Healthy Children

The obesity epidemic hasn't gotten any better, so the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated their guidelines.Even though obesity rates have slowly started to decline in adults and preschool aged children, obesity is still a very serious problem for children and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 17 percent (12.7 million) children and adolescents between the ages of 2-19 are obese. Obesity is very complex disorder that is more than just a cosmetic issue. Besides having excessive amounts of skin, you also increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and many other health issues. Due to little improvement in preventing childhood obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) changed its guidelines (previously updated in 2003) to urge pediatricians to prioritize and be more active in childhood weight management. How can your pediatrician be more involved? Cori Cross, MD, shares why obesity rates haven't gotten any better for children, as well as why it's important to talk about prevention with your pediatrician.

The AAP recommends prohibiting public sale of all fireworks, including those by mail or the Internet.Fireworks are a way to celebrate the arrival of summer nights, the USA's national holiday, the fourth of July. However, even though the use of fireworks is illegal in some states, that still doesn't stop people from purchasing them. This can lead to an increased risk of a serious injury to you and your family. What are some fireworks safety tips? First, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to urge families NOT to buy fireworks for their own use. Avoid using fireworks at your home and instead attend a community display of fireworks that are showcased by professionals. Dr. Deborah Mulligan shares some fireworks precautions to follow this summer in order to keep you and your family members safe.

The clever saying, "when thunder roars, go indoors" is a great way to teach your kids summer storm safety.The warmth and humidity that summer brings can make for some great pool or lake days. But, it can also create severe thunderstorms that can do damage to your homes and even your own health. Unfortunately, if you're outside when a thunderstorm hits, there's no safe spot for you. If you hear thunder, that means lightning is not that far away from striking. A common safety phrase you might want to teach your children is, "when thunder roars, go indoors." What are some simple lightning safety tips? Dr. Deborah Mulligan shares essential lightning and thunderstorm safety protocol.

What can you do to keep your children safe this summer?More than 250,000 people were treated for lawnmower-related injuries last year, and the incidence of these injuries is on the rise. Kids under age 19 account for 17,000 of these injuries every year, but adults are mostly affected. Before learning how to mow the lawn, your child should show the maturity, good judgment, strength and coordination that the job requires. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be at least 12 years of age before operating a walk-behind power mower or hand mower safely. Dr. Corinn Cross shares lawnmower safety tips and how you can keep your children safe this summer.

Just asking one simple question can save your child's life.Did you know that in the U.S., one out of three homes that have children contains a gun? In fact, thousands of children are accidental victims due to the easy access to loaded guns in houses where they play. As a parent, how can you protect your child? The ASK (Asking Saves Kids) campaign is hoping to encourage parents to help keep kids safe by simply asking questions on where your child visits. Parents also want to keep that conversation open to kids if they have any questions about gun safety or gun usage. Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss Ask Day and how you can start asking questions to save your child's life.

What are the different types of reactions to bee stings?Even though the spring and summer months can be a joyous time to spend outdoors, there are some precautions you need to be aware of in order to stay safe. For example, bee stings and bug bites might happen more often in the summer than they do at any other time. What are the different types of reactions to bee stings? Local Reactions The sting involves injecting venom into the human from the bee's stinger. The main symptoms are pain, itching, swelling and redness at the sting site. Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1-2 hours. Itching often follows the pain. Swelling: Normal swelling from venom can increase for 24 hours following the sting. Stings of the upper face can cause severe swelling around the eye, but this is harmless. Redness: Bee stings can normally become red. That doesn't mean they are infected. Infections rarely occur in stings. The redness can last three days and the swelling seven days. Anaphylactic Reaction A severe life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. The main symptoms are difficulty breathing and swallowing starting within two hours of the sting. Anaphylactic reactions to bee stings occur in four out of a 1,000 children. What about tick bites? What can you do to protect your child from getting bitten and becoming sick? David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, shares the different reactions your child might have against bee stings and bites, as well as what you can do to treat them.

What are some sun safety tips you need to know in order to protect your family?Summertime might imply that it's time to kick back, relax, and finally enjoy yourself after a long winter bundled up indoors. However, summer also means the sun's power is a lot stronger and you're more at risk for sunburn and developing skin cancer. What are some sun safety tips you need to know in order to protect your family? Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy. When possible, dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats. Select clothes made with a tight weave; they protect better than clothes with a looser weave. If you're not sure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Or, you can look for protective clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Wear a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck. Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. Look for child-sized sunglasses with UV protection for your child. Use sunscreen. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect his or her skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself. Sunscreen is one way that you can protect you and your family's skin from the harmful and powerful UVA/UVB rays. With TONS of options available, how do you know which ones to pick? Use a sunscreen that says "broad-spectrum" on the label; that means it will screen out both UVB and UVA rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (up to SPF 50). An SPF of 15 or 30 should be fine for most people. More research studies are needed to test if sunscreens with more than SPF 50 offer any extra protection. If possible, avoid the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone because of concerns about mild hormonal properties. Remember, though, it's important to take steps to prevent sunburn, so using any sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all. For sensitive areas of the body, such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears, and shoulders, choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products may stay visible on the skin even after you rub them in, and some come in fun colors that children enjoy. What are some other sun safety tips you should follow? Listen in as David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, shares everything you need to know about keeping your loved ones safe from the sun this summer.

Effective food allergy management is necessary at all times and in all situations.The pillars of food allergy management are prevention and emergency preparedness. Very small amounts of food allergen can cause anaphylaxis (severe, life threatening, allergic reaction). To prevent accidental exposure those responsible for kids with food allergies must effectively read labels, prevent cross contact, use efficient cleaning strategies, and communicate clearly. Those responsible for children with food allergies must be able to recognize an allergic reaction, have epinephrine (first line, treatment of choice for anaphylaxis) available, know when and how to use it, and know to contact emergency services immediately. These strategies are always necessary. Anyone responsible for caring for a child with a food allergy must ensure that these strategies are in place. Michael Pistiner, MD, a pediatric allergist from Boston, is here to discuss the importance of preparedness when dealing with a child with food allergies.  More information about Medical Home Chapter Champions Program on Asthma, Allergy and Anaphylaxis

Food allergies are increasingly common. They have the potential to be life threatening and are affecting all children in our communities.Unlike many chronic conditions, food allergies can impact not only the child and family members that are coping with food allergies but also those that interact with the child. Children with food allergies interact with their communities on a constant basis, and food plays a major role in lots of social activities and daily life. Also, kids have the important job of "just being kids" and participating in sports, parties, play dates, and all the activities that kids need to thrive. They interact with a number of individuals throughout the day and can't only be under the care of their parents or other family members.  Coaches, teachers, hosts of play dates and parties, baby sitters, relatives... lots of people play a role in the routine days of all children, whether you have a food allergy or not. Michael Pistiner, MD, a pediatric allergist from Boston, discusses the important part the community plays in keeping your kids safe from food allergies. More information about Medical Home Chapter Champions Program on Asthma, Allergy and Anaphylaxis

If you have a neighborhood dog that seems aggressive, what should your child do if confronted?Staying calm is the best advice if your kids (or you) find themselves confronted with an aggressive dog. If you're getting a dog, make sure you get advice from your vet about what would be the best dog for your family situation. Deborah Mulligan, MD, discusses how to handle an aggressive dog and what to do if you or your child is bitten.