Is too much salt on your child's menu?

11/11/2009

No doubt about it, too much salt matters to the state of our family’s health. Even so, many parents and their children are getting way too much of a salt load in the foods they eat. It is estimated that the average American takes in 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of salt per day. And to narrow this down a bit further, about 80 percent of our extra dietary salt comes from eating out or from packaged and prepared foods. To put this into perspective, that is like adding one or more teaspoons of salt to your plate (one teaspoonful of salt is equal to 2,300 milligrams).

 

UNCOVERING THE SALTY TRUTH

So how can we protect our children and ourselves? For starters, we can control the amount of extra salt we add to prepared meals at home, as well as minimize our use of processed or store-bought meals. We can also substitute other spices or herbs to get extra flavor. After awhile, we will notice that we don't really miss the extra salt. And, even though it is often difficult to avoid a salt laden meal when eating out, we can ask for low or no added salt recipes when selecting the foods on the menu. While that may help a little, it is also up to us to know which foods and prepared meals are higher in salt and avoid them or ask for alternatives if possible. 

HIDDEN SOURCES OF SALT


As for prepared or processed foods, here are some ingredients that also mean lots of salt: monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), baking powder, disodium phosphate (found in some quick-cooking cereals), sodium alginate (often used in ice cream), sodium nitrate (used in cured meats), sodium benzoate (used as a preservative in many sauces and salad dressings), sodium propionate and others. Needless to say, it is a salty food world out there.

Parents, you can do a lot to cure this salty situation for you and your children. Talk to the restaurants you frequent and the supermarkets you visit. They can use less salt, but it is up to you to ask. While you are paying good money for the food you give to your family, there is no need to also pay with their good health.

Safe automobile rides for your child

11/04/2009

With all the safety and protective equipment being installed in our cars and SUV’s, preventable injuries to children and infants are still occurring. In fact, the latest available public data from the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration reported an average of five children age 14 and below die and another 568 are injured each and every day as a result of motor vehicle crashes. Sadly, many could have been prevented if child seat safety rules were followed.

 

 

Driving with safety

 

 

Let's focus on what type of car seat your child should use, and on where the seats should be placed in the car or SUV.

 

For starters, the safest place for all children age 13 and under to ride is in the back seat.  It is also important to follow car seat manufacturers’ guidelines, and to consider the following suggestions to help keep your child safe while traveling:

…Infants should be placed in use rear-facing car seats until they have reached both one-year of age and 20 pounds. They may either use an infant seat or rear-facing convertible seat

…Toddlers and preschoolers may continue to ride rear-facing until they have reached the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once reached, the child may be forward-facing with a harness until around 4 years of age and between 40-65 pounds.

…School-aged children should be switched to booster seats once they have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. These are designed to raise the child’s position in the seat in order for the lap and shoulder belts to properly fit.

 

 

Once your child is at least 4 feet 9 inches in height and somewhere between 8 to 12 years of age, they are ready for the regular adult seats. Please ensure the lap and shoulder belts fit properly. For maximum safety, the seat belts should be worn with the lap portion of the belt low and tight across the hips, and the shoulder portion across the shoulder without cutting across the face or neck.

 

 

What about air bags?

 

 

Even though front air bags save lives, it is important that all children age 13 and under ride buckled up and in the back seat, especially since an air bag can seriously injure or kill an infant or young child if they are too close when it deploys. In an effort to keep everyone safe and comfortable in an airbag equipped vehicle, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has the following suggestions:

... Never put an infant in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an air bag

...Everyone should buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip. ...Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back from the dashboard as practical.

 

 

For further information, please speak with a child car seat specialist at a police or rescue facility near you.

Decision time for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine

With supplies of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine starting to slowly increase and reach some schools, many parents are being handed consent forms asking for permission to immunize their child. Lots of questions I know, so here is some information that may help.

HOW IS THE VACCINE MADE?

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is produced in the same way as the seasonal influenza vaccine. The only difference is that it is a new strain of influenza virus in the vaccine. In fact, if the vaccine manufacturers knew about the 2009 H1N1 virus when they were originally manufacturing the "seasonal" influenza vaccine, they may have been combined into one influenza immunization.

IS IT SAFE?

 

The safety of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been demonstrated in clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health, as well as the vaccine manufacturers. Because the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective, they have been licensed for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, the CDC has stepped up vaccine surveillance to track the vaccine for any types of adverse events. Up to this time, the "CDC has received no reports of serious adverse events from people who have received the H1N1 vaccine to date in the clinical trials or in the few places across the country where vaccinations have begun."

 

WILL IT HELP MY CHILD?

 

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be very effective in decreasing the risk for infection from this particular influenza virus, as well as decrease the risk for influenza-related health complications (pneumonia, respiratory distress, etc). It is important to know that it takes about 10 - 14 days after vaccination to produce enough antibodies to provide infection-protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus

Does my child have asthma?

10/26/2009

Asthma is a common condition that affects millions of children (and adults). Yet, because of its various hidden symptoms (cough at night, trouble taking a deep breath, others), it may not initially be recognized.

 

How would I know?

 

The proper diagnosis of asthma is important because it causes the airways in the lungs to narrow due to spasm and inflammation. And, these hyper-reactive airways tighten-up when exposed to certain triggers (allergens, infections, cold air, etc.). As a result, less air is able to get into the lungs and breathing is impaired.

Common symptoms of asthma may include:

 •  Coughing, especially during or right after exercise or exposure to cold

 •  Wheezing

 •  Chest tightness and inability to take a deep breath

 •  Chest congestion and frequent respiratory infections

 •  Shortness of breath

     •  Limited exercise endurance (your child cannot keep up with others and gets out of breath or has trouble taking a deep breath, even if they have been trying to get into better aerobic shape)

Needless to say, at the very least these symptoms are bothersome, but at their extreme worst they can lead to severe breathing problems and even death.

 

What can we do?

 

There are many measures you can take to prevent or greatly decrease the amount of asthma flare-ups your child may experience. These include:

…A visit with your child’s family doctor, pediatrician or allergist

…Taking asthma medications as directed, as they can prevent many attacks from occurring.

…Carrying rescue medications if advised by your child’s physician (albuterol, others) in case of an unexpected asthma attack.

…Covering their mouth and nose with a scarf when outdoors if they are affected with cold weather triggered asthma

…Minimizing outdoor exercising along busy roads or in areas where outdoor pollution can further irritate the airways

 …Avoid using wood stoves or wood fireplaces as particles given off can irritate the airways

…Taking a preventive dose of asthma medication (albuterol, others) 30 minutes before exercising if they have exercise induced asthma

…Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke

   

Also, speak with their physician regarding the “seasonal” as well as the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines since children (and adults) with asthma are considered to be at higher risk for influenza-related health complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. They are also more likely to be hospitalized than others without asthma.

 

What type of vaccine for a child with asthma?

 

Children with asthma are recommended to receive the inactivated form (flu-shot) of the “seasonal” and 2009 H1N1 vaccines. They would not be given the live attenuated (LAIV) nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) because one of the potential side effects of the LAIV is wheezing, something we don't want to happen to a child who already has asthma.

How (and where) to get this years "flu-shots"

10/16/2009

Hi Parents. I have received lots of questions regarding the different types of influenza vaccines, including where to find a center that has them in stock. I know this can be confusing as well as frustrating, so here is the latest update.

The 2009 H1N1 nasal vaccine formulation is already available at select locations, while the 2009 H1N1 inactivated vaccine (flu-shot) is expected to be available towards the later part of October. While initial supplies will be limited, more numbers will be arriving on a weekly basis. These will be given at sites that have registered to administer the vaccine and will be prioritized for those groups (including children over six months of age) eligible for the initial phase of vaccination.

CAN THE SEASONAL AND 2009 H1N1 VACCINES BE GIVEN TOGETHER?

Both the seasonal and the 2009 H1N1 vaccines are available in two formulations: an inactivated virus (the flu-shot injection) as well as a weakened live virus vaccine known as the LAIV (spray into each nostril and only recommended for healthy individuals two years to 49 years of age). Here are the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the timing and administration of both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines.

...A person may receive the inactivated "seasonal" influenza "flu-shot" and the 2009 H1N1 inactivated "flu-shot" on the same visit. No particular order or time separation is needed. However, if given on the same day different vaccine sites must be used.

...A person may receive an inactivated (flu-shot) of one type of influenza vaccine (either the seasonal or 2009 H1N1) along with the weakened live virus (nasal spray) vaccine to protect against the other type of influenza (seasonal or 2009 H1N1) virus on the same day.

...As of this date, a person SHOULD NOT receive the live attenuated vaccine (nasal spray) to protect against the "seasonal" influenza along with the live attenuated vaccine (nasal spray) to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus on the same day. They must be separated by a minimum of four weeks.

Please keep in mind there are certain individuals who cannot or should not receive these vaccines, such as those with a significant egg allergy or allergy to any component of the vaccines. There are other precautions and it is best to check with your individual physicians or health department

WHERE CAN WE FIND THE NEAREST 2009 H1N1 VACCINE CENTER?

Please visit www.flu.gov/  

This is a government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  On the home page is a map where you click on your State and the location of a 2009 H1N1 vaccine clinic (as well as seasonal flu vaccine) will be posted when the immunizations are available. Another great resource for up to date information is your local health department.

Should Pregnant Moms Consider the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine?

10/09/2009

Pregnancy can affect a women's immune system, as well as put added stress on her heart and lungs. These factors increase the risk for getting the flu, as well as developing secondary complications such as pneumonia. This can set up a cycle of events that may increase the risk for miscarriage and premature labor.  This is why the annual "seasonal" influenza vaccine has been encouraged for pregnant woman to help prevent these potential problems.

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER THE 2009 H1N1 VACCINE?

The 2009 H1N1 flu has caused more significant health complications in pregnant women than the general population. As of the end of August, the CDC reports that twenty-eight pregnant women have died from complications related to the 2009 H1N1 flu, and another 100 pregnant women had been hospitalized in Intensive Care. Needless to say, this is concerning and is a key reason why pregnant women are encouraged to receive the 2009 H1N1 “flu-shot” (pregnant women can't get the nasal spray -- the inactivated influenza injection is the only option) in order to decrease the risk for their getting the flu, as well as decrease the risk for health complications (pneumonia, others) related to the flu.  There is also a side benefit to a pregnant mom’s unborn baby:  the antibodies from these types of vaccines cross the placenta and may help to provide her newborn with several months’ protection from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. This is especially important since infants less than six months of age do not get the vaccine. 

IS THE NEW VACCINE SAFE?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a safety and side effects profile similar to the regular "seasonal" influenza vaccine, which has a very good record for safety. Vaccine trials on healthy people in the United States and the United Kingdom have gone well without serious adverse effects. From what I can gather, the National Institutes of Health has vaccinated more than 60 pregnant women as part of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine study to see if it was safe and effective. They intend to vaccinate more as part of the ongoing study. Up to now there have been no reports of serious side effects.

I realize this is a tough decision, and one that is very personal. Please speak with your Obstetrician and/or Family Physician, as well as continue to monitor information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and Discovery Health www.health.discovery.com 

Should the H1N1 vaccine be given to my child?

10/01/2009

The big questions to consider before receiving an immunization are:  do the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of the disease it is designed to prevent, and are the potential side effects of the vaccine more serious than the risk of health complications from the actual disease?

Here’s what we know. More than 70 percent of all illness from the H1N1 flu is occurring in children and young adults between the ages of 5 – 24 years. It is readily spread in this age group, especially since they are located in close quarters at school and can easily pass the virus from one person to the next through coughing and sneezing. While the H1N1 flu has been mostly mild to moderate in its’ intensity of symptoms, it does (and has) occasionally caused severe illness and even death.

CAN THE VACCINE HELP?

The H1N1 vaccine is designed to decrease the risk for contracting this particular type of flu, as well as lessen the risk for "secondary" health complications or severe illness that may follow the infection (such as pneumonia).  Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a safety profile similar to the regular “seasonal” influenza vaccine, which has a very good record for safety.

Even so, this new vaccine will have enhanced monitoring to better ensure its’ continuing safety. Additionally, healthcare providers and parents are encouraged to report possible adverse events after vaccination through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at http://vaers.hhs.gov/

WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE THE VACCINE?

According to the CDC, anyone who has had a severe and life-threatening allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance contained in the H1N1 vaccine should not be vaccinated. Additionally, children less than six months of age should not get this vaccine.

However, there may be other reasons for caution. I say this because the H1N1 vaccine will be made using the same processes as the regular "seasonal" vaccine. And, for that specific vaccine, there are certain groups (including infants less than six months of age) who may not (or should not) get the "seasonal" influenza vaccine. According to the CDC, they include:

 ...People with a severe allergy to chicken eggs

...People who had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination

...People who developed Guillain-Barre' syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine

I realize there is a lot to think about and discuss, so please speak with your child's physician (or local health department if you do not have a healthcare provider) for the latest H1N1 vaccine updates. 

The 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine flu)

09/24/2009

The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new type of virus causing illness in people. We are not sure where it came from, although it was first reported in late March/early April 2009 in central Mexico and the border states of California and Texas. This type A flu has spread throughout the world and has the potential to cause serious illness.

H1N1 is different than the “usual” seasonal flu because genetic testing suggests the virus originated in pigs, but we don't know exactly when or where it "leaped" to humans. It contains two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, as well as bird (avian) genes and human genes.

SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus spreads easily because most people (except perhaps those age 60 and above) have not been previously infected with this or a closely related “mixed-genetic” influenza virus. As a result, there is a lack of immunity. Transmission commonly occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes and launches the virus into the air. Those nearby (within six feet) have a higher risk for acquiring the virus through their respiratory tract where it can multiply and spread, causing infection and eventual “flu-like” symptoms. The virus can also be acquired after hands have contacted a flu-contaminated surface (doorknob, telephone, computer keyboard, others) and then touched the eyes, nose or mouth, where the virus gains easy access into the body.

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to those of the seasonal flu but have the potential to be more severe. They include:

 …Fever

…Cough

…Sore throat

…Runny or stuffy nose

…Headaches

…Body aches

…Chills

…Fatigue

There have also been reports of a significant number of cases of vomiting and diarrhea with H1N1.

An important difference with the H1N1 flu is that is appears to cause more illness in younger individuals. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized those aged 6 months through 24 years as a priority group for the new H1N1 flu vaccine.

Thankfully, the current strain of the 2009 H1N1 has been mild and the majority of those infected have done well without the need for medical attention. However, just like the annual “seasonal” flu, it has the potential to cause severe illness and death has occurred. 

Next time we will talk about the H1N1 vaccine and other measures to keep your families “flu” defenses healthy and strong. 

HOW CAN YOU TELL A "COLD" FROM THE "FLU"?

09/17/2009

The cold and influenza season is here and may impact your child and family this coming year.  While both viral illnesses have some symptoms in common, there are important differences to consider.

 

The common cold is caused by one of the more than 200 viruses infecting the nose and throat.  Most occur during the fall and winter seasons when people tend to spend more time indoors. While adults average two to four “colds” per year, children often experience six to 10 separate bouts of this viral illness during the same time period.

 

Symptoms of the common cold tend to begin gradually, occur one to three days after exposure to the virus, and typically last seven to ten days. Signs of infection may include:

 

...Runny nose that may be clear, light yellow or green. Sometimes the mucous is thick and feels “stuck” in the nostrils, while at other times the mucous is constant, flows easily and fills up lots of tissues!

…Itchy, sore or irritated throat

…Coughing

…Sneezing

…Mild headache and/or slight muscle ache

…Decreased energy levels

…Hoarseness

…Normal to slightly elevated temperature

 

While most cases of the common cold are mild, it has the potential to trigger complications such as ear infections, sinusitis and wheezing (especially in children with asthma)

 

THE INFLUENZA EXPRESS

 

Symptoms from the “flu” strike quickly, are more severe than those of the common cold, and often last one to two weeks. They include:

 

…A high fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit

…Shaking chills

…Extreme fatigue

…Vomiting with belly pain

…Headache and body aches

…Sore throat

…Dry cough

…Dizziness and nausea

 

While most do well and completely recover within several weeks, flu-related complications that include pneumonia and respiratory distress can occur. Warning signs that your child needs urgent medical attention includes but is not limited to:

 

…Difficulty breathing or not able to “catch their breath”

…Flu-like symptoms that initially improved but have returned with a cough and fever

…Unusual fatigue with difficulty in “waking” or staying awake

…Severe or persistent vomiting

…Extreme irritability, especially noticeable in infants and young children who suddenly don’t want to be touched or held

…Refusal to drink liquids

…A blue or darker color (ashen gray) to the skin, especially around the mouth and near the nail bed

 

If your child has a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking chills or any symptoms that have you concerned, speak with their physician. Please remember that the number one way to prevent “human” influenza is through vaccination.

 

A cough that won't quit

09/09/2009

Sometimes coughs are just annoying little outbursts, but at other times they may cause your child’s eye balls to tear, rib cage to hurt, and friends (both yours and theirs) to clear out in a hurry.

So why does your child cough? There are lots of reasons, including irritants (smoke), an accidentally inhaled foreign body (peanut, piece of a toy, etc) and infections. However, the big four causes of a persistent cough are:

1...Asthma – one in nine children are estimated to have some form of asthma, yet many don't know it. Sometimes the only symptoms are periodic (with exercise, at night, etc) or persistent (seasonal, cold weather, others) cough that is mistakenly treated with cough suppressants. Not only is this ineffective, but potentially dangerous as the cause has not been addressed

2...Post nasal drip - from an inflammation in the nasal passages (rhinitis) or sinusitis. Allergies may trigger the trip, as can the persistent inflammation of sinusitis. Either way, the cough may last for weeks or months

3...Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - stomach acid or contents can 'backwash" up into the esophagus and irritate nerve endings and trigger a cough. Sometimes this is a difficult diagnosis if there are no complaints of heartburn. A tip-off in young kids may be a cough after eating.

4...Viruses - does your child have a cough that doesn't give up, especially after having recovered from a cold or the flu? If so, it may be due to inflammatory changes triggering a dry and hacking type of cough

I also need to mention pertussis, or whooping cough. Even though this bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics, it is best prevented through vaccination.

WHEN TO BRING YOUR CHILD TO THEIR DOCTOR

...If they have a fever with a cough

...If their cough doesn't improve, even when other symptoms do

...If their cough lasts more than one week

...If their treatment is not working after 3-4 days

...If they are short of breath, have chest pain or cough up blood

...If the cough interferes with daily living, including sleep

As you can tell, the symptoms of cough require the proper diagnosis to ensure a treatment plan targeted to its’ cause. But the first step is dependent upon you as a parent. If your child has an unexplained, unusual (coughing spasms, weird sound to the cough, etc.), predictable (during allergy season, at night) or persistent cough, please accompany them for a visit with their doctor.