Posts filed under 'Health & Safety'
An article published by the New York Times this week, reported that a new study found that although most parents believe that vaccines protect their children against disease, one in four think some vaccines cause autism in healthy children. Additionally, nearly one in eight have refused at least one recommended vaccine.
Vaccines are necessary — and effective, says Maria Tupas, M.D., medical director of the CHOC Primary Care Clinics. “For more than 50 years, vaccines have saved the lives of millions of children,” she says. “Most childhood vaccines are 90 percent to 99 percent effective in preventing disease. And if a vaccinated child does get the disease, the symptoms are usually far less serious.”
Dr. Tupas explains that the alleged link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been vigorously studied and disproved by extensive and well controlled studies, including those by the Institute of Medicine and Centers for Disease Control. Current research on autism points to multiple factors, including the possibility of a genetic component or exposure to toxins or viruses during pregnancy. The increase in autism diagnoses may be at least partially attributed to pediatricians simply becoming better at recognizing symptoms at earlier ages.
As children with autism spectrum disorders benefit from early intervention and behavior modification, Dr. Tupas advises parents concerned about possible symptoms to contact their pediatrician.
For more information on this critical topic, check out this Kids Health article with Dr. Tupas: http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&pub=KH&aid=450
March 9th, 2010
Are you frustrated because your kids aren’t eating more fruits and vegetables? “Just keep trying,” recommends Sue Freck, R.D., a CHOC registered dietitian. You may have to serve a new food as often as 10 times before your child will show any interest in it!
Freck says pleasurable associations with shopping, food preparation and family meals help children develop healthy dietary habits for life.
National Nutrition Month in March, is a great time for reinforcing healthy eating habits. To help get your kids started, here are a few yummy, healthy snacks recommended by the American Dietetic Association.
- Mix together ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts in a sandwich bag for an on-the-go snack.
- Top low-fat vanilla yogurt with crunchy granola and sprinkle with blueberries.
- Blend low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana for thirty seconds for a delicious smoothie.
- Make a mini-sandwich with tuna or egg salad on a dinner roll.
- Toss dried cranberries and chopped walnuts in instant oatmeal.
- Sandwich cut-outs: Make a sandwich on a whole grain bread. Cut out your favorite shape using a big cookie cutter.
- Toast a whole grain waffle and top with low-fat yogurt and sliced peaches.
- Stuff a whole grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.
- Spread peanut butter on apple slices.
For more nutrition tips from our CHOC expert, click here:
http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&aid=195
March 1st, 2010
Talk about the economy is far from over, and if you haven’t already, it’s important to speak to your kids about it. Kids hear what’s going on from their friends, school, neighbors, etc. And chances are, if money is tight and it’s worrying you, it’s probably worrying your kids too.
When the moment is right, calmly discuss news about unemployment or belt-tightening and any concerns with your children. Make sure your conversation is age-appropriate and light. Here are some tips to consider when talking to your kids about money issues:
- Keep talking! If economic problems continue, children may need periodic updates about what’s happening.
- Listen to your children’s concerns.
- Reassure children that it is perfectly normal to feel anxious about current economic troubles.
- Emphasize that you are actively addressing the family’s financial situation.
- Use job loss to teach children about the wisdom of saving money.
- Accentuate the positive, including the strength of your family’s love.
For more tips on this timely topic, click here: http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&pub=KH&aid=513
February 19th, 2010
February is National Heart Month, and a time to focus on one of our most precious, vital organs – our heart!
For those of you who have an active young person at home, did you know there are certain symptoms that can suggest that your child or teen has a heart problem that needs a doctor’s attention? This is especially true if symptoms occur during sports or other activities.
Click below for warning signs parents should know, the most common cause of sudden death in athletes, and much more! http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&pub=KH&aid=512
February 9th, 2010
It sounds healthier than soda, but “100% fruit juice” may actually contain far more sugar than you bargained for. A study released last year by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children are getting too many calories though “liquid candy” such as sodas — and fruit juice.
Pediatric experts are recommending no more than eight to 12 ounces of juice per day for children ages 7 to 18. Younger children should consume no more than four to six ounces a day.
“Excess sugar is not healthy for children,” says CHOC Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Nowak, R.D. “Sweetened beverages are one of the contributing factors to the obesity epidemic in children. Obesity puts them at risk for multiple health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, sleep apnea and orthopaedic problems.”
Nowak says that artificially sweetened sodas and beverages are okay in moderation. Still, she advocates healthier choices, such as milk.
Here are some additional tips:
Make Every Calorie Count
Read Nutrition Labels
• Does your child’s juice contain added sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup?
• How many ounces are in a recommended serving?
• Does one serving fulfill your child’s daily requirement of vitamin C? Not every fruit drink does.
Serve Whole Fruits Instead
• Whole fruit contains the fiber and healthful benefits that juice leaves behind.
• Eating a whole piece of fruit will leave your child feeling less hungry.
Get Milk
• Milk contains calcium for your child’s growing bones.
• Soy milk is an acceptable substitute for cow’s milk.
Can The Soda
• Soda contains phosphoric acid, which leaches calcium from bones and puts your child at risk for osteoporosis.
• Just one 12-ounce soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories, far exceeding your child’s recommended daily limit.
January 26th, 2010
With healthier choices as a new year’s resolution for many families, CHOC Children’s pediatrician Mark Colon, M.D., explains one of the best ways to help your children develop healthy eating habits is to simply eat dinner together as a family. Studies have shown that children whose families regularly eat dinner together are less likely to suffer from eating disorders.
The studies showed benefits even when families sat down for dinner just a few nights a week. Dr. Colon recommends that parents take advantage of the nightly opportunity to model healthy nutritional habits.
“Dinnertime gives parents the opportunity to start teaching healthy eating habits from day one. Also, family meals allow more face-to-face time, which can lead to improved communication and family relationships,” he says. “Including a young child at the dinner table is an excellent way to introduce fruit, vegetables, salads and meats.”
As the father of two young children, he offers these tried-and-true tips:
“I’m Hungry!” — Serve an appetizer if your child cannot wait until dinnertime. Try a small serving of a fruit or vegetable.
“Ewww, Yuck” — Speaking of fruits and vegetables, Dr. Colon says it may take multiple tries before a child cultivates a taste for certain foods. So keep trying! Dr. Colon advises teaching your child to say, “I do not care for this food,” instead of the word “dislike.” He says “dislike” implies permanence.
“What’s For Dessert?” — The purpose of the meal is to sit together and enjoy all of the food. Some children plow through the main course to get to the dessert. Dr. Colon advises taking a break between dinner and dessert. Wash the dishes or play with your children a little. Serve dessert later. Dessert should not be used as a reward at the end of the meal. Make it a treat, not a habit!
Dawdle Over Dinner
Turn off the television and let phone calls go to the answering machine. Break out the tablecloth, dim the lights and play some soft music. This is your family’s special time to catch up with each other. Get the conversation going by asking open-ended questions about your children’s day. Keep the table talk light and fun.
“The dinner table is not the place to lecture or discipline,” Dr. Colon says. “Instead, focus on the positives. Compliment children for exhibiting good behaviors.”
For more “healthful” tips from the experts at CHOC Children’s, check out the latest edition of Kids Health magazine at www.choc.org or click here: http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?pub=KH
January 13th, 2010
Having trouble getting your kids to eat right? If kids see their parents eating healthy foods, then they are more likely to indulge in fruits and vegetables too. The key is to focus on nutrient-rich foods and avoid empty calories.
Many dietitians favor splitting foods into green light, yellow light and red light groups. Try putting green light foods within kids’ easy reach.
Green light foods: High-nutrition, low-fat, low- or moderate-calorie foods kids can eat often: celery, carrots, broccoli, apples, low-fat yogurt, multigrain pretzels.
Yellow light foods: Nutritious but higher-fat or calorie foods that must be eaten in moderation: meats, enriched breads and pasta, full-fat cheese.
Red light foods: Foods with no nutritional value, like cookies and candy, that you should save for special treats.
Other tips:
- Trust that when kids are hungry enough, they’ll eat the healthy options you serve.
- Don’t use sweets to reward or punish kids.
- Set a good example for kids by eating well.
- Encourage kids to eat at normal meal times.
- Develop a “try it” rule for new foods.
For more “healthful” tips from the experts at CHOC Children’s, check out the latest edition of Kids Health magazine at www.choc.org or click here: http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?pub=KH
January 11th, 2010
CHOC Children’s encourages parents to kick off the new year with the following tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Make your children feel loved and important
Recognize every effort and increment of progress or improvement they make; don’t compare siblings; understand your child’s behaviors and emotions. Celebrate their individuality and tell them what makes them special. Assure them that they are loved and safe.
Pay attention to nutrition
Good nutrition is a matter of balance. Provide foods from several food groups at each meal. Emphasize foods that are less processed, such as whole grain breads and cereals and fresh fruits and vegetables. Review your child’s diet with your pediatrician for suggestions.
Be involved in your child’s education
Visit your child’s school, and find out how parents can help. Whether you become active in the parent-teacher organization or volunteer in the school, parent involvement matters. Your child will notice how important education is to you.
Read to your child
Start by the age of 6 months. Reading to children shows them the importance of communication and motivates them to become readers. It also provides a context to discuss issues and learn what is on your child’s mind.
Monitor your children’s media
Monitor what your children see and hear on television, in movies, and in music. Talk with your children about content. Be informed of what your children see or hear when visiting friends. If you feel that a movie or TV program is inappropriate, redirect them to more suitable programming.
Prevent violence by setting good examples
Demonstrate and teach displays of affection, attention, approval, and how to ask for, give and accept forgiveness. All of these promote love, good will, self-esteem and reduce likelihood of violence, aggression, and negative, destructive words and behaviors. Set limits for your children by letting them know what’s expected, and notice when they meet your expectations.
Make sure immunizations are up to date
Review your child’s immunization record with your pediatrician. Make sure your child is current on recommended immunizations.
Provide your child with a tobacco-free environment
Second-hand tobacco smoke increases ear infections, chest infections and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If you smoke, consider quitting. Remember, your child loves you and will copy you – if you smoke, your children may grow up to be smokers too.
Practice “safety on wheels”
Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up for every ride, with children in the back seat in age-appropriate child safety seats. All bikers, skaters and skateboarders should wear helmets and other appropriate sports gear.
Do a “childproofing” survey of your home
A child’s-eye view home survey should systematically go from room to room, removing all the “booby traps” that await curious toddlers or preschoolers. Think of poisons, small objects, sharp edges, knives and firearms, and places to fall.
December 30th, 2009
With abundant fresh snow on our local mountain tops, many children and families will be hitting the slopes to ski or snowboard this season.
Common injuries for snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts include forearm, wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries, ranging from sprains to fractures. Dr. Francois D. Lalonde, orthopaedic surgeon at CHOC Children’s, recommends the following tips to prevent you and your children from injury while enjoying the winter fun.
- Stretch and warm up: Proper conditioning can minimize the risk of injury and optimize performance. Make sure you and your children are warmed up. This can be as simple as walking, marching in one place, or doing a few jumping jacks.
- Use proper safety gear: The lack of proper gear is a common factor in sports injuries. Make sure your children use a helmet, wrist and elbow guards, knee pads, googles, boots, and the appropriate snowboard or skis.
- Dress appropriately: Make sure your family is wearing the right amount of layers to match the weather and each person’s activity level. Wear a hat or helmet liner and gloves. Also, be sure to wear sun protection, even on cloudy days!
- Get proper instruction: Take a lesson from a qualified instructor before you hit the slopes. Ensure that your children know how to properly use the equipment.
- Follow the rules: Children should be supervised at all times. Make sure your family understands and obeys posted warning signs. Avoid icy slopes. Do not go off-trail.
- Ski or snowboard with a friend: Pre-arrange a meeting place in case you get separated. Use walkie-talkies if possible. Make sure your children have the name and phone number of your hotel.
- Take a break: Like any other sport, lots of energy is being used while gliding through the slopes. Take a moment to rest. While resting, make sure you have something to eat or drink.
December 28th, 2009
‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year!’… especially for holiday treats and candy! While it’s quite nice to enjoy this season’s treats, keep these tips in mind to ensure your children enjoy the spirit of the season – without the toothache!
- Make sure your child maintains a balanced diet. While sweets abound during this time of the year, try to limit the amount of sugary and starch-filled goodies given to your child. Try some sliced fruit, raw vegetables with dip, string cheese, and yogurt, instead.
- Encourage good oral health habits with your children, including brushing at least twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. If sugar is not removed with brushing, it can remain in the crevices of your child’s teeth long after sweets have been consumed.
- Have your children use an age-appropriate mouthwash in the evening to strengthen their teeth and rebuild the enamel, which helps prevent cavities.
Also, keep Christmas lights and electrical cords out of the reach of children – especially infants who may be crawling and can put items in their mouths, explains Richard Mungo, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist at CHOC Children’s and Medical Director of the Healthy Smiles for Children of Orange County Oral Health Care Center. He has treated children who have suffered burns to the side of their mouths due to chewing on these cords.
Remember, your children’s dental care is an important part of their overall health, during the holidays and year-round! “It’s really never too early for parents to take an active role in preventing tooth decay in their children—even before kids get their first tooth,” says Dr. Mungo.
For more tips to protect your little one’s teeth, check out the latest issue of CHOC’s Kids Health newsletter: http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&pub=KH&aid=537
For more information on CHOC Children’s Pediatric Specialties, visit http://www.choc.org/specialties/index.cfm?id=P00414
December 17th, 2009
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