Back to School Wellness: Get Your Year Off to a Strong Start
When you hear “back to school,” you may think of shopping for new clothes and school supplies. Yet, there are a lot of other tasks that come along with the beginning of the school year, especially when it comes to health and wellness. If you want your child to start the year off right, now is the time to start thinking about how you can head into the year healthy. Here are the 7 steps you should take today! 1. Schedule a checkup with your pediatrician Take your child to their annual checkup or physical before the school year begins. These appointments allow doctors to conduct a physical exam and stay up to date on immunization against serious childhood diseases. Although these checkups may seem redundant, they help lay a good foundation for growth and development. During the appointment, the doctor or nurse will ask questions before the physical exam regarding your child’s health history. Some topics that may be discussed include behavior, health, emotions, school, activities, eating habits, and family life. The physical portion of the exam will involve measuring your child’s height, weight, and blood pressure. The doctor or nurse may also check your child’s vision and hearing as well as specific body parts or reflexes. If your child needs vaccinations, they will also be administered. 2. Gather important information Ahead of the appointment, gather the following information for your child. Your pediatrician is a key part of your child’s healthcare team, and they’ll operate best when they have the full picture. All medical history including vaccination records Any special services or accommodations your child has been receiving at school for any disability or health condition Important changes in your child’s life since they last saw their doctor New siblings Separation or divorce Parents spending time in jail/prison New school or neighborhood Serious illness or death of a friend or family member Another key step is reaching out to your child’s school to see what type of medical information is required to start the year. Here are some questions you should consider. What vaccinations are required for my child’s grade? What vaccinations are required for later years? Do you require a physical exam to attend school, participate in sports, or physical education classes? What forms should I have the doctor fill out as proof of either vaccination or physical, and where can I get those? How recent does a physical examination need to be to fulfill the school’s requirement? Can a doctor fill out the form based on a previous exam? Does the school require any other physician-signed forms needed for my child such as sick days, daily medications, or excuses from physical activity? Is a doctor’s note required for excused absences due to illness? Is there a special form that is needed for that excuse? Where should I hand in the forms once they are complete? 3. Visit the eye doctor Everyone knows a classmate who had to go to the eye doctor because they couldn’t see the blackboard. Maybe you were that person growing up. Most parents will wait for a referral from their pediatrician or school nurse before heading to the eye doctor, but building this into your back-to-school preparations is the way to go. When kids can’t see the board at the front of their classroom or even the book right in front of them, it creates learning challenges. During your child’s annual check-up, your pediatrician may conduct an eye exam. However, having a relationship with an optometrist can also be helpful. They have more extensive equipment to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy. And, if your child needs glasses, they’ll be able to facilitate the entire process. Keep an eye out for signs your child needs glasses and bring it up with your doctor! Squinting Tilting their head Covering one eye Sitting too close to the television Holding hand-held devices Rubbing eyes excessively Having difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or reading 4. Start your routine now When school lets out in May or June, many families breathe a sigh of relief. Goodbye, early wakeups! Goodbye, nightmare bedtime routines! Goodbye making lunches! Goodbye, homework after school! Unfortunately, this means when the back-to-school season rolls around, kids are often staying up and sleeping in later than what is practical for school. In the next few weeks, begin to pull your child’s routine back together. Consider factors like sleep, screen time, daily reading, healthy eating, and any other elements that your child needs to succeed. You want to make sure they’re in a rhythm before the start of the year! 5. Chat with the school nurse On back-to-school night, see if the school nurse is around to chat. If your child has allergies, a chronic illness, or physical restrictions, he or she is the perfect partner at your child’s school. This individual will be able to keep a record of any health-related needs or limitations pertaining to your child. Here are some situations you may want to loop the school nurse in on: Daily medication: If your child takes daily medication, the school nurse will need to know what they’re taking. Even if they typically take this medication in the morning or at night (outside of school hours), they can still experience potential medicine-related complications or symptoms. Additionally, if your child needs medication during the day, then that will need to be stored and administered in the nurse’s office. The school nurse will quickly become a trusted member of your child’s healthcare team! Medical emergencies: No parent wants to get an unexpected phone call from their child’s school about a medical emergency. However, if your child has an existing condition or illness that may make a medical emergency more likely, then chatting with the school nurse and other staff about how to handle it in advance can help ease your mind. 6. Think about extracurriculars School sports and other extracurriculars often require an updated sports physical. If your child is planning to have any extracurriculars this
Fireworks Safety
Are you looking forward to late summer nights, barbecues, swimming, beach days, and fireworks as a family? This season offers lots of opportunities for memories. Yet, you’ll enjoy them much more if you know your family is safe. With upcoming holidays like the Fourth of July, parents need to understand the dangers of fireworks, how to keep children safe, and how to treat injuries if they occur. The Dangers of Fireworks For many, fireworks are an integral part of summer holidays and celebrations. However, not everyone realizes just how easy it is to get burns or eye injuries when lighting fireworks. Consumer fireworks — like the ones used on the Fourth of July — are classified as explosive materials. If they are not handled properly, they can be exceptionally dangerous to everyone (adults and children alike). As a result, we recommend leaving fireworks to the professionals. Instead of lighting your own fireworks near your house or in your neighborhood, attend a public fireworks display. This not only prevents injury but often prevents needless house or forest fires. If you choose to light your own, be sure to read the fireworks safety tips below. You should also double check to see if fireworks are legal in your local area. Your local police department is a great resource if you’re unsure. Fireworks Safety Tips for Families If you’ve confirmed that fireworks are legal in your area and want to move forward, here are the safety tips you should remember. 1. Purchase legal fireworks Illegal fireworks account for most fireworks-related accidents. You can determine whether fireworks are legal or illegal based on their label. Legal fireworks will have the manufacturer’s name as well as directions on the packaging. Illegal fireworks not only lack this information, but they also go by the names M80, M100, blockbuster, or quarter pounder. Although these types of explosives were banned in 1966, you can still find them for sale. Furthermore, only purchase legal fireworks that were professionally made. You should not attempt to make your own fireworks as these can be incredibly dangerous. 2. Make an “adults only” rule The best way to keep your family safe is to avoid fireworks altogether. If you decide to engage in this activity, create an “adults only” rule to ensure that kids never handle fireworks. Adults commonly believe that fireworks like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are safe for children to play with because they used them when they were young. However, even sparklers can reach up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (982 degrees Celsius). This temperature is hot enough to melt gold. If you allow your children to use sparklers anyway, you should only ever light them outside. Make sure their hair is pulled back, and they hold the sparker away from their hair, clothing, and anyone else around them. A more suitable option than sparklers, rockets, or firecrackers are bang snaps (also called snap-its, poppers, whipper snappers, fun snaps, cherry poppers, etc.). Bang snaps are made of gravel and silver fulminate wrapped in paper. Children older than 6 can throw them on the ground (away from others) to make a fun snapping noise. Furthermore, kids should never be allowed to clean up fireworks either. This is a mistake countless families make because they believe used fireworks present no harm. Unfortunately, fireworks can still ignite even after they’ve gone off. This means they can explode at any point and cause injury. Only adults should handle used and unused fireworks, and even then, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. 3. Avoid any area where others are setting off fireworks Fireworks are unpredictable. They may backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Even if you’re not setting off fireworks of your own, you should avoid areas where others are setting them off. Additionally, you should not allow your children to play in any areas where people are setting off fireworks, even if they are not playing with the fireworks themselves. 4. Never throw or point fireworks at others People often point or throw fireworks at others as a joke. However, this can have a disastrous effect. You can cause someone serious bodily harm if the firework goes off unexpectedly. 5. Point fireworks away from homes or brush To no one’s surprise, fireworks are a fire risk. For this reason, it’s important to keep them away from homes, brush, leaves, flammable substances, etc. Local fire departments respond to over 50,000 fires that are caused by fireworks each year. Don’t be the reason that your home or others in your neighborhood burn down. 6. Light fireworks intentionally Light fireworks one at a time. You should not hold them in your hand or have any part of your body over them while they are being lit. If you light a dud, you should never relight it. In some cases, you may think you have a dud, but the fuse may still be smoldering slightly. When this happens, the explosive will ignite before you have a chance to get out of the way. To keep your body safe, we suggest wearing eye protection. Additionally, never carry fireworks in your pocket. Even simple friction could set fireworks off unexpectedly and cause injury. 7. Soak all fireworks in a bucket before throwing them away Just because a firework has “gone off,” it doesn’t mean that it is no longer ignited. Avoid any unintentional fires by soaking the used fireworks in a bucket before disposing of them. 8. Consider your pets Does your pet have a pattern of hiding or howling on the Fourth of July? Animals have sensitive ears. Fireworks can be a big trigger for cats, dogs, and other household pets. If you decide to light fireworks near your home, be sure to keep your animals indoors to reduce the risk that they’ll run away or get injured. How to Treat Fireworks Injuries Fireworks injuries are serious. If you or your child is injured by fireworks, you should seek emergency medical treatment at your closest
Rip Tides Safety
If your summer vacation plans involve your family heading to the beach, take the next 10 minutes to read over our riptide safety tips. Having this knowledge could save your or your child’s life. Once you understand rip tides, how they work, and how to handle them, have a conversation with your child about what to do if they are ever swept up in one. The best way to protect them is to prepare them. Anyone, even a strong swimmer, can get caught in a rip tide at a beach they are familiar with. What Is a Rip Tide? A rip tide, also known as a rip current, is a specific type of current that is caused by the tide pulling water through an inlet along a barrier beach. It is characterized by strong, localized, and narrow currents of water that pull people away from shore. The speeds of these currents vary from 1 to 2 feet per second up to 8 feet per second. Rip tides normally form near breaks in sandbars. They can also be near structures like jetties or piers. This is crucial to know because these are areas that families, in particular, are likely to gravitate toward while at the beach. Rip currents are often found on surf beaches and even Great Lake beaches. Rip tides are especially scary for parents because the speeds can vary from moment to moment. At one point, the current may not seem dangerous, and then an increase in speed will jeopardize their child’s safety. Many people do not know the water isn’t safe to swim in until they are pulled out to sea. How Do I Know a Rip Tide Is Present? You’re at the beach. Your children are playing in the sand. People are swimming. You worry that a rip current could be present without you even realizing it. How do you know when it’s safe for your children to go into the water and when to avoid it? Here are some tell-tale signs that a rip current may be present. A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater A channel of churning and choppy water A difference in water color A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving seaward Top Rip Tide Safety Tips Learn how to swim Get your kids enrolled in swim lessons before you ever go to the beach. A floatation device can help your child stay above the water if they get pulled out to sea, but it won’t help them get back to shore. Swimming is an essential skill, and they’ll be grateful that you made sure they learned when they were little (even if they don’t love the lessons now). Additionally, if you don’t know how to swim yourself, now is the time to learn. There is no shame in not knowing how to swim. This is an indispensable and lifesaving skill that everyone must have before they head to the beach or pool. Adults or parents will send their kids to swim lessons thinking that it’s “too late” for them to learn. It’s not! Get in there and show your kid how it’s done. Always swim with a buddy Rip tides don’t discriminate. Strong swimmers are just as likely to get pulled out, and it can be a struggle to navigate this situation on your own. Don’t allow your child to go out into the ocean alone and take that advice yourself. Even if you’re just heading for a quick dip, make sure others know where you’re going and how long you intend to be in the water. Don’t go out if in doubt If you think you see a rip tide occurring from the beach, skip swimming for the day. The ocean is a powerful body of water, and while you may think you can handle it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rip tides are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches worldwide. Additionally, people have died trying to save others from rip currents, so don’t be afraid to play it safe! Swim near a lifeguard If you’re nervous about rip tides this summer, always swim near the lifeguard stand. This way, it will be easy to get the attention of an experienced swimmer who is knowledgeable about rip currents if there’s an issue. They will be prepared to come to your aid or your child’s aid if there is a rip tide that pulls you out to sea. Try to relax Rip currents sound terrifying, but the good news is that they don’t pull you under the water. They pull you away from shore. Though this isn’t ideal, if you can swim, you’ll be able to navigate the situation long enough to get help. Don’t panic and remember what you know about rip tides. The next two sections will help you consider how you can get yourself out of this tricky situation. The first step is staying calm. Swim parallel to the beach One possible way to escape a rip current is to swim out of the current. You do this by swimming parallel to the beach — NOT toward the shore. This is a big mistake that most people make. They see themselves moving further and further from the beach and assume they should swim back as fast as they can. However, this will only cause you to become exhausted. Stay as calm as possible and swim with the current parallel to the shore. This can allow you to escape the rip tide altogether and then move toward the shore once you’re out of it completely. Draw attention to yourself If you’re not able to swim parallel to the beach or find which way the current is moving, don’t worry. Your best chance is to draw attention to yourself. Locate the buddy you’re swimming with or the lifeguard at their stand. Yell out to them or wave for assistance. Do anything that will help draw attention to
Travel Health Tips for Families
Summer is fast approaching, and what does that mean if you have kids? That’s right. It’s the best time of the year — summer vacation! While this is an incredible time to make memories with your kids, it can be stressful for parents to manage their family’s health and wellness away from their home base. If you’re worried about how to stay healthy in the coming months, here are the top travel tips for kids and families. 1. Stay updated on your destination If you want to keep your family safe and healthy on upcoming travel, keep an eye on your destination. It will tell you what you should be prepared for. For a domestic vacation, seek advice from your family doctor or pediatrician. Review your itinerary and planned activities with them, so they can provide any recommendations. While this may seem needless, trips to the beach differ tremendously from backcountry camping or national parks. Having a health professional weigh in on these plans can be extraordinarily helpful. For an international vacation, start with the CDC’s Travelers Health Page. This site will let you know any vaccination or medication requirements. After that, you can head to your family doctor or pediatrician to make sure everyone in your household has what they need. We advise making an appointment at least a month in advance of travel to give you plenty of time. 2. Instill good habits in your kids If you want to keep your kids healthy, you must focus on what you can control. Kids are kids, and they’ll get sick sometimes. However, you can help keep them well with some basic steps like handwashing. Use upcoming travel as an opportunity to discuss good habits like handwashing and not touching eyes, mouths, and noses in germ-filled situations. Point out all the different items that your child will touch that everyone else will too like doorknobs, handrails, fingerprint scanners, buttons, and so much more. Let them know that it’s a good idea to wash their hands more than usual in these situations to help keep their body healthy. If you’re in a pinch and no soap and water are available, hand sanitizer is a good swap. 3. Pack the necessities There are numerous items you could pick up at a pharmacy on the go if you need them. Yet, it never hurts to be prepared. Keep the following items in your bag for easy access. Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer Staying healthy while traveling can be a challenge because of all the new germs your family will be exposed to. That said, you can arm yourself with tools like disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer to mitigate germs on planes, in hotel rooms, at restaurants, etc. First aid kit Stick a small first aid kit in your purse or backpack. This will have all the core necessities like bandages and Tylenol within arm’s reach. Prescription medications for your family Be sure to pack all prescription medications for your family, even if they don’t get used often! It isn’t impossible to get “as needed” or “daily” prescription medication on vacation, but it can be a hassle. Underwear and a light change of clothes Just trust us on this one. The minute you don’t have it on hand, you’ll need it. Healthy snacks (i.e., dried fruits, string cheese, crackers, bananas) Snacks are key when traveling with small children. Whether they’re hungry or you want to avoid a meltdown, they’re a helpful tool for any parent or caregiver. Motion sickness medication Travel involves a lot of motion that your kids may be unfamiliar with, including planes, boats, and buses. It’s no fun for anyone when your little one suddenly thinks they’re going to vomit. Having small and bland snacks on hand and staying hydrated is a great fix at the moment. However, in the future, you can give them motion sickness medication. 4. Balance your food choices Vacation is often when parents let loose. Goodbye, sleep schedules and healthy diets! However, as fun as this may seem for a few days, it can often interrupt the routine that keeps your children well. Almost everything is healthy in moderation, but you’ll want to keep your food choices balanced, so your kids feel well at the end of the day. Choices like fast food, theme park treats, s’mores, popsicles, ice cream, and more are all part of childhood and summer vacation memories. Just be mindful to mix in the treats with high-fiber fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean proteins, and other healthy options that will help avoid tummy troubles. 5. Prioritize good sleep Sleep allows our bodies to support healthy brain function and maintain our physical health. When we don’t sleep, our bodies have a hard time warding off illnesses and stress. Many families struggle to get adequate sleep whether they’re at home or on vacation. Young children can have sporadic sleep schedules, and this can interrupt the sleep that their parents can get. However, as you head out on vacation this summer, remember that everyone will have a better time if they’re well-rested. It’s worth planning your trip around naptime and bedtime if it means that everyone will have a better chance of remaining healthy and in good spirits. 6. Keep everyone hydrated Hydration is always necessary, but when the weather gets hot, dehydration can occur a lot faster. To prevent any issues, you should be mindful of how much water or milk your child is consuming. For children ages 1 to 3 years, 4 cups of beverages are necessary per day. From ages 4 to 8 years, this increases to 5 cups. For older children, you should ensure they get 7 to 8 cups. If you often struggle to keep your kids hydrated, here are some tips you can use to ensure that it doesn’t become an issue during your vacation. Have your child drink a full glass of water before play or physical activity begins Require them to take water breaks every 30 minutes Bring
Surviving Seasonal Allergies
Spring is upon us, and with it, you may notice the pesky symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as seasonal allergies. If your kids are constantly sneezing or sporting a runny nose, itchy throat, or nasal congestion, they may have seasonal allergies on their hands. Unfortunately, many parents mistake seasonal allergies for a cold or bug they picked up at school. Yet, the sooner you start treating their symptoms like seasonal allergies rather than a one-off event, the better off you’ll both be. Here’s what you should know about how to survive seasonal allergies. What Are Seasonal Allergies? Seasonal allergies are allergy symptoms that occur at certain times of the year. They often occur in spring when the trees, grasses, and weeds release small pollen particles that help to fertilize other plants. Some people are allergic to pollen and their bodies treat these particles as invaders. As a result, their immune systems will release chemicals like histamines to defend against them. This release is what causes the symptoms. You may also hear seasonal allergies referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Common Allergy Symptoms in Children Allergy symptoms often look like cold symptoms, which can be confusing. Here are the most common allergy symptoms that may appear in your child. Sneezing Itchy nose and/or throat Nasal congestion Clear, runny nose Postnasal drip Fatigue and poor concentration in school Increase in ear and sinus infections Asthma exacerbations Behavioral issues from discomfort and lack of sleep If you notice your child coughing, wheezing, or experiencing shortness of breath, they may have allergies that trigger asthma. How Do Seasonal Allergies Differ from a Cold or Fever? There’s no way around it. Kids get sick a lot. When you see your child’s nose running again, you may assume that they just picked up yet another bug from someone in their classroom. Yet, if their symptoms are recurring over weeks and weeks, then you may be scratching your head. Sometimes parents who have never dealt with seasonal allergies themselves won’t identify it as easily in their children. They may just think it’s a prolonged cold. However, context is key when it comes to seasonal allergies. If your child gets these symptoms every year around the same time, especially after being around an allergen, then it could be more than a cold. Allergies are often ongoing rather than a 10-day event like a cold. Additionally, springtime allergies often give children more of an itchy and sneezy feeling than when they are sick from an infection. So, it’s important to ask how they are feeling and understand if their symptoms are staying persist day to day or if they seem to be resolving over time. Furthermore, seasonal allergies are often called “hay fever,” but this title often causes more confusion than anything. One symptom that is never associated with seasonal allergies is a fever. If your child is spiking a fever, they likely have some other type of infection or illness that the body is fighting. How Are Seasonal Allergies Diagnosed and Treated? If you suspect your child may have seasonal allergies, visit your doctor. They’ll ask you questions to see what the best course of action is. In mild cases, your doctor may recommend reducing exposure or taking over-the-counter allergy medication. If your child has severe allergies, your doctor may recommend doing an allergy test. In this case, they’d give you a referral to an allergist who will conduct an allergy skin test or blood test. After a diagnosis is made, you and your doctor can discuss the potential treatment options. 13 Ways to Manage Allergy Symptoms Are seasonal allergies ruining your child’s ability to focus in school or play outside with friends? Use these tips to manage their symptoms! You can try many of these before you even bring them to the doctor as they primarily focus on stopping the spread of pollen and mold that can exacerbate symptoms. Limit their exposure to pollen and mold as much as possible. If it’s possible to stay inside or avoid an area with a big pollen event, don’t unnecessarily expose your child. Bathe them (both hair and body) after they play outside. Kids will be kids, of course. You can’t keep them inside all the time, but you can make sure they’re clean once they come in. Once you bathe them, put them in fresh, clean clothing. This helps to stop the spread of pollen inside your house (especially to their bedding). Keep the windows and doors shut during pollen season as much as possible. It’s nice to have a breeze inside your house as the weather warms up, but it can create issues for anyone who has allergies. Run the air conditioning on low during spring to continually clean the air in your home. You don’t have to blast your AC but having it on can help to mitigate some of those allergens. Get an air purifier to help minimize any allergens in your home. If you don’t have an AC unit, or if it’s just not cutting it, this can be a great alternative. Don’t allow your child to play in moist areas (inside or outside) where mold could grow. For instance, if you have an unfinished basement, it may not be the best spot for your child to play. Have your child stay inside when the grass is being mowed. The grass is a common allergen and simply staying inside while it’s being mowed can help your child avoid an allergy attack. Give them a mask to wear if they go outside in the morning or on windy days. Seasonal allergies are often significantly worse in the mornings and on windy days as everything gets stirred up. If they must go out, give them a mask to help filter out the allergens. Wipe down pets with a damp towel or paper towels after being outside because they can bring pollen and mold indoors. We love our furry friends, but they can track
Patient Safety Awareness
Patient Safety Awareness Week occurs from March 12 to 18. Its goal is to encourage education on healthcare safety in both patients and the industry itself. As a parent, this week is an opportunity for you to learn how you can help keep your children safe whether it’s in a medical setting or daily life (to avoid the need for medical intervention). Here’s what you should know when it comes to patient safety awareness and how you can be a better advocate. What is Patient Safety Awareness? According to the World Health Organization, patient safety is a healthcare discipline that emerged as healthcare systems became increasingly complex and resulted in the rise of patient harm in healthcare facilities. The goal of patient safety is to prevent risk, errors, or harm that occurs to patients during health care. It’s generally agreed that healthcare services around the world should be effective, safe, and people-centered. High-quality health care should also be timely, equitable, integrated, and efficient. Raising patient safety awareness is essential because it focuses on eliminating errors or preventable harm. This Journal of Patient Safety study suggests that as many as 400,000 deaths occur in the U.S. each year due to reasons that could be prevented with increased patient safety. Death is not the only concern (although, it’s obviously a significant one). A lack of patient safety in healthcare settings also affects patients’ physical and emotional health, financial well-being, and family relationships. Since everyone interacts with the healthcare system at some point, patient safety is a public health issue. As a parent, it’s important to equip yourself with as much knowledge as you can about this topic, so you can advocate for your child. The Most Common Types of Patient Safety Issues The WHO has put together a list of the most common types of patient safety issues. These are the challenges that Patient Safety Awareness Week looks to address from both the clinical side and the patient side. When you have a pediatric patient some of these will be more or less relevant. Medication errors: Medication errors are defined as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the patient, professional, or consumer,” according to the FDA. This is the most common cause of injury and avoidable harm. Healthcare-associated infections: Infections are incredibly common in healthcare settings, and they can occur at any healthcare facility including hospitals, surgical centers, and long-term care facilities. Unsafe surgical procedures: When unsafe surgical procedures occur, they can cause complications in up to 25 percent of patients. Not only do 7 million patients suffer surgical complications annually, but 14 percent will die during or immediately after surgery. Unsafe injection practices: When unsafe injection practices occur in a healthcare setting, they can transmit infections like hepatitis B and C. These infections are dangerous to both patients and healthcare workers. Diagnostic errors: Diagnostic errors can occur in around 5 percent of outpatient care settings. About half of these errors have the potential to cause severe harm, and most people will have a diagnostic error in their lifetime. Unsafe transfusion practices: These practices expose patients to the risk of adverse transfusion reactions and infections. Radiation errors: Radiation errors are difficult to see and correct, and often, there’s no way to correct the problem after the error is made. An example of a radiation error is radiation contamination when the patient is exposed to too much radiation, and the skin is contaminated. Sepsis: Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It often occurs when you have an infection (in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract) which triggers are larger response throughout your body. Unfortunately, it’s frequently diagnosed too late to save the patient’s life. Blood clots: Blood clots occur when a gelatinous mass of fibrin and blood cells is formed by the coagulation of blood. This is one of the most common causes of patient harm, and it’s highly preventable. Parenting and Patient Safety As a parent, you serve as your child’s safety partner and advocate. Even if you’re not a healthcare professional, you’re part of your child’s care team. You know them the best, and you’re well-equipped to share information and observations about their treatments, medications, and procedures. Understanding the steps you can take at home as well as the ways to partner with the healthcare team will enable you to keep your child safe. Infant Safety Tips Bathing Bathe baby in a specially designed, slip-resistant infant bathtub. Fill tub with 2-3 inches of warm—not hot—water (check temperature with your wrist or tub thermometer. The water should be between 96-100 degrees Fahrenheit). Stay within arm’s reach of your baby while he or she is in the tub. Nursery Bassinet and/or crib should meet current safety standards. Keep items such as pillows, comforters, quilts, and stuffed toys out of the bed. Mattress should be firm and fit snugly within the bassinet/crib. Remove mobiles when baby can sit on his or her own. Remove bumper pads and shift crib mattress to lowest position when baby can pull to a standing position. Keep the bassinet/crib positioned away from windows, heaters, lamps, and other furniture. Do not leave the baby unattended on a changing table and be sure to use the safety strap. Avoid walking away from the baby by keeping all changing supplies within arm’s reach of the changing table. Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back. Feeding During the first year of life, eating is constantly an adventure. Baby can rapidly move from breast milk/formula to trying his/her first table foods. Plus, babies use their mouths to learn about their world, so many non-food items also find their way into little mouths. Due to all of the action these mouths see, choking is an inherent danger. Following are a few tips for keeping your baby safe: Until age 4, avoid foods that can block the airways such as:
Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month
In 1981, National Children’s Dental Health Month was established with the primary goal of instilling lasting oral hygiene habits in children. Good oral health and dental hygiene is essential because it can prevent decay and infection. However, like most things, people don’t know how critically important it is to take care of their teeth unless they’re taught. That’s why it’s so essential that children receive the proper education and support when they’re young. So, this year, during National Children’s Dental Health Month, consider how you can serve as a dental advocate for the little ones in your life. The Importance of National Children’s Dental Month Cavities are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children. The majority of children have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth by the time they reach 6 to 8. The number doesn’t improve when adolescents start over with their adult teeth. The majority of 12 to 19-year-olds also have at least one cavity. When children learn early about good oral hygiene habits, they’re able to prevent many issues in their teeth in later life. These habits are as simple as learning how to brush their teeth and when to floss. Education is the goal of National Children’s Dental Month, and anyone who is around children can and should be part of spreading this message. How to Celebrate National Children’s Dental Month Join us in celebrating National Children’s Dental Month! This is a great opportunity for all kids to learn about oral hygiene. Anyone can be a dental advocate whether they’re a parent, teacher, hygienist, etc. Schedule a dentist appointment When was the last time you went to the dentist? Have your kids been yet? If nothing more, this is a great month to remind you to get back in the dentist’s chair. Call your dentist and see when they can fit you in. Many times, parents will focus on taking care of their kids. They’ll make sure their kids go to the dentist, but they’ll never go themselves. However, modeling behavior is an amazing way to teach your children. You can lead by example and show them the way. Additionally, kids should be going to the dentist every 6 months. However, when should you start taking your child to the dentist? Most parents get this wrong. They think they should take their kid when they’re able to sit still in the dentist’s chair, but they should actually take them at the earliest of the two dates: 1) the date at which your child’s first tooth appears or 2) your child’s first birthday. This often shocks people because babies can get teeth as early as 5 or 6 months. While this may seem unnecessary, remember that 1 in 5 American children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities. Taking your child to their first dentist visit early can help get them off on the right foot. Research shows that for every year past a child’s first birthday that parents delay that first dental appointment, the child’s risk of tooth decay doubles. Needless to say…take your kids to the dentist! Call today and book those appointments. 2. Teach your kids about dental hygiene Dental hygiene should be a constant conversation in your house. After all, it’s something that your children should grow up to do every single day for the rest of their lives. They won’t get it overnight, but they can begin to understand it and remember it if you’re consistent. Here are the basics that you can teach children: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride You’ll want to help children younger than 6 with this task to make sure they have good brushing skills Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and spit out the toothpaste while brushing your teeth Floss daily Flossing can be tricky for kids, but it will only get easier as they practice. Help them start with about 18 inches of floss. They should then wrap the floss around the middle or index finger on each hand. Show them how to guide the floss between their teeth and curve it around the tooth under the gum line. 3. Do fun dental-related activities The dentist can be scary for kids, and it doesn’t help that we only talk about the dentist twice a year right before we’re about to go. Spend the month doing fun dental-health-related activities, and better yet, don’t correspond them with a trip to the dentist. Allowing your child to learn about the dentist without having to visit just yet — you can tell them when their next upcoming appointment is — is a great way to introduce a topic that may otherwise be scary or anxiety-inducing. Here are some fun ideas that can help you talk about the dentist. Head to the library and check out a few dentist-related books Paint with toothbrushes Make a model mouth using mini marshmallows for teeth — practice brushing and flossing and then practice eating the marshmallows Do a cute tooth craft that you can put on the fridge Buy white play dough and make some model teeth Practice flossing with a Duplo block by putting some play dough between the teeth and then using string to remove it Create a tooth-brushing chart 4. Consider getting sealants Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating on the grooves of the back molars. Dentists often recommend sealants for children because they can help prevent tooth decay. Some people wonder whether sealants are better than a filling. After all, it sort of sounds similar to the process of filling a cavity, right? Think of sealants as proactive and fillings as reactive. Sealants are a painless way to prevent cavities. The process is quick and easy. They help make your tooth stronger because they guard against cavities. Plus, it’s less expensive and easier to seal a tooth than it is to fill it. During National Children’s Dental Health Month, reach out to your child’s dentist and explore whether
How to Talk About Blood Donation with Kids: National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month. According to the American Red Cross, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. During COVID-19, the blood supply was critically low because the country was losing blood quicker than it was gaining donors. Each year, just 3 percent of Americans donate blood. However, when the pandemic began, a person needed blood and/or platelets every 2 seconds. This completely depleted the supply that blood banks had on hand. Fortunately, in the spring of 2022, the blood supply was recovered because of blood donors. Their sacrifice ensures that patients will receive the medical care that they need. However, if you’re not currently part of the 3 percent, what’s stopping you from joining? As the 53rd National Blood Donor Month occurs, consider doing your part as a blood donor and teaching your children in the process. Here’s how you can talk about blood donation with your kids. Is Blood Donation Safe? People who have never participated in blood donation before are often concerned. They aren’t sure whether it’s a safe process. Why would they partake if it’s optional and not medically necessary? Many children may worry about how safe it is to have their blood voluntarily removed from their bodies, especially if they’ve always seen adults try to stop bleeding immediately. However, donating blood is very safe. You can’t get AIDS or any other infectious diseases from donating because new, sterile needles are used and discarded after one use. Additionally, donors are always screened beforehand with a mini-physical to ensure they’re healthy enough for the donation process. Their temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin are also checked. Who Can Donate Blood? There are a few criteria you must meet to ensure you’re eligible for donation: You must be in good health You must feel well generally (even if you’re being treated for a chronic condition) You must be 17 or older In certain states, donors can be 16 if they have parental permission You must be 110 pounds or heavier If you are younger than 18 or in high school, then there are additional weight requirements 5 Actions You Can Take During National Blood Donor Month If you want to participate in National Blood Donor Month, here are some ways you can join in. Although your children likely cannot donate with you, you can start a positive conversation around blood donation and model healthy behavior. Sign up to donate blood and take them with you This is such a simple way for your child to see how blood donation works. If you want your child to take an interest in blood donation and consider giving to someone in this way when they’re older, then put your money where your mouth is! Sign up to give yourself and show them what the process looks like. This will give them both a visual and verbal example of what to expect. They’ll be able to see that it isn’t scary, long, or intimidating. Remember that your child may be scared or bored at different points during this process. They may have tons of questions, or they may have little interest in what’s going on. Be patient and consistent and try to make it a positive experience. 2. Teach them their blood type Blood donor mouth is a great opportunity to open the discussion about your child’s medical history. From an early age, it can be important to be transparent about their medical history, so they can advocate for themselves in the future. After all, you won’t always be there in a doctor’s office or hospital room…even if you might want to be! Hopefully, you know your child’s blood type from when they were born. This is a useful piece of knowledge because knowing their blood type can speed up the search for a suitable blood transfusion. If doctors were to use the wrong blood type for a transfusion, it could be fatal. When you discuss blood drives and donating blood, talk to them about the different types of blood and how only some people can receive blood from others. Tell them their blood type and how it’s important to remember that for any emergency. Of course, it may be hard for a 5-year-old to remember that they have type A+ blood. This is the first of many conversations, but it never hurts to have the conversation early and continue to discuss it over the year. If you’re in a position where you don’t know your blood type, the American Red Cross will tell you whenever you donate with them. It will come back on the final report about your blood. This is an easy and free way to gain access to your blood type. Plus, you’ll save a few lives in the process! 3. Organize a blood drive in your community Do you want to do more in your community than simply give blood once? You can apply to host a blood drive through the American Red Cross. There are a few things you’ll need throughout this process. First, you’ll need a large location that provides enough space for donor privacy. You’ll also need volunteers that can help to schedule and support donors. Finally, you’ll need the donors themselves who are willing to give blood. The Red Cross will appoint a representative from their organization to work with you to plan and organize the drive. They’ll offer you all the recruitment tools you need for your donors, the equipment and supplies (including drinks and snacks), and the trained staff who will screen the donors and collect the donations. You can read more at How Hosting a Blood Drive Works to learn about the preparation and day-of requirements and apply when you’re ready. 4. Talk about the importance of giving blood with your friends and family Your child may not be able to give blood themselves, but they can talk to others about giving blood if they’re feeling like a mini activist about the cause. If you
Children & Screens: How Much Is Too Much?
Decades ago when today’s parents were being raised, there was no such thing as an “iPad baby.” Yes, they had their fair share of Saturday morning cartoons, and family computer time, but screens in general were less prevalent. The digital age was just upon us. It wasn’t in full swing. Today, screen time is a hot topic among parents. Some parents are old school and make sure their children see as little screen time as possible. While others are more laid back — leaning into the convenience that Paw Patrol, Bluey, and Ms. Rachel offer. If you’re still figuring out what works for your family, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything there is to know about children and screen time. Why Should You Monitor Your Child’s Screentime? Parents and guardians who are a bit more liberal with screen time may wonder why it’s an issue. In this new digital age, why is screen time worth worrying about? After all, many children use screens in school for learning purposes. Screens can be used for entertainment purposes. If a child seems to be developing normally, is it an issue? Screens can expose children to a variety of behaviors and content they may not otherwise have access to or be prepared to process. Examples include: Violence and risk-taking behaviors Stunts or challenges that inspire unsafe behavior Sexual content Negative stereotypes Adult language Substance use Cyberbullies and predators Advertising specifically targeting your child Misleading and inaccurate information How Much Screentime is Average? As screen time has become increasingly popular, children and teens have spent more time on smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers. It’s virtually impossible for them to get away from screens, especially when much of their learning relies on screens during COVID-19. Here is the average number of hours that children spend on screens each day in the U.S. Ages 0 to 2: 49 minutes per day Ages 2 to 4: 2 to 2.5 hours per day Ages 5 to 8: Over 3 hours per day Ages 8-12: 4 to 6 hours per day Ages 13-18: Up to 9 hours per day That said, just because these numbers are average, it doesn’t mean they’re not “too much.” When a child spends the majority of their waking hours using a device rather than engaging with the world around them, it can lead to problems. These issues include… Having sleep problems Earning lower grades in schools Reading less Spending less time with family and friends Not spending enough time outdoors Not getting enough physical activities Having weight problems Experiencing mood problems Having poor self-image and body-image issues Having a fear of missing out Spending less time learning how to relax and have fun in other ways Your child still needs to spend 60 minutes getting exercise, doing homework, eating meals, participating in hygiene, doing non-screen time-related activities and hobbies, etc. At the end of this blog, there are dozens of ideas if you feel like your family is struggling to integrate non-screen time-related fun. What Do Experts Recommend? The best thing you can do for your child in the digital age is to be thoughtful about screen time consumption. It isn’t “inevitable.” You can control screen time use. Here are guidelines from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 0 to 18 months of age: 18 months to 24 months of age 2 to 5 years 6 years and older Additionally, as a family, you should institute the following screentime boundaries. Turn off all screens during family meals and outings Learn about and use parental controls Avoid screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to control behaviors/stop tantrums Shut off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30 to 60 minutes prior to bedtime While using a show once in a while to help you get a shower in peace isn’t the end of the world, you want to avoid using it as a way to permanently engage your child into behaving as you desire. Other Screentime Tips and Boundaries Take time to understand the programming that your child is engaging with. age-appropriate? Is it educational? Would you want your child to act like the characters on that show? Engage with your child about their shows. Talk to them about good behavior like friendship or cooperation. Point out meaningful places that you may go together like the park, doctor, or beach. This can help make a transition or experience easier in the future. Be aware of the advertising present on the shows that your child watches. It can influence their way of thinking as well as their attitudes when they go to the store or celebrate holidays. Encourage other hobbies and interests your child may have outside of screen time. Set a good example of healthy screen habits. If they see you constantly on your phone, they’ll want to mimic that behavior. Teach your child about personal safety when it comes to their online habits and let them know why internet privacy is so important. Consider your child’s habits and maturity when it comes to devices. Not all children are ready for a device at the same time, and you should make the call depending on the child. Eliminate background TV. Some families turn on the TV simply as background noise. However, there are dozens of other ways you can achieve background noise without a TV. You can simply use your phone and a speaker to turn on music. When TVs are on, they tend to draw your child’s attention. So, if you’re not actively watching it, it’s best to turn it off. Keep smartphones, computers, and TVs out of bedrooms. Yes, you can always make an effort to pull these devices out at a certain time every night, but if possible, don’t ever allow your child to use the device in their room in the first place. This will allow you to monitor both the screen time and the shows, websites, apps, etc. that your child is viewing. Separate eating and watching. Mindless
Thanksgiving with Picky Children | Tips to Make Cooking Easy with Picky Kids
Feeding picky eaters day to day can be exhausting for parents. So, when the biggest meal of the year is coming up, you may start to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re cooking at home for your family or heading to another home for a meal, you may feel stressed about striking the balance. You want your child to eat, but you probably don’t want to make them an entirely separate meal when there’s so much food prep already. How do you get through a food-based holiday without a meltdown? Here are 5 tips to make cooking easy with picky kids. 1. Engage your child in meal planning and prep If you’re worried about the meal itself being a battle, engage your picky child in the meal prep process. Research has shown that children who are more involved in the meal preparation process are more likely to reach for and try that food during dinner. This can be overwhelming for parents during Thanksgiving, however, because it means having lots of little ones running around the kitchen. Involving your kids in the kitchen doesn’t mean you need to let them do every step from start to finish. Start with the planning process. Let them know how you plan a Thanksgiving meal. Talk to them about the traditional foods that are served and why they are served in your household. Is it tradition? Are there cultural reasons behind your selections? What about the nutritional factors? Most households should try to offer at least one protein, grain, vegetable, and fruit. So, map this out and show them how you’re planning to include turkey as a protein and stuffing as a grain because those are the traditional foods that your family serves. However, maybe there’s room for them to help decide on the other food groups. Ask them, “What type of vegetable do you think we should include? What about fruit?” If you have multiple children (and especially more than one picky eater), you can always make extra vegetables or fruits as side dishes. When Thanksgiving Day comes, they can help you wash, cut, and otherwise prepare the dish. Getting your child more involved in the process will ultimately make them more interested in trying the food. It’s a tried and true tricky for all those picky eater parents! If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving or being hosted for the holiday, get creative. Offer to bring a dish that you and your child make together or ask if you and your child can help prepare something in the home of your host. It can be a bit more challenging when you aren’t at home, but the same tricks can still work! 2. Serve a preferred food Traditional Thanksgiving foods will be new foods to the majority of children. Most families don’t serve roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing with onions and celery regularly. When these items show up on the plate of your picky eater, they may be a bit thrown. Where are the items that they know, love, and consider “safe.” As a parent, you can make this new experience easier by ensuring some of their preferred foods appear on the plate as well. For example, while a bit less traditional, mac and cheese has become a favorite at many Thanksgiving tables in recent years. Additionally, a side of bread is a common addition for most households. Because your child has foods they love — like mac and cheese and bread, for instance — they’re more likely to branch out and try 1-2 new foods like roast turkey or mashed potatoes even if they don’t eat everything on their plates. And remember, they don’t need to be a member of the clean plate club. Trying new foods can be a difficult process for picky eaters and being forced to clear their plates won’t make them want to try foods again in the future. If you’re a guest at someone else’s Thanksgiving, offer to bring the preferred items for your child. This will remove the burden on the cook to make specific items and ensure that they’re available for your picky eater. 3. Use food bridges A food bridge is a food with similar color, flavor, or texture to your picky child’s preference. For instance, if you know your preschooler that’s sensitive to new textures enjoys pumpkin pie, then mashed potatoes may be a good food bridge. Now, this method isn’t perfect. Your child may look at the mashed potatoes and say “no way!” because they aren’t orange like her preferred pumpkin pie. However, with this knowledge, you could offer the swap of sweet potatoes if they’re on the table or keep those in mind for next Thanksgiving. You may also be surprised about which new foods your child is willing to try. 4. Make food less intimidating When you think of Thanksgiving, you likely think of big heaping plates that leave you in a drowsy food coma after the meal. Unfortunately, giving your picky eater a heaping plate isn’t likely to make them eat a full meal. In fact, it may do the opposite. When they see all the unfamiliar food they’re expected to eat, they may refuse to eat anything at all. This will result in a lot of frustration for all involved. Instead, start with just a few small bites of any new foods. Chop or cut any larger pieces into smaller ones to make them easier to approach for children. Sometimes picky eaters won’t eat food that seems difficult to eat, but they may eat it in another form. Do your best not to get discouraged and don’t call your child out in front of the entire table. While it can be frustrating to work with a picky eater, the best way to get them to eat more in the future isn’t to shame them into doing so. 5. Enjoy mealtime At the end of the day, both you and your picky