Carolyn D. Ashworth, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Pediatric Associates of North Texas

Committed to Excellence in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care

What's New?

October 2008

Several cases of influenza have already been reported in the Dallas Metroplex, including Frisco. Please schedule your children for their flu vaccine. We will be happy to also do all family members. We are offering flu clinics to make getting immunized easier. Also, the flu vaccine is now recommended for ALL children 6 months to 18 years of age. There was a 5 fold increase in the number of deaths last year due to complications of the flu. Half of the deaths were in previously healthy children 5 years to 17 years of age.

Children need to get 400 IU of vitamin D per day for strong bones. This is supplied in 2-3 eight ounce glasses of milk per day. Otherwise a supplement is advised.

There are several new swaddling blankets on the market. Check out The Miracle Blanket, and the SwaddleKeeper. For car seat use, SwaddleMe is made by Summer Infant, Inc.

Recent studies suggest that the use of ceiling fans or an oscillating fan in an infant's room may drastically cut down on the rate of SIDS or crib death. The reason is possibly that the amount of carbon dioxide around the infants mouth and nose is decreased. Also using pacifiers at bedtime along with the back sleeping position has dramatically decreased the incidence of SIDS.

We now have extended hours on Thursdays for annual physicals, medication checks and other appointments for the school age kids so they don't have to miss so much school. This hopefully will also help working parents.

September 2008

Dr. Ashworth has been selected again by her physician peers as a Texas Super Doc for 2008 by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Our Flumist (nasal flu vaccine) is here and can be given NOW. Avoid the fall rush and schedule your children over 2 years old for the Flumist. We will soon be announcing our flu shot clinics starting in October, so stay posted.

Starting in October, we will have extended hours on Thursdays for those school age kids who need physical exams, and for those who get ill later in the day.

Also, our patient portal is ready! Please sign up so that when we send out mass emails your family is included. This is a secure site where you can request prescription refills, non urgent appointments, or pay your bill on line.

Finally, click here to hear Dr. Ashworth discuss the child obesity epidemic on Walking the Journey with Dr. Nina.

June 2008

It's a Sensory World! is a gym that caters to the recreational and social needs of children of all abilities, especially those with developmental delays and sensory dysfunction. Our facility is intended to fill the gap between therapy and main stream recreation. A place, where children regardless of their developmental level can participate in vigorous, safe and fun-filled activities. For more information, call 972-239-8100 or go to www.ItsaSensoryWorld.com

May 2008

The American Heart Association has just recommended that all children and adolescents on treatment for ADHD/ADD get a baseline EKG (ECG). There is no reason for alarm. They just feel since these medications can increase blood pressure and heart rate, it would be prudent to examine the electrical functioning of the heart muscle. With our electronic medical record system, we can easily do this test in our office. Please call to schedule your child's test. We will then email the results to a pediatric cardiologist for an official interpretation. The test only needs to be done once, unless it is done before 12 years of age. Then, it is recommended that it be repeated once after 12 years of age.

My Possibilities (www.mypossibilities.org) - Day program for adults with special needs.

Serving Collin county and surrounding areas

Nonprofit

Early enrollment available

March 2008

New Products

Have Harness - Will Travel

There's no need to carry that clumsy carseat on airplanes with the Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) aircraft restraint device. The belt-and-buckle device attaches to the existing airplane seatbelt to provide children with the same protection as a carseat. The harness is designed for children ages 1 to 4 years old who weigh between 22 and 44 lbs, and are no more than 40 inches tall.

The harness slides over the seat back and has loops through which the existing seatbelt slides. CARES weighs one pound and fits into a small pouch. It is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to be carried on and installed by passengers on US-registered aircraft. The device should not be used on seats located in exit or emergency rows, and should be used on forward-facing seats only. For more information, visit www.kidsflysafe.com.

Here's a Softie that's Naturally Tough on Tummy Pain

Happi Tummi was created to offer caregivers a natural way to ease baby's fussiness. The fabric-covered waistband contains a pouch that is filled with aromatic and therapeutic herbs, such as wheat and flax seeds, lavender, chamomile, and lemon grass.

The pouch is heated and then inserted into the waistband. When the waistband is wrapped around the infant's abdomen, the heat and aromatics help to sooth him or her and reduce painful spasms. The adjustable waistband is available in a variety of colors. For more information, visit www.happitummi.com.

February 2008

Bullying is an ever increasing problem in today's schools. There can be lifelong mental problems due to bullying. There are several resources for parents. First, let the school know. Also, there are two web sites that may be helpful. They are: www.safeschools.com and www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov.

January 2008

The most common complication of childbirth is Post Partum Depression. One out of eight moms experience some form of Post Partum Depression. However, some mothers and fathers feel completely overwhelmed with their new responsibility. Sleep deprivation adds to the problem. If you suspect Post Partum Depression in yourself or a loved one, seek help immediately. The phone number is 1-800-944-4773 and the website is www.postpartum.net.

December 2007

Medical studies have found that honey effectively treats a cough. REMEMBER NO HONEY UNDER A YEAR OF AGE. AFTER THAT 1/2 TSP - 1 TSP AT BEDTIME SEEMS TO HELP STOP THAT NAGGING COUGH AND IS VERY SAFE.

October 2007

We now offer in office lead testing. It requires 2 drops of blood and results are instant.

September 2007

We have our flu vaccine in and are ready to start flu vaccine clinics. The dates are as follows: Tuesday, Oct. 2 and 9. Saturday, Oct. 6, 13, and 20. The clinics on Tuesday will run 9-12 AM and 1-4 PM. The Saturday clinics will run 9-12 AM. We will have dedicated nurses and front office staff just to handle these clinics with the hope of really expediting the efficiency and minimizing your time. Everyone is welcome! We will be glad to have patients as well as their families and friends. Please call for an appointment.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older. Parents and family members of infants younger than 6 months need to vaccinate the family to provide a protective barrier to their infant.

The nasal mist vaccine is for children 5 years and older up to 50 years old in adults. It can not be given to egg allergic people, those with chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, etc.), persons with immune compromise or those on chronic aspirin therapy.

Children 6 months to 9 years of age need 2 doses spaced one month apart if this is their first year to get the vaccine.

Egg allergy precludes any flu vaccine.

All children with asthma, reactive airways disease, history of bronchitis or pneumonia absolutely need to get the flu vaccine.

We will file insurance on all of our pediatric patients. Adults will need to pay by check, cash, or credit card, and can't file on their insurance. The cost to adults is $30 for the injection and $55 for the flu mist.

THERE HAVE BEEN LABORATORY CONFIRMED CASES OF INFLUENZA IN OUR AREA ALREADY!!! THE WORLD IS PREDICTING A MASSIVE FLU EPIDEMIC, CALLED A PANDEMIC, TO HIT ANYTIME. THESE WORLD WIDE PANDEMICS CAUSE MILLIONS OF DEATHS AND SEVERE LIFE THREATENING PNEUMONIA.

Read more about the Flu on the Center for Disease Control website.

August 2007

We expect to receive our influenza vaccine in mid to late September. Dr. Ashworth recommends the flu vaccine for all children and adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics includes the flu vaccine as routine for all infants 6 months and older to 5 years of age.

Our remodeling is almost complete! We have added an infant feeding room to the well side of our waiting room for those parents who want to feed their infant in privacy and quiet.

July 2007

The office remodeling is finally complete!

We would like to welcome our new nurse practitioner, Cindy. She has over ten years experience as a nurse practitioner.

PEDIATRICS AFTER HOURS is our new urgent care center on the North East corner of Legacy and Independence. It will be open 5PM to 11 PM weekdays, and 12 PM to 10 PM Saturday and Sunday. Your children will always be seen by a board certified pediatrician and it will be billed out as a regular office visit, not an emergency co-pay. We will still have our regular office hours Saturday morning.

March 2007

ALERT!

Over the counter and prescription cold and cough medications are no longer recommended for children six years of age or younger. They are particularly prohibited in children less than two years of age. There have been three deaths in infants and several hundred children harmed by OTC medications used to treat colds and coughs. The risk now for these medications are felt to out weigh the benefits. It is best to push fluids, use a cool mist humidifier, use saline nose drops with bulb suction, and elevate the head of the bed. It is still safe to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) for fever reduction and pain relief. Medication may be prescribed by your health care provider in certain circumstances, but not for those under two years of age.

February 2007

Congratulations to Dr. Ashworth! She has been selected as D Magazine's Best Pediatric Specialist in Dallas for 2007. She was selected by a Blue Ribbon panel of physicians. Watch for her in the April issue.

January 2007

The peak flu season is about to hit North Texas. It is not too late to get protection from either the flu shot or the Flumist. (read previous information (in Oct. What's New) regarding the difference.) Call now to set up your appointment. We will be happy to immunize your children and any family member. The flu season peaks in February and March, don't be caught unprotected! Influenza can cause serious illness and even death.

November 2006

Congratulations to Dr. Ashworth! On November 2 she was honored as The Healthcare Hero of the Year by The Alliance of Healthcare Excellence. She has also been recognized by her peers as a 2006 Texas Super Doc in Texas Monthly Magazine. Additionally, the Dallas Business Journal honored her as a Healthcare Hero for 2006.

October 2006

We have all of our flu vaccine! We have the vaccine for 6 months through the adult years, no matter how old. The flu mist, a nasal vaccine is available for 5 years to 49 years, if you are not egg allergic and do not have asthma or any immune suppression. Please MAKE AN APPOINTMENT for all family members now. The vaccine is now recommended for ALL children 6 months to 5 years, and anyone with a chronic disorder. However, everyone should get the flu vaccine to prevent epidemics.

September 2006

Our office will start giving either the flu injection or the flu nasal mist starting in October. We expect to get all of our flu vaccine this year, but will get it in increments. Everyone in a family is welcome to schedule their flu vaccination here in our office. However, A SPECIFIC APPOINTMENT MUST BE MADE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL GETTING THE VACCINE. We will hold flu clinics to accommodate everyone. The first day is Saturday, October 7th, in the morning. Further dates and times will be posted.

All infants 6 months to 23 months are really at great risk from the flu and should receive the vaccine. Anyone with any lung problems, heart problems, or chronic disorders, such as diabetes, should receive the vaccine. It is recommended that everyone receive the vaccine, healthy or not. Caretakers of infants should receive the vaccine to protect their infants. The Flu mist nasal vaccine is for children 5 years and older, and adults up to 50 years of age. It is not recommended for anyone with asthma, or immune suppression, such as cancer chemotherapy. Persons allergic to eggs cannot receive either vaccine.

August 2006

We have gone electronic! In May 2006 we implemented Electronic Medical Records (EMR). We can see that the office will survive the switch over, but it was a really big challenge! The EMR will provide patients with better documentation of their care, better communication with other physicians, and assure increased privacy. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have helped us make the transition. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated!

July 2006

A new vaccine, Gardasil, is available to prevent cervical cancer. It is recommended for girls ages 11 and 12 years old, and requires three doses. The recommendation to vaccinate males is still pending.

A second dose of the chicken pox vaccine is now recommended. Children ages 4 - 6 will be given a booster dose of Varivax. The rate of natural chicken pox has dropped so low that we now need to boost children's immunity with the vaccine. Chicken pox remains one of our deadliest diseases and causes more deaths and hospitalizations per year than many of our other vaccine preventable diseases combined.

Adults caring for children under 12 months are recommended to get Tdap, which is the tetanus vaccine with Whooping Cough added. The old tetanus booster was Td. Now the largest outbreaks of Whooping Cough or Pertussis is in the teen and adult population. If your tetanus booster was at least 2 years ago, you can get the new vaccine, which will give more protection to your infant.

A new vaccine, Rotateq, is available for the severe winter vomiting and diarrhea disease caused by Rotavirus. This is the most common reason for hospitalizing children in the winter months. Many children and their parents end up in the emergency room needing IV fluids due to dehydration. This disease is responsible for many infant deaths in developing countries. It is an oral vaccine, and is given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. It can not be given after 32 weeks of age. Please see the CDC website, linked from the Immunization page on this website, for further information.

The material on this website is for informative purposes only. If you need specific medical advice, please contact our office for an appointment.