Reading Pediatric Associates PC

02/25/2025

Dear RPA patients & families,

Some of you may be aware of the proposed bans on medical care and other legislation aiming to restrict the rights of our transgender and gender diverse youth. These policies are in direct opposition to our values and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We at Reading Pedriatrics stand with our transgender and gender diverse families and support our patients in any care they choose to pursue. Our office is a place where our patients can feel safe to express themselves fully. 🏳️‍⚧️

01/22/2025

Dear RPA community: This is a scary time for many of us, and we would like to make sure everyone knows that all are welcome at Reading Pediatrics. Whether you are an immigrant, LGBTQ+, a person of color, Jewish, Muslim or any other religion, know that you will not only get top medical care, but you have our support and advocacy to protect all of our shared humanity and rights. You are safe at Reading Pediatrics. ❤️

11/27/2024

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
The office will be closed Thursday, November 28th and will reopen regular hours on Friday November 29th. As always, there will be a doctor on call for any urgent questions/concerns!

11/12/2024

02/14/2024

As of today, we are officially switching over to a new electronic medical record system, Epic!

Over the next month, we will have limited appointments as we work to transition all out patient information to the new system. Please be aware that the first time in the office after our transition the check-in/check-out process will require more time to ensure we have all the updated registration information and set patient sup with out new portal, TuftsMed.

Thank you in advance to all out patients and families for being flexible during this transition period. We are excited for all of the features the new system provides to ensure patients are getting the best possible care!

01/25/2024

Announcement!!

Reading Pediatrics is switching to a new medical record system (EPIC) in February.

Don’t worry - all of your patient records will be safely and securely converted to the new system and you will still be able to reach us during implementation.

Please be aware that we will have limited appointments as we transition all our patient information over to the new system.

As always, we will do our best to see as many patients as possible. If no appointments are available, our staff will work with you to determine the best alternative.

Please plan ahead in regards to annual physicals, school forms, and medication refills, as these may require more time to process than usual during the transition.

On February 13, 2024 at 12:00am, our current portal will shut down and we will launch the new portal - myTuftsMed. To start to prepare for the transition, please click the following link to start the process: https://mytuftsmed.org.
**Please note you may not be able to fully register for the portal until it becomes active on 01/31/2024.

Thank you to all of our patients and families for being flexible during this time! We will keep you updated throughout the process our social media and website. We are so excited for this positive change and look forward to sharing it with you!

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!

We are excited to announce our newest Nurse Practitioner, Kaelyn Melanson.

Kaelyn has been a dedicated employee at Reading Pediatric Associates for the past two years as a Registered Nurse. She also has been a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2022.

As Dr. Min starts to reduce her hours as she approaches her well-deserved retirement in 2025, we want to ensure adequate coverage and visit availability for our patients. Therefore, Kaelyn will be transitioning to the role of Nurse Practitioner as of January 2nd.

12/14/2023

Flu season is here! Learn how you can help your child!

What is the flu?
ᐧ A contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs.
ᐧ There are usually two strains that circulate each year - type A and type B.
ᐧ Flu season typically lasts from October-May, with January/February being the most active.

Signs and Symptoms
ᐧ Fever (usually over 101)
ᐧ Cough and congestion
ᐧ Headaches
ᐧ Muscle aches
ᐧ Sore throat
ᐧ Abdominal pain, vomiting
**There are usually no consequences. Some individuals, however, may develop secondary infections as a result of the illness, including ear infections and pneumonia

Emergency Warning Signs
ᐧ Fast or difficulty breathing
ᐧ Bluish/gray skin color
ᐧ Not drinking enough fluids, less than 1 wet diaper every 8 hours, or no tears when crying.
ᐧ Serious or constant vomiting
ᐧ Not waking up or not interacting
ᐧ Being so irritable that they don't want to be held
ᐧ Flu-like symptoms that improve, then return with fever and worse cough.
**If your child has any of the symptoms listed above, please seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.

Treatment → SUPPORTIVE CARE
ᐧ Rest
ᐧ Fluids
ᐧ Tylenol/Motrin as needed for fever/discomfort
** There are antiviral medications that may be used to treat the flu. These can shorten the illness and make symptoms milder when started during the first 48 hours of illness. Talk with your child's P*P to determine if they're a candidate.

How can I protect my child?
ᐧ Annual flu vaccine for yourself and your child. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
ᐧ Caregivers of children at high risk of flu complications should also get a flu vaccine
ᐧ Avoid individuals who are sick as much as possible. Remember to regularly cover coughs and sneezes.
ᐧ Encourage frequent and proper hand washing and avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
ᐧ Regularly clean contaminated surfaces.

When can my child return to school?
ᐧ Individuals can continue to spread the virus for up to 5-7 days after symptoms begin.
ᐧ Most schools require your child to be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning. Talk to your child's P*P to determine the best time to return.

12/05/2023

Let's talk about strep throat!

ᐧ Strep throat is an infection in the throat/tonsils caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus.
ᐧ Most common in children 5-15 years old (Rare in children < 3 years old) & during the school year, with peaks in winter & early spring.

Signs & Symptoms:
ᐧ Fever
ᐧ Pain when swallowing
ᐧ Red/swollen tonsils
ᐧ White patches or streaks of pus on tonsils
ᐧ Tiny red spots on roof of mouth
ᐧ Swollen lymph nodes
ᐧ Headache
ᐧ Stomach pain or nausea/vomiting
ᐧ Rash

Diagnosis:
ᐧ Your child will likely require an office visit for testing if you suspect strep throat.
ᐧ RPA uses ID NOW machines, which provide molecular results in < 6 minutes.

Treatment = **Antibiotics
ᐧ Individuals with strep throat usually start feeling better 1-2 days after starting antibiotics.
ᐧ If your child is given antibiotics, it's very important that they take it for the full course, as prescribed - even if symptoms get better or go away.
ᐧ The infection may worsen or spread to other body parts if not treated or improperly treated.
ᐧ In addition to antibiotics, supportive care interventions can be helpful. These include:
‣ Tylenol/Motrin as needed for fever/discomfort.
‣ Oral rehydration fluids to prevent dehydration.
‣ Warm foods & frozen treats can be soothing.
‣ Avoid orange/grapefruit juice, lemonade, or other acidic beverages, which can be irritating.

How can I protect my child:
ᐧ Throw away toothbrushes after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment.
ᐧ Don't share cups or utensils.
ᐧ Good hand hygiene can help protect you & your child from getting or spreading the infection.
ᐧ Cover nose & mouth when coughing or sneezing.
ᐧ Place tissues in the waste basket.

When can they return to school?
ᐧ Individuals with strep throat should stay home for school, work, or daycare until they are:
‣ Fever free for 24 hours, and
‣ Have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

For more information, see the Strep Throat handout at readingpediatrics.org.

Follow us on Instagram and leave a comment below! ⤵️

12/01/2023

How many gumdrops do you think are in the jar at our front desk? Comment your guesses here!

Top 3 guesses will receive Amazon giftcards.

Challenge ends on 12/12/2023 and winners will be announced 12/13/2023.

Be sure you’re following us to see who the winners are!

11/13/2023

Gobble Gobble!

Some of you may have noticed - Reading Pediatrics has a new turkey friend!

But we need some help naming it. Can you help us?

Share your ideas on facebook or instagram by 11/17/2023.

Winner will be announced on 11/22/2023.
(The winner will get a very special surprise!)

Make sure you are following us throughout the month to see updates on our new friends!

11/08/2023

Reading Pediatrics is now offering Beyfortus RSV vaccine! The FDA approved Beyfortus on July 17th, 2023.

The RSV preventive antibody (generic name nirsevimab, trade name Beyfortus) is a shot that prevents severe RSV disease in infants and young children. Like traditional vaccines, preventive antibodies are immunizations that provide protection against a specific pathogen.

This vaccine is recommended for:
• Infants aged