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Transitions, both into teenage years, and out into adulthood require special care.
We help you navigate the formative years, and we even help them find an adult physician when they turn 18.
Connect with our staff to learn more.
FAQs
I have a teen, and we both have lots of questions.
Forms & Links
Find forms and links specific to bringing a new baby into the family.
Contact Us
Ready to meet us? …or just have a few questions? Give us a call.
Get Started Here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at a typical first visit?
Besides making sure that all of your paperwork is in order, our practitioner likes to get to know your teen.
Becoming a Patient
Joining our practice is easy.
Start by contacting our office and filling out these forms.
Finding an Adult Physician and Transitioning Out of Our Practice
How do I make the “move” to adult care?
First find a doctor.
Finding a doctor and other health care providers who can provide the best care for your health needs as an adult can take time.
At Middleboro Pediatrics we can look after your health care needs until age 22 years but we encourage you to start looking for an adult primary care provider (PCP), usually an Internal Medicine or Family Medicine doctor, well before age 22 so that you can transition smoothly from pediatric to adolescent to adult care.
It will be important to check that your new doctor takes your health insurance. There are a number of ways to find a new doctor:
- Check online with your health insurance website for names of doctors who are taking new patients
- Ask family or friends for a recommendation
- Speak to a service representative at your heath insurance plan; you will find the number to call on the back of your health insurance card.
- Your local hospital website will usually list information about doctors affiliated with the hospital.
- If you need additional guidance you can contact us for advice.
Think about your needs.
When choosing a new doctor, consider what is really important for your health care:
- Which network of providers and which hospital do you want to use.
- What setting you would like for your ongoing health care needs: solo or single-specialty group practice, multi-specialty group practice or clinic?
- How available is your doctor and does the practice use Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants?
- If you are female does the office provide routine gynecological care?
- Does the office have convenient hours for your needs?
- How will you get to the office?
- Does the office use electronic medical records, or have a website or patient portal?
If you are going to college and using the college health services and will live at home between semesters it is still important to identify an adult health care provider.
If you have been followed for a number of years by a pediatric specialist for a particular health problem, talk to your specialist about transferring to a specialist who sees adults with similar conditions and can take over your care. Your new primary care provider will also help you identify new specialists who care for adults.
If you are a patient with special health care needs and have been involved in specialized transition planning, you or another designated adult may choose to talk to your provider in our office about how we can help you transfer to adult health care. You may want to identify a physician who has experience with your particular health care needs or ask for a “consult” appointment to meet and interview them before transferring, although not all physicians provide this service.
Arrange transfer of medical information.
Once you decide on your new doctor you will need to formally transfer care by releasing your medical records to your new doctor.
This is called Transfer of Medical Records.
You need to provide a written request for Transfer of Medical Records to our office. Please be sure to include your full name, your date of birth (DOB) and the name and address of the new doctor to whom you want the records transferred.
Please allow 10-14 business days for your records to be forwarded. Please be aware that there is no charge to transfer your medical records to the physician you identify but that if you request additional copies there is a charge.
Our office is available to help in transitioning from adolescent health care to adult health care and transferring to a new doctor.
Please check our website for further information or talk to your provider if you need additional help with this process.
What Forms Do I Need to Have?
We will need some information from you at your teen’s first visit. You can streamline the process by printing out the necessary forms and bringing them with you to the office. Some of the forms can be found below, but also here.
Teen Resources:
Helpful Information
Transitioning through Adolescence
The process of growing up and becoming independent is sometimes called “transition”. The term refers to the transition from adolescence to adulthood and is often used when a child is:
- Learning to be more independent
- Learning to manage his or her own health care
- Changing from pediatric- to adult-oriented medical care
- Moving from school to college or work and other aspects of adult life
Emotional and Mental Health Issues
Website from experts at the Child Study Center, NYU, offer you a comprehensive library of articles dealing with all the crucial elements you need to know for Keeping Kids Healthy.
http://www.aboutourkids.org/families/keeping_kids_healthy
A guide for adolescent mental health disorders and treatments provides overviews of a number of children’s mental health disorders as well as related articles.
Bereavement Counseling and Support
Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association. Inc.
Hospice & Palliative Care recognizes that the needs of family and friends do not end when their loved one dies. Grieving is an important emotional process for all those who suffer a loss. At no cost to the participants, hospice provides the following services for those who are grieving:
Serving the communities of Greater Fall River, Greater New Bedford and Greater Taunton.
https://www.southcoast.org/services/vna/hospice-care/ens
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Programs in Massachusetts
https://childrengrieve.org/find-support/9-find-support/27-programs-in-massachusetts
Boston Medical Center: Good Grief Program
For more than 20 years, the Good Grief Program has offered clinical, training and consultative services to families, educators and health providers and communities to help adults help children facing life’s speed bumps.
Call: 617.414.4005 or 617.921.4008
Fax: 617.414.7915
http://www.bmc.org/pediatrics-goodgrief.htm
HopeHealth
Counseling services located in southeast Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands.
Youth Bereavement Support
Children are profoundly affected by the serious illness or loss of a family member or friend. They need healing opportunities to process that loss. Our HopeHealth program counselors can help support children and adolescents through play and art therapy, age-appropriate support groups, specialized workshops and home and office visits. We also offer equine-assisted therapy and supportive experiences through the healing power of nature. Most insurance plans are accepted and no one is turned away due to inability to pay.
Marijuana: Facts and Risks
As of 2012, rates of use of Marijuana by teenagers in the U.S. reached a 30 year peak. This is an alarming statistic when considering the dangers of the use of marijuana, particularly among youth. We have seen firsthand in our patients the damaging effects marijuana has had in both the immediate term and on the futures of our patients. The brief information below is designed to help clear up misconceptions/myths about marijuana, but you are encouraged to read more thoroughly about marijuana and substance abuse at the websites below.
MYTH #1: MARIJUANA IS SAFE
FALSE! There are many negative effects of marijuana
Marijuana can cause serious problems with learning, feelings, and health. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana. THC affects the brain’s control of emotions, thinking, and coordination.
Short term use of marijuana can lead to:
- Poor school performance, worsening grades
- Breathing and lung problems
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Increased aggression
- Car accidents
- Use of other drugs or alcohol
- Risky sexual behaviors
- Increased risk of suicide
- Increased risk of psychosis
Long-term use of marijuana can lead to:
- The same breathing problems as smoking cigarettes (coughing, wheezing, trouble with physical activity, and lung cancer)
- Addiction (including giving up other important activities, withdrawal symptoms)
- Decreased motivation or interest
- Lower intelligence
- Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, anger, moodiness, and psychosis
- Decreased or lack of response to mental health medication
- Increased risk of side effects from mental health medication
MYTH #2: MY PARENTS USED IT, SO IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL
Marijuana use became popularized in the 1960’s, but since then, there have been major changes which have increased the negative impact of its use on youth.
- The average age of users has dropped from over 19 to just under 17, and the age at which kids first start trying marijuana has dramatically decreased. The risks of addiction and long term problems of use increase the younger you are.
- The availability of higher potency marijuana, measured by levels of the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is increasing. Average THC levels rose from less than 1 percent in the mid-1970s to more than 6 percent in 2002. Sinsemilla potency increased in the past two decades from 6 percent to more than 13 percent, with some samples containing THC levels of up to 33 percent. In brief, a joint today is likely to be 6-10 times more powerful than “your parent’s” joint 30-40 years ago.
MYTH #3: IF IT IS “MEDICAL” IT IS OK TO USE
FALSE! Currently, only man-made forms of THC are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a very small number of specific medical uses. There are no FDA-approved medical reasons for children or teenagers to use marijuana or THC in any form. The FDA has determined that the scientific research to date does not support the “medical use” of smoking marijuana as the clearly identified risks outweigh any marginal benefits, and notes that smoking as a means of drug delivery is almost never advisable due to the health risk.
“Medical marijuana” is not checked for ingredients, strength, or safety. There is no evidence that medical marijuana is any safer than other marijuana.
The use of marijuana is illegal in the United States and prohibited by Federal law. However, medical marijuana laws are different from state to state. Several states allow the use of medical marijuana for adults. Almost all of these states still say that it is a crime for minors to sell, have, or use marijuana.
MYTH #4: MARIJUANA IS NOT ADDICTIVE
FALSE! Regular use of marijuana can lead to dependence and addiction, which causes users to have a very hard time stopping. When teens use marijuana regularly, they may crave marijuana and give up important activities to use marijuana. If they stop using, they may suffer from withdrawal symptoms which can include irritability, anxiety, and changes in mood, sleep, and appetite. Currently more adolescents are in treatment for marijuana disorders than all other substances (including alcohol) combined.
MYTH #5: MARIJUANA MAKES YOU MELLOW
FALSE! Marijuana use is associated with higher risk of mental health problems. High doses of marijuana can produce a temporary psychotic reaction (involving hallucinations and paranoia) in some users, and using marijuana can worsen the course of illness in patients with schizophrenia. A series of large prospective studies also showed a link between marijuana use and later development of psychosis. This relationship was influenced by genetic variables as well as the amount of drug used and the age at which it was first taken—those who start young are at increased risk for later problems.
Associations have also been found between marijuana use and other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts among adolescents, and personality disturbances, including a lack of motivation to engage in typically rewarding activities.
Other web-based resources for information on marijuana and substance abuse:
- http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-factsExcellent resource from National Institute of Drug Abuse written for teenagers. Comprehensive.
- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfactsComprehensive overview from National Institute of Drug abuse written for adults.
- https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/marijuana_myths_facts.pdfMyths and facts about marijuana use
- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens/some-things-to-think-aboutFrom the National Institutes of Health
- http://www.healthychildren.org
This website is by the American Academy of pediatrics for a very broad range of topics for patients and parents. Use search for “marijuana” or “substance abuse”
Nutrition, Food Sensitivity, Eating Disorders
Here are several websites about nutrition. You can learn about good eating habits here. In addition, if you are concerned about your weight, you can learn healthy ways to slim down.
Choose My Plate
Health and nutrition for children from the Center for Nutrition Policy and promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nutrition and Fitness
Information that explains the basics of nutrition and fitness, with east to follow tips on how to eat right and stay fit
http://kidshealth.org/teen/centers/fitness_nutrition_center.html
Information about becoming a vegetarian
If you’re choosing a vegetarian diet, the most important thing you can do is to educate yourself. That’s why the ADA says that a vegetarian diet needs to be “appropriately planned.” This web site will help you make sure you are receiving all the important nutrients that your body needs.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/vegetarian.html
Information on Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Diets.
People who have celiac (pronounced: see-lee-ak) disease have a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten. The good news is that many favorite foods (even birthday cake and pizza) can be prepared without gluten. So if you have celiac disease, you can still find ways to enjoy most of your favorite foods — you just need to do some research and be aware of what’s in them.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/digestive/celiac.html
Celiac Disease Foundation
A non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to providing services and support regarding celiac disease and dermatitis.
Food, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about a clearer understanding of the issues surrounding food allergies and providing helpful resources and recipes.
Enjoy Life Foods
A privately owned company based in Schiller Park, Illinois that produces gluten-free, casein free, and foods intended to be non-allergic.
Tips for Teens with Diabetes: Make Healthy Food Choices
This tip web site provides useful information about diabetes and encourages teens to take action to manage their disease for a long and healthy life.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity
Information about Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals make people’s bodies work properly. Although you get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat every day, some foods have more vitamins and minerals than others. You know vitamins and minerals are good for you. But which ones does your body really need? And is it possible to get too much of a good thing?
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/vitamins_minerals.html
Dieting: Information for teens
If you’re thinking about dieting, or have dieted in the past, this web page is for you. It has facts about dieting, and suggestions about what to do and where to go if you are concerned about your weight.
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/dieting_information_for_teens
Managing Your Weight
It’s particularly important to catch weight problems while someone is still a teen. Being overweight as a teen makes a person more likely to be overweight as an adult. In addition, many overweight teens are developing long-term medical problems like diabetes. Teens who are overweight also might be teased or bullied and are more at risk for depression. This web site will teach you how to lose weight safely.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/centers/weight_center.html
Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia
Eating disorders are so common in America that 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with one. Each year, thousands of teens develop eating disorders, or problems with weight, eating, or body image. This web site will teach you about eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/eat_disorder.html
Multiservice Eating Disorder Association
Non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Includes a referral directory of treatment providers.
Walden Behavioral Care
A treatment facility located in Waltham, Massachusetts specializing in eating disorders that provides full continuum of care.
National Eating Disorders Association
National non-profit eating disorders organization. Information, referrals, support, prevention, conferences, and newsletters.
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Cambridge Eating Disorder Center
Outpatient program dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders. Provides information about signs and symptoms, treatment, and referrals.
Pregnancy Prevention
Information on birth control options and family planning.
CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICES:
Girl’s Health
Comprehensive website for a variety of health and wellness topics for preteen, teen and young adult females. Provides written information, pictures and frequently asked questions about various methods of birth control.
www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/bc_types.html
Young Women’s Health
A teen girls’ health website featuring health guides, quizzes, chats, & more created and maintained by Children’s Hospital Boston’s Adolescent Health Center.
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org
Planned Parenthood
Provides extensive review of various methods of birth control including brief videos of each.
TERMINATION PREGNANCY:
Factual information on the options available for pregnant teens and women.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. Includes search engine to find nearest health center to you.
Four Women
Four Women Health Services is a health clinic committed to quality comprehensive gynecological care in Attleboro, MA. We provide a range of reproductive health care options and specialize in supportive, gentle abortion care.
Telephone: 508-222-7555
Young Women’s Health
A teen girls’ health website featuring health guides, quizzes, chats, & more created and maintained by Children’s Hospital Boston’s Adolescent Health Center.
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/
LEGAL RIGHTS OF MINORS:
Information regarding privacy protection for teens under 18.
Planned Parenthood
If you are under 18, your state may require one or both of your parents to give permission for your abortion or be told of your decision prior to the abortion. However, in most states you can ask a judge to excuse you from these requirements. The procedure is called a “judicial bypass.” To find out more about the laws in your state and the judicial bypass option, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center or call 800-772-9100
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts
The Children’s Law Center Of Massachusetts is a private, non-profit, legal advocacy and resource center providing direct representation to low income children in Eastern Massachusetts, and technical assistance and training to lay and professional communities throughout New England on issues affecting children’s education, civil rights, custody, health and welfare.
Preventing Relationship Violence
Information on prevention, crisis intervention and management of children and adults who have experienced abuse.
SEXUAL ABUSE
Crisis Centers – Southeastern MA
You may always call 911 or go to your closest Emergency room to receive help and services.
New Bedford Women’s Center
405 County Street
New Bedford MA 02740
24/7 Hotline (508) 999-6636
Office (508) 996-3343
Fax (508) 999-7139
Also located in Fall River
Health IMPERATIVES
Womansplace/HCSEMA
950 West Chestnut Street
Brockton MA 02301
24/7 Hotline (508) 588-8255
Office (508) 580-3964
Fax (508) 588-0034
Independence House
Cape Cod Rape Crisis Center
160 Basset Lane
Hyannis MA 02601
24/7 Hotline (800) 439-6507
Office (508) 771-6507
Fax (508) 778-0143
New Hope
140 Park Street
Attleboro MA 02703
24/7 Hotline (800) 323-4673
Office (508) 226-4015
Fax (508) 226-6917
SANE Advocates
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are specially trained and certified professionals skilled in performing quality forensic medical-legal exams. Should a case go to trial, the SANEs are then available to testify.
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/community-health/dvip/violence/sane/overview.html
Girls Health
Developed by the Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, this website promotes healthy, positive behaviors in girls between the ages of 10 and 16. This section of girlshealth.gov can give you skills for building strong and healthy relationships with friends, family and dating.
http://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/index.html
Children’s Advocacy Center of Plymouth County (CAC)
The Plymouth County Children´s Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a comprehensive approach to serving child victims and their families. The Center coordinates and supports an interdisciplinary response in a child-friendly environment that promotes children´s safety, health, and well-being. 508-580-3383
http://www.mass.gov/da/plymouth/cac/cac.html
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services – Division of Violence Prevention and Intervention Services.
Information on programs and services offered by the Commonwealth, including but not limited to training opportunities and protective services for children, adolescents, victims of sexual and domestic violence, juvenile crimes, elderly abuse/exploitation, and violence committed against the disabled.
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/community-health/dvip/violence
Puberty
Understanding Normal Puberty
As a teen you should understand the changes in your body as you develop. Parents are often unsure about normal pubertal stages.
This simple slide show reviews the normal stages of adolescent puberty without graphic content.
http://children.webmd.com/early-puberty-10/slideshow-puberty-stages
Girls Health.gov
Website geared for girls between the ages of 10 and 16 with information regarding their body, nutrition, feelings, bullying, safety and other useful information while transitioning form a child to adolescent.
Center for Young Women’s Health
Website brought by Children’s Hospital Boston working in collaboration with gynecology and adolescent and young adult medicine providing young girls with information on nutrition/fitness, emotional health, gynecology and other topics that affect young girls.
BAM-Body and Mind
Website created by the Centers for Disease Control for children 9-13 years old. Providing information to assist children to make healthy life choices.
Young Men’s Health
Website brought by Children’s Hospital Boston providing health information to teens boys and young men. Website is designed to improve their understanding of normal health and development.
Teens Health
Website that provides honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life.
Sexuality Education
This page is an excellent resource guide for parent and patients regarding sexual and pubertal education for teens and adults with chronic conditions or disability.
Books about Puberty
Usborne Facts of Life series
http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/catalogue.aspx?cat=1&area=S&subcat=SFL
What’s happening to me? (boys) 9+
Paperback :ISBN: 9780746076637
A sensitive, detailed and informative guide to male puberty, invaluable for young boys and parents alike, tackling key subjects from physical changes to emotional ones.
What’s happening to me? (girls) 9+
Paperback : ISBN: 9780746069950
A sensitive, detailed and informative guide to female puberty, invaluable for young girls and parents alike, tackling key subjects from physical changes to buying their first bra.
Osborne facts of Life Growing up 10+
Paperback: ISBN: 9780746031421
A very approachable and reassuring account of exactly what happens in the body at puberty. Includes informative sections on sex, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and drugs, as well as advice on healthy eating, exercise and hygiene.
Osborne Facts of Life Growing up for Girls 9+
Paperback: ISBN: 9781409534976
A straight-talking book to prepare girls for the exciting and sometimes daunting emotional, psychological and physical changes as they approach puberty. Includes helpful tips and fact boxes, as well as quick quizzes and quirky illustrations throughout.
A safe and reliable way to explore all sorts of burning questions – a great comfort kept on a bedroom bookshelf to dip in and out of.
With a focus on staying happy and confident, this book covers all the topics that girls want to find out about, including moods and feelings, periods, what happens to boys as they grow up, diet, eating disorders, exercise, body image, sex and relationships, contraception, sexual health, self-confidence, drink and drugs, exam stress, cyber bullying, and staying safe – both out and about and online.
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) 1998
ISBN: 156247661
ISBN: 9781562476663
Fiction books to prepare Girls for puberty:
ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET
Judy Sussman Blume Age 10 ‑ 13
JOHNNY MAY
Robbie Branscum Age 9 ‑ 12
THE LONG SECRET
Louise Fitzhugh Age 9 ‑ 12
I KNOW YOU, AL
Constance Clarke Green Age 11 and up
LEAP BEFORE YOU LOOK
Mary Slattery Stolz Age 12 and up
Sexuality: LGBTQ+
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
Provides online guide of transgender health resources and provides extensive list of health care providers who treat transgender patients.
Center for Young Women’s Health, Boston Children’s Hospital
Health Guides that are full of easy-to-understand information, on just about any topic you might be wondering about.
www.youngwomenshealth.org/sexuality_menu.html
Parents, Families, Friends and allies united with LGBT People
Promote the health and well-being of LGLBT persons, their family, and their friends through support, education, and advocacy.
GeMS Clinic Gender Management Services
Boston Children’s Hospital provides care and support to those with Gender Identity Disorder.
Sexuality Education
This page is an excellent resource guide for parent and patients regarding sexual and pubertal education for teens and adults with chronic conditions or disability.
Skin Issues
Skin Care Physicians
Website created by the American Academy of Dermatology to provide patients up-to-date information on the treatment and management of skin diseases.
Kids Health
Website created by The Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media, a division of The Nemours Foundation which is a nonprofit organization devoted to children’s health. It has a comprehensive library on a variety of issues for Parents, Kids and Teens, including topics on skin care.
Center for Young Women’s Health
Website created by Boston Children’s Hospital for young girls. It provides information for a variety of topics relevant to young women including skin care issues.
Healthy Children
Website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics providing resources to parents for children from birth to young adulthood. It has some information on teen acne and common skin problems and the safety of body piercing and henna tattoos.
Tanning and Health Risks
While it remains a popular belief that a tan makes a person look healthy, significant health risks are associated with tanning. Despite the risk, tanning remains a common practice in young people. The World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer has listed ultraviolet radiation from the sun and from artificial light sources (including indoor tanning equipment) as a known cancer-causing agent. Many countries around the world have banned the use of indoor tanning and in December 2015 the United States FDA proposed banning use of indoor tanning by people under the age of 18 years. Here is some important information for you to consider about indoor tanning (extracted from the American Academy of Dermatology Website as of 1/7/2016):
Indoor tanning use is common
- Thirty-five percent of American adults, 59 percent of college students, and 17 percent of teens have reported using a tanning bed in their lifetime.
- Approximately 7.8 million adult women and 1.9 million adult men in the United States tan indoors.
- 12.8 percent of high school students have reported using an indoor tanning device.
- Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and young women, and melanoma is increasing faster in women 15-29 years old than in young men of the same age.
- The indoor tanning industry’s revenue was estimated to be $2.6 billion in 2010.
Risks of indoor tanning
- Indoor tanning equipment emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun, and in some cases may even be stronger.
- Multiple studies show that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of skin cancer, including the most dangerous form (melanoma).
- Researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year.
- Melanoma is more common among young females compared to young males and may be due in part to widespread use of indoor tanning among females.
- Studies have found a 59 percent increase in the risk of melanoma in those who use indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. Even people who do not burn after tanning are at increased risk if they tan indoors.
- Even one indoor tanning session can increase users’ risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent and basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent.
- Indoor tanning before age 24 increases one’s risk of developing basal cell carcinoma by age 50.23
- Other health risks of indoor tanning include: premature skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.
- In addition to the above-mentioned risks, frequent, intentional exposure to UV light may lead to tanning addiction.
- Indoor tanning beds/lamps should not be used to obtain Vitamin D due to safety risks. Vitamin D can be obtained by a eating a healthy diet and by taking oral supplements.
For more information on how to protect your skin and information how to reduce your risk for skin cancer, you can link to the websites below:
American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer
Skin Cancer Foundation (the section called “True Stories” has stories about young person’s experiences with tanning and skin cancer. See the video “Natalie’s story”):
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines/preventing-skin-cancer
Vaccine Information
Allied Vaccine Group
Comprised of websites dedicated to presenting valid scientific information about the sometimes confusing subject of vaccines.
Every Child by Two
Strives to raise awareness of the critical need for timely immunization and establish a systematic method to ensure the immunization of all of America’s children by the age of two.
Immunization Action Coalition
Childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization information and hepatitis B educational materials.
The Immunization Education Program (IEP)
Represents a public-private partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PA AAP). The goal of the Immunization Education Program is to decrease the incidence of vaccine-preventable disease by improving the immunization levels of children.
The Institute for Vaccine Safety – John Hopkins University
The purpose of the Institute for Vaccine Safety is to obtain and disseminate objective information on the safety of recommended immunizations.
http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/Aboutus.htm
Massachusetts Department of Health
Includes immunization information.
http://www.magnet.state.ma.us/dph/
National Immunization Program
This site provides recent and accurate immunization information from the National Immunization Program, the Federal Government’s principal agency for immunization policy and recommendations.
National Network for Immunization Information
Provides up-to-date, science-based information to health care professionals, the media, policy makers, and the public – everyone who needs to know the facts about immunization.
http://www.immunizationinfo.org/
National Vaccine Program Office’s (NVPO)
This site provides pertinent information about childhood, adolescent, and adult immunizations. You will find publications and reports on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccine safety, vaccine coverage, immunization laws, and immunization registries.
Shot by Shot
A collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventable diseases. With the success of vaccines, we don’t see diseases like meningitis, polio, and hepatitis as often as our parents or grandparents did, but the diseases still touch people in our own communities and cause a huge amount of suffering and death worldwide. Shot by shot’s storybank of real-life stories, told by survivors, family members, friends, and health care providers, brings first-hand experiences to new generations. Personal stories touch us, educate us, and remind us of the value of prevention.
http://shotbyshot.org/
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
A cooperative program for vaccine safety of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS is a post-marketing safety surveillance program, collecting information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after the administration of US licensed vaccines.
The Vaccine Education Center – The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Was formed to provide accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about childhood vaccines, and the diseases they prevent, to parents and health-care professionals.
The Vaccine Page
Provides access to up-to-the-minute news about vaccines and and annotated database of vaccine resources on the Internet.
Recommended books
Autism’s False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure by Paul A. Offit
Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All by Paul A. Offit
Do Vaccines Cause That?! A Guide for Evaluating Vaccine Safety Concerns by Martin Myers
Facts on Vaccines. Just the Data. You Decide by Susan Shoshana Weisberg MD
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