Dogs and Kids, by Alexis Lieberman, MD

Measles in Montgomery County: What Parents Need to Know About Vaccination and Protecting Your Family Over the weekend, there was a confirmed case of measles in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, near Plymouth Meeting. As a pediatric practice in East Norriton, Montgomery County, this news is very concerning, and we want to ensure that our community has all the information they need to protect their families. The situation is especially alarming because there are already over 100 cases of measles in Texas, with one child tragically passing away. This shows that the threat is real, and it is important for all of us to be prepared. I immediately began looking at the Montgomery County Health Department website for updated information, and today I’m reaching out to them for further guidance. All of the doctors in our office are collaborating to determine the best way to manage this situation, given how close the case is to our East Norriton office. Why Measles in Montgomery County is a Concern Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly. This isn’t just a mild illness; measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death. The fact that a case has been confirmed so close to home is a reminder that measles is still a threat. The outbreak in Texas and other recent cases highlight how important it is to make sure your child is vaccinated. We must all do our part to keep the disease from spreading further. Early Symptoms of Measles: What to Watch For If you think your child may have measles, it’s important to recognize the symptoms early. Here are the signs to look for: Fever: Often the first symptom, which can get worse over time. Cough: A dry cough that becomes more persistent. Runny Nose: A clear nasal discharge, much like a cold. Red, Watery Eyes: Known as conjunctivitis or pink eye. Koplik Spots: Small white spots that appear inside the mouth, usually before the rash. Rash: The rash starts on the forehead and behind the ears and spreads down the body a few days after the fever begins. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to contact your doctor right away to prevent spreading the illness. The MMR Vaccine: Safe, Effective, and Long-Used The good news is that measles can be prevented through the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine has been used for over 50 years and has been shown to be very safe and effective in preventing measles. Most children receive the MMR vaccine in two doses: First dose: At age 1. Second dose: Between ages 4 and 6. One dose of the MMR vaccine gives about 93% protection against measles, and two doses provide about 97% protection. This high level of immunity is why the MMR vaccine has been so effective in preventing the spread of measles. Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine: What You Need to Know Like all vaccines, the MMR vaccine can cause some mild side effects, but these are usually short-lived and not serious. Here’s what to expect: Fever: A low-grade fever may occur for a few days. Rash: Some children may develop a mild rash, but this is not the same as the measles rash. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of the glands may happen, but it’s typically mild. Rare Side Effects: Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare, and any serious side effects are quickly treated. These side effects are far less concerning than the potential risks of measles itself, which can cause permanent damage like pneumonia and brain damage. The Wakefield Scare: Why You Shouldn’t Worry About the MMR Vaccine and Autism You may have heard that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism. This myth comes from a study published in 1998 by Andrew Wakefield, which was later found to be fraudulent. The study was retracted, and Wakefield lost his medical license for falsifying data. Since then, many large studies involving millions of children have shown that there is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have made it clear that the MMR vaccine is safe and does not cause autism. The fear around the vaccine is based on misinformation, and it’s important for parents to understand that the vaccine is safe and necessary to protect your child from measles and other dangerous diseases. Why Vaccination is So Important Measles is a highly contagious disease, and if enough people in a community aren’t vaccinated, outbreaks can occur. When more people get vaccinated, herd immunity is created, which helps protect those who cannot get vaccinated, such as infants or children with medical conditions. That’s why it’s important to make sure your child is vaccinated. The MMR vaccine doesn’t just protect your child—it helps protect everyone in the community. Our Plan of Action: What to Do If You Suspect Measles We’ve developed a detailed plan to keep everyone safe, especially given how close the measles case is to our office. Here’s what you need to do if you suspect your child has measles: If you suspect measles: Please do not come physically into the office. Instead, call us when you arrive, and we’ll come out to see your child in the car. This keeps everyone safe and minimizes exposure to other patients. For children 6 months to 1 year: If you want to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine, please book a Medical Assistant appointment online through our website. This will not replace the vaccine given at age 1, but it will help protect your child. Under the age of six months, the vaccine will not be effective. For children 1 to 4 years old: If you’d like to get your child’s second dose of the MMR vaccine early, you can book a Medical Assistant appointment online as well. This dose counts as the vaccine given at age 4. Check Your Child’s Immunization Record: You can check your child’s immunization record through our patient portal to see if they’re up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. You may see MMR or you may see MMRV. MMRV also protects against chickenpox. If your child is unvaccinated: If your child is not vaccinated and you choose not to vaccinate, we recommend keeping your child away from others who are sick. By following these steps, we can help limit the spread of measles and protect those who are most vulnerable. Conclusion: Protect Your Family from Measles with the MMR Vaccine The recent case of measles in Montgomery County shows how important it is to keep your child protected with the MMR vaccine. Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent measles and protect your family from this dangerous disease. Don’t let misinformation scare you—vaccines are safe, effective, and necessary to keep our children healthy. If you have any questions about the MMR vaccine, feel free to reach out to our office. We are here to help.

A few days ago, I had the chance to meet with a young patient I’ve known since he was born. Now seven years old, he came in to talk about his recent ADHD diagnosis. It was a big moment for him, but also a reminder of how important it is to really understand and support kids with ADHD. ADHD Symptoms and School Challenges Like many kids with ADHD, he was super outgoing and not at all shy about talking to me. He opened up right away about his relationships with his teachers, classmates, and how school was going for him. It was clear he was doing okay—he wasn’t crying at school or yelling at his teachers, which showed he had a pretty good handle on his emotions and impulses. That’s something kids with ADHD often struggle with, so it was nice to see that he had some self-control. Of course, like many kids with ADHD, he had trouble staying seated for long periods of time. It’s a common issue since kids with ADHD often have lots of energy and a hard time focusing for long stretches. This kid really struggled with staying in one spot for too long, which is a big problem in traditional classrooms where kids are expected to sit still and pay attention for hours. Creative Solutions for ADHD Kids: Thinking Outside the Classroom That got me thinking—what if there was a different kind of school for kids with ADHD? I’ve always wondered if programs like apprenticeships, where kids learn to be a woodworker or blacksmith, might work better. These types of hands-on jobs involve a lot of movement and learning by doing, which seems like it might be a better fit for kids who need to move around to stay engaged. Traditional school can feel like a tough fit for kids with ADHD, who often need to move and get their energy out in order to stay focused. I’ve also seen this firsthand with my own child, who has ADHD. My child had a math teacher who figured out that kids with ADHD need to move in order to stay engaged. Instead of sitting still at desks, the teacher had them stand up and use hand gestures to show math concepts. For example, they’d cross their arms to show multiplication and hold their arms parallel to show the equals sign. It wasn’t just fun—it worked! It helped the kids focus and made math a lot more interactive. That teacher understood that keeping kids with ADHD engaged meant thinking outside the box, and it made a huge difference for my child and the other kids. The Importance of ADHD Accommodations in School For the boy I saw recently, things at school were going okay, but we talked about the fact that he’d need support to keep thriving. Luckily, he already has a 504 Plan in place, which provides him with some important accommodations at school. Not all teachers are great at handling kids with ADHD, and some may not understand how important it is for kids to have room to move and get their energy out. But with his 504 Plan, he’s allowed to stand up and move around in class, which will help a lot. This kind of flexibility makes a big difference in helping kids succeed. ADHD Medication: A Tool for Focus and Success We also talked about the possibility of trying some medication to help with his ADHD. This is a topic that often brings up questions from parents. Just the other day, a mom asked me if giving her child a pill to help with ADHD might teach the child to look for pills as a way to solve problems in the future. It’s a good question, and I totally understand her concern. But research actually shows that kids with ADHD who take medication are less likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life. It’s a counterintuitive finding, but it makes sense when you think about it. Medication for ADHD helps improve focus, self-control, and overall functioning, which can actually make it less likely for kids to engage in risky behaviors. When ADHD is left untreated, kids may have a harder time with impulse control and regulating their emotions, which can sometimes lead to problems down the road. So, medication is just one part of a bigger picture—a tool in the toolbox, along with other strategies like therapy, lifestyle changes, and support at school. The Difference Between Drugs and Medication for ADHD The day before I met with this boy, I saw another child with ADHD. He was just as chatty and full of ideas, and I could’ve easily spent more time talking to him about his thoughts and creative ideas. He had a really interesting way of explaining the difference between “taking drugs” and “taking medication.” He understood that drugs are bad for you, but he also got that medication, when prescribed properly, can help you manage things like ADHD. It was a great reminder of how these kids, despite their challenges, often have a clear understanding of the world around them and how things work. The Joy of Working with Kids with ADHD Taking care of kids with ADHD is something I really enjoy. They’re often so smart, creative, and full of life—it’s impossible not to appreciate the way they see the world. These kids can be wildly inventive, and their way of thinking is often fresh and exciting. As a doctor, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and to see how they grow and learn. For me, the most important part of this work is being a part of their team as they grow and helping them find the tools and strategies they need to become their best selves. It’s not just about treating a diagnosis—it’s about supporting them as they discover who they are and what they’re capable of. Building Strong Connections with ADHD Kids and Their Families But it’s also about the connections. Getting to know each child, understanding their unique strengths and struggles, is what makes this work so fulfilling. It’s not just about the medical side of things—it’s about the relationship, the trust, and the shared moments that come with working closely with these kids. Every child brings something special to the table, and it’s a privilege to witness their growth and to be there for them every step of the way. Helping these kids succeed is full of joy, laughter, and meaningful moments, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Conclusion: Supporting Kids with ADHD to Reach Their Full Potential In the end, my goal is to help kids with ADHD become the best versions of themselves. With the right tools and strategies—whether through hands-on learning, classroom accommodations, therapy, or medication—we can help them manage their challenges and succeed in school and life. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support these kids as they grow into their full potential.