Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 31 It's important that we make sure people feel safe, because we all realize—backed up by larger groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics, that regular well checks are so important to chil- dren's health. Many health issues have gone unaddressed during earlier periods of the pandemic, and it's so important that we stay on top of these things. It is important to realize that other dis- ease processes and health concerns have not paused, and we still need to keep up with our regu- lar exams and immunizations. Q: What should parents know about getting flu shots at this time that we are also deal- ing with COVID-19? Getting the flu shot this year is even more important than ever. We want to keep our general pop- ulation as healthy as possible right now. So the more that we can limit influenza, the more we will potentially keep children out of the doctor's office, keep kids from spreading flu and other infec- tious diseases, which can compound and worsen other viral processes, including COVID-19. The more we can keep everybody healthy this winter, the safer we will be and better able to handle the healthcare needs that arise within our population. Q: What should parents know about their role at doctor's visits as their children grow, and at what age should children go into the visit by themselves? Dr. Erwin: Even as young as 4 and 5 years old, it's important for parents to at times during the visit take a backseat and let the kids answer and interact. It helps facilitate a good relationship between the patient and the doctor. Typically around 12 years old, depending on a child's maturity level, we aim to have some private con- fidential conversations, and the point of those is to create a safe place where an adolescent can feel comfortable and express any concerns he or she may have about any aspect of their mental or physical health. This is not about shielding things from the parent, but it is about helping the child to build that safe space where they can begin to communicate with their healthcare provider as an independent adult, because as we get to those adolescent years, we do start to encounter those adult issues. An adolescent may feel more com- fortable talking to a pediatrician on a one-on-one basis. For example, I had a teen the other day ask me some questions about vaping, whereas if mom was in the room, he might not have felt comfortable asking this. Q: How can parents help their children learn how to get the most out of their doctor visits? As children get older, it's important for them to realize that they need to start taking owner- ship over their own body and their own health. Parents aren't always going to be around to show us how to eat healthy or protect us on a daily basis. It's my role to help teens realize that and help empower them and give them the tools to make healthy decisions about their own bodies, whether it's relating to mental health or diet and nutrition or sexual health, any of those things. Q: At what age is a young person ready to transfer from a pediatrician to a primary care physician? Dr. Erwin: Usually, I'll see kids through their college years. Usually around 18-20 is when you start thinking about finding an adult primary care physician, especial- ly if you are developing any chronic adult health issues. We can help our patients find somebody who is a good fit for their personality and preferences. Q: What do you like about being a pediatrician? Dr. Erwin: I have always loved working with kids. I come from a big family and have a lot of nieces and nephews and cousins. With pediatrics, I like that I can have a positive impact on families, and watch children grow, overcome chal- lenges, and develop through the years. All of us at Mary Washington Pediatrics really like to go the extra mile, because we really do care about these children's health going forward. On a personal level, I have an 18-month-old boy and my wife and I are expecting a newborn girl any day now so I am definitely able to relate well to my young families and what they are going through; it makes these interac- tions with young families all the more real and meaningful. To learn more about Mary Washington Pediatrics, visit practices.mwhc.com or call 540-899-3440 to schedule an appointment. Providers are also scheduling virtual visits. Stay tuned to the Fredericksburg Parent and Family Facebook Page and YouTube channel for a video in October featuring Mary Washington Pediatrics. Blair Ryland, M.D. Richard Erwin, M.D. Daniel Trementozzi, M.D. Rhonda Winchester, M.D. ...regular well checks are so important to children's health.

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