Child Health & Safety News Roundup: 02-18-2013 to 02-24-2013
Welcome to Pediatric Safety’s weekly “Child Health & Safety News Roundup”- a recap of the past week’s child health and safety news headlines from around the world.
Each day we use Twitter to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and other caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we may miss something, but we think overall we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. But for our friends and colleagues who are not on Twitter (or who are but may have missed something), we offer you a recap of the past week’s top 20 events & stories.
- The Recycling Therapist: Hundreds of Simple Therapy Materials You Can Make http://t.co/yDMJiuT14Y 2013-02-24
- Lawmaker wants child safety alarms installed in daycare vehicles http://t.co/Ey9hB8Q4y0 thoughts?? 2013-02-24
- Reminder – February is Children’s Dental Health Month http://t.co/mQsWv4fVPh 2013-02-23
- Easy To Install Car Seat LATCH Systems Could Kill Your Child http://t.co/CVlcL1MHdZ dramatic headline perhaps, but still an important issue 2013-02-23
- School choice and kids’ safety: Preventing bullying http://t.co/5IMybsi48b interesting post – worth a look 2013-02-22
PedSafe Headline of the Week:
Wireless Amber Alert leads to safe return of child http://t.co/NXWe66pIh2
…what happens when we work together to save kids’ lives
- Child safety packs help protect vulnerable UK children in social housing http://t.co/jo1WYNGJuq nice! 2013-02-22
- How to Talk to Your Kids About…Sex http://t.co/WbrWyQp3n5 2013-02-22
- Safety Tech Now Offering Child Guard Wireless Child Monitor http://t.co/Xq9z4FmdHZ alerts when child goes out of range… 2013-02-22
- Child safety: What some grandparents don’t know http://t.co/rrO6IlLHve 2013-02-22
- Talking to Your Child About Sex & the Internet: Must read by @marykayhoal on Yoursphere for Parents http://t.co/GpdD4TUkMZ 2013-02-21
- Hey Fragrance Manufacturers, Please Disclose Your Ingredients! | Healthy Child Healthy World http://t.co/JZZ39p7wG2 2013-02-21
- Have Your Kids Had An Issue With Their Medicine? Report any probs to the FDA! http://t.co/4QA4noX41Y 2013-02-20
- New Studies Point the Way to Children Breathing Easier With Asthma | Healthy Child Healthy World http://t.co/5VAsYxme 2013-02-20
- Child’s death after dresser tip-over prompts safety recall of dressers http://t.co/FQG1Itr0 2013-02-20
- Gun violence is a pediatric public health crisis http://t.co/sDNaWunA wonderfully written post by pediatrics emergency/trauma doctors 2013-02-20
- Family Fitness: Stretches Everyone Will Love http://t.co/NRnBpAJg 2013-02-20
- Winter sledding: Child safety in the snow http://t.co/PFZROwhh 2013-02-19
- Burn prevention: Child safety begins at home http://t.co/qHlR5uYz terrific tips from Riley Children’s Hospital & Safe Kids 2013-02-19
- Pure Fun trampoline is well-named and therapeutic – Los Angeles Special Needs Kids | http://t.co/Lqyfjr9M http://t.co/KZ6Cyh4i 2013-02-19
- Computer Vision Syndrome: Is Your Technology Harming Your Vision? http://t.co/JwuiS28x 2013-02-18
How to Talk to Your Kids About…Sex
For most parents, the thought of having “the talk” makes our hands sweaty and our minds go blank. We are afraid of saying the wrong thing or saying too much or too little.
There is not a set script. However, here are some guiding principles for you to consider when you sit down to talk to your children about sex.
Set a foundation.
Establish open lines of communication with our children early. They need to trust us and know they can come to us with any and all questions they might have about any topic. Respect their questions, don’t laugh, don’t belittle, and don’t avoid conversation topics.
Talking won’t make them “do it”
Research shows that teens who have talked to their parents about sex are more likely to wait longer to begin being sexually active and are more likely to use contraception.
Don’t be the last to talk.
We might not like it, but peers, the internet, music, and TV are talking to our children about this topic. If we don’t speak up and teach our children, they will listen to all the other voices that are louder than ours. Be sure your voice is heard and don’t be the last one to talk. It is important we talk to our children when they are young, and if possible, have both parents present.
Be Anatomically Correct
Using silly terms for body parts will not make your conversation less awkward. Do your children a favor and talk about body parts using their real names.
Know Your Stuff
It is really hard to have a conversation when you don’t know very much about the topic. Learn the terms so you know how to explain the concepts.
Review the Material
Many schools offer maturation and sex-education to our children in the 5th and 6th grades respectively. Do you know what your children are going to be learning? Go to school and review the curriculum to make sure they are not being taught information you disagree with. Talk to your children before they attend these school classes. It will make it less awkward for both of you and safeguard your children from being embarrassed or blindsided with the information.
Basic Components to Include
- Anatomy and reproduction.
- Intercourse
- Pregnancy
- Other forms of sexual behavior
- Abstinence and Birth Control
- Self Image including the messages that dress and clothing sends to others
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Emotional aspects of sex
- Religious Views on Sexual Activity
Practice
There is nothing wrong with rehearsing the conversation before it starts. Think through what questions your child might ask and practice your answers.
Listen (…don’t just lecture)
Your children have probably heard more about this topic than you think. They might not know what all the vocabulary means, but the words are out there. During the conversation, listen, and let them tell you what they know. It will give you a good idea of how to address the topic and what you should say.
This conversation will be different with each child. But if you can keep the above in mind, it will really help as you talk to your children about this difficult subject.
Child Health & Safety News Roundup: 02-11-2013 to 02-17-2013
Welcome to Pediatric Safety’s weekly “Child Health & Safety News Roundup”- a recap of the past week’s child health and safety news headlines from around the world.
Each day we use Twitter to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and other caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we may miss something, but we think overall we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. But for our friends and colleagues who are not on Twitter (or who are but may have missed something), we offer you a recap of the past week’s top 10 events & stories.
- When your child gets hurt, how would you know if they need to be evaluated for a broken bone? Confessions of a Dr. Mom http://t.co/dpc5Szu6 2013-02-16
- Sippy cups and their impact on your child’s health http://t.co/DxbzPulh 2013-02-16
- On Feb 23rd: AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film is “Escape from Planet Earth” http://t.co/85CTG4fQ 2013-02-15
- Top 5 Tips for a Healthy and Safe Nursery | Healthy Child Healthy World http://t.co/VaBfZVNM 2013-02-15
- Parenting Special Needs magazine’s Jan/Feb 2013 issue is online & it’s free! LA Special Needs Kids Examiner http://t.co/CU92s0Ni 2013-02-14
PedSafe Headline of the Week:
Kik – What It Is and What Parents Need to Know: http://t.co/j3l7jmrK
- Establish safety rules for your child when they’re home alone http://t.co/CtmWJupC 2013-02-14
- Privacy Protection: Child Video Game Online Safety http://t.co/0hle5QGq 2013-02-14
- 9 Steps to Planning a Healthy Spring Break for You & Your Kids! | Healthy Child Healthy World http://t.co/2AUrFlgN 2013-02-13
- Getting Braces: How to Find an Orthodontist You Can Trust: http://t.co/I70xX1U4 2013-02-13
Feb 23rd: AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film is Escape from Planet Earth
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” films in a safe and accepting environment.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden”.
On Saturday February 23rd at 10am local time, Escape from Planet Earth will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming March 30th: The Croods 2-D
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Editor’s note: Although Escape from Planet Earth has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for action and some mild rude humor. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
Getting Braces: How to Find an Orthodontist You Can Trust
First things first: I hope you had a wonderful holiday. My 9-year-old daughter, Kate, believes in Santa, so the last couple of weeks of 2011 were filled with wonderful anticipation (“Will he bring me a Harry Potter wand?”) and good behavior (the Santa card is better than any time-out chair). Speaking of magical creatures that leave presents, Kate is also fond of her visits from the tooth fairy. And that brings me to what I’d love to share with you today.
I wasn’t prepared for what happened at her pediatric dentist’s office recently during a routine cleaning. Her dentist checked the teeth for cavities (none – yay!), put on a couple of sealants, told her she needs to floss a little better (we’re working on that – thanks, Disney Princess Flossers!), and then the surprise: She handed me a couple of business cards for local orthodontists. I must have stood there with my mouth wide open, but words weren’t coming out. What was in my head: My kid has lots of baby teeth left! Why on Earth would she need to see an orthodontist now? The dentist suggested that Kate get a consultation before her next visit – and then got called away for an emergency.
I’m sure I could have phoned the dentist the next day to follow up, but I hit the Web instead. And I found out that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids see an orthodontist by age 7 to check for crowded teeth or misaligned bites. The crowded-teeth issue actually rang a bell; I remember from previous visits that Kate’s dentist suspected that her mouth might be too small for her big-kid chompers. But I was still feeling uneasy because I’ve heard from my friends who have older kids that you can go to three orthodontists and get three different opinions. So I decided to call Ted Sherwin, a family dentist in Orange, Va., and spokesman for the Academy of General Dentistry, for some straight answers.
Sherwin acknowledged that it can be difficult for parents to reconcile the treatment recommendations from various orthodontists, but he also pointed out: “There is more than one path to successful results.” Hmm. Sherwin added that an orthodontist recommendation from a family dentist you trust is golden. And you don’t have to stop there. After a little more digging, I found that HealthGrades.com, an independent website, allows patients to comment on the medical or dental care they receive from a particular practitioner.
As it turned out, one of the business cards Kate’s dentist handed me was for an orthodontist that my friend had also recommended. With two thumbs up, it seemed smart to try him first. We’ve got an appointment in a few weeks.
In the meantime, Kate is eagerly anticipating another visit from the tooth fairy. “Do you think that instead of giving me money, she can get Daniel Radcliffe to call me?” asked Kate. My response: “No, sweetie, the tooth fairy doesn’t take special requests.”
Child Health & Safety News Roundup: 02-04-2013 to 02-10-2013
Welcome to Pediatric Safety’s weekly “Child Health & Safety News Roundup”- a recap of the past week’s child health and safety news headlines from around the world.
Each day we use Twitter to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and other caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we may miss something, but we think overall we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. But for our friends and colleagues who are not on Twitter (or who are but may have missed something), we offer you a recap of the past week’s top 15 events & stories.
- A pilot program in Indy to provide mental health services to prevent kids from entering the court system has been successful and is now expanding http://t.co/xxZ92TRM 2013-02-10
- New Children’s Electronic Health Record Format Announced http://t.co/xwDBKd7C before, most EHR’s couldn’t capture child-specific data 2013-02-09
- Consumer Affairs overview of “cool gadgets to keep your kids safe” http://t.co/2Z8P8RFk 2013-02-09
- How to Find Age-Appropriate Apps for Your Kids: Yoursphere for Parents- Helping Families Live Healthy Digital Lives http://t.co/USTcNpMv 2013-02-08
PedSafe Headline of the Week:
YouTube Isn’t As Safe For Children As Parents Think, Study Finds http://t.co/MTVHlv8a
- Is This The Flu I’ve Been Hearing About Or Something Different? RSV Season In Texas by TX Child’s Hosp http://t.co/PHbtpXve 2013-02-07
- Protecting kids at home, with friends is balancing act http://t.co/SFl1nCAg ** at the bottom is a list of Q’s to ask before a new playdate 2013-02-07
- School Bus Safety Company Adds to Curriculum with Training on Child Safety Around School Buses http://t.co/en6Gp7Ox 2013-02-07
- Quick Fixes For Kids’ Winter Skin Woes: Humidify Safely! | Healthy Child Healthy World http://t.co/x3vE75Cp 2013-02-07
- A Key Tool in Flu Prevention: Your Child’s Elbow: http://t.co/1cb4StS6 2013-02-06
- The Fluoride Conundrum: Is Fluoride Safe For Kids? | Healthy Child Healthy World http://t.co/Mak3L2UM 2013-02-06
- House Overwhelmingly Approves Legislation to Support Pediatric Health Care http://t.co/OQ6wABai Nice! 2013-02-05
- New approaches to combating the high levels of rheumatic fever in NZ and Australian children http://t.co/BnwW7P2a 2013-02-05
- Children are as ‘upset’ by online violence and animal cruelty as they are by porn & bullying, study finds http://t.co/rY5PpjyB 2013-02-05
- Summer Camps are “Serious Fun” for Special Needs Kids: http://t.co/xXxCVnJk 2013-02-04