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As the weather turns toward perpetual bright, blue skies and warm sunshine, our pull heightens to spend much-needed, unplugged time enjoying nature and its many innumerable benefits. Although intuitive, research substantiates that equitable access to clean and safe green spaces is essential to both our mental and physical well-being. Spending time in nature, listening to its sounds, inhaling the aroma of trees and green vegetation, getting your hands in the dirt, eating whole foods, and enjoying natural views can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also boosts our immune response, improves sleep, enhances cognitive performance and development, speeds up post-surgery recovery times, and helps mitigate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Exposure to nature even helps us feel more connected to others and the world around us.
But not everyone can access these safe green spaces and the wealth of benefits they provide. Studies show that under-resourced communities, especially communities of color often live near smaller, more crowded parks that have broken equipment and more asphalt than green space. These same communities often lack access to transportation or can’t afford entry fees into parks outside of their neighborhoods that may offer more green space. When asked directly, many of our patients who live in under-resourced communities describe a myriad of reasons they are unable to walk safely within their neighborhoods or take their children to local parks.
How can we creatively ameliorate this lack of access?
This month in our Equity Column, we focus on one example of how pediatricians champion patient access to the outdoors with a program entitled “Park POWER”. Park POWER is one of several health interventional programs aimed at helping patients gain access to the benefits of nature. These programs were developed through collaboration with our Pediatrics Department, our local Department of Public Health, and our County Park system in Santa Clara County. Park POWER is our first program that allows every pediatrician in our county system to screen patients coming in for a Well Child Check for access to safe parks and green spaces and to provide each family with a free annual parking pass (QR code for FREE Annual Park Pass) and additional resources such as information about family-friendly hikes and culturally appropriate and inclusive guided events for all. . .
Continue reading. . .
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Amna Khan, MD, FAAP
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion, AAPCA1
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How many times have parents asked you whether boys develop language slower than girls? If I had a nickel for every time…
Fortunately, the answer is now available, to some extent. A study published in the April 2024 issue of Pediatrics (Sudry, T et al. Sex Specific Developmental Scales for Surveillance. 153(4) e2023062483) addresses the issue of whether there are sex-specific differences in attainment of developmental milestones and evaluates the clinical need for separate sex-specific scales.
As we know, developmental surveillance conducted routinely in well child visits is fundamental for the detection of children at risk for developmental delay. This study was a cross-sectional, nationwide retrospective study using data from about 1000 maternal child health clinics including 839,574 children from birth to age 6 years involved in 309,181 well child visits. Large amounts of data were obtained. They excluded 195,616 children with “abnormal developmental potential”. They used the data to assess if there were sex-specific differences in 59 developmental milestones across four developmental domains, and whether a significant gap existed between males and females. . .
Continue reading. . .
Figure 3A and B here. . .
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Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committees, AAPCA1
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The following are just a few of the key bills to note of interest to AAP-CA. Visit the AAP-CA website’s Advocacy page at https://aap-ca.org/advocacy/ to see the entire list of AAP-CA tracked bills that made it to the Governor’s desk where you can read the outcome of each bill and an in-depth analysis.
For the most up-to-date information on AAP California bill positions, letters, and outcomes from the current California Legislative year, go to www.aap-ca.org/bill. If you have questions and/or are interested in knowing more about certain legislation, reach out to our State Government Affairs Chapter Representative Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP and Anna Kaplan MD, FAAP at info@aapca1.org.
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Cal-MAP: Helping You Manage Patients with Challenging Mental Health Issues
Tuesday, May 21 from 7-8:30pm via Zoom
Where should you go when faced with a patient with behavioral/mental health challenges? Join us for an engaging discussion of the new CAL-Map program. We will provide clinical examples of how CAL-Map provides pediatricians with free clinical board-certified psychiatric consultation and management guidance for your patients.
Speakers:
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Petra Steinbuchel, MD - Professor of Psychiatry, UCSF; Director, California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Program (Cal-MAP)
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Joan Jeung, MD MPH FAAP - Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF; Senior Associate Director, California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Program (Cal-MAP)
Facilitators:
- Diane Dooley, MD, MHS, FAAP
- Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
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Delving Deeper into Mental Health Supports for Patients
Tuesday, May 28 from 7-8:30pm via Zoom
Understanding what is available to clinicians to support patients and their families is essential to provide comprehensive care. We will explore how you can access the new and existing resources for patients with challenging mental health problems.
Speakers:
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Petra Steinbuchel, MD - Professor of Psychiatry, UCSF; Director, California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Program (Cal-MAP)
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Joan Jeung, MD MPH FAAP - Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF; Senior Associate Director, California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Program (Cal-MAP)
Facilitators:
- Diane Dooley, MD, MHS, FAAP
- Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
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Chapter Leadership Positions | |
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Area Director Position
As an Area Director, you'll be part of a dynamic team representing one of our 11 diverse geographic areas. You'll become a voting member of our chapter board and engage with local pediatric providers to advocate for children's health through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Volunteer alongside a supportive leadership team dedicated to shaping the future of pediatric care.
Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month.
Why Join Us?
- Engage Locally
- Advocate for Children
- Collaborative Leadership
Perks and Benefits
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Membership on AAPCA1 Board: Gain valuable experience and networking opportunities.
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Discounted CME Events: Access quality education at reduced rates.
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Advocacy Days: Participate in impactful advocacy efforts.
How to apply
- Complete this application
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Send your CV to the Executive Director, Yolanda Ruiz yolanda.ruiz@aapca1.org
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CATCH Facilitator Position
The AAP Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program is seeking applicants for the volunteer position of Chapter CATCH Facilitator (CCF). CCFs are appointed by their state Chapter to serve a renewable three-year term. CATCH’s mission is to support pediatricians to collaborate within their communities to advance the health of all children. Our vision is that every child in every community reach optimal health and well-being.
To apply send CV to Yolanda Ruiz at yolanda.ruiz@aapca1.org.
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Interested in joining our Pediatric Newsletter Editing Team?
The Pediatric Newsletter Editing Team is seeking applicants to join the AAPCA1 Newsletter Editing Team. You will play a pivotal role in providing valuable feedback and edits for our monthly Newsletter. This volunteer commitment only requires a few hours per month, providing you the flexibility to enhance the quality of articles submitted by our pediatricians.
Here are two questions we request you attach when you send your CV:
1. Why do you want to be part of the newsletter team? and
2. Do you have any journalism or writing background (not required to apply)?
The full Role & Responsibilities can be viewed HERE.
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To apply, send CV to Yolanda Ruiz at yolanda.ruiz@aapca1.org.
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Recall Alert: WanaBanana Apple Cinnamon Pouches
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as state and local officials are investigating a link between blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥ 3.5 µg/dL and children consuming certain apple purée and applesauce products containing cinnamon.
FDA product testing has also identified high levels of chromium in cinnamon samples and recalled apple cinnamon puree pouches.
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The California 2024 Summit Immunization Coalition
The California Immunization Coalition Summit is the premier event for practitioners and public health advocates to learn about the latest information about vaccine preventable diseases and communication strategies for maintaining and improving vaccination rates in California and beyond.
Date: Wednesday, June 5-6
Time: 9AM at the Safe Credit Union Convention Center located in downtown Sacramento
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ACEs Health Champions Gathering
Hot Topic: Can Collaborative Learning Networks Transform Trauma-Informed Care?
The Resilient Beginnings Network coached 15 clinics in the San Francisco Bay area over a five year period. The clinics were coached on implementation of trauma informed care. Advancing trauma-and-resilience-informed care (TRIC) is complex, long-term, culture change work. Their experience and findings will be presented.
Date: Wednesday, May 29
Time: 12PM via Zoom
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Visit our Pediatric Job Posting Board!
View new available jobs or post one of your own. Visit our site to view member discounts
https://aapca1.org/jobs/
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End Child Poverty
The End Child Poverty CA Coalition urges the Legislature to reject cuts that harm California’s most vulnerable communities. Instead, we urge leaders to support revenues and investments that will lift all children and families out of poverty.
Recommended by End Child Poverty
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Measles: What Parents Need to Know
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. The infection can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications. Fortunately, measles is a vaccine-preventable illness.
Measles was under control in the United States, but we are seeing outbreaks again in areas where vaccination rates have fallen. (See "Should children who have not had a measles vaccine go to school during an outbreak?”
Recommended by Healthychildren.org
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Sun Bucks
Starting this summer, you can buy more food for your child with California SUN Bucks, also called Summer-EBT. SUN Bucks works just like CalFresh, but for the summer.
Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an Alternative Income Form, or get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled
Recommended by DPSS
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Immigrant Health: Clinical Guide for the First Visit
These clinical practice guidelines have been consolidated from the latest recommendations from the CDC and AAP as of February 2020. Sources are listed individually under each section, but we recommend checking the CDC website and https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/3_AAP_MedicalScreening.pdf for any further questions.
Recommended by Immigrant Health Committee
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Park Power FREE Annual Pass
Park POWER is our first program that allows every pediatrician in our county system to screen patients coming in for a Well Child Check for access to safe parks and green spaces and to provide each family with a free annual parking pass and additional resources such as information about family-friendly hikes and culturally appropriate and inclusive guided events for all.
Recommended by Dr. Amna Khan from the CDPH
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AAP Supports Pediatricians in Developing Confidentiality Policies for Teen Patients
An American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement published in the May 2024 issue of Pediatrics offers support to pediatricians on developing confidentiality policies and practices that align with the needs of teenage patients and their families within a framework of federal and state laws.
Recommended by AAP News
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Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
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Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
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Executive Committee:
President: Nicole Webb • Vice President: Neel Patel
• Secretary: Resham Kaur • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nelson Branco
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz
Area Directors:
• North Valley : Thiyagu Ganesan • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley : Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: Maya Raman • Santa Clara: Bindya Singh • San Mateo: Jackie Czaja • North Coastal: Jeffrey Ribordy • Monterey Bay: Graciela Wilcox • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano : Omoniyi Omotoso
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Mika Hiramatsu • Deborah Shassetz • Christy Capestany
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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