Health

By Jigna Janani, MD
Adult Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Health System Medical Staff

Often when patients are admitted to the hospital, they have questions such as, “Where is my family doctor?” or “What does a ‘hospitalist’ mean?” My common response to them is, “A hospitalist is serving like a family doctor for you while you are in the hospital.” Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, the family doctor usually resumes care. 

Hospitalists are like a quarterback on a football field or a conductor in an orchestra. Their job is to ensure both that patients feel well-educated about their medical illness and that they receive excellent care during one of the toughest times for them and for their loved ones.

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By April Lieb, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Caughman Health Center

Fever. A common question for many parents is, “What is considered a fever?” Fever in children can be scary, but just because there is a fever does not always mean there is cause for alarm. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). In the world of pediatrics, a fever is considered 100.4 F (38 C) per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Other common reasons children will develop a fever are overdressing, immunizations and occasionally teething, although in these cases the fever is typically less than 100 F. 

If your child is under three months old and has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, you should seek medical attention. 

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