Kids Health Notes

July 4th, 2008

Kids Health Notes give-away: Scholastic books for children

It’s summer! School is out, and children are off somewhere - playing video games, watching TV, or hopefully playing sports. The last thing they want to do is read yet another book.

WAIT! Hold your horses. I am pretty sure children are gonna love these books I’m giving away, and maybe get them to read more this summer! My personal favorite in the lot - The Encyclopedia of Immaturity. It kept me laughing and wishing I had an excuse to be a child again.

The contest is easy:

• Just browse the selection of books on the next page, and let me know the two (2) choices of books you want to receive. There is only only 1 copy of each book, so first come first served.
• This time, one entry per person only.
• It’s open to residents of the 48 contingent US states only.
• Contest ends 12:00 midnight EST on July 18, 2008 (Friday).
• June 27, 2008 (Friday). Nine winners will be randomly chosen and announced via blog and email the week after.
• If the winner does not reply within 3 days, he/she forfeits her winnings and an alternate winner will be chosen.

The Scholastic books treasure trove include:

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By Grace -- 3 comments

July 3rd, 2008

Managing pain when preemies can’t say "Ouch!"

Premature babies, or infants admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit, most often go through as many as 62 painful procedures each day. Anyone seeing these children being pricked, stubbed, and poked would likely cry “Ouch! STOP!”. Since an infant can’t say anything yet, one would at least expect some form of reaction - the eyebrows bulging, eyes squeezing or other facial expression indicating pain.

However a recent study has revealed heartbreaking news: Because a premature baby still has immature and uncoordinated facial muscles, the facial expressions may not accurately show the level of discomfort the infant is actually feeling. A pain response occurs in the brain, but not on the face.

What’s even more dramatic is this study that showed neonates in intensive care units who undergo painful procedures rarely receive analgesia! This practice is so callous given that sensitivity to pain is highest in the first four weeks of life.

The researchers and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend drastic changes in clinical practice involving premature infants, including reducing the number of unnecessary lab tests and bundling tests together.

image: sxc

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July 3rd, 2008

Four active games for your July 4th picnic

If you’re anything like our family, the fourth of July means a family picnic loaded with food, food and more food. Burgers, hotdogs, surf n’ turf. Ice Cream. Cakes. And every other great-aunt bringing their favorite desert with whipped cream. Our Independence Day picnic rival that of the Thanksgiving dinner when it comes to food. So this year I thought I should introduce some games and activities we can all do while waiting for the grill to heat.

Here are four catchy games that anyone can play for a patriotic and active celebration of your July 4th picnic.

1. Tug-of-war. Red vs. Blue. North vs. South. You can make this as patriotic and fun as you can.

2. Flag-tag relay. All you need are small American flags and everyone can play.

3. Soggy jog relay. The best part of this is getting wet. The worst fun part is getting wet.

4. Pool game: pass-the-ball relay is fun way everyone can spend time in the pool, even when they don’t want to swim. You can even modify this for use on land.

Have fun with these games and if you want more games and activities, check out Family Fun! Just remember stay hydrated and be safe when playing actively outdoors.

image: flickr

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July 3rd, 2008

4 tips, 4 activities for a safe July 4th

Fireworks, family picnics, swimming or hitting the park are some of the most popular ways of celebrating Independence Day, but these can also be hazardous to your health if you’re not careful.

Here are some tips for having a safer and healthier day on the 4th.

Fireworks.

1. Never handle fireworks if you’ve been consuming alcohol.
2. Wear eye protection if you’re the shooter.
3. Don’t let children handle or use fireworks.
4. Better yet, Leave it to the professionals. Thousands of people are treated at the emergency room each year for fireworks-related injuries.

Family picnics and grills.

1. Cook food at recommended temperatures to kill bacteria.
2. Don’t let the food stand for a long period of time.
3. Instead, refrigerate or keep left-over in the cooler.
4. Wash your hands before preparing, serving or eating food.

Swimming.

1. Always designate a watcher, even when there is a lifeguard around. Do not assume that somebody else is watching your child for you.
2. Swim in safe waters, whether in the ocean, stream, river or pool.
3. Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
4. Use feet-first entry when entering the water.

At the park.

1. Keep your family hydrated.
2. Avoid too much physical activity during the hottest period of the day.
3. Wear appropriate clothing, which includes putting on sunscreen and insect-repellant.
4. Know where your children are playing. Stay together as a family or group.

Keep these tips and you’ll have a safer, healthier holiday. And best of all, don’t forget to have fun!

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June 30th, 2008

Kids Health Notes give-away: Protect-a-bub swimsuit/hat set - winners!

Thanks to everyone who joined the give-away for Protect-a-bub swimsuit-hat set at here Kids Health Notes! Aren’t the swimsuits just so cute! Hope you’re ready for summer coz we have the three winners!

Congratulations! I’ll email you the instructions for receiving your prize!

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By Grace -- 2 comments

June 30th, 2008

Kids Health Notes give-away: Kushies cloth diapers - winners

Thanks to everyone who joined the give-away for Kushies cloth diapers at Kids Health Notes! AH I was laughing hysterically by the time I read the 100th diaper/potty humor! We can certainly laugh about them now, but oh let me tell you how embarrassing my own stories are at that time! Thanks for being so candid about your own experiences.

My own daughter just started potty training and it’s not funny how time-consuming that actually is! I put her on a timer and she goes every 45 minutes. But that’s what I’ve been up to, and well.. my life was on hold for much of this week. But let me just announce the 3 winners for the give-away -

Congratulations! I’ll get in touch with you via email for instructions on claiming your prize!

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June 29th, 2008

Kids Health Notes give-away: Playdate Kids potty training book - winners

Thanks to everyone for the varied potty training tips you shared in the Kids Health Notes give-away on Playdate Kids potty training book. After making my own mistakes about potty training, our daughter has finally told me last week that she’s done with the pull-ups. Just like that. I put her on a 45 minute timer and she willingly goes to the potty when it rings, so I give her stickers as rewards which she absolutely love. My in-law said, “I guess she’ll go when she’s ready.” And I can’t believe how giddy I actually feel over potty training success! LOL!!!

So, anyway, you now know what’s been keeping me busy this week… One week late, but here are the ten (10) winners for the give-away:

Congratulations! I’ll get in touch via email for instructions on claiming your price!

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June 29th, 2008

Five-in-one vaccine for children now OK - FDA

Tomorrow, my son is going for his sixth month wellness check, and routine to that visit is immunization. Ugh. I know these are necessary for him, but there could be anywhere from 3-4 shots depending on what vaccines he needs to receive.

Well, now the FDA has approved a vaccine (Pantacel) against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.

The vaccine was approved for four-dose administration at two, four, six, and 15-18 months, but the initial dose may be given as early as six weeks. Full administration should be completed before the child’s fifth birthday.

It’s well tolerated in the clinical trial and the most frequently reported serious adverse events were bronchiolitis, dehydration, and gastroenteritis.

I guess it’s biggest pro is fewer number of shots per visit. I’m not sure if this vaccine is available to the medical community but I’m gonna ask the pediatrician about this. I’m not recommending this either, but I do want the word out.

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June 29th, 2008

Cats may increase risk for infant eczema

Some children who are exposed to cats in their first year of life may have an increased risk for eczema, a new study reveals.

What’s responsible for the increased risk?

Mutation in the gene for filaggrin, a protein on the skin that helps reduce water loss and protects against harsh environment.

As reported in Medpage Today, scientists from the Copenhagen Study on Asthma in Childhood found that eczema was likely to develop among children who have the mutation and who have a cat in their home at birth. Only those children with the mutation have the increased risk. Likewise, exposure to dogs at home did not increase the risk of developing eczema.

source: medpagetoday;
image: sxc

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June 25th, 2008

Allergy alert: Undeclared milk in Noodle Soup

From The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network -

MILK ALLERGY ALERT

June 25, 2008

Bay Valley Foods is recalling “Kroger Chicken Noodle Soup” due to
undeclared milk.

The recalled soup was distributed through Dillon stores in Kansas,
Missouri, and Nebraska.

The product comes in 10.5-oz. cans, is marked with lot code 52104098, and has a “best before” date code of 40910 that can be found on the bottom of the can.

Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a full
refund. Consumers with questions may call (800) 983-0823.

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