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Child Health & Safety News 9/3: Preschool Anxiety-Busting Books

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

In this week’s Child Safety News: Calls for action over the UK’s ‘intolerable’ child mental health crisis: >100k kids age 14 are self-harming with 22% of girls affected bit.ly/2LMiGza

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 25 events & stories.

10 Parenting Strategies That Help Kids Become Mentally Strong bit.ly/2LPAZ6w 2018-9-02
12-year-old charged with attempted murder after bringing gun into Eldridge junior high bit.ly/2LPW54V 2018-9-02
What to do when your child is being bullied nbcnews.to/2MJO4U8 how to recognize and respond 2018-9-02
What if guns were regulated like cars? To increase child safety, AAP president calls for public health approach trib.in/2PoKJH9 2018-9-02
Over 600,000 Children Suffer Acute Malnutrition: UNICEF bit.ly/2N4C27m 2018-9-01
Back to school health: what school nurses want parents to know on.rocne.ws/2NDnHf2 2018-9-01
Opioid Ingestion in Kids: The Huge Increase in ICU Admissions wb.md/2LMykdI 2018-9-01
Teach Your Child How to Not Get Caught by a Catfish bit.ly/2oiwdVO 2018-8-31
Kids are so over-scheduled that doctors are being told to prescribe play bit.ly/2oqedJn 2018-8-31
Our latest issue of Kids Who Care Newsletter “Having Each Other’s Backs is out now! getrevue.co/profile/pediat… (via @revue) 2018-8-31

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
Get Your Child Ready for Preschool With These Anxiety Reducing Books bit.ly/2Nrkijy

Tips for Parenting an Introvert bit.ly/2C7Nxa2 2018-8-30
Research-Backed Benefits of Being an “Older” Mom bit.ly/2LzVdkH 2018-8-30
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to avoid carrying your phone against the body like in a pocket, sock, or bra. http://bit.ly/2Ha0RZe 2018-8-30
Trauma Sensitive schools create environments that promote resilience for all students by addressing the impacts of Child Trauma. Take a look at @SSLearn’s Trauma-Sensitive Schools training package for school & district leaders. http://buff.ly/2vvkJ5u 2018-8-30
First Aid Basics Every Parent Should Know – Thurs Time Capsule 08/2011 bit.ly/2ww3lNI 2018-8-30
Sadly we live in a world where the simple task of walking to school can be unsafe. Here are some resources and tips for you to pass on to your kids – including those who are off to college. bit.ly/2NpPyPZ…/tips-for-arriving-to-school-safe…/ bit.ly/2whc9Yk 2018-8-29
9-Year-Old Boy Killed Himself After Being Tormented by Bullies, His Mom Says nyti.ms/2BZ0Edl 2018-8-29
School Bus Stop Arms Are Being Ignored: How to Fix That bit.ly/2PekRNU 2018-8-29
Sleepover safety tips your kid should know bit.ly/2NqJ9DY 2018-8-28
Maternal depression can impact baby’s physical and mental health bit.ly/2wdafYW 2018-8-28
8 Unforgettable Things We Did As Kids That Would Not Fly Today bit.ly/2MTNAtT 2018-8-27
Health Tips – from the American Academy of Pediatrics: When Small Children Play Near Water bit.ly/2ocmuAl 2018-8-27
5 obstacles parents commonly face in child obesity treatment and how to overcome them bit.ly/2NgiLfT 2018-8-27
Arkansas Children’s Hospital to Acquire TRIUX™ neo for Functional Brain Imaging prn.to/2ocaZZO 2018-8-27
When Should Kids Get Their First Orthodontic Evaluation? bit.ly/2MQVoN5 2018-8-27

September 4, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

Child Health & Safety News: 8/27: FDA Approves Generic Epi Pen

Last updated on September 16th, 2018 at 02:58 pm

In this week’s Child Safety News: 11 month old Baby Suffers Stroke After Exposure To Chicken Pox By Unvaccinated Siblings bit.ly/2w4Cw3B

One in ten children in Ireland not using seat belts when travelling in back seat bit.ly/2NgRTwi 2018-8-26
FBI encourages ‘Child ID’ safety app heading back to school bit.ly/2BO7Skl The app stores information about your child on your phone – height, weight, eye color, etc. so that it can be quickly transmitted to law enforcement IFF needed. 2018-8-26
ATVs kill more children than bicycles: AAP urges families to yield to safety bit.ly/2wdkBYD 2018-8-26
Lifestyle of Mothers Plays Important Role in Obesity Risk for Their Children | bit.ly/2waZkPq 2018-8-25
‘Rosie’s Hugs’ brings happiness to kids in emergency rooms bit.ly/2NgvpeS 2018-8-25

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
FDA Approves Generic Epi Pen At Last bit.ly/2BTe5vA

The American Academy of Pediatrics just published a clinical review with citations on the importance of play for children’s health and brain development. Children need outdoor play, recess and activity throughout the day. bit.ly/2BO35iY 2018-8-25
Prevent Blindness focuses on kids’ eye health in August bit.ly/2BMRRv8 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health reported that in the U.S. less than 70% of children receive appropriate eye health services. 2018-8-25
Schools are using AI to track what students write on their computers bit.ly/2oebtPf safety vs privacy?? 2018-8-24
The Debate on Teens and Social Media: In Perspective bit.ly/2BmiAOL 2018-8-24
Is Your Family Overeating? Thurs Time Capsule 07/11 bit.ly/2LlgLkK 2018-8-23
How Teens and Parents Navigate Screen Time and Device Distractions pewrsr.ch/2LiotMv 54% of U.S. teens say they spend too much time on their cellphones, and two-thirds of parents express concern over their teen’s screen time. 2018-8-22
Your Kids Can’t Catch Cystic Fibrosis- What Else You Need to Know bit.ly/2Bmg0Z7 2018-8-22
How Should You React When Your Child Makes a Mistake? bit.ly/2OQWvK8 2018-8-21
Parkland Students Made a High-Tech T-Shirt That’s Actually Getting People to Register to Vote bit.ly/2MmpA3j a QR code that leads to voter registration is embedded in the design 2018-8-20
Why You Need to Stop Giving Energy and Sports Drinks to Kids bit.ly/2MEQanP 2018-8-20
The Costs of Motherhood Are Rising, and Catching Women Off Guard nyti.ms/2OO30x9 2018-8-20

August 28, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

Your Kids Can’t Catch Cystic Fibrosis- What You Need to Know

Last updated on February 16th, 2020 at 04:12 pm

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.

In the UK, most cases of cystic fibrosis are picked up at birth using the newborn screening heel prick test.

Symptoms usually start in early childhood and vary from child to child, but the condition gets slowly worse over time, with the lungs and digestive system becoming increasingly damaged.

Treatments are available to help reduce the problems caused by the condition and make it easier to live with, but sadly life expectancy is shortened.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis

The build-up of sticky mucus in the lungs can cause breathing problems and increases the risk of lung infections. Over time, the lungs may stop working properly.

Mucus also clogs the pancreas (the organ that helps with digestion), which stops enzymes reaching food in the gut and helping with digestion.

This means most people with cystic fibrosis don’t absorb nutrients from food properly and need to eat more calories to avoid malnutrition.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:

recurring chest infections
wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways (bronchiectasis)
difficulty putting on weight and growing
jaundice
diarrhoea, constipation, or large, smelly poo
a bowel obstruction in newborn babies (meconium ileus) – surgery may be needed

People with the condition can also develop a number of related conditions, including diabetes, thin, weakened bones (osteoporosis), infertility in males, and liver problems.

Diagnosing cystic fibrosis

In the UK, all newborn babies are screened for cystic fibrosis as part of the newborn blood spot test (heel prick test) carried out shortly after they’re born.

If the screening test suggests a child may have cystic fibrosis, they’ll need these additional tests to confirm they have the condition:

a sweat test – to measure the amount of salt in sweat, which will be abnormally high in someone with cystic fibrosis
a genetic test – where a sample of blood or saliva is checked for the faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis

These tests can also be used to diagnose cystic fibrosis in older children and adults who didn’t have the newborn test.

The genetic test can also be used to see whether someone is a “carrier” of cystic fibrosis in cases where the condition runs in the family.

This test can be important for someone who thinks they may have the faulty gene and wishes to have children.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has more information on genetic testing for cystic fibrosis (PDF, 130kb).

Treatments for cystic fibrosis

There’s no cure for cystic fibrosis, but a range of treatments can help control the symptoms, prevent or reduce complications, and make the condition easier to live with.

People with cystic fibrosis may need to take different medicines to treat and prevent lung problems.

Physical activity and the use of airway clearance techniques may also be recommended to help clear mucus from the lungs.

Find out more about treatments for cystic fibrosis.

Complications of cystic fibrosis

People with cystic fibrosis also have a higher risk of developing other conditions.

These include:

weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis) – medicines called bisphosphonates can sometimes help
diabetes – insulin and a special diet may be needed to control blood sugar levels
nasal polyps and sinus infections – steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics or sinus flushes can help
liver problems
fertility problems – it’s possible for women with cystic fibrosis to have children, but men won’t be able to father a child without help from fertility specialists (see a doctor or fertility specialist for more advice)

They’re more likely to pick up infections, and more vulnerable to complications if they do develop an infection, which is why people with cystic fibrosis shouldn’t meet face to face.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has more information about complications of cystic fibrosis and preventing cross-infection.

Cause of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition. It’s caused by a faulty gene that affects the movement of salt and water in and out of cells.

This, along with recurrent infections, can result in a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the body’s tubes and passageways – particularly the lungs and digestive system.

A person with cystic fibrosis is born with the condition. It’s not possible to “catch” cystic fibrosis from someone else who has it.

How cystic fibrosis is inherited

To be born with cystic fibrosis, a child has to inherit a copy of the faulty gene from both of their parents.

This can happen if the parents are “carriers” of the faulty gene, which means they don’t have cystic fibrosis themselves.

It’s estimated around 1 in every 25 people in the UK are carriers of cystic fibrosis.

If both parents are carriers, there’s a:

1 in 4 chance their child won’t inherit any faulty genes and won’t have cystic fibrosis or be able to pass it on
1 in 2 chance their child will inherit a faulty gene from one parent and be a carrier
1 in 4 chance their child will inherit the faulty gene from both parents and have cystic fibrosis

If one parent has cystic fibrosis and the other is a carrier, there’s a:

1 in 2 chance their child will be a carrier
1 in 2 chance their child will have cystic fibrosis

Outlook

Cystic fibrosis tends to get worse over time and can be fatal if it leads to a serious infection or the lungs stop working properly.

But people with cystic fibrosis are now living for longer because of advancements in treatment.

Currently, about half of people with cystic fibrosis will live past the age of 40. Children born with the condition nowadays are likely to live longer than this.

Support

Support is available to help people with cystic fibrosis live as independently as they can and have the best possible quality of life.

It can be helpful to speak to others who have the same condition, and to connect with a charity.

The following links may be useful:

British Lung Foundation – which includes experiences from people with the condition
Cystic Fibrosis Trust – which has an online forum and news about ongoing research into cystic fibrosis
CF Kids – a support group for parents of children with cystic fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Care – a charity that provides practical help and support

Information about you

If you or your child has cystic fibrosis, your clinical team will ask you if you consent to being on the UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry.

This is a secure anonymous registry sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust that records health information on people with cystic fibrosis.

The registry helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.

Find out more about the registry

**Resources outside the U.K.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – provides assistance to people with the condition and is a top researcher of it
Claire’s Place Foundation – offers support to families living with CF
Cystic Fibrosis Research Inc. – provides educational materials, news, and support
CysticFibrosis.com – online forum and support community

From www.nhs.uk

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

Child Health & Safety News 8/20: Traces of Herbicide in Cheerios

Last updated on September 16th, 2018 at 02:59 pm

In this week’s Child Safety News: Google is Tracking Android and iPhone Users – even with ‘Location History’ Turned Off – here is how to disable this… bit.ly/2P6jzFF

When healthy children die: Pediatricians are not superhumans bit.ly/2BoCsAP 2018-8-19
Report finds ‘worrisome’ levels of lead, arsenic in some baby foods (infant rice cereal & mashed sweet potatoes) if eaten daily bit.ly/2MqO8bC 2018-8-19
Parents in prison: The child health crisis no one is talking about http://bit.ly/2BiiK9Q 2018-8-19
The Subtle Beauty of Child Development: What is Lost When We Push Too Hard http://bit.ly/2Mk5h6s 2018-8-18
At a Glance: 3 Types of Self-Control Issues for Special Needs Kids https://u.org/2vSR8Tx 2018-8-18
Back to School: Tips to keep your child healthy this school year https://at.wftv.com/2MW0ft4 2018-8-18

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
Report Finds Traces of a Controversial Herbicide in Cheerios and Quaker Oats
Glyphosate declared probably carcinogen by WHO in 2015
https://nyti.ms/2BoDYTC

New integrated child health system goes live in Wales bit.ly/2BjUhRv Every child in Wales will have an active care record…and doctors will be able to access info about their health – past and present 2018-8-17
Why it’s important for kids to get a comprehensive eye exam as they head back to school? bit.ly/2vSZBGB 2018-8-17
PetSmart Charities Grant Expands Pet Therapy Program at Children’s National bit.ly/2BhsPE4 More than 9,000 kids expected to benefit. 2018-8-17
How To Learn in the Age of Information Overload – Today’s Mama bit.ly/2BflMvx 2018-8-16
76 Percent of Parents Concerned For Children’s Online Safety bit.ly/2Mf85C7 2018-8-16
N.C. boy hospitalized after contracting rare virus – lacrosse encephalitis – from mosquito bites. bit.ly/2w8RLb1 2018-8-16
Child development: What to expect at each age bit.ly/2P8KgK2 2018-8-15
Can Too Much Tech Cause ADHD Symptoms in Your Child? cle.clinic/2MP4h6y 2018-8-15
Here’s why safety is more important than style when choosing a child’s backpack, and here’s what to look for… bit.ly/2vKFPwG 2018-8-15
Motorcycle Club delivers toys and smiles to children at two local hospitals bit.ly/2MhEKqA 2018-8-13
ADHD Isn’t the Only Reason Kids Are Hyper bit.ly/2MFxeSA 2018-8-14
8 Discipline Techniques That Make Behavior Problems Worse bit.ly/2P7C9gr 2018-8-14
Study raises concerns about young Muay Thai fighters and brain injuries. Some fighters are starting as young as 4 years old http://bit.ly/2BkE26G 2018-8-13

Thank you readers for your patience during our extended maintenance shut-down

August 21, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

Why You Need to Stop Giving Energy and Sports Drinks to Kids

Last updated on September 16th, 2018 at 02:59 pm

First let’s differentiate between these two popular drinks. Sport drinks have water, sodium, potassium and sugar (among other things), while energy drinks include caffeine or other stimulants. For the most part, after moderate exercise, only water needs to be replaced and free access to water is key to training athletes. While large amounts of water can be lost in highly trained athletes, younger children will probably not lose an exceptional amount of anything, and water is the only thing necessary. Even in adult trained athletes, the amount of sodium and potassium lost through sweating is probably negligible; again water is the vital component needing replacement.

Also included in these drinks is a significant amount of calorie- containing sugars; highly trained athletes who have depleted their sugar resources might benefit from this addition as an immediate energy boost, but in younger children and non-training athletes, this only adds to the sugar intake and can contribute to childhood obesity and dental cavities. These same stimulants can be found in coffee and colas, also to be avoided in younger children.

The use of stimulants in children probably has more unwanted side effects than the possibility of any positive effects. Jitteriness, poor sleep, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of dehydration through the diuretic effects of caffeine and other stimulants, can be just a few of these negative effects. Depending on the quantities consumed, it can even lead to cardiac irregularities with other potentially serious consequences resulting from that

Unfortunately, these products are promoted in every form of advertising by highly popular athletes in high profile positions and many parents have gotten the idea to have these drinks readily available for their children. Children may actually prefer this substitute fluid in place of other drinks during meals and other snack times. Milk and some juices are still important to the growing, developing child and should not be forgotten. By far the most important ingredient remains water and parents should promote it as the primary source of fluid intake.

Energy or health bars create the same dilemmas for parents and children and may also contain sugar, stimulants, fats, and vitamins and minerals that may not be appropriate for children or may be over the daily recommended intake for children since most are developed for adults.

Always read the labels carefully

August 20, 2018 | Filed Under Community | Leave a Comment

Child Health & Safety News 7/30: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Recall!

Last updated on August 22nd, 2018 at 03:37 pm

In this week’s Child Safety News: Using Zika virus to treat neuroblastoma in children bit.ly/2uUeAPV

Children’s Health: How to Tell When Your Child’s Appendix Is Acting Up http://bit.ly/2LMOmIE 2018-7-29
Your child has been diagnosed with cancer. Don’t panic. Smart treatments abound. https://hrld.us/2AjHjTl 2018-7-29
Healthy kids with sick sibling may hide emotions https://reut.rs/2mPtrXp 2018-7-29
What Is a ‘Safe’ Sleepover, & When Is Your Kid Ready? bit.ly/2LTbaTV 2018-7-28
Paternal depression almost as common as maternal postpartum depression bit.ly/2LOuSUk 2018-7-28

PedSafe Child Health & Safety News Headline of the Week
Pepperidge Farm Recalls Varieties of Goldfish Crackers bit.ly/2JSb39u

How Should You React When Your Child Makes a Mistake? bit.ly/2K4Rdbi 2018-7-27
Learn what being a champion of compassion looks like with our latest issue of our Kids Who Care newsletter getrevue.co/profile/pediat… (via @revue) 2018-7-27
DeVos Proposes to Curtail Debt Relief for Defrauded Students nyti.ms/2LK5jn0 -7-26
Saturday morning, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is Sensory Friendly bit.ly/2Lepz0V 2018-7-26
15 Things You Should Not Say to Your Teenage Daughter bit.ly/2JPdzxe 2018-7-25
Talking to Your Three-Year-Old to.pbs.org/2JRgIN7 2018-7-25
Video: How to Recognize and Deal with Child Sexual Abuse bit.ly/2LfPjd9 2018-7-25
This Disney Princess Changed My Daughter’s Life bit.ly/2LIYQpi – thank you Disney for Moana – a princess my daughter could relate to! 2018-7-24
‘Shocking’ Rise in Severely Obese Primary School Children in their final year of school in England https://wb.md/2LYlaeI 2018-7-24
Pediatric Sepsis Care Within an Hour Decreases Chance of Death, Largest Ever Analysis Finds http://bit.ly/2uVk0u8 2018-7-24
American Academy of Pediatrics calls for “urgently needed reforms” to fix broken food additive regulatory system http://bit.ly/2AmnzP2 2018-7-23
Mom is Sick. How to Avoid Kids & Dog Taking Charge bit.ly/2LCfSoY 2018-7-23
Tomorrow night at AMC, Mama Mia! Here We Go Again is Sensory Friendly bit.ly/2LgJ5df 2018-7-23

July 31, 2018 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment

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