SPRING / SUMMER TIPS FOR PARENTS

AFTER HOURS
If your child is injured, please give us a call before going to the ER or Urgent Care. Most times, we can take care of the injury without having you incurring the high charges of Urgent Care or the ER. A pediatrician is available each evening, weekends and holidays by phone.

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SPORTS/SCHOOL PHYSICALS
Many camps and sporting activities require a physical before you can participate. Although sports or camp physicals done by someone other than your pediatrician can be convenient, we strongly recommend that you see your pediatrician who will do a complete physical. They provide an opportunity to screen for problems that affect adolescents. The physical with your pediatrician also gives you the opportunity to talk about such things as acne or chronic medical problems. Your pediatrician will take the time you won't get in a sports physical (less thorough approaches) to also address such things a nutrition, development, safety and your health in general. Our pediatricians advise yearly physicals until age 6 years then every 2 years thereafter. Please schedule your physical early to avoid the rush. Bring your forms with you and complete as much as you can of the form before your visit.

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SUMMER SAFETY
The warm weather opens up a whole new set of outdoor activities. These activities are not without their risks. The following addresses some of these risks.

FIREWORKS SAFETY
Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate special occasions. However, fireworks can be very dangerous if not handled correctly. Please treat fireworks with respect, read all of the cautions and warnings and use common sense. Lighting fireworks indoors, throwing them from automobiles and lighting multiple devices at the same time can lead to accidents and are not how fireworks are intended to be used. Always obey all local laws pertaining to the use of fireworks.

Source: "http://www.fireworksafety.com/safety.htm " (National Council on Fireworks Safety)

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LAWN MOWER SAFETY

  • Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
  • Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
  • Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
  • Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
  • Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
  • Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
  • Do not allow children to ride as passengers on riding mowers.

    • Source: "http://www.aap.org/family/tipplawn.htm"


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    POOL SAFETY

  • Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
  • Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
  • Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
  • Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
  • Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
  • Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
  • Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

    • Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm

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    HELMET USE
    Choosing a Helmet
    Discount department stores and bicycle shops offer many models of helmets that are typically priced around $20 and up. Be sure to choose a helmet that meets the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Take some time trying on helmets and choose one with the right size and fit.

    A helmet should be:

  • Snug - It does not slide from side-to-side or front-to-back.
  • Level - It is square on top of your head, covering the top of the forehead. It does not tilt in any direction.
  • Stable - The chinstrap keeps the helmet from rocking in any direction. Chinstraps should be replaced if any part of the buckle breaks; otherwise, a helmet may fly off in an accident.

    Your helmet should be smooth and round. Choose one that motorists will see. Many helmets are ventilated, lightweight, and come in a variety of colors.

    Children and Helmets
    Young children are particularly vulnerable to head injuries because they have proportionally larger heads and higher centers of gravity and their coordination is not fully developed. It is more difficult for children to avoid obstacles when biking, sledding, inline skating, skiing, or doing other activities. Children 5 to 14 years of age have the highest injury rate of all bicycle riders, and bike accidents are a leading cause of death for children.

    Tips to help children understand the importance of wearing helmets:
  • Teach by example. Always use your helmet when playing sports that pose a potential for collision.
  • Buy a helmet that fits your child now, not one to grow into.
  • Be aware that your child is more likely to wear a helmet if he or she likes the way it looks.


    • More children than adults wear bike helmets. Bike helmets save lives and prevent injuries, but in a few instances they are not appropriate:
  • Children should not wear helmets when they climb trees or play on playground equipment. A helmet may get stuck on a tree or piece of equipment and strangle a child.
  • Because a baby's neck muscles may not be strong enough to support a helmet, do not ride a bike at all with a child under the age of 1 year.


    • Remember, head injuries can occur during skiing, and when they occur, they can be devastating. Ski helmets are now commercially available. At the very least, bike helmets can be used.

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    HEAT ILLNESS
    In the summer, we normally keep our bodies cool by sweating and radiating heat through our skin. During hot weather, if the body's internal temperature rises, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can result. If not treated quickly, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke which can be fatal and must be treated by emergency medical help.

    Small children are especially susceptible to heat illnesses. Make sure your children always drink plenty of water before and during any activity in hot weather, dress them in light-colored, loose clothing and avoid strenuous exercise from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For more information, please go to these websites http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/heat.html (KidsHealth) http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp (CDC)

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    SUNSCREEN
    Warm, sunny days are wonderful. But what may seem harmless can be very bad for you and your child. The sun is the main cause of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. A child's skin is very delicate and can burn easily. Sunburns can be very painful and can cause a child to become sick. The sun's rays can also cause damage to the eyes.

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    INSECT REPELLENT
    Insect repellent helps reduce your exposure to mosquito bites that may carry West Nile virus or other diseases, and allows you to continue to play, work, and enjoy the outdoors with a lower risk of disease. The CDC has specific recommendations regarding insect repellents. For more information, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm (CDC)

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    WEST NILE VIRUS
    West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted by mosquitos to humans, birds, horses and some other mammals. The most severe diseases caused by the West Nile virus are West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis refers to an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. West Nile Fever is another type of illness that can occur in people who become infected with the virus. It is characterized by fever, headache, tiredness, aches and sometimes rash. Although the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have been sick for several weeks (CDC).

    The best and most effective way to protect your children from the disease is to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Protect yourself and your children from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite. Use a mosquito repellant containing DEET. For children from 2 months to 12 years, use repellents containing up to 10% DEET. Do not put DEET on children's hand or feet. Do not use DEET for children under 2 months (for more specific information on insect repellents, see the CDC link under insect repellent). For extra protection, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants (CDC). See the links below for more information.
    http://www.aap.org/family/wnv.htm (AAP)
    http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm (CDC)

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    TICK BITES
    During the summer season around wooded areas ticks are plentiful.

  • Prevention-To prevent ticks use repellent for skin. You may use DEET 10% for children and adolescents, this protects for 6 hours.
  • Tick Removal-For wood ticks (size of watermelon seeds), use tweezers and grasp at base of head with steady pressure without twisting or crushing the tick until the tick releases its grip. After removal wash wound and hands with bacterial soap. Apply antibiotic ointment to bite.

    • If symptoms of fever, rash or area of bite looks infected please call office for child to be seen.

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    BUG SAFETY

  • Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
  • Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
  • Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
  • To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
  • Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.

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    FOOD POISONING
    Year after year, we hear and read the same advice: Handle food carefully in the summer because foodborne illness -- also known as "food poisoning" -- is more prevalent in warmer weather.

    Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer, and the answer appears to be twofold. First, there are the natural causes. Bacteria are present throughout the environment in soil, air, water, and in the bodies of people and animals. These microorganisms grow faster in the warm summer months. Most foodborne bacteria grow fastest at temperatures from 90 to 110 °F. Bacteria also need moisture to flourish, and summer weather is often hot and humid.

    Given the right circumstances, harmful bacteria can quickly multiply on food to large numbers. When this happens, someone eating the food can get sick.

    Second, there are the "people" causes for the upswing in summertime foodborne illnesses. Outside activities increase. More people are cooking outside at picnics, barbecues, and on camping trips. The safety controls that a kitchen provides -- thermostat-controlled cooking, refrigeration, and washing facilities -- are usually not available.

    We know foodborne illness increases in warm weather by following these four simple steps to safer food in the summertime.

    Clean: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often.

  • Whenever possible, wash your hands with hot, soapy water before handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and handling pets.
  • When eating away from home, find out if there's a source of clean water. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning. Or pack clean, wet, disposable washcloths or moist towelettes and paper towels for cleaning hands and surfaces.


    • Separate: Don't Cross-Contaminate.
    Cross-contamination during preparation, grilling, and serving food is a prime cause of foodborne illness.
  • When packing the cooler chest for an outing, wrap raw meats securely; avoid raw meat juices from coming in contact with ready-to-eat food.
  • Wash plates, utensils, and cutting boards that held the raw meat or poultry before using again for cooked food.


    • Cook: Cook to Proper Temperatures.
  • Take your thermometer along. Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside, so be sure that meats are cooked thoroughly. Check them with a food thermometer.
  • Cook hamburger and other ground meats (veal, lamb, and pork) to an internal temperature of 160 °F, and ground poultry to 165 °F.
  • Cook steaks and roasts that have been tenderized, boned, rolled, etc., to an internal temperature of 160 °F for medium and 170 °F for well-done. Whole steaks and roasts may be cooked to 145 °F for medium rare.
  • Whole poultry should be cooked to 180 °F in the thigh; breast meat to 170 °F.
  • Cook meat and poultry completely at the picnic site. Partial cooking of food ahead of time allows bacteria to survive and multiply to the point that subsequent cooking cannot destroy them.


    • Chill: Refrigerate Promptly.
  • Cold refrigerated perishable food like luncheon meats, cooked meats, chicken, and potato or pasta salads should be kept in an insulated cooler packed with several inches of ice, ice packs, or containers of frozen water.
  • Consider packing canned beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another cooler because the beverage cooler will probably be opened frequently.
  • Keep the cooler in the coolest part of the car, and place in the shade or shelter, out of the sun, whenever possible.
  • Preserve the cold temperature of the cooler by replenishing the ice as soon as it starts melting.
  • If a cooler chest is not an option, consider taking fruits, vegetables, hard cheeses, canned or dried meats, dried cereal, bread, peanut butter, crackers, and a bottle of refreshing beverage.
  • Take-out food: If you don't plan to eat take-out food within 2 hours of purchase, plan ahead and chill the food in your refrigerator before packing for your outing.

    • Leftovers?
    Food left out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours may not be safe to eat. At 90 °F or above, food should not be left out over 1 hour. Play it safe; put leftover perishables back on ice once you finish eating so they do not spoil or become unsafe to eat.

    If you you have any doubts, throw it out.

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    ALLERGIC RHINITIS / HAYFEVER
    Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called "hay fever") is caused by common outdoor allergens— such as mold or trees, grass and weed pollens. Allergic rhinitis may also be triggered by allergens that are in your house, such as animal dander (tiny skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, or the droppings of cockroaches or house dust mites— tiny creatures found in the home. Allergic rhinitis can last for more than 8-10 days and may include:

  • A stuffy nose or a runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose, itchy eyes or watery eyes
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Allergic Salute - Children use the palm of their hand to push their nose up as they try to stop the itching
  • Coughing caused by clear mucus running down the back of your throat
  • Call your pediatrician to determine the medicine and treatment that is right for you.

    • http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000813.htm (MEDLINE PLUS)
    http://www.aaaai.org/patients/resources/easy_reader/rhinitis.pdf (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
    http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/weather/tenday/84604?x=16&y=10 (Weather Channel pollen count)

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