young and healthy - summer 2012
DESCRIPTION
Young and Healthy a Cincinnati Children's guide to your child's good health.TRANSCRIPT
Draw your disease
youngandhealthySUMMER 2012
Ask the PediatricianThe skinny on skinStory on Page 2
Slow down and think about avoiding hidden dangers
Most accidents that land families in the emergency room each summer are preventable, say doctors at Cincinnati Children’s
and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1 Fireworks look fun, but even sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees F. Enjoy fireworks by attending a show run by professionals.
2 Playgrounds are great, but beware of hidden dangers: Hot slides may burn legs, and open S hooks or protruding bolts suggest poor maintenance.
3 Bike riding is a wonderful family activity. Don’t forget a bike helmet for every member of the family, to prevent head and face injuries. Be sure the helmet fits correctly and has a label indicating that it meets safety standards.
4 Vacations and amusement parks are mainstays of family fun over the summer. Review what your children should do if they become separated from you at a public place. Be sureyour kids know your cell phone number.
5 All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) look fun, but children younger than 16 should not be allowed to drive or ride on them. 30 percent of all ATV-related deaths and emergency department visits involve children.
6 Inflatable pools are a popular way to cool off in your own backyard. But beware these pools are especially dangerous to kids younger than 5. Never leave children unattended by a pool, no matter the size, not even for a minute. Drownings can occur in only a few inches of water.
parul bawa, md • heather mittiga, mdfrom springdale-mason pediatrics
Community Pediatricians Affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s
a d v i c e f r o m
7 Backyard trampolines seem like a great way to get kids active outdoors, but they are simply too dangerous. In the United States each year, there are nearly 100,000 trampoline injuries.
8 Lawn-mower accidents frequently lead to summer injuries. The safest bet is to keep children out of the yard while you are operating a lawn mower. Never let a child be a passenger on a ride-on mower. Be aware children need to be at least 12 before they are old enough to operate a mower themselves.
9 Life jackets are key if your family plans to boat, canoe, jet ski, or simply play near lakes and rivers this summer. Make sureyour child has a comfortable life jacket that fits snugly and that he keeps it on at all times around water. Set a good example and wear one yourself.
10 Scooters and skateboards are fun as kids get older, but make sure they are never ridden near moving traffic. Most accidents are because of falls, so ensure your child or teen always rides with a helmet and protective gear to minimize the chance of injury.
Is your child battling a chronic condition or overcoming an illness?
We would like your child to describe it in a drawing.
Have your child draw how he pictures the disease and send in the artwork with a bit of an explanation about your family’s experience.
Send your art to Young and Healthy, Marketing & Communications, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229. Or email it to [email protected]
Please include your child’s name, age, school, grade and contact information, along with a brief explanation of your experience. We will post a gallery on our Cincinnati Children’s Facebook page.
The deadline is Aug. 1, 2012.
We want to see things from a child’s perspective
3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 9012
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
Summer SafetyThe doctors’ ordersStory on Page 1
Families return to Cincinnati Children’s to share their stories. See Page 4.
Jenna and Jake Danneman are just one of Cincinnati Children’s stories of hope.
Slow down and think about avoiding hidden dangers
Most accidents that land families in the emergency room each summer are preventable, say doctors at Cincinnati Children’s
and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1 Fireworks look fun, but even sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees F. Enjoy fireworks by attending a show run by professionals.
2 Playgrounds are great, but beware of hidden dangers: Hot slides may burn legs, and open S hooks or protruding bolts suggest poor maintenance.
3 Bike riding is a wonderful family activity. Don’t forget a bike helmet for every member of the family, to prevent head and face injuries. Be sure the helmet fits correctly and has a label indicating that it meets safety standards.
4 Vacations and amusement parks are mainstays of family fun over the summer. Review what your children should do if they become separated from you at a public place. Be sureyour kids know your cell phone number.
5 All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) look fun, but children younger than 16 should not be allowed to drive or ride on them. 30 percent of all ATV-related deaths and emergency department visits involve children.
6 Inflatable pools are a popular way to cool off in your own backyard. But beware these pools are especially dangerous to kids younger than 5. Never leave children unattended by a pool, no matter the size, not even for a minute. Drownings can occur in only a few inches of water.
parul bawa, md • heather mittiga, mdfrom springdale-mason pediatrics
Community Pediatricians Affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s
a d v i c e f r o m
7 Backyard trampolines seem like a great way to get kids active outdoors, but they are simply too dangerous. In the United States each year, there are nearly 100,000 trampoline injuries.
8 Lawn-mower accidents frequently lead to summer injuries. The safest bet is to keep children out of the yard while you are operating a lawn mower. Never let a child be a passenger on a ride-on mower. Be aware children need to be at least 12 before they are old enough to operate a mower themselves.
9 Life jackets are key if your family plans to boat, canoe, jet ski, or simply play near lakes and rivers this summer. Make sureyour child has a comfortable life jacket that fits snugly and that he keeps it on at all times around water. Set a good example and wear one yourself.
10 Scooters and skateboards are fun as kids get older, but make sure they are never ridden near moving traffic. Most accidents are because of falls, so ensure your child or teen always rides with a helmet and protective gear to minimize the chance of injury.
cincinnatichildrensblog.org
CincinnatiChildren’sHospitalMedicalCenter
@cincychildrens
youtube.com/cincinnatichildrens
Boy with headache,
byWillLeach,age5
Slow down and think about avoiding hidden dangers
Most accidents that land families in the emergency room each summer are preventable, say doctors at Cincinnati Children’s
and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1 Fireworkslookfun,butevensparklerscanreachtemperaturesexceeding1000degreesF.Enjoyfireworksbyattendingashowrunbyprofessionals.
2 Playgroundsaregreat,butbewareofhiddendangers:Hotslidesmayburnlegs,andopenShooksorprotrudingboltssuggestpoormaintenance.
3 Bikeridingisawonderfulfamilyactivity.Don’tforgetabikehelmetforeverymemberofthefamily,topreventheadandfaceinjuries.Besurethehelmetfitscorrectlyandhasalabelindicatingthatitmeetssafetystandards.
4 Vacationsandamusementparksaremainstaysofsummerfun.Reviewwhatyourchildrenshoulddoiftheybecomeseparatedfromyou.Besureyourkidsknowyourcellphonenumber.
5 All-terrainvehicles(ATVs)lookfun,butchildrenyoungerthan16shouldnotbeallowedtodriveorrideonthem.30percentofallATV-relateddeathsandhospitalvisitsinvolvechildren.
6 Inflatablepoolsareapopularwaytocooloffinyourownbackyard.Butbeware:Thesepoolsareespeciallydangeroustokidsyoungerthan5.Neverleavechildrenunattendedbyapool,nomatter
parul bawa, md • heather mittiga, mdfrom springdale-mason pediatrics
Community pediatricians affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s
a d v i c e f r o m
thesize,notevenforaminute.Drowningscanoccurinonlyafewinchesofwater.
7 Backyardtrampolinesseemlikeagreatwaytogetkidsactiveoutdoors,buttheyaresimplytoodangerous.IntheUnitedStateseachyear,therearenearly100,000trampolineinjuries.
8 Lawn-moweraccidentsfrequentlyleadtosummerinjuries.Thesafestbetistokeepchildrenoutoftheyardwhileyouareoperatingalawnmower.Neverletachildbeapassengeronaride-onmower.Childrenneedtobeatleast12beforetheyareoldenoughtooperateamowerthemselves.
9 Lifejacketsarekeyifyourfamilyplanstoboat,canoe,jetskiorsimplyplaynearlakesandriversthissummer.Makesureyourchildwearsacomfort-ablelifejacketthatfitssnugly.Encour-ageyourchildtokeepalifejacketonbywearingoneyourself.
10Scootersandskateboardsarefunaskidsgetolder,butmakesuretheyareneverriddennearmovingtraffic.Mostaccidentsarebecauseoffalls,soensureyourchildorteenalwaysrideswithahelmetandprotectivegeartominimizethechanceofinjury.
2 www.cincinnatichi ldrens.org/youngandhealthy young and healthy | SUMMER 2012 3
Autism and social life What: Researchers want to learn more about the social lives of kids with autism spectrum disorders.
Who: Kids ages 10 to 17 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, are verbal and have fluent language skills and have a parent available to participate.
Pay: Families will receive a $20 gift card for completing surveys during the 60- to 90-minute visit.
Details: Contact Carrie Thomas at [email protected] or 513-803-3580.
Teen sleep study What: The study will explore how teenagers are affected by not getting enough sleep.
Who: Healthy 14- to 16-year-olds who do not drink a lot of caffeine (no more than two soft drinks or one coffee per day) may be eligible to participate.
When: Study visits will take place Aug. 6 to 25.
Pay: Families will be paid up to $225 for time and travel.
Details: Contact Julie Field at [email protected] or 513-636-5360.
Sleep study for kids with epilepsy What: Scientists want to know whether giving a dietary supplement to children with epilepsy will improve their sleep and provide better seizure control.
Who: Children ages 6 to 11 who have seizures may be eligible to participate.
Pay: Families will receive up to $750 for time and travel.
Details: Contact Twila Rogers at [email protected] or 513-636-0599.
Tell Me a Story
Competitive spirit unbroken Zoe Bruce, a competitive gymnast, was practicing on the high bars two years ago when she fell, breaking and dislocating both elbows. Today, her competitive spirit is unbroken. She says her injury made her stronger.
Girls just wanna have fun Nurses at Cincinnati Children’s know something that helps LeCarol Batson get through each of her blood draws. LeCarol, who has sickle cell disease, loves to sing her way past the pain. Her caregivers even sing along.
Parents find answers here Chase Tieber was born in 2009 with a brachial plexus injury. His parents were worried. Would he be healthy? Would he ever be able to throw a football? With the right surgery and therapy, the answer is yes on both counts.
NewsBriefs
Young and Healthy is published by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and The Cincinnati Pediatric Society. Produced by the Department of Marketing and Communications, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, MLC 9012, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026 or call 513-636-4420.
Advisers: Chris Peltier, MD, and Zeina Samaan, MD Editorial Consultant: Sarah Selickman, MD Managing Editor: Tanya Bricking Leach | Designer: Kacie Snyder
To Subscribe: Sign up at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/subscribe
©2012 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
3810 0612 124000
ScienceSnapshotsQ. What do you recommend in terms of sunscreen for kids?
And what’s your advice for choosing bug spray?
Ask the Pediatr ician
Best friends good for health They offer real benefit in tough times
We all know that friendship is priceless. Now, the positive power of your child’s BFF can be measured by science.
A recent study of 5th and 6th graders, published in Develop-mental Psychology, reports that the presence of a best friend directly protects a child from the stresses of negative experiences, such as getting in trouble with a teacher or having an argument with a classmate.
The study found that children with best friends around had lower cortisol levels in their saliva versus those who faced stressful events alone.
In time, high cortisol levels can lead to immune suppression, decreased bone formation and other changes.
Best diet for obese kids? Experts give edge to ‘reduced glycemic load’
After comparing three common diets for obese children, scientists say children are most likely to stick with the
“reduced glycemic load” approach.
Unlike portion-control diets, this approach focuses less on calorie counting. It allows certain generous portions of “unrestricted” carbs, such as fruit, vegetables and 100-percent whole grains.
This less restrictive way of eating, says Shelley Kirk, PhD, RD, of Cincinnati Children’s, may make it easier for families to follow a healthy food plan for the long term. Study results appear in the Journal of Pediatrics.
Kirk recommends The Family G.I. Diet, by Rick Gallop, and other books in The G.I. Diet series as good resources for nutritional advice and recipes.
New research building going upWe are adding a 15-story research building to the main campus at Cincinnati Children’s. The $180 million expansion, expected by summer 2015, will allow our scientists to continue to make new discoveries, find cures and deliver the best care for kids.
Pediatric Primary Care moving The Pediatric Primary Care Center, in Location A on the main campus at Cincinnati Children’s, is moving in mid-July. The center will move across the street to the second floor of the 3430 Burnet Ave. building.
Save the date for the Walk Mark your calendars. The next Cincinnati Walks for Kids event will be Saturday, Oct. 20 at Coney Island.
Our latest U.S. News rankings Go to www.cincinnatichildrens.org to see our latest U.S. News rankings.
ResearchStudiesResearch studies help us learn more about medical conditions and come up with better treatments. Ultimately, studies help us find cures for diseases. Learn how you can help by joining a research study.
Sunscreen is essential for keeping skin safe from ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin damage.
Protecting young skin has long-lasting effects: Good practices now can prevent skin cancer later in life. Some medications, such as acne medicines, make skin especially sensitive.
SPF 15 or higher: Sunscreen should have a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and be used for children 6 months of age and older. Look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen, the kind that protects against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
Sunscreen is most effective when used 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Apply it generously, and reapply every 2 hours. Zinc oxide is effective on areas especially sensitive to burns, like the face.
Try to stay away from the sun in the middle of the day when rays are most damaging. Protective clothing, such as shirts with built-in sun protection, or hats, can help. Remember sunglasses for eye protection. Since water and sand reflect sunlight, consider surf shirts for the beach or pool.
Keep bugs at bay: Insect bites can be more than just itchy. They can spread disease. Avoid areas where insects gather. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help protect you from bug bites. You may want to consider a bug spray.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers bug spray containing DEET the most effective repellent against biting insects and says it is safe for children 2 months of age and older. However, concentrations of no more than 30 percent DEET should be used for children.
Use sprays sparingly because of the potential for toxicity. Lightly spray exposed skin and do not reapply. Avoid spraying on the face. Wash spray off your body and clothing after use.
Avoid sunscreens containing DEET because reapplication can lead to too much DEET exposure. Alternatives include: Picardin (less toxic but also less effective), Permethrin sprays (only for use on clothing) and essential oils (also less effective).
Have fun outdoors this summer and remember that prevention is best when it comes to burns and bites.
SarahSelickmanHeidt,MD,acommunitypediatricianaffiliatedwithCincinnatiChildren’s,practicesatPediatricAssociatesofMt.Carmel.SheispresidentoftheCincinnatiPediatricSociety.
Learningtomaketherightfoodchoicesismoreimportantthancountingcalories,expertssay.
If you have a question for the pediatrician, email [email protected]
GO ONLINEtowww.cincinnatichildrens.org/storytowatchourseriesofpatientstories.Ifyouhaveastorytoshare,[email protected]
A.
youngandhealthy Volume 25, Issue 2
At Cincinnati Children’s, we fix smiles.
We mend hearts.
We repair brains.
We fight infections.
We help families be brave.
We help kids grow strong.
We give them second chances.
And we celebrate when they say, “Look at me now.”
look at me now
The McLanes LillyMcLaneweighedlessthan2poundswhenshearrivedfourmonthsearly.She
neededsurgeryatCincinnatiChildren’storepairabowelperforation.Herfirst
diapersweredoll-sizedandstilltoobigforher.AfterfourmonthsatCincinnati
Children’s,shegrewstrongenoughtogohome.She’snow3yearsold.“Thenurses
andotherstaffalwayshadwordsofencouragementsowecouldstaystrongforour
tinygirl,”sayshermother,Ashley,whostillstaysintouchwithsomeofthenurses.
The Stouts PeytonStoutwasborntwomonthsearlywithsuchsevere
complicationsthatdoctorstoldhisparentshewouldnotsurvive.
AfterthreemonthsofspecializedcareatCincinnatiChildren’s,
Peytonbeattheodds.Hehasbeendiagnosedwithamildcase
ofcerebralpalsy,butheisathriving5-year-old.“Hewalkswith
assistanceandtalksnon-stop,”sayshismom,Katie.“Thank
youtoallofthewonderfuldoctors,nursesandtherapistsat
CincinnatiChildren’s.”
The Osterfelds MarynOsterfeldwasdiagnosedwithhipdysplasiaat9monthsoldandneededsurgery.Justwhensheshouldhavebeenlearningtocrawlorwalk,shehadtospendmonthsinaspicacast,thenahipbrace.Now2yearsold,thosedaysareadistantmemory.Shewearsabraceonlywhenshesleeps.“Shecancrawl,walk,runandjustlearnedtojump,”sayshermom,Mara.
The Krogers WhenDavidandMarisaKrogerfoundouttheirsonZackneededskullsurgery,theywere
scared.Theywonderediflifewouldeverbethesame.SpecialistsatCincinnatiChildren’s
performedmultiplesurgeriestohelpZack’sskullandeyemusclesdevelopproperly.
Today,Zackis8yearsoldanddoingjustfine,thankstocarehereceivedhere.
The Curtis Family HarrisonCurtiswasborn
onMarch6,2008.Aroutine
ultrasoundhadwarnedthat
hehadaheartcondition.On
March9,Harrisonunderwent
anine-hoursurgerytorepair
hisheart.Hespentamonthat
CincinnatiChildren’srecovering.
Histwoolderbrotherswerenot
allowedinthehospitalroom
duringhisrecovery,sothe
hospital’sChildLifespecialists
arrangedforthemtomeet
theirnewbrotherviawebcam.
“Today,Harrisonisdoinggreat
andisunderthecontinued
careofthekindpeopleatthe
HeartInstituteatCincinnati
Children’s,”sayshismom,
Allisha. >>>
The Buffingtons JaelynnBuffingtonwasbornin2010withabilateralcomplete
cleftlipandpalate.Shehadtobefedwithasyringeforherfirst
monthoflife.SpecialistsatCincinnatiChildren’sperformed
surgeriesandfixedhersmile.Hermother,Crysta,saysit’s
nothingshortof“amazing.”
Severalmonthsago,weaskedfamiliestosendinphotographs
fromtheirexperiencesatCincinnatiChildren’ssowecould
lookbackattheirmedicaljourneys.Morethan100families
sentinsnapshots.Weinvited14familiesbacktotellusabout
howfarthey’vecome.Thesearetheirstories.
4 www.cincinnatichi ldrens.org/youngandhealthy young and healthy | SUMMER 2012 5
The Haarmeyers AustinHaarmeyerhadbrainsurgeryinAugust2010toremovea
brainstemcavernoma.DoctorsdiscovereditafterAustinsuddenly
losttheuseofhisrightsideat13monthsold.His“before”picture
wasfromthedayaftersurgery,whentheyremovedthebandage
thattheycalledhis“racinghat.”He’snow3yearsoldandlovesto
runandclimb.“Thesurgerywasveryrisky,”sayshismom,Paula.
“ButIamhappytoreportthatAustinisdoinggreat.”
The Pottebaums KatelynnPottebaum’sarrivaleightweeksearlywasfraughtwithcomplications.Katelynn’sunderdevelopedlungsmadeithardforhertoabsorboxygen,andcaregiversatherbirthhospitalsaidtherewasnothingelsetheycoulddo.Buttoeveryone’samazement,Katelynnheldon.NursesatCincinnatiChildren’sslowlyweanedheroffoxygensoshecouldbreatheonherown,andbeforelong,shewasabletogohome.“Theexitfromthehospitalwasbittersweet,”sayshermother,Christina.“WeareforeverindebtedtoeverysinglepersonwhocameintocontactwithKatelynn.Isworeatthatmomentwe’dneverforgetChildren’sandwhattheydidforus.”
The Bircks AnnaBirckwasborninDecember2002withacongenital
diaphragmatichernia,alife-threateningbirthdefectthatcauses
respiratorydistress.ShehadsurgeryatCincinnatiChildren’sthree
daysafterbirth.“WebroughtherhomeonChristmasEve,thebest
giftwecouldhavewishedforthatChristmas,”sayshermom,Jane.
Annaisnowahappy,healthy9-year-old.
Scantowatchour“LookatMeNow”Video.
The Perez Family InJanuary2007,EvanPerez
hadthelastoffoursurgeries
tokeephimfromhavingany
moreearinfections.Multiple
infectionshadimpairedhis
hearing,andhehadaspeech
delay.Thesurgeriesallowed
himtohearlikeatypicalchild,
andhegraduatedfromthe
speechtherapyprogramtwo
yearsago.At12,hehasagreat
vocabulary,hearswellandis
captainofhisbaseballteam.
“NothingcomparesinCincinnati,
oranywhere,totheservicewe
hadatCincinnatiChildren’s,”
sayshismom,Laura.Today,
Evanis11yearsoldandgladto
behealthy.
The Roberts Family JaneRobertsspenther
firstyearinandoutof
CincinnatiChildren’sfor
heartsurgeriestocorrecta
seriesofcongenitalheart
defects.“Beingtoldshe
probablywouldn’tsurvive
wasdevastating,”saysher
mom,Andrea.“Seeingher
pullthroughfouropen-heart
surgeries,monthsofhospital
staysandyearsoftherapy
wasamazing.”Today,she
is9yearsoldandperfectly
healthy.Asathird-grader,
shehadthereadingleveland
comprehensionofaninth-
grader.Thefamily’s“before”
pictureisofJaneconnected
tolotsoftubesandmonitors.
Today,herfamilycanhugher
muchmoreeasily.
The Daisey Family ChaseDaiseywasahealthy1-year-oldwhenhewasadmittedtothehospitalafterbattlingafeverforseveraldays.Aninfectionthathadstartedinhisthroatturnedintoanabscessandinfectedhislymphnodes.Heneededtwosurgeriesandatwo-weekstayatthehospital.“Irememberwonderinghowweendedupthere,”sayshismom,Julie.
“Butweknewwewereintherightplace.Thehealingthathappensinsidethesewallsispowerful.Thepeopleareamazing.Wewillneverforgetourtimehereandthosewhotouchedourlives.”
The Claytors HisparentsthoughtAustinClaytorjusthadacoughwhentheytookhimtothedoctorin2009.Itturnedouttobeastaphinfectionthatnearlywipedouthisairwayandlungs.Doctorsplacedhimonanartificiallungmachine.Thereweremomentswhenhisfamilywonderedifhewouldeverrecover.Buthepulledthrough.Hehadtorelearnhowtowalkandtalk,buttodayheisgettingreadyforjuniorhigh.Heloveshuntingandfishingandisbacktoplayingsportsagain.“Wereallydon’tnoticemuchdifferenceinhim,”sayshisdad,Otis,“otherthanheissuperstrong.”
The Dannemans WhenHollyDannemanwaspregnantwithhersecondsetoftwins,aroutineultrasoundrevealedcomplications.Onetwin,Jake,haddevelopedanear-fatalcondition.At29weeks,herequiredimmediatesurgerytosavehislife.TwinJennawasalongfortheride.Holly,anemergencymedicinephysician,saysnoamountofmedicaltrainingcouldhavepreparedherandherhusband,Jim,forthefamily’smedicaljourney.Nineyearslater,Jakeisanathlete.Jennaisascholarandadancer.They’rethemiddlechildreninapackofsixkids.“NotadaygoesbythatIdon’tthinkofhowblessedweare,”theirmothersays.
Draw your disease
youngandhealthySUMMER 2012
Ask the PediatricianThe skinny on skinStory on Page 2
Slow down and think about avoiding hidden dangers
Most accidents that land families in the emergency room each summer are preventable, say doctors at Cincinnati Children’s
and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1 Fireworks look fun, but even sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees F. Enjoy fireworks by attending a show run by professionals.
2 Playgrounds are great, but beware of hidden dangers: Hot slides may burn legs, and open S hooks or protruding bolts suggest poor maintenance.
3 Bike riding is a wonderful family activity. Don’t forget a bike helmet for every member of the family, to prevent head and face injuries. Be sure the helmet fits correctly and has a label indicating that it meets safety standards.
4 Vacations and amusement parks are mainstays of family fun over the summer. Review what your children should do if they become separated from you at a public place. Be sureyour kids know your cell phone number.
5 All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) look fun, but children younger than 16 should not be allowed to drive or ride on them. 30 percent of all ATV-related deaths and emergency department visits involve children.
6 Inflatable pools are a popular way to cool off in your own backyard. But beware these pools are especially dangerous to kids younger than 5. Never leave children unattended by a pool, no matter the size, not even for a minute. Drownings can occur in only a few inches of water.
parul bawa, md • heather mittiga, mdfrom springdale-mason pediatrics
Community Pediatricians Affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s
a d v i c e f r o m
7 Backyard trampolines seem like a great way to get kids active outdoors, but they are simply too dangerous. In the United States each year, there are nearly 100,000 trampoline injuries.
8 Lawn-mower accidents frequently lead to summer injuries. The safest bet is to keep children out of the yard while you are operating a lawn mower. Never let a child be a passenger on a ride-on mower. Be aware children need to be at least 12 before they are old enough to operate a mower themselves.
9 Life jackets are key if your family plans to boat, canoe, jet ski, or simply play near lakes and rivers this summer. Make sureyour child has a comfortable life jacket that fits snugly and that he keeps it on at all times around water. Set a good example and wear one yourself.
10 Scooters and skateboards are fun as kids get older, but make sure they are never ridden near moving traffic. Most accidents are because of falls, so ensure your child or teen always rides with a helmet and protective gear to minimize the chance of injury.
Is your child battling a chronic condition or overcoming an illness?
We would like your child to describe it in a drawing.
Have your child draw how he pictures the disease and send in the artwork with a bit of an explanation about your family’s experience.
Send your art to Young and Healthy, Marketing & Communications, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229. Or email it to [email protected]
Please include your child’s name, age, school, grade and contact information, along with a brief explanation of your experience. We will post a gallery on our Cincinnati Children’s Facebook page.
The deadline is Aug. 1, 2012.
We want to see things from a child’s perspective
3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 9012
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
Summer SafetyThe doctors’ ordersStory on Page 1
Families return to Cincinnati Children’s to share their stories. See Page 4.
Jenna and Jake Danneman are just one of Cincinnati Children’s stories of hope.
Slow down and think about avoiding hidden dangers
Most accidents that land families in the emergency room each summer are preventable, say doctors at Cincinnati Children’s
and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1 Fireworks look fun, but even sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees F. Enjoy fireworks by attending a show run by professionals.
2 Playgrounds are great, but beware of hidden dangers: Hot slides may burn legs, and open S hooks or protruding bolts suggest poor maintenance.
3 Bike riding is a wonderful family activity. Don’t forget a bike helmet for every member of the family, to prevent head and face injuries. Be sure the helmet fits correctly and has a label indicating that it meets safety standards.
4 Vacations and amusement parks are mainstays of family fun over the summer. Review what your children should do if they become separated from you at a public place. Be sureyour kids know your cell phone number.
5 All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) look fun, but children younger than 16 should not be allowed to drive or ride on them. 30 percent of all ATV-related deaths and emergency department visits involve children.
6 Inflatable pools are a popular way to cool off in your own backyard. But beware these pools are especially dangerous to kids younger than 5. Never leave children unattended by a pool, no matter the size, not even for a minute. Drownings can occur in only a few inches of water.
parul bawa, md • heather mittiga, mdfrom springdale-mason pediatrics
Community Pediatricians Affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s
a d v i c e f r o m
7 Backyard trampolines seem like a great way to get kids active outdoors, but they are simply too dangerous. In the United States each year, there are nearly 100,000 trampoline injuries.
8 Lawn-mower accidents frequently lead to summer injuries. The safest bet is to keep children out of the yard while you are operating a lawn mower. Never let a child be a passenger on a ride-on mower. Be aware children need to be at least 12 before they are old enough to operate a mower themselves.
9 Life jackets are key if your family plans to boat, canoe, jet ski, or simply play near lakes and rivers this summer. Make sureyour child has a comfortable life jacket that fits snugly and that he keeps it on at all times around water. Set a good example and wear one yourself.
10 Scooters and skateboards are fun as kids get older, but make sure they are never ridden near moving traffic. Most accidents are because of falls, so ensure your child or teen always rides with a helmet and protective gear to minimize the chance of injury.
cincinnatichildrensblog.org
CincinnatiChildren’sHospitalMedicalCenter
@cincychildrens
youtube.com/cincinnatichildrens
Boy with headache,
byWillLeach,age5