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Pertussis Vaccination Should Include Parents and Caretakers
Recently there has been a lot of news about the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) outbreak; there has been a concerted effort to vaccinate all children against this potentially life-threatening disease. Pertussis causes severe coughing episodes in children and infants; infants under 6 months of age are at highest risk because they are not fully vaccinated and the coughing spells can severe enough to cause cyanosis (lack of oxygen in the blood). The infants can turn blue and essentially stop breathing. Although Pertussis has not reached epidemic levels in California, government officials have felt the need to encourage vaccinating new mothers, fathers, and close caretakers of newborns. The California Department of Public Health had started shipping free Pertussis vaccines to all birthing hospitals in the state, in addition to county health departments.
The best way to stop pertussis to to vaccinate your children. The Pertussis vaccine is incorporated in different vaccines: (DTaP, Pediarix, and Pentacel). These vaccines are typically administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and a booster dose at 4-5 years of age. The maximum immunity occurs after the first 3 doses. Children at 11 years of age should receive another booster Tdap. Adults should also receive a booster if they have not had one within 10 years.
Although the vaccine rates for Pertussis in infants are very good in California with 98% of children receive at least 3 doses by 19-35 months, adults immunization is very low at about 6%. This is the group that is most likely carrying the bacteria and spreading the infection to infants and children.
A pertussis infection undergoes 3 stages: The first stage (cattarhal) is similar to the common cold with runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and a low grade fever. This lasts about 1-2 weeks. The cough becomes gradually worse which is the Paroxysmal stage. This is when the bursts of cough episodes occur with a whooping sound caused by the slow inspiration. During the coughing spell the child turns blue. This stage lasts about 6 weeks. The third stage is the convalescent stage where the cough slowly improves over the next 2-3 weeks.
New parents and any caretakers of children should be vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent the spread of this serious illness. If you suspect your child of contracting Pertussis, it is important to be treated as early as possible. Antibiotic treatment usually consists of an erythromycin antibiotic or similar medication. Treating with antibiotics later in the course of illness is usually not effective in decreasing the coughing spells. So the key is prevention with immunization.
How to Survive Sleepovers
It’s inevitable. If you have children they will eventually ask if they can have a friend, or friends, spend the night. For those who remember being a child and sleeping over at a friends’ house and the chaos that ensued, you may be wondering how to survive sleepovers.
Sleepovers can be a great deal of fun for the children but they aren’t always fun for the parents. In fact, some parents feel they’re ill-prepared and panic at the thought of having a sleepover in their home. However, if you take time to plan the sleepover, it doesn’t have to be something to lose sleep over.
Discuss the idea of having a sleepover with your children. How many guests do they want to have? It is best to have an even number of children, including your child, so no one is left out. When would they like the sleepover to be? Will you have some time to prepare the home before the sleepover occurs?
Supplements in Toddlers
Parents hope they’re doing the best things for their children. This is true from the day the child is born until they grow up and move out of their parents’ home. One topic parents may feel unsure about concerns the use of supplements in toddlers. They want to make certain their child is getting the proper nutrients but they’re unsure of the best way to accomplish this.
Babies don’t have a choice of what they eat. However, once that baby becomes a toddler all bets are off! They begin to learn what they like and they’ll be sure to let you know. Since many toddlers become fussy eaters, parents consider using supplements to be sure their children are getting the right nutrients for growth and health.
If your toddler is very picky in what they eat, asking only for a handful of food items, giving your toddler a vitamin and mineral supplement may be a good idea. Toddlers need vitamin A, C and D which probably aren’t provided for in large enough quantities in your toddler’s favorite foods. Your toddler also needs several of the B vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium for health, as well as 16 grams of protein each day.
Getting Your Toddler to Sleep in Their Own Bed after Co-Sleeping
Many new mothers are choosing to bring their babies to bed with them after they’re born. While there are both advocates for and opponents of co-sleeping, each family will want to make that decision for themselves. The trick is getting your toddler to sleep in their own bed after co-sleeping. The following ideas may make the transition a little smoother.
Talk about your current sleeping arrangements with your partner. Are they ready to move the little tyke to their own bed already or are they content to leave things as they are for the moment? In many situations where a toddler is still sleeping with you, your partner may be feeling left out. They want to have your attention, and more, rather than having to share you with a wee one. Even though it may be difficult for everyone involved, the aim is for your toddler to be able to sleep in their own bed instead of remaining in yours.
Nearly One Million Kindergarten Children Per Year Misdiagnosed With ADHD
According to a recent study by a Michigan State University economist, nearly one million children in kindergarten in the United States are misdiagnosed with ADHD. The study attributes this to the disparity of ages in a kindergarten classroom. Most kindergarten classrooms have children who are either 5 or 6 years old. The study shows that the younger children are more likely to be rated by their teacher as being inattentive and hyperactive. However, these ratings may more likely reflect the immaturity of these children rather than a mental disorder.
ADHD is considered a developmental disorder. There is always a disparity in when children within the same age range reach a given developmental milestone and this of course is more pronounced when there is also a disparity in age as well. Actually most children do not develop selective attention until 6 or 7 years of age. For years, studies have shown that teachers will rate 50% of the children in the class with scores indicating possible ADHD when the prevalence is known to be no more than 10%.
Children are starting kindergarten later due to increased academic demands. It make sense that a class of kindergarten children are able to do first grade work since many of them are 6 years old. Imagine the stress of a five year old who may be somewhat on the late side of developing selective attention being required to achieve at least one grade level above his age level. The pressure from teachers and parents and peers can lead to acting out behavior that might be expected under the circumstances but could lead to a professional evaluation.
Parents, teachers, and physicians should be careful to consider not only the chronological age of the child but also the developmental age when considering a possible diagnosis of ADHD. Perhaps the child should be placed in a pre-K class where he or she is truly with peers and the work is more appropriate to the child’s development. This would be a far more appropriate intervention than medication. Unfortunately, I have found that school districts may not want to put a 5 year old in preschool or pre-K because they may not receive funding for the child when state guidelines say a child of 5 must be in kindergarten.
For now, hopefully, this study will evoke caution in all concerned so that decisions will be made based on all of the factors that should be considered. In the future, the whole issue of the mismatch between child development and academic expectations needs to be re-evaluated but that is another blog post.
What to Do When Your Teenager Wants to Drop Out
Hearing your teenager tell you that they want to drop out of school can be frustrating and nerve-racking at the same time. You may be feeling many different emotions such as anger, helplessness and anxiety. However, ignore the instinct to yell and instead rationally talk to your teen and find out the underlying reason for wanting to drop out of school. Sometimes there is a simple underlying cause that can be solved, while others may need a bit more work.
Discuss the situation with your teen. Do they want to drop out because they do not feel as if they are succeeding or is it something more serious, like a bully? Teens are not known for being rational in their thinking; rather they are very impulsive and make spur-of-the-moment decisions.
You should discuss your teen’s situation with a counselor at the high school to determine what options are available as possible alternatives to full-time school as well as to understand any possible legal consequences for dropping out. You should also have your teen see their primary care physician for a check-up to determine if there are any underlying physical or mental conditions which may be affecting your teen’s attitude about school.
Soap & Water Wipes Prevent Skin Infections in Wrestlers
Wrestlers can easily transmit skin infections during wrestling competitions; these infections can be bacterial, fungal or viral. Some wrestlers compete in 3 or more matches during a day with no breaks to shower in-between matches. A recent study was presented at the 50th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. This study compared the effectiveness in the prevention of skin infection by the use of soap & water wipes, alcohol based wipes, and no wipes. The wrestlers were randomized and were given a Soap & Water wipe made by Sage Products or an Alcohol based wipe made by Matguard. They were instructed to wipe after each wrestling match. The results of study indicated that the soap and water wipe was able to reduce the risk of a skin infection by 97%. It appeared that the soap and water wipe was more effective than the alcohol based wipe. This surprised the researchers who believed that the alcohol wipes may had been more difficult to use which decreased compliance. The study also showed that if the wrestler did not use a wipe, 16% of them developed a skin infection. So an effective and convenient method to prevent skin infections in wrestlers may be as simple as a soap and water wipe in-between matches.
Turn Down the Volume: Noise and Kids
Unfortunately, for some this message is coming too late. U.S. government survey data shows that approximately 5.2 million children ages 6 to 19 already have permanent damage to their ears’ hair cells caused by exposure to loud noises. Sadly, these kids may suffer not only from diminished hearing, but also from impaired language development, ability to learn, and social interactions.
That’s enough to make all of us sit up and listen, and, hopefully, act before it’s too late.
85 – a magic number
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| Turn it left to not exceed 85 dB |
Recent studies show that exposure to harmful noise levels triggers the formation of molecules inside the ear, which play an important role in hearing loss in children. Although noise is harmful to people of all ages, kids’ hearing is particularly fragile because their ear canals are much smaller than adults.’ As a matter of fact, even a brief exposure to a very loud noise can result in permanent damage.
Do As I Say and As I Do
Children learn to imitate at a very young age. It’s how they learn to behave, care for themselves, develop new skills, and communicate with others. From their earliest moments they watch you closely and pattern their own behavior and beliefs after yours. Your examples become permanent images, which will shape their attitudes and actions for the rest of their life.
It’s important to be responsible, consistent and loving with your child. This also holds true for the relationship you have with your spouse, your parents, and other family members and friends that are also a part of your child’s life. Own up to mistakes when you make them, and communicate open and honestly with all family members.
It’s also important to take good care of yourself. When we’re focusing on what’s best for our child it’s easy to neglect our own needs. Your child and your family are counting on you physically and emotionally, so it’s imperative that you teach your child by example that taking care of yourself helps you to take care of them and the rest of your family. This shows your child that not only do you love them and the rest of the family, but you love yourself as well. This is an important step in teaching your child about self esteem. This may involve getting a sitter and treating yourself out to dinner and a movie, or doing another favorite activity on your own. This teaches your child that you are not only their parent, but your own person with your interests and needs, and also gives them a chance to show you how well they can do without you with them for a while.
It’s also important to nurture your relationship with your spouse. Let your child see you communicate in a positive and healthy manner with one another, and show love and affection for one another so your child can begin to learn early on what a healthy marriage should be like.
You’ll soon see your child patterning many of his behaviors after your own. So make sure that what you say and do around your child will help build a strong sense of security and self esteem.
For more help along these lines we suggest:
Working Mother’s Fitness Tips
Working mothers have a lot to do. Not only do they spend at least eight hours a day working outside of the home, they also have to work taking care of the home. It’s no wonder moms might get out of shape; they don’t have time to take care of themselves. Experts will tell you to of the advantages of taking care of yourself, however. Following are working mother’s fitness tips which can help you.
Even if you don’t think you have a lot of time, there’s still much you can do to get in better shape. In fact, some experts are saying that rather than spending hours working out, it is better to exercise twenty minutes three times a week. Do you have twenty minutes you can spare? If your day is full, making time for those twenty minutes could be the most important part of your day.
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