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Our Pediatric Services emphasize the well being of your child's health. We strive to provide the best quality and individualized care with integrity and honesty in a child-friendly environment.
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Renowned, Dr. Joan Calkins offers specialized care in pediatric rheumatology, and has helped thousands of children struggling with this difficult diagnosis.
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For over 20 years, Dr. Joan Calkins and her staff have worked together delivering quality medical care for all children, from birth to age 21. Centrally located in the beautiful Village of Hamburg, NY, we offer same-day sick appointments, early morning and Saturday hours.
In addition, Dr. Joan Calkins, M.D. has over 30 years of experience as a renowned Pediatric Rheumatologist.
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Pediatrics
Healthy Knowledge
Rheumatology
Pediatrics
When to go to Urgent Care and when to call your Pediatrician
Parenting is complicated. You’ve got to make a lot of decisions, and when it comes to your sick little one, you want to make the right decision quickly. So, how do you decide when to take your child to an Urgent Care, Emergency Room, or Primary Care Physician? This is a simple question with a complex answer, but we wanted to lay it all out for you, so when the time comes, you’ll be prepared to make the right choice quickly. Continue Reading…
Pediatrics
Well Child Visits & Check Ups are Important
Well Child Visits Foster Growth & Child Development
The American Academy of Pediatrics has an established schedule of checkups at pre-set intervals during a child’s development. These appointments are the equivalent of annual physical for an adult. The schedule also tends to follow the immunization requirements so that your child is prepared for each step of his/her development. Continue Reading…
Pediatrics
What Is a Pre-Participation Sports Physical?
A pre-participation sports physical examination ensures that student athletes are healthy and well enough to engage in their chosen athletic endeavor. These checkups are often mandatory under state law and must be conducted for every participation year. Continue Reading…
Pediatrics
Immunizations
Vaccines Save Lives. Call Village Pediatrics to Protect Your Child.
Childhood vaccinations are extremely important in preventing a number of diseases—many of which can be fatal or cause lifelong disability. Thanks to immunizations, diseases that once claimed thousands of young lives are now rare and preventable.
Pediatrics
Pediatric Rheumatology at Village Pediatrics
Village Pediatrics & Rheumatology has the unique privilege to offer specialized care in pediatric rheumatology. Renowned Dr. Joan Calkins has over 30 years experience in this unique pediatric practice, and has helped thousands of children struggling with this difficult diagnosis.
Healthy Knowledge
Cute Valentine Ideas for Kids
Will you be our Valentine?
We want to be yours! Here’s a collection of cute crafts and activities to help your kids send hugs to friends, grandparents and maybe even you!
Thumbprint Valentine
Seriously easy! Thumbody loves you!
Footprint Heart Craft
If there are cute baby feet in your house, here’s a Valentine craft sure to bring
an “Awwww” from Baby’s fans.
You’re just a step away from the directions>
Learning Colors Hunt with Hearts
Here’s a great way to reinforce colors with a little someone you “heart”:
Giant Alphabet Heart Matching Game
Have your little ones mastered the color game? How ‘bout moving on to the alphabet game?
To make it more challenging for preschoolers, mix up lower and upper-case letters.
Salt painting snowflakes (or hearts!)
Salt painting is a fun and easy activity to do with your kids.
The snowflakes are so pretty; filigree hearts would look great too!
Kirigami Heart Corner Bookmarks
Here’s a simple craft you’ll want to “bookmark” for sure!
Healthy Knowledge
Managing Screen Time and Remote Learning
Remember the days when you were worried about your children spending more than two hours a day on screen time? So here it is 2021 and hybrid and virtual learning are still going strong. Parents realized a while ago (perhaps reluctantly) that the “old” screen time guidelines set by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) aren’t particularly realistic right now.
Still, the combination of parents working from home, students learning from home, and many of the usual outside activities being unavailable is resulting in children spending a lot of time on laptops, tablets and phones.
To help preserve everyone’s sanity, here are some tips for managing the increased screen time:
Lead the way
Set a good example by following the behaviors you wish to see in your children. Set clear boundaries for media use and follow them as a family. Be careful about unintentionally setting a bad example. (After all, you’ve most likely been cooped up too!)
Create a screen time limitation plan
Set distinct rules about screen time and how, when, and where your kids can use the internet. Discuss these boundaries and rules clearly with them. You’ll most likely be viewed as the bad guy, so be sure to clearly explain why limitations around screen time/online activities are necessary.
Stay on top of online learning resources
It’s important to know what platforms, software, and apps your children are using for remote learning. Do your own homework on the technology your kids use. Close to 100,000 apps are labeled as educational, but are the ones your kids use truly beneficial to learning?
Engage with your children when they’re using screens
Screen time shouldn’t always be alone time. As much as you can, try to participate in your kids’ distance learning activities. Don’t just monitor their online activities; be a part of what they’re doing. It will encourage bonding and learning.
Stay in touch with teachers
Contact teachers about educational online and offline activities that are right for your child.
Preschool teachers may not have an online curriculum to share, but PBS Kids is a great source of educational entertainment. For school age children, Common Sense Media gives parents a review of exactly what their children will encounter in pop culture TV/movies so they can determine if it’s appropriate.
Create a balance between online and offline activities
Screen time can displace many important activities such as face-to-face interaction, family time, outdoor play, exercise, unplugged downtime, and sleep. So set limits and encourage physical leisure time.
Take advantage of the benefits of social media
Social distancing can be isolating. If your kids are missing their school friends or other family, try video chats or social media to stay in touch.
Encourage your kids to virtually check in
on grandparents, friends, neighbors and others special to them. If your schools are closed, find out if there are ways to help students who need meals or internet access for at-home learning.
Don’t forget about fresh air and exercise
With so many hours of screen time, it’s important to remember children still need about 60 minutes of exercise per day. Indoor exercise and yoga videos for kids are a great way to burn up some energy. Alternatively, most outdoor play can be done if social distancing is observed and children in the same household play together. Extra points for making this a regular part of your day!
Take your child (virtually) to work
Working from home? Use this time as a chance to show your kids a part of your work world. Think of ways they can be your “helper.” It’s like “Take your child to work day” right from your home.
Create tech-free zones
Encourage more focused family time, healthier eating habits, and better sleep by keeping mealtimes, other family and social gatherings, as well as children’s bedrooms screen-free.
We hope you find these tips helpful. And we’re even more hopeful that it won’t be long before we won’t need them anymore!
Healthy Knowledge
Winter Car Seat Safety
Here in Western New York, we don’t let a little cold weather stand in our way. Skiing, sledding, enjoying a nature walk – that’s what we do. Bundle the kids up, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, and you’re on your way. But before you head out, take a quick check of your child’s car seat.
As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. Thick winter coats can keep your baby warm but they can compromise your child’s car seat safety.
In order for car seats and boosters to function properly, the straps need to remain tight against your child’s chest. Winter coats and snowsuits change the way a child fits into the car seat. In a car crash, the fluffy padding immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.
Here’s a simple way to check whether your child’s coat is too big to wear underneath a harness:
Step 1: Put the coat on your child, sit him or her in the car seat and fasten the harness. Tighten the harness until you can no longer pinch any of the webbing with your thumb and forefinger.
Step 2: Without loosening the harness at all, unhook it and remove your child from the car seat. Take the coat off, put your child back in the car seat, and buckle the harness straps, which should be adjusted just as they were when the child was wearing the coat.
If you can pinch the webbing between your thumb and forefinger now, then the coat is too bulky to be worn under the harness.
How to Keep Your Child Warm and Safe in the Car Seat
These tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) will help parents strike that perfect balance between keeping little ones warm as well as safely buckled in their car seats.
* Get an early start. If you’re planning to head out the door with your baby in tow on winter mornings, you need an early start. You have a lot to assemble, and your baby may not be the most cooperative. Plus, driving in wintry conditions will require you to slow down and be extra cautious.
* Store the carrier portion of infant seats inside the house so it isn’t cold when you put your child into it. Keeping the seat at room temperature will reduce the loss of the child’s body heat in the car.
* Warm up your vehicle before you go.
* Dress your baby or toddler in thin layers of clothing . Each layer holds warm air. The layer next to the skin should be close-fitting, such as tights, leggings, long underwear, or a long-sleeved bodysuit. Then add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt. Your child can wear a thin fleece jacket over the top. In very cold weather, long underwear is also a warm and safe layering option. As a general rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults.
* Add a hat, mittens, and warm socks or booties to keep head, hands, and feet toasty. These help keep kids warm without interfering with car seat straps.
* Buckle the seat, adjusting the straps each time you do. You should only be able to get one finger under the harness at your child’s collarbone. If you can pinch the strap, it is too loose.
* Use a coat or blanket over the straps,. You can add a blanket over the top of the harness straps or put your child’s winter coat on backwards (over the buckled harness straps) after he or she is buckled up. As the car heats up, you can remove a blanket so your child doesn’t overheat.
* Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby. Nothing should ever go underneath your child’s body or between her body and the harness straps. Be sure to leave baby’s face uncovered to avoid trapped air and re-breathing.
* Pack an emergency bag for your car. Keep extra blankets, dry clothing, hats and gloves, and non-perishable snacks in your car in case of an on-road emergency or your child gets wet on a winter outing.
Have a great time enjoying the great WNY outdoors this winter! Follow the tips above and your family will be happy … and safe!
Healthy Knowledge
6 Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities for Kids
The Village Pediatrics staff is thankful for our patients and their families!
So to celebrate you, we’ve rounded up a few fun craft ideas to try at home with your kids. Happy Thanksgiving!
1. Gourd Turkeys
Each of these turkeys is a one-of-a-kind! All you need are a selection of gourds, some bright colored fluffy feathers, a few scraps of felt and a pack of silly googly eyes. Oh – and an adult to operate the hot glue gun, of course!
2. Egg Carton Turkey Treat Box
Egg cartons aren’t just for Easter! Check out this two-for-one turkey craft. Candy dish? Check!
Place card? Check! Extra credit: finding out your daughter is grateful for … worms!
3. Leafy Placemats
How cool are these? Whether you choose single-use construction paper or a heftier
felt-and-Con-Tact-paper style, these placemats are sure to brighten up your holiday table.
4. Pinecone Bird Feeders
Why should humans be the only ones enjoying a big meal on Thanksgiving? That notion is for the birds! And, so is this super-simple bird feeder. Give your backyard buddies something to be thankful for, too!
5. Thanksgiving Day Parade Scavenger Hunt
Yes, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade will look a bit different this year, but the beloved event will still usher in the holiday season. To make it even more fun, create a scavenger hunt for your kids to enjoy while they watch the parade.
Check this year’s parade lineup to include your favorite characters >
(Snoo-py! Snoo-py!)
6. Pumpkin Pie Gratitude Spinner
Who’s ready for a slice of pie? Gratitude pie, that is. As the pie spins around, each “slice” reveals something your child is thankful for.
Healthy Knowledge
7 Fun Things for Kids (and grown ups) While Quarantined
We know you’re loving this extra time with the little ones, but let’s be honest: after a while, you might be looking for something to fill the time.
We put together a few neat ideas that you might not have thought of yet. Take a look.
1. Create a daily schedule together
Use a whiteboard, cardboard or blank printer paper, or print out an online daily calendar template. Take turns being the one who decides what to do during each block of time.
2. Let an astronaut handle storytime
Listen to a real astronaut read you a book from space!
Watch and listen to Ada Twist, Scientist, Mousetronaut (written by astronaut Mark Kelly and read by his brother, Scott Kelly), Astronaut Annie and Max Goes to Mars.
3. Sock Puppets!
Make puppets from socks, paper bags or stuffed animals with their stuffing pulled out. Michelee Puppets, a nonprofit in Orlando, has tons of ideas and videos on their website here.
4. Visit a museum, virtually
Check out these lists at Mental Floss and Travel & Leisure, or just check out the website of the museum you’ve always wanted to visit. Many have online exhibits.
5. Draw pictures outside with sidewalk chalk.
Send the neighbors warm wishes, or play hop scotch.
6. Put on a family play.
Have you got any mini-Shakespeare lovers? OK, maybe you’ll not put on your own version of Hamlet, but you could mimic some of their favorite cartoons!
7. Do yoga
There are tons of yoga classes on streaming services and online video sites can lead you through a virtual class.
Healthy Knowledge
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Tips for Erie County Residents
This information originally appeared on the Erie County Website
COVID-19 is a disease caused by new respiratory virus first identified in China and is now spreading worldwide. This disease can lead to fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are thousands of confirmed cases in a growing number of countries internationally and the virus is now spreading in the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more about this virus.
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person.
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Please regularly check the CDC’s Novel Coronavirus webpage and the NYSDOH COVID-19 website for updates.
This information originally appeared on the Erie County Website
Rheumatology
Joan G. Calkins, MD
Dr. Joan G. Calkins, MD educated at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine,and is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics, sub-Board of Pediatric Rheumatology and the American College of Rheumatology. She also is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and is often giving lectures and seminars on her experience and knowledge. Continue Reading…
Rheumatology
Lindsey Rogers, RPA-C
Lindsey Rogers, RPA-C, educated at Daemen College, and has a B.S. in Health Science and an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. She has worked with Dr. Calkins for over 11 years. Her experience has expanded so that Lindsey sees both Pediatric and Rheumatology patients. Continue Reading…
Rheumatology
Pediatric Rheumatology at Village Pediatrics
Village Pediatrics & Rheumatology has the unique privilege to offer specialized care in pediatric rheumatology. Renowned Dr. Joan Calkins has over 30 years experience in this unique pediatric practice, and has helped thousands of children struggling with this difficult diagnosis.
