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If you are expecting a child soon, you are probably in the market for car seats, carriers and a slew of baby-proofing gadgets to keep your new infant safe at home. While you research and consider what is best and safest for your child, you may have also come across some negative press about vaccinations. We are here to put your fears to rest. Just as you know that a safe car seat could save your child's life, we want to assure you that infant immunizations have the potential to do the very same thing. Here are five important reasons to have your infant immunized.
1. Vaccinations are safe and effective. After years of studies and careful review by healthcare professionals, the vaccine safety system ensures that vaccinations are safe and effective. While the media has questioned the link between vaccinations and autism, the CDC reports that there are no studies to prove this link. Some children do experience slight tenderness and swelling at the site of the vaccination, but the benefits of the vaccination's protection far outweigh the risk of these minor reactions.
2. Vaccine-preventable diseases still exist. In the past, vaccines have eradicated certain life-threatening diseases such as polio. However, when vaccine use declines or when those exposed to disease elsewhere are not vaccinated, less common diseases that are preventable return and affect those who are vulnerable. A good example of this is the whooping cough, which has seen a recent comeback in certain communities.
3. Vaccinations protect your entire community. Vaccinations not only prevent your child from becoming very sick, but they prevent the potential spread of disease to anyone you or your child comes in contact with. Vaccinations keep your entire family and those they care about safe.
4. Vaccinations save your family time and money. When children or other family members become sick, especially with one of the diseases vaccines protect against, they will need to stay home or have medical treatment to recover. This can cost families time and money, as they will spend more time away from work paying for medications and care.
5. Your questions about vaccinations can be answered. If you have questions or concerns about certain vaccinations, their side effects or long-term effects, be sure to bring these to your child's physician. He or she will spend the time answering your questions so that you are well informed about each vaccination offered, and will also share a detailed information sheet about each vaccination that you can take with you for future reference.
This week is National Infant Immunization Week, and we at North Hills Hospital hope that you will take the time to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations so you can protect your new child and your community from every vaccine-preventable disease. If you would like a physician referral, please call 1-855-5NHILLS.
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March 18-24 is National Poison Prevention Week. Take this time to familiarize yourself with basic poison prevention and what to do if you think your child has been exposed to something dangerous. Before you do anything else, consider programming the Poison Help phone number into your telephone or in a very prominent place. The 24-hour Poison Help Hotline is 1-800-222-1222.
Proof Your Home
Regardless of your child’s age, it’s important to poison proof your home. Most parents consider the obvious sources of accidental poisoning, such as medication and household cleaners. But it’s also important to be aware of potential toxins such as poisonous plants, uncooked food and craft supplies. PoisonPrevention.org warns not to store chemicals in unmarked containers, especially food containers. Make yourself aware of any poisonous insects and animals that are common in your area. According to Poison Help, kids less than six are the most likely to be poisoned.
Educate Your Kids
From late toddler stages on up, it’s important to talk to your kids about hazards in the home. In addition to making sure that kids know not to play with dangerous cleaning, yard and household chemicals, talk to kids about poison first aid. Make sure kids know to talk to an adult. The last thing you want is for a child to hide accidental poisoning from you out of fear of being in trouble.
Educate Your Family
Poisoning can occur many ways. Talk to adults and caregivers in your family about poison. Be aware of cleaning vapors in the air, dispose of and store medication properly, and make sure that only competent adults dispense medication to kids. Keep doses clearly labeled and never give a child someone else’s medication or the wrong dose. When you’re traveling, make sure your lodgings are poison safe and if you stay with family, talk to them about keeping medication and poisons out of the reach of children.
Respond Immediately
Call Poison Help as soon as you think your child may have been exposed to something poisonous. Remember, poisoning can occur through ingestion, in the eyes, on the skin and by inhalation. In many cases, parents are simply told to be watchful. But this call can be life saving. Poison Help has access to information that can quickly let you know how to respond to an accidental poisoning.
If a family member is exposed to an unknown substance or poison, be sure to call the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. If they determine that your family member should receive immediate medical attention, bring them to North Hills Hospital or the ER at Alliance. We are here to help administer emergency care any time of day or night. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-5NHILLS.
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We know what you’re thinking. “Not my kid. My kid doesn’t have an eating disorder.” And, while that may be the case, did you know that out every 100 teens in the U.S., one or two do have an eating disorder? Don’t be fooled, either. The signs of an eating disorder aren’t as apparent as you might think. Here is some information about eating disorders and signs you should keep in mind as you help your child navigate those unpredictable teen years. The earlier you can spot a disorder—and the earlier you get your child the help he or she needs—the healthier your child will be in the long term.
Types of Eating Disorders
- Anorexia. Individuals with this disorder refuse to consume a healthy number of calories because they are unreasonably fearful of becoming fat.
- Bulimia. This condition includes regular and excessive binge eating, followed by vomiting or the use of laxatives to stop any possibility of weight gain.
- Binge eating. Those who binge eat will consume excessive amounts of food on a regular basis but not purge via vomiting or laxative use.
What to Look For
Eating disorders can lead to very serious health problems for teens. Since many have a distorted body image, it is extraordinarily difficult to convince a teen with this condition that he or she must gain or maintain a normal weight. An eating issue is a psychological disorder that dangerously affects a teen’s health and well-being. Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Excessive eating and then leaving the table suddenly
- Eating at strange hours, eating in private or hiding food
- Playing with food or losing interest in eating, saying he or she has already eaten
- A constant and unusual focus on dieting, calorie intake and body image
- Extreme weight loss
- Wearing clothes to conceal weight losses or gains
- Compulsive exercising, choosing to exercise over seeing friends or being social
- Missing periods regularly
- Dental issues that result from excessive vomiting
- Spending frequent and extended periods of time in the bathroom
How to Help
If you notice that your child may have any of these symptoms, get help. Your child may require psychological counseling and outpatient care. More serious cases will require hospital-based care or residential care in a facility that specializes in eating disorder treatment. Please call the National Eating Disorders hotline for more information at 1-800-931-2237.
The medical staff at North Hills Hospital is here to help answer any questions about eating disorders and can offer a physician referral assistance. Please call (817) 255-1000 or visit our website.
Sources:
Eating Disorders
Binge Eating Disorders
14 Signs That Your Child or Teen May Have an Eating Disorder
NationalEatingDisorders.Org
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From the moment you decide to have children, there will always be factors beyond your control that might affect your child. But, with careful attention, parents can educate themselves about what to expect and put their child’s safety above all else. While children under one may be at greater risk of SIDS, parents can reduce those risks with some understanding of this syndrome and by following a few recommendations.
What is SIDS?
SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the sudden, unexplained death of a child under one. It usually occurs while the child is sleeping. While its cause is unknown, research has uncovered a number of ways to reduce the risks.
How can you prevent SIDS?
- Get prenatal care. Premature births are a major risk factor for SIDS. Mothers who have prenatal care, and give special attention to their health and nutrition as early as the first few months of pregnancy, are more likely to carry their babies full term.
- Position babies to sleep on their backs. Studies have shown that babies who sleep on their sides and stomachs have a much higher rate of SIDS deaths. While babies may sleep more soundly in those positions, the risks certainly outweigh the benefits.
- Have babies sleep on a firm mattress. The risk of SIDS increases when babies sleep on soft pillows and other soft surfaces. Be sure to purchase a safety-approved crib mattress for your child.
- Avoid co-sleeping. Dr. Karen Smith, a Family Practitioner affiliated with North Hills Hospital, explains this danger:
“We know that throughout history parents and children have slept in the same bed, on the same mat, or on the same floor. What is different now is the quality of our mattresses. They are simply too soft to be safe for an infant. A young infant doesn’t have the head and neck strength to protect their nose and mouth from soft surfaces.”
- Avoid extra clothing or loose bedding. Keep all loose blankets, pillows and stuffed animals out of the crib while your baby sleeps. Dr. Smith comments:
“I challenge my families to create a really, bare, unfriendly-looking crib with no pillow, no bumper pads, and only one or two thin blankets. This is a safe environment for a baby, at least until the baby can roll over.”
- Do not overheat your child. Keep the temperature in the room comfortable. If it is cold, put your child in a zip-up sleep outfit that will not come loose.
- Do not smoke or use drugs. Smoking and using drugs during pregnancy, or exposing a baby to second-hand smoke, can increase the risk of SIDS significantly.
- Breast feed babies when possible. Studies show that breast-fed babies have a lower occurrence of SIDS. Breast milk will also decrease the possibility of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
- Discuss any breathing issues with your pediatrician immediately. If your baby tends to gag or spit up frequently, this may interrupt his or her breathing at night. Some babies also run the risk of sleep apnea for various reasons, which can interrupt a baby’s breathing during sleep. If your child shows any signs of breathing difficulty during sleep, discuss these issues with your child’s pediatrician immediately.
If you are concerned about your child’s SIDS risks or would like to learn more about SIDS prevention, we suggest that you schedule an appointment with a pediatrician. To find a physician at North Hills Hospital, please go here. For information about other services we offer, please visit our website or call (817) 255-1000.
Sources:
Reducing the Risk of SIDS (American SIDS Institute)
Preventing SIDS (American Lung Association)
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There are a few things my (very lovely) friends failed to mention to me at my baby showers: 1) teething is about as awful as anything on this planet and 2) so are vaccinations.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to imply that you shouldn’t vaccinate your child, but when you do, the simple act of doing so kind of stinks. We are talking a needle and your baby. So, even if it’s for your child’s own well-being, it’s still not much fun to get through.
It was important to me to vaccinate my children, but that didn’t make it easy. As with all things in life and parenting, though, I have some insights (in hindsight, of course), and I’d like to share them with you. Here they are!
1. Clear your calendar. After my son’s two-month shots, he slept the entire day (I’m talking a FOUR-HOUR NAP, which was unheard of before and since, and that was just one nap of several that day). I became very disillusioned about immunization-induced naps and thought this was just how vaccinations went, so I expected the same for his four-month shots. Yeah, he didn’t sleep a wink then. Make sure you have the day completely cleared, in case one or the other happens.
2. Have back-up. Don’t go to a doctor’s appointment solo, especially the first couple, if you can avoid that. I was shaken up something fierce those first few immunization appointments, and Kyle (my son) has been shaken up the last few, so the more support you have, the better.
3. Talk, talk, talk. Sure, my two-month-old couldn’t understand what I meant by “shots,” but my two-year-old can. I explain to him everything I can, even the complicated, adult-type stuff, because even if he doesn’t quite understand the technical ins-and-outs, he’s at least not blindsided when we arrive at the doctor’s.
When you do vaccinate your child, it might not be fun, but it can be bearable. And, just like every other semi-difficult parenting situation, I’m convinced this is why ice cream was created. Add an extra scoop for both you and your child the night after.
You can follow Jennie Canzoneri on her personal blog, She Likes Purple. Have a question or a comment? She’d love to hear from you!
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Booties, bibs, and bottles fill the head of any new parent. The joy of parenting comes with great responsibility. Keeping a new baby healthy and happy starts with the right pediatrician. Your baby’s doctor will be alongside you for the milestones of childhood. From teething to talking, sneezing to shots, you want a pediatrician you feel comfortable with. The search for the perfect pediatrician can start once the decision to start a family has been made. There are many considerations when selecting the best pediatrician for your growing family.
Credentials are the place to start. A pediatrician must be certified in the special area of children’s health. Check for certification by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). If your child has special medical needs, seek a doctor who has experience in the area. Ask any potential pediatrician for areas of expertise that apply to your child or family. Accredited doctors can be found on the ABP website. Also, try asking friends and family members for recommendations. Once you have found certified 
potential pediatricians, you will want to meet them.
Office visits allow you to check out the office and doctor before deciding. Schedule visits with doctors who are currently accepting new patients. Consider the convenience of the location to your home or childcare facility. Make sure parking is plentiful and close to the building; a sick child should have minimal exposure to bad weather.
Examine the waiting room for helpful educational materials. The children’s play area should be clean and keep children occupied and interested. Talk with other parents to get an idea of wait time and appointment duration. The nurse can answer many of your questions about paperwork, insurance, and the office’s associated hospital.
Interview each prospective doctor. Be prepared with questions; don’t feel intimidated or rushed. Ask about the doctor’s views on parenting issues (breastfeeding, co-sleeping, etc.), after-hours calls, accessibility and advice via phone, and even why the doctor chose pediatrics. Observe the office for cleanliness, relaxing atmosphere, and up-to-date equipment. Select a doctor with whom you feel comfortable; you will be discussing very personal topics.
Take the time to seek out multiple doctors before you make your choice. Choose a doctor who meets your needs, and don’t disregard your instincts. You should start early enough so you can select your pediatrician by the eighth month of pregnancy. Remember, you aren’t committed to the doctor for life. If you move or encounter unexpected special needs for your child, you can always select a new doctor who is more convenient or experienced in a particular area. Being prepared and confident will ensure a happy and healthy childhood for your new baby.
If you need help finding the right doctor for your children, we can help. Talk to your obstetrician while you are pregnant and ask for recommendations. You can also use our Find a Physician tool to locate great MDs in Northeast Tarrant County.
Sources:
Checklist: Choose the Right Pediatrician (Parents)
Choosing a Doctor for Your Baby (Baby Center)
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a confusing and scary diagnosis to hear from the doctor. Many aspects of ADHD are still being researched, but ADHD typically causes problems with attentiveness and managing energy. Children may resist sitting still for long periods of time or focusing on one activity at a time. ADHD can create challenges in the classroom or workplace. Some doctors recommend working through these obstacles naturally, while other times medications will be prescribed to help control impulses or a wandering mind. There are drawbacks to either approach, and doctors are still looking for alternative approaches and solutions.
Causes
While scientists do not yet agree on what causes ADHD, Cardiff University scientists recently discovered evidence of a genetic link. After observing those with and without ADHD, researchers concluded that people with ADHD were more likely to have missing or duplicated parts of their DNA. This supports the statistics that indicate children with ADHD are more likely to have biological parents with ADHD. These findings contradict old beliefs that ADHD is a result of parenting techniques or poor nutrition.
Diagnosis
Today an estimated 1 million American children have been misdiagnosed with ADHD. Kids most at risk for a misdiagnosis are those who start school early or are the youngest in their class. When making a diagnosis, doctors partially rely on teacher observations within the context of the classroom. What might just be the immaturity of a younger child could wrongly point to ADHD. For this reason, more doctors are beginning to hesitate before prescribing medications until the child ages and long-term observations can be evaluated.
Natural Help
Parents and teachers can help create an environment that helps children with ADHD, occasionally removing the need for medications all together. Encouraging organization and a regular routine will help children keep track of their belongings and stay on task. Parents might want to limit time in front of the television. Iowa State University reported in July 2010 that children and teens who spent more than two hours a day watching TV experienced a harder time focusing than those who found other activities to fill their time.
Parents of children with ADHD—what are your tips for parents who think their child may have this condition?
Sources:
ADHD (Kids Health)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
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