Healthy Children

The holidays and current events are a great opportunity to teach your child empathy and compassion.It’s your responsibility as a parent to teach your child empathy and compassion for others. This will help him have more caring and understanding for others throughout his life. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Empathy starts with understanding other people’s emotions and feelings. Kids have to get in touch with their own emotions and feelings first. You can’t understand emotions unless you communicate face-to-face. Talk through what could help others feel better so your child understands how others feel. Expand your child’s experiences through travel and reading. Encourage community involvement. Community Service Show your child firsthand what other people experience through community service. Empower him to make changes in the world by doing something about it. Involve your children in altruistic activities. Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can develop your child’s sense of empathy and compassion. Reading List: Books on Food Donations and Soup Kitchens, Turkey Drive/Food Drives, Visiting Food Banks *Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt A young girl realizes her friend’s fridge is often empty. She tries to sneak her food from home. Eventually she confides in her mother that her friend’s family needs food.  Together they help the family and eventually organize a food drive. The book discusses food drives and food pantries. The Author’s Note discusses how 1 in 5 US children live in homes that are food insecure, meaning they run out of food before the end of the month.  Uncle Willie and The Soup Kitchen by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan A young boy accompanies his uncle to work in a soup kitchen. He learns all about how soup kitchens and neighboring communities work together to feed those in need. A prologue gives some background and additional information about soup kitchens and who they serve – although this prologue is better read after the book so that children have an understanding of what a soup kitchen is and can absorb the additional information.  Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña A young boy and his grandmother leave church and take a bus through a culturally diverse community. During the ride, the young boy laments that he isn’t out playing with his friends. Instead, he and his grandmother are going to work at a soup kitchen.  By the end of the book, he realizes how important what he is doing really is. “Last Stop” is a simpler book than “Uncle Willie”. Unlike “Uncle Willie,” the reader does not experience what it is like to work at a soup kitchen. “Last Stop” is more about the journey. The beauty of the book however is that it illustrates that everyone has something to give.  Books About Veterans, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Operation Gratitude *The Wall by Eve Bunting A very moving book about a young boy and his dad who travel to Washington DC to look for the grandfather’s name on the Vietnam Memorial. It helps children to understand the sacrifices these soldiers have made and illustrates that the men and women fighting for our country are someone’s parent, grandparent or child.  Books About Families Who Need Homes and Furniture, Christmas (A Carpenter’s gift is an amazing Christmas story), Furniture Drives, Habitat For Humanity-Type Projects, Losing Homes to Fires *The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel An amazingly beautiful and moving Christmas story about a young poor boy and his dad who drive to NYC to sell Christmas trees. They give the last tree to a group of men working at a construction site. Later those men show up at the boy’s home with left over supplies from their building and help the father to repair and insulate their home. The book’s epilogue discusses Habitat for Humanity and how the Christmas Tree at Rock

The future of virtual health may enable you to have your child diagnosed and treated without having to miss work.Children under age 15 in the United States make an estimated 71 million visits to the doctor annually. Parents miss plenty of work to make these appointments. Telemedicine is a fantastic alternative. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%- sponsor Telemedicine or virtual care is an extension of in-person care using video visits or emails and phone calls. In many cases, video visits with clinicians can appropriately allocate medical resources and get your child the diagnosis and treatment plan you need. When Telemedicine is Appropriate The exam should be as good as in-person care. For example, ear infection complaints require looking into the ear. Telemedicine works best if the technology is readily available for the necessary examination. Chronic disease management is possible through telemedicine for tracking symptoms long term. Apps and web portals are in development for this purpose. Rural doctors can connect up with experts via technology for assistance in diagnosis and treatment in some cases. It is worthwhile to discuss virtual care with your pediatrician. The ideal is to see a provider virtually who is connected to your child’s medical home, working under the same umbrella with the same access as your primary pediatrician. The goal is to have the standard of care that enables you to get a correct diagnosis for your feverish child without having to take off work and haul him to the pediatrician or urgent care when possible and appropriate. Listen as Dr. Alison Curfman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the future of telemedicine and how it may help your child. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

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%

What's the scoop on flu shots this season?While many elements of your youth have gone away over time, the flu has stuck it out. The best way to try to avoid a flu outbreak in your home is by getting everyone vaccinated. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor This season’s vaccine is only available through injection. This year’s strains are the most likely candidates based on last flu season and world health trends. Your vaccine will contain three or four strains. Everyone over age six should receive the vaccine. This protects you and those around you who may be at higher risk, like the elderly, children five and under, and those with chronic illness. It’s best to get your flu shot in October because flu season usually runs from December to February. It’s not too late to get your vaccine now. Children between six months and eight years of age are recommended to have two doses for their first flu vaccination. The first dose primes the body to create antibodies. The booster is administered about 20 days later. Flu symptoms leave you feeling crummy. Sore muscles, tiredness, diarrhea and fever are signs it’s more than a cold. Listen as Dr. H. Dele Davies joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share what you need to know about flu shots and other booster vaccinations. 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%

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%

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!

Simple tips to show your children that you love them on Valentine's Day and beyond.It seems straightforward to show love to your kids. But, every parent and every child is different. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor First, your words have an impact. Sarcasm and mocking can be upsetting to your child. Be positive and find kinder ways to communicate that don’t make your child feel inferior. Second, express gratitude and respect for your child. “Please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” are important phrases for communication. They may just help you get that smart device set aside for family time by respectfully making requests. Additionally, hugging is important. They’re great for expressing love and encourage physical closeness. Hugs can be calming for parent and child alike. Schedule family times and be sure to keep them. Give your children the time they need. You’re cultivating the way they succeed in their future relationships. Listen as Dr. Naveen Mehrotra joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can demonstrate your love for your child. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

The future of virtual health may enable you to have your child diagnosed and treated without having to miss work.Children under age 15 in the United States make an estimated 71 million visits to the doctor annually. Parents miss plenty of work to make these appointments. Telemedicine is a fantastic alternative. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%- sponsor Telemedicine or virtual care is an extension of in-person care using video visits or emails and phone calls. In many cases, video visits with clinicians can appropriately allocate medical resources and get your child the diagnosis and treatment plan you need. When Telemedicine is Appropriate The exam should be as good as in-person care. For example, ear infection complaints require looking into the ear. Telemedicine works best if the technology is readily available for the necessary examination. Chronic disease management is possible through telemedicine for tracking symptoms long term. Apps and web portals are in development for this purpose. Rural doctors can connect up with experts via technology for assistance in diagnosis and treatment in some cases. It is worthwhile to discuss virtual care with your pediatrician. The ideal is to see a provider virtually who is connected to your child’s medical home, working under the same umbrella with the same access as your primary pediatrician. The goal is to have the standard of care that enables you to get a correct diagnosis for your feverish child without having to take off work and haul him to the pediatrician or urgent care when possible and appropriate. Listen as Dr. Alison Curfman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the future of telemedicine and how it may help your child. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

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%