Monthly Archives: October 2013

Halloween Safety

As the goblins, witches, and zombies in your family prepare for a load of candy this week, don’t forget to consider safety. A surprisingly large number of youngsters end up in the emergency room each Halloween, even though there are simple ways to avoid many injuries.

You may be surprised to know that lots of injuries are related to costuming. Observe these practices and you can greatly reduce risk:

Use reflective tape. It’ll be dark out there, and you want your trick-or-treater to be visible to drivers and others.
Be careful of masks. Just as visibility is important, so is vision. A mask should not inhibit your ghoul from being able to see traffic, curbs, and steps, or any other walking hazard.
Watch the length. Going up steps and over curbs requires a shorter length to keep your skeleton from tripping and breaking a bone or suffering a sprain.
Light up the dark. Send your wizard off with a flashlight, which can double as a magic wand.

Observing is essential. Keep your ghosts in view so you are always aware where they are and who they’re with.

Have a conversation about safety before they hit the sidewalk. Look carefully before crossing the street; don’t go into any home unless parents have said it’s okay; be considerate of others, especially of children who are younger. There’s plenty of candy to go around.

Speaking of candy… Okay, so that’s what it’s all about. But too much candy at once can turn your little zombie into a Tasmanian Devil. Set up some rules ahead of time. How much candy can be eaten on Halloween, and how much should be saved for future treats? Most candy freezes well.

So, when the ghoulish night arrives, be safe and have a great time!

artwork by Kennedy

Calcium for teens

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You might think that once your son or daughter hits older childhood and puberty, the need for calcium drops.

Actually, the opposite is true. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) increases to 1300 mg of calcium for children and teens aged 9-18. Essential bone growth and development are continuing in these years, and it’s important to lay a strong foundation with calcium. Calcium in the teen years can help stave off osteoporosis in later life. Unfortunately, many adolescents, especially girls, don’t receive enough calcium to meet the RDA.

Another important note: our bones stop absorbing calcium in our early 20s, so you are “banking” the calcium you take as a teen for later years. That doesn’t mean you no longer need calcium after your teenage years, but it does highlight the importance of getting the right amount of calcium while the bones are still absorbing it.

What are good sources of calcium? There are two: food and supplements.

Milk and milk products are the best food source, with skim milk providing all 1300 mg in 4 ½ eight ounce glasses per day. Not everyone likes milk, and some can’t drink it because of lactose intolerance.

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these other food sources for calcium:

“Most foods in the milk group: milk and dishes made with milk, such as puddings and soups.
Cheeses: mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, cottage cheese.
Yogurt.
Canned fish with soft bones, including sardines, anchovies, salmon.
Dark-green leafy vegetables, such as kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, bok-choy.
Tofu, if processed with calcium sulfate.
Tortillas made from lime-processed corn.
Calcium-fortified juice, bread, cereal.”

Supplements are a good option, but be sure that any calcium supplement also contains vitamin D which aids in calcium absorption. A daily multivitamin does NOT provide enough calcium to meet the RDA. Don’t take all the supplements at once. It’s best to take part of the supplement in the morning and part later in the day. Check with your pediatrician for additional recommendations.

As you teach your teens to build strong life skills, don’t forget to help them build strong bones as well.

artwork by Audrey

It’s time for flu vaccine!

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Georgetown Pediatrics has this year’s flu vaccine ready for your child. Here are a few answers to common questions about the vaccine.

Why get a flu vaccine? Influenza can be a very dangerous disease, and at the very least can make your child be sick for several days. With a vaccine, even if your child gets the flu, it is typically a milder case.
My child had the flu vaccine last year. Does she really need to have one this year, too? Yes. Each year the vaccine is specifically designed and manufactured to be effective against the expected flu outbreaks for that particular flu season. In addition, the vaccine is effective for a few months. For both of those reasons, the vaccine should be administered every year.
Should my infant or toddler get a flu vaccine? Yes, if he’s at least 6 months old. Children who are 6 months to 2 years old are especially susceptible to the flu and it can be very dangerous for them.
Should my child get the flu vaccine as an injection or as the nasal mist? That depends. The nasal mist is easier for most people to take, and is approved for those between the ages of 2 and 49. Since it is a live (though weakened) virus, the short-term side effects (cold-like symptoms) can be a little stronger as the body’s natural reactions take effect. Children who have a compromised immune system (or who have close contact with someone who has a compromised immune system) should get the flu shot instead of the nasal spray. Also, those with certain health conditions like asthma or wheezing, or conditions requiring long-term aspirin usage should take the shot rather than the mist. More information about the flu mist is found here.
Who should NOT get any flu vaccine? Check with your doctor if any of these conditions apply:
- NOTE: If your child has an allergy to eggs, she may still be able to take the vaccine. Check with your pediatrician.
- If your child or adolescent has had other vaccines within the past four weeks.

We have flu vaccine available now. Call for an appointment. And read more about influenza and the vaccines here.

artwork by Josh