Archive for the ‘Health Alerts’ Category

Flu Season Alert: Vaccinations Protect Against Child Fatalities

Monday, December 5th, 2011

The most common time of year that seasonal flu outbreaks occur is Fall through early Spring, making the winter months prime-time for contracting the virus. Although it’s not always thought of as a serious or life-threatening condition, various versions of the flu spread and affect people differently, ultimately raising the risk for complications.

As flu season approaches here in Central Texas, it’s important to become educated on last year’s occurrences and know the risk for the coming year. These statistics are from the Center for Disease Control from the last Inﬂuenza season:

115 Flu-related Deaths Reported From September 2010 to August 2011

Of the 115 who died, 56 had no known high-risk medical conditions
Of the 115 who died, only 17 were fully vaccinated
Only 23 % of eligible children were vaccinated last season
The median age of those who died was 5 years-old

Pediatric Center of Round Rock recommends the Inﬂuenza vaccine for children after 6 months of age. The vaccine is never 100% protective or 100% safe, but the protection is significant enough to make this a general recommendation.

Children with asthma, allergies or chronic disorders are more susceptible to suffering severe Inﬂuenza symptoms and aggravation of their chronic condition.

If your child is uninsured, we can provide the vaccine through the ”Vaccine For Children”, a federally-funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.

To protect your child through the flu season, call us today to schedule an appointment at (512) 733-5437.

Posted in Health Alerts, Influenza (Flu) | No Comments »

Car Seat Safety and the Rules of the Road for Grandparents

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Whether you’re driving your grandchildren around town or taking them on a road trip, using a seat belt or car seat is crucial.

A study in the August 2011 issue of Pediatrics Digest reports that children were 50% less likely to suffer injuries in an auto accident when their grandparents were driving compared to when their parents were behind the wheel. However, they were less likely to be properly restrained when a grandparent is driving.

Not only is it a requirement by law for children to be properly restrained by a car seat (age requirements vary by state) but it also significantly reduces the chance of death or injury to one of the most important people in your life, your grandchild.

Keep Your Grandchildren Safe When On The Road

Every grandparent should invest in a good car seat and learn how to properly install it. Often your local fire station is happy to help you learn how to install the seat properly, you can find a local car seat inspection location at this web site. Every car in the family should have a car seat. Even if you only occasionally drive your grandchildren somewhere, don’t risk being unprepared.

There are three main types of car seats:

1. Infant seats – for children 22-35 pounds
2. Convertible seats – can be used rear or forward facing. These types of seats will support toddlers up to 40 pounds.
3. Booster seats – These may be used for children who weigh more than 40 pounds and are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.

If you have older grandchildren, set a positive example when they are learning to drive.
Some states allow teenage drivers who posses a learner’s permit to drive with adults, including grandparents. If your grandchild asks to take the wheel, act as a responsible grandparent by enforcing seatbelt rules, setting safety guidelines, and explaining the rules of the road with a positive and encouraging attitude.

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Protecting Your Teens from Chemical Highs

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

With the rise in available prescription narcotics, teens now have even more opportunities to experiment with drugs. However, if you thought locking your medicine cabinet was the only thing to worry about in your home, think again.

Due to easy accessibility, teens are increasingly using common house-hold products and synthetic (man-made) marijuana to get “high”. The dangerous results of using these chemically-induced agents are demonstrated by the alarming increase in emergency room visits and the spread of concern among community leaders.

Parents need to constantly educate themselves about the latest trends in recreational drug use so they can intervene if they suspect their child is being tempted to experiment with getting high.

How Do Teens Obtain Synthetic Marijuana Legally?

Classified as “K2″ or “Spice”, synthetic marijuana is a mixture of herbal and spice plant products which are sprayed with potent chemicals and unknown toxins. These toxins show to cause psychedelic effects and provide a much more severe “high” then normal marijuana. Common side effects include:

Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Agitation
Hallucinations
Extreme paranoia
Delusions lasting for days

Companies are marketing synthetic marijuana as incense, allowing teens to easily obtain it online and even at gas stations. The rising fatality rates caused by these products have become a concern across the country and many states are currently working to make the drug illegal.

How Do Teens Use House-hold Products as Drugs?

Along with using synthetic marijuana to get high, many teens are also experimenting with the drug-like effects of certain chemical products found within most homes. Items such as bath salts and plant food are now being snorted, injected, and swallowed, resulting in severe health problems and even fatalities. These products contain a short-acting stimulate known as mephedrone, and provide users with a high similar to cocaine or ecstasy. Common side effects include:

Increased heart rate
Insomnia
Raised Blood Pressure
Rapid eye movement
Loss of appetite
Teeth grinding
Chest pains

The sad truth is, parents must remain constantly vigilant when it comes to protecting their children from the dangers of drugs and chemical-induced highs. Even if your teen seems unlikely to dabble with these products, it’s best to keep them out of sight and in a locked cabinet. For more information on safety and side effects visit the AAP Healthy Children Website or contact your local poison center.

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Avoiding Injury in School Sports: Maintain the Machine

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

With the start of the school year comes the start of the school sports calendar. Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, even dance classes… No matter what the activity, organized athletics are a fabulous outlet for kids and teens. Sports exercise the body and teach the importance of teamwork. However, they also carry a risk of injuries.

The Two Most Common Sport-Related Injuries

Pediatricians see two main types of injuries caused by school sports. These injuries are classified as acute injuries and overuse injuries.

Acute Injuries – likely to be inflicted in contact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer.

• Concussions
• Sprains and strains
• Bruises
• Fractures
• Dislocations

Overuse Injuries – likely to be inflicted in activities such as track and field, baseball, swimming, weight lifting, and dance.

• Tendinitis
• Stress fractures
• Recurrent joint pain

How to Maintain the Machine (Strategies for Minimizing Injury in School Sports)

What children aren’t capable of understanding is how much the human body is like a machine. When people age, this fact becomes apparent as the machine begins to malfunction, much like an old car. Unfortunately it’s not as easy to replace malfunctioning parts of the human body as it is with a car. It is vital to teach children to maintain their bodies and and avoid sport injuries at all cost.

Drink lots of water

Water is the lubricant that keeps all our parts working together as they should, but kids often forget to take the time to hydrate. Teens should drink 10-15 ounces of water before exercise, and water breaks should be scheduled every 20 minutes.

Guard against overuse

“No pain, no gain” is an inadequate battle cry and doesn’t do a child any good. Exercise should not be accompanied by actual pain. The discomfort of pushing oneself just a little bit farther is fine, but pain is a warning signal that should not be ignored, especially when it comes from joints. Joints that are abused can create lifelong pain and lead to eventual joint replacement surgery.

Runners, dancers, baseball pitchers, and other young athletes of this type are particularly susceptible to overuse injuries. A good rule of thumb is to increase the workout gradually (no more than 20% per week), which will help build toward the ultimate goal. As for swimmers, it’s best to start with 50laps per week and then increase the number of laps by 10 each week. Alternating workouts is also very helpful.

Stretch. Stretch. Stretch.

Stretching is so important that it bears repeating. Here’s why:
• Improves flexibility
• Decreases risk of injury
• Enables joints to move through the full-range of motion, which ultimately improves athletic performance
• Improves circulation within the muscles
• Improves posture

Whether a child is serious about sports or just playing around, it’s important to understand how to “maintain the machine.” A proper maintenance routine will prevent the risk of school sport injuries and help to avoid the effects of life-long pain.

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Hand-washing: The Single Greatest Childhood Disease Prevention

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Most parents say they would do anything to keep their child safe and healthy. They would throw themselves in front of a speeding car in order to save their child’s life. They would gladly donate an organ if their child needed one.

These parents are sincere and passionate when they say that they would give their own life rather than see their child come to harm. And yet, many parents fail to implement what the American Academy of Pediatrics has stated “may be the single most important act you and your child have for disease prevention.”

What is this miraculous method of preventing disease? Hand washing. In fact, hand washing is so fundamentally important to health that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created an entire section on their website devoted to it. On this website, you’ll find videos, podcasts, and posters that you can use to help teach your child the importance of regularly washing his or her hands. This is especially important during the cold and flu season.

Hand washing is a habit. If you don’t automatically wash your hands after going to the restroom, even when no one will know, then you’re not in the habit. If you’re not in the habit, then you must consciously establish it, the same way you would have to consciously break a habit that you want to stop. Trust me, your children are paying attention and will mimic your behavior. By making a commitment to your own health, you will be making a commitment to your child’s health. Washing your hands regularly will be a lot less painful than throwing your body in front of a speeding car.

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

A splash of water and a squirt of soap won’t do the trick. Your hands must be wet, and you should rub the soap on them vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds to remove the germs. When you rinse away the soap, you rinse away the germs. You and your child can even come up with a 15-second hand washing song or sing two choruses of Happy Birthday.

If no soap or running water are available, an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will reduce the number of germs that are present on the hands, but hands should be washed thoroughly at the first opportunity. It’s a good idea for parents to carry hand sanitizer for certain situations, but soap and water are always preferable.

Stay Away from Antibacterial Soap

Several drug-resistant pathogens (aka “superbugs”) are spreading across the country, notably CRKP (Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae), the most powerful superbug to date. The reason these bugs have grown so strong is because regular exposure to antibacterial agents such as antibacterial soap has allowed them to adapt. Antibacterial soaps and cleaning products may be partly to blame. Also to blame are prescription antibiotic medicines when the illness doesn’t warrant such treatment.

The good news is that CRKP and other superbugs are spread by skin-to-skin contact . . . yet another reason why regular, thorough hand washing is a must for you and for your children.

Posted in Health Alerts, Influenza (Flu) | 5 Comments »

When to Seek Help for Insect Bites on Children

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Many wonderful things come with summer – long days filled with sunshine, lemonade stands and swimming in the neighborhood pool. One thing that’s not so nice is the reappearance of biting insects. Chiggers, mosquitoes, no-see-ums… in other words, bugs. Most insect bites are nothing more than an annoyance, but in rare instances, insect bites can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

How to Prevent Insect Bites in children

When biting insects are most active, usually at sunrise and sunset, it’s best for children to stay indoors. If going outside, children should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, as well as a hat. Additionally, for children aged 2 months and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of insect repellent containing DEET, Permethrin, or Picardin. These repellents primarily target mosquitoes, which are the most prevalent culprits.

DEET products should be applied to the skin, but not to the hands of children who suck their thumbs or fingers. A concentration of 30% can be used when 6 hours of protection are needed. A concentration of 10% DEET suffices for up to two hours. A total of 3 or 4 drops protects the entire body. DEET should not be applied to the eyes or mouth, or to sunburned skin. Wash off DEET with soap and water after the child returns indoors.
Permethrin products are only effective when applied to the clothing instead of the skin.
Picardin products may be safely applied to the skin or clothing and are equivalent to 10% DEET. Picardin repellents are newly approved.

Other preventive measures:

Parents should ensure that their yard is free of standing water, the mosquito’s breeding ground. Also, here in Texas, it’s important to teach children to watch for – and avoid – the fire ant mounds that litter our
landscape. In homes with children, pets should be protected against fleas.

How to Treat Insect Bites in Children

A child’s reaction to a sting or bite will vary. Most children have only mild reactions – a small red bump, slight pain or itchiness. But children who are allergic to that particular insect’s venom can have more pronounced, even severe symptoms.

Within the first two hours after your child is bitten or stung, call for medical help immediately if your child suffers these symptoms:

Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or urinating; slurred speech
Weakness or lightheadedness; difficulty awakening
Itching all over the body
Very stiff neck

When the symptoms are less severe, keep an eye on your child. To relieve stinging, itching, or swelling, try these home remedies recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Apply a cool compress to the affected area.
Apply non-prescription strength hydrocortisone cream four times per day.
For children who are experiencing a mild allergic reaction, try a non-prescription strength oral antihistamine such as Benadryl.
For painful bites, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help.
If the bite site becomes infected, clean the area frequently and apply an antibiotic ointment. If you see the infection spreading with red streaks, call your pediatrician immediately.

If you have any concerns about insect bites on your children, contact the Pediatric Center of Round Rock at (512) 733-5437.

Posted in Health Alerts | 4 Comments »

Seton Offering Free Heart Screenings for High School Students

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Championship Heart Foundation is partnering with Seton Heart Institute and Seton Highland Lakes Hospital to provide FREE heart screening for high school athletes.

WHO: Any high school student (14-18)

WHAT: EKG and limited echocardiogram with immediate results interpreted by board certified cardiologists.

WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 27th from 8 AM to 12 PM.

WHERE: Seton Burnet Healthcare Center, directly behind Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, 200 Country Road 340-A, Building 1, Burnet, Texas.

WHY: Active students who participate in athletics, cheerleading, marching band, drill team or other strenuous sports are encouraged to get their hearts screened for possible deadly genetic heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomiopathy.

Space is limited, therefore students must PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at www.championshipheartsfoundation.org

Just click on the “upcoming heart screening” button at the top of the home page. For those without Internet access who wish to sign up. Please call the Foundation toll free at (888) 884-6945 for assistance.

Students must have a signed parental waiver in order to receive heart screening. That waiver will be available at the event and is also available to print from the Championship Hearts website at www.championshipheartsfoundation.org.

If you need more information, please, contact our office at (512) 733-5437.

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Protect Young Children from Heat Stroke

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

2010 had the highest number of child deaths from heat stroke on record. 49 children lost their lives last year while left alone in cars; over a quarter of those deaths took place in Texas. Although heat stroke deaths can occur at surprisingly low temperatures, Texas children are especially vulnerable because we have so many hot days… and 2011 promises to be a scorcher.

Heat stroke in children isn’t limited to unattended vehicles. Children can also become extremely overheated when playing outside in hot weather. Infants who are dressed too warmly can suffer from heat stroke. Sunburn and dehydration make children more susceptible to this condition.

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when the body temperature rises beyond the body’s ability to cool itself down. Symptoms include high temperature but no sweating, flushing, rapid pulse, restlessness, slow or muted response, and can progress to confusion, dizziness, headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, and unconsciousness.

Why Are Children So Vulnerable to Heat Stroke?

Adults can suffer from heat stroke, but children are especially vulnerable for a combination of reasons, including:

Children get hot faster because their body surface to body weight proportion is higher than that of adults.
Because of their higher metabolic rate, children generate more body heat during exercise.
Children’s bodies don’t sweat as efficiently as adults’ bodies.
Children acclimatize to heat slower than adults.
Children don’t experience thirst appropriately. If they are not told to drink frequently, they can suffer from dehydration.
Children who suffer from childhood obesity are more at risk because the extra weight compounds most of these problems.

This list has been taken from: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/Heat-Tolerance.aspx

How Can Parents Protect Young Children from Heat Stroke?

From vehicle-related heat stroke:

Never – never – leave your child alone in the car, not even for a minute. Child death in a car has occurred as early as February in temperatures in the low 70s. Don’t risk it. Create strategies for yourself so you don’t accidentally forget your sleeping baby in the car.
When your cars are parked at home, lock them and keep the keys out of reach of children.
If your child goes missing, check your car and the trunk of your car first.
If you see a child locked in a car, call 911.

From other heat stroke causes:

Dress children – especially babies – in lightweight, loose clothing.
Keep babies inside. When you must go outside, be sure babies are shaded.
When riding in the car, make sure the air conditioning keeps your baby cool enough.
Slowly acclimate older children to summer heat by allowing them to play outside for short periods of time over two weeks.
Remind children to drink water at least every 20 minutes during strenuous activity.
Remind children to rest and get out of the sun for frequent breaks.

What Should Parents Do if Heat Stroke Is Suspected?

Heat stroke can be deadly. The moment heat stroke is suspected in children, parents or caregivers should call 911 immediately and follow instructions. You must cool the child as quickly as possible because children suffering from heat stroke can slip into unconsciousness in minutes.

Posted in Health Alerts, Newborns & Infants | 3 Comments »

PCRR Now Offers Fluoride Varnish!

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, estimates that more than 40% of children have tooth decay by the age of five. Making cavities the most common infectious disease among American children. Fluoride varnish is a great way to combat the problem at an early age; it has proven to reduce cavities by 67%, and can reverse the possibility of early cavities as well.

When Should Fluoride Varnish be Applied?

We recommend that children get fluoride varnish applied during their well-child check-ups at 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years and 3 years.

Fluoride Varnish Application and Aftercare

The easy application and aftercare of fluoride varnish, makes it a great option for children of all ages. The varnish is painlessly painted on with a small toothbrush (watch this video to see how quick and easy the application is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfdcjZ3ht9M). The aftercare is equally as easy. For four hours after the treatment, patients can only consume soft foods and liquids. Also, we recommend that patients do not brush their teeth until the following morning.

Fluoride Varnish Safety

Parents need not be concerned about young children swallowing the fluoride varnish as it is completely non-toxic in small amounts; we only use about ¼ of a milliliter.

Most At-Risk for Tooth Decay

While fluoride varnish is beneficial to everyone, there are certain patients at higher risks of cavities such as: infants, children with special health care needs, and children whose mothers had cavities, especially while pregnant. Additionally, we highly recommend a fluoride varnish application for children on Medicaid, CHIP, or WIC because they are also at a high risk of tooth decay.

Which Insurance Policies Cover Fluoride Varnish?

Most insurance policies cover fluoride varnish, making it affordable. The costs of treatment are as follows:
-Medicaid: FREE
-All other insurance: $40 per application

Additionally, depending on your dental insurance, you may be able to get fluoride varnish for free at your child’s dentist appointments, starting at the age of one. We definitely recommend looking in to this. Ultimately, we don’t care where you get the varnish applied, as long as it is applied somewhere!

Please note, that getting fluoride varnish at PCRR does not replace regular visits to the dentist. We still recommend children begin seeing a dentist at the age of 1 year old.

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Beat the Rush! Schedule Back-to-School Checkups Now

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Although summer is just getting underway, it’s not too early to schedule a back-to-school check-up for your children. Summer appointment slots are filling up fast, so call the Pediatric Center of Round Rock today at (512) 733-5437.

A well-child checkup is an important part of making sure your child is healthy and up-to-date on all their vaccinations. Additionally, there are two other common reasons your child needs a back-to-school checkup:

School Registration: Your child’s school may require proof that all vaccinations are up to date. Often vaccination recommendations change and your child may need a booster shot or new vaccination. Don’t get caught without a current shot record when you register your child for school this Fall.

Sports Physicals: If your child plans on playing sports this Summer or Fall, they may be required to have a sports physical. Schools will provide UIL forms, and you must bring the forms to the appointment with the parent portion already filled out. Our physicians will perform the appropriate exams and complete the paper work.

Why Should You Schedule a Well-Child Checkup?

In addition to required back-to-school checkups, well-child checkups are an important part of managing your child’s health.

A Well-Child Check-Up Allows the Doctor to Focus More Broadly

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), annual well child check-ups are just as important as bringing your child to the pediatrician when he or she feels sick. When a sick child comes to the doctor, the doctor’s focus is rightfully on the symptoms of that illness. The priority is to make the child feel better.

On the other hand, when a healthy child visits the pediatrician, the doctor is free to take a broader look at the child’s overall health and wellbeing. The doctor has time to ask more questions. Not to mention, the symptoms of a temporary illness can often mask trouble spots that would put a doctor on alert during a well-child check-up.

Continuity of Care Establishing a Medical History

One of the most important reasons for a regular annual check-up is continuity of care. Not every health-related issue has symptoms that are easy to spot. Some present themselves subtly, so subtly that parents might not even notice.

When you bring your child to the pediatrician annually for a well-child check-up, the pediatrician will compare the results of this year to those of the previous year, and will be able to spot any troubling trends. Early intervention can get health issues under control before they become disruptive. In some cases, early intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

By bringing your child to the doctor every year even when he or she is healthy, you’re establishing a medical history for your child. If you move to another state, you can transfer these medical records; giving the new doctor the necessary information to provided the best possible healthcare for your family.

Teaching Your Child To Take Responsibility For Their Health

Well-child check-ups give pediatricians the luxury of time, which empowers us to educate children about important health issues. If your child is overweight or obese, we can counsel them on healthy eating and exercise. If your teenager shows signs of smoking, we can show them some of the very real consequences that smokers face. Sometimes a doctor can get through when a parent can’t.

This luxury of time means your child can ask questions, too. Your job as a parent is to prepare your child to be able to take care of themself as adults; understanding their body is a big part of that. The human body can be very mysterious, particularly during puberty. Some children feel more comfortable asking questions to a doctor, rather than their parents. Give your child every opportunity to get the information they need to stay safe and healthy.

Schedule Your Back-to-School Check-Up Now!

Don’t wait or you might forget. Call us today at Pediatric Center of Round Rock to schedule a back-to-school check-up for your children. You can reach us at (512) 733-5437.

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