Riverside Medical Group recently opened in Paulus Hook
In November of 2013, Riverside Medical Group opened its 20th location in the waterfront area of Jersey City.
Omar Baker, M.D., F.A.A.P. is this location’s lead pediatrician and Director of Clinical Practices & Quality Control. Coming from a long family line of doctors (sometimes affectionately known as “The Baker Boys”) the patriarch pediatrician, Dr. Azzam Baker, started Riverside Medical Group 33 years ago.
Most Riverside offices offer both pediatric care and adult medicine, and this new location on Essex Street is no exception. With extended and evening hours to accommodate working Jersey City residents and the flexibility to take basically every known health insurance plan, the practice is off to an excellent start. JCI sat with internal family medicine doctor Jessica Taubman and pediatrician Omar Baker to dish about staying healthy this winter – for adults and for children.
JCI: The temperature in the past week has dipped and risen over 50 degrees. Why do people think this makes you sick – is there any kernel of truth to that belief?
Dr. Taubman: I have not heard any factual information that supports that idea; cold temperatures could breed certain bacterias – warmer could too, but I don’t think temperature going up and down should make someone sick.
Dr. Baker: I agree. There is no evidence to support that. There are certain types of viruses and bacterial infections that circulate in different seasons – you see both summer and winter viruses, plus water, as in swimming pools, for example can sometimes be a conduit to spreading infections and viruses. It’s not really the changes in weather – it’s also that in cold weather people tend to stay indoors more and are in closer contact with others. The majority of viruses are spread by contact.
JCI: We all know that hand-washing is a surefire way to stay well; do you have any other tricks up your lab coat sleeve that can ensure wellness during the winter months?
Dr. Taubman: Washing hands is really the most effective way to eliminate germs – it’s the friction that really does the trick. Hand sanitizer is better than nothing, but people take it a little overboard and that’s not really washing your hands.
Dr. Baker: That’s right, Nothing is better than plain old soap and water, plus friction. I have to add a more clinical precaution and that is vaccinating against the influenza virus. We recommend it for anyone over the age of six months. I send most of my adult patients to Dr. Taubman – especially if she’s pregnant – numerous studies show increased complications to mother and baby if exposed to to the flu – plus the vaccine is shown to decrease the chances of preterm labor. By the way, we both don’t wear lab coats, and I don’t wear a tie, because studies have shown it’s another way to spread germs.
JCI: I’m glad you mentioned vaccinating for the flu. Jersey City residents are a diverse population, and some are wary of vaccines for adults. What would you suggest for those who are disinclined to vaccinate but still want to avoid a debilitating illness? Also, for those who want the vaccine, doesn’t it seem a little questionable to get it at the supermarket?
Dr. Taubman: There’s a huge misperception that the flu shot gives you the flu – it’s just not true. However, staying away from other people if they’re sick is a good way to avoid illness – not sharing drinks with other people is as well. If you feel you’re getting sick, take care of yourself – rest, get 7-9 hours of sleep, eat well, get some moderate exercise and decrease stress. Regarding the person delivering the vaccine at the supermarket, you don’t know their level of training, of expertise or their education level. If you have a complication or allergic reaction I’d prefer not to be in the middle of a supermarket.
Dr. Baker: Those who are disinclined to get the flu shot should be asked why and if their apprehensions and information are accurate. We’ll support them and try and minimize the risk factors, but to be honest, from a pediatric standpoint my primary concern is the pediatric patient – to protect the babies who can’t protect themselves.
About flu shots in your local pharmacy or supermarket – you have to ask yourself, how can that person be informed of your medical history, and so forth? Plus patients usually have another issue to discuss when they get their flu shot – maybe bloodwork, a physical – they have questions. In a medical facility you have a better chance of getting a more thorough experience than if you were at a drug store.
JCI: How come doctors never seem to get sick?
Dr. Taubman: I’ve been exposed to a great deal of germs in my career and I wash my hands before and after every patient; I also get my flu shot every year.
Dr. Baker: We take handwashing very seriously here – it’s to protect the staff and to protect the patient. I think doctors are bad at seeing doctors so we like to practice preventative medicine. It’s true that we build immunity through exposure too.
JCI: I see many adults who bring their children to the doctor with every minor cold. How can you reassure parents that every sniffle is not a crisis?
Dr. Baker: I always empathize and have lots of patience with first time moms and dads. They don’t really know what’s minor or major, nor do I expect them to know. So I’d rather parents come in for something they think is minor that may turn out NOT to be minor – especially during infancy. A cold or fever in a two month old can be really serious. As I get to know them and their child gets older, I tell them what things to come in for and what not to. We always have a nurse on staff here who can return calls within the hour and they can always speak to a doctor in the event of an emergency. For non-urgent issues most of our patients can access me or the nurse via email. We don’t want anyone to feel badly for coming in for slight congestion, but the goal is to help them become more educated when they leave the visit. Parents get more comfortable as they gain more experience with their child and the advice we give them. Parents know their children better than I do! Communication and education is really our ultimate goal.
Riverside Medical Group - 46 Essex Street, Jersey City, 07302 (right at Essex Street Light Rail Stop)
Pediatrics: Monday – Friday 8 am – 7 pm, Saturday 8 am – 2 pm 201-360-2228
Adult Internal Medicine: Monday – Friday 8 am – 7 pm, Saturday 9 am – 1 pm
Photo by Jayne Freeman