beaconpediatricsma

Beacon Pediatrics Educational Workshop Series

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:32:02 GMT

1st Session Wednesday, April 8 5:30-6:30 PM Birth Control Basics: A Teen Workshop Hosted by Jennifer Moore, CPNP-PC

Are you a teen and interested in learning more about birth control options? Please join our relaxed, judgment-free session where teens can learn the facts about birth control options, how they work, and how to make informed choices. To register, please call our office at 781-745-3322, option 1 and speak to a member of our staff.

Beacon Pediatrics Vaccine Statement

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:46:41 GMT

Our position on recent CDC/HHS recommendations .

At Beacon Pediatrics, we firmly believe in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. The science has not changed — vaccines save lives and are one of the most effective tools we have to protect children and communities from serious, preventable diseases.

We want to reassure our patient families that our vaccine recommendations will continue to follow the best evidence to protect your children and our community. We will continue to follow the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics , whose vaccine committee is 100% dedicated to the safety of your children.

The U.S. childhood vaccine schedule is based on decades of high-quality research and continuous safety monitoring. For this reason, we are deeply concerned about the vaccine schedule change announced by the Department of Health and Human Services. Recent efforts led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to influence vaccine policy have raised serious concern within the medical community. These pushes have promoted unscientific, disproven, and dangerous narratives about vaccines that directly contradict decades of high-quality research and real-world safety data. This message put forth by HHS is dangerous and may lead to confusion, decreased vaccination rates, and increased illness among children.

As Pediatricians, our responsibility is — and always has been — to follow the science, not politics.

Because of this politicization, pediatricians, and physicians in general, no longer trust vaccine guidance coming from the CDC when it deviates from established evidence at the direction of RFK Jr. and this administration. Public health guidance must be rooted in data, transparency, and rigorous scientific review — not ideology.

In contrast, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made a clear and public commitment to remain strictly evidence-based . The AAP continues to uphold the childhood vaccine schedule exactly as science, safety data, and decades of outcomes research have shown to be most effective and safest for children.

At this time, the American Academy of Pediatrics is the only organization that we personally recommend to families for accurate, trustworthy information about vaccines and the pediatric immunization schedule . Their recommendations are developed by pediatric experts, grounded in peer-reviewed research, and focused solely on protecting children — not appeasing political agendas.

We stand with the American Academy of Pediatrics and pediatric experts nationwide in continuing to support evidence-based, science-driven vaccine recommendations. We will continue to do our very best to help parents keep their children happy, healthy, and safe!

Beacon Pediatrics Nutrition Statement

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:46:00 GMT

What Pediatric Experts Recommend

At Beacon Pediatrics, your child’s health is our priority.

You may see new nutrition messages in the media from federal agencies. While national guidelines are designed for the general population, children are not small adults . Pediatric nutrition recommendations are based on decades of research focused specifically on growth, brain development, and long-term health .

At our practice, we continue to follow AAP guidance , which recommends:

• Whole milk for toddlers ages 12–24 months

• Low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk for most children after age 2

• Emphasis on healthy fats , while limiting excess saturated fat

• Minimizing added sugars and ultra-processed foods

These recommendations are supported by decades of pediatric nutrition research and remain the standard of care. Families are encouraged to discuss individual nutrition needs with their child’s clinician.

Below is what pediatric experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) , recommend for children and teens.

�� What We Know Supports Healthy Growth

✅ Focus on a Balanced Eating Pattern

Children do best with a diet that includes:

• Fruits and vegetables (variety matters!)

• Whole grains

• Lean protein sources (beans, fish, poultry, eggs)

• Healthy fats in appropriate amounts

This pattern supports healthy growth, brain development, and heart health .

�� A Note About Milk & Dietary Fats

You may hear different messages about full-fat dairy and fats . Here’s what pediatric science shows:

For the first six months of life, the guidance calls for infants to consume breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula if breast milk is not available. It is recommended that babies stop receiving infant formula at 12 months of age, at which time they should be given whole milk.

�� Infants & Toddlers (12–24 months)

• Whole milk is recommended during this stage only

• Fat supports rapid brain development in early toddlerhood

�� Children Over Age 2

• Low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk is recommended for most children

• This provides essential nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, protein) without excess saturated fat

�� Why this matters:

Research shows that high intake of saturated fat in childhood can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels and increased cardiovascular risk over time .

�� What Pediatric Experts Agree On About Fats

• Children need healthy fats (from foods like fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and plant oils)

• Excess saturated fat (from full-fat dairy, butter, fatty red meats) should be limited after age 2

• The goal is balance , not extremes

This approach is supported by the AAP and pediatric nutrition specialists .

�� Limit Added Sugars & Ultra-Processed Foods

• Avoid added sugars entirely under age 2

• Limit sugary drinks, sweets, and highly processed snacks

• Choose water as the main beverage for thirst

- Children ages 5-10 years should focus on protein foods, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains, while avoiding caffeinated beverages and added sugars. Water and unsweetened beverages should be chosen to support hydration.

- Adolescents ages 11-18 years enter a rapid growth period with increased needs for energy, protein, calcium and iron. Adequate calcium and vitamin D are vital for peak bone mass. This age group should limit sugary drinks and energy drinks and highly processed foods. We encourage adolescents to participate in food shopping and cooking to learn how to make healthy food choices for life.

�� Our Bottom Line for Families

✔️ Follow guidance designed specifically for children

✔️ Focus on long-term health, not nutrition trends

✔️ Ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure—individual needs vary

If you have questions about your child’s diet, growth, or milk choices, we’re always happy to talk.

—Your Beacon Pediatric Care Team

Flu clinics are now open for booking!

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:28:14 GMT

lu Season Is Coming — Let’s Keep Our Kids Protected!

We are now booking Flu Shot Clinic appointments at Beacon Pediatrics!

�� Appointments available starting 9/24/2025

�� Call 781-745-3322 or book online through MyChart

We encourage you to book early, as appointment slots fill quickly.

Flu vaccines are safe, quick, and the best way to help keep your child healthy this fall and winter. Protect your little ones — and help protect classmates, grandparents, and siblings too!

✅ Recommended for kids 6 months+
✅ Easy appointments
✅ Given by your caring Pediatric team

Let’s beat the flu together.

Covid Vaccination Updates

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:26:44 GMT

Beacon Pediatrics will keep you up-to-date with information on Covid vaccines for the 2025/2026 season. (updated 9/1/2025)

Covid Vaccination Updates

Beacon Pediatrics is now OPEN to new babies and transfers!

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:25:01 GMT

Dr. Susan Martin and Dr. Kaleb Mikami are welcoming new patients ages 16 years and younger, and all Doctors are accepting a limited number of new babies per month. Please call the office for more information.

My Chart - What Can I Do?

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:24:32 GMT

Learn about all the things you can do with MyChart here !

New Asthma Inhaler?

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:23:03 GMT

Has your controller inhaler changed recently? Check out our asthma page for videos and handouts on how to use your new inhaler.

Measles Update

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:21:57 GMT

As many of you have read in the news, there has been an uptick in measles cases in the US and in Europe. Measles is one of, if not the most, contagiuos infectious diseases affecting humans. Our favorite epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, has written two recent articles about measles and the importance of measles vaccination .

Get Started with MyChart

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:19:58 GMT

Learn more about getting started with MyChart and using MyChart.