just kids | summer 2008

Children’s Hospital, Omaha, NE

Summer 2008justkidsjustkids

They Beat Cancer, Two to Nothing

Cause for Concern? BPA and Baby Bottles

Help for Teens with Anxiety Disorders

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Chi ld ren ’s Hosp i ta l | Summer 2008

Parents Spotlight

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rothers often share a special bond. This holds true for 10-year-old Connor and 6-year-old Caden Ballard. They are both very competitive, they love football, shooting hoops and battling it out on Wii. The two brothers also share something else in common—the same cancer diagnosis, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

The Ballards’ journey with cancer began in 2003 when Connor became ill. What parents Chris and Lisa Ballard thought were normal childhood complaints turned out to reveal a diagnosis of cancer.

At that time, the family lived in St. Louis, Mo. Connor was 5 and his sister Carson was 3 years old. Accepting cancer was difficult for Chris and Lisa as they watched their oldest child begin chemotherapy treatment. But as time went on, tests showed that Connor’s treatments were successful. That same year, Chris received a job opportunity that would bring the family back home to Omaha.

“It was great to get Connor back to Omaha and Children’s Hospital,” Chris says. “It felt so much better, and we all felt so much more at home. There was no more fighting about going to the hospital.”

Life was full of promise and hope. However, later that year, Caden, then 2, became sick and exhibited all too familiar symptoms.

“Never in our wildest dreams would we have imagined that another son would be diagnosed with cancer, let alone the same cancer,” Chris says.

When Connor’s little brother fell ill, Connor taught him to be strong. When Caden’s hair fell out, Connor told him it was cool. When Caden was having

They Beat Cancer, Two to Nothing

Chi ld rensOmaha.orgTo f ind a phys ic ian , ca l l 1-800-833-3100

TEAM OF TWO. Together, brothers Connor and Caden Ballard tackled a truly tough opponent—acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

f a m i l y - c e n t e r e d c a r e a t c h i l d r e n ’ s

difficulty taking his dose of chemotherapy pills each day, big brother taught him how to swallow pills at age 2. “The road has been easier for Caden because of his big brother,” says Chris. “Connor wrapped his arms around Caden and said if I can do it, you can do it.”

Children’s pediatric oncologist, Minnie Abromowitch, M.D, treats both Connor and Caden at the cancer clinic at Children’s. “It’s very rare to see a sibling of one child with cancer to have cancer,” says Dr. Abromowitch, who also serves as associate professor of pediatric hematology/oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “To have two children with the identical type of cancer and present close together, it’s extremely unusual.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that being at Children’s Hospital has been very, very important for their recovery,” says Lisa. “It’s a wonderful setting for the boys as they heal and it’s like a home away from home.”

FAMily-CEnTErEd CArEAt Children’s Hospital, family-centered

care focuses on the patient and family as a whole. Continuity of care is of the utmost importance in treating sick children, so each child is assigned the same physician, nurse, child life specialist and social worker for the duration of the treatment.

“Children’s has created an inviting environment for kids,” Chris explains. “They care about us as individuals and as a family, and they definitely have the boys’ best interest at heart.”

The cancer clinic at Children’s Hospital provides leading-edge treatment options, while providing emotional

support for the entire family. It’s staffed by skilled and experienced healthcare professionals, including hematologists/oncologists, pediatric nurses, neurosurgeons, social workers, child life specialists and more.

The hospital is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a nationwide network of pediatric healthcare organizations specializing in the treatment of children with cancer. This group provides valuable information on the latest studies and treatment options for pediatric cancers, as well as access to other leading experts for consultations.

Today, you would never know of Connor’s and Caden’s challenging past. Connor’s basketball team made it to the championship round this winter and Caden scored two touchdowns in the last game of his football season.

Lisa says the future looks good for both boys. “Both are doing well and Dr. Abromowitch expects them to be cured of their leukemia and live long, normal, healthy lives.” ✷

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Children’s Launches Find-A-Doctor ServiceWhere can parents turn when they need a doctor for their child, and they need one quickly? Look no further than Children’s Hospital. Children’s has launched a new physician referral service to help connect parents and families with expert physicians and specialists when they need one. The toll-free number, 800-833-3100, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are answered by professional call advisors with knowledge about the physicians and staff practicing at Children’s, as well as the services they offer. Bilingual advisors are available to assist Spanish-speaking families.

NEED A DOCTOR FOR YOUR CHILD? Call the Children’s Hospital Find-A-doctor Service at 1-800-833-3100.


“There’s no doubt that being at Children’s Hospital has been very, very important for their recovery.” – Lisa Ballard, Connor and Caden’s mother

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Raising children to be safe and healthy is a big job, and Children’s Hospital is here to help. Children’s is launching a new program, Parenting U, to connect parents with experts on hot topics in pediatric health care. We’ll offer a new topic each week, and each session will end with a question-and-answer session.

We’ll provide the food, we’ll provide the experts, we’ll have drawings for door prizes, and best of all, it’s FREE. All you need to do is come. So, head straight to Parenting U for a fun and informative night with some of the leading experts in pediatric health care.

Each session will be held in the Exec Centre building located at 1000 N. 90th Street from 6–7 p.m. Call 800-833-3100 to register for one or more of our upcoming educational sessions.

Preparing for Your Newborn .......Tuesday, sepT. 2 Clancy McNally, MD, Children’s Physicians

What You Need to Know About Preventing STDs ....................................Tuesday, sepT. 9 Betsy Stephenson, MD, Children’s Physicians

Enjoying the Teenage Years .......Tuesday, sepT. 16 Reo Newring, PhD, Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health

“Good NIght, Sleep Tight” ........Thursday, sepT. 25 Roseanne Bosch, MD, Omaha Children’s Clinic

“Things That Go Bump in the Night” Easing Childhood Fears ................Tuesday, sepT. 30 Margaret Floress, PhD, Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health

Mastering Potty-Training .................Tuesday, OcT. 7 Bernard Douglas, MD, Methodist Physicians Clinic

“Mommy I Can’t Go!” ........................ Tuesday, OcT. 14 LeAnne Vitito, APRN, Childrens’ Hospital

Eating Disorders in Children ...... Tuesday, OcT. 21 Peg Miller-Evans, PhD, Eating Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital

Preparing for Your Newborn ....Thursday, OcT. 30 Elizabeth Walenz, MD, Children’s Physicians

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veryone needs a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps us think more clearly and keeps us healthy. When children don’t get enough sleep, they are eas-ily frustrated and may not do well in school. They are also more easily stressed.

The amount of sleep your child needs varies by age:

■ Newborns need 16 to 17 hours a day.

■ By age 6 months, babies may nap three to four hours a day and sleep 11 hours at night.

■ Children ages 2 to 11 usually need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Children age 5 and younger also may need a nap.

■ Children ages 11 to 13 need about 10 hours of sleep.

■ Teenagers need a little less—8 to 9 hours a night.

Here are some ways to help your children get the sleep they need:

■ Make bedtime quiet time. Relaxing before bedtime helps sleep come more eas-

ily. Have your child read or take a warm bath.■ Turn off the TV and videos at least one hour before bedtime.■ Do not allow children to have foods or drinks that contain caffeine, such as soda and chocolate. They can interfere with sleep.

THE SnOring FACTOrA study of grade-school children showed that those who snored most nights were at least twice as likely to have trouble academically. They scored lower on tests and report cards than did non-snorers.

Why? For one thing, a child who snores may not sleep well. A tired child may misbehave, have a short attention span or fall asleep during class. Children who snore also are more likely to have trouble hearing. The root of the problem is often swollen adenoids or tonsils—a source of snoring, as well as constant ear infections in many children. ✷

Children’s Spotlight

4Chi ld rensOmaha.orgTo f ind a phys ic ian , ca l l 1-800-833-3100

How Much SLEEp

Does YourChild NEED?

IS YOUR CHILD SNORINg? If you have concerns about your child’s sleeping or snoring habits, speak with your child’s physician. To find a physician for your child, call our Find-A-Doctor Service at 1-800-833-3100.

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You may have heard that plastic baby bottles aren’t safe because they contain a dangerous chemical. Some studies have shown that a common ingredient in some plastic baby bottles, bisphenol A (BPA), may cause nerve and behavior problems in infants and children.

But don’t panic. An expert panel says that there is no severe concern about developmental effects in children from BPA exposure. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not recommended that anyone stop using products with BPA.

THE CHEMiCAl CulpriTBPA is a chemical used in the production of a type of hard plastic called polycarbonate. It’s used to make water and baby bottles, food containers and medical devices.

BPA can leak into the liquid or food the container holds. Heating the container may make more BPA leak out.

THE lATEST FindingSThere is “some concern” about developmental effects in children from BPA exposure, according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP). The NTP uses a five-point scale. “Some concern” is the third of five levels. The panel of experts reviewed the research on BPA and recently released an early draft of their conclusions.

Research is limited, the panel cautions. There have been very few BPA studies in humans, so conclusions are mainly based on animal studies. Their findings on risks to children are based on animal studies about the effects in the prostate and mammary glands, and earlier puberty in girls.

The FDA says that BPA-containing products on the market are safe and exposure levels are below those that may cause health effects.

WAyS TO AvOid BpAYou may feel it’s better to avoid BPA until more research is complete. Concerned parents can consider these two tips:

1. Buy baby bottles that are BPA-free. These options include glass bottles and BPA-free plastic bottles.

2. Avoid plastic containers with the number 7 on the bottom. These usually contain BPA. ✷

Cause for Concern? BpA and BABY BOTTLES

5Chi ld rensOmaha.orgTo f ind a phys ic ian , ca l l 1-800-833-3100

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arents know that car safety seats are a must for infants and toddlers, but beginning at around age 4, many children are too large for toddler seats and too small for adult safety belts—they need booster seats. A booster seat raises children so that the safety belt fits in a way that it won’t harm them and can better protect them in an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a child should be positioned high enough that the shoulder belt crosses the child’s chest and rests snugly on the shoulder, and so that the lap belt rests low across the pelvis or hip area—never across the stomach.

THE ABCS OF CHild rESTrAinTThe NHTSA offers this breakdown of how children should be restrained at various stages of their development:■ Rear-facing seats in the back seat from

birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds■ Forward-facing toddler seats in the back seat from age 1 and 20 pounds to about age 4 and 40 pounds■ Booster seats in the back seat from about age 4 to at least age 8, unless the child is 4'9" tall■ Safety belts at age 8 and older or for children taller than 4'9" All children age 12 and younger should ride in the back seat.

“The guidelines set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are the minimum standards that parents should be using when choosing the correct safety seat for their child,” says Tracy Rouse, Children’s Hospital injury prevention coordinator and chapter leader for Safe Kids Omaha. “For the best protection, keep your child rear-facing until he or she is at least 18-24 months old or reaches the

maximum rear-facing weight limit of the child safety seat, usually 30-35 pounds.”

SOME SAFETy TipSWhen using booster seats, bear these things in mind:■ Never place the shoulder belt behind a child’s back or under the arm. This could result in your child being seriously injured or killed in a crash.■ Because many state laws only require children to be in a safety seat up to around age 4, many parents assume older kids are safe in just an adult safety belt. Follow the guidelines in this article to ensure your child is restrained correctly—every time, no matter how short the ride.■ All booster seats are required by law to comply with the same safety standards as child safety seats. Your booster seat must have a label stating that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. ✷

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Why Young Children need Booster SeatsK e e p i n g C h i l d r e n s a f e


Is Your Child Safe?Find out if your child safety seat is installed correctly at a FREE Car Safety Seat Inspection event on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Babies R Us, 3505 S. 140th Plaza in Omaha. Here, child passenger safety technicians will check how your child fits in the safety seat, as well as how the safety seat fits in the car.

This event is being held as part of Seat Check Saturday, a national event sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to educate parents and ensure that all child safety seats are installed properly. For more information, call

800-833-3100.

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Heavy Backpack? Lighten Up!Carrying heavy backpacks can lead to back pain, muscle fatigue, soreness and other problems. Here’s how to lighten your child’s load:

■ Pick a lightweight backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back and a waist strap, which can help spread the load.

■ Use both straps to spread the weight. Using one strap means one side of the body bears most of the weight.

■ Limit the load to 10 to 15 percent or less of the child’s body weight.

■ Take care when putting on and taking off backpacks. Avoid twisting too much and bend with both knees, not at the waist.

■ Position the backpack evenly in the middle of the back. It should sit two inches above the waist.

■ Load the heaviest items closest to the child’s back. Use all the compartments to spread the weight.

SERIoUS ISSUE“I see children as young as age 10 who come in for a visit who are suffering the consequences of inappropriate backpack usage,” says Lars Vanderbur, MD, a pediatrician with Children’s Physicians. In a majority of cases, parents are unaware how the quality of the backpack is important, as well as how the child wears it.”

The back is the center from which all other physical activity is based in daily life. Back injuries can result in headaches, sleep disturbances, leg pain, muscle strain and much more.

“Life-long issues can be started once the back is damaged,” continues Dr. Vanderbur. “So don’t allow it to start.”

nxiety disorders are among the most prevalent child and adolescent issues. They can impact peer relationships and school attendance, which frequently results in depression or physical complaints. To help children and their families deal with anxiety issues, Children’s Hospital operates the Anxiety Disorders Clinic.

Run through Children’s Behavioral Health, the clinic offers specialized diagnostic and treatment services for children ages 7 to 19 who suffer from fear or anxiety symptoms. Both individual and group treatment options are available for children and their parents. Group sessions are held once a week for nine weeks with a maximum group size of eight participants. Treatment sessions focus on a variety of topics, including:■ Identifying symptoms and emotions■ The circular nature of feelings, thoughts and behaviors■ Coping skills training■ Relaxation therapy.

Evaluations and group therapy sessions are conducted by a licensed child and adolescent psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders.

“Anxieties tend to build over long periods of time,” says Loren Conaway, PhD, a Children’s psychologist. “Likewise, the remedy often takes time and

practice, too. While some changes occur quickly, children will keep the skills they learn in our anxiety program and use them in the future as well.” ✷

Help for Adolescents with Anxiety disorders

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Why Young Children need Booster Seats


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FOR MORE INFORMATION on one of our upcoming FREE parenting educational sessions, or to schedule an evaluation interview, call 402-955-3900.

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8200 Dodge StreetOmaha, NE 68114402-955-5400

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Visit our website at ChildrensOmaha.org.

Easing Summer Allergies and Sinus problems

just kids is published by Children’s Hospital to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. © 2008. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

Gary A. Perkins, President and CEO

Martin W. Beerman, Vice President, Marketing and Community Relations

David G.J. Kaufman, MD, Medical Advisor

Dannee Hartley, Marketing Coordinator

Printed on Recyclable Paper 881M

justkidsChildren’s Hospital has received accreditation or recognition from the following organizations for its delivery of extraordinary health care to children.

easonal allergies can be a burden, causing congestion, coughing, weakness and wheezing. The culprits can be outdoor molds and pollen from grass and trees. In late summer, ragweed pollens can be especially high and aggravate allergies for several weeks.

AT-HOME rEMEdiES prOvidE COMFOrTAllergic reactions can cause swelling and pus to build up inside sinuses. To help alleviate this pressure, try having children

Postmaster: Please deliver between August 11 and 15.

inhale steam from a cup of hot water. Applying a hot, wet towel against the face also may help. Drinking fluids can help thin nasal discharge.

Your local pharmacy may provide some relief. There are over-the-counter saline nasal sprays or solutions for rinsing out sinuses. Antihistamines and decongestants may provide some relief, as well. Your doctor can recommend therapies to treat your child’s uncomfortable symptoms.

dOdging AllErgy TriggErSYou can reduce your child’s symptoms by limiting outdoor activities in the early morning hours, before 10 a.m. This is when pollen levels can be high. Also, keep windows closed and the air conditioning running.

nEEd An AllErgy TEST? There are literally thousands of potential allergens—things that cause an allergic reaction. And allergies can pop up in children in almost as many ways.

Should you have your child tested for allergies? You might want to consider doing so if your child suffers from any of the following symptoms:■ Itchy eyes, nose, and throat■ Chest congestion■ Problems breathing■ Nausea■ Vomiting■ Coughing, stuffy nose, or other cold-like ills lasting longer than a week or two■ Skin problems, such as hives, rashes or itchiness.

The most common method of testing is a skin test. The doctor places drops of various suspected allergens into a light prick on your child’s skin. If the area swells, the test is positive. A blood test may be used as an alternative, if necessary. ✷

LEARN MORE

about the Asthma and Allergy Clinic at Children’s

Hospital on our Web site, ChildrensOmaha.org. Click on programs & Services, then on Outpatient Services. To find an asthma and allergy specialist, call our Find-A-doctor Service at 1-800-833-3100.

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just kids | summer 2008

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