Champs Pediatrics: CHild and Adolescent Maui Physicians

01/13/2026

For infants born to mothers who test positive for hepatitis B or whose status is unknown, the currently recommended birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin continues with no change.

The adoption of individual-based decision-making for hepatitis B immunization maintains consistency of coverage through all payment mechanisms, including entitlement programs such as the Vaccines for Children Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as insurance plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

📍 Hepatitis B at birth: what’s current?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) still strongly recommends that babies receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth because it’s a proven safety net against chronic liver disease. 

The CDC’s updated guidance: for babies born to hepatitis B-negative parents, the birth dose is optional and best decided with your pediatrician. For infants born to parents who are hepatitis B positive or whose status is unknown, the birth dose is still recommended right away. 

💬 Bottom line: the vaccine is safe, highly effective, and still available—and we’re here to talk through what’s right for your family.

01/09/2026

Our review on the new food guidelines found us agreeing with almost everything.
Many core principles remain unchanged, including encouraging fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods.

Since 2011 the “food pyramid” had been replaced by MyPlate to emphasize a balanced diet with all food groups in each meal, whole foods .

Our role is to “translate” these to families by giving personalized advice
• realistic choices
• affordable options
• culturally appropriate meals
• and judgment-free conversations

01/06/2026

Chicken soup won’t replace antiviral medication when indicated (or your flu shot), but as supportive care, it’s one of the few home remedies that’s actually been studied and shown to reduce inflammation. We mean the home made- from scratch- grandma’s recipe chicken soup! (Not the packaged)
Chicken soup commonly contains:
• Cysteine (from chicken) → similar structure to acetylcysteine → mucus thinning
• Zinc & iron (small but relevant amounts)
• Amino acids + collagen
• Polyphenols & antioxidants from vegetables and herbs
Source:
Rennard BO, Ertl RF, Gossman GL, Robbins RA, Rennard SI. Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. Chest. 2000;118

01/04/2026

Why a Pediatrician would never skip this:
Before vitamin K was introduced, Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) occurred in
➡️ 1 in 60–250 newborns (early/classic forms)!!!
➡️ 1 in 10,000–25,000 infants developed late VKDB — often brain hemorrhages

After routine IM vitamin K?
👉 Rates dropped to 95% reduction in all forms of VKDB
• Oral vitamin K → effective only with strict multi-dose regimens
• Most modern VKDB cases occur in infants who received oral or no vitamin K
📖
1. Loyal, J., Taylor, J. A., Phillipi, C. A., et al. (2020). Refusal of intramuscular vitamin K by parents of newborns: incidence of VKDB with and without prophylaxis. Hospital Pediatrics. Without prophylaxis, early VKDB ranges 250–1,700 per 100,000 births and late VKDB 10.5–80 per 100,000 births. 
2. Shearer, M. J. (2009). Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in early infancy. Blood Reviews, 23(2), 49–59. Describes physiology, risks in breastfed infants, and prevention of VKDB with vitamin K supplementation.
9. Sirachainan, N., Komvilaisak, P., van Ommen, C. H., et al. (2025). International perspectives on vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infants: a cross-sectional survey. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, e31889. Median VKDB incidence ~35 per 100,000 globally in areas without routine prophylaxis.
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Fetus and Newborn. (2003). Controversies concerning vitamin K and the newborn. Pediatrics, 112(1), 191–192.

01/03/2026

Newborn questions we get every day as a pediatric office.

Some are completely normal.
Some deserve a closer look.

Have a question about your newborn?
Ask below or DM us—your question may be featured next.

General education only—always talk to your child’s pediatrician about concerns

12/31/2025

2025 was about clarity in a noisy world.
Evidence-based guidance. Personalized care. A practice where families are truly known.

We made thoughtful changes—including consolidating our office in one central Kahului location that is open daily- to deliver more focused, connected care. And we’re just getting started.

A big thank you to our CHAMPS families for your trust in caring for children. We do not take this responsibility lightly.
Wishing you a joyful and healthy 2026!!!

12/24/2025

Always here for our patients through our after hours number and texting!! We wish all our families a Merry Christmas!!!!🎄🎁

☎️ For emergencies always call 911

11/18/2025

Kahului office moments….
How many have played “I spy…” with this Welzie piece?!

11/18/2025

11/17/2025

Sneak preview on something new we are working on with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Hawai’i chapter of the AAP! Stay tuned!!!
life

11/14/2025

We have a saying in the hospital: “Never trust a newborn”Any newborn with a fever (100.4 F or 38 C) in the first 2 months of life should be seen immediately in an ER !

Have you ever been told: “ stay 40 days at home with your newborn?” By “confinement “ we mean not going to crowded places, bringing visitors etc.
Mother’s mental health is crucial, so having family members look after her and talking walks outside are recommended ! It is exposing the newborn to many people in the first month, that we want to limit.

Newborn immune systems are immature and an infection can spread quickly
Across many cultures—including Greek, Hawaiian, Filipino, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and South Asian traditions—the first 30 to 40 days after birth are treated as a sacred protection period for newborns. Families keep visitors minimal, avoid crowded places, and focus on rest, bonding, and healing. These traditions weren’t created out of fear—they were created out of wisdom. Long before we understood newborn immunity, communities recognized that babies thrive when their world stays calm, clean, and close. Today, pediatrics and culture meet in the same place: giving newborns a peaceful, protected start.

Unsure about the first days with your newborn? Check our newborn classes (link in bio) and speak with your Pediatrician!

11/11/2025

Reach out to your Pediatrician if you have questions. Read more at https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-alerts-public-about-recall-of-byheart-infant-formula-due-to-potential-contamination/