Just call Polar Pediatrics at 907-522-KIDS (5437) and schedule a complimentary 30-minute, non-medical appointment—to get to know us. If you have already made up your mind, feel free to call and schedule a well-child check. At that time, you can fill out a request of information form and we will obtain your previous records. Be sure to bring your new patient forms, filled out, your insurance information, your ID, and your child's immunization record with you so we can check to see if any shots are due.
A primary care doctor is a physician who knows your child's health well and helps you make decisions relating to your child's needs.
Monique M. Child M.D. serves as a primary care doctor. She will get to know you and your children, their medical history, lifestyle, and habits. At Polar Pediatrics, we care for you as a whole family and can act as coordinators and experts in navigating the medical system. We learn about your child and can help you make important decisions about large and small things—from which healthy foods to feed your child to how to care for a very ill child. We request that you ask all other providers participating in your child's care (e.g. homeopaths, naturopaths, physical therapists, psychologists, etc.) to supply us information about what care they give. This enables us to provide true, comprehensive, care.
What is well-child care? What is the schedule for well-child visits?
Well-child care is about caring for the whole child. It focuses on checking in with your child at regular intervals in their development in order to provide them the best support and opportunity to grow, thrive, and remain healthy.
Well-child checks involve a physical at different stages in a child's life. We monitor growth, achievement of developmental milestones, and answer any questions you or your child may have related to physical and emotional health.
Our office recommends the American Association of Pediatrics’ well-child schedule:
We encourage every parent to research and ask questions. Our office is here to work with you through the process and make sure all your concerns are addressed. It is important to realize that if you elect not to immunize, you need a plan in case of illness or epidemic. We also require that you read our information and continue to talk with us about vaccines.
Your child's body is designed to mobilize an immune response to any foreign invader. One of the body’s defenses is a temperature above normal. Normal is 98.6 degrees F or 37.5 degrees C.
A fever greater than 100.4 in a child under 2 months of age is an emergency and you should go to the ER. Remember to call Dr. Child on the way to the emergency room, as she may be able to meet you there.
From 2 months to 12 months, we recommend a visit on the first day of illness.
As your child enters the toddler years, and throughout childhood, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used when your child’s discomfort is greater than the protective benefit of the fever itself. It’s important to weigh the fever’s healing aspect against the level of your child’s discomfort before administering anti-fever medications.
In adolescence, like in adulthood, a high fever can be indicative of an illness that requires evaluation.
If you need help in deciding whether to use anti-fever meds or whether or not to schedule an appointment, please call the Nurse Help Line at 907-212-4900.
Antibiotics are used to prevent the growth, destroy the cell covering, or disrupt the internal metabolism of bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics has led to bacterial resistance to commonly prescribed medications, as well as systemic changes in bodies. This means they can disrupt your child’s natural flora, preventing your child’s body from healing as quickly, or well, as they could.
Illnesses in children are predominantly caused by respiratory, intestinal, or skin viruses, which cannot be treated successfully by antibiotics. Our practice uses antibiotics for specific infections when bacteria is suspected or has been identified.
We believe children's bodies have the resiliency to overcome most infections with supportive methods that relieve discomfort.
