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New tech helps children with fear of needles at doctor’s office

Dr. Aviel Lemus joins Breakfast with Bridgett

ORLANDO, Fla. – A doctor joined Breakfast with Bridgett to talk about the process of getting your children ready for back to school, including those often dreaded shots.

Dr. Aviel Lemus from Miami Concierge Pediatrics said 75% of kids have fears of the needle, but parents can help them by preparing them for their doctor’s visits well in advance and by using positive language.

And when the moment for a needle prick comes, he said creative distractions are key.

“There’s certain technology that works when the moment is about to happen or when the vaccine’s coming or a blood draw, which happens in your yearly physicals. You can use music, pull out the iPhone and show them a video. Baby Shark works wonders. But we’ve taken that to a new level, a more sophisticated form, using virtual reality,” he said.

“Our practice is the first outpatient practice to be using this technology. It’s called Smiley Scope and it’s basically a set of virtual reality goggles you put on your baby, on your toddler, all of a sudden, they’re lost in a world that’s coordinated with what we’re doing in the real world,” Lemus said.

Hear more about the VR goggles called Smiley Scope and get more tips from the doctor by watching the full interview at the top of this story.

Every day we dish up something new on Breakfast With Bridgett, weekdays at 7:30 a.m.

Watch Breakfast with Bridgett on the free News 6 Plus streaming app or ClickOrlando.com.


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