AGOURA WEST-VALLEY PEDIATRICS

Child Health Resources This web page contains our recommended web links to sites that deal with child health issues that are not covered by the other focused web pages on our website (listed at the bottom of each web page).  We begin with websites offering resources a wide range of pediatric health topics, and continue with those sites providing information that is limited to focused areas of child health.  The transmission of information from these sites (and our website) to you is not intended to create, nor does it create, a doctor-patient relationship between you, your child, and Agoura-West Valley Pediatric Medical Group.  If you have any concerns about your child's health, please make an appointment to discuss your child's situation with his/her physician. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS The American Academy of Pediatrics has an excellent web site--our favorite--at which you will find information on a variety of childrens health topics.  In addition, this website has a "bookstore" through which you can purchase many excellent childcare books covering a wide range of health topics.  All of our physicians are members of the A.A.P. American Academy of Pediatrics (home page) Of special note, the "Health Topics" section of the A.A.P. website has a wealth of information on a variety of childrens health subjects: A.A.P. Health Topics KEEP KIDS HEALTHY Developed by a pediatrician member of the A.A.P., this website is a complete source of information covering all aspects of child health, from the physical to the emotional. Keep Kids Healthy KIDS HEALTH Created by the Nemours Foundation's Center for Childrens Health Media, this website has areas that are designed for parents, teens, and younger kids.  The content is reviewed and approved by physicians and health care experts. KidsHealth WebMD The Pediatric section of this website has a great deal of helpful information for parents. Child Health section of WebMD About.com The Pediatric page of this website has a good amount of helpful information. Pediatric page of About.com STATE & COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS The state and county public health departments have valuable information, particularly regarding tracking of local health problems such as disease outbreaks and environmental health hazards. California Department of Health Services Los Angeles County Public Health Department Ventura County Public Health Department

VACCINES/IMMUNIZATIONS Fortunately, there is a lot of "science" behind our childhood vaccinations.  They are probably the most researched and monitored service we provide as pediatricians.  And they are one of the major health care achievements in the last 50 years, leading to lower mortality and hospitalization rates among our children.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation in the media about our vaccines.  The following websites are authoritative and reliable sources of information regarding childhood immunizations.  They will help you to sort out the facts from the negative hype and hypotheses when it comes to vaccines. American Academy of Pediatrics Centers for Disease Control & Prevention National Immunization Program National Network for Immunization Information Immunization Action Coalition Institute of Medicine U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) World Health Organization THE "THIMEROSAL" PRESERVATIVE ISSUE All of the vaccinations we are currently giving to children are thimerosal-free.  Thimerosal is a preservative containing a trace amount of mercury.  It had been present in several childhood vaccines until it was removed in 2001. Some of our Influenza vaccine has been the only remaining vaccine to contain the thimerosal preservative.  For additional authoritative information on this preservative issue, please click on the following link: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/thimerosal.htm

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION We recommend the CDC for comprehensive advice regarding diseases, environmental health, genetics, vaccines and immunizations. This site also has advice for travelers to worldwide locations. CDC Home page TRAVEL HEALTH CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION CDC Travel Health section WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION The WHO has a wealth of information concerning health and safety topics, particularly updated information on health advisories for the traveller. WHO Home Page WHO Travel Health Section INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF TRAVEL MEDICINE In addition to the CDC, this society can help with finding travel clinics and other important information for the international traveller. ISTM website TRAVEL HEALTH CLINICS Travel clinic directory from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVELERS This website provides comprehensive information about health risks and advisories by country, immunization requirements, as well as a advice on how to seek medical care abroad for English-speakers. IAMAT website

LEAD  CHECK SERVICE Amazing new company - they come to your house and check all toys for lead and harmful poisons.  It is even reasonable.. Check out the site,  http://www.inspectatoy.com/ SLEEP AND SLEEP DISORDERS American Academy of Pediatrics National Sleep Foundation Nemours Foundation/Kids Health Sleep Education (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) Sleepy Planet/Child Sleep WebMD If your doctor asks you to complete a "sleep diary" to document your child's sleep schedule, you may click on the following link to download and print a sleep diary: Sleep Diary Below are two of our handouts on the foundations of good sleep habits for children and teens: Healthy Sleep Habits for Children Healthy Sleep Habits for Teens DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry First Smiles Oral Health Program National Maternal & Child Oral Health Resource Center GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS & G.E.R.D. Reflux and GERD information  North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition   ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS & INFORMATION American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)   This website has great patient-friendly summaries of a vast array of childhood orthopedic problems and issues. AAOS Sports & Exercise Information.  This is the sport and exercise specific page of valuable handouts from the same American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

SCHOOL HEALTH A.A.P. School Health Resources  This website is provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on School Health. It provides information for parents and school health providers on various areas affecting the health of children while at school. School Nutrition Association  This is a national organization of school nutrition and foodservice professionals who are dedicated to promoting healthy yet affordable meals in our schools.