Lake Shore Pediatrics host book drive

Submitted by Lake Shore Pediatrics

Lake Shore Pediatrics physicians, staff and patients held their first Winter Book Drive, collecting more than 430 books for the established "Reach Out and Read" program at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Patients at the Lurie Hospital Resident Clinic will receive a book at the end of each health maintenance visit to help families encourage their children to develop lifelong reading and language skills.

"This is the first year our practice participated in a book drive, and I am pleased that both patients and staff were so eager to donate their new and gently used books for such a worthwhile cause," said Rilina Ghosh, MD, of Lake Shore Pediatrics.

"The benefit of health providers giving books to children stems from the fact that families have already typically established a trusting bond with their health care provider, and, therefore, may better appreciate the importance of reading that is symbolized by giving their child a book at a well visit."

There are numerous studies indicating that the single most important factor influencing a child's early academic success is introducing them to books and reading in the home before school starts, which can be accomplished by reading to a child for as little as 15 minutes a day.

Reading with a child improves the parent-child bonding, positively impacts a child's socialization and exposes them to more life experiences through the books. It also helps parents serve as a positive educational role model to their children.

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