Pediatrics

Between birth and the late teens, our bodies and minds undergo enormous change. There's the obvious growth in bones and muscle. Less obvious is the immense intellectual growth and the maturation of internal organs and entire systems. In addition, it's during the first twenty years that healthy habits are formed. For those reasons and more, it's important that young people see a specialist.

The staff at The Portland Clinic views Pediatrics as a holistic practice. That is, we view health in context of the whole person and whole family. Our emphasis is on prevention and education - developing sound bodies and healthy habits for a lifetime. The first step to that is regular well-child visits, including vaccines. In general, the Clinic follows the vaccine guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (see www.aap.org). If you have particular concerns, please bring them up with your Clinic pediatrician. He or she will be happy to discuss your concerns.

Being a Pediatric clinic, it goes without saying we are family friendly. We understand how busy your lives are (we're parents too, you know). That's why we're open evenings and Saturdays - even for well-child checkups. Plus, all of our staff, from the nutritionist to the x-ray technicians are accustomed to working with children.

PROCEDURES/SERVICES (Including, but not limited to)

• Immunizations
• Well-child checkups
• General pediatrics
• Sports Physicals
• X-ray (onsite)

NEWSLETTERS

• Summer 2010
• Sping 2010
• Winter 2010
• Fall 2009
• Summer 2009

HEATHLY KIDS PROGRAM

Want to make healthier choices for your family? We want to help. In a society that promotes too much food, too little exercise, and too much time in front of TV and computer screens, The Portland Clinic is pleased to introduce Healthy Choices, Healthy Families - a new program designed for families who want to make healthier lifestyle choices. If weight control is a special concern in your family, this program may be especially helpful.

For $29, your family will receive six issues of a monthly newsletter produced by WE CAN (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition, a program of the National Institutes of Health). In addition, you'll receive a monthly phone consultation with our registered dietitian, Susan Landgren, M.S., R.D., to address any questions about the newsletter topics. Articles will cover topics such as:

• Healthy eating habits
• Portion sizes
• Economical meal planning
• Dining out
• Increasing physical activity
• Fun activities for kids, and more

"These issues are fundamental for good health," says Susan. "When parents and their children work together to build positive health habits, every member of the family benefits." For more information or to subscribe, please call 503-221-0161, ext. 2254. Additionally, to read our QA on Exercise Guidelines for Kids from our summer 2009 newsletter please click here.

EVENING AND SATURDAY PEDIATRIC APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE AT THE TIGARD MEDICAL OFFICE

Parenting is challenging enough without having to leave work or pull a child out of school for a well child check. To provide a little more scheduling flexibility most of our Pediatricians will be offering extended hours at our Tigard Medical Office. Most Pediatricians will work one evening a week at the Tigard Medical Office and on Saturday when they are on-call. This is to provide more choices for busy working families. The Pediatricians will see well child checks, sick appointments and work with the Urgent Care Physicians to see Pediatric walk-ins at the Tigard Medical Office.

Tigard Medical Office Extended Pediatric Schedule

• Mondays: Dr. Annie Mack, 4-8 p.m.
• Tuesdays: Dr. Nancy Johnson, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays: Dr. Laura Bledsoe, 4-8 p.m.
• Thursdays: Dr. Mary Ellen Ulmer, 5-8 p.m.
• Fridays: Dr. Kathleen Palm, 5-8 p.m. (alternating)
• Saturdays: On-call Pediatrician, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

LINKS

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Healthy Children