New Patients
Dear New Patient and Family, Hello! Welcome to our practice. We look forward to providing you with efficient, up-to-date pediatric care today and for many years to come. I am a primary care pediatrician who takes care of the general needs of infants and children, specializing...
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"Casa Alegre—your child’s happy home!"
Watch the Home Page on this web site for news about our practice, fun projects to make with your children, and medical information that is important in your child’s life.
Keeping your children healthy in 2012
Dr. Ray and staff are ready for 2012. Here to assist in your child’s healthcare needs.
Call our office and verify that your child has his/her annual checkup scheduled.
Read MoreGarcia Family Christmas 2011
Every year Dr. Ray selects a family and purchases gifts for the children. This year she selected the Garcia Family.
Influenza and The Flu Shot
Influenza-What you need to know.
In order to infect a healthy cell, a flu virus must enter the cell (upper left) and empty viral genes into it. First, the virus binds to the cell. Then it becomes enveloped inside a bubble called an endosome as it gets taken into the cell. It is acidic inside the endosome--more acidic than the interior of the virus it contains. This pH difference serves as a signal to the virus that it is inside the cell, so it is time to release the viral genes (shown as orange squiggles). It is the M2 proton channel that helps the virus sense this difference in acidity and trigger the release of viral genes into the cell. Since the cell cannot tell the difference between its own genes and those of the virus, it gets tricked into making copies of the virus which can eventually go on to infect other cells. Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation
The flu is a serious illness which can cause very real and dangerous health situations. But what exactly is the flu and how do you get it? What happens if you do get it? And how do you prevent it? In addition to seasonal influenza, other serious strains of flu have made headlines in recent years, such as H1N1. If you are interested in learning more, this article has all the basics that you need to know about what you can do to safeguard yourself and your family against the flu.Prevention: Your best bet during flu season is to avoid getting it through proper sanitary measures, as well as ensuring your health through good nutrition, getting enough sleep, and daily exercise. Wash your hands often, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Reduce the spread of germs by avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid contact with others who are or may be sick. If close contact is necessary, wear a facemask or
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