Charish Barry, MD Charish Barry, MD

Author: Charish Barry, MD

The Importance of Sports Physicals for Children: A Guide for Parents

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

This summary is based on an article by Dr. Chris Koutures posted on HealthyChildren.org.

When sports season approaches, the requirement for sports physicals often sneaks up on parents. To simplify this process, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests scheduling a sports physical during your child’s routine well-child visit.

Why Every Child Benefits from a Sports Physical

Every child, from the high school soccer player to the junior high performer, can benefit from a sports physical. Even those engaged in non-organized physical activities like snowboarding, jogging, or hiking should receive one. The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) form, developed by the AAP and other medical groups, aims to ensure the best and safest sports participation for all children.child at the doctors office.

Comprehensive Health Check

The PPE includes an in-depth health history form, which should be completed before your child’s visit. This helps in discussing any potential issues during the exam. If your child’s sport requires a medical eligibility form, bring it to the appointment.

Why Choose a Pediatrician

Pediatricians have the training to identify and treat common medical and bone/joint issues in children who play sports. They ensure your child’s medical records are up-to-date, address immunization needs, and discuss any concerns confidentially. The AAP advises making appointments at least 6-8 weeks before the sports season starts.

Specialized Evaluations

A thorough sports physical includes assessments of heart health, mental health, unique concerns of female and disabled athletes, and checks for concussions and head injuries. Pediatricians ask specific questions to uncover any potential issues and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.

For more detailed information, you can read the original article by Dr. Chris Koutures on HealthyChildren.org here.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Tips and Remedies for Parents

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Just when you thought your bundle of joy was getting into the routine of sleeping all night, suddenly they are waking up fussy and irritable. They could be sick, but if they are approaching 6 months old, it is more likely it’s their first tooth coming in causing their discomfort. Let’s learn as much as possible about how to soothe a teething baby: tips and remedies for parents.

Continue reading “How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Tips and Remedies for Parents” →

Pediatric Mental Health: Identifying Signs of Stress and Anxiety

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Many young couples today have made the decision not to have any children. If you ask them their reasons, they will tell you they don’t want to bring children into a world with turmoil, hate, and uncertainty about their future. After years of living through COVID, now there is war and economic stress which certainly filters down to the kids. Unless you cut your children off from all social media and news, it is going to affect them. Now is the right time for promoting pediatric mental health and learning how to identify signs of stress and anxiety.

Continue reading “Pediatric Mental Health: Identifying Signs of Stress and Anxiety” →

Offering Mental Health for Children and Families: Stacy Peterson, LCSW

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Beginning in 2024, Petite Pediatrics will begin offering a new, vanguard program we are ecstatic about. Through our social and emotional service line, we will be able to offer psychotherapy and supportive service for our patients. Recognizing the state of the times, and the surge of mental health needs for children and families in the past three years, we want to offer a holistic approach to medicine and expand our practice in this exciting integrative way.

We know navigating care for children with social and emotional needs is an investment of your time, your own mental energy, and impacts the whole family. We are here to help!child in counseling.

Our program will include:

  • perinatal services for new and expectant mothers
  • parent education
  • family therapy
  • counseling for children
  • help with care coordination.

Stacy Peterson, LCSW, will begin leading this program and will have limited slots open to meet with our patients.

Are you interested?

Sign up fast so you can secure your spot with this amazing expert leader, specialized in perinatal mental health, family wellness, and advocacy for children in our community. Members can secure their access to this service by contacting our office. We expect volume and demand to grow, and trust that with Stacy at the lead we will be able to expand this program as needed to meet your needs.

Another exciting update!

Petite Pediatrics will also partner a local nonprofit, Daisy Drake, to offer scholarship care to community members who can’t afford the costs of the direct patient care model. We are invested in equity and making an impact.

How to Help Children Eat Well and Be Healthy

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Many parents worry about their child’s eating habits. Maybe they only want mac and cheese for every meal, or they refuse to even touch vegetables. What can you do? One way to help your child eat well and help you worry less is to understand your job and your child’s job when it comes to food. Learn more about this concept and how to help your child eat well and be healthy.

family eating healthy fruits on the beach.

Request an Appointment With Dr. Barry!

Dr. Charish Barry is a board-certified pediatrician dedicated to providing exceptional care to children throughout Santa Barabra. If you have questions concerning your child’s nutritional needs, request an appointment at our pediatric office today! We also offer pediatric vitamins to ensure your child is getting essential nutrients.

 (805) 845-1221

Asthma and your child

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Asthma affects children in different ways. Some children have only occasional asthma attacks. Others have many asthma attacks that send them to the doctor often. If your child has asthma, the first thing to know is that treatment can control it. And, as a parent, you can do a lot to help your child learn to live a healthy and active life. Start by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of asthma. Then find out what you can do to prevent your child’s asthma attacks. Here’s more information about asthma in children.

Request an Asthma Consultation

If your child is showing symptoms of asthma, call (805) 845-1221 to request an appointment at our pediatric office in Santa Barbara today.

 (805) 845-1221

child with asthma.

 

 

Things to Know This Flu Season

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

The flu is caused by several influenza viruses (which are not the same as the virus that causes COVID-19). Most flu outbreaks happen in late fall and winter. Getting a flu shot in the autumn can help prevent the virus for the entire flu season. Most people with the flu get better after a few weeks, but they can pass it to other people who are higher risk of health problems, such as babies, pregnant women, older adults, and people with other serious illnesses. Find out the symptoms of the flu and what to do if you get sick.

Request a Sick Child Appointment

If your child is showing symptoms or you are interested in learning more about flu prevention, call (805) 845-1221 to request an appointment at our pediatric office in Santa Barbara today.

 (805) 845-1221

sick child being cared for my mother

What To Expect During Your Child’s Well-Child Visit

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Just as adults need to see their physician at least once a year for a wellness visit, so do children. You wouldn’t hesitate to take them if they are sick, but it’s just as beneficial to take them when they are not. It’s a way to be sure your child is developing according to certain benchmarks and that there are no medical or developmental issues. If this is news to you, here is what to expect during your child’s well-child visit.

Continue reading “What To Expect During Your Child’s Well-Child Visit” →

Pod Care Program

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

The mission of Petite Pediatrics has always been to optimize medical care and provide services that parents desire and children deserve. With this in mind, I am excited to introduce the Pod Care Program at Petite Pediatrics. The Pod Care Program encompasses home visits, virtual care, and our Pod Care site, which is a secure outdoor care space with a Basecamp Airstream Trailer and adjacent pergola. As patients of Petite Pediatrics, your Peapod Membership provides direct access to the Pod Care Program.

Petite Pediatrics has long offered conveniences such as telehealth and virtual care through the Peapod Membership Program. These features have been our standard-of-care, distinguishing us from a general pediatric office. By establishing the Pod Care Program at Petite Pediatrics, we are able to further distinguish our care services for children and offer more choices for families who desire secure, safe and convenient delivery of medical care.

With safety as a top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching our home visit service for children with a telehealth and virtual care platform has been an essential way for us to continue to care for our patients. Additionally, our enhanced office safety features, environment controls and outdoor care site provide more security for families and staff during the necessary in-person experiences at the office. I am pleased to be able to extend the Pod Care Program to patients at Petite Pediatrics as we adapt to the changing needs of our community.

The Pod Care Program will have complete physician oversight with direct care provided by Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and requires a signed Home Visit Financial Policy/Agreement (provided below). A pediatrician house call visit may be arranged separately (terms and fees are confidential and available upon request). Please contact us for more information about the Pod Care Program or for scheduling future visits.

On behalf of the providers and staff at Petite Pediatrics, thank you for trusting your child’s care with us.

 

Sincerest Regards,

Charish L. Barry, MD, FAAP

Summer 2020 Update

Posted on by Charish Barry, MD in

Summer 2020

During these difficult times, I would like to personally update patients and families at Petite
Pediatrics and our greater community about our “Practice Commitment” and the modifications
we are making to ensure the safe delivery of care for children.
– Charish L. Barry, MD, FAAP

Practice Commitment

Petite Pediatrics remains committed to providing personalized care for children in an
environment that is inclusive, safe and nurturing.
Environment of Inclusivity
We treasure the uniqueness of each child and we support and celebrate all aspects of the
diversity of each child and family. As a medical home for children providing wellness and acute
care, fostering an environment of non-discrimination is paramount. As such, at Petite Pediatrics,
we believe patients and parents/guardians have the right to be treated considerately and
respectfully regardless of the patient and/or family’s race, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity/expression, cultural background, economic status, education or illness.
Environment of Health & Safety
We are dedicated to ensuring that our office meets the highest standards of safety to help
decrease the spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Our Pueblo Street location has
expanded on-site services to provide separate locations for well and sick visits by utilizing both
indoor and outdoor space. Additionally, we will continue to care for children via telemedicine
and provide home visits. Updates of our practice modifications are provided below.

Practice Updates

The in-office hours have been modified for the summer months.

SUMMER SCHEDULE:
Hours:
M/F: 9 am – Noon (Dr. Barry)
T/Th: 9 am – 2 pm (Dr. Barry) / 2 pm – 4 pm (Catherine Cordero, PNP – Telehealth)
W: 9 am – 4 pm (Erin Baird, PNP – Home Visits) / 9 am – 4 pm (Dr. Iris Office Location – Acute Visits)

CARE SITES:
Patient care will be provided either indoor, outdoor, virtually or by home visit.
A. Indoor:
The main office is reserved for all well-child visits, vaccines, behavioral or non-infectious
acute care with Covid19 guidelines:
(1) Pre-visit Covid19 symptom screen
(2) On-site temperature check for parent/guardian
(3) One parent/guardian with patient per visit
(4) Use protective facial coverings (face masks) unless under 3 years of age,
developmental or behavioral limitations, or any safety concerns.
(5) Practice social distancing (as able) by use of outdoor space
B. Outdoor:
During the COVID19 health crisis, our parking lot will serve as our Acute Care Site. This
secure and private outdoor space provides a safe perimeter for children and has
adequate social distancing capability for adults and providers. The handicap parking
space and will remain accessible, however, general patient parking will be unavailable.

  • Petite Pediatrics Acute Care Pod: An Airstream Basecamp trailer has been set-up as our Acute Care Unit for
    children.
  • Petite Pediatrics Car Visit: A select parking space has been designated for drive-up testing / car visits.

C. Virtual:
Telehealth to continue via Spruce and arranged as clinically indicated or requested.
(Services are covered by and billed to insurance.)
D. Home:
Currently available on Wednesday to minimize exposure risk for patients with health
issues or concerns that prohibit ability to come to the medical office site.
(Home visit services incur a separate fee that is not covered by insurance.)

PATIENT PORTAL:
Passport is our new patient portal for direct access to your child(ren)’s immunization records,
lab results, patient visit summaries and informational handouts. Passport does not replace
Spruce for secure messaging, but will increase access to your child(ren)’s health profile.
Stay posted for your invitation to Passport!

BILLING SERVICE:
As of June 1, 2020, Petite Pediatrics has partnered with Accuquik, a local medial billing
company for all of our patient insurance billing needs. Sheryl Hopkins is the liaison for Accuquik
and will be able to directly assist with any insurance billing needs. Katie Welch will continue to
assist with billing needs for services rendered prior to June 1, 2020.

STAYING CONNECTED:
• website: www.petitepediatrics.com
• social media links:
– Instagram: @petitepediatricssb
– Facebook: PetitePediatrics
– Twitter: drbarry@petitepeds

SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND BODY:
To help boost our immune response, we are offering Springboard pediatric supplements,
vitamins for kids.

  • Shoots & Vines Product Page

    Springboard Supplements & Vitamins (Shoots & Vines) online purchase/onsite pickup members-only.
    Excellent for overall immune support include: D-Hist and D-Hist Jr, Buffered Vitamin C,
    Reacted Zinc, Probiotics (Flora Bites and FloraBoost), Imu-Max, Natranix immune
    support for respiratory health, Kid-D liquid and Vitamin K/Vitamin D and Wholemune,
    an immunity supplement for older kids, teens and adults. These are available on our
    website or directly at the office via curbside pickup.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS:
Petite Pediatrics’ goal is to offset the burden on Emergency Departments by offering acute
care and telemedicine services for our patients. Additionally, visiting family or friends this
summer can access care through our Virtual Peapod memberships. Overview of plans:

  • Virtual Peapod Membership: Patients can have regular telemedicine services, which
    are billed to insurance and may include acute care visits, vaccine planning, behavioral,
    growth and developmental visits. Ideal for short-term residence in Santa Barbara area.
  • Virtual Visits: Telemedicine Virtual Visits for patients who may need a single visit or
    brief follow-up concern. If you have family or friends who are in need of assistance with
    their child’s care, please direct them to our website to learn how to join.
  • Annual Peapod Membership: This will continue for existing members as is. However,
    we are aware of the significant impact the COVID19 pandemic has had upon our
    economy. If there is a financial concern directly affecting a family’s ability to continue
    the PMP service, please reach out to our office directly to discuss possible options. Any
    inquiries are completely confidential and will be treated with the upmost respect and
    understanding.

    Charish L. Barry, MD, FAAP Petite Pediatrics

Schedule an Appointment at Petite Pediatrics

Dr. Charish Barry offers concierge-style care that is designed to provide highly personalized care to infants, children, and teens throughout the Santa Barbara area. She and her team of highly trained nurse practitioners will take the time to answer any questions you may have. Schedule a well-child visit at Petite Pediatrics today! Call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 845-1221.

(805) 845-1221

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