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Child Health & Safety News 11/26: 8 Bath Time Hazards for Kids

Last updated on December 10th, 2018 at 06:27 pm

In this week’s Child Health News: Does Netflix’s ‘13 Reasons Why’ Influence Teen Suicide? Survey Asks At-Risk Youths bit.ly/2R1nBje

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 social media to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we overlook something, but overall we think we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. Still, quite a bit happens every day – so to make sure you don’t miss anything, we offer you a recap of this week’s top 15 events & stories.

How to Parent a Sensitive Child Live in a Less Than Sensitive World bit.ly/2SaFoEU 2018-11-25
Keep this handy for your next roadtrip! Stop backseat bickering. One hillarious solution! buff.ly/2GkAJux 2018-11-24
Probiotic no better than placebo for acute gastroenteritis in children bit.ly/2S5sQyv results of large randomized controlled trial call into question current recommendations 2018-11-23
School-based health centers take leading role in fighting teen suicide http://bit.ly/2KyYDVT 2018-11-23
How Fathers Can Strengthen the Relationships With Their Sons bit.ly/2PKa3Mf 2018-11-21
When Your Child Doesn’t Look Their Age bit.ly/2S05GJR 2018-11-20

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
Avoid These 8 Bath Time Hazards to Keep Your Child Safe in the Tub https://cle.clinic/2KAAG0w

Refugee Kids Are Suffering From Resignation Syndrome bit.ly/2DQjNhC …imagine a child being so traumatized by their life experiences that they shut down completely—no eating, no drinking, no talking, no response to any kind of stimulus. Here in America? 2018-11-20
Child Health must include Eye Health http://bit.ly/2Asm8vn 2018-11-20
What is the Children’s Health Act of 2000? http://bit.ly/2BzwStn 2018-11-20
Kids Who Didn’t Get The Right Answer on Their Tests But Aren’t Exactly Wrong Either (2 pts for creativity) bit.ly/2BgDixC 2018-11-19
November is Child Safety and Prevention Month. One way to keep your child safe is to have an evacuation plan in case of a natural disaster. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2yWzCzs 2018-11-19
The founders of Juul claim they never wanted their product to appeal to minors—but one tobacco expert says the company’s early advertisements wooed young people http://on.forbes.com/6015E8sMP 2018-11-19
Knowing How to Use an AED Can Save a Child’s Life bit.ly/2FF8Hhx 2018-11-19

November 27, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

To Our Wonderful Readers…Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things we’re grateful for…but being part of your lives, day in and day out is one we’re especially proud of.

Our mission is simple: to do whatever we can to make this world a healthier and safer place for kids to grow up in…and as best as possible, to help keep the “ouches” – even the ones you can’t see – to a minimum. To do that we support parents, and caregivers and teachers and medical professionals and anyone else who shares that mission. If you’re here reading this – it means we’re doing something right.

Now it’s our turn to say thank you – to each and every one of you who is looking after a child – whether it’s your child or someone else’s – thank you for everything you do to keep them healthy and safe.

From all of us here at Pediatric Safety, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2018 | Filed Under Community | Leave a Comment

Child Health & Safety News 11/19: Considering a 3rd MMR Dose?

Last updated on December 10th, 2018 at 06:28 pm

In this week’s Child Health News: FDA Seeks Ban On Menthol Cigarettes To Fight Teen Smoking n.pr/2FoPrV2

The Face It® Movement shares ten child safety tips for caregivers during holidays bit.ly/2RZvc1F 2018-11-18
When mandated reporter calls to child protective services are used as a weapon against parents bit.ly/2r0VZiZ 2018-11-18
Preventing Sports Injuries in Children | Health Plus bit.ly/2DL2Bu6 2018-11-18
Dayton Children’s takes action in response to ‘disturbingly low’ child flu shot rates – the hospital now has flu shots available for children 7 and older at its pharmacies. bit.ly/2DJCF1T 2018-11-18
Kids’ Mental-Health Issues on the Rise in the Emergency Dept | Psych Congress bit.ly/2A0L7pn 2018-11-17

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
Have You Considered a 3rd MMR Dose? bit.ly/2TgNbCt
The new CDC guidance does not generally recommend a 3rd dose of mumps-containing vaccine except when it can be used to shorten the duration of an ongoing mumps outbreak

Low-emission zones ineffective in improving child lung health, study says cnn.it/2A65zoy 2018-11-17
When to Start Swimming Lessons for Kids bit.ly/2qPEzpa 2018-11-17
RSV concern this time of year; watch for these signs bit.ly/2QGQYqO 2018-11-16
4 Family Friendly Workouts That Combine Fitness with Fun – Thurs Time Capsule: 11/12 bit.ly/2TftF9i 2018-11-15
How to Successfully (& Sensitively) Argue With Your Child bit.ly/2qOlHHc 2018-11-15
Researchers identify risk factors of advanced liver disease in cystic fibrosis patients bit.ly/2QHg8FG 2018-11-14
Study finds that a “Make-A-Wish” gift can transform a sick child’s health on.today.com/2RTkI3Q 2018-11-14
WhiteHouse.gov petition aimed at making school bus safety a federal law bit.ly/2zSoK5l 2018-11-14
How to talk to children about shootings: An age-by-age guide on.today.com/2DBf2sf 2018-11-13
As we honor our veterans today, we honor the sacrifices their families make as well. Learn more about the strength and resiliency military children have this VeteransDay: http://ow.ly/1Csn30mzKBm 2018-11-12
How to Raise a Charitable Child – Hidden Ways They Benefit bit.ly/2qHONYw 2018-11-12

November 20, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

Knowing How to Use an AED Can Save a Child’s Life

Last updated on December 10th, 2018 at 06:28 pm

We have a problem in this country, sudden cardiac arrest. Approximately 450,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the United States. It can happen to anybody, anywhere, anytime and without any warning, so helping a person suffering from cardiac arrest is all about what you do immediately following the persons collapse. The best “save” rates have been reported when using an automated external defibrillator or AED to deliver an electric shock or defibrillation within three minutes of the patient’s collapse. Early defibrillation in conjunction with C.P.R has been found to be the only definitive treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. For every minute that a person in cardiac arrest goes without being successfully treated by defibrillation the chance of survival decreases by 7 percent per minute in the first minutes, and decreases by 10 percent per minute as time advances beyond 3 minutes, so starting life saving measures such as CPR and using the AED as soon as it arrives it essential.

Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest include:

Collapse

Lack of pulse

No breathing

Unconsciousness

With time being of the essence and the average response time for emergency services being 10 to 12 minutes (which may not be fast enough for a patient because after approximately three to five minutes irreversible brain damage may begin to occur if there is no defibrillation), having access to an AED and knowing how to use it is very important. So how do you use an Automated External Defibrillator? As we said before, AED’s are very user friendly and speak in plain English and will walk you through the entire process, even reminding you to call for help if you haven’t already done so. In the basic life support class we have a pneumonic that helps people remember the 4 basic steps to using an AED: P.A.A.S. This stands for Power, Attach, Analyze, and Shock.

Power: Most AED’s turn on when open but some may have a power button.

Attach stands for attaching the defibrillator pads to the chest of the patient to match the pictures that are provided on the pads.

Analyze means to let the machine analyze the patient’s heart rhythm and determine if the patient needs to be defibrillated,

Shock means to manually press the shock button and shock the patient if and when the machine says it’s time to do so.

Now as we said before, having the proper training will make this whole process much smoother but is not a requirement. I would however recommend it.

Where to find an AED? AED’s either held by trained personnel who will attend events or are public access units which can be found in places including corporate and government offices, shopping centers, airports, airplanes, restaurants , casinos, hotels, sports stadiums, schools, and universities, community centers, fitness centers, health clubs, theme parks, workplaces and any other location where people may congregate. In many areas, emergency vehicles are likely to carry AEDs, with some units carrying an AED in addition to manual defibrillators. Some areas even have dedicated community first responders, who are volunteers tasked with keeping an AED and taking it to any victims in their area. AEDs are also increasingly common on commercial airliners, cruise ships, and other transportation facilities and with advances in technology and policy requiring AED’s to be placed in more and more places AED’s are becoming more accessible as well as more affordable.

Automated External Defibrillators are truly miracle machines and are changing people’s lives for the better and I hope this article has given you a basic understanding of how to use one should the time come. I encourage everyone to take a certified AED instruction course and really become familiar with these machines and the process involved in using them because you never know when you could be called to action and as we said before, there is nothing better you can do in a cardiac arrest situation than using an AED.

Thank you and Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

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Editor’s Note: Sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes is nowhere near as common as it is across the general population, however when it occurs, it is unexpected and the results are often tragic. It’s estimated that between 6,000 and 8,000 young people experience sudden cardiac arrest (or SCA) each year, and only about one in 10 survive. An AED can save their life, however today only 15 states require them on school campuses. Not all of those require them to be present on athletic fields. Parents that means its up to you. Be observant. During the sports season, look out for signs that your child may be struggling. And talk to your school about AED’s. Source: Nemours Children’s Hospital

November 19, 2018 | Filed Under Community | 6 Comments

Child Health & Safety News 11/12: Measles On Rise Among Orthodox

Last updated on December 10th, 2018 at 06:29 pm

In this week’s Child Health News: Tiny pacemaker prototype avoids open chest surgery for infants bit.ly/2Pmk9mA

The worst “social network” is the one you can’t delete: Group texts are the new cliques for teens and tweens bit.ly/2qCeKsK 2018-11-11
10 Alternative Treatments in Pediatrics to Avoid bit.ly/2zM8GBR 2018-11-11
Rwanda aims for universal coverage of maternal, child health services by 2024 bit.ly/2PomP3b 2018-11-10
Expanding polymer water beads recalled over child safety fears ab.co/2T0LGrP Intended for floral arrangements, Consumer Protection said if the balls were swallowed, they could expand and block a child’s intestines or bowel, or be a choking hazard. 2018-11-10
Why you shouldn’t hold a baby in flight strib.mn/2zGK7Gv 2018-11-10
Pediatric Anesthesia Does Not Affect Development Outcomes bit.ly/2QxioPI 2018-11-10
Are child walkers actually safe? bit.ly/2DxWLfz Not really. 2018-11-09

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
New York’s Orthodox Jewish community is battling measles outbreaks. bit.ly/2T5abUz
Currently all cases are occurring in the unvaccinated or undervaccinated Orthodox population

Why Research Says it’s Actually Good for Kids to Daydream bit.ly/2QdkMLj 2018-11-09
How Shyness and Introversion Are Different in Kids bit.ly/2Pha1vd 2018-11-08
End the Teeth-Brushing Battles Thurs Time Capsule: 11/12 bit.ly/2Pe9p9H 2018-11-08
Can Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools Keep Your Kids Safe? Or Does it Do More Harm Than Good? bit.ly/2zBb7aj 2018-11-07
Gender-diverse youth need pediatrician advocates bit.ly/2SPzc63 2018-11-07
Pediatricians strengthen stance against spanking kids cnn.it/2SKUZw1 2018-11-07
Youth TBI laws promote head injury evaluation in emergency department bit.ly/2SNF3sP 2018-11-06
The Effects of Armed Conflict on Children bit.ly/2JMLGYp “Armed conflict directly and indirectly affects children’s physical, mental, and behavioral health. It can affect every organ system, and its impact can persist throughout the life course…” 2018-11-06
Instant soups account for more than 20% of pediatric scald injuries bit.ly/2AMYISx While adults may burn the roof of their mouths, kids with developing motor skills, burn their torsos. 2018-11-06
Letter from frustrated dad helps spark initiative to address pediatric cancer in Nebraska bit.ly/2JHdFII 2018-11-05
5 children killed and 7 injured in one week – hit by motorists as they boarded school-buses – Please Read: School Bus Stop Arms Are Being Ignored: How to Fix That bit.ly/2JFMZIA 2018-11-05
10 Parenting Strategies for Raising Happy Kids bit.ly/2quitIK 2018-111-05
How to Care For Your Child if They Chip a Tooth bit.ly/2AKjpyr 2018-11-05

November 13, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

How to Raise a Charitable Child – Hidden Ways They Benefit

Last updated on December 10th, 2018 at 06:29 pm

You know charity starts at home. Here’s how to cultivate a giving spirit in kids and start an UnSelfie Revolution, so they think we, not me!

Samantha is not yet 4 years old, but she already has the makings of a charitable child. She was distributing school supplies with her family to kids at a shelter and noticed one child in a corner didn’t have a backpack. She picked up a spare, walked to him and said, “I sorry you don’t have one. I hope you happy.”

The preschooler may have missed a few words. But her message displayed empathy and a charitable spirit, all because her parents were raising her to care about others. And the benefits of doing so? Oh, let me count the ways.

Over and over, researchers are finding that empathy is the cornerstone for becoming a happy, well-adjusted, successful adult.

Studies show that possessing empathy also makes children more likable, more employable, better leaders, more conscience-driven, and even increases their overall performance.

The best news is that empathy can be cultivated, and one of the best empathy generators are service projects to help kids step out of their comfort zones, open their eyes, and expose them to others’ lives. And there are other proven ways to raise an empathetic child as well. Here are simple, science-backed tips adapted for this blog from my book, “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed In Our All-About-Me World” to inspire generosity in your children 365 days a year:

1. Prioritize caring. Harvard University’s Making Caring Common Project report, “The Children We Mean to Raise: The Real Messages Adults Are Sending About Values,” found that most teens value academic achievement and individual happiness over caring for others. Their reason for this? Kids believed that’s what adults value.

Prioritize charitableness in your family chats. Be clear that you expect them not only to do their academic best, but to care about others. Display photos of your kids engaged in thoughtful endeavors, rather than just showcasing their school successes, athletic prowess or having them look cute for the camera, so they recognize that how much they care about others matters to you.

2. Be a charitable role model. The old saying, “Children learn what they live,” has a lot of truth to it. Studies show that if parents are generous and giving, kids are likely to adopt those qualities. So show your child the joy you get by giving.

There are so many daily opportunities: phoning a friend who is down, collecting blankets for the homeless, volunteering at a food bank. After volunteering, be sure to tell your child how good it made you feel.

3. Make it a family routine. A simple way to inspire children’s generosity is by reinforcing it. Keep a box by your backdoor to encourage family members to donate their gently used toys, games or books. Then each time the box is filled, deliver the items as a family to a shelter or needy family. Make charity a routine ritual that becomes a cherished childhood memory.

4. Acknowledge charitableness. Whenever your child acts in a kind-hearted way, say so: Thank them for being kind or helping out. Also, let your kids overhear (without them thinking they’re supposed to) you describing their caring qualities to others.

5. Use real events. Instead of just bemoaning bad news, talk about how you might help in the local community. It could be donating items to help after a widely publicized fire, or thinking about ways to assist the most vulnerable – like the homeless – during the winter. You can start at home, too, such as teaching them to be there for a family member who is going through a hard time.

6. Start a “giving plan.” Encourage your children to give a portion of their allowance – or tooth fairy money – to a charity of their choice. Provide three small plastic containers for younger kids or envelopes for teens that are labeled: “Save,” “Spend,” and “Give,” and help them decide which percentage of their money is to be allocated to each container.

7. Find your child’s passion. Kids are more likely to want to get involved in service projects that match their interests. Help your kids choose something they’re good at and enjoy doing. If he loves reading: read to the blind; enjoys writing: be a pen pal to an overseas orphan; likes sports: volunteer for the Special Olympics; is musical: play at a homeless shelter; enjoys knitting: knit a beanie for a soldier. You get the idea.

8. Make charity a family affair – or share the experience with friends. Find a service to do together, like serving in a soup kitchen. If your child enjoys volunteering with friends, ask if she’d like to do her project with someone. Or your child can form a club with neighbors, classmates, members of their scout troop or a church group.

9. Recap their impact. Research has found that children who are given the opportunity to help others tend to become more helpful, especially if the impact of their helpful actions is pointed out. So encourage your child to reflect on her volunteering experiences: “What did the person do when you helped? How do you think he felt? How did you feel? Is lending a hand easier than it used to be?” And do remind your kids that their caring efforts are making a difference.

10. Keep giving. A once-a-year day of volunteering is rarely enough for a child to adopt a charitable mindset. Look for ways to help your children experience the joy of giving on a regular basis: baking an extra batch of cookies for the lonely neighbor next door, adopting an orphan overseas (a portion of their allowance each week goes to that child), singing to a nursing home to add a little joy. The goal of getting kids involved in charity is not about winning the Nobel Peace Prize, but to give them the opportunity to experience goodness.

The truth is, kids don’t learn how to be kind from reading about it in a textbook, but from doing kind deeds. The more children witness or experience what it feels like to give, the more likely they will develop a charitable spirit. And that’s how we’ll raise the next generation to be good, caring people.

What are you doing to help your children learn the value of giving to others?

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Teens today are 40 percent less empathetic than they were thirty years ago. Why is a lack of empathy—along with the self-absorption epidemic Dr. Michele Borba calls the Selfie Syndrome—so dangerous? First, it hurts kids’ academic performance and leads to bullying behaviors. Also, it correlates with more cheating and less resilience. And once children grow up, it hampers their ability to collaborate, innovate and problem-solve—all must-have skills for the global economy. The good news? Empathy is a trait that can be taught and nurtured. UnSelfie is a blueprint for parents and educators who want activate our children’s hearts and shift their focus from I, me, and mine… to we, us, and ours. It’s time to include “empathy” in our parenting and teaching! UnSelfie is AVAILABLE NOW at amazon.com.

November 12, 2018 | Filed Under Affiliate, Community | Leave a Comment

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