With more and more parents choosing not to vaccinate their children these days, one Los Angeles area doctor has taken a unique approach in curbing the spread of some of these highly-infectious and life-threatening illnesses.
Dr. Regina Estrada, head pediatrician at the Beverly Hills Center for Pediatric Care, now gives one free kale shake to every parent who chooses to vaccinate their child. "The kiddos get a sucker and mom and dad get a fresh jolt of antioxidants," said Dr. Estrada just before rolling up the sleeves of her lab coat and pressing blend on the medical office's state of the art juicer.
Dr. Estrada says the promotion has really helped parents like Billy and Wendy Barber who were on the fence about getting their twin boys vaccinated for pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough. "On the one hand, vaccines go against everything we stand for," said Wendy who followed every sentence with a big slurp from her complimentary drink. "But with the rising costs of these delicious smoothies, it really was a no brainer."
Yet, not everyone can be so easily swayed with just a kale shake. Which is why for the more stubborn parents, Dr. Estrada shifts into higher gear by providing a voucher for one free week of soul cycling classes.
Dr. Estrada explains that it's all about putting a new spin on vaccines. "No longer is it enough to say: 'Hey, this will save your child's life,'" she says. "You need to show mom and dad that there's something in it for them too."
And while the incentives have set Dr. Estrada and her practice back a bit financially, she says the peace of mind that comes from doing her part "to help prevent widespread death" makes it all worth it.