14 minute read
Keep Your Kids Safe
The children’s COVID-19 vaccine is here, but danger remains. Two pediatricians offer advice on making sure youngsters stay healthy this winter.
By Darius Amos
Tired of the coronavirus? You’ve got company. Unfortunately, though, the virus isn’t finished with us, and we know that young people are vulnerable. Many parents with young children have renewed concerns as events and activities shift indoors for the colder months. It’s especially worrying now, with holiday gettogethers in full swing.
Happily, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eased some of those worries a bit last month, when it greenlit Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 shots for the 5-to-11-year-old age bracket. The move opened vaccine eligibility to roughly 28 million kids in the U.S. and was good news for anxious parents. As soon as the CDC gave the goahead, many in Bergen County immediately began scheduling appointments for their children to receive the first dose at the area hospitals, pediatric offices, pharmacies and similar sites.
This doesn’t mean, however, that we should let our guards down. Parents are urged to continue protecting their children, especially in indoor environments.
“Vaccinating children over age 5 is one of the best things we can do to keep them safe,” says
Harry Banschick, M.D., a pediatrician at Holy
Name Medical Center in Teaneck. “We urge kids who are high risk—if they’re obese, are immunocompromised, live in multi-generational families—to get vaccined first.” And Katrina Munteanu, M.D., a pediatrician at Broadway Pediatric Associates in Westwood, reminds us that kids who aren’t fully vaccinated—even if they’re around vaccinated family at their homes—are vulnerable at schools, for instance, because many might be around classmates who have been exposed. That’s why well-fitting masks are still encouraged for the younger ages. “At this point, it’s still recommended that unvaccinated children wear masks indoors,” she says. “We don’t know who else will be in a store or a movie theater—we still don’t know who’s been vaccinated and who hasn’t.” And parents should still be cautious even if their kids have received the first of the two-dose COVID vaccine. Dr. Munteanu reminds moms and dads that everyone, regardless of age, must complete a five-week wait period (three weeks after the first shot plus two weeks following the second) until they are considered fully vaccinated. In other words, pediatric patients who received a COVID shot during the first week of November are not fully protected from the coronavirus until early to mid-December.
“Kids who just have the first dose have to be careful, as they can still get sick,” she says. “They can take their masks off in outdoor settings, but inside at a theater or a restaurant, it will depend on how crowded and how ventilated the space is. If it’s crowded, leave the masks on.”
In high-transmission areas and places where kids may gather close together, such as daycare facilities, and on social occasions such as children’s playdates and seasonal get-togethers with family and friends, masks are strongly recommended until all parties are vaccinated, Dr. Banschick says. The CDC also recommends taking precautions during in-person gatherings, as the vaccine is not 100-percent effective and breakthrough cases still occur.
“Holidays are going to be tricky because there will be individuals who are and aren’t vaccinated,” Dr. Munteanu adds. “Kids should be safe if parents and family are vaccinated, but it gets complicated when an unvaccinated person comes in. A lot will depend on everyone’s comfort level, but it’s best for children to leave [masks] on—especially around older grandparents and those who are at-risk—because family members can still get exposed.”
Parents should also continue to teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer that is 60-percent alcohol or higher and cough and sneeze into a tissue or into their arm or elbow, advises Dr. Banschick. Remind kids to dispose of tissues properly.
How else can parents mitigate risks this season? As in 2020, creating bubbles or pods with just families and close friends is an option. While it’s not necessary this year, it’s not a terrible idea, Dr. Munteanu says. But she cautions that even those protective environments can break down as people start to feel comfortable.
“It’s not foolproof, but it’s one way to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus,” she says of this tactic. “The virus doesn’t have a conscience and doesn’t select who it infects. So, the best advice we have is to get vaccinated if you can, wear a mask, wash your hands and use common sense.”
Those precautions are also tried-andtrue methods to avoid the flu and other contagious illnesses. With people’s high vigilance about masks, distancing and sanitizing in 2020, the “twindemic”—flu season hitting when COVID was at its height—ended up not being a special extra burden last year. That might not be the case this year, as many who are vaccinated have eased their attentiveness. Dr. Banschick recommends that anyone eligible for a flu shot should get one.
TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK?
As colder weather brings us indoors to focus on indoor gatherings and entertainment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says face coverings are still important to limit exposure to the COVID-19 virus. The CDC suggests you wear a mask if you are… • …not fully vaccinated. • …in a crowded setting and in close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. (Also keep a safe physical distance from others if possible.) • …taking medications that weaken the immune system or have a condition that does so. • …on a train, plane or bus or indoors in a rail station, airport or bus terminal. • …in a geographical area of substantial or high transmission. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Juliana Yun, DDS, PC Ramsey Periodontics
116 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 201.825.7677 | www.drjulianayun.com
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” Maya Angelou.
Dr. Juliana Yun lives with intention. It’s a calling she attributes to two important people in her life -- her loving husband and her inspirational mother-in-law -- for believing in her and supporting her journey. As a periodontist, Dr. Yun focuses on the healing aspect of dentistry and the importance of a well-balanced life. Her proudest accomplishment is the personal connection she has fostered with her patients and the practice’s loyal and dedicated team. Dr. Yun knows that by empowering her employees, they have greater job satisfaction and a stronger commitment to the practice. Her strong, tightly connected female staff shares a mutual respect that transfers to every one of her patients. In and out of the office, Dr. Yun practices the same philosophy raising her teenage daughter to have a voice and pursue her passions.
Dawn Brathwaite & Lisa Ceccon
Keller Williams Village Square Realty | The Dawn Braithwaite Team 74 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood NJ 07450 | 201.445.4300 Dawn: 201.951.5196 | Lisa: 201.370.4806 | www.luxmansions.com
“Our clients mean the world to us!”—“The Accent” of Real Estate
Dawn’s award-winning, like-minded team has one mission—to help their clients with life’s challenges, real estate or otherwise. “We aim to be their support system at all times” says Dawn, whose $200M+ real estate sales is mostly built on referrals, since switching from fashion designer then architect assistant to real estate in 2008. Support came at the right time, as longtime friend and builder’s wife, Lisa, sought her next calling after raising her family. Lisa joined Dawn’s group, and in a short time, with focused intent the team’s great success defined even the pandemic! In fact, Lisa, also with a fashion and construction background, had a record-breaking first year of buyer transactions for the team! “Dawn’s drive, work ethic, and energy are contagious,” explains Lisa, who together with Dawn, make it a point to be creative in everything they do. “We share our goals and dreams, and hope to inspire others to succeed!”
Rebecca Baxt, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.D. Baxt Cosmedical® Cosmetic & Medical Dermatology
Dr. Rebecca Baxt is a Board-Certified Dermatologist who specializes in Botox® and Filler, Acne and Acne Scarring, Coolsculpting®, Laser treatments , Facial Rejuvenation, Rosacea, and Skin Cancer screenings and treatments. She diagnoses and treats conditions of the skin, hair and nails, and sees adult and pediatric patients. She’s proud to offer honest consultations and natural results for cosmetic procedures. Dr. Baxt has been serving the community for over 20 years.
Dr. Baxt graduated from the University of Pennsylvania for both undergraduate and medical school, and trained in dermatology at New York University, where she was a chief resident. She’s a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She carries on the long-standing traditions of honesty, integrity, and excellence at the helm of Baxt CosMedical®, which was started over 40 years ago by her parents, retired physicians Dr. Saida Baxt and Dr. Sherwood Baxt.
Diane Durocher, ASID, IIDA, CAPS, C.I.D.
Diane Durocher Interiors, Inc. Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 201.825.3832 Dianedurocherinteriors.com
An award-winning designer for more than 25 years, Diane Durocher believes that the foundation of successful design is built on trust and confidence.
Connecting on a deeply personal level enables Diane to design inspired spaces that reflect her client’s unique personalities and lifestyles. With a keen eye for color, outstanding space planning skills, and the ability to design customized pieces, Diane brings her client’s vision to life.
From an early age Diane enjoyed spending weekends browsing antique shops and pouring through design magazines. Memories of Thanksgiving dinners at her aunt’s house cemented her love for interior design. From the matching, tie-back, pinched pleat panels to the antique chandelier and from the crackling fire to the impeccably set table, the perfect ambiance seemed to make the meal taste even more delicious. That was when Diane realized that a well designed home is not just a lovely backdrop, it also influences how we live our lives. She rises to the challenge of transforming a blank slate into a stunning reality. Her ultimate goal is to exceed her client’s expectations.
Cassie Thomas, DNP, FNP-C, VP of Educational Advancement Kristen Socha, MS, PA-C, RPhS, VP of Clinical Affairs Chuback Medical Group
Cassie Thomas and Kristen Socha work together in perfect harmony. After all, they share a passion for the same goal. Everyday they strategically devise treatment plans to restore the health and overall wellness of their patients who suffer with pain and discomfort from vein issues.
Coming from different medical backgrounds, Cassie and Kristen bring unique talents to Chuback Medical Group, the preeminent Vein Center & Aesthetic Group in New Jersey and the tri-state area. They are extremely proud to work with Dr. Chuback and the exceptional team of vein specialists he has assembled who are genuinely dedicated to the field of practice. In addition to finding the science of medicine truly fascinating, what’s so important to the two practitioners is the life-changing impact they have on the improved health of their patients and the subsequent self-confidence that comes from the aesthetically pleasing results of treatment. The two laugh about the ultimate test of success: “ to get patients back into shorts to show off their healthy and pain-free legs.”
Francesca O’Cathain, Esq. Lesnevich, MarzanoLesnevich, O’Cathain & O’Cathain, Esq.
Court Plaza South, West Wing, 21 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.488.1161 | lmllawyers.com
What happens when parents of children with special needs get divorced? Francesca, a Bergen County native and mother of three, has been practicing family law exclusively for over 17 years, and has devoted substantial time to learning, teaching and helping families formulate the best way to divorce when there are children with special needs involved. Francesca, recognized by both Bergen Magazine as a ‘Bergen’s Best Top Lawyer’ and by Super Lawyers, has just returned from an American Bar Association conference where she spoke on this very subject. In addition to the numerous legal education classes, she has taught on divorce and special needs, Francesca has written numerous articles and been interviewed on podcasts on this topic.
Dayna Cassandra, DDS
Dr. Dayna Cassandra set out to find the silver lining in the COVID crisis, knowing it was imperative to stay resilient and embrace change for the benefit of her patients, staff and family.
Dr. Cassandra took the opportunity to create a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes digital applications in dentistry and offers more space for greater privacy and safety. “If there’s one thing we learned through this challenge, it’s that the link between oral, physical and mental health is undeniable,” says Dr. Cassandra whose dental practice provides routine family care and advanced general dentistry. Over the last 20 years, she has stayed true to her vision delivering the best in comprehensive dental treatment and credits her associate and clinical team for allowing her to focus on patients with complex restorative needs.
She is grateful to get back to basics teaching in-person at the Advanced Esthetics program at NYU Continuing Dental Education and advancing her clinical knowledge as a member of the Spear Education Faculty Club.
Young Colling, Founder and Owner Brides by Young
160 NJ-17 #200, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 | 201.918.3388 | www.bridesbyyoung.com
An industry leader for over 20 years, Young Colling recently opened a flagship store of her internationally recognized plus size bridal boutique, Brides by Young, in Rochelle Park, NJ.
Wedding dress shopping is already a daunting and stressful task but imagine throwing in the anxiety many women face thanks to the lack of size diversity in the fashion industry. Utilizing her decades of manufacturing experience and entrepreneurial spirit, Young began her mission of Brides by Young to change the culture of bridal retail. She loves working with designers around the world to merchandise and refine their collections for women of all sizes.
Three stores later and thousands of lives changed, Young’s passion for her work continues as she looks to further expand Brides by Young’s retail footprint and customer offerings. What’s next for the entrepreneur? Her dream project is to perfect her bridal and evening undergarment collection, so be on the lookout!
Danielle Palmadessa, Principal DRP Interiors
795 Susquehanna Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 201.644.0528 | www.drpinteriors.net
Full of creative vision and innovation, Award-winning interior designer Danielle Palmadessa, Principal of DRP Interiors, has been creating sophisticated interiors and custom furniture for the past 30 years. Danielle’s exposure to the construction industry began at an early age with her family’s business. This motivated her to pursue a formal education in interior design at The New York School of Interior Design.
Her enthusiasm and passion for the design process is infectious and she approaches each project as an exciting new adventure. Danielle believes a home should reflect those who inhabit it—who they are, how they live and ultimately elevate their quality of life. Her newest venture is a collaboration with Arnold Collective to create a “resimercial” furniture line which brings aspects of home into the contemporary workspace. Danielle and her team guide clients through every phase of the design process and are committed to providing them with superior service and communication. She infuses each project with her design expertise, trendsetting style and design wisdom, while adhering to the important principles of interior design.
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Photo by Adlai Carrasco for The Scout Guide Bergen County
Silvana D. Raso, Esq. Managing Partner Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A.
473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201.569.9898 | www.Schepisi.com
Silvana Raso’s unparalleled skills allow her to successfully handle the toughest of family law cases.
“I have the emotional intelligence to understand what’s really driving the conflict in a case, and I use that unique ability, and decades of experience practicing law, to help my clients achieve their goals,” says Silvana, whose priority is to help clients get through the legal process so they can start the next phase of their life in a better place. Silvana is a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, a coveted title awarded to only two percent of the state’s attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. For the highest level of service in family law, contact Silvana at Schepisi & McLaughlin.
