tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25763051661778036872024-03-13T16:39:28.773-04:00Dr. Sandy: Mom First, Pediatrician SecondThis blog is written by a mom of four children who also happens to be a pediatrician. Dr. Sandy will provide advice, tips, and empathy. She has many years of experience in pediatrics, works with parents every day, and manages to find time to play with her kids, too!Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-17974710653482606672012-08-05T16:53:00.000-04:002012-08-05T16:53:45.537-04:00Nightime Potty Training and Bedwetting - How to Stay Dry!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My family was on vacation, and the six of us were packed into a small
studio apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of us were sleeping on inflatable mattresses, and my two older sons
were sleeping on a futon on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night, my husband and I woke up when we
heard our 4-year old start to move around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wondering what was wrong, we watched speechless as he proceeded to climb
out of bed, stand up, take his pants down, and pee… on his older brother who was sleeping on the floor futon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Noooooo!” shouted my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 4- year old, startled awake, looked up at him with big
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he calmly pulled up his
pants, turned around, and crawled back into his bed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And my oldest son, now a little damper than a few minutes
ago, was still snoring away!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess it’s best that he not know what happened to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve been working on nighttime potty training with my youngest
for the past several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can make it through
most nights dry now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was actually
the first time he woke up on his own to go pee in the middle of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So… we were kind of happy that he did
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not so happy that he chose to
do it on his brother!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every child learns how to keep dry at night at a different
age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My oldest son took forever it
seemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a very deep sleeper which makes
it harder for a child to recognize that he needs to go in the middle of the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second son and my daughter did
it nearly instantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it looks like
my youngest one is going to be somewhere in between.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In general, children achieve nighttime dryness by five to
six years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you start nighttime training?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>1.) Limit fluids after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any fluid that your child drinks will become
urine in the next few hours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she
drinks a lot before bedtime, she will have to pee in the middle of the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give your child plenty of fluids
during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child says she
is thirsty before bed, limit fluids to a small sip just enough to wet her
mouth.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>2.) Have her go to the bathroom before going to
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will empty the bladder and
improve chances of success.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>3.) Wake your child to go to the bathroom before you
go to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assuming that you go to bed
at least 1-2 hours after your child, you can help your child empty her bladder
of the urine produced from the liquids that she drank in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t expect your child to be fully
awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just guide her to the bathroom
and help her go.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>4.) Training pants – these are an easy way to
prevent having to change the sheets in the middle of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since they are absorbent, your child
won’t notice the wetness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will not really
help with nighttime potty training but will keep the bed clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child is mostly waking up with dry
training pants in the morning, then you are ready to switch her to regular
underwear at night.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>5.) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ERX89E?ie=UTF8&tag=drsanmomfirpe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ERX89E" target="_blank">Waterproof pads</a> – These are great for making
changing wet sheets at night a simpler process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just put one on top of your bedsheet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it gets soiled, just pull it off and
instantly the bed is dry again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly
recommend buying an oversized one like the one shown to cover more area on the bed since
children tend to move around on the bed in their sleep. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ERX89E?ie=UTF8&tag=drsanmomfirpe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ERX89E" target="_blank"><img alt="Summer Infant Ultimate Training Pad" border="0" class="prod_image_selector" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21KwPucWbCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /> Waterproof Training Pad</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For children who are heavy sleepers, it can take longer to potty train at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00070QH64?ie=UTF8&tag=drsanmomfirpe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00070QH64" target="_blank">bedwetting alarms</a> can help if your child is old enough (usually
eight years or older). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also if your
child is taking medication that can make him drowsy, such as some cold or
allergy medicines, he may sleep through the feeling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Fifteen percent of children are still wetting their beds
after the age of 6 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, don’t get
too frustrated or angry because your older child is still bedwetting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be very normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The age for being nighttime dryness can be
genetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if either parent was a late
bedwetter, then the child may also take longer to learn to stay dry at night.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If your child used to be dry every night and is starting to
wet the bed regularly, then there may be a problem such as a urinary tract
infection and you should take your child to the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if your child is wetting so often that he
cannot participate in activities such as sleepovers or overnight camp, then
your child’s doctor may have medication to temporarily help him stay dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news is that everyone manages to
stay dry at night eventually!<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sleep well, and thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-3129858496509558952012-06-23T11:45:00.000-04:002012-06-23T11:45:04.010-04:00Traveling by airplane with kids - tips and tricks!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
I awkwardly pulled my iPad out from under the airplane seat in front of me
while trying not to spill the little plastic cup of water and bag of
snacks precariously balanced on my tiny tray table. My son across
the aisle from me whined, “Mommy, I’m hungry!” My other son chimed in with, “I need to go to the bathroom!” (and of course, the fasten seat belt sign was on - so getting up to go was not an option). <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
Meanwhile, my
two youngest children sitting next to me were impatiently waiting to use the iPad. I had already spent the last 40 minutes trying to explain to them that we had to wait until the airline staff said it was okay to use electronics. They had already blown through the coloring books and playdough that I brought to entertain them during taxi and takeoff. This generation is so electronics dependent for entertainment... someone seriously needs to come up with technology can be used at any time on an airplane!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
At the same time, my husband had his eyes closed, resolutely
ignoring the clamor and noise. How does he do that?</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
Thank
goodness it was only a three hour flight. We were on our way to our summer vacation in the sun and would have a wonderful time there. However, the travel part always seems to be a day-long adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
Flying
with kids can be a challenge or it can be smooth-sailing. Very much it
depends on the age of your child, the length of your flight, and the
time of day of your flight. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
Packing is the first challenge. I remember taking my oldest on a
flight when he was five-months old. He was a tiny baby, and he
had an entire full-size suitcase dedicated to him and his STUFF. You
know what I’m talking about – the diapers, the wipes, the bottles, the
warmer, the clothes, and the backup clothes, the baby soaps and
shampoos, the bibs, and the backup bibs, the blankets, etc. Not mention
the car seat, toys, and so on. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
So, how to survive a flight with your little one? Here are some ideas (based on age):</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>Young Infant</b>
–
Most of the times babies this age are content to eat, sleep and poop as they
normally do when not in an airplane. The biggest issue will be helping
them to “pop” their ears and equalize the pressure in them during the
flight. Generally, if your ears are popping, their little ears are
trying to do the same. To help your baby with this, make sure that
he/she is swallowing during takeoff and landing. You can do this by
feeding your baby during these time periods. Just <span style="font-family: inherit;">make sure to pack extra clothes and diapers, including extra clothes for yourself for unexpected soling from spit-up or diaper accidents.</span></div>
<br />
Check the TSA website listed later in this blog post to familiarize
yourself with rules regarding bringing formula or breastmilk onto the
airplane.<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>Older Infant/Toddler</b>
– This is a challenging age for flying. You can certainly fly
successfully with a toddler, but timing is of utmost importance in this
age group. Choose your flight time by avoiding anything near naptime or
bedtime. Tired toddlers make lousy travel companions. Pack plenty of
snacks, favorite toys and distractions. If at all possible, try to
book nonstop flights to minimize the total travel time. For really long
flights, a break in the middle at a connecting city for a few hours may
be ideal – however leave enough time so that you won’t be running for a
connecting flight with a toddler in tow. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
You can bring your
stroller all the way to the gate and check it in at the gate just
before you board. It will make getting all your belongings and your
baby to the plane easier. Also, bring an empty sippy cup and then buy
something in the airport to fill it, or ask them to fill it on the
airplane. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
For very long flights, some
pediatricians recommend bringing along a weight-appropriate dose of
Benedryl along in case your toddler is really having a difficult time resting on the plane. Benadryl is an allergy medication that generally causes
drowsiness as a side effect. However, be aware that a small percentage
of children actually get hyper instead. If you are going to use Benadryl, try a dose at home before you travel. You don't want to discover that your child get crazy on Benadryl on an airplane!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>Children Ages 2-5 Years Old</b>
– This age group generally loves airplanes… at least they love looking
at them. Flying in them may be a different issue. Reading about flying
or going on an airplane is a good idea if this is your child’s first
trip.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
I usually
try to have a surprise activity for each child on the airplane – a
new coloring book or new activity that travels well. The fun of trying
out a new coloring book and new markers will entertain most children for
at least a portion of the trip. Don’t give it to them until you are
actually on the plane to enhance the surprise (and distraction) factor.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
Also,
while I don’t normally advocate video watching or video games, it can work wonders to keep little minds occupied for a
good portion of longer trips. With smartphones and portable electronics, it's easy enough to bring something along for entertainment. Also, taking a few walks up and down the aisle
midflight helps to break the monotony of sitting in the seat. Be sure to bring snacks or food for a meal on the
plane based on the timing of your flight. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>School-Aged Children and Older</b> – Luckily, this age group tends to be able to entertain themselves.
Favorite activities, including books, handheld games, videos and iPads/iPods, make flying
a more enjoyable and less boring experience for this group. Let them
pack their own backpack and have them each carry their own carry-on. It's such a liberating experience when your child can help with carrying the luggage!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
Again,
food is an excellent way to pass the time, so bring a meal or snacks onboard. This will also ensure that they will not be
hungry during the flight.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>International Travel </b> – If you are traveling abroad, make sure to plan for the time it takes to get through customs. It can sometimes take an additional hour to get through the customs lines in some countries. In many of the popular tourist countries, they will allow families with three or more children to move up closer to the front of the line. If you fit this criteria, it never hurts to ask if you can do this!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
With the
many travel rules these days from TSA, it’s a good idea to check out
their website for rules about traveling with children. They have a
useful website at: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_138344640"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_138344640">http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children</a> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
I hope
this helps if you are traveling by plane this summer with your kids! If you tried some tricks for successful flying that have worked
for your children, please share them by posting a comment! </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</div>
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful summer!Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-33745885688344212152012-05-20T22:32:00.000-04:002012-05-20T22:32:41.179-04:00My Son Said The F Word!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was attending an evening meeting last week when I got a
call on my cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the caller
ID, I saw that it was someone calling from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worried that it was my babysitter calling
with an emergency, I picked up the phone, hit answer, and whispered, “Yes?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mommy, he said the F word,” reported by ten-year old son,
confident that I would want to know this information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was referring to his seven-year old
brother.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, I see…” I stumbled… trying to wrap my mind around the
fact that my ten-year old was calling me so late, and trying to figure out how
to respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uhhhh…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take care of it tomorrow morning, okay?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Okay, mommy,” he answered, satisfied that his brother would
be appropriately disciplined for this violation of our house rules.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, I called my seven-year old over to have a
discussion about what words were not appropriate to say and why.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you say the F word last night?” I asked him sternly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Umm.... yes?" he said meekly. Then realizing that he was in big trouble, he started to explain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“I said ‘The F word’ and it meant
‘Funny’!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that was what the
‘F’ was for!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I
said again, ‘Did you say the F word?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” he repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I said… ‘The.. F... word...’ and it meant ‘Funny’!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ahhh... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here’s a
lesson for those parents with very concrete children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past, I cautioned my children about
bad language when I overheard an adult using profanity nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them quite seriously that we do not
use “the F word” because it is bad to do so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would appear that they took the instruction quite literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thought that the phrase “the F word’ was
taboo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ooops…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I can’t
really fix this, can I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I explain
what I meant instead? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose that my
ten-year old will figure it out soon enough… but it may be awhile until the
seven-year old hears it again (hopefully).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Addressing profanity is a task all parents have to face at
some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important for parents to agree on what is and is not acceptable for their child. Many times the first time a
child utters a bad word, they are very young and haven’t a clue as to what it
means. So try to keep a straight face when you are delivering this important
message. By laughing, you may be reinforcing the behavior since your child wants to make you happy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For school-aged children, it’s often an attempt to be cool,
or get a laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While everyone has
different points of view on what is reasonable and what is not, there are
certain social situations where foul language is inappropriate, such as in
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teach your child early before
they become accustomed to using these words. Many times they do not know what the word means. If you can explain why the word is hurtful or offensive, that can help them to understand why it is inappropriate. Help your child come up with alternative words to use in these moments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many tweens and teens swear as a way
of expressing themselves emotionally when they are angry or depressed. Instead of getting too worked up over the words, try to get to the root of the reason for the profanity. Your child may need your help and swearing is just an outward signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> When things are calmer and you are both no longer in the heat of the moment, </span>you can then address your family's rules on swearing and provide alternatives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Setting a role model is the best way to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are prone to letting swear words slip
out when emotions take the best of you, try to come up with other words to use
when venting. Be sure not to have a double standard in the home where the adults
swear, but the children cannot. This sends mixed messages to your
child and can make it more confusing for them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, according to my sons, have a really F day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(and I mean "fantastic"!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-29331661764473094962012-04-10T22:53:00.000-04:002012-04-10T22:53:16.603-04:00Finding Childcare - How do I do find someone as good as me?“I’m going to need four weeks off to visit my family,” said my nanny to me one morning as I was rushing around trying to get my coffee and breakfast so that I would not be late for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nearly choked on my breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When?” I asked, my heart rate already racing with fear as I awaited the response.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Well, my sister is having a baby in two weeks, and I’d like to be there to help her,” she says nonchalantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s her first baby, and you know how hard that can be!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks at me for understanding and empathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“In two weeks?!” I sputter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then recovering from my incredulity, I stop and realize how I must sound to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, wow.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I started to think about our family’s hectic schedule the next few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between tae kwon do, gymnastics, piano, swimming, school and work…. This was going to be a challenge without help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of course… my husband was going to be out of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I said, “Ummm, I can understand that you’d want to help her. But that’s really going to be hard on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you give me more time to find other arrangements?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I’ve already booked my airplane tickets,” she explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know how expensive it can be to fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The price was really good and so my husband bought the tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll only be gone for three weeks or so.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yikes!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now… I love my nanny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s been with our family for years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wonderful with my children and they adore her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding a good person who you can trust to take care of your children can be one of the most stressful times in a parent’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you find someone, you will do nearly anything to keep that person happy (at least it feels that way sometimes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is true for any type of childcare it seems – nannies, daycares, preschools, babysitters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know parents who drive well out of their way from home or work to keep their kids in the same preschool to minimize the disruption for their child and to avoid having to look for another caretaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, how do find that wonderful person or childcare provider?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve never done this before, start with asking people around you who have been through the process recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While everyone has specific needs and different criteria for childcare, it will help you to narrow down your search. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Make sure to start well in advance (at least a few months) before you will actually need the childcare. </span>Then make sure you have a backup plan for when your childcare falls through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Daycares – these should be licensed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a list of questions to ask during your tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find several lists online, or in my book “Dr. Sandy’s Top to Bottom Guide to Your Newborn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, you can tell just by the feeling you get while you are there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it clean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the providers seem like they care about the children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the children happy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For babies, is someone with them, or are the babies just sitting alone in swings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the location and cost suit your needs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the hours what you need?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there a waitlist?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Home daycares – these are smaller and may provide more individualized care for your child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These may not be licensed in some states. This can make it harder to ensure the quality of a home daycare. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some states have certifying boards for home daycares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this does not guarantee safety and ability, it will at least mean that the daycare has met basic standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak to the parents of other children who are there to see what they think of the daycare provider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be able to get references for the daycare provider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend time visiting the day care and consider randomly stopping when your child is there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nanny/babysitter – this is usually someone who lives with you or someone who comes to your house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many services that can help you find potential sitters. If you belong to a homeowner’s association or have a community center, you may be able to find or place an ad. It is a good idea to interview several candidates before deciding on someone. Ideally, you would have one interview without your child present so you can go through the first round of questioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then do a second interview with a candidate with your child present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will allow you to observe his or her interactions with your child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find suggested interview questions online and in my book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of your questions should include experience with childcare, how she would react in sample scenarios of emergencies or in routine situations. Check to see if she is certified in child and infant CPR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does she smoke?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is she comfortable around pets? (if you have any)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has she had traffic tickets or been in any accidents (if she will be driving your child)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can do background checks for a small fee easily to rule out criminal history, including sex offender crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checking references will be very important to get information about that person’s character and work ethic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Aupairs - this can be an economical way to find flexible childcare if you have the space to have someone live with you. Aupairs are usually young adults who are interested in coming the U.S. for a year to learn more about American culture in exchange for taking care of your child. This can be a great way to expose your child to multiple cultures from around the world. There can be a bit more work involved on your part since you are responsible for helping this person transition into the American culture and you need to help them with meetings requirements such as taking classes while they are here (part of the exchange visa requirement). In general, the cost is less than hiring a nanny and the hours are more flexible than what you may be able to get with other types of childcare. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finding childcare can be stressful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are many wonderful childcare providers available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put the work into researching and doing the necessary background and reference checks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will pay off in the long run.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the meantime, I’m going to start calling my neighbors and friends… because as wonderful as your childcare provider may be, it’s vital to have a backup system just in case your child cannot go to childcare or your provider decides to leave for a vacation!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-21313097015661900072012-03-03T20:32:00.000-05:002012-03-03T20:32:17.035-05:00Why aren't you like your brother? Comparing your child to others<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>14.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">“I don’t like it,” said my nine-year old son, looking into the mirror.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He was referring to his new hairstyle that I crafted for “Crazy Hat and Hair Day” at school today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a spiked up, high volume, super hair-sprayed, absolute work of art (if I may say so myself).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“What do you mean you don’t like it,” I replied, flummoxed by his less than enthusiasm over my skill at styling hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just spent nearly ten minutes trying to get his hair to stand straight up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Can I wear a crazy hat instead,” he said morosely, still staring at his reflection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then I committed a horrible parenting mistake, I said, “Your brother likes his crazy hair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the words left my mouth, I thought… oh no, that was the wrong thing to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This son was a shy, conservative child who was happiest in front of a computer or working on puzzles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His brother on the other hand was an outgoing, jokester, who loved attention and being active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I reflect back on the moment, I wasn’t surprised by his resistance to looking like a crazed cartoon character… I think I was just disappointed that he wouldn’t try it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all know that kids are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Siblings are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personalities, temperments, athletic ability, academic achievements… all different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, why do we compare them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s human nature to compare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get through much of our lives checking to see if we are doing the “right” thing by comparing to what we decide is the norm or the goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We choose what is valuable to us and then compare our behaviors or abilities to see how we are doing towards reaching those values.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In this competitive society, we are exposed to a culture of comparing to see who is smartest, most achieved, has the most money, looks the nicest, wears the best clothes, runs the fastest, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to resist the tendency to compare. It’s natural to look at your child and see how he/she does compared to siblings, friends, and children who you’ve never met that you saw on the playground!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The good news is that the world needs all types of people, and that there is no one thing that predicts success or happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to dentify your child’s strengths and help them develop these strengths to their fullest potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child has a weakness that worries you, try to put yourself in their shoes and think of a solution that would make them feel confident and be successful in small steps.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One mom told me that she was worried about her three-year old daughter who was terribly shy and would not participate in group activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was her second child, and her first one loved to be the star of the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This child seemed so different and she was worried that there was something wrong with her child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could she be autistic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or does she have an anxiety problem?” she asked me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She had put her daughter in music class, gymnastics classes, and similar programs, thinking that with more exposure her child would get more comfortable with being in large groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was frustrated because her daughter would either just stand off to the side, or cry until they had to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was worried that her child would be a social outcast forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">During the office visit, initially the child hid behind her mother refusing to come out to be examined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By coaxing her out with the crayons and paper, I was able to get her to start talking to me as she learned that I was not going to do anything scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of our twenty minutes together, she was happily coloring on the paper, telling me about her drawings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made eye contact and communicated appropriately for her age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appeared to me that she was a child who was shy, very cautious, and needed time to acclimate to something new.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I recommended to mom that she should start with a setting that her daughter would be comfortable with, such as a playdate with one child in her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, once her child was comfortable with that, she should include more children in the playdates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next step would be to go to an unfamiliar place with these friends so that her child would have people she knew to play with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also important to recognize that her daughter was still very young, and that likely as she grew older, her child would gain more confidence. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The mother happily reported a year later that by introducing her to others in a smaller, safer, familiar environment, her daughter now had several little friends and was comfortable going out with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She even went to a birthday party and led her friends to the moonbounce!” mom exclaimed proudly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She still will sit on the side if she is really nervous, but usually she will try it after watching for a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she’s just a perfectionist and wants to make sure that she can do it right before showing anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a lot like me!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Find your child’s strengths, and focus on their abilities and unique qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will go a long way towards building self-esteem and confidence… this is likely to be more important than being the first child to know how to read in preschool, being the best at catching a football, or having the craziest hair on Crazy Hair Day at school!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-38281494663601373212012-01-25T20:47:00.000-05:002012-01-25T20:47:33.877-05:00Ear Infections – What Are They and How to Prevent Them?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“For the last two nights, he keeps waking up at night. He used to be a wonderful sleeper... I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” reported a tired mom holding an cute infant on her lap. She wiped his runny nose with a tissue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another dad tells me about his toddler daughter, “She’s been congested for over a week, and woke up last night with a fever to 101. She seems a little better during the day when I give her ibuprofen, but she’s miserable at night.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"My son woke up this morning and told me that his ear hurt," said another mom about her four-year old.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of these children have signs of a possible ear infection. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What is an Ear Infection? </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When doctors refer to an “ear infection,” we are talking about a viral or bacterial infection in the middle ear. This is a space behind your ear drum that is connected to your nose via your Eustachian tube. See illustration below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMoj-iTfhdY/TyBwIamRspI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xczKg9oGyH4/s1600/middle+ear+infection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMoj-iTfhdY/TyBwIamRspI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xczKg9oGyH4/s320/middle+ear+infection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fluid is produced in the middle ear space all day long and normally it is not a problem. However, when our noses get congested, then our Eustachian tubes can become blocked. Then the tubes do not function to drain the middle ear. This is especially true with young children and infants because their tubes are much smaller and are more horizontally oriented. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When fluid builds up in the middle ear, then bacteria and viruses can replicate in the fluid and cause an infection. If it is a bacterial infection, then antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. More than 50% of ear infections are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotic treatment. Your child’s doctor can assess for the possibility of a bacterial infection. If your child is having significant pain, fever, ear drainage, or other signs of bacterial infection, then your child’s doctor may prescribe antibiotics. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How do you know if your child has an ear infection?</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, unfortunately, the answer is that you may not know. The good news is that if your child is not acting sick, has no symptoms other than a cold lasting less than two weeks, then he is unlikely to need antibiotics, so do not worry about missing an ear infection. Some symptoms of an ear infection that need to be treated are described below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Pain:</b> Generally, children experience pain and pressure from the fluid accumulation – so they do not sleep well or complain of pain when they are old enough to talk. Pulling on the ears is not a good indicator of an ear infection since some infants pull on their ears when they are just tired or when they are teething.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Fever:</b> Many children have fevers with their ear infections. If your child has a fever after having a cold for several days, then he may have developed a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. Take your child to the doctor to be checked. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Congestion/Cold:</b> Since the fluid builds up because the drainage system or Eustachian tube is not functioning, then your child is more at risk for an ear infection when she has been congested for several days. If your baby is fussy or has a fever after having a cold for several days to weeks, it may be an ear infection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Ear Drainage:</b> If you see drainage of fluid from your child’s ear, then the eardrum may have ruptured from the pressure. While this sounds horrible, your child will probably experience relief since there is less pain. In general, small ruptures of the eardrum heal well. However, the infection still needs to be treated, so see your child’s doctor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How can I prevent my child from getting an ear infection?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Focusing on the nasal congestion is one of the best ways to prevent the fluid from building up and getting infected. Nasal saline works well for all ages. For younger children, help to clear their noses by putting a few drops of nasal saline in each nostril and then cleaning the nose using a bulb suction device. For older children, spray or drop the nasal saline into their nostrils and then have them blow their noses. Running a humidifier (cool or warm) in your child’s room will also help with the congestion. If the congestion is from allergies, treating the allergies with antihistamines may be appropriate depending on your child’s age. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some children are more prone to ear infections due to their anatomy. Unfortunately, these children will get ear infections despite their parents’ best efforts to keep their noses clear. If your child has multiple ear infections in a year (usually 5 or 6 episodes), then your child’s doctor may recommend myringotomy or PE tubes to prevent recurrent infections.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Stay healthy, and thanks for reading!</span></div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-75059317686303425152011-12-02T10:47:00.002-05:002011-12-07T19:34:07.068-05:00“My tummy hurts!” - How to Tell When a Stomachache Is Real<div class="MsoNormal">“Mommeeee… my tummy hurts!” my three-year old complained as he came out of his room for the second time that night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Show me where it hurts,” I said to him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He pointed to an area around his belly button (where most children will point when asked this question). My son was normally a great sleeper, so I was a little concerned that maybe he really was coming down with something.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I looked at him and went through my checklist. Dressed in his dinosaur fuzzy footy pajamas, he had walked over to my room to report his distress (no signs of pain with walking). He wasn’t bent over or crying (not severe pain). He had come up with this reason after a previous unrelated reason for leaving his bed (not repeated or consistent pain). He had eaten dinner well earlier today and went to the bathroom normally (no loss of appetite and no vomiting, diarrhea or constipation). I put his hand on his forehead and he did not feel feverish (yes, we will always tell you to take your child’s temperature with a thermometer – but I’ll admit to using the mommy forehead test).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> “What do you need to make it better?” I asked. I almost always ask my kids this question when they have a complaint. They usually have a fix in mind and the “boo-boo” disappears magically. My favorite was when my daughter told me that “chocolate candy” would fix her stomach pain. (I didn’t give in on that one!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I need boo-boo penguin,” he answered promptly. He was referring to our penguin-shaped ice pack that seems to cure almost all ailments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I said okay. And within five second of boo-boo penguin’s magic, he was ready to sleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wouldn’t recommend giving in to demands on repeated nights, but since this was a first request, I let it slide. Sometimes it isn’t worth the battle! (ummm - perhaps “do as I say, don’t do as I do” applies here also)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How do you know when a stomachache is the sign of real illness or when it’s just a behavioral ploy for attention or to get out of doing something (like eating vegetables or going to school)?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It can be difficult to tell sometimes. However, there are certain signs that are red flags for illness. Some of these require immediate medical attention. Others can be treated first at home and then your child should be brought to your pediatrician if there isn’t any improvement.</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in;">When you call your doctor, think about the following so that you can have these answers ready.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Timing </b>- How long has the pain been going on? How often does your child have the pain? How long does it last? When does it happen? Most simple pains only last a few minutes and happen only once or twice. If the pain lasts for several days or several hours, call your child’s doctor. Some pains only occur during school mornings. Others happen only at bedtime. These can all be clues as to the underlying cause (or motive as the case may be!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Severity</b> – Is your child running around and playing? Or is she rolled up in a little ball crying about her pain? This will help you to determine the seriousness of the pain. Asking young children if their stomach hurts does not always help since they will usually give the answer that they think you want (not how they actually feel). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Location</b> – Where does your child point to when you ask where it hurts? Tell them to point with one finger to where it hurts the most – otherwise, they’ll usually rub their entire belly button area and say “It hurts all over!” Pain located in the lower right side of the belly is possible appendicitis and is an emergency.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Triggers</b> – Does it occur after eating certain foods or drinking certain liquids? Lactose-intolerance is fairly common and can be helped by eliminating lactose from the diet (your child can drink soy milk or Lactaid milk to get the needed calcium). Also, food allergies can cause stomach pain or vomiting or diarrhea. Celiac disease (or gluten intolerance) is a common food allergy that can cause ongoing stomach pain. Bloating and gassiness can be associated with food-related allergies or intolerance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Vomiting or Diarrhea</b> – Stomach bugs can cause short-term belly pain along with vomiting or diarrhea. However, if the vomiting/diarrhea is severe, lasts more than 24-48 hrs, contains blood, or your child is unable to keep fluids down, call your doctor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Constipation</b> – If your child’s pain is much better after having a bowel movement, then the pain may be related to constipation. Increase water, fiber and vegetables in your child’s diet to see if your child’s pain improves with softer stools. See my previous blog post on constipation for more information.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Urinary problems or groin pain</b> – these can be signs of other medical problems like a urinary tract infection or testicular torsion. Call your doctor immediately.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Rash</b> – stomachache and rash can be signs of other types of illnesses, such as a Strep infection, call your doctor for guidance. If your child has hives, then it may be an allergic reaction, seek help immediately.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Fever</b> – fever usually means infection. If the fever is low grade (102 or less), has been less than 3 days, and the stomach pain is minimal, you can likely treat your child’s symptoms at home. However, if the pain is severe, your child is in distress, the fever is high, or any of the warning symptoms described above are present, then you should call your child’s doctor.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b>Weight changes or poor growth</b> – if your child is not growing well or is losing weight, these can be signs of more serious diseases and your child needs to be seen.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b>What to do if you suspect the complaint is behavioral? </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">If your child is running around happily and is not ill-appearing, then the complaint of a tummyache may be a way of getting attention or a ploy to get out of an activity. If you think this is the case, the best thing you can do is to ignore it. The more you acknowledge it, then the more he will repeat the behavior (i.e. getting boo-boo penguin in the middle of the night – oops!) </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Instead, provide a distraction and move on to the next activity. If there are no further complaints, then you know it’s just a clever way to get some attention. Or if he insists on a cure, then give a placebo, like a medicine syringe full of colored water or juice and see if the pain improves. If so, you know that there is nothing serious causing the pain. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Shower your child with love and attention when he is not complaining of tummy aches and gradually the behavior will stop. It may take a few weeks, but if you stick to it, then the imaginary tummy aches will be cured. (and then they’ll move on to “Mommeeee… my leg hurts!!!”) (more on that later!)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Happy Holidays, and thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-160569654365633782011-10-22T22:12:00.000-04:002011-10-22T22:12:29.907-04:00Keeping Our Kids Happy and Healthy Through The Holidays<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>14.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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“Can I wear my gloves today?” asks my daughter holding up her new pink gloves decorated with snowflakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the end of October and sixty degrees outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been unseasonably warm this season, and we’re only just starting see some colder weather announcing the arrival of autumn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
So I tell her, “Not yet, but soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s cold, but not cold enough for snow yet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nods and puts them in her backpack for safekeeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe it will be cold enough tomorrow!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
The she zips up her backpack, thinks for a second, and then asks, “Can I wear my boots?”<br />
<br />
And so it goes…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the end, we’ve compromised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can wear her boots this weekend, her hat now, and her gloves when she goes to the playground today if she wants.<br />
<br />
Cold weather is here, and we are spending more time indoors sharing viruses and germs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids and adults alike tend to get sicker in the winter months because of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents can take help prevent illness in their children by teaching them valuable skills that will prevent illness.<br />
<br />
Regardless of age, one of the most important methods of prevention is good hand washing. My kids are notorious for running their hands under the water for three seconds (maybe getting a little bit of soap if we’re feeling extra good today) and then quickly wiping their hands on a towel as they run out to get back to playing. <br />
<br />
To wash our hands properly, we should rinse our hands with water and soap for at least twenty seconds, or the time it takes to sing the alphabet song. For children who are old enough, teach them how to wash correctly. Show them how to clean the tips of the fingers especially well since children tend to put their fingers in their mouths often.<br />
<br />
One of the most common ways that we pick up germs or viruses is by touching surfaces that someone else who has been sick coughed on, sneezed on, or touched. Then we end up infecting ourselves or our children.<br />
<br />
Many parents also notice how younger siblings seem to get sicker at a younger age or perhaps more often than an older sibling did. This is because the older child brings germs or viruses home from school or daycare and infects the younger child.<br />
<br />
Colds, flu, and vomiting/diarrhea diseases are some of the most common illnesses that children get from others. If your child ends up with any of these illnesses, here are some tips to help you and your child get through them.<br />
<br />
For colds and flu, it is important to give your child plenty of fluids. Food is not as important while they are ill, and your child may lose her appetite while sick. Hydrating your child with age-appropriate fluids is important. Running a humidifier in the child’s bedroom and having her sleep in a more upright position will ease nighttime congestion and cough. For children older than 1 year, giving 1 teaspoon of dark honey can quiet coughing episodes. In general, over-the-counter cold medications are not recommended for children under the age of 6 years. If your child has fever greater than 104, has prolonged fevers for more than 3days, has a severe cough, chest pain, wheezing, or seems lethargic, call your doctor immediately.<br />
<br />
In the past, we were all told “cover your mouth when you cough”… and we did this with our hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when a child coughs and covers his mouth with his hand, the virus particles get all over that hand, spreading the virus to others as he touches various surfaces. To help keep from spreading germs, teach your child to cough into the crook of his or her elbow. And again, good hand-washing is key to prevention of spread.<br />
<br />
Use antibacterial hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available. These are effective for killing many of the germs that can cause illnesses.<br />
<br />
For vomiting and diarrhea illnesses at all ages, it is very important to prevent dehydration. This can be done by giving small frequent sips of an electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte. If your child refuses to drink or cannot keep large amounts down, then give 5 mL every 5 minutes using a medicine syringe. This can hydrate a child successfully and will be less likely to trigger more vomiting.<br />
<br />
You should avoid giving juice or sports drinks because the excessive sugar in these liquids can result in worsening diarrhea. Giving water alone does not provide enough of the salts and sugars that the body needs to function. Probiotics can also be very helpful with diarrhea illnesses. These can be found in yogurt (if your child isn't vomiting) and in powder or chewable tablet forms in most drug stores and several grocery stores.<br />
<br />
If your child shows signs of dehydration, call your doctor immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle (for infants), doughy-feeling skin, decreased urine production, and lethargy or tiredness. <br />
<br />
Regardless of the type of illness, do not send your child to school if he or she has a fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Viral illnesses are the most contagious when the person has a fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most viruses are spread by respiratory droplets or contact with fluids that contain virus, so even though the fever is gone, your child may still be contagious to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use your best judgment when deciding when your child should go back to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Teach your child not to share food or drinks with other kids since someone else might be ill or be contagious and not realize it.<br />
<br />
Help your child stay healthy and ready to learn by taking precautions and use prevention methods. Teach your child to wash his or her hands often and avoid direct contact with other sick children when possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By doing this, everyone can stay healthy and have a happy holiday season!<br />
<br />
Happy Fall and thanks for reading!Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-17819988297608601492011-09-30T13:39:00.000-04:002011-09-30T13:39:49.534-04:00Hyperactive - Or Just Being a Kid?<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sit down! Why can’t you sit still?” </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t touch that!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “I told you that it’s time to go? Why aren’t you ready yet?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How could you forget your homework again?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Get off that ____!” (sharp thing, dangerous high thing, major machinery that children shouldn’t be on, museum object with sign that says ‘Don’t Touch’, etc, etc)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you ever feel like a broken record? Or think that your child is ignoring you? Or perhaps that there is something wrong with your child, or your skills as a parent?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well… I have. As I watch one of my sons, yet again, be unable to keep his hands off of the items around him, or sit still for longer than a second, I wonder if there is more to him than meets the eye.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, my oldest is the calm, rule-following, responsible one who tends to obey and follow most of my requests. While he’s not a robot, he seems to get what my husband and I are trying to say. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My second, however, is totally different (as he should be). I love him to pieces, but he can drive me crazy at times. Now, don’t get me wrong, he’s not a bad kid. He’s actually very bright, very creative, and downright funny. He will be the first one to help his younger siblings if they are in need. He’s a pretty decent athlete and shines in many ways. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">However, he just can’t stop moving! He gets frustrated easily and is very easily distracted. He doesn’t appear to know when it’s inappropriate to grab things from other people, and has a very hard time waiting for his turn.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Part of me wonders if he is just so different from my first son, that I’m making comparisons that just aren’t realistic or fair. But then, when I’m talking to parents and evaluating their children for ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), I know in my heart that he may very well have it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The good news is that ADD/ADHD is a treatable condition and that are many resources now available for parents and their children. ADD/ADHD may affect as many as 10% of the population. That means that in the average classroom of 24 kids, at least two children may suffer from the disorder. But how do you know if your child has a disorder or if he is just being a kid… and since it’s more common in boys (five times more common in boys than girls) – how do you know if he isn’t just “being a boy”?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ADD/ADHD tends to run in families (hmmm, so maybe it is my fault!) and at least two genes have been associated with the disease. Studies have shown the disease to be associated with brain chemical (neurotransmitter) changes, structural brain changes and is frequently found in children with other health conditions. It is felt that ADD/ADHD may be partly due to developmental delay of the part of the brain that is responsible for executive functioning (which is the part that manages control and judgment).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As children get older, many of them are able to learn to manage their symptoms as they gain the maturity and develop the higher brain function needed to govern attention, planning and judgment. Many adults who have ADD/ADHD do quite well and are able to multitask successfully. Some may still require medications as adults, but that is not very common.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are several standardized tests and tools that medical doctors and psychologists use to help to determine if a child has ADD/ADHD. For the most part, it is recommended that you wait until your child is in school before testing is done. Often, the very active preschooler does fine when he reaches the age of 5-6 years and starts attending elementary school. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Treating the disease is important to ensure maximum success at school. Treatment may involve behavior modification therapy, working closely with teachers, getting special services for extra time for classwork and homework, accommodations such as having an extra copy of textbooks at home, and sometimes taking medications. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The criteria for the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD include the following:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Inattention:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">e.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">f.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">g.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">h.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">i.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">is often forgetful in daily activities</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hyperactivity </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings or restlessness). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">e.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">is often <i>"on the go"</i> or often acts as if <i>"driven by a motor."</i> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">f.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">often talks excessively </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">g.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Impulsivity – has difficulty awaiting turns, interrupts or intrudes on others</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you suspect that your child may have attention or hyperactivity issues, take your child to your pediatrician for further evaluation and advice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Okay, so it’s taken me five tries to sit down and finish writing this as I got distracted by the phone, my emails, searching for food, putting away dishes, doing the laundry… so guess where my son got it from? Oh well... hopefully he got enough good genes from my husband's side to balance him out!) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Take care and thanks for reading!</span></div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-83176133254021718112011-08-14T20:11:00.000-04:002011-08-14T20:11:11.826-04:00Back to School – Where did the summer go?!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I sit in my kitchen sipping my morning coffee, I glance over at my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two are glued to Nintendo DS players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is stuck to our iPad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the fourth is still in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s eight in the morning and this is how they are starting the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they aren’t in camp, the default activity is something with a backlit screen (computer, video game, TV).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This drives me crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think about going to back to school in two weeks (we go back before Labor Day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not going to be an easy transition!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, don’t get me wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried throughout the summer to stimulate their brain cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s do five pages of workbooks!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grumbles and groans, while I hear, “Mom, I have to save!” Then there are about ten-fifteen minutes of focused library-like quiet after they settle down with age-appropriate workbooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then… they’re done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I play now?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve read books, gone outside (when it’s not 120 degrees and a wall of humidity out there), been to summer camps, played sports, visited museums, vacationed at the beach, and so on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But, now it’s time for school again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer can be exhausting (for the parents!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, starting next week, it’s back to normal bedtime and wake up times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will make the actual week of school a much easier transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly recommend requiring this for your kids the week before school starts, especially your teenagers who would much prefer to go to bed at 2 a.m. and wake up around noon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You may have heard of the motto – “9-5-2-1-0” as a way to remember what is healthy for kids every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9 - hours of sleep</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5 - servings of fruits and vegetables </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hours of screen time (max)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hour of exercise, and </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">0 - sugary beverages (like juice or soda)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>So, take a look at what your child is getting and see if there is any room for improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This applies to kids who are in preschool, elementary, middle or high school. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Buying school supplies is always a treat for my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love their new backpacks and cool lunchboxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child is new to school, or isn’t a big fan of school, this is a positive way to bring up the idea of heading back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Starting school is also when germ-sharing begins in earnest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proper hand washing is the best way to prevent picking up viruses and bacteria that can make us sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teach your kids how to wash their hands well while at school and when they come home from school.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To wash hands properly, your child should wash with water and soap for at least twenty seconds, or the time it takes to sing the alphabet song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to clean the tips of the fingers especially well since children tend to put their fingers in their mouths or touch their faces.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting plenty of rest, eating a health breakfast and washing hands properly will help to make your child’s beginning of the school year a great one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best of luck with the back-to-school preparations, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done as you send your little one off to school for another amazing year!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-75902589744905030342011-07-02T11:20:00.000-04:002011-07-02T11:20:52.379-04:00Pooping on the Potty - Don't Make Me Go!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Currently, our toddler is practicing willful control of her bowels - in a bad way. Potty training was going well for awhile, but suddenly she's refusing to let herself have a BM. (We made no changes to routine, diet, etc.) She's just flat out clenching and fighting for all she's worth to not have a BM, even when we add high fiber foods. After 3-4 days of a grumpy, constipated child, we finally pull out some PediaLax products, which then seems to *make* her go 1-2 days later. Then she'll be regular for 2-3 days, but after that, the cycle starts all over again. Any advice for me and/or your blog readers?”</span> </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going poop in the potty is a common issue for toddlers.... something about pooping into that bowl really bothers some kids. So they end up holding it in and get constipated. Then it hurts to go because they are constipated, and they are even more afraid to go next time... so they hold it in.<span> Then they get more constipated... and so on. </span>It’s a painful cycle for your toddler and can throw a monkey wrench in what had been successful potty training efforts.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So... here's what to try if it happens to your toddler or child. Buy some Miralax (an over the counter stool softener - very safe for kids, can use up to a year if you had to). Other stool softeners can work, but often result in more cramping and cannot be used for long periods of time. Give 1 capful a day (17g) of Miralax mixed in liquid (if the stools are too soft, cut back a little). But do this for at least two months - even if the stools are normal. Stop pushing potty training temporarily while you do this. She needs to forget that pooping hurts. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her colon needs to get used to normal-sized, soft stools for several months.<span> </span>When constipation occurs, the colon gets stretched out of shape (think of how a woman’s belly gets all stretched after being pregnant – it takes time to get back to normal) (although I think mine will never get back to normal!).<span> </span>The stretch of the colon sends a signal to our brain to tell us that we need to go.<span> </span>If your colon is stretched out already, it takes even more stool to send that signal to your brain.<span> </span>So, it’s important to give your child's colon time to shrink back to normal size before you stop the Miralax. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is very important to change your child's diet. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Avoid constipating foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast (white bread), cheese). Give more fiber (oatmeal, bran, fresh fruits, vegetables), prune juice (if she'll drink it), prunes, and water. For some children, too much milk or dairy can be constipating. Toddlers need around 16-20 oz of milk to get enough calcium, but more than that can result in constipation and anemia (too much calcium can interfere with iron absorption which then leads to anemia or low red blood cells). </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then in about two months, start trying to potty train again. Don't remind her that she used to do it... just start from scratch... stickers, rewards, etc.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't worry – there are very few kindergarteners still wearing diapers to poop or pee... so everyone gets it eventually! Refusing to poop in the potty is very common and very normal toddler behavior.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If she hasn't poop in five days, has vomiting, has blood with stools, or severe stomach pain, call your doctor for help. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Do not use Miralax in infants. If your baby is constipated, consult your child's doctor.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope this helps! Thanks for reading and Happy 4<sup>th</sup> of July! </span></div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-53019602397549601112011-05-26T21:21:00.001-04:002011-05-26T21:37:25.212-04:00Fun in the Sun!<span style="font-size: small;">“Can we play in the sprinkler, Mommy?” asked my 4-year old daughter. I looked up from my computer to see sweet puppy-eyes on a cute little face asking me to grant her this one simple request. It was hot outside and the pools weren’t open yet. It sounded like a perfectly fun and reasonable thing to do today.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I thought about what I had to do to set this up. Herd four excited kids into bathing suits, sunblock each squirmy kid (perhaps one of their least favorite activities of all time), find the sprinkler toy thing (I bought it last summer on sale... where did I put it?), turn on the water feed to our backyard hose faucet (still off from the winter), and then all the cleanup that would be involved afterwards (from the wet toys to the wet kids). So… being the slightly distracted mom that I was (focusing on something for work on the computer), I paused to figure out how I could get out of this one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“The neighbors are playing in theirs,” she quickly added, noticing my hesitation. “We NEVER get to play in our sprinkler… PLEEEEEEEEEEEE-ASE?!?!” (puppy eyes again)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I gave in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And they had a blast! Even I had fun as I sprayed my screaming, laughing kids (and myself) with our hose as I tried to figure out how the new sprinkler contraption worked. All in all, it was a good couple of hours in the near-summer heat. The kids were wonderfully exhausted afterwards, ate dinner without complaint, and went to bed early. Happiness and contentment all around.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Summer is a great time to be outside, to be at the pool and play in the water. It’s the time most of us go on vacations – often to the beach or other sunny places. So, being safe in the sun is incredibly important to ensure that we are just having fun and that no harm will come from it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in the United States, it is vital to protect your kids (and yourself) from too much sun exposure. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Depending on the study you read, anywhere from 23-80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to the sun occurs before age 18, so it's important to limit the ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure to your child's skin. Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun is thought to contribute to skin cancer and precancerous skin conditions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">To protect your child, here are some things you can do:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>1. Use sunblock (starting at any age – including your one-month old!). Use a waterproof sunscreen of SPF 45 or higher. Make sure that it’s rated to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply frequently, especially if your child is getting into the water. Even on cloudy days, apply sunblock because ultraviolet rays penetrate the clouds and are still being absorbed by our skin. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>2. Wear long sleeve sunshirts and pants that protect against UV rays. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>3. Wide-brimmed sunhats are useful, especially the kind that extends down to cover the back of the neck.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>4. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>5. Avoid being outside during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible. If your child’s shadow is shorter than your child, then the sun is very strong and it’s time to find shade or be indoors.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">6.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>6. Give extra water and fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated fluids which can actually cause dehydration because caffeine is a diuretic and makes your body need to urinate more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kids with fair skin, freckles, have light colored eyes (blue or green), or have red or blond hair are all at higher risk for developing skin cancer. Boys are at higher risk than girls. Your child is also at higher risk for melanoma if you have a family history of skin cancer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What to Do for a Sunburn? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Despite your best efforts to protect your child from the sun, he/she may end up with a sunburn. Unfortunately, there is not a quick fix for this. Sunburns can take several days to heal and the full extent of the burn is sometimes not visible until 12-24 hours after the sun exposure. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are some things to try:</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>1. Cool it down – a cool bath, placing cool towels or cool compresses to the sunburned area</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>2. Aloe or moisturizing creams – put the cream on a on small area of skin first to make sure that your child is not allergic to aloe or the ingredients in the cream. Do not use benzocaine numbing sprays, especially on children under two years of age. Rarely, benzocaine can cause a disease that prevents oxygen from being carried on red blood cells in the body correctly.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>3. Do not pop blisters open – the skin on the blister protects the immature skin underneath from infection.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">4. Taking Tylenol or Motrin for pain can be helpful.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>5. Do not pick at the peeling skin – use a moisturizing cream.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Call your child’s doctor if there is severe sunburn that covers a large portion of the body with blisters, or if your child also has one of the following symptoms:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fever</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Headache </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Confusion, paleness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nausea or vomiting</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Muscle cramps or pains</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fainting</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">These can be signs of heat exhaustion which is more serious than just a sunburn.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily, with good care, you can prevent sunburns and keep your child’s skin safe. Pools open this weekend, so hopefully the weather will be good and everyone will have a great start to the summer swim season. <span class="super">Happy Memorial Day, and thanks for reading!</span></span></span>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-67116874552847806592011-05-01T10:01:00.000-04:002011-05-01T10:01:51.018-04:00What Do You Mean I Have to Share? – Teaching fairness<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Waaaahh!” came a cry from the basement. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uh-oh, I thought… what is it now? I was sitting in our living room, the door to the basement nearby.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stomp, stomp, stomp up the stairs. The wails increased in volume as the victim got closer. The crier was trying hard to maintain the ferocity of cry so that mommy would be dutifully impressed by the audacity of the crime. The cry was definitely the “I’m insulted” or “I’m mad” cry, as opposed to the “I’m hurt” cry. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Mommy, he took my toy!” cried my four-year old daughter. She buried her head in my lap, sobbing pitifully.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I had it first!” proclaimed her six-year old brother, holding the prized item high above his head, trailing close behind her. “It’s mine. I got it for my birthday!”</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You need to share,” I said to them (for I think the thousandth time in their lives). </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You’ve had it for a long time now,” I said to my son. “You can play with it for five more minutes, and then it’s her turn.”</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I said to both children. “I’m going to set the kitchen timer. When it beeps you need to switch.”</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They both nodded, problem solved, and ran off happily together back to the basement as if nothing had just happened.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All was quiet on homefront for about fifteen more minutes. Then… “waaaahh!” It was another child. I waited for the report of the horrible crime this time. Stomp, stomp, stomp… “Mommy!”</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Learning to share is a normal developmental process and can be a challenging concept to teach. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is important to realize that the sense of fairness or empathy for others changes as a child develops. A toddler to three-year old is only aware of his/her own personal feelings. They have not yet developed the ability to understand that what they do may hurt or negatively affect other people. “The world revolves around ME” is the motto of a two-year old. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As children get to age four and five, they start to realize that other people have feelings, too. This is when sharing and fairness becomes easier for them to understand. When you are teaching, you can explain why he/she should be kind and share. At this age, they can remember what it feels like when someone doesn’t share with them. They can start to understand that what they do can make others feel badly.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So how can you deal with arguments over sharing?</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prevention </span><span style="font-size: small;">– </span><span style="font-size: small;">If you know that both kids are going to want something that you are going to give them, you can prevent the fight by setting guidelines early on. Such as, “I have something fun for both of you. John will get to use it for five minutes, and then Susie can have it for the next five minutes.” Get them to agree on the rules of sharing beforehand.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If your young child is having a playdate, put your child’s prized possessions away so that the visiting child won’t be tempted to play with them. Talk about sharing toys before the playdate so that your child understands that someone else will be playing with her toys.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Intervene early – When you hear arguments beginning, distract them if you can. Steer them to another activity that is less contentious.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Give age-appropriate guidance – spending time giving a two-year old a lecture about how sharing/hitting/biting hurts others and would they like it if someone did that to them, and don’t they understand that it isn’t fair to hog a toy the whole time, and so on… It’s a little bit like Charlie Brown’s teachers saying “wah wah wah wah wah” to the children. Your preschooler is not capable of understanding all of the nuances of being nice. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time them </span><span style="font-size: small;">– </span><span style="font-size: small;">A kitchen timer is a great way to help little ones to share and avoid fights. By saying that they can each play with a popular toy for five minutes, until the beeper goes off, is a concrete idea that they can understand. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be short and sweet in your teachings </span><span style="font-size: small;">– </span><span style="font-size: small;">“You need to share. Give Jason the red one and you can have the blue one.” If your child cannot manage to do that, then take away the offending items and move on to another activity. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Praise sharing behavior </span><span style="font-size: small;">– </span><span style="font-size: small;">It is important to give praise when your child shares (either on his own or with your prompting). This will reinforce the “good” behavior that you want. If you focus too much on the less desirable or “bad” behavior, it will reinforce the “bad” behavior. Children want naturally crave attention from their parents. Even it is negative attention, it is still attention. (Think of the game that toddlers love of throwing something on the floor and you picking it up over and over again… they’ll keep doing it because you are paying attention to their behavior.)</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When your child spontaneously shares or goes out of their way to help another child, it’s a great moment for any parent. Some children are natural helpers and learn early that it feels good to make others happy. Others need more coaching, but do not despair, for they will learn this, too.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Mother’s Day next week to all the moms reading this blog! Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful day! Thanks for reading!</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-33482042389395111962011-04-04T10:18:00.000-04:002011-04-04T10:18:45.609-04:00Aaahh-choo! Spring is here!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I listen to my kids happily playing basketball in the driveway, digging dirt in the front yard (my daughter is planting an orange tree apparently), and throwing sand anywhere but inside the sand table on the deck, I’m sitting in the kitchen enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze that wafts through my backdoor.<span> </span>All the windows are open, and I can feel the stuffiness of the house being gently blown outdoors.<span> </span>I inhale and take a deep breath of the wonderful fresh spring air… and then, I sneeze. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then I sneeze again.<span> </span>And again.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sniff... sniff...<span> </span>sniff... (clear throat)… (blink-blink)… I love spring... really… I do… (cough)… but boy, do I suffer from allergies!</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My kids do, too.<span> </span>At least three of them have seasonal allergies.<span> </span>I’m waiting to see if the youngest one is going to also.<span> </span>Kids generally do not develop allergies to the environment (pollen, mold, etc) until they are around three years old or older.<span> </span>The immune system is not usually ready to start recognizing that allergens, such as pollen, are something to be allergic to until then.<span> </span>It is possible for younger children to have seasonal allergies, but it is less common.<span> </span>Younger children tend to have food-related allergies if they have any.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If there is a strong family history of allergies, asthma or eczema, or if your child has asthma/wheezing or eczema, then the chances of your child having seasonal or environmental allergies are higher.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Testing for allergies can be performed by an allergist through skin testing.<span> </span>Your pediatrician may be able to do blood testing for allergies called RAST testing.<span> </span>While there are differing opinions, it is generally thought that skin testing is more accurate when diagnosing environmental allergies.<span> </span>This includes allergies to trees, grasses, molds, dust mites, molds, cockroach dander, cats, and dogs.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Skin testing is performed by putting small drops of diluted allergen (such as extracts from grasses) on the skin and then pricking the skin under the drop.<span> </span>If you are allergic, you will develop a red, itchy bump (called a wheal).<span> </span>The size of the wheal can indicate how allergic you are to the substance.<span> </span>The testing is briefly uncomfortable, but many children tolerate it without difficulty.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Testing is useful so that you can identify what your child is allergic to and make adjustments as needed.<span> </span>For example, if your child is allergic to dust mites, there are special coverings that you can put on your child’s pillow and bed mattress to reduce the number of dust mites that your child is exposed to at night.<span> </span>If your child is allergic to pollen, you can avoid too many outdoor activities when the pollen count is high.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Allergies can be managed usually with over-the-counter medications.<span> </span>These include Claritin, Zyrtec, and now Allegra. <span> </span>These come in liquid, dissolvable tablet and swallow tablet forms. <span></span>Benadryl can be useful for short-term treatment, but can sometimes make children very drowsy.<span> </span>If your child has many allergies or has significant other problems triggered by allergies, such as wheezing, then allergy shots may be useful.<span> </span>Allergy shots help your child’s body get “used to” the substance that he/she is allergic to by introducing it to the body in very small amounts and gradually increasing the amounts over time.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common symptoms of allergies include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and/or mild sore throat without fever.<span> </span>If your child has fever, severe cough, eye discharge, or persistent thick nasal discharge or cough (especially if more than two weeks), then it's not just allergies, and you should call your child’s doctor.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy the spring weather, and (aah-choo!) thanks for reading!</span></div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-48796912272777836582011-03-04T08:30:00.001-05:002011-03-05T20:09:35.691-05:00Ouch! Head Injuries... When to Worry<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sandy, we have a situation,” my nanny said in a panicky voice over the phone. I was at work when I received this call and felt instant fear when I heard her dreaded words. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What’s wrong?” I asked, trying to remain calm. My mind was racing through many horrific scenarios. What could have happened to my kids? Were they okay? Why was she calling?</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As it turned out, my oldest son had been climbing up on a structure in our basement and had fallen off of it landing headfirst onto a toy with a sharp edge. He had cut his head on top pretty badly. The cut had been bleeding a lot and was scaring him and my nanny. The good news was that he was alert, could talk and remembered what had happened. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My nanny had done the right thing. She applied pressure to the wound with a clean towel. But it took a long time to stop bleeding. She didn’t know that the scalp is rich with blood vessels. A cut on the scalp can really bleed impressively.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because he was alert, acting normally, wasn’t vomiting, and wasn’t bleeding anymore, I asked her to bring him to my office. He ended up needing seven staples (like metal stitches) for a good-sized laceration on his scalp. As a kid with a high pain tolerance, he was very calm through the whole procedure. He was even reading a book when Dr. Dakin was putting the staples in!</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gfqIKdDxWz4/TXDnwKhcehI/AAAAAAAAACA/x9qacSZ8AWY/s1600/Staples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gfqIKdDxWz4/TXDnwKhcehI/AAAAAAAAACA/x9qacSZ8AWY/s320/Staples.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even I was impressed with his tolerance and patience with the whole procedure. Nonetheless, I think (hope) he learned that climbing up on things in the basement and hanging over the top of them headfirst is generally a bad idea.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Head injuries can be very frightening. With active children, they are extremely common though. The horrible sound of your child’s head hitting a surface from a fall is one of the worst in the world. Most parents can remember those moments quite clearly. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, what do you do and when should you worry?</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At any age, if your child loses consciousness, is having seizures, or has significant injury/bleeding, call 911 immediately.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If your child seems very drowsy, has multiple episodes of vomiting, or is acting strangely, go to your nearest emergency room. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If your child appears alert, cried immediately at the time of injury, is not vomiting, and is behaving normally, it is reasonable to watch your child closely. If your child is under age two, call your doctor for guidance. If you are worried or there is a change in your child’s behavior, you should call your child’s doctor. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For most minor head injuries without open wounds, you should put ice on the area that was hurt to help reduce swelling. Watch your child closely for the first 24-48 hrs after the head injury. Avoid giving Tylenol or Motrin so that you don’t mask any symptoms. You should wake your child at least once that night to make sure that he/she is okay. Avoid contact sports or any activities that could result in another head injury until your child is completely symptom-free. If the head injury occurred while playing sports, consult your team doctor or your child’s doctor for when it is safe to return to play.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Symptoms to call your child’s doctor about:</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Any behavioral changes or changes in alertness</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. More than one episode of vomiting</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Persistent or severe headache </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Weakness or loss of strength</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bleeding inside the head is the main worry after a head injury. Bleeding or swelling inside the head usually takes place during the first 24-48 hours after an injury and can cause life-threatening pressure on the brain. This pressure results in headaches, irritability, recurrent vomiting, vision/pupil changes, and changes in alertness. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most people will check their child’s pupils to see if they are the same size. While it is fine to do this, unequal pupils usually show up only after there is quite a bit of pressure from an internal brain bleed. Just because the pupils are the same size early on, it does not mean that all is well. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watch for other signs such as the ones mentioned above. While internal bleeding is rare from mild head injuries, you should watch your child carefully for signs and symptoms. </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My son’s cut has almost completely healed. He has impressed many of his friends with his staples. His 3-year old brother has already asked for staples for his boo-boo’s. Hopefully, I have convinced him that staples are not for all boo-boo’s. (Not to mention that I have put all household staplers high out of reach just in case anyone gets any ideas!) Kids... always an adventure...</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stay safe and thanks for reading!</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-84686915180445892372011-02-13T15:40:00.003-05:002011-02-13T15:49:42.264-05:00Valentine’s Day – Cards, Candy and Love<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“Mom, I’m tired of writing my name,” whines my six-year old. “Can you do it?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I’m sitting at my kitchen table with my four kids, surrounded by a hundred Valentine's cards. Literally – 100. That’s twenty-five for each child’s class. My youngest child, who is in preschool, has no idea what Valentine’s Day is for… but he understands that the pencils that we are giving to his classmates has Toy Story characters on them… and he wants them all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“Mine!” he proclaims while stuffing them into a grocery bag. “My pencils!” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So, I explain patiently that they are for his friends at school for Valentine’s Day. He pauses, looks up at me while I speak to him, and then promptly goes back to stashing away his precious pencil collection. After some negotiation, he is satisfied with two pencils for himself and giving the rest to his friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Then I look over to my four-year old who is trying very hard to write her name on all the cards. She has managed to fit the first three letters of her name in the blank spot next to the “From:” line, but has consistently run out of space for the last two letters of her name. So… she just writes them in wherever she has space on the card. Oh well, at least she’s writing! Hopefully, her classmates can figure out that it’s from her. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I don’t know about your kids, but mine don’t actually notice who the cards are from. They just dig through their Valentines’ bags for the goodies and then toss the rest aside. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Valentine’s Day is the holiday to celebrate love. Some believe that the origin of the holiday dates back to the Middle Ages. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I have memories of excitedly opening my decorated bag to find the cards inside. Back when I was in school, it was mostly cards. Treats were just an occasional thing. My favorite one was the little box of chalky sugar hearts with phrases like “BE MINE” stamped on them. They are still a classic today. Pure sugar… wow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Elementary and preschools are usually good about making sure that every child gets something on Valentine’s Day. If you are creative, it’s a great time to get your child involved with making cards for their friends. They can learn important skills such as coloring, cutting, gluing, taping, and writing. Plus it helps them to feel good about giving their classmates something that they’ve created.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As your child gets older and Valentine’s celebrations no longer involve making crafts and decorating bags and boxes, you may want to consider making Valentine’s Day a special day for the family.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Pre-teens and adolescents may find Valentine’s Day somewhat stressful if their friends have started dating. In order to prevent your child from feeling lonely, left out or pressured about Valentine’s Day, try to make it a celebration about love in general. Valentine’s parties and decorations, special family meals, and love notes from you can make any child feel special and create a fun atmosphere for this special day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As with Halloween and Easter, the candy quota from this holiday can be pretty intense. Try to limit the amount of sugar your kids eat on a single day and set a date after which you toss the rest or take it somewhere else were other people can enjoy it. (But of course, the good chocolate gets put in a special hiding place for parents only.) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for reading!</span>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-6640577150927717602011-01-29T00:15:00.001-05:002011-01-31T11:47:15.634-05:00Sledding, Snowmen, and Snow Ball Fights – Avoiding FrostbiteFour little snowpeople stomped up to my front door this morning. Bundled in coats, gloves, and neckwarmers , they could barely see as adorable fuzzy hats with pom-poms slid down over their eyes.<br />
<br />
“Mommy! We’re co-o-o-ld! Can we come inside?” they pleaded. Their teeth chattered and they shivered.<br />
<br />
I think they had been outside for about five minutes… maybe six.<br />
<br />
<br />
That was after one hour of begging to go outside as soon as they saw the new snowfall on the ground, twenty minutes of breakfast while still asking to go outside, and another twenty minutes of going potty and getting dressed while I tried frantically to find four matching set of gloves. (I think that gloves and socks have conspired to hang out together somewhere – where do they go?)<br />
<br />
<br />
I remember playing outside for hours as a kid in the snow – with no care about the potential frostbite starting on my fingers and ears and nose. What’s wrong with my kids? Maybe they are just smarter than I was. It's cold out there!<br />
<br />
Keep your kids warm in the snow. It’s fun – but can be dangerous. Children are at higher risk for frostbite compared to adults. They lose heat more easily than adults and are not as willing to give up having fun even if they are cold.<br />
<br />
Frostbite is the result of prolonged cold exposure to our bodies. This causes damage to the tissues. Our fingers, toes, noses and ears are the most susceptible. <br />
<br />
There are different degrees of severity of frostbite. First degree, or frostnip, is when the surface of the skin is frozen. The skin has white, red, and yellow patches and often there is itching and pain and numbness. Usually the injury is not permanent.<br />
<br />
Second degree frostbite is more severe. The skin is actually frozen and hard. This can result in blisters a few days after the injury and can take weeks to months to heal . Call your doctor or take your child to the nearest emergency room if this occurs.<br />
<br />
Third and fourth degrees are much more severe and involve freezing of the muscles and deep tissues. Your child should not be at risk for this unless they are trapped in the cold for a very long period of time.<br />
<br />
If your child is complaining of pain, itching or numbness of fingers, toes, ears or nose after playing in the cold, remove all wet clothing. Rewarm the area as quickly as possible without burning the skin. Soak the body part in warm (not hot) water for 20-30 minutes. The water temperature should be around 104 degrees F. If the pain does not improve and the color does not return to normal within a few minutes, call your doctor immediately.<br />
<br />
Dehydration is also an issue because in the cold, children do not realize that they are sweating and losing fluids. Give your child fluids to drink (non-caffeinated). A good rule of thumb is to have your child come in every one to two hours for a break to drink, eat a snack and warm up. <br />
<br />
Every year, over 20,000 kids are injured in sledding accidents. Children between the ages of 10-14 years old are the most commonly injured. Next most commonly injured are children ages 5-9 years. Fractures and head injuries are the most common type of injury. Running into trees, poles, stationary obstacles are the usual sources of injury. Wearing a helmet is recommended. At the very least, scope out where your children are sledding to make sure that it is free of dangerous obstacles. Make sure that they are not sledding into streets where cars may hit them. Do not allow your children to be pulled on sleds by ATVs, snowmobiles, or other motorized vehicles.<br />
<br />
Keep safe, stay warm, and enjoy the snow (preferably indoors with a nice warm cup of cocoa)! Thanks for reading!Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-18296342162439638552011-01-19T14:18:00.001-05:002011-01-21T06:51:55.041-05:00Vomiting and Diarrhea - the Dreaded Stomach Bug<div class="MsoNormal">“I need to spit up!” declares my three-year old. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hearing these words (which are code for I’m about to vomit right now), I launch myself off the couch, leap across dangerous obstacles composed of toys and books to get across the living room to scoop him up off our off-white carpet. Then running like mad cupping my hand strategically below his mouth, I repeat over and over, “Wait wait wait! Throw up in the potty, not on the floor! You’re okay, you’re okay!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then, a few inches from our target destination of the bathroom toilet, he throws up. Oh well… at least it’s easier to clean here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The holiday season this year brought my family many presents… including a stomach virus. I got it and my kids got it (my husband kept thinking he was getting it –but managed to avoid it). Many people have unfortunately fallen prey to stomach viruses this year. You or your family members may have been through it, too. If so, I’m so sorry – I know how horrible it can be. Luckily, it tends to go away in a few days leaving most of us wiped out, but okay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Children are smaller and have less ability to tolerate vomiting and diarrhea compared to adults. Therefore, they get dehydrated much quicker than grownups do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If your child is vomiting or having diarrhea, it is of utmost importance that your child stays hydrated. Food or solids are not important while your child is vomiting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious illness. <br />
<br />
If you see any of the following, you should call your doctor:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ol><li>Projectile or forceful vomiting</li>
<li>Blood in the vomit or diarrhea</li>
<li>Severe stomach pain</li>
<li>Fevers>104 F</li>
<li>No improvement in vomiting in 24 hrs </li>
<li>Persistent diarrhea more than 10 days</li>
<li>Prolonged diarrhea after finishing antibiotic use.</li>
<li>Your baby is less than four months old and is having vomiting or diarrhea</li>
<li>Pain with urination or more frequent urination</li>
<li>Severe headaches</li>
<li>Drinking frequently</li>
<li>Symptoms other than just vomiting or diarrhea</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal">To help your child get through it, try the following:<br />
<br />
For vomiting, give your child small sips of clear fluids that have electrolytes (such as Pedialyte). If your child refuses to drink or is unable to keep fluids down, use a medicine syringe and squirt small amounts into his/her mouth every five minutes. Your child needs to urinate at least three times a day. If your child has not urinated for more than eight hours or is lethargic or can’t keep anything down, call your doctor immediately. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not give milk or heavy foods, such as dairy or fried foods. These are likely to come back up. If your child wants to eat, give small amounts of bland foods such as crackers, toast or plain cereal. Foods with lots of liquid are also good – such as popsicles, soup, and jello.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If your child has not thrown up for at least 12 hours, it is reasonable to try slowly advancing his/her diet. Again, avoid heavy foods for the best chance of success. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For diarrhea (and no vomiting), give your child the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) to help firm up stools. Lactose can be difficult to digest with diarrhea, so using a lactose-free milk or soy milk/formula temporarily may help with symptoms.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Probiotics are also useful for combating diarrhea. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that help to keep our digestive system healthy. If your child is not vomiting, then eating yogurt is one way to get probiotics. Many pharmacies and grocery stores carry probiotics in various forms that kids can eat – granules for infants and toddlers, chewable tablets for young children, and capsules for older children and adults.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To prevent spreading the virus to others, wash your hands frequently! The viral particles are in the vomit and the stool. Wash your hands frequently and use antibacterial soaps and surface cleaners. Make sure that other children do not share utensils, cups and food with the sick child.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh wait, I think I hear something. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Mommy! I need to spit up!” Uh oh, gotta run… here we go again! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stay healthy, and thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-53187673859986277922010-12-12T12:57:00.000-05:002010-12-12T12:57:39.397-05:00Coughs, stuffy noses, and fevers – Welcome to Winter!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">“How can I help with the cough?” is one of the most common questions I get in the office during the winter cold season.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When cold weather arrives, we all stay indoors and we share our germs.<span> </span>Viruses love the winter season because it’s the best time to travel from one person to another and then to another. <span> </span>Kids who are around many other people tend to catch more colds and viruses than ones who are not.<span> </span><span> </span>Common exposures come from daycare, school, and their brothers and sisters.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Children build immunity by fighting illnesses from viruses.<span> </span>Their immune systems learn how to fight these bugs, and then hopefully, will be more protected in the future as they encounter new viruses.<span> </span>Any pediatrician will tell you that they’ve never been sicker than their first few years in training or in practice due to the large number of viruses that we’re exposed to.<span> </span>If you’ve never been exposed to a virus, then your chances of catching it is much higher.<span> </span>However, once you’ve battled the illness, then your immune system has a memory that will help it to fight future similar viruses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, when a baby is born, EVERY virus is new to his system.<span> </span>It’s no wonder that babies will catch colds.<span> </span>When a baby or toddler starts childcare, very often they have a new cold or illness every two weeks for a while.<span> </span>Then when they reach elementary school, they are less likely to get sick because they’ve already had many of the viruses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When a new virus emerges, like the H1N1 flu virus, we are all susceptible since none of our immune systems are prepped to fight it off.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most cold viruses can last up to two weeks.<span> </span>Many people get concerned if their child is still congested or coughing a little after one week.<span> </span>However, two weeks is still reasonable.<span> </span>Fevers should be less than 103-104 F and should only occur during the first three days of illness.<span> </span>If your child has a fever later, has a high fever, is breathing fast, or working hard to breathe, you should call your doctor immediately for guidance.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most coughs are protective.<span> </span>The cough reflex is designed to protect your lungs from drainage that is trying to go down into them.<span> </span>However, occasionally coughs can be more ominous and can be a sign of infection (bronchitis, pneumonia) or wheezing/asthma.<span> </span>If your child seems to have a bad cough, has a fever with the cough or has difficulty catching his/her breath, call your doctor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, what to do when your child has a cold?<span> </span>Well… it depends on the age of your child.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Young Infants (under 6 months of age):</b><span> </span>At this age, colds can be especially miserable because they can’t clear their own noses.<span> </span>If congested, it is hard for your baby to feed since your child has to breathe through his/her nose when drinking or eating. Putting a few drops of nasal saline in each nostril and then suctioning the nose will help.<span> </span>Sleeping upright in car seat or elevating your baby’s mattress may be helpful (do not use a pillow).<span> </span><span> </span>A humidifier (cool or warm) next to where your baby sleeps will also help.<span> </span>Hydration is important, so small frequent feeds are good if your baby can’t eat his/her usual amount.<span> </span>While fevers may be part of a viral illness, young babies need to be checked if they have a fever to rule out other illnesses (especially babies under 3 months of age).<span> </span><span> </span>Call your doctor if your baby has ANY fever>100.4 (rectally), has trouble feeding, is breathing fast, has coughing fits, is vomiting or is not improving.<span> </span><span> </span>No over-the-counter cough medications are recommended at this age.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Older Infants and Toddlers:</b><span> </span>Children this age also have difficulty when their noses are stuffy and they are coughing.<span> </span>Sleeping is a challenge and often they will lose their appetites and drink less.<span> </span>While eating less is okay, it is important that your child drink enough fluids and stay hydrated.<span> </span>Clear fluids, like Pedialyte, will help to hydrate without increasing the mucous production like milk-products can.<span> </span>Nasal saline is also useful to clear stuffy noses. <span> </span>Suctioning your child’s nose will help him/her to breathe easier.<span> </span>A humidifier (cool or warm) will help to quiet coughs and make nighttime easier to manage. <span> </span>Sometimes, babies tend to collect mucous in their throats or upper airway and then vomit the mucous after coughing.<span> </span>While messy, this can be normal and is their way of getting rid of the drainage.<span> </span>However, if your baby has a high fever (>103-104), has difficulty drinking, is working hard to breathe, is vomiting other than with cough, or has a fever after the first three days of illness, call your doctor.<span> </span>No over-the-counter cough medications are recommended at this age.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Preschool-aged children:</b><span><b> </b> </span><span> </span>Kids aged 2-5 often have colds in the winter, especially if they are in preschool.<span> </span>The sharing of viruses is inevitable when every child seems to have a runny nose in class!<span> </span>For this age, you can help by taking care of the symptoms.<span> </span>Again, nasal saline is useful and teaching your child to blow his/her nose is important to prevent secondary infections such as sinusitis or ear infections.<span> </span>To help with sleeping, use a humidifier and have your child sleep upright on pillows.<span> </span>A teaspoon of dark honey has been shown to be as effective as cough suppressants.<span> </span>Over-the-counter cold medications are not recommended at this age.<span> </span>If your child has high fever (>103-104), has difficulty breathing, or has a fever after the first three days of illness, call your child’s doctor.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>School-aged children:</b><span><b> </b> </span>For older children, it’s primarily night time that is difficult.<span> </span>Run a humidifier, keep your child hydrated, and use nasal saline sprays to help.<span> </span>A teaspoon of dark honey can be effective for quieting coughs at this age.<span> </span>Over-the-counter cold medications can be used sparingly.<span> </span>It is important to pick a medicine that specifically treats your child’s symptoms.<span> </span>Multi-symptom cold medicines have active ingredients for each symptom – fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, and so on.<span> </span>Do not give your child medication for symptoms that your child doesn’t have.<span> </span>Also, while cough suppressant might make it easier to sleep, try not to use it during the day.<span> </span>Cough has a purpose (to protect your lungs from drainage), so suppressing it may lead to further complications.<span> </span>High fevers (>104), fever after the 1<sup>st</sup> three days of the cold, or difficulty breathing are all symptoms for which you should call your child’s doctor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hope you and your family have a safe and healthy holiday season!<span> </span>Thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-30172651987592291802010-11-22T22:50:00.001-05:002010-11-22T22:50:27.727-05:00Flying With KidsI awkwardly pulled my laptop out from under the seat in front of me while trying not to spill the little plastic cup of soda and bag of pretzels precariously balanced on my airplane tray table. My son across the aisle from me whined, “Mommy, I’m hungry!” Then his brother said, “I need to go potty!”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile, my two youngest children sitting next to me were impatiently waiting for me to start the Dora movie on the laptop. “We want Dora!” they chanted. They had not yet comprehended how computers are not instant satisfaction on startup. At the same time, my husband (who was sitting next to the two older children across the aisle) had his eyes closed, resolutely ignoring the boys as they tried to get someone’s attention to feed them and take them to the bathroom.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Hmmm… Are we there yet? </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Thank goodness it was only a two hour flight. The last flight we took as a family was over four hours and that was easily the maximum capacity for my two-year old for flying on a plane. After that, I vowed no more long flights until he was older.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Flying with kids can be a challenge or it can be smooth-sailing. Very much it depends on the age of your child, the length of your flight, and the time of day of your flight. </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">I love to travel, and I really enjoy taking my kids places so that they can experience sights and adventures that I never had the opportunity to see and do as a child. I even actually enjoy flying with my kids (usually). However, I enjoy it more when they are older than three years of age and when I have enough adults around to help me. Let’s just say it’s a little less stressful and a whole lot less to pack.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">It’s amazing how much STUFF a baby needs. I remember taking my oldest on a flight when he was five-months old. He was a tiny little baby, and he had an entire full-size suitcase dedicated to him and his STUFF. You know what I’m talking about – the diapers, the wipes, the bottles, the warmer, the clothes, and the backup clothes, the baby soaps and shampoos, the bibs, and the backup bibs, the blankets, etc. Not mention the car seat, portable high chair, toys, and so on. </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">So, how to survive a flight with your little one? Here are some ideas (based on age):</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Young Infant</b> – the nice part of this age is that entertainment is not necessary. Most of the times they are content to eat, sleep and poop as they normally do when not in an airplane. The biggest issue will be helping them to “pop” their ears and equalize the pressure in them during the flight. Generally, if your ears are popping, their little ears are trying to do the same. To help your baby with this, make sure that he/she is swallowing during takeoff and landing. You can do this by feeding your baby during these time periods. Just <span style="font-family: inherit;">make sure to pack extra clothes and diapers, including extra clothes for you in case of unexpected spit-up or diaper accidents.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"></div><br />
Check the TSA website listed later in this blog post to familiarize yourself with rules regarding bringing formula or breastmilk onto the airplane.<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Older Infant/Toddler</b> – This is a challenging age for flying. You can certainly fly successfully with a toddler, but timing is of utmost importance in this age group. Choose your flight time by avoiding anything near naptime or bedtime. Tired toddlers make lousy travel companions. Pack plenty of snacks, favorite toys and distractions. If at all possible, try to book nonstop flights to minimize the total travel time. For really long flights, a break in the middle at a connecting city for a few hours may be ideal – however leave enough time so that you won’t be running for a connecting flight with a toddler in tow. </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Bring your stroller all the way to the gate and check it in at the gate just before you board. It will make getting all your belongings and your baby to the plane easier. Also, bring an empty sippy cup and then buy something in the airport to fill it, or ask them to fill it on the airplane with water or juice. </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Some pediatricians recommend bringing along an weight-appropriate dose of Benedryl along in case your toddler is really having a difficult time with the trip. Benedryl is an allergy medication that generally causes drowsiness as a side effect. However, be aware that a small percentage of children actually get hyper on Benedryl. Therefore, it is wise to test this at home before you discover that your toddler is wild after taking Benedryl on the airplane! </div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Children Ages 2-4 Years Old</b> – This age group generally loves airplanes… at least they love looking at them. Flying in them may be a different issue. Reading about flying or going on an airplane is a good idea if this is your child’s first trip.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">I usually try to buy a surprise activity for each child to do on the airplane – a new coloring book or new activity that travels well. The fun of trying out a new coloring book and new markers will entertain most children for at least a portion of the trip. Don’t give it to them until you are actually on the plane to enhance the surprise (and distraction) factor.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Also, while I don’t normally advocate video watching – a portable DVD player or laptop or ipod can work wonders to keep little minds occupied for a good portion of longer trips. Taking a few walks up and down the aisle midflight helps to break the monotony of sitting in the seat. Feeding children in this age group just before you fly, or bringing food on the plane, is also a great way to pass the time.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>School-Aged Children and Older</b> – Luckily, this age group tends to be able to entertain themselves. Favorite activities include books, handheld games, and MP3’s make flying a more enjoyable and less boring experience for this group. Let them pack their own backpack and have them each carry their own carry-on. It makes traveling much easier (especially if you can pack things for a younger sibling in their bag also!). </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Again, food is an excellent way to pass the time, so bring a meal onboard and give them something to do. This will also ensure that they will not be hungry during the flight.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">With the many travel rules these days from TSA, it’s a good idea to check out their website for rules about traveling with children. They have a useful website at: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_138344640"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_138344640">http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children</a></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">So, I hope this helps if you have little ones traveling by plane this holiday season! If you tried some tricks for successful flying that have worked for your children, please share them by posting a comment! </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-40570295639885591022010-11-10T13:35:00.000-05:002010-11-10T13:35:19.767-05:00Time to Sleep – I wish!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">“Mommy… can you cook my oatmeal?” said a soft voice.<span> </span>I felt a small but insistent tug on my arm.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span></span>Groggily, I opened my eyes and looked blearily at the little face peering up at me.<span> </span>I looked at the clock, and it glowed, “5:45 A.M.”<span> </span>I looked down at my almost-three year old son who was bright-eyed and alert, holding up a half-opened packet of instant oatmeal.<span> </span>“I’m hungry… you cook my oatmeal?” he demanded much more loudly.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ughhh... I hate daylight saving time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Daylight savings time was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 and was designed to help us make the most of the natural sunlight variations of the seasons.<span> </span>If we use natural sunlight most optimally, then overall we save on energy and electricity costs for lighting and appliances.<span> </span>While this idea may make sense, it can be difficult to make that transition twice a year, especially for children.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, how can you help your child adjust quicker?</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span></span></div><ol><li><span></span><b>Light-blocking curtains.</b><span> </span>This is especially useful in the spring when bedtime is suddenly at a time when the sun is still bright and shining.<span> </span>Every spring, we change the clocks forward.<span> </span>Without fail at bedtime, one of my kids will say, “It’s not nighttime!” and show me how bright it is outside our windows.<span> </span><span> </span>So, I then show them the clock, reassure that it is indeed nighttime and then usher them rapidly into their bedrooms where they can’t see the sunlight because the curtains have light-blocking liners.<span> </span>It also works for the fall time change so that the ones who wake up with sunlight, don’t wake up so early.<span> </span>These types of curtains can be purchased at many home goods stores.</li>
<li><b><span><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Change the clocks earlier in day.</b><span> </span>Technically, we are supposed to switch at 2 a.m… but I don’t suppose that anyone actually stays awake to change the clocks.<span> </span>Therefore, change it before your kids go to bed and keep bedtime at the “new” time.<span> </span>For example, my children go to bed at 8 p.m.<span> </span>So, I changed the clocks around 5 p.m. to reflect the new time (turned it back to 4 p.m.)<span> </span>Then they slept at the new 8 p.m. (which was 9 p.m.) and then they were supposed to sleep the full ten hours (apparently my youngest son did not get the memo).<span> </span>It just gives your family the chance to adjust on Saturday and Sunday, instead of just on Sunday.<span><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b>Adjust nap times gradually.</b><span> </span>For little children, adjusting naps by 15-30 minutes a few days ahead of the scheduled clock change helps to make the 1 hour switch less painful.<span> </span></li>
<li><span><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b>Shut off technology.</b><span><b> </b> </span>While it’s tempting to use that extra hour to watch TV, play video games, text, or surf the Web, it has been shown that all of these stimulate our brains, and interfere with our bodies to “shut down” easily.<span> </span>Turn off all electronic devices at least one hour before you go to sleep.<span> </span>This is true any time of the year.</li>
<li><span><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b>Calming rituals before bed.</b><span> </span>Stretching, massage, lavender baths, stories, soothing songs, and so on.<span> </span>Look for ways to relax your child so that sleep will come easily.<span> <span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b>Eat healthy and exercise the next day.</b><span> </span>One of the best ways to combat fatigue is to eat a good breakfast that is high in protein and fiber. <span> </span>Then exercise sometime during the day to get the natural endorphins that fight fatigue.<span> </span>Do this as a family and you’ll all feel better.</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal">So, if you are still adjusting the time change, try some of the above to get back on track.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of note, when it gets dark so early, it can be very hard in the evenings to stay energized and alert.<span> </span>Studies have shown an increased number of car accidents and pedestrian accidents just after the autumn clock change because it is so dark and we are more tired as we drive in the evenings.<span> </span>So, please be extra careful as you are driving or walking around after dark these next few weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-51415127267904000802010-10-23T12:20:00.000-04:002010-10-23T12:20:44.798-04:00Trick or Treat – I LOVE sweets!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">“Can I please have candy?”<span> </span>My daughter asks with an innocent big-eyed look with the most angelic smile.<span> </span>She asks me just as I walk into our house after a long day at work.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">With my mind still transitioning from my work thoughts to how-to-be-a-mommy thoughts, I stammer, “Uhhh….. sure!”<span> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Then my heart is briefly happy when she cheers and jumps up and down.<span> </span>She proclaims to her three brothers, “Yay!<span> </span>Mommy says I can have candy!” </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">And then, my responsible parent brain kicks in when my sons start to clamor loudly (and less politely) for candy.<span> </span>Ooops, what I have I done?<span> </span>I didn’t have any idea how much sugar they had already eaten that day, and we all know candy just isn’t healthy.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Candy -<span> </span>it’s been around since ancient history.<span> </span>The first candy confections were made from fruits and nuts rolled in honey.<span> </span>Then around the middle ages, sugar was manufactured.<span> </span>Initially it was very expensive so that only the rich could enjoy it.<span> </span>However, by the 17th century, sugar was cheaper and hard candy became a popular treat.<span> </span>In the mid-1800’s, there were over 400 candy factories in the US.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">When you add up our total sugar consumption, the average American consumes around 135 lbs of sugar PER PERSON in a year!<span> </span>That’s about 2-3 pounds of sugar a week.<span> </span>It’s not all straight sugar of course. <span> </span>This amount includes dextrose and high fructose corn syrup which is found in many of our foods.<span> </span>In the mid-1800’s, the average consumption per person was only 5 pounds a year.<span> </span>It’s really quite sad how addicted we are to the stuff.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">So, how to control the candy craving with Halloween just around the corner?<span> </span>Here are few tips and tricks.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">1.<span> </span><b>Use a smaller bag/bucket.</b><span> </span>If you allow your child to carry a pillowcase-sized bag, it not only allows unlimited amount of candy collection, but it encourages people to throw handfuls of candy into it, instead of just giving 1 or 2 pieces.<span> </span>Older kids tend to go out later in the evening and tend to carry bigger bags.<span> </span>At that time of night, people are trying to get rid of excess candy.<span> </span>So, having the jumbo-sized bag just encourages people to give your child more candy.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b>Limit the trick-or-treating time.</b><span> </span>If you trick-or-treat for hours, your children will get more and more candy.<span> </span>Then you’ll have to deal with the ten gallons of candy that they’ve acquired.<span> </span>Set a time limit and set expectations ahead of time.<span> </span>Find other ways to celebrate Halloween that don’t involve candy.<span> </span>Have some friends over for party or play Halloween games or watch a Halloween-themed movie.<span> </span>You can make trick-or-treating just a small part of a fun day.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">3. <b>Allow them to eat it (at first).</b><span> </span>Sometimes you create the craving by limiting it.<span> </span>Imagine if I made you live in a room full of money and told you that you could only have one dollar each day.<span> </span>Most people would really look forward to the moment when they got the chance to have a little more of the stash – at least at first.<span> </span>And even if you didn’t care, it would likely be a part of your thoughts throughout the day since you could see it, but you couldn’t have it.<span> </span>Halloween trick-or-treating is all about the candy.<span> </span>So, let them have a chance to enjoy it. </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">4.<span> </span><b>After the binge, set a limit.</b><span> </span>No one NEEDS candy.<span> </span>So, consider it a treat.<span> </span>Just like all sweets, you should limit it to once a day at the most.<span> </span>If they want something sweet to eat, give them a piece of piece of fruit.<span> </span>As your children learn to get their sugar fix from healthier options, then you will give teach them a lifetime skill that will pay off in the future.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">5. <b>Set a date for when you are going to throw the leftover candy away</b>.<span> </span>Very often Halloween would roll around and I would realize that I still had candy from LAST Halloween.<span> </span>While some candy doesn’t ever seem to expire, it can go bad eventually.<span> </span>Plus, if you don’t have it in the house, no one can eat it.<span> </span>So, just toss it.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">6. <b>Consider a barter</b>.<span> </span>Let them “buy” fun things with their candy.<span> </span>This way you don’t squelch their fun, but they don’t risk their health and their teeth.<span> </span>Try five candy bars for a trip to the movies, or eight Tootsie Rolls for a pizza dinner.<span> </span>Be creative.</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">7. <b>Take it to work or to other events.</b><span> </span>Get the excess candy out of the house.<span> </span>If it’s in your house, your kids will find it.<span> </span>Either give it away or throw it out.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Have other ideas for how to limit the candy craziness?<span> </span>Please share them!<span> </span>For now, I need to find an apple or something – all this talk about candy makes me hungry! </div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-84762785256366624642010-10-16T09:47:00.000-04:002010-10-16T09:47:40.911-04:00Tantrums – Can I Throw One?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">“No!”<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(pleading adult voice)<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“NO!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(more pleading from the tired grownup) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“NOOOOO!”<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my two-year old son in his gymnastics class today.<span> </span>I can hear them as I am sitting in the waiting area for the parents.<span> </span>I feel bad for the coach.<span> </span>I knew it was going to one of those mornings. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You know how you just know on some days that your child just woke up on the wrong side of the bed?<span> </span>Everything is a battle.<span> </span>From changing clothes (“I can’t dooooo it!”) and then to brushing teeth (“I don’t waaaant to!).<span> </span>Eating breakfast is a mini-Congressional debate.<span> </span>“Eat your oatmeal, you said you wanted oatmeal.”<span> </span>“I want pancakes!”<span> </span>“You told me you wanted oatmeal, now you have to eat it.” “I want pancakes!”…. and so on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The “terrible twos” start somewhere around fifteen months and end around age 4.<span> </span>This is a normal part of development and can be very trying for most parents.<span> </span>Your cute, adorable sweet baby has turned into a seemingly stubborn little monster.<span> </span>Tantrums are a normal part of this.<span> </span>It’s caused by your child’s need for independence and inability to harness feelings that they are having.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Approximately 20% of toddlers have at least two tantrums a day.<span> </span>And most will have at least one a week.<span> </span>They are emotional outbursts that help children express the feelings that they are having.<span> </span>For young children, they revert to primitive behaviors that express their feelings – yelling, crying, hitting, kicking, and even biting.<span> </span>Luckily, most are short-lived and children recover quickly from them once they are distracted.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>How to handle tantrums? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>1.) </span><b>Ignore them.</b><span> </span>Tantrums require an audience.<span> </span>Has your child ever thrown a tantrum when no one was around to watch?<span> </span>Children naturally want attention, especially from their parents.<span> </span>So, when you are paying attention to them because they are screaming and throwing themselves to the floor, you are just reinforcing to them that “Hey, this is a great way to get mommy to put that computer down (or that baby , or that book, or those dishes, etc) and, by the way, I should remember to do this again in the future.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2.) <b>Be sure your child is safe.</b><span> </span>If the tantrum is happening somewhere unsafe (as you are crossing the parking lot), pick your child up and move to a location where they can flail and cry and dramatize the end of the world because you wouldn’t buy the toy that they suddenly need.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3.) <b>Avoid the tantrum.</b><span> </span>If at all possible, avoid your child’s triggers.<span> </span>Hunger, tiredness, overstimulation are common triggers for kids.<span> </span>Make sure they are well fed, that you are avoiding activities during naptime or late afternoon, and that your child is prepped for the activities to come.<span> </span>Every child has a different temperament.<span> </span>If your child gets a little crazy every time you go into a crowd, it may be too much stimulation for him/her.<span> </span>Go to the festival or the museum when there aren’t so many people around.<span> </span>It will be better for all of you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">4.)<b> Take deep breaths and count to ten in your head.</b><span> </span>It’s easy to throw the adult version of a tantrum when you are frustrated with your child or embarrassed by your child’s behavior.<span> </span>Losing your own temper in front of your child just teaches them that yelling is okay.<span> </span>Spanking is a grownup temper tantrum , hurts your child, and teaches him/her that hitting is fine.<span> </span>Don’t be surprised if your child hits or “spanks” other kids when they think the other child has done something wrong.<span> </span>Child abuse happens commonly when adults lose their patience.<span> </span>If you need it, make sure that your child is safe and give yourself a time-out.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, apparently, this coach knows how to handle cranky frustrated two-year olds, because my son is now happily working his way through the mini-obstacle course in the gym.<span> </span>Thank goodness.<span> </span>Perhaps today will be a good day after all!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-46661361970346466782010-10-09T09:36:00.001-04:002010-10-09T21:59:43.163-04:00Birthday Party Madness“When’s my party?” asked my daughter. She’s turning four next month. Ooops. Guess I'd better start calling places! <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I used to be really great at planning parties for my kids. Now, I’m on the 20<sup>th</sup> birthday party (if I add up all the birthday parties for my four kids) and my enthusiasm has waned drastically.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once I had a party at my home, and it was soooo much work that I vowed never to do it again. Hours of cleaning and prep beforehand, then hours of cleaning afterward. The kids loved it, the parents and adults had a nice time hanging out together, but I was exhausted. I’m much too lazy to repeat the experience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But the alternative is really pricey. One can easily shell out $300 for a 90-minute playdate for your child and 14 of his/her closest friends. It’s really nice to just show up with a cake and walk out an hour and half later lugging leftovers and presents. The kids are sugared-up, worn out, and a good time is had by all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember these kinds of parties when I was a kid. I seem to remember small gathering of a few neighbor friends or school friends, a grocery store birthday cake (loved the frosting flowers!), and some simple games. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now it’s an event. Bouncing, dancing, climbing, exercising, arts and crafts, petting zoos, swimming, cooking, video games, and so on. I know… because we’ve done them all. As my oldest is getting out of the mega-party phase, we’ve moved on to sleepovers and movies and smaller (but longer) affairs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The birthday party social calendar is equally nuts. Any of you who have young kids know what I’m talking about. If you figure an average of 20 kids in a preschool class, it’s a lot of birthdays and parties. My children have more parties and events in one year than I’ve had in the last ten years! I’m glad they’re having fun – but it’s crazy! I remember shopping on Black Friday one year and buying over twenty potential birthday gifts. It’s so much easier to have a stash of pre-bought presents to choose from as opposed to remembering last minute and having to run out to the store before the party.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our county recently banned food for birthdays at school – no more cupcakes, donuts, cookies, or other treats. In an attempt to curb the obesity epidemic, they want to reduce the junk food that kids are getting at school. At first, I was a little upset because I thought of how disappointed the kids would be. But then, they allow other goodies – pencils, books, and so on – just not food. As I thought about it, I was really impressed by this decision. It sends a great message that you can celebrate without eating junk. Also for the kids who are trying hard to maintain a good weight, it reduces the temptation of that yummy cupcake with frosting and sprinkles. (Plus now I don’t have make them! Don’t get me wrong, I love to bake – but not at 8 p.m. at night after work!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, birthdays – a great time to celebrate, but how to make it less materialistic? One parent I know asked for donations to charity instead of presents. What a great idea! For that party, my kids learned how to donate money, what it was for, and how it helped others. It was a valuable life lesson. Others I know said no presents, just come and play. That was also great fun. Perhaps a memorable event (like a circus outing or laser tag with a few friends) instead of a party of 15 kids from school. And don’t even get me started on goodie bags (talk about kids feeling entitled to things… it’s so embarrassing when your kid demands a bag at the end of a party… what is that about?)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh well, time to get planning – yikes, I only have three weeks left! Got any birthday ideas? I’d love to hear them! Thanks for reading!</div>Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576305166177803687.post-60934265298259270402010-10-03T14:17:00.000-04:002010-10-03T14:17:02.896-04:00Video Games – The Brain DrainThe other day I was sitting with my four kids at a restaurant with some friends and their children. One of our kids was playing Pokemon on a handheld Nintendo DS. Surrounding this child were a total of six other kids, varying from ages 2 to 9, who were staring intently at this tiny 3 x 4 inch screen. They all had the same look and I'm guess that you know the look… slack-jawed, eyes glazed, brain off and ears closed to everything except the high-pitched music coming from the little machine. They were completely quiet, mesmerized by the moving little creatures on the tiny screen. The adults wondered at the absence of the normal chaos and stress that comes with taking seven children to a restaurant together.<br />
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It’s confusing to know what to do. The relief that comes with having the children entertained is so wonderful. The adults could actually TALK to each other… instead of scarfing down bites of food, trying to yell bits of conversation to each other while pulling little Johnny off the table and pleading with little Meagan to eat another bite of broccoli. <br />
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But we know that this cannot be healthy. They don’t appear to be using any higher brain function. They are completely zoned-out while watching video and computer games, movies, television. There is minimal physical movement. It’s no wonder that there is an obesity epidemic in our country! <br />
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be limited to one to two hours of screen time TOTAL. This includes television, computers, and handhelds. While this is achievable with very young kids, it becomes much harder to do this as your kids get older. So much school work now requires the use of the computer, and much of today’s social life exists on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and texting. <br />
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So, how to counter the couch potato syndrome and video game brain drain? The evolution of game systems that make kids (and adults) move their bodies when they play is a nice compromise. One of the most popular systems out now is the Nintendo Wii. They have several sports and exercise games that combine exercise while having fun. Microsoft will soon have an Xbox add-on called Kinect that will allow you to play video games just moving your body – no controller needed! Even adventure and driving and simulation games using Kinect will require you to move your body. Sony will also have a device that adds to the Playstation 3 to add functionality similar to the Wii Remote. <br />
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Of course, if you played video games as a kid (or now), you know this stuff is addictive. Much of my young life was spent in front of Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Tetris. Try to limit it now for your kids – they have a lifetime of computers and cell phones and who knows what else in the future. Get them to read books, use their imagination with playdough, coloring or crafts, run around outside (or inside), play board games, or whatever else you can come up with so that the rest of their brains can develop. Teach them to entertain themselves without needing a battery or a plug! It’s hard I know (as I sit here in front of a computer on my second cup of coffee)… but we should at least try!<br />
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Thanks for reading!Dr Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09562170722173907157noreply@blogger.com1