Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 136 MARCH 2021 PHOTOGRAPH BY MELENA WARD/PLUM+PORT PHOTOGRAPHY C O M M U N I T Y GETTING TO KNOW THE NORTH SHORE MAR 2021 Christine Daragjati R iccardi, MD, FA A P Children's Health Care, Newburyport INTERVIEW BY LAUREN TORLONE MAHONEY How has your approach to children changed during this pandemic year? This year has been about getting back to basics: eating well, sleeping enough, getting fresh air through physical activity. Focusing on the things we can control. Our grandparents and great-grandparents have always stressed these basics and through science we have proof they were right! Have you faced specific Covid-19 related challenges in your practice? The beginning of the pandemic was very difficult as we did not know the virulence or the mode of transmission of this novel virus. The fear of the unknown was real and it was difficult to convey confidence to our patients. Fortunately, we have learned a lot since last March and through maintaining strict safety protocols our fears have eased quite a bit. Other than Covid 19 itself, my greatest concern was the potential consequences of missing routine child care, missing vaccinations, health issues and especially mental health issues. During lockdown many of these important visits were delayed but now we seem to be back on track. Did you ever imagine a global pandemic on this grand a scale? Global pandemics were never at the forefront of my mind. However from an intellectual perspective, I could imagine a pandemic happening given the ruthless nature of viruses. Something I could have never imagined is the politicization of science. Would you say there have been any "silver linings" to this time? Yes, many stemming from the simplicity of being more aware of all that we already have. For example, it just occurred to me why I appreciate telehealth video visits—I can see my patients without a mask! I have been profoundly moved by the resilience of children. Parents deserve a huge pat on the back for working hard to create positive atmospheres. Another silver lining has been the appreciation for science, health professionals, and vaccinations. As a doctor and a mother, do you feel you were uniquely positioned in any way for pandemic parenting, so to speak? I imagine I felt just like every other parent when this happened. My three children (ages 12, 14, and 16) were used to me working and when I wasn't working I was usually shuttling them around to practices and things. I found I had so much unexpected extra time, especially with my youngest son. Instead of being in a car driving to an organized sport, there we were in a middle of a weekday, snuggled up on the couch together. In that regard, this has been a reality check that I am grateful for. I cannot wait to hug all of my family and friends. What I look forward to doing most locally is going to Crane Beach without a mask!