Discussing the U.S. measles outbreak on the Coast Live

Posted on June 26, 2019June 26, 2019 by Dr. Melanie

Thanks so much to the kind folks at the Coast Live for having me on the show to discuss such an important topic. The CDC notes that over 1,000 cases of measles in 28 states have been diagnosed in the U.S. this year, and these numbers continue to climb. These are likely as a result of international travel. If you are planning to travel internationally, the CDC recommends one MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine for 6 to 12 month old infants and two MMR vaccines (separated by at least 28 days) for those over 12 months. The MMR is routinely given at 12 months of age with a booster dose between the ages of 4 to 5 years.

Measles is a real problem in our world. Ten children each hour die as a result of a measles. It costs less than $2 to protect a child. Want more information on vaccine preventable disease in children? Shot@life is a grassroots advocacy campaign of the United Nations Foundation. Get more info by texting VACCINES to 738674. Consider donating to support their efforts.

I’ll be writing more on this topic for the July issue of the Tidewater Family Magazine (available soon).

Need more info on the U. S. measles outbreak? Check out today’s Coast Live:

https://wtkr.com/2019/06/25/facts-on-the-measles-outbreak-and-how-to-protect-your-family-on-coast-live/

Catch me on the Coast Live

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Dr. Melanie

Hey guys! I hope you will tune in on Tuesday June 25, 2019 to Channel 3 at 10am. I’m a guest on the Coast Live to discuss the current outbreak of measles in the U.S. See you then!

Want to know how to improve your child’s communication skills?

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Dr. Melanie

So yeah, my family loves their phones. I do too. It’s hard to compete with all the options available on the phone. Still, we as parents must try to set the example. We must put our own phones down and actually strike up a conversation with our children. The more we speak to them, the better they can communicate. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommnds a Family Media Plan which can designate device-free zones in your home….like the dinner table or even the car. I’ve had some of the best discussions with my kids in the car. Give it a try. Let me know how it goes!