Healthy Children

Protect your child from predators while still encouraging activity participation.Extracurricular activities are great for kids. But, it’s difficult to encourage them to participate in these activities with the abuse stories that are prevalent in the news. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor You must prepare your children to talk about tough topics. Let them know they won’t get in trouble if they share with you. Explain that sometimes people do inappropriate things with children and you want to be the protector. Communication is the key. Breathe easier with Molekule, the world’s first Molecular Air Purifier. Use code “healthychildren” at checkout to save $75! - sponsor Perpetrators try to confuse kids so they’re in a jam. They use the camaraderie and participation to groom children into silence. They threaten or justify what they’re doing is okay. You have to assure the kids that they aren’t being disloyal by sharing secrets. If behavior is appropriate, there should be no secrets. Ask about policies and safety measures for activity participation. What are the overnight policies? What preventatives are in place to keep your child safe? Show the officials that you are scrutinizing what is happening.  You also have the right to drop in unannounced to practices and training sessions. Unpredictable parents are scary to perpetrators. Listen as Dr. Angelo Giardino joins Melanie Cole, MS, to advise on how to protect your kids from predators while still encouraging participation in extracurricular activities. Sponsors: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% Breathe easier with Molekule, the world’s first Molecular Air Purifier. Use code “healthychildren” at checkout to save $75!

How can you keep your kids safe from dangerous challenges they find online?Just when it seems like these challenges are out of the news, something else pops up. Social media rewards outrageous behavior. No one is getting “likes” for cleaning up their bedroom. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Teens are impulsive. Their brains haven’t developed enough to fully grasp the consequences of dangerous behaviors. The current detergent pod challenge presents many dangers. The detergent can burn and perforate the esophagus. If the pod is punctured, the powders inside can be inhaled and permanently damage the airways. The chemicals can destroy the internal organs. How do you talk to kids about these dangerous challenges? If it says "challenge," it’s probably a horrible idea. There are exceptions, like the ALS ice bucket challenge. But, as a general rule, they should avoid things labeled as challenges. Friend and follow your kids to curb any risky behavior. Let them teach you how to use social media. Encourage your kids to try to freak you out with the most shocking thing they’ve encountered. You’ve seen some things in your day. The trick is not to freak out when they tell you the crazy thing that happened. Help them build the skill of judging risk by talking about what they witnessed and what could happen next in a similar situation. They have to learn how to think through these things for themselves. Listen as Dr. David Hill joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to help your kids develop judgment to keep them away from dangerous behaviors. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Prevent the spread of infectious disease in your child's sports program.Sports activities are great for your child. They’re helpful for promoting fitness, socialization, and learning a new skill. However, there is potential for the spread of infectious disease via shared equipment. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Common diseases spread in athletics include Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA),  Group A Streptococcus, herpes simplex virus, ringworm, athlete’s food, scabies, chicken pox, measles, mumps, and lice. Speak with your child’s sports trainer. Be sure he is aware of the most common infections related to a particular sport. Examining students before participation is an inexpensive preventative measure. Ask about sanitization of equipment. The cost of improper hygiene is greater than diligence. Encourage your children to have good personal hygiene. Shower after playing. Keep good hand washing habits. Avoid sharing clothing and water bottles. Launder sports clothes regularly. Wipe off mats and gym equipment after using. The pre-participation physical for sports should include a thorough history of prior infections and current lesions. Pediatricians can discuss risks for disease through sports participation. Your child’s vaccinations should be current. Listen as Dr. Dele Davies and Dr. Mary Anne Jackson join Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to keep your child safe from infectious disease while participating in sports. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Separating immigrant children from their parents is detrimental to child health.Children of immigrant parents have dominated the news. The images are heartbreaking. There are currently 2,300 children who have been separated from their parents for immigration issues. Children who are ripped away from their parents experience toxic stress. The "fight-or-flight" response is prolonged in their little bodies. Negative long-term effects can appear later in life. Suicide, depression, and chronic disease are greatly influenced by toxic stress. In the short-term, it’s simply child abuse. Children regress mentally and physically. This is unacceptable treatment of children. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor The promise of a better life in these United States holds appeal for refugees who flee horrible conditions. They seek basic needs and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Children are brought here in hopes of a better life. Listen as Dr. Janine Young joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the effects of this separation on children’s health. Sponsors: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Find out how to get your spectrum child to appropriately use technology.Children with autism are easy overloaded with information. How do we address the use of media for kids on the spectrum? Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor The marketing claims of apps aren’t actual evidence of effectiveness. Colors and numbers are great, but those on the spectrum face greater challenges socially and emotionally. They really need to learn how to interface with other people and handle their emotions. There’s not an app for that. Help your children learn about persuasive design. Assist them in managing communications via social media so they feel comfortable. Your children should expect you to share their early social media experiences so they have success using it. Encourage your children to use Skype or FaceTime to connect with family. Watch for signs of overuse. Lack of sleep, failure to go outside and enjoy physical activity, and reduced in-person interaction are red flags. If your child gets stuck or upset after a particular game, eliminate the game from the rotation.  Listen as Dr. Jenny Radesky joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share best practices for media use by kids with autism. Resource: Media tips for children with autism Recommendations: PBS Kids Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Common Sense Media Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Stay safe as you enjoy the sunshine with your family.Summer is great for outdoor fun. But, you want to keep your children safe as you enjoy the sunshine. The sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm. You need to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. You can get a sunburn on cloudy days or through windows. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Babies under six months should be covered with shade rather than sunscreen. Sometimes that’s not practical. Use hats, lightweight clothing to cover their bodies, canopies and stroller umbrellas. Always consider shade with your baby. You can use a tiny bit of sunscreen on your baby when needed. The best sunscreen for your roaming children is the sunscreen they will use. There are two types of sunscreen: the kind with physical barriers and the kind with chemical barriers. Physical barrier sunscreens have zinc oxide or titanium oxide to reflect the sun back off the body. Chemical barriers are absorbed into the body and react with the sun. Get premium, organic ingredients and chef-crafted recipes delivered weekly to your door with Green Chef. For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to GreenChef.us/HealthyChildren. - sponsor Eye health is very important. Be sure your children have hats and sunglasses. Pack hats, sunglasses and sunscreen when your older children head to camp. Sunburn Treatment Avoid the sun the day after getting a sunburn. Apply a cool washcloth to pained areas. Use an aloe cream. Head to the doctor if a fever or blisters appear. Heat Stress Before enrolling your child in sports camp, ask the coaches if the children get regular water breaks. They need to be on board with keeping your child hydrated. Headaches, muscle cramps, and nausea are all signs that your child may be overheated. Get some water and shade. Stop the activity until the child recovers. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion occurs if heat stress isn’t arrested early. The skin is hot and flushed. Sweating has ceased. Heart rate is rapid. Lack of urine is also an indicator. This is dangerous. Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to practice sun safety this summer. Sponsors: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%Sponsor: Get premium, organic ingredients and chef-crafted recipes delivered weekly to your door with Green Chef. For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to GreenChef.us/HealthyChildren.

Being prepared for summer trips will make adventures easier on your entire family.It’s fun to travel with children. But, it takes a lot of preparation to have a successful trip with your young ones. Air Travel Air travel isn’t fun for adults. Consider how stressful it will be with children when selecting your flight times. Children under two don’t need their own seat but are safer in a safety seat. Rules are always changing with the TSA. Know airline policies about food and entertainment. Pack a sandwich and wipes so you’re prepared to address hunger. Review the TSA screening procedure with your children so they know what’s appropriate and what to expect. Dress your child for ease of passing through security. Get premium, organic ingredients and chef-crafted recipes delivered weekly to your door with Green Chef. For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to GreenChef.us/HealthyChildren. - sponsor Make sure you’re well rested so it’s easier for you to manage your children. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Traveling Medicine Cabinet Get savvy with international travel so you know what to bring. Check in with your pediatrician. The CDC has excellent advice for different destinations. Vaccinations and prophylactic medications are recommended for certain places. It’s better to see someone in-country when traveling than to self-diagnose. Take all of your child’s regular medications. Car Travel Have a media plan in place for travel. It’s hard to have a group experience if everyone is doing something different. Engage in car games to reduce car sickness. Talk about the destination with your children. Consider your child’s resilience with car sickness. Windy roads can be tougher on her than straight drives. Provide plenty of ventilation. Speak with your pediatrician if car sickness is severe. Looking out the window and not reading can help. Strange Sleep Environments It’s tough to sleep in a new environment. Consider taking a morning flight overseas that arrives at night so you can go to sleep shortly after you arrive at your destination. Rest up before your vacation. Listen as Dr. Lisa Asta joins Melanie Cole, MS, to advise on how to have a successful trip with your children. Sponsors: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%Sponsor: Get premium, organic ingredients and chef-crafted recipes delivered weekly to your door with Green Chef. For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to GreenChef.us/HealthyChildren.

Swimming is a family activity. Follow these tips to keep your family safe in the water.Children can drown in only a few inches of water, even if they’ve had swimming instruction. Summer’s trips to the lake and swimming pool demand water safety. Get premium, organic ingredients and chef-crafted recipes delivered weekly to your door with Green Chef. For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to GreenChef.us/HealthyChildren. - sponsor First, drowning is not a loud, dramatic event. The mouth slips below the water first, making shouts difficult. Drowning typically looks like quietly slipping under the water. It’s subtle. Pay close attention to your flock in the water. Second, enroll your child in swim lessons when she is developmentally ready. There is no evidence to support infant swim classes prevent drowning. Be sure you are comfortable in the water so you can help any child in trouble. Third, you must exercise constant supervision when your child is around water. This includes bathtubs and kiddie pools along with larger bodies of water. Designate a water watcher to engage only in watching the kids in the pool. No cell phones or alcohol for the water watcher. Little ones must be within arm’s reach in the water.  Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Finally, mind these additional tips for water safety: Lifeguard presence does not excuse you from watching your children in the water.  Water wings are not a substitute for a life jacket. Use a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Always swim with a buddy, no matter what level of swimming ability. Don’t dive where the depth is unknown. Inspect for hazards before diving. If you own a pool, you should have some basic first aid and CPR knowledge. There is no replacement for adult supervision. Listen as Dr. Sarah Denny joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to exercise water safety this summer. Sponsors: Get premium, organic ingredients and chef-crafted recipes delivered weekly to your door with Green Chef. For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to GreenChef.us/HealthyChildren. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Separating immigrant children from their parents is detrimental to child health.Children of immigrant parents have dominated the news. The images are heartbreaking. There are currently 2,300 children who have been separated from their parents for immigration issues. Care.com is the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Click here get 30% off a care.com membership and use code healthychildren. - sponsor Children who are ripped away from their parents experience toxic stress. The "fight-or-flight" response is prolonged in their little bodies. Negative long-term effects can appear later in life. Suicide, depression, and chronic disease are greatly influenced by toxic stress. In the short-term, it’s simply child abuse. Children regress mentally and physically. This is unacceptable treatment of children. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor The promise of a better life in these United States holds appeal for refugees who flee horrible conditions. They seek basic needs and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Children are brought here in hopes of a better life. Listen as Dr. Janine Young joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the effects of this separation on children’s health. Sponsors: Care.com is the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Click here get 30% off a care.com membership and use code healthychildren. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Do you need over-the-counter medication for your child's condition?Your first stop when your child has health complaints is typically the drugstore. You want to alleviate her distress as rapidly as you can. Care.com is the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Click here get 30% off a care.com membership and use code healthychildren. - sponsor What should you know about over-the-counter medications? Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Fevers While they may be scary, fevers don’t need treatment unless they are over 101.5 degrees. If your child is uncomfortable, you can treat the fever. Never use aspirin on children. Keep a written record of when and how much you dose your child. Ibuprofen works well for fevers, pain and swelling. You can administer every eight hours. Acetaminophen works well for fevers. You can administer every four to six hours. Stuffiness & Congestion Multi-symptom medications often contain fever medications. Read the active ingredients to be sure you aren’t doubling up on ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t give cold medications to children under age four. Check age appropriateness against the recommendations on the box. Consider natural treatments like honey for children over age one as a cough suppressant. Use a humidifier or safely help your child breathe steam. Clear nasal passages with nose blowing or a mucus bulb. Check with your pediatrician if a condition is present for more than a few days. Skin Rashes Hydrocortisone cream available without a prescription is very mild. It works on rashes, insect bites, poison ivy and eczema. Anti-fungal creams work on ringworm and athlete’s foot. Hydrocortisone only makes fungi worse. Be sure you know the skin condition before selecting an ointment for treatment. Upset Stomach If your baby is gassy, feed her slower and burp her more. Infant tummy problems should be discussed with your pediatrician. Occasional gas drops may help. Upset stomach for older children usually stems from constipation or stress. If diarrhea and vomiting are absent, call your pediatrician to discuss what’s happening. Laxatives can be given for a few days to reduce cyclical constipation. Storage Consider all the places you keep pills— pill cases in your handbag, stashes in your glovebox, prescription bottles in the medicine cabinet. Keep everything out of reach, even the over-the-counter medications. Older kids may want to experiment with your prescription medications. Lock them up in a tackle box and keep a written inventory of the pills you take or administer. Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss over-the-counter medications and their safe storage. Sponsors: Care.com is the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Click here get 30% off a care.com membership and use code healthychildren. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%