Caring for Kids (and Getting Lost) in the New LeBonheur Children's Hospital!



A beautiful view of downtown Memphis from
atop Le Bonheur (photo by Dr. Frizzell) 

We usually see our patients in our offices at Pediatric Consultants for routine visits. We check your growth and development, give vaccinations, and make sure everything is going okay in your lives. We also see you when you’re not feeling so great. We patch you up and offer our best advice and maybe prescribe some medication to help you feel better again.

Sometimes, our patients get very sick and have to go to the hospital. We hope you never have that experience, but if you do, we’ll take great care of you there, too. And lucky for you, we have one of the country’s best children’s hospitals right here in Memphis!

On December 4th and 5th, Le Bonheur moved into its beautiful new home! Dr. Ann Lankford was caring for patients in the hospital on the weekend of the “big move” and had this to say, “The new Le Bonheur is beautiful! The architecture and the artwork are truly stunning and I found myself gazing around at everything: light fixtures, statues, paintings, not to mention the spectacular view of downtown. All the families seemed very pleased with the moving process and the new rooms are very comfortable. Memphis has gained a new gem!”
 

"Where the Wind Plays" by Yvonne Bobo
(photo courtesy of Le Bonheur)


Art is part of the healing process at Le Bonheur. Creative works of art by renowned regional artists and even local children are everywhere you turn. Dr. Kip Frizzell says, “The building is visually spectacular. It's hard not to get distracted by the beautiful views. I also notice new art work each time I walk a new corridor and some of the pieces were done by my patients. So, that's fun when I recognize the artist name on one of the pieces.”



The first PedFlight! Emergency
crews can reach the ED in less than
a minute thanks to a dedicated elevator
(photo courtesy of Le Bonheur)

While you’re admiring the artwork and gazing at the spectacular views, be careful you don’t get lost! Dr. Frizzell says, “On a recent trip to the radiology department and then to the ED, I had to have an escort to show me the way out. The place is BIG.” And take Dr. Leon Livingston’s advice! “Dr. Scott and I did get lost briefly but found our way back without bread crumbs. Do not use the stairwell as a short cut. They will lock behind you!”

Flu Vaccine 101: The Who, Why, Where, and When About the Flu Vaccine!

Why get vaccinated?

Dr. Livingston receiving his flu vaccine.
Have you gotten vaccinated this year?

Flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus that can cause fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, headache, and muscle aches. It can also cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. Each year thousands of people die from seasonal influenza and even more require hospitalization.

“I think vaccination is a very important and safe measure for children and adults to easily protect themselves from a very real threat during the winter,” says Dr. Leon Livingston.

Who should get vaccinated?

“I get the flu vaccine every year,” says Dr. Livingston. “Our entire staff gets immunized and I recommend it to all my patients.”

In fact, all people 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Infants, children, and pregnant women are especially at risk and can get much sicker if they get the flu. Children under six months cannot be vaccinated, but their caretakers definitely should!

How does the vaccine work?

Every year scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu. The 2010-2011 vaccine provides protection against H1N1 influenza as well as two other flu viruses. Even if you were vaccinated for H1N1 last year, you should still get the flu shot this year for optimal protection. You won’t need two shots this year since H1N1 vaccine is included in the seasonal vaccine. Children under nine years who are getting their first flu vaccine may need a second dose. Check with your doctor to see if you need a booster.

What’s the difference between the flu shot and the nasal spray flu vaccine?

The flu shot is made with killed virus and is injected into the muscle with a needle. It’s appropriate for most people age 6 months and older, including pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions. The nasal spray is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is appropriate for people age 2-49 years old who are not pregnant and do not have certain medical conditions. Both methods help your body develop antibodies to protect against influenza virus. Talk to your doctor about what is most appropriate for your child!

Where do I sign up?

There is no need to make an appointment. We have open ‘flu shot’ hours between 10-4 at all three offices. We have plenty of both types of vaccine for all ages at all three offices as of this posting, but follow us on Facebook for any updates on availability. Be sure to get your flu shot as soon as possible before the flu hits Memphis!

Check Out Our New Office Space!

The move of our Humphrey's Office to the second floor is complete! We're excited to be able to welcome you to our new and improved space! The office is bright, colorful, spacious, and a friendly place to visit. Our hours at Baptist Women's remain 8:30am-5:00pm on Monday-Friday and 8:30am-11:00am on Saturday. Here are some pictures of the new office. Just click on each photo below for a closer look!

Meet Dr. Bergeron!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Blake Bergeron to Pediatric Consultants. He started practice with us this summer and is taking new patients! Read all about this sports fanatic and proud father here, and you can check out his online bio too.

Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?

For as long as I can remember, a pediatrician is all that I wanted to be.  My favorite part of pediatrics is the relationship that is built with patients an their families. A pediatrician, more so than any other type of physician, becomes part of the family and we literally get to see the kids grow up. For me, that is extremely rewarding. I love how we get to see kids when they are healthy at their well-child visits and get to know them outside of feeling ill. I also like the challenge of pediatrics, sometimes having figure out what is going on when your patient cannot tell you exactly what hurts! I have loved every day that I have worked with children and am so excited about starting practice with such a well-respected and incredible group!

What do you do stay healthy?

I'm really big into all sports. Playing basketball is probably my favorite exercise, but recently my wife has encouraged me to start running and doing more cardio/outdoor activities. I like to lift weights but since we've had the baby, there has not really been much time to keep that up.

What are your favorite family activities?

We are active in our church, Second Presbyterian. We enjoy family walks/runs, playing with Lilly either in the backyard or on the playground, or watching our new favorite TV show, Parenthood. We also spend a lot of time sitting on our back porch.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, especially football and basketball. My favorite teams are the Davidson Wildcats, the Volunteers, Titans, and Grizzlies. I also enjoy cooking and trying new foods.  I have a huge sweet tooth (much to the chagrin of my wife, who does not). I love to read when I get the chance, and I like to exercise as well. We spend a lot of time hanging out with friends both here in Memphis and out of town.

What are your favorite things about in Memphis?

We love all the incredible restaurants in Memphis!  We love to eat at local joints, and whether it be BBQ, Mexican, Indian, Ethopian, or Asian, we eat it all. We are always up for a good suggestion. We love Memphis because of all the different types of people and how friendly everyone is. We also love all the public parks and great places to take kids to get outside and exercise.

Is there anything else you'd like your patients to know about you?

I played four years of college football at Davidson College in North Carolina. My sophomore year, our team was one of four undefeated  teams in the entire NCAA!  I grew in in Nashville and attended Montgomery Bell Academy (the MUS of Nashville, so to speak).

We're Moving!

Well...at least our East Office is moving. And, we're only moving down one floor. But, we don't want anyone showing up to an empty office!

Our Humphreys Office (East) will be closed at noon on Thursday, October 14, until Monday morning, October 18. The Saturday "sick" hours that usually take place at our East Office from 8am-11:30am will be held at our downtown Le Bonheur Office instead, just for this coming Saturday.

The East Office will be open in its new location on Monday, October 18. It is in the same building but one floor down in suite 200. It's going to be bigger and better - hope to see you there soon!

Introducing Dr. Katie Alvord!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Katie Alvord to Pediatric Consultants! Please join us in welcoming Dr. Alvord to our team. She is seeing new patients at our downtown office! To read Dr. Alvord's online bio, click here. Next week: Introducing Dr. Blake Bergeron!

Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?

Children keep you on your toes with their curiosity! They are such a joy to see each day. And even in the face of disease and illness, a child will stun you with his resilience and will to recover. Each day as a pediatrician brings new joys and challenges and I cannot imagine any other field of medicine I'd enjoy more.

What do you do stay healthy?

My idea of health includes eating healthfully, being active, making sure to get enough of sleep and having a daily quiet time of prayer. I enjoy running short distances and am now loving the new greenline as my path! The shade is fantastic, everyone is friendly and it's one smooth track! I also try to make it to my sister-in-law's pilates fusion class twice a week. When cooking, I try to use fresh produce as often as possible.

What are your favorite family activities?

Eating! If allowed, I enjoy spending a day in the kitchen, dabbling. Both of my parents and my brother are fantastic cooks, and as a child I have great memories of spending hours together in the kitchen. To this day, it seems we congregate in the kitchen whenever we're together! Brice, Finn, and I spend time walking, going for long drives in the country, and playing outside with our family at their farm.

What do you do in your free time?

I love to try new recipes and page through old cookbooks looking for that next best dish. My husband, Brice, and I enjoy spending time outdoors, sitting by a fire, playing trac ball (is this a lost game?), watching movies or just catching up, enjoying time with family and friends.

What are your favorite things about/to do in Memphis?

I enjoy the small-town feel to Memphis with all of her bigger city perks. Memphis has incredible restaurants, and it seems there is always something new to try. But some goodies keep me coming back like Cafe Eclectic's pancakes - something I crave (at least) once a week. The Orpheum is outstanding and we love to partake in its great shows. And it seems the city has a never-ending supply of family-friendly festivals. Two of my favorites are coming up: the Pink Palace Crafts Fair and the River Arts Fest on South Main. Lastly, the Mississippi is beautiful to watch when relaxing and guarantees a peaceful sunset at the day's end.

Is there anything else you'd like your patients to know about you?

I was born in Ottumwa, Iowa and raised in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Growing up I danced competitively (ballet, lyrical) and played the violin.

Go Kip Go!

For the fifth year in a row, News Channel 3 meteorologist Jim Jaggers rode over 333 miles on his bike to help the children at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. This year, though, he had some company! Dr. Kip Frizzell represented Pediatric Consultants by joining Jim for over 50 miles of cycling on September 22, 2010. Dr. Kip sat down with The Checkup to talk about this experience!

Why did you decide to bike in Go Jim Go? 

Channel 3's Jim Jaggers and Dr. Kip Frizzell

I am a cycling hobbyist - a recreational cyclist.  I ride for fun and fitness.  I have even dabbled in doing the cycling portion of a triathlon, but overall I don't really compete (except with myself).  I got interested in GJG because of my cycling interest and because Le Bonheur is where I live.  It seemed like a natural "fit" for me to participate in this to help raise money and awareness for the hospital.  And I was able to talk fellow Pediatric Consultants pediatrician, Dr. Chris Mathis, into joining me.  Chris, unfortunately, had a pretty serious quadriceps injury two days before the ride so he was not able to participate.  Chris has promised not to play any more kickball!

What's the farthest you had biked before this ride? 

My longest ride was about 40 miles in one day.  I'm not fast enough to get in more miles than that. I cramped up at mile number 50 and just couldn't go any further.  I think on a cooler day, or maybe with more water and/or electrolytes, I might have been able to go 60 miles!

Where did you ride?  

The last day of GJG started in Collierville.  We went to schools in Collierville, Cordova, Germantown, and Memphis,  We had lunch at a Sonic out on Winchester, I believe.  By late afternoon we found ourselves on the new 'Greenway' that runs from midtown to Shelby Farms.  It is really fantastic, by the way!  

What's Jim Jaggers like? 

Jim is great.  He is a very good cyclist and his enthusiasm for the project is contagious.  I really enjoyed getting to know him and I appreciate his efforts on behalf of LB.

What was your favorite part of the ride?  

Team Velo gives Dr. Kip an extra hand after 50+ miles

The people.  I "tweeted" at the end of the day that cyclists are the nicest people in the world.  Everyone was encouraging from the first mile on, teaching me along the way about group riding.  Jim has a group that rides with him each day and they are really dedicated.  On the last day members of Memphis Velo (here's their website), a racing team, joined us.  It was a real treat for me to get to know these cyclists.  They are great athletes and great people.  When I cramped up a bit at the very end, the team literally pushed me for a few miles on the Greenway.  I made a lot of friends on my ride, for sure.

Will you be back for Go Jim Go 2011? 

Sure hope so!

How can people learn more about Go Jim Go?

You can learn more about Go Jim Go by visiting www.lebonheur.org/gojimgo. Thanks to everyone for their support!