PsyD
Clinical Child Psychologist 

 All of us at Framingham Pediatrics extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Kantor for her professional expertise and support of our patients since 2018. We wish Dr. Kantor and her family all the best in the future!

 Click here for information on our continuing Integrated Behavioral Health Program.

Did you know? April is National Stress Awareness Month. Click here for information about stress.

Employee Spotlight 

Jen - Registered Nurse

How long have you been at Framingham Pediatrics? : 3 months

Favorite ice cream flavor : Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Favorite children's book: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Favorite Disney movie? : The Parent Trap

What is the best part about working at Framingham Pediatrics?: I love that everyone at Framingham Pediatrics treats one another like family. The doctors and staff are kind, patient, helpful, and care not only about their patients, but about each other — and that has been obvious since my very first day!