Posts filed under 'Child Health'
Rickets are back. Not in a big way, but enough to raise questions among doctors. Rickets are caused by vitamin D deficiency and were once considered the bane of children. By the 1930s, however, the sickness was considered a thing of the past, with few children experiencing its symptoms.
Unfortunately, the disease made an unexpected comeback in the 1970s and ever since then, it has been a cause for concern among pediatricians and parents. The possible reasons why the disease has resurfaced are many. People are not getting as much sun as they used to, the modern diet is unhealthy. Not only that, but breast feeding has become more common, so more babies are getting their food from mothers with poor nutrition.
Vitamin D is important for maintaining the shape and strength of growing bones. Without it, a growing child may develop severe skeletal deformities. It also helps keep the calcium levels where they should be. The human skin absorbs vitamin D from the ultraviolet rays of the sun . The nutrient is also found in some foods, like cow’s milk. Human milk is deficient in iron, vitamin K and vitamin D.
Doctors recommend 200-400 IU/day of vitamin D for infants but, the levels of concentration in the milk of African-American women is usually only 35 IU/L and 68 IU/L in white women. Darker skin pigment makes it harder to absorb vitamin D from the sun, so deficiencies are more common in African-Americans.
When the mother takes supplements in order to enrich her milk, the vitamin levels do not rise enough to make up for the deficiency. Doctors recommend supplements for the infant, not the mother, as the best way to prevent malnutrition.
Many parents remain unaware that their baby might need supplements with their breast milk. The common belief that breast milk is ‘the perfect food’ for babies, does not help to enlighten the public. Nor are pediatricians eager to point out the few drawbacks to breast feeding, thinking it will scare others into using the bottle instead of the breast.
Controversy about the amount of vitamin D a baby should get and where they should get it from is rife within the medical community. Some doctors advocate supplements, some don’t so there is no consensus about the most likely treatment. Concerned parents should talk to their babies’ doctor. The next best thing a nursing mother can do for her baby is to ask questions. The best thing is to eat well and get a little sunlight.
For happy, healthy babies use our parenting tips at Child N Parent.
By: Stephanie Moore
September 5th, 2008
The hot sweltering months of summer are upon us. We moms’ pull out the artillery and arm ourselves with air conditioning, sun screen, ice cream cones, slushies and more than a few trips to the pool. When traveling by car, the heat can really take its toll.
With these important safety tips you can protect your baby or tot from heat exposure in the car.
1. Use a stuffed animal toy as a visual reminder that your child is in the back seat. Position the stuffed animal toy in the passenger seat or in a safe spot on the console. Take the toy and put it in the empty car seat after taking your child out of the car. When you put your child back into the car seat, switch it back to the front to remind yourself that your child is again in the back seat.
2. Never ever leave your baby or tot in a parked car. According to the NTSA “Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131 F- 172 F.” The NTSA goes on to say that even at lower temperatures with the windows slightly rolled down, a car will still reach a high internal temperature in a matter of minutes.
3. Cover the car seat. Dr. John Chiles of Pueblo Pediatrics recommends that you protect your child from temperature absorbing car seat fabrics by covering an empty car seat with a white dishtowel or sheet. Dr. Chiles also recommends that you position a frozen water bottle on the metal buckles of an empty car seat to protect your child from nasty metal buckle burns.
4. Get tinted windows or use a sun shade. Tinted windows can cut summer heat by up to 60%. Check your local state laws regarding tinted windows on automobiles. A well designed sun shade will keep your baby comfortable and help prevent heat stroke.
5. Keep plenty of drinking water and formula on hand when traveling. Dr. Chiles says that babies 4 to 6 months need an intake of 36 ounces of either formula or breast milk a day. Newborns to six months do not need extra water. If you are breast feeding, drink extra water so that you will have an adequate supply of milk to keep your baby hydrated. He also recommends that babies and tots over six months have small 4oz servings of juice three times a day. Pear, apple, and white grape juice are great for keeping kids hydrated.
More help to keep you and your child safe and cool through the hot summer months.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Summer Safety Tips for Children.
The CDC’s official guide on protecting yourself and your child from extreme heat.
Health and safety tips for your child from Dr. John Chiles of Pueblo Pediatrics.
By Debby Hoffer
July 11th, 2008
Many children suffer with the condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also known as ADHD. ADHD symptoms are described in our article at Child N Parent. Children with ADHD are often treated with a combination of behavioral, psychological and drug therapies. Fortunately, new, more effective drugs are being developed having fewer side effects for children.
A child with ADHD usually feels bombarded with environmental sights and sounds. This sensory overload coupled with an impulse for movement causes behavior difficulties and an inability to cope with situations in a step by step manner. The drug methylphenidate helps a child’s brain deal with social and educational situations in a step by step format.
Ritalin, the most commonly prescribed drug for treating ADHD, is a form of methylphenidate. It mildly stimulates the central nervous system to increase chemical messages between the nerve cells of the brain and improves focus and overall concentration.
Other drugs used to treat ADHD that contain methylphenidate include Concerta, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Ritalin LA and Ritalin SR. Focalin XR is a combination of drugs designed to be released at a steady rate throughout the day. Focalin XR has the advantage of fewer side effects for children and is effective longer. Adderall is another stimulant drug used to treat ADHD with a long lasting effect. Consult your medical professional to find the best drug with the fewest side effects for your child.
A new drug, called ABT-089, is currently in phase II clinical trials under the sponsorship of Abbott Labs. The effectiveness of ABT-089 in children is being tested now in one clinical phase II trial. Two more projects are being prepared with one recruiting participants and one study by invitation only. Project completions are scheduled for October 2008 and July 2009. In a recent press release from Abbott, the drug was found to be a “potentially safe and effective treatment” in adults with ADHD.
Drug therapy is just one of the many treatment solutions available for children with ADHD. Carefully research your medical options to decide which therapies are best for your child.
Find symptoms and treatments available for ADHD at our article in the Child Health section at Child N Parent.
Facts of methylphenidate use including precautions at the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Description uses and cautions for Ritalin
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report on the ADHD study currently recruiting participants.
By: Debby Hoffer
July 2nd, 2008
Getting rid of head lice will soon be an easier battle for parents and medical persons alike! The LouseBuster, designed and tested by several people at the University of Utah, is a medical device which can kill lice in one simple dry air treatment. Currently, the LouseBuster is undergoing clinical studies with the hope to obtain FDA clearance by the end of 2008.
Randy Block, President and COO of Larada Sciences, which is a licensee for the LouseBuster device, shared his hopes for the LouseBuster’s future; “In the United States we could very possibly have this sold to schools, school districts, for school nurses to potentially treat kids right on the premises. Another method would be to sale it to medical professionals so that a person with head lice could get treated at their family doctor.”
Block goes on to speak about lice specialty services and how the LouseBuster could revolutionize the industry “One day a person with head lice will be able to go to one of these specialty clinics or have a mobile service either come to their school or come to their house and perform the LouseBuster treatment right on site.”
Eradicating head lice in one simple treatment at home or at school can save parents both time and money! For more information on the LouseBuster, see our article “Medical Breakthrough Wipes out Headlice, the LouseBuster” under Health Topics.
By: Debby Hoffer
March 24th, 2008
Waking from a sound sleep, I hear the hoarse, crying voice of my four year old son. He coughs several times, sounding just like the neighbor’s barking dog. It’s nighttime and it’s the croup, or RSV. I call our pediatrician and make a plan to help keep him comfortable through the night.
RSV, or croup, is often worse during the night and parents need a strategy to help their child breath more freely. Here are some basic recommendations taken from medical references to help treat your child’s symptoms of croup or RSV.
Steam is a natural homeopathic remedy that can open nasal and bronchial passages for freer breathing. For small babies, be sure to consult a medical professional before using this method of treatment. Loosen your child’s clothing and take the child into the bathroom. Run the shower on hot to create a steam air environment. Place the child on your lap and encourage them to breath in the surrounding steam. Be sure to keep the child safely away from the hot water. Run the shower for about ten minutes, dry the child from any dampness, then carry the child into the cooler air. Often this hot/cool air treatment will cause a child’s croupy throat to clear; restoring a more normal breathing pattern.
A cool air humidifier is also a good weapon against the croup or RSV. Position the humidifier near the child’s bed so that the cool mist will circulate within the child’s breathing range. Use purified water and change it at least once a day to prevent bacterial growth. Check the humidifier at least once during the night to be sure that it is properly working.
A mild, over the counter decongestant and expectorant is also helpful. Avoid medications with antihistamine as this drug can make a croupy condition worse. Be sure to follow proper dosing instructions for your child’s age and weight. A decongestant will loosen congestion in the upper respiratory tract, while an expectorant will help prevent severe chest congestion.
These home treatments are recommended by a medical professional in treating the initial stages of croup, or RSV. As the severity of illness is different for each child, parents should consult a medical professional to determine which treatment option is best. Should a child’s breathing pattern become highly irregular, parents should seek professional medical assistance immediately.
Having a child sick with the croup is a scary experience. Parents should be observant during the initial stages of croup and take measures to prevent it from becoming a more serious infection.
Learn to recognize, prevent and treat your child’s croup, or RSV infection at childnparent.com.
By: Debby Hoffer
February 28th, 2008
Remember the unbearable taste, not to mention aftertaste of the cough syrup your Mother gave you as a child? Over the years cough syrup has improved and has become more bearable, however most children still put up a fight when they know they have to take a spoonful of the dreaded syrup. What if there was an alternative? Something that your child already likes that could help treat their cough?
According to a new study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, children who got honey had less cough and better sleep. The study, which was funded by the honey industry, found that honey was more effective than an over-the-counter cold medicine at calming a cough when given to children at bedtime. A leading theory says that honey can soothe a sore throat.
These findings are especially notable since an FDA advisory board recently recommended that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children less than 6 years old because of their lack of effectiveness and potential for side effects.
Honey also contains antioxidants. Studies show it may help fight disease causing germs, and the researchers say that the darker the honey, the bigger the benefits. Scientists in this study used Buckwheat Honey and gave kids two to five years old a half teaspoon before bedtime. Children six to eleven took a full teaspoon, and older kids were given two teaspoons.
However, honey should NEVER be given to kids under the age of one. Honey has botulism spores and young children can absorb those spores and get very sick with botulism, which can be life threatening.
Next time your child (one year or older) is suffering with a cough try honey, as it may be cough treatment the way nature intended it.
Always consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and medical treatment (See our disclaimer).
Find more information on children’s health at ChildnParent
By Vanessa Lee
January 15th, 2008
The dishes are done and you’re just about to sit down with the evening paper when your little one approaches with eyes as big as saucers. “Mommy, my tummy hurts.” You grab a large bowl and prepare for the possibility of vomiting. As you comfort your child, that perplexing question runs through your mind; “What is causing my child’s stomach ache?”
What Is My Body Feeling?
If a child is old enough to talk, ask descriptive questions to help determine what the sickness feels like; is it a queasy, hungry, or painful, cramping feeling? The questions will help a child become more aware of what their body is feeling.
For infants and small babies, often the only symptom of a stomach ache is persistent crying. Track the symptoms by writing down what the child is doing. Asking questions and tracking symptoms will provide valuable diagnosing information for the pediatrician.
Causes and Symptoms
There are a variety of conditions and nasty bugs that can cause a child’s stomach ache. Here is a list of likely causes that occur in babies, toddlers and older children.
Colic: This condition occurs in small babies from six weeks to four months. Symptoms include persistent crying and fussiness, pulling up of legs, red face and clenched fists.
Gas: This condition can occur in any child with most common occurrences in small babies. Symptoms include a painful, cramp-like stomach ache with persistent fussiness.
Gastroenteritis or “stomach flu”: This condition can affect a child of any age. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Parents should consult a doctor as this condition can be caused by either a virus or bacterial infection.
Constipation: A child of any age can develop this condition. Eating incorrectly, not getting enough fluids and exercise can cause a backup in the digestive system. Symptoms include an inability to have a bowel movement with painful cramping below the stomach area.
Always consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and medical treatment (See our disclaimer). For children, having a stomach ache can be a very scary experience. Your comforting and proper treatment will help them survive a stomach ache.
For more information on children’s health at ChildnParent
By: Debby Hoffer
January 9th, 2008
In his new book, “Changing the Course of Autism”, Dr. Bryan Jepson, shares new insight about autism spectrum disorder which has stumped doctors and researchers for decades. In his book, Dr. Jepson explores three questions in regard to autism “What is the cause?, What are safe and effective autism treatments?, and Can the many therapies that are in use be narrowed and individualized to particular children?” He goes on to define autism as a “metabolic disease affecting multiple organ systems.” Dr. Jepson answers questions and explores child autism with fresh new insight that can help parents of autistic children everywhere.
Not Just a Brain Condition
In the early years, autism was widely perceived to be a psychological disorder mainly located somewhere in the brain and in the emotional make-up of the child. Dr. Jepson blows this theory out of the water with clear cut science designed to help parents and doctors better understand the autistic condition. Both psychological and medical case studies have been conducted to try and pinpoint the cause of this disease. In his book, Dr. Jepson explores the scientific theories regarding the many different factors that play a part in autism. He lists medical case studies and outcomes that have been explored since 1938. Dr. Jepson gives hopeful medical insight into this mysterious condition pointing out how the brain, the immune system, the “gut” or gastrointestinal system and our environmental pollution play key roles in the disease of autism.
Read this great article at childnparent.com
Find more parenting tips at childnparent.com
By:Â Debby Hoffer
September 10th, 2007
Vaccinations and Autism, is There a Link?
Vaccinations and autism, is there a link? This puzzling question has caused much controversy within the medical community. Parents of autistic children have also been asking questions, prompting medical research to try and determine if vaccines are either safe or dangerous. This interesting history demonstrates the dedication of both parents and doctors all over the world who are concerned about the well-being of every child.
This informative article is at childnparent.com
For more help on children’s health and parenting tips go to our web site, Child N Parent.
July 21st, 2007
Recognizing ear infections in children
You may start to notice that your child is irritable, tugging at their ear, not sleeping well, has a fever, or has thick yellow drainage from their ear. Any or all of these symptoms may indicate that your child has an ear infection, also known as Otitis Media. These symptoms may occur 2 to 7 days after a cold or other respiratory infection. Bacteria cause 65% to 75% of ear infections and the rest are caused by viral infections.
See our article on child ear infection and more on child health and other parenting tips at www.childnparent.com
By: Vanessa Lee
November 7th, 2006
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