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The article discusses the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) which is a U.S. nonprofit organization that brings together telemedicine providers, healthcare institutions, vendors and others that provide remote healthcare using telecommunications. Also discussed is the ATA operating procedures that covers the provision of healthcare to children from birth through legal age of majority and young adults with chronic pediatric illness or disability by the use of telehealth and mobile devices.

Newborns represent the pediatric population most at risk for influenza-related morbidity and mortality, especially premature newborns and those with chronic disease. Compounding this problem is the fact that influenza immunizations are ineffective until 6 months of age. This article describes a successful program that follows the "cocoon" theory of immunization. Free influenza vaccines were given in the nursery to all family members, caregivers, and others living in the homes of discharged infants. Planning and implementation steps are described, along with lessons learned during implementation. The response to the program exceeded expectations, with 185 contacts immunized. Future plans include the expansion of the current program to include the H1N1 influenza vaccine and the Tdap vaccine. The described vaccination effort encourages and substantiates the benefits of cocoon immunization in other nurseries across the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When organizing new health care interventions among a rural population, a careful planning process respecting community-specific considerations should be used. The project objective centered on the successful implementation of a school-based telehealth clinic serving a rural, health-disparate population. Using an American Academy of Pediatrics Community Access to Child Health planning grant, a needs assessment of the Delta community was conducted. In synthesizing the results of this planning project, consensually addressed issues led to establishing a pilot schoolbased telehealth clinic within the rural county schools. Seven essential steps emerged as a set of guidelines that entities might consider in introducing a telemedicine school-based service in a rural community. The steps included assessing local and regional needs, securing community support and establishing goals, evaluating resources, configuring logistics, training staff, informing parents, and launching the clinic. Proper planning is crucial to the establishment of a rural school-based telehealth clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the twelve commonly held beliefs relating to breast milk, breastfeeding, pacifier use, emesis, umbilical cord care, and jaundice. Breastmilk is described as the ideal source of nutrition and almost a complete and perfect source of nutrition. It is recommended by the U.S. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that all breast-fed newborns should receive 200 IU/day of vitamin D until they are getting at least 500 ml/day of vitamin-D formula of milk to prevent vitamin D deficiency and subsequent rickets. On the other hand, formula supplements are considered not reasonable or necessary as routine practice.

Comments on a study published in 'Pediatrics' about the penicillin treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Endpoint selected in the outcome of the study; Purpose of penicillin in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis; Variables association with penicillin treatment failure.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Newborn Care: 12 beliefs that shape practice (But should they?)," by Drs. Burke and Hall.

Presents information on sports deficit disorder. Criteria for diagnosis; Treatment; Account of a related study.

A quick diagnosis for disseminated neonatal Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is not easy, potentially affecting morbidity and mortality. We report a case of disseminated HSV occurring at 4 days of life whose mother had fever for 4 days before delivery, a negative history for all sexually transmitted diseases, and a normal genitourinary examination (including visual examination of external genitalia and cervical/vaginal mucosa without colposcopy). A septic work-up done at birth was negative. A second septic work-up at 4 days of age. after clinical deterioration, led to the correct diagnosis and therapy. This case illustrates some of the difficulties in making a rapid diagnosis of neonatal HSV in all cases, especially at this age, and emphasizes the need for inclusion in this differential diagnosis and appropriate presumptive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]