Summer Water Safety
Summer is a great time for kids to enjoy swimming, but it’s important to review safety rules regularly before anyone gets in the water. Whenever children are swimming, an adult should be watching who is able to intervene if necessary. For kids who are four years and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons as an additional safety step. Ocean Safety Lifeguards use flag ratings to deliver important information about the area to beachgoers. Adults and older kids should understand what these flags mean and ask the lifeguard on duty if they see a flag they don’t understand. Some common flags and their meanings are listed below: Yellow flag: Yellow flags represent a medium hazard where modest currents or surf may be present. Young children and weak swimmers should stay out of the water. Red flag: Red flags represent a severe hazard. Swimmers should avoid entering the water because currents could be very strong. Red over red flag: The water is closed to the public. Purple flag: Jellyfish, stingrays and other hazards could injure swimmers. If a shark is spotted, a red flag or a red over red flag appears. Everyone swimming should also know what to do in case of a riptide. If a swimmer is caught in a riptide, he should swim parallel to the shore, rather than fighting the current. Once he’s free, he should swim toward land. If the swimmer can’t swim parallel to the shore, he should float or tread water until the riptide passes. Of course, if the swimmer isn’t sure he can make it to shore, he should yell loudly and wave his arms for help. Swimming Pool Safety While swimming pools don’t have the riptides, waves and currents of the ocean, they can still be dangerous if safety precautions aren’t followed. Responsible adults should be watching kids in the water at all times. Every adult should also know the signs of drowning, which can be difficult to spot. Weak swimmers should wear life vests, and kids should never run around the pool. Children should be told that diving is only allowed after an adult checks the pool depth to make sure it’s deep enough. What to Know About Dry Drowning Dry drowning occurs when a child swallows a small amount of water, which causes her airway to spasm. Symptoms of dry drowning include difficulty breathing, vomiting, coughing or sleepiness. If a child is rescued from a near drowning, it’s important to call a pediatrician for advice even if the child appears OK. Parents who want an expert opinion on age-appropriate water safety for their kids can call one of our qualified pediatricians at Pediatric Care Centers.
Dosage Charts for Over-the-Counter Meds
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl have been recalled. Please visit www.Mcneilproductrecall.com. NOTE: New Concentration for Infants. In accordance with FDA recommendations, acetaminophen manufacturers have changed the concentration of infant acetaminophen from 80mg/0.8ml to 160mg/5ml. Be aware that there may be both the old and new concentrations of infants’ acetaminophen products available in stores and in medicine cabinets. The pediatric acetaminophen products currently on the market can continue to be used as labeled. Be sure to check the label or contact our office should you have questions. It is important to note that the old infants’ acetaminophen concentrated drops have 3x more medicine than the new infants’ acetaminophen oral suspension. More Information Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours May Give Every 10-11 lbs. 2-3 mo. 12-17 lbs. 4-11 mo. 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. NEW INFANT CONCENTRATION (Suspension) Check Bottle! 160mg/5ml 4-6 hours 1.25 ml 2.5 ml 1/2 tsp. 3.75 ml 3/4 tsp 5 ml 1 tsp. 1 1/1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 1/2 tsp. (3 tsp if over 72 lbs) OLD INFANT CONCENTRATION (Drops) Check Bottle! 80 mg/0.8 ml * 4 – 6 hours 1/2 dppr. 0.4 ml. 1 dppr. 0.8 ml. 1 1/2 dppr. 1.2 ml. 2 dppr. 1.6 ml. Chewable 80 mg tablets 4 – 6 hours 2 tab. 3 tab. 4 tab. 6 tab. Chewable Junior 160 mg 4 – 6 hours 2 tab. 3 tab. Elixir 160 mg/5 ml 4 – 6 hours 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. 2 tsp. 3 tsp. Suppository 120 mg 4 – 6 hours 1 supp. 1 1/2 supp. Suppository 325 mg 4 – 6 hours 1/2 supp. 3/4 supp. 1 supp. Suppository 80 mg 4 – 6 hours 1 supp. 1 1/2 supp. 2 supp. *CAUTION: We recommend that you use the dropper or dosage cup that comes with your medicine to avoid overdosage. Dosage recommendations on bottles may vary from the recommendation on these pages. We would like you to use our recommended dosages unless your health care provider has given you a different (usually higher!) dosage. Aspirin should not be given to your child. Printable Dosage Chart Cold Medicines WARNING: DO NOT GIVE THESE MEDICINES TO CHILDREN LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD. Do not combine medications or give more than specified. Increasing evidence indicates that the risks of these medicines may outweigh their benefits. Therefore, we generally discourage their use and specifically are concerned about the consequences of use in our toddlers. May Give Every 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. Benadryl Syrup 6 hours Do Not Give Call Your Pediatrician 2 tsp. 2 tsp. Dallergy Syrup 4 – 6 hours 1 tsp. 1 1/2tsp. Dimetapp Decongestant Infant DROPS * 6 hours Dimetapp Elixir 6 hours 2 tsp. 3 tsp. Nyquil (purple) Syrup 4 – 6 hours 2 tsp. 3 tsp. Pediacare Cough-Cold Syrup 4 – 6 hours 2 tsp. 2 1/2 tsp. Pediacare DROPS * 4 – 6 hours Sudafed Syrup 6 hours 1 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. Triaminic (orange) Syrup 4 hours 1 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. Printable Dosage Chart Cough Medicines WARNING: DO NOT GIVE THESE MEDICINES TO CHILDREN LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD. Do not combine medications or give more than specified. Increasing evidence indicates that the risks of these medicines may outweigh their benefits. Therefore, we generally discourage their use and specifically are concerned about the consequences of use in our toddlers. May Give Every 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. Benylin DM Syrup 6 hours Do Not Give Call Your Pediatrician 2 tsp. 2 tsp. Delsym Syrup 12 hours 1 tsp. 1 tsp. Dimetapp Decongestant Plus Cough Infant DROPS * 6 hours Dimetapp DM 6 hours 2 tsp. 3 tsp. Donatussin Syrup 4 – 6 hours 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. Pediatric Formula 44 Syrup 6 hours 1 Tbs. 1 Tbs. Robitussin DM Syrup 4 hours 1 tsp. 1 tsp. Robitussin Pediatric DROPS * 4 hours Printable Dosage Chart Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl have been recalled. Please visit www.Mcneilproductrecall.com. Give every 6 hours for fever over 102° rectal May Give Every 12-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. Chewable Tablets 100 mg 6 hours 1 tab. 1 1/2 tab. 2 tab. 2 1/2 tab. Chewable Tablets 50 mg 6 hours 2 tab. 3 tab. 4 tab. 5 tab. DROPS 50 mg/1.25 ml * 6 hours 1 dppr. (1.25 ml.) 1 1/2 dppr. (1.875 ml.) 2 dppr. (2.5 ml.) 3 dppr. (3.75 ml.) Suspension 100 mg/5 ml 6 hours 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 1/2 tsp. Tablets 200 mg 6 hours 1 tab. 1 1/2 tab. CAUTION: DO NOT GIVE TO AN INFANT UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE. Consult with a physician or pharmacist before combining any medication. Some drugs may contain additional pain relievers. Aspirin should not be given to your child. Printable Dosage Chart Itching/Allergies May Give Every 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. Benadryl (red) Syrup 12.5 mg/5 ml 4 – 6 hours 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. 1 3/4 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp. Benadryl Chews 4
Sunscreen: Essential Summer Item For Your Kids
One of the great things about living in Jacksonville is the proximity to the water and sunshine. As the summer months draw closer, families want to spend more time outdoors. But parents should take steps to protect their children’s delicate skin from the sun’s rays by wearing protective clothing and putting on sunscreen. Here are some tips for a healthy, happy summer season. 1. Avoid Midday Sun The risk of sun exposure is greatest during the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If they can, parents should plan family outings for the morning, late afternoon or evening, when there’s less risk from the sun’s rays. If it’s not possible to structure days this way, they should seek out areas of shade to hide out during these prime hours of sun. 2. Cover Up The best way to protect children from the sun is to completely block sunshine. Clothing can offer full coverage, as long as it’s darkly colored and its fibers are tightly woven. As a general rule, if a person can see through the clothing, the sun can also penetrate. In general, a white t-shirt won’t provide adequate protection. Kids should also wear a hat and sunglasses in order to shield themselves from the sun. Parents can make the process fun by taking them shopping for accessories they like and will wear to the beach or even just when hanging out in the backyard. 3. Choose the Right Sunscreen Parents should put a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 on their kids. It should be labeled “broad spectrum,” blocking both UVA and UVB rays. It’s always a good idea to apply about 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and to reapply about every two hours or after the little one has gone swimming or is sweating. Babies under the age of six months should be covered up with clothing instead of sunscreens, as the chemicals can be harmful. For older kids, ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide can provide protection with less irritation, because they don’t tend to absorb into the skin. A pediatrician can give more information. As the summer months are on their way, it’s a great time to be joyful and enjoy time with family. Parents can take steps to protect their children’s skin with the right sunscreen and clothing that let them play and not worry about a burn.
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Kids?
When Your Child is Sick, School or Doctor?
Some mornings, it’s tough to make the decision about your child. Maybe he’s been sick overnight with coughing and fever, but seems fine in the morning. Or maybe your daughter wakes up with a strange rash and seems sluggish. In both cases, you know your child best and have a “sixth sense” about what to do. But we’d like to give you some general guidelines to help make your decision easier. Start your decision-making process by watching your child in action. If he or she hasn’t slowed down while performing normal activities, that’s a vote for school. If they’re dragging their feet after being up all night with symptoms, that’s a vote for home or visit to the doctor. Symptoms That Always Mean a Sick Day Home from School These common symptoms should always make you decide to keep the child home or talk to your medical team: Fever Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Pinkeye; return to school after being on medication a day or two Hand, foot, mouth disease; return after doctor visit and recommendations Symptoms Indicating a Doctor Visit Severe abdominal pain Difficulty breathing Changes in consciousness Symptoms That Permit School Attendance Cold symptoms – stuffy nose, sore throat Ear infection, if under control Rashes when no other symptoms, like fever, are present While our list here is far from complete, please know that we are always available to take your calls for guidance at Pediatric Care Centers. Your school or daycare center will also have guidelines to help your decision based on their experience with sick kids. Be sure to ask for a list of their rules. Finally, go with your gut. As a parent, you often know instinctively which choices to make for your children’s, and schoolmates,’ health.
March is National Nutrition Month
We at Pediatric Care Centers are always on the look-out for information about good nutrition, and this national observance is just what the doctor ordered! It gives us another opportunity to help families make the best nutrition choices for their children. Research has shown that a variety of “food traps” cause families to go off the rails with their diets. Those food traps are: Vacations and holidays When pressed for time Snack time You can keep your children’s diet on track by avoiding these food traps or working around them. For example, on vacations plan ahead for your meals, split large portions, bring healthy snacks, and keep children active between meals. Be ready for occasions when you are pressed for time. Keep dinner times simple; assemble meals with healthy ingredients you have on hand for serving sandwiches, raw vegetables, simple soups, milk and fruit. Be sure to keep a window of time open for your child to get exercise through playing outdoors or playing along with an exercise video. Avoid the snack time trap. Children tend to snack when they are unwinding after a period of activity or after school. They also turn to snacks when they are bored. Offer healthy snacks like raw vegetables and fruit, popcorn, or whole grain crackers. Encourage them to draw, take a walk with you, do a chore they like, or other activities to distract them from too much snacking. Healthy Snacks We’re happy to pass along these tasty but healthy snack ideas from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Parfait: Layer vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt with fruit and dried cereal. Smoothie: Blend low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana for 30 seconds for a delicious smoothie. Quesadilla: Sprinkle shredded cheese over a corn or whole wheat tortilla. Fold it in half and microwave for 20 seconds. Top with salsa. Ants on a Log: Spread celery sticks with smooth nut butter or low-fat cream cheese. Top with raisins.
Growth Charts: More than Just the Numbers
As a parent, you’re familiar with the growth chart discussion that takes place at your pediatrician’s office. Doctors use the growth charts to record measurements of height weight and other factors at the child’s particular age. They consider what they see on the charts along with information about your child’s gender, nutrition, environment, genetics and other factors to determine if development is on track. Of course, children grow within a wide range of shapes and sizes, and one measurement on the chart doesn’t reflect the full picture. The percentages on the chart aren’t like school grades from zero to 100 percent on a test, with low numbers being bad and high numbers good. They’re simply a record of how the measurement compares with 100 other children of the same age and gender. What do the charts really measure? They measure the rate at which your baby or child is growing over time. The growth rate reflects a child’s overall health and nutrition. Tips for Understanding Growth Chart Measurements Growth charts are recorded to observe: Birth to 36 months, girls and boys: Length and weight, head circumference for age Ages two to 20 years: height and weight for age Your pediatrician or nurse practitioner will explain to you how your child’s growth is trending. Rely on that interpretation rather than concentrating on a number. Growth charts will probably show your baby doubling his birth weight by six months and tripling it by one year. If your baby’s growth pattern differs, ask your pediatrician or nurse practitioner what factors explain the difference. Those factors may include height and weight of the parents, whether the baby was premature, and genetic background. There are no ideal percentiles. Babies on the 10th percentile are probably just as healthy as those on the 60th Every time you bring your infant or child for a checkup at Pediatric Care Centers, please do not hesitate to ask your care provider about any concerns you have about your children’s growth and development.
When Norovirus Strikes
A vicious virus, the norovirus, has made life miserable this winter for pockets of the population across the country. The norovirus has many forms and strains so that people are sometimes stricken multiple times. There is neither a medication to treat it nor a vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. Symptoms of norovirus infection may resemble the flu, but the flu is mild in comparison. It can also resemble symptoms of food poisoning. Norovirus causes extreme fatigue, stomach pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea, high fever and chills. It spreads quickly and is highly contagious, especially within households. It can spread through touching body fluids while cleaning up after a sick family member, in food or air contaminated by norovirus droplets, or simply from person-to-person contact. It can last for days. Prevention of Norovirus Infection Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Do so after using the toilet or changing diapers. Always wash thoroughly before handling or preparing food. Wear gloves while cleaning up after sick family members. Use chlorine bleach preparations when cleaning up hard surfaces. Continue strict hand washing for two weeks after catching norovirus infection, even when symptoms have mostly disappeared. The virus is still present in bowel movements for two weeks or more after the start of infection. While sick with norovirus, never prepare or handle food for others. Machine wash and dry all contaminated clothes and bedding. Treatment of Norovirus Infection There is no known treatment for norovirus infection. Drinking plenty of fluids is the best form of treatment. Over-the-counter rehydration fluids like Pedialyte are the best option to replace nutrients lost to vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your child is becoming dehydrated, be sure to give us a call at Pediatric Care Centers.
Fever of Unknown Origin: A Medical Mystery
All children experience fever at some time or other, usually accompanying a cold or flu. Although fever causes discomfort, irritability and excess drowsiness, it is a condition that is actually beneficial for your child. It is the body’s way of destroying harmful bacteria or viruses that have gained access to the child’s system. Note that a fever below 101 degrees is considered low grade and is no reason for concern. Only when a fever rises above 101 degrees do we in the medical profession consider it a symptom that may need intervention. Occasionally, however, both children and adults can develop a fever in which the body temperature is particularly high, long-lasting or reappears at frequent intervals. The fever doesn’t seem to fit with any easily detected illness, such as conditions associated with a cough, ear pain or pain with urination. This condition is called “fever of unknown origin.” The Search for Causes Typically, fevers respond to anti-fever medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cool compresses, fluids and rest. When those measures prove ineffective, the search is on for underlying conditions that may trigger the body’s fever response. At Pediatric Care Centers, our pediatricians will conduct a thorough physical examination and order a series of tests to rule out possible causes. Blood tests, a urine test and a chest x-ray are the first to be performed. If those do not solve the mystery, further testing may be carried out on an outpatient basis. If a cause still cannot be found, the child may be hospitalized for more advanced laboratory and imaging studies. The Usual Suspects Eventually, most testing turns up a cause of the persistent fever. Some of the more common causes are infection, connective tissues disease, parasites, or a neurological problem. Sometimes, however, the mystery is never solved and the fever of unknown origin goes away on its own. Conclusion Be reassured that fevers of unknown origin do not occur frequently. If your child does develop a fever, our pediatricians are highly trained in detecting the causes underlying simple fevers or ones that accompany a more complicated illness.
Tips to Handle Your Kids’ Flu and Winter Colds
It’s flu season 2017, and here at Pediatric Care Centers we’re prepared to answer your questions about the latest medical recommendations for your child. First, it’s our recommendation that children aged 6 months and older receive seasonal flu vaccine. Pediatric medicine experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advocate flu vaccines and have set guidelines for how the vaccine is to be given based on your child’s age. Be sure to make an appointment or give us a call at any of our three locations for full instructions. Flu Symptoms Flu symptoms may mimic those of a common cold but with the added discomfort of nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Babies and children may alternate between being very fussy or very sleepy. Typically, children exhibit some combination of the following symptoms: A high-grade fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit Chills and shakes with the fever Extreme tiredness Headache and body aches Dry, hacking cough Sore throat Vomiting and stomach pain Flu Comfort Measures There is no known medical treatment for colds and flu. Simple comfort measures may help relieve your child’s discomfort. Provide plenty of rest. Keep kids home from school and outside activities when they have symptoms of the flu. Give lots of fluids. Clear fluids like Pedialyte, water, and juice are ideal. Use saline drops to loosen mucus in the nose. Run a humidifier. It will help keep the air moist in your child’s room. Administer ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and discomfort. Avoid giving aspirin in children younger than 18. Follow label instructions or call us for advice about dosage based on your child’s age and size. Also, call us for advice before giving over-the-counter cold and flu medications to very young children. When to Call Pediatric Care Centers Although most children return to health within several days of catching a cold or flu, some symptoms may indicate that these infections have taken a more serious course. Be sure to call us when any of the following occur: Serious trouble breathing Earache Fever above 101 degrees for 72 hours, or fever 104 degrees or higher Persistent coughing Facial pain or neck pain (from swelling of sinuses or tonsils) Here’s wishing you and your family a cold- and flu-free winter season, but remember: we’re here to help whenever you need medical care or advice for your children.