Patient Education
Being an informed patient and parent is key to taking charge of your health and the health of your child. We are committed to connecting you with the information and resources you need to understand options and to make health care decisions.
If after reading through the articles you have questions we have nurses dedicated to helping you decide on the best plan of care. Give us a call anytime with urgent concerns, during regular office hours for routine questions, or send us an email through the patient portal.
- FHPA Handbook
- Symptom Checker
- What's Going Around
- Handouts A to Z
- Health, Behavioral and Family Resources
- Newborns
- Teens
- Well Child
- Immunization Schedule for Birth - 6 years
- Immunization Schedule for 7 years -18 years
Recent Health and Safety Information
Vaping: What parents should know.
In the summer of 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law banning the use of e-cigarettes by minors, making Michigan one of the first states to address this growing issue. This new law is in response to a rise in illnesses and death related to vaping. According to the CDC, there have been numerous cases of lung illness and over 50 deaths related to vaping.
What is vaping? Vaping is the use of electronic cigarettes, which work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. The liquid can contain nicotine, THC, CBD oil, or other substances. E-cigarettes may also be called capes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mod, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Here is a link from the CDC with more comprehensive information.
How does vaping cause harm? The exact mechanism by which vaping has caused these injuries and deaths is not yet known. We do know that all reported cases have a history of e-cigarette use. In most cases patients reported using e-cigarettes containing THC (though some reported using THC and nicotine, and some nicotine only).
Would I know if my teen is vaping? Vaping is easy to hide, as many devices are made to look like a pen, a flash drive, or a key fob. The legal age in Michigan to buy e-cigarettes has just been raised to 21. Online and in other states, those 18 and older are able to purchase e-cigarettes, and many sites may not ask for proof of age.
How can I talk to my teen about vaping? Make sure that you have good information about e-cigarettes from credible sources first. Educate yourself. Remember to stay open, honest, and listen. You want to start a dialogue with your child. The Surgeon General has more information here. The Child Mind Institute also has some good information on starting an open conversation with your teen.
Summertime Safety
Free time to play and explore outdoors is important for children as they grow. Keeping kids safe during this time is especially important, as many accidents and injuries can occur. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1-4. The best way to prevent drowning is with close supervision at all times when children are in the water. Children under age 5 should have “touch supervision,” with an adult always within arm’s length. For sun safety, the best defense is covering up and avoiding prolonged exposure during peak sun hours. In addition, children should always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater (UVA/UVB). Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Insect repellent is also important to prevent infection with such illnesses as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Children >2 months should wear bug spray containing DEET on clothing and exposed skin (avoiding hand on young children who often place them in their mouths).