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Article Category: Highlights

Marking Milestones with Wellstar’s Pediatricians

Published on July 23, 2021

Last updated 04:59 PM June 21, 2022

provider listening to child's heart with stethoscope

As children prepare for the new school year, one step families can take to stay healthy is to head to the pediatrician for an annual check-up.

Regular pediatric check-ups are beneficial for the whole family. Together, you can discuss your child’s development, behavior, eating habits, sleep schedule and any other concerns you may have about their health. Because you and your child share the same goal — staying healthy and happy — your Wellstar pediatrician will partner with you both.

When it comes to parents, I like to make sure they know we’re making decisions together. That way, we can provide unique, individualized care for their child.

- Dr. Hebah Pranckun

Wellstar Pediatrician

“When it comes to parents, I like to make sure they know we’re making decisions together. That way, we can provide unique, individualized care for their child,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Hebah Pranckun.

Your family’s pediatrician will serve as a knowledgeable, trustworthy contact for all your health questions.

“There is no greater partner than the patient and the parent, and no better skill in medicine than listening — truly listening to the needs of the patient,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatric Officer Dr. Avril Beckford.

“Children grow and change so much in their first few years of life,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Therefore, it is very important they see their pediatrician every few months during this time.”

In early childhood, your child see a doctor every few months at these ages:

  • The first week (three to five days old)
  • 1 month old
  • 2 months old
  • 4 months old
  • 6 months old
  • 9 months old
  • 12 months old
  • 15 months old
  • 18 months old
  • 2 years old (24 months)
  • 2 ½ years old (30 months)

Then starting at age 3, children and adolescents should see their provider once a year through age 21, when they can switch to an adult primary care physician to continue their care. 

Healthy kids at every age

Your family’s pediatrician will get to know you and your child, personalizing care as they grow. Check with their doctor to ensure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations and protected from disease. Flu shots are also recommended every year for everyone at least six months old.

  • Ages 3 to 5.  Preschool-age children stay busy conquering milestones like climbing, learning shapes and colors, taking turns and showing affection for others. The pediatrician will ask if you have any concerns and discuss your child’s health, including eating habits and activity levels.
  • Ages 5 to 12. At this age, your child is growing quickly — a little more than two inches a year — but your Wellstar provider will help you and your child keep up with the changes. Nutrition is especially important at this age as your child goes through their growth spurts. Sometime between the ages of seven and 11 in girls, and 9½ to 13½ in boys, children start experiencing hormonal changes, and your family’s provider can help your child stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
  • Teens. At this age, patients may have their own questions about their health and will have the opportunity to speak with their provider alone. A check-up will include a physical exam, hearing and vision tests, and lab work such as blood tests. The exam will likely include several screenings such as checking for scoliosis, measuring blood pressure and listening to the heart with a stethoscope. 

To get your child all set for a healthy school year, visit wellstar.org/kidcare to learn more about our expert pediatricians and book an appointment online. 

Tags

Andrew Edward Doyle Hebah Sadek Pranckun KidCare
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Wellstar Foundation Gala Raises Over $1M for Pediatric Services
Wellstar Foundation raised more than $1 million to support innovation and advancement across Wellstar’s pediatric services during its annual Starlight Grand Gala on April 22 at The St. Regis Atlanta. This year’s event resulted in the highest dollar amount raised in the event’s 24-year history.
 
Sponsored by ApolloMD and Bank of America, the sold-out black-tie event was emceed for the second year by Condace Pressley, director of community and public affairs at WSB-TV and a member of the Wellstar Foundation Board of Trustees. Special guests joined nearly 600 corporate and community partners from across Georgia, including Atlanta Braves alumni Brian Jordan and Evan Struck, one of America's most sought-after speed painters who travelled from Michigan to perform at the event. Attendees also participated in a moment of remembrance and reflection after the recent passing of Wellstar Health System Emeritus Board Trustees Bob Prillaman and Walter Robinson to honor their legacy of service.
 
A last-minute donation from Atlanta Hawks Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, a long-time friend and ambassador for Wellstar, energized the crowd early in the evening with the opportunity to bid on a set of four tickets for NBA playoff Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. While Dominique was unable to attend in person this year, his passion and belief that everyone deserves world-class care, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay – especially Georgia’s young people – was evident in the room.
 
This message was echoed by Julie Teer, Wellstar Foundation President. “A healthier future begins with the well-being of our young people, and ensuring that our kids have access to the physical and mental healthcare they need has never been more critical,” said Teer. “At Wellstar, we care for the whole family, and we’re there for every life milestone – starting at birth. That’s why we’re focused on the state’s most pressing health needs through advancing solutions to health equity, increasing access to behavioral healthcare services, accelerating innovation, and helping ensure we have a thriving healthcare workforce to foster the health and well-being of our communities for generations to come.”
 
Wellstar physician leaders Dr. Carrie Stinson, chief of pediatrics, and Dr. Timothy Ryan, lead physician for ear, nose and throat (ENT), shared how Wellstar serves the broad spectrum of pediatric needs in our communities.
 
“Wellstar Pediatrics has grown to serve over 300,000 young people each year at our pediatric offices, pediatric emergency departments, inpatient units, NICUs, surgical centers and specialty care locations,” said Dr. Stinson. “Donations to our Foundation play a critical role in bringing forward improvements across Wellstar Pediatrics, including funding the pediatric emergency department at Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, which opened during the pandemic and meets a vital need in that community. And as we look to the future, philanthropy is helping us continue to expand access to world-class care for children and families that’s in their community and among the physicians and care teams they know and rely on.”
 
Dr. Avril Beckford, retired chief of Wellstar Pediatrics, was celebrated and honored with the Physician of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Beckford practiced with pride and passion for over 40 years, spending 30 years at Wellstar where she defined the vision for Wellstar Pediatrics that continues today. There are countless families across the state, like the Galli family, who have received the care they need when they need it most because of her efforts. And, she was instrumental in bringing to life initiatives such as Small Talk, developed as part of Literacy and Justice for All, a coalition of leading organizations including the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, United Way, Atlanta Speech School Rollins Center and Marietta City Schools — all committed to ensuring youth have the literacy skills needed to succeed in life.
 
Nadia Paul, a nurse at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, was also recognized by Wellstar President and CEO Candice L. Saunders with the Caregiver of the Year Award for her exemplary service and dedication to delivering “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” Paul’s compassion and care go above and beyond her daily responsibilities, and the award recognized her actions to pull together a bedside wedding in the coronary care unit for patient Derrick Butler and his now wife, Kizzy, when he couldn’t attend their wedding on his own.
 
Wellstar is one of the most integrated health systems in the state and is nationally recognized as a leader in healthcare innovation. Serving nearly 1 in 6 Georgians, Wellstar is the largest provider of charity care in Georgia and a top 10 provider in the nation. Gala proceeds support Wellstar’s commitment to expand pediatric services across every community it serves. And, through corporate and community partnership, the Wellstar Foundation fuels innovation and action to address the vital needs of diverse communities in Georgia. To make a tax-deductible donation or for information on future Foundation events and corporate partnerships, visit wellstar.org/foundation.

 

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Wellstar Team Members Voted Best of Cobb

The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:

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  • Kyle Brown
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Personal Trainer, Second Place

  • Ryan Breshears, PhD
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    Best Psychologist, Second Place

  • Ryan Cantwell, MD
    Wellstar Internal Medicine
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    Best General Practice Doctor, Second Place

  • Kozue Cunningham
    Wellstar Health Place
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  • Diedre Greene, MD
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  • Amy Gross
    Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
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  • Ashish Kapila, DPM
    Wellstar Podiatry
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  • Amy Kewin, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, First Place

  • Keisha McClure
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Massage Therapist, Third Place

  • Eduardo Molinary, MD
    Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine
    Best Pulmonary Medicine, Third Place

  • David Parks, MD
    Wellstar ENT
    Best ENT Specialist, First Place

  • Dhaval Patel, MD
    Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
    Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place

  • Daniel Saade, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, Third Place

  • Carolyn Smallwood, DO
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  • Randall Webb, MD
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Illustration of students talking and using computer

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BacktoCampusCare: What to Know About Anxiety

Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re a seasoned college student, the start of a new school semester can be exciting, stressful and a little scary all at the same time.

Between finding classes on campus and fitting in with new friends, you may be feeling anxious about the upcoming semester. Keep in mind, new-school-year nerves are normal and there are resources to help you — including your Wellstar primary care physician as well as on-campus counselors.

“Anxiety often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed,” said Wellstar pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “It’s not always recognized or talked about because people think it’s a normal part of life. But when anxiety interferes with completing homework, socializing or working at your job, it’s not necessarily normal. It’s helpful to have someone check it out.”

Signs of anxiety can also include difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain, headaches, significant changes in appetite or an explosive temper.

“There are effective treatments that make a difference for students including lifestyle changes, medication and therapy,” Dr. Doyle said.

Getting enough sleep, exercise and healthy food are highly important, and Dr. Doyle also recommends planning downtime from social media and life responsibilities.

“Therapy and role-playing can help you recognize your stressors and think through how to handle them ahead of time so you can face those situations,” he said. “For example, on exam day, start with positive self-talk. You can say, ‘I’m feeling nervous. I have a headache and an upset stomach. I know that’s because I’m anxious. I’ve taken many tests before and I can do this so I don’t need to worry about it.’ Breathing exercises before the test can help you stay calm. You can also plan ahead of the test to do something enjoyable afterward and to focus on that instead of the stressor.”

To help you start the semester off feeling mentally strong and physically healthy, here are some wellness tips to get you off to your best school year yet.

Study guide to stay healthy

From medical appointments to personal safety, follow our tips to prepare for college and prioritize your health.

  • Take control of your health. Book your annual physical with your primary care physician at the start of the semester.
  • Make mental health a priority. Get sufficient sleep, exercise and nutrition. Bring up any questions or concerns about stress, anxiety and depression with your primary care provider.
  • Recognize anxiety and manage it. When you recognize a situation that triggers anxiety, start positive self-talk and deep breathing. 
  • Schedule in self-care. College can be intense. Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy for your mental and physical well-being.
  • Stay organized. Use a planner or calendar to schedule classes, exams and study time to keep yourself on track.
  • Set roommate rules. If you’re living with roommates, create clear rules for your space like noise levels, chores and when other friends are allowed over.
  • Know your surroundings. Get familiar with the campus layout and where the security station or emergency phones are located.
  • Use the buddy system. Stay alert on campus and walk with a friend when possible, especially at night.
  • Protect yourself at parties. Never leave drinks unattended, whether you’re hanging out at a bar, party or other gathering with friends.

Get ready for campus life

Heading to college can be a big transition, and you may feel anxiety about the upcoming changes, especially during a pandemic. But don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need help getting ready or adjusting.

Talking to your Wellstar is a great place to start, whether your concerns are about physical, emotional or mental health. Our health partners are here to support you and can connect you with specialists to keep you feeling well.

Book your annual physical today and be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.

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