Child Health & Safety News 9/24: France’s School Smartphone Ban

Last updated on October 14th, 2018 at 08:24 pm

In this week’s Child Health News: It’s Absolutely Not Safe To Let Your Baby Sleep In A Car Seat After the Ride is Over– Here’s Why bit.ly/2pmJVaX

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.

• International medical graduates embrace care of underserved U.S. kids bit.ly/2OKNliI 2018-9-23
• How household cleaners could be impacting your child’s health bit.ly/2xDUkTc 2018-9-23
• Trump admin moves $260M from cancer research, HIV/AIDS programs to cover custody of immigrant children costs cnn.it/2poX2Iv  2018-9-22
• 10 things a pediatric oncologist wants you to know bit.ly/2PV0iqt 2018-9-21
• 7 Ways to Curb Obnoxious Behavior Fast bit.ly/2prT6qu 2018-9-21

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
France Bans Smartphones in Schools Through 9th Grade. Will It Help Students? nyti.ms/2xFg6WO

• Safe Kids 2018 Ultimate Car Seat Guide bit.ly/2xGXOqn  2018-9-21
• Stop, Look & Paws: Fantastic New Innovation That Teaches Kids How to Be Safe Around Dogs bit.ly/2O0zTKl 2018-9-21
• Excess Weight Gain or Loss During Pregnancy Tied to Child’s Heart Health – The New York Times ow.ly/wrA830lUv0a  2018-9-21
• ‘Clear and present danger to child’: Pediatricians urge parents not to buy baby walkers on.today.com/2QKuiGt 2018-9-20
• 5 Things Not to Say to Your Tween Daughter – Thurs Time Capsule – 09/11 bit.ly/2plSTF5 2018-9-20
• The New, Improved World of Infant Care on.wsj.com/2pgZAsc high tech advances that are helping to avoid a range of illnesses by early detection and prevention 2018-9-18
• New Guidance for Pediatricians for Care of Transgender Children, Teenagers wb.md/2xuWvbQ 2018-9-18
• Few teens with chronic health problems have plans to take charge of their own care and transition to seeing doctors who treat adults https://reut.rs/2xM2IA5 2018-9-18
• New Pediatric Online Community for Parents of Children with Kidney Disease https://prn.to/2O407fb  2018-9-17
• How to Make Back to School Feel Safe? a Pediatrician Perspective bit.ly/2p8oYA6 2018-9-17
• Reward Systems Can Motivate Kids to Change These Behaviors Fast bit.ly/2D2KFeR 2018-9-17

Best Dental Hygiene For Your Child, From Baby to Teenager

Last updated on July 3rd, 2020 at 03:07 pm

A smile is important at every age, but especially for children. The health of a child’s smile today can affect his or her oral health decades down the road.

Here are a few important things that your dentist wants you to know in regard to helping children of all ages have healthy teeth for life.

Infancy

Pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by age 1, or when the first teeth erupt. Before your baby gets teeth, clean his or her gums with a soft damp washcloth after every feeding.

Once teeth start to erupt, use a small toothbrush to clean your child’s teeth with tap water or a rice-sized smear of fluoridated toothpaste (recent ADA recommendations have change from introducing fluoride toothpaste at a later age, to a much younger one).

Toddlerhood

Until your child can tie his or her own shoes, he or she needs your help brushing his or her teeth. While it’s fine to encourage independent tooth brushing, be sure to go back behind your child to get a “good” clean in at least twice daily.

Start to watch for teeth touching side-by-side. If they do, use a handheld floss pick to clean these areas, too.

School Age Children

By now, your child is likely brushing his or her own teeth and starting to learn how to floss. Adult molars will be erupting somewhere around the age of 6 (first set) and 12 (second set). Boys tend to get theirs around the same time or slightly later. When they do, talk to your dentist about getting protective sealants to prevent cavities before they start.

Teens

The day finally arrives when your child has a full set of permanent (adult) teeth. Encourage daily flossing, since these teeth will be with him or her for life.

During dental appointments, have your dentist evaluate your teen’s bite for possible orthodontic needs along with developing wisdom teeth. Because your teen’s oral anatomy is still developing, it’s the best time to intercept any orthognathic (skeletal) needs. By the time your teen reaches 18 or early-college age, his or her oral anatomy will be nearly completely formed.

Schedule a Dental Checkup Twice a Year

Be sure to take your child for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. These regular visits allow your dentist to screen for common issues that can leave a lasting impact on your child’s smile. With great preventative care and oral hygiene starting at a young age, your child can enjoy a confident smile that lasts for years to come.

Child Health & Safety News 9/17: 8 Easy-To-Miss Car Seat Hazards

Last updated on July 3rd, 2020 at 03:07 pm

In this week’s Child Health News: Horrific New Playground ‘Stunt’  – Roundabout of Death – Left 11 Year Old Boy with Serious Head Injuries bit.ly/2Mx4IS3 

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 20 events & stories.

• The Art and Science of Raising a Sensitive Boy (Without Crushing his Spirit) bit.ly/2pbcPuv 2018-9-16
• This One Trick Can Save Parents $2,000 a Year On Day Care bit.ly/2D0BhbI parents – check on Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA)2018-9-16
• Virtual reality app could lessen anxiety for pediatric patients during MRI bit.ly/2CYpfzG 2018-9-16
• Parents, take note: Kids, teen, college student mental health problems on the rise abcn.ws/2D0nr9d 2018-9-15
• Brief psychotherapy benefits women caring for children with severe health issues bit.ly/2CZRsWG 2018-9-15

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
8 Easy-To-Miss Car Seat Hazards That a Child Safety Tech Wants You to Be Aware Of and Keep In Mind http://bit.ly/2pi3RM4 

• This Girl Was Hospitalized After Getting Her Ears Pierced, & Parents Are Freaked bit.ly/2pd0plz 2018-9-15
• When Parents Are In Jail, Their Kids’ Health Suffers bit.ly/2NJRCFT here’s a pilot program to change that 2018-9-15
• How To Teach Kids Storytelling To Improve Their Friendships bit.ly/2xcJmnv 2018-9-14
• The Problem With Parents and Social Media bit.ly/2x2dEKr 2018-9-13
• But Mom, what if it’s not just a sprain? Thurs Time Capsule 09/11 bit.ly/2N7B1Mv 2018-9-13
• There’s A Reason Babies Stop Crying When You Stand Up bit.ly/2x6TJt6 there is a science behind this 2018-9-12
• How To Prepare When You Are Expecting Healthy Twins bit.ly/2OdOZJd 2018-9-12
• EMS Providers Recall 9/11 bit.ly/2CNaXlj A day of remembrance and gratitude. We honor those who bravely gave their lives coming to rescue all who had fallen. 2018-9-11
• Do your children know what you do? Eat dinner together and tell them. bit.ly/2xb6naz 2018-9-11
• Parenting Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Preschoolers bit.ly/2x1O2gB 2018-9-11
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Children 6 years and older should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Active play is the best exercise for younger children. Learn more here: ow.ly/4ic430lJpkC 2018-9-10
• Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences (2018) | Common Sense Media bit.ly/2wZF6sa 2018-9-10
• The nation’s ‘first safety-demonstration home’ will break ground in KC http://bit.ly/2pgGket 2018-9-10
• How to Keep Kids From Getting Bit Helping with Dog Training bit.ly/2QfMYOq 2018-9-10

How To Teach Kids Storytelling To Improve Their Friendships

Last updated on September 27th, 2018 at 02:09 pm

Thinking, speaking or acting impulsively without planning or thinking things out poses social challenges for children. We can help children better manage their impulsive thoughts, words, and actions by using a storytelling activity we call The Thought Bubble Technique. In this visual conversation activity, we help children think, write, draw, and talk about what characters in a story might be thinking, feeling, saying or doing. The Thought Bubble Technique encourages children to use their imaginations while building their thinking skills.

Here is how you do it…

Open a book with vivid imagery such as a Dr. Seuss book. Let your child or student turn the pages until he discovers a page he finds interesting. Tell your child, “We’re going to use our imaginations. We’re going to imagine a thought bubble is over the head of each of the characters on the page. Then we’re going to imagine what they might be thinking.”

By looking at the images on the page ask your child to make up a story about what’s happening on the page. What are the characters thinking? What are the characters saying? What are the characters doing? How are the characters feeling?

Help the child “THINK OUT” how is the thought, feeling or action helpful or not helpful? How might the other characters respond? How can the characters shift their thoughts, words, feeling or actions so that each story has a happier ending?

The key is to use the creative exploration of images to help the child thoughtfully reflect on how words, thoughts, feelings, and actions are prosocial, facilitating relationships or challenging causing others to feel uncomfortable, unhappy or withdrawn. Use your own creative license, adapt the “Cognitive Conversation” with the child to help him or her see things in a new way. Thoughtful exploration leads to the mindful development of new thinking skills.

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Written for teachers, educators, and clinicians whose work involves playing, talking or teaching children who would benefit from better executive function and social-emotional learning skills, 70 Play Activities incorporates over 100 research studies into printable worksheets, handouts, and guided scripts with step-by-step directions, to empower children to learn and behave better. “With 70 Play Activities we aim to improve the trajectory of children’s learning by integrating the newest neuroscience with activities children love!” With over 70 activities designed to improve thinking, self-regulation, learning and behavior, your tool-kit will be full and your creative brain will be inspired to craft your own meaningful exercises. 70 Play Activities is available at amazon.com

Child Health & Safety News 9/10: New AAP Child Seat Guidelines

Last updated on July 3rd, 2020 at 03:07 pm

In this week’s Child Health News: New study recommends against brain scans for kids with concussion http://bit.ly/2N3ZtP4 

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 20 events & stories.

• Here’s How Many Immigrant Kids Are Still Separated From Their Parents bit.ly/2wY5lz3 2018-9-09
• A teen who spent his free time speaking out against gun violence was shot and killed in Chicago cnn.it/2wY5dj3 2018-9-09
• AAP Raises Concerns That Food Colors May Damage Children’s Health bit.ly/2wUhB32 2018-9-09
• Children’s Health: Backpack Safety bit.ly/2wRRtXa 2018-9-09
• How to Keep Your Kids Safe on the Playground bit.ly/2MafFJa  2018-9-08

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
What You Need to Know About the New American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Child Seat Guidelines   bit.ly/2wDPDIJ

• We Must Stop Destroying our Children – Children’s Defense Fund bit.ly/2CwsUEs 2018-9-08
• Strategies Parents Can Use for Handling Out-of-Control Kids bit.ly/2wUkBx7  2018-9-08
• Health Matters: What to do when your child bullies other kids nbcnews.to/2wVoGkq 2018-9-08
• 3 Tips to Raise a Drug-Free Child bit.ly/2wPNaLi 2018-9-07
• How Can My Allergic Kid Join In When It’s All About the Food bit.ly/2wPvS0F 2018-9-07
• How to Talk to Your Kids About…Strangers: Thurs Time Capsule 08/12 – bit.ly/2M18vXL  2018-9-06
• Four million UK children too poor to have a healthy diet, study finds bit.ly/2wL2LLY 2018-9-06
• Advocacy Group Urges Testing Water for Lead at Child-Care Centers bit.ly/2MPEcs1 Despite the health risks, only 7 states and New York City require licensed child-care facilities to conduct testing for lead in drinking water 2018-9-05
• What being held at the Mexican border is really like bit.ly/2CrBcNI a doctor describes visiting the South Texas Family Residential Center 2018-9-05
• Should Special Kids Take Standardized Tests? Intelligent Lives bit.ly/2Ni4suO 2018-9-05
• Google using AI to help organizations detect and report child sexual abuse material online bit.ly/2wCDVi3 2018-9-04
• Homelessness Takes Toll on Kids’ Health Even Before They’re Born http://bit.ly/2N77mDu  2018-9-03
• Growth in first 3 years of life affects respiratory health in children bit.ly/2wAbJfU excessive weight gain in the first years of life can be associated with lower lung function and a higher risk of childhood asthma 2018-9-03
• Children may care about their reputations earlier than thought: Study abcn.ws/2wrKW5p 2018-9-03

Should Special Kids Take Standardized Tests? Intelligent Lives

Last updated on September 16th, 2018 at 02:57 pm

While you and your child might be excited about the new backpack, lunch box and outfits back to school also brings a lot of anxiety for students with learning challenges and special needs and their parents. Not only will they be subjected to homework and (gulp) tests, there is something else looming on the horizon – intelligence testing.

You have probably heard the quote “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Usually that is credited to Albert Einstein, although it has never actually been proven that he said it. I hope he said it, since he didn’t speak until he was three or four years old. Ironically, being unable to speak is sometimes defined as being ‘dumb” and yet Einstein was clearly very intelligent.

Intelligence testing, standardized tests and many other official exams are often unfairly biased against people with challenges, no matter how many accommodations are provided. It is disheartening and degrading to the student and the results can be devastating to the parents. We know our children are struggling, we know where they have strengths and weaknesses but we also know they have so much potential. The data presented in cold, hard print can be crushing.

Lately I have been opting my child out of as many of these tests as possible. I don’t need to put her through the frustration of a long test, and I don’t need a paper to tell me how she measures up against the rest of the students her age. She isn’t in a competition with the rest of the students in her grade in the state – she is only in competition with herself, to do her best each day and move along at her own pace. If you want to opt out of any standardized tests, contact your child’s school.

We don’t have to be at the level of Einstein to have a happy life. A new film called INTELLIGENT LIVES looks at three young adults with intellectual disabilities as they take on high school, college, employment and relationships. The film was directed by Dan Habib. Amy Brenneman served as the executive producer. Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper narrates the film and also shares the story of his son. You can host a screening in your area or attend one, just check out the website https://intelligentlives.org/

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