MommyDocs

Tears, Tantrums, and Transitions: Going to Camp

Rachel — June 30, 2008 4 pm

I was a good camper. I’m not talking about the “roughing it” part of camping in the great outdoors (too many bugs for me). I’m referring to going to summer camp. I loved camp. I loved the activities, and the songs, and the friends I made. I loved those art projects, and learning archery, and swimming, and paddling the canoe with that large orange life jacket around me.

And now I’ve got kids, and so we all know that means I get to live vicariously through them. Just kidding (sort of). So you can imagine my excitement when I signed up Ben for “big boy” summer camp. And, this is no shocker to my husband…he is going to the same summer day camp I went to and loved. Ben, who is 5, takes the bus to camp. During his first week of camp, I literally had to carry him on the bus kicking and screaming. That’s no easy feat, when your 5 year old child is basically stronger than you are. I felt bad; I felt bad because he was so sad that he actually had to throw a little tantrum in front of his friends. I felt bad because he told me his stomach hurt right before he got on, and maybe there really was something wrong, not just “the butterflies.” I felt bad because he told me he actually felt unsafe on the bus—it’s way different than being strapped into a car seat. But I got him through that first week of camp, and the second week was much easier. He tells me camp is fun, it’s just that the bus ride (already paid, can’t change now) bothers him. Well now it’s the beginning of the third week. Mondays can be tough, and today was no exception. This morning brought back memories, and an imitation, of that first week. So there I was, carrying out my 50 pound child, putting him on the bus, and telling him he would be okay.

That’s because I know he will be. I’m not just saying that to make myself feel better. In a moment of neurotic weakness, I called the camp and told them my tale of bus-riding woe. They told me that Ben was happy as a lark—he was participating in activities, and singing, and having fun--and they would never have known he had a tough time getting on the bus. So now we’re going to work on his bus-taking skills. Because Ben is a good little camper after all.

Don't Forget Tick Checks!

Dr. Jamie — June 23, 2008

Both of my boys started camp last week. Fortunately, they are going to the same place which makes like easier for everyone and the bus picks them up right in front of the house (it's so convenient!!). This is their first time going to this camp and it is entirely outdoors in the woods. I'm actually very happy about the fact that it is in a forest, because that means LOTS of shade. However, it also means LOTS of bugs, including ticks. The camp does a pretty good job keeping the kids on the main paths and out of the brush, but there is still a very good chance a lot of the campers are going to have ticks crawling around on them and even biting this summer.

There are some things we can do to help keep those awful ticks at bay. I just bought some insect repellant which contains DEET (really the most effective on the market). Keep in mind that the percentage of DEET is really a measure of duration of action, not potency. So the higher the percentage, the longer it works. It's important to pick the lowest percentage you feel you need to protect your family for the amount of time spent outdoors. Also, don't go higher than 30%. A few other tips when using DEET:
-never put on underneath clothing, only on exposed skin (sparingly) or on clothing
-don't use around a child's eyes, nose, mouth, or on the hands
-AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends not to use under 2 months of age
-apply outdoors
-don't reapply
-avoid using a combination sunscreen/DEET product (use separate products)

Other tips to avoid the bugs include:
-appropriate clothing: long pants, long sleeves, and long socks and tuck pants into socks to keep ticks outside of clothing
-lighter clothing allows easier spotting of ticks
-avoid wooded/bushy areas
-stay on paths
-don't sit on the ground
-treat your pets with flea/tick repellant and do tick checks on the family pets

Lastly, PLEASE do tick checks on your children (and yourselves) every single night. Go through their hair very carefully and check over the entire body including the armpits, scalp, and groin. Remember that ticks can be very small, so look closely.

Good luck and hopefully it will be a tick free summer!

Free Car Seat Installation/Check Up
Don't Miss Out!

Dr. Jamie — June 15, 2008

Lately, I've become more aware of too many babies, toddlers, and children not being properly secured in appropriate car seats. It doesn't matter if it's a newborn in an infant seat facing backwards, or an older child who should be properly restrained in a booster, everyone needs to be safe in the car. I know that when my boys were babies, we always went to a professional car seat installer and had the infant seat permanently secured in the back seat, so that we had piece of mind that it was put in correctly. Believe me, it's actually not so easy to get them in right! In fact, there are reports that show that 96% of parents think their child's safety seats are in correctly, but in reality it is believed that 82% are not installed and used correctly. This percentage is unreal!

So what does this mean? Either moms and dads need a lot of education and hands on training in installing car seats, or parents need to be bringing their safety seats to professional installers. All over the country there are places which do this for free...that's right, it's free! In some jurisdictions the local police or fire departments do it, and in other places certain stores and businesses sponsor this. There are actual courses which people need to take in order to be certified to install car seats.

In order to find out where to go in your area, there is a very useful website called www.seatcheck.org, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.

We are in the Washington DC area and a local car dealership has been doing car seat checks and installations for years. Fitzgerald Auto Mall (www.fitzmall.com) has certified child passenger safety technicians who are available to help people in the community either by appointment or on certain designated days where they set aside a few hours and have a first come, first serve child car seat check up. I highly recommend that everyone in the Washington DC area utilize this service. Every child should not only be in a properly fitted car seat, but a properly installed car seat, as well.

The next Car Seat Check Up is on June 19th. Here are the details:
                        When: June 19th
                        Where: Fitzgerald Auto Mall, White Flint location (see website for directions)
                         Time: 10-12:30 p.m.

If you don't live in the Washington DC area, please check out the websites above to find out where you can go to have your child's car seat installed properly.

Please don't take any chances!

Why Don't Children Mind the Heat?

Dr. Jamie — June 11, 2008

The MommyDocs are based here in Washington DC, where it's been a balmy almost 100 degrees for the past three days. And to top it all off, the humidity is through the roof as well. It's the kind of weather where you can stand under the shade of a tree and still "sweat like a pig"!!! I would know this because despite that fact that it is unbearable outside my kids don't seem to feel the heat. They get home from school (which ends tomorrow...), and immediately jump on their scooters (with helmets, sometimes after a gentle reminder) and they're off, riding around and around the cul de sac in front of our house.

So, I'm left setting up one of those portable chairs I bring to the soccer games, under a tree in the front yard. Even though I'm just sitting there watching them, I'm sopping wet! Every so often I try to talk my boys into coming inside, but to no avail. Why don't they get hot? They sure look hot. Their faces are bright red and covered in sweat. Yet, this doesn't seem to matter. So, I usually just give up. I make sure they have a big water bottle filled with ice water and make them take breaks for drink and rest (in the shade). Eventually, they do say they are tired and want to go inside, but it truly amazes me how kids don't perceive the elements like adults do. I guess it's kind of like the winter time, when its 15 degrees out and their mittens are soaked, but it still doesn't stop them from sledding and building snowmen! Speaking of which, wouldn't it be nice to have some snow on the ground right about now?

FYI- For some great tips on how to battlle the heat and for signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, please listen to our "Podcasts" on these topics. They are titled, "Hazy, Hot, and Humid", and "The Other 3 H's: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke".

Three Shots and a Donut!

Dr. Jamie — June 5, 2008

Yesterday was immunization day for my younger son. He is entering kindergarten in the fall, so we had to go his pediatrician's office (I don't give these to my son at home!) for three shots. Let's just say, my son HATES shots (as most people do). I actually hate them as well, so it's hard to offer a whole lot of support, especially when I know that he is going to be getting multiple injections. So how was I going to get him to willingly walk into the doctor's office without a fight?

First, I tried a practical approach; explaining how he couldn't go to school if he didn't get them. This didn't work. He didn't seem to mind the fact that he would no longer need to attend school.

Then, I attempted to appeal to his intellect; trying to teach him that these shots will keep him healthy and without them he could get very sick and end up with even more shots and doctor's visit. That didn't work either.

Hmmm, what else could I possibly do to get through to him? Next, I did something parents aren't really supposed to do, but I said, "Your older brother had to get all these shots a few years ago, and was so brave and only cried a tiny bit. Don't you want to be even more brave than him?". Again, this didn't work. Sibling rivalry was not going to win out here!

Fortunately, as we were driving to the office, we passed what was soon to be my savior. That's right....a Krispy Kreme Donuts!!! Usually, I don't advocate such an unhealthy form of bribery, but sometimes a moms gotta do, what a moms gotta do!

And, let's just say, it worked! He was such a trooper getting three shots to his upper arm and only shed a passing tear! The first words that then came out of his mouth were, "Okay, let's go and get my donut!". And we did.

Why Use a Tissue...When There's a Wall?

Dr. Jamie — May 26, 2008

Is it just me or are little boys kind of gross when it comes to certain things? I truly believe that what I discovered in my son's room the other day tops the list. It was bedtime so I went in to get his room ready for the evening routine. As I was setting up his pillows and laying out extra blankets, I was distracted by some reddish-brown "stuff" on the wall right next to where his head and pillow would be. As I took a closer look I couldn't believe what I saw...could it really be?....No, there's no way that my little five year old could partake in such a gross event.

Well, I'm embarrassed to say that yes, it was true, my son had turned his wall into a Kleenex, with an array of "nose droppings" stuck to 3 ft. x 3 ft. area. As I all can say is "Yuck".

So, I called him into the room and inquired as to my findings. He simply stated, "Yes, I've been putting my boogies on the wall because it's so much easier than using a Kleenex." Please keep in mind that he has a box of tissues within reach next to his bed. He was completely unphased by his actions and by the way he also said that it was something he was planning on continuing to do.

I gave him the "tissue" talk, which seemed to go in one nostril and out the other. He just didn't get why it was not okay to use the wall as his receptacle. I tried to press the issue but soon realized the more I made a big deal about it, the harder it would be to change this "habit". And it didn't help the matter as I tried to hold back the smiles and laughter, because after all it was pretty funny, in a very disgusting way!

I cleaned the wall, placed the box of tissues on his bed, and told him this needs to stop and he will have to help me scrub the wall if I find this again. We both smiled and agreed on this. Well, guess what I found the next day as I went into the room to make his bed...a wall full of boogies!!!

Two Brothers and a Paddleboat

Dr. Jamie — May 15, 2008

We are home from our trip. We had an absolutely wonderful time, but there is definitely something to be said for getting home and back into the usual routine. As nice as it was to be out of our daily schedule, it feels great to be back in the swing of things (although I'm sure if you give me a day or two I'll be ready to go away again!!!).

While we were away a funny thing happened. My boys, ages 7(almost 8) and 5 1/2, decided they just had to rent one of those clumsy big plastic paddle boats that you pedal around in the water. As one can imagine, my first instinct was no way! I could just see it, my two boys, who love to fight with each other, in the middle of a body of water, trying to pedal a boat! Not only would they have to pedal together in a cooperative manner, but they would be by themselves with no one there to intervene if an altercation were to develop. Ah, but then it came to me....maybe this would be a good thing! They would be forced to work together towards a common goal, and if a disagreement did come up, they would have to solve it on their own (assuming they didn't push each other overboard). I thought of it as a kind of sociological experiment.

So after much begging and pleading that "I never let them do anything fun", I agreed to rent one of these boats and sent the two of them on their way. Keep in mind, the body of water they were paddling around in was rather small, not too deep, and confined, so if I had to go in for the rescue, I could! My concern was not their water safety (they can both swim and I was watching them like a hawk, as always), but their personal safety from each other.

Off they went, with huge smiles on their faces. They paddled around and around laughing and talking with each other all the while. Occasionally, I heard one of them bossing the other one around; telling him he was not paddling hard enough, or that he was making them go the wrong way. However, all in all, they proved me wrong. They worked together and had a wonderful time. There were only two instances where they paddled over to me, and I got in while one of them took a break. I have to say that it is actually a good leg work out pushing those paddles against the water!

After the hour rental was up, we retuned the boat. No one had been tossed overboard (thank goodness) and now they could no longer tell me (at least for a few hours) that "I never let them do anything fun".

The Sun: Friend and Foe

Dr. Jamie — May 5, 2008

We made it! After hours of traveling we are in Hawaii and I must say that it was worth every minute in the airplane with a 7 and 5 year old (they actually were great on the plane). In fact, I have to rely on my boys (including my husband) to get me through the flight. Let's just say I am not fond of flying so my sons have to hold my hand during take off, landing, and through all turbulence. I wish this was not the case because it doesn't set a great example, but I just can't help it...I hate flying!

Well, we hit the beaches (and pool) today and I have to say that I am beyond impressed with the level of awareness parents are showing for sun protection and their kids. I know that I have always been obsessed (maybe even overly obsessed, if that is possible) with the sunscreen and the sun protective clothing, so it was great to see so many other parents and their children ready to have fun in the sun with all the appropriate protection available. In fact, there were more kids wearing hats, sunglasses, and sun protective clothing than not. It was also great to see both girls and boys wearing the water shirts, afterall everyone's skin needs protection. I'm actually on a personal quest while we're here to find a long sleeve water shirt with UPF for me. I looked in some stores before we left and couldn't find one. I'm sure they have to sell them here somewhere!

Another great thing that I have found over the past 48 hours is that my boys no longer give me a hard time with the whole lotioning process. No joke, last summer, I had to chase them around the house to get them lotioned. It would take about 30 minutes (which I'd have to factor into the already chaotic morning routine)! Well, fortunately times have changed for the better. I wouldn't say they ask for lotion, but they do sit there while I apply. Ahh, it makes life a lot easier. And my older son is now much more aware of why we use suntan lotion, so he is very intent on me using the highest SPF available to keep him safe. He actually told me today that I had to use the 70, not the 50 on his face.

Lastly, I must comment on the poor souls one inevitably sees sleeping by the side of the pool, red as lobsters. It pains me (and I'm sure them) to see this! What will it take to keep people from frying their bodies? Just put on some sunscreen and don't fall asleep in the sun! It will make for a much more pleasureable trip.

Stay safe in the sun; we'll be doing our best!

Yogurt, Probiotics, & a Study!

Rachel — April 30, 2008 11pm

Today we received an email from Keisha, the "SIPPY" study coordinator at Georgetown University. SIPPY stands for: "The Study to Investigate the Potential of Probiotics in Yogurt." These researchers are looking at children who are ages 1 to 3, and in preschool or daycare. They are investigating the benefits of probiotics in children. Children will receive free, nutritious (and delicious) yogurt for the duration of the study plus toys and additional compensation. Furthermore, no travel will be required on mom's part. So check it out! Here's the site... www.thesippystudy.com

Dealing with the Death of a Family Pet

Dr. Jamie — April 25, 2008

It's never easy when a family pet dies. A few days ago, my honorary "brother", my kids "uncle", and Brownie's (my family's dog) "uncle" passed away. Jackson, my parent's dog, was tragically hit by a car, and had to be put to sleep. We always treated Jackson like one of the family; my kids called him Uncle Jackie and always referred to Brownie as Jackson's niece. We had a very close relationship with this dog, despite the fact that he did not live with us. My parents live very close to us, so we would see Jackson almost weekly. In addition, we often were Jackson's official dog sitters when my parents went out of town. He was sort of our second pet. Jackson was by no means a "fancy" dog. He was a mutt, who happened to be "the smartest dog in the world" according to my mom. He really was extremely loyal; accompanying my parents on every walk they ever went on and following my mom all day long no matter where she went.

Because he was such a sweet dog, he held a very special place in the hearts of my children. Due to this extremely strong bond, I spent hours contemplating how I was going to break the news of his death to them. I decided to put it off until after school the following day, because I didn't want to ruin their day by breaking the news in the morning. When they both got home, I had them meet me on the couch and I told them what happened. I was really nervous and unsure how they would react. You never know how a five and seven year old will interpret a situation such as this one. So I told them what happened with tear filled eyes. I watched both boys very closely so I could help them with whatever they needed to get through this time. Well, they reacted a bit differently than I thought they would. They each had a few questions; mostly about the details of being hit by a car. Then they were sad because Brownie no longer had an uncle! And lastly, they wanted to know if their Grandma and Papa were going to get another dog.

It's fascinating to me how at different ages our brains interpret and deal with death. To my boys, the situation was very concrete. They felt comforted by the fact that their grandparents would eventually get a new dog. But depite the fact that they did not want to talk about it too much or ask a bunch of questions, I knew that they would be thinking about it on their own and in time would bring it up. So, I let them know that I was always available to talk to them about what happened and that it was okay to be sad and if they felt like crying that was completely fine and normal as well.

And as I suspected, they have randomly brought up Jackson's death at various times. They called my mom (their grandma) to let her know that Jackson died (even though they knew she obviously was there) and I have overheard them tell other people in a very matter of fact manner. They also brought up the fact that Brownie must be very sad and that when she goes to Grandma and Papa's house she won't be able to see Jackson ever again.

Talking about death with our kids sure is difficult. I guess the best thing is to keep the lines of communication open at all times and keep them open for any future conversations. I also think it's so important to validate feelings. It's okay to be sad. Lastly, my boys were very worried that Brownie was going to be hit by a car. So,we had to reassure them that Brownie was safe.

Jackson, we will miss you and Brownie will miss chasing the tennis ball with you!!

BPA...What To Do?

Dr. Jamie — April 18, 2008

Bisphenol A (BPA), the man made chemical found in numerous products, made the headlines again this week. There is increasing concern over its possible negative effects on the human body; in particular the prostate, mammary gland, early onset of puberty, certain behaviors, the brain, and possibly other things as well. The National Toxicology Program, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, stated that there is concern that fetuses, babies, and children may be affected by this chemical. They released this information after reviewing hundreds of animal experiments.

I'm sure that after hearing this new information, so many parents (including myself) are left questioning what to do with their plastic bottles, nipples, pacifiers, sippy cups, etc. (BPA is even in the lining of infant formula cans). Should we get rid of them? Are there any alternatives? Should we hold out until there is an "official" recommendation?

These are all very difficult questions to deal with, especially when there is no clear cut answer as of now.

I am actually beyond the bottle/pacifier stage in my home; but I definitely think about this issue on a daily basis. Personally, based on the findings as of this week, I think that I would get rid of all BPA baby products that I have and go out and purchase items which are labeled "BPA Free". Fortunately, options of this kind do exist. I see no reason to use a potentially harmful item, when a safer option exists. It's really not worth taking a chance.

In fact, I read this morning that Wal-Mart will be pulling all BPA containing bottles off their shelves starting early next year in the US. In Canada, they have actually stopped selling all BPA containing items, including bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, food containers, and water bottles.

In an article on www.washingtonpost.com, I came across some suggestions on how to limit BPA exposure from day to day. Some of their recommendations included:
-looking for BPA free products such as toys, bottles, containers, etc.
-not using as much canned food (as stated above, BPA has been found in the lining of canned food tins
-when (if) using hard plastics, avoid heating them or putting warm/hot liquids in them (this may cause the BPA to come out of the plastic into the liquid or food inside)
-avoid washing hard plastics in the dishwasher with abrasive detergents
There are lots of other helpful suggestions as well found all over the web...just be sure it's a reliable source.

Well, there is another chemical out there we need to worry about. Fortunately, people have been made aware of its' potential ill effects, and now appropriate action can be taken. The next question is...What will be next?

Make Sure Your Babies are Catching Their Zzzzzs...The Link Between Infant Sleep Deprivation & Obesity

Rachel — 4/8/08

You've probably read that there are studies showing the link between sleep deprivation and obesity in older children and adults. But did you know that the same link may exist in very young children? And did you know that approximately 26% of children 2-5 years old are either overweight or at risk for being overweight?

In a study published this month in the "Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine" lead author Elsie M. Taveras, MD, MPH and colleagues found that infants who slept less than 12 hours in a 24 hour period had an increased risk of being overweight by age 3. By age 3!

So we should all get enough sleep...and that means every member of the family, from the baby on up. I'm the last one up here in the Schreiber household right now. Going to catch some shuteye.

Another Alarming Study
High Rates of Infant Maltreatment

Dr. Jamie — April 6, 2008

Last week a very disturbing study was released by the CDC and the federal Administration for Children and Families.

In summary, the study (which used data from the fiscal year 2006) showed the following:

     -approximately 905,000 children in the US were victims of maltreatment
     -91,278 infants less than 1 yr of age were victims of nonfatal maltreatment
         (this is an annual rate of 23.2 per 1000 population)
     -35,455 infants less than 1 month were victims of nonfatal maltreatment
     -29,881 infants less than 1 week of age were victims of nonfatal maltreatment
        (about 1/3 of the infants under 1 yr.of age)
     -68.5% of the infants less than 1 week old who were victims of maltreatment suffered from neglect
     -13.2% suffered from physical abuse

These numbers are unbelievable. It is truly unreal to think about the number of children, many of them newborns, being maltreated. I think that every single adult in the United States needs to be very aware of these staggering numbers. Children cannot go on being victims. As parents, moms, dads, teachers, doctors, etc. we need to be that much more aware of not only our own situations, but of others we may come in contact with. If anyone feels that they are unable to handle the responsibilities of parenthood or know of anyone who seems at their end (whether its financial, emotional, etc.), GET HELP! Tell someone, before it is too late. Tell a doctor, tell a social worker, tell a case worker, tell a teacher, tell your priest; just tell someone so they can find you help before your child (or someone else's child) ends up suffering the consequences. There is a lot of help out there.

Please let others know about this recent study so more people are aware of what is going on in our society and hopefully pay closer attention to both their own situation and the situations of others.

Sadly, both my husband (pediatric ER doc) and his colleagues see these littlest victims in emergency departments throughout the country each and every day.

It's Still Flu Season...For Real!

Rachel — April 2, 2008 10 pm

It sounds crazy, I know. After all, we're in the middle of Spring allergy season, and yet we're still dealing with the flu season! Believe it or not, flu season actually goes into May. After a slow start this year, flu season is definitely underway, and widespread cases are being reported throughout the US. Remember your first line of defense against influenza is the flu shot. But, there are other things you can do to help with prevention, such as rigorous hand washing, and teaching your kids to cough and sneeze in to their elbows (not their hands). There's a nice website, with some tips on preventing the flu, and the link is below:

www.vnaa.org/vnaa/g/default.aspx?H=HTML/inFLUenzaResourceCenter.html&ppview=1

Check it out!

I'm going to end this entry with a big THANKS to our friends who joined us for our live web chat tonight. And we'll be announcing our Hint water winner soon. You can join our next chat on April 16. (It'll still be flu season)!

Spring Break Comes to an End
Back to Reality

Dr. Jamie — March 31, 2008

I always find myself with mixed feelings the last night of spring break. On the one hand, I absolutely love the time my kids have off from school. It's so nice to not be in our usual routine. We don't need to be up and out of the house at a specific time, and really the days are mostly unscheduled so we can do whatever we want and need to do at our leisure. Also, the evenings are less stressful because there is no homework and all the extra curricular activities for the week are put on hold. Even when I write about, it seems like a dream come true. And on top of all these things, it's really nice to have concentrated time with my boys...

All that being said, the week has not been without its challenges. Concentrated time with my boys translates into breaking up wrestling matches, listening to nonstop whining about how "bored" they are, and trying to find as many parks as possible to go to in order to get the energy out (which in reality is not actually possible). Despite this, I still wouldn't have traded this past week for anything...well, maybe for an all expense paid trip to a warm tropical island with the husband...!

As I'm sitting here I can't help think about tomorrow evening. The homework packets will come home, reading logs will need to be completed and soccer practice for the spring season begins at 6 p.m.. I've already pulled out the backpacks, picked out clothes for the morning, and lined up the lunch boxes on the counter. It's amazing how within 12 hrs. we'll be back into the old routine. There's absolutely nothing wrong with routine, but it's just been so nice not to have one!

I'm sure there are lots of moms experiencing similar thoughts this Sunday night. Well, hopefully the transition back to reality will be a smooth one and the kids will be dressed, fed, and out the door on time in the morning (and won't miss the bus!).

To Wii or Not to Wii?
That is the Question...

Dr. Jamie — March 26, 2008

When I (Dr. Jamie) was about 8 years old, I distinctly remember BEGGING my parents to get us the Atari video system for our television. At the time, I think there was just Atari and Intellivision when it came to home video game products. My parents repeatedly refused to get it for me and my siblings. We must have been relentless in our pleading, but our mom and dad kept a united front and didn't give in. However, my brother and I were very clever and went to another possible source...our grandma. And sure enough, the next holiday season brought us a brand new Atari, with Space Invaders and the most primitive Pac Man ever!

During this time of constant badgering, I also remember telling myself , "When I have kids they will definitely, no matter what, be able to have whatever game system they want!".

Well, fast forward 28 years, and here I am faced with the same question I asked my parents; "Mom, can we please get the Wii, everyone has it, we're the only people who don't!". So, what am I to do? Of course, my initial instinct is to give a flat out "NO WAY". After all, why do my kids need to spend more time in front of a screen? And, let's not forget the cost! These things are not cheap. And, the cost seems to be ongoing because there's always a new game which they will "need to have". Now on the flip side, a small part of me (a very, very small part), is rather sympathetic to their cause. It can be very frustrating as a youngster when there is this really cool product that so many people have, and you really want! My husband is no help to our kids either. He is pretty much against having video games in our house. However, we don't mind at all if the kids play them at a friend's house or occasionally at an arcade.

So, I think what it comes down to, for my kids, is strategy! My boys need to reach out to another possible Wii donor; perhaps the grandparents.

Hopefully, my kids won't get a hold of this blog entry and start calling Grandma and Papa nonstop for this sought after electronic wonder!

In advance, "Sorry Mom and Dad".

Cantaloupe Warning!

Dr. Jamie — March 23, 2008

My family loves cantaloupe, especially my kids! I'm sure lots of other parents count on this delicious fruit for a healthy snack for their kids or themselves. Please be watchful if you or anyone in your family has eaten any in the past few days or will be eating cantaloupe in the upcoming days.

The FDA has issued an alert for cantaloupes which have been imported to the US and Canada from a certain grower/packer (Agropecuaria Montelibano) in Honduras. It is believed that this fruit is associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the US. The FDA is warning that anyone who has bought cantaloupe recently to check with their grocers to find out where the cantaloupe came from. If it did come from the grower/packer in question, the cantaloupe should be thrown away immediately.

If you have already consumed a cantaloupe from the grower/packer named above, be sure to watch closely for any signs/symptoms of Salmonella and let your physician know right away if you become ill. According to the FDA release on March 22, 50 illnesses in 16 states and 9 illnesses in Canada have been reported. States where illnesses have been reported are AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, MO, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, TN, UT, WA, and WI. Symptoms to be aware of include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and belly pain. Salmonella can be life threatening in certain groups of people.

The FDA recommends the following when eating cantaloupe:

-"Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice."
-"After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupe promptly."
-"Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes."
-"Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents."
-"Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes. Wash cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or seafood and the preparation of cantaloupe."
-"If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it."
-"Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room temperature for more that two hours."
-"Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing cantaloupes outdoors."

If anyone needs more information regarding this issue please go to the FDA website, www.FDA.gov.

Stay safe and healthy!

Potty Mouth, but No Potty Training

Rachel — March 20, 2008 9:30 pm

Sammy will be 3 next month, and he's got a potty mouth (wasn't he supposed to wait for that until he's 4)? But as for that age appropriate potty training, well, it's nowhere in site. When I ask him if he wants to go to the potty he says, "tomorrow." But tomorrow comes, and there's no potty action. Yesterday I read him a book about Muppet Babies going on the potty. We were sitting on the couch, and as soon as I started reading, he turned his face into the couch pillows, and resurfaced only once I finished the book. Then I told him his diaper habit was expensive, and he said, "Sorry."

The thing is, I know what my advice is to other people: Just stop talking about it! Forget the potty! Don't worry about it! He won't go to kindergarten in diapers! So I'm just hoping for a couple of things:

1. I'll take my own advice and stop pleading/begging/simply asking in a sugar-sweet voice.
2. Sammy will have an epiphany one day soon and act like a potty trained Muppet Baby.

The good news is that if option (1) and or (2) does not pan out, there's always that 6 week potty boot camp at Children's Hospital in Boston.

Let's just hope option 2 happens tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

"My Mouth Looks Like an Upside Down Rabbit"

Dr. Jamie — March 18, 2008

Over the past three days my older son has lost two teeth. It's really one of the most exciting events in our house. Despite the fact that these were his fifth and sixth teeth to have lost overall, there is still an unbelievable amount of excitement with each tooth experience.

The two most recent to come out were located on the bottom, on either side of the two middle teeth (or central incisors for all the dentists out there). Due to the location, my son likes to describe it as "an upside down bunny rabbit". I found that to be quite amusing.

At 10 pm last night he was making the rounds calling every relative he could think of; from grandma and papa, to his aunts and uncles. And of course with each call he retells the entire story. It's so cute! I also should not forget that with each phone call, he declares to each relative how much they "owe him".

It's actually amazing. My son made about $16.00 from each tooth. He collects a special dollar (like a Susan B. Anthony coin) from my husband and me (AKA the Tooth Fairy, named Flossie), and then proceeds to get at least $5.00 from each grandparent, and then something from the other family members. He even got his little brother to give him a dollar. Now that's talent!

As all I can say is whatever happened to the good old days when we'd wake up with a quarter (or maybe even a dollar if we were really lucky) under our pillow?

Allergy Season is HERE...

Dr. Jamie — March 17, 2008

I woke up this morning and I could not stop itching my eyes. "No, it couldn't be," I thought. Well, I'm afraid it's true; allergy season is here and in full force. In fact, it probably started a couple of weeks ago. Didn't it just end?

Actually, I'm rather lucky. My symptoms are very mild and intermittent. I never really suffer from anything more than itchy eyes. However, I sympathize with friends, family, and patients who have terrible allergies and deal with them on a daily basis. They can be so disruptive and I know lots of people can't function normally during this season. Many end up missing work and school due to their symptoms. Some allergy sufferers have dealt with this problem all their lives while others have only experienced symptoms recently.

I'm one of those people who never had any environmental allergies until recently. In fact, I never thought or knew I was allergic to anything until medical school. I did a rotation with an allergist/immunologist during my third year of school. He had to teach me about allergy testing, so he used me as the subject. I not only learned about how to do allergy skin testing, but also found out that I was very allergic to ash trees. "Ash trees," I thought. "What's an ash tree?"

Well, it's been 12 years now and I'm still unclear as to what exactly an ash tree looks like. Now that being said, there must be one (or lots) in our backyard. That must be why my eyes are always itching this time of year. Up until now I haven't felt the need to seek medical intervention, but if I do I'm very lucky that my MommyDoc counterpart is an allergist!

If you're suffering from itching, sneezing, congestion, runny noses, etc., please talk to your doctor. There is no need to suffer day in and day out from allergies. There are lots of different options including both medical and environmental interventions. Good luck this season and be healthy!

Alarming Numbers:
Teen Girls and STDs

Jamie — March 13, 2008

Earlier this week, the CDC released a study which found that about 1 in 4 (26%) teenage girls between the ages of 14 and 19 has at least one sexually tramsmitted disease (STD). This is truly an amazing number; and when I say amazing I don't mean it in any positive way. The STDs included human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis. In addition, the study showed that 48% of African American teens were infected and about 20% of caucasian teens. The most common STDs were HPV and chlamydia.

Clearly, we as a society have a lot of work ahead us to change these staggering numbers. The burden falls on the health care community, the family unit, and the teens themselves. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for themselves but I do think it is extremely important for adults to set an example and teach adolescents about how to protect themselves. It's obvious by these numbers that many (in fact millions of teens) are not practicing abstinence, which means we need to go a step further and help guide them on how to keep their bodies healthy. We need to embrace these young adults and create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing these issues.

Who should be responsible for talking to and teaching these pre-adolescents and adolescents? Pretty much anyone who has any influence in their lives. In other words, anyone who comes in contact with them and has something constructive to say. This should include parents, physicians, teachers, coaches, and peers. It's actually highly likely that a teen would listen to a peer even when talking about a topic like STD prevention. No one should assume that someone else has already had "the talk" with the adolescent in their life. Even if it has been taught once, clearly that is not enough!

The facts need to be out there and teens need to feel comfortable asking for information. Not only do they need the facts, they need to have safe places to go to if in fact they are worried they are sick, have a disease, or are pregnant. If an adolescent female is worried she is sick, it's really important for her to get tested and treated.

Let's all think long and hard about what this recent study is telling us as a society! Everyone (especially parents and health care providers) has a responsibility to help these kids on so many levels. Let's start with prevention, screening, and appropriate treatment! We have a long way to go.

Sore Throat and a Fever...
No Fun

Jamie — March 11, 2008

Boy were my kids upset this past weekend. They had been looking forward to it for weeks. Their cousin was coming for a visit and he was planning on spending the night, both Friday and Saturday. There is nothing my boys love more than having their little cousin sleep over. Of course, they had his trundle bed made, blankets picked out, and stuffed animals in place (my younger son was even willing to share some of his Webkinz !).

Unfortunately, the morning my nephew arrived with his parents (my brother and sister in law), he started with a 103 fever. We all wanted to just pretend he was fine. After all, we don't get the opportunity to see each other that often and didn't want to have to split up the kids. But we had to think realistically. I didn't want my boys to be sick the upcoming week and my nephew really needed to take it easy (which of course would never have happened at a sleepover with the cousins).

Ultimately, it was probably a good thing. As the day progressed he started with a sore throat and eventually was diagnosed with strep throat. We took him to clinic near us for a throat culture.

I felt obligated to have my kids follow the strict advice I always pass on to my patients when they have strep throat: no retuning to school or playdates until the infected individual has been on antibiotics for 24 hrs. AND fever free(off fever reducing meds) for 24 hrs.

Eventually (on Sunday), the boys did get to play and had a wonderful couple of hours until it was time to part ways. My nephew is feeling better and hopefully my boys won't get sick. Now that being said, after being so careful, my younger son woke up this morning saying his throat hurt...hopefully it won't amount to anything!

Preschool Blues

Jamie — Monday, March 3, 2008

My son has been in the same preschool for the past 4 years. It’s practically his home away from home. He has wonderful friendships and amazing relationships with other students and teachers alike. In fact, he has spent more time with some of the children in his class than some family members! The school experience for him has been pretty much smooth sailing…until now!

For some reason (if only I could figure out what it is) he has become a bit anxious most mornings before going to school. He usually starts off by saying he doesn’t want to go, and this is shortly followed by a “stomach ache”. He is unable to verbalize why he doesn’t want to go to school, but he “just doesn’t want to go”. And this is coming from a child who can verbalize how he feels about almost any situation.

I've racked by brain over what could possibly be bothering him and I can't come up with a whole lot. There have been no major changes or events in our family.

So, I try to keep in mind though that he is only 5 yrs. old and we really do ask so much of our little ones. Perhaps there are worries in his little mind that he unable to articulate but truly are there. If only I could figure out what they are then I could help him through whatever it may be. Maybe it's the reality that preschool will be coming to an end soon and he will be starting kindergarten in a new school with lots of new faces. This type of situation could be overwhelming for anyone at any age.

Well whatever it may be, it is my job as his mother to help him through this rough patch. It's important for me to support him and love him while at the same time encourage him to continue to go to school. After all, once he's there and distracted things are usually okay.

This morning my son really wanted me to give him "medicine" to make his stomach feel better (maybe that's what happens when both your parents are doctors). Clearly, I was not going to give him medicine unnecessarily, so I had to come up with something else to "help" him. I truly do believe that his stomach does hurt, but the cause is not physiological.

Finally, it came to me! I went to the medicine cabinet and pulled out a sample of non-medicated body lotion. I told him that every time his stomach hurt he should rub some directly on his tummy and it will start making it feel better in 1-2 minutes. So, he did this and almost immediately felt some relief.

I allowed him to bring the lotion to school and we let the teacher know that if his belly hurt, he had permission to use this "magic lotion". It worked wonders today at school. It really empowered him knowing that he had something to help himself.

We're going to try this again tomorrow and hopefully it will work again.

When it comes down to it everyone, no matter what age we may be, goes through stages of insecurity and concern. We often times need to lean on others to help us through these times. Kids are no exception. As parents we need to be there day in and day out to guide and support our kids through these experiences and let them know that we are there to talk to and provide love no matter what!

�Crime� and �Punishment�

Jamie — Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Why is it so hard to find the “best” punishment for our children when they do something wrong? Should we take something away or maybe not let them earn something they had been looking forward to, or should we put them in timeout? In the heat of the moment, when the pressure is on, I always find myself grasping for the correct thing to do.

I found myself in this situation the other day. My older son is a great kid, but defintely does not hesitate to partake in mischief should the opportunity arise. We were at his weekly basketball game. It had just ended and all the parents and kids were slowly leaving. I noticed that my son was whispering in his friend’s ear with a develish look on his face. They then ran off into the boy’s bathroom. I knew this meant trouble. So, I sent my husband in after them. At the time, nothing seemed to be going on.

However, on the ride home, I decided to question my son more because I just had a feeling he was up to something. After much prodding, he finally divulged the truth. He and few of his friends decided to put a bunch of toilet paper into the potty and flush. The goal was to make the toilet overflow.

What could be more entertaining to seven and eight year old boys?

Of course, he thought it was funny and it never even crossed his mind that someone was going to have to clean up the mess they had made. I guess it’s hard to think about the consequences of your actions, when you’re seven and you’re thoroughly entertained watching a toilet overflow.

After a long, serious conversation about “doing the right thing”, “realizing there are consequences to actions”, and “telling the truth” even though it may get you trouble, my husband and I both knew we had to come up with some sort of punishment. The goal being that our son would think twice before doing something which may be wrong.

We debated back and forth for a while. Ideas such as taking away tv privledges for a week, or losing the opportunity to earn something he really had been looking forward to crossed our minds. But none of these seemed to satisfy our goal.

Finally, it came to me. It was truly a punishment which fit the “crime”, and I could pretty guarantee he would think twice before doing anything like this again.

We decided to have my son, without any help from us, clean all of the toilets in our house daily for one week (we are letting him use a clorox wipe to do it). It’s now day 3, and we’ve followed through so far, and our pottys have never been cleaner. And wouldn’t you know it, my five year old is actually jealous and is following around his older brother cleaning the bathroom as well.

So when it comes down to punishments for certain behaviors, try to look a little deeper and come up with something fair, yet fitting. In the long run, it may have more of an impact.

It�s Valentine�s Day: I ♥ You!

Jamie — Thursday, February 14, 2008 on 9:04 pm

It’s February 14th, Valentine’s Day. I spent the second part of the day at my son’s classroom party. The kids exchanged cards, decorated heart cookies, and played games. This was the first year my son actually cared which Valentine he sent to his classmates. It was very important to neither send anything too sentimental to the girls, nor too sappy to the boys.

In reality, this really is just one of those “hallmark” holidays; however I do think it’s always nice to be reminded to let those who are so important to us just how much we love them. This is especially true when it comes to our kids. With all the craziness of life, from activities, to homework, to religious school, to piano, etc…., many parents don’t take the time to stop (even though it only takes a couple seconds) and give their children a huge hug and let them know just how much they love them and how important they are. This is something everyone with kids should be doing every single day. As far as I’m concerned there can never be too many hugs or too many I love yous. Of course, at times, my kids my disagree with this; such as when I’m yelling “I love you” as my son gets on the bus each and every the morning.

Well that being said, I came across a nice list of 14 ways to show love for your child on Valentine’s Day from the American Academy of Pediatrics. I hope everyone enjoys it as well and has a wonderful day.

14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentines Day

(from the AAP website)

· Use plenty of positive words with your child. Try to avoid using sarcasm with your child. They often don’t understand it, and if they do, it creates a negative interaction.

· Respond promptly and lovingly to your child’s physical and emotional needs and banish put-downs from your parenting vocabulary.

· Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public. Use words like “I’m sorry,” “please,” and “thank you.”

· When your child is angry, argumentative or in a bad mood, give him a hug, cuddle, pat, secret sign or other gesture of affection he favors and talk with him about his feelings.

· Use non-violent forms of discipline. Parents should institute both rewards and restrictions many years before adolescence to help prevent trouble during the teenage years. Allowing children of any age to constantly break important rules without being disciplined only encourages more rule violations.

· Make plans to spend time alone with your young child or teen doing something she enjoys.

· Mark family game nights on your calendar so the entire family can be together. Put a different family member’s name under each date, and have that person choose which game will be played that evening.

· Owning a pet can make children, especially those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, feel better by stimulating physical activity, enhancing their overall attitude, and offering constant companionship.

· One of the best ways to familiarize your child with good food choices is to encourage him to cook with you. Let him get involved in the entire process, from planning the menus to shopping for ingredients to the actual food preparation and its serving.

· As your child grows up, she’ll spend most of her time developing and refining a variety of skills and abilities in all areas of her life. You should help her as much as possible by encouraging her and providing the equipment and instruction she needs.

· Your child’s health depends significantly on the care and guidance you offer during his early years. By taking your child to the doctor regularly for consultations, keeping him safe from accidents, providing a nutritious diet, and encouraging exercise throughout childhood, you help protect and strengthen his body.

· Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community.

· One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child develop self-esteem. Your child needs your steady support and encouragement to discover his strengths. He needs you to believe in him as he learns to believe in himself. Loving him, spending time with him, listening to him and praising his accomplishments are all part of this process.

· Don’t forget to say, “I love you” to children of all ages!

American Academy of Pediatrics, 2/08

Silly Putty: Not So Silly When It�s Stuck in Mommy�s Hair

Jamie — Sunday, January 27, 2008 on 10:06 pm

I think this is just one more reason why my husband and I need to try a bit harder to keep our kids in their own beds all night!!!!

So, here’s what happened. We went to Pizza Bingo this weekend for my older son’s elementary school. My younger son happened to win a game and then was able to choose a prize (of course there were some really nice things, like sweatshirts, t-shirts, bags and then some other choices like candy and last but not least, silly putty).

Intrigued by the last option, my son chose the putty. Personally, I would have opted for the sweatshirt, but what do you expect from a 5 yr. old boy.

That night (who knows what time), my bingo winning son climbed into our bed. Unbeknown to me, the silly putty joined us as well. Upon awakening, I felt something pulling and tugging at my hair. Initially I told my son to stop pulling , but then I realized there was a large wad of putty entrenched in my hair. I was not a happy camper.

As all I can say is thank goodness for the internet. My husband googled “silly putty in hair” and my prayers were answered. Who would have known that hand sanitizer like Purell could help with such a mess? It worked wonders and about 1 hr. later I was putty free.

The moral of the story is not about avoiding silly putty; but rather not allowing your 5 yr. old to climb into bed and sleep with you on a regular basis!!!

Finally, the FDA Makes it Official�.No Cough and Cold Meds

Jamie — Uncategorized

It has been a long time coming and I couldn’t be happier about the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warning about cough and cold meds in children under 2. Now, no child 2 years old and younger should take any over the counter medication for coughs and colds; this includes decongestants, some antihistamines, anti-tussives(cough suppressant), and expectorants.

Why not? First and foremost, there are no good studies which show they are even helpful. Second, there are potential side effects; especially if an inappropriate dose is given (and it is unclear what appropriate dosages are for young children and babies). Lastly, the combination of ingredients in these preparations can be very confusing often times leading to overdoses with the same or similar medications.

My only hope is that over the next few months the FDA will go ahead and make the same recommendations for the 6 and under age group as well.

If parents have any of these cough/cold medicines at home, please go ahead and get rid of them.

As far as what can we do to help our little ones; fluids, rest, nasal suctioning, humidifiers, lots of TLC, maybe some honey (see my blog entry below for more info) if they are older than 1 yr. and some tylenol (acetaminophen) or motrin (ibuprofen) if they have a fever (call your doctor if your child is under 2 months and has a fever equal to or greater than 100.4).

Internet Safety Warning: Install the Parental Control Bar

Jamie — Tuesday, January 15, 2008 on 7:45 pm

I never thought that I’d have to be concerned about this so soon; but yesterday my husband found my son on a, how shall I put it, very inappropriate website! He is only 7 years old!!! Apparently, someone at school told him about it, and it clearly sparked his interest (anything that has a potty word in it these days seems to grab his attention). Wow, this really goes to show all of us that we need to keep such a close eye on all children when it comes to the internet! Whether kids purposefully type a site in, or happen to stumble across something not meant for their eyes, we need to be aware of this!

So, what can we do?

1. There is a great website, http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/ where people can download a free parental control bar on the top of their computer. It allows the adult to be in charge on what their kids can and can’t access. FYI, this is now displayed prominently at the top of our computer!!! Allow me to mention again that this is a completely free service and everyone should do this immediately.

2. Keep all computers in public areas in the home!

3. Have set hours that your kids can use the computer; avoid late night searches and chats!

Well, at least now I feel much better knowing that my children can only get onto sites which I have cleared. Don’t forget to install it on your computers as well!

Did Somebody Say Honey�.to Help a Cough?

Jamie — Tuesday, January 8, 2008 on 6:25 pm

I think that most of us are feeling pretty helpless these days when it comes to helping our kids feel better when they have a cold or upper respiratory infection (URI). Over the counter cough and cold meds are not recommended for kids 6 and under, and antibiotics are not an option for these viral illnesses (antibiotics only help with bacterial infections).

What is a mother to do? Sadly, there are not a whole lot of options. Obviously the old standbys still hold true; lots of fluids, aceteminophen and/or ibuprofen for fever/aches/etc., rest, and lots of TLC. If you have a little one, a bulb syringe may help clear out the nose (the babies just love that!!!!!).

Well, there may something else to try. About a month ago a study came out which showed that honey may provide some relief of nighttime cough symptoms. In fact, honey, compared to no intervention at all, was reported by parents to help with cough frequency and severity, the bothersome nature of the cough, child’s sleep quality, and parental sleep quality. The study also looked at honey compared to dextromethorphan (DM), which is a common ingredient found in many cough preparations and is no longer recommended in kids 6 and under. The outcomes for honey vs. DM were not that different. And those treated with DM compared to no treatment did not have any better outcomes.

So what does all this mean to me?

Well, in children older than 1 (you NEVER give honey to kids under 1 year of age), parents may want to try giving a dose of honey before bedtime to kids with a cough. This seems like a pretty reasonable option to try. Honey has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a potential treatment, as well.

There are a few limitations in the study that was done. One of which is that they used buckwheat honey; so it is a bit unclear if the potential positive effects which were seen are variety specific.

I think this is a nice option for moms and dads when they are feeling overwhelmed and helpless in the midst of their child’s cold!

Parents: Let�s Get Active with our Children

Jamie — Sunday, December 30, 2007 on 2:15 am

We are currently in the midst of winter break at my house. This year we don’t have any major plans for the week so I’ve been trying to keep the kids busy with various activites each day. Coming up with things to do has really gotten me thinking about how very important it is to keep the kids moving. It is so easy to stay in the house, especially when it’s so cold outside.

So, I have decided to make it my mission that each day I get my boys out and moving around. I think that this is so important on a lot of different levels. It sets an example to them that each day it is necessary to do something active and get exercise, while at the same time it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the kids.

So far, we have gone for a very long walk with our dog, which culminated in a touch football game at the local junior high. That was fun, but of course ended with my son jamming his finger in the ball! Fortunately, he is fine. I never knew that I was capable of throwing a spiral to my son (who dreams of being a Washington Redskin).

Then, the following day, we found a local county indoor swimming pool and went swimming for hours. The boys loved it and both my husband and I had a great time as well. It was inexpensive and I felt like the kids got exercise, which is clearly my motto here.

Today, we all played in the backyard for a long time and then went on a walk/bike ride/scooter ride (everyone has to have a different mode of transportation….). This was really enjoyable as well.

Tomorrow, we’re hoping to go ice skating.

So, I guess the point of this blog is to encourage parents to get out there and get active with your kids. If you start when they’re young and make it part of their daily routine, it will hopefully carry on into adulthood. In this day and age where obesity is everywhere, it is so necessary to engrain in our kids minds the importance of exercise, and to make it fun so they want to do it!

Should All Young Children Be Tested for Lead?

Jamie — Saturday, December 22, 2007 on 2:25 am

The other day a close friend asked me if her 18 month old daughter should have her lead level checked. She does not live in an area where there is universal testing and she does not fall into any high risk categories, such as living in an older/renovated home. My initial instinct was to tell her no; it is not necessary. But then I thought about it a little more…

She doesn’t fall into the “traditional” high risk groups; but are all children now in a higher risk group because of potential daily exposure to lead through items we may not be aware of. The more I pondered the subject, the more I convinced myself that if I still had young children who were mouthing toys constantly, I, more than likely, would have their lead level checked periodically. It’s such an easy test (if you can call a blood test easy!), and can provide valuable information if the level is elevated.

So, I called my friend back and told her that if it were my child (often times patients and friends ask what I would do with my own children) I would get her lead level checked. I don’t think that parents need to be frantic over this, but I do think that even if the level is mildly elevated it is good to have this information and to follow it.

Just when parents, doctors, researchers and lead officials thought they had lead screening under control, we were all thrown a curve ball with all the recent potential lead exposure.

A Behavioral Rut�

Rachel — Sunday, December 16, 2007 on 5:48 am

…That’s a direct quote from a note that came home from school this past Wednesday. It seems that Ben, my 5 year old, is having listening issues. (That quote keeps going through my head: “Ben seems to be in a behavioral rut..”)
When I asked Ben what was going on, he told me he had a bad day because he was tired.

I called my personal behavioral consult, Doctor Jamie, and she suggested that Ben write an apology note to the teachers.
So we took her suggestion and here’s what he wrote:
I am sorry. I will be better. Ben

This was an excellent project. In one fell swoop, we (a) made Ben think about his actions (b) practiced his writing (c) made his teachers feel a little better.

Thursday and Friday were better days, and for now, Ben is in a listening mood. I hope it lasts, but am not sure how long it will. So I’m off to read about my strong-willed child. When I finish the book, I’ll let you know how I liked it.

Locks of Love: A Great Donation from Children

Jamie — Sunday, December 16, 2007 on 12:42 am

I just got home from bringing my sons to get their haircut and felt compelled to write about a little girl I saw at the haircutting shop. Her act of kindness really struck me. When she walked in she had very long beautiful hair. She looked a bit apprehensive but her mother was next to her side reassuring her. I had I feeling I knew what she was about to do, so I went up to her mother and asked if she was going to cut off her long hair and donate it to Locks of Love. She said the she was, in fact, planning on doing this.

The little girl was probably about 11 years old, and although I’m sure she knew she was doing a “good deed”, she most likely had no idea the difference she is going to make in the life of another individual.

Sadly, there are so many children (and adults) who lose their hair secondary to medical treatments. This can be very traumatic for a lot of people; especially kids who don’t fully understand what is happening to them. Through the generosity of individuals like this young girl I met today, the lives of others can truly be helped.

I went up to this preteen with her new hairdo and told her how cute she looked and congratulated her on what she had just done. Despite the fact that I had never met her before, I was very proud of her and impressed with her generosity.

On both a personal and professional level I have seen kids lose their hair from chemotherapy and kids who have certain medical conditions where they never have had hair on their heads. A wig can make a very big difference to these brave children when they are going through their daily lives.

Thank you to everyone who has ever donated their hair and it was so special to witness the act firsthand today!

Adenovirus: Another Germ to Worry About?

Jamie — Tuesday, December 11, 2007 on 11:26 pm

It seems every time I open up the paper or turn on the television there is more worrisome news on the health front. From methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) to lead poisoning, it seems that we can never let our guard down.

Today, I woke up to a news story which reported that a specific strain of the adenovirus has mutated in such a way that it is now causing potentially significant disease, even death. Apparently, according the the Washington Post, there have been over 1000 cases in the United States. This is obviously concerning, but I don’t want moms and dads to go overly crazy with this news.

Usually, the adenovirus is not harmful. It causes things such as upper respiratory tract symptoms (runny nose, congestion, cough), sore throat, ear infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye), etc.. Certain strains can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms as well. There can be more severe manifestations, such as meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis (a blood infection), but these are rare.

If your child (or you) develop cold symptoms I don’t think that it is necessary to immediately become overly concerned. First, kids get run of the mill colds multiple times during the winter season, and secondly, there are many different viruses which cause colds. And even if it is the adenovirus, it is more than likely that it is not the virulent strain.

Now that being said, there are things to look out for with your children (and yourselves). If things seem to be progressing beyond a typical cold or intestinal infection, you will want to contact your doctor. Things to look for include: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, prolonged fever or fever of 100.4 or greater in an infant under the age of three months, signs of dehydration, severe headache, unusual rash, any changes in mental status, prolonged cough or cough in a baby. Basically, if something seems off, let your doctor know.

Is there anything we can do to keep our kids safe? We always come back to our most important recommendation, WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY (and wash/disinfect toys and surfaces frequently as well)! Currently there is no vaccine for adenovirus, so we are left to our own defenses. In addition, it is a virus, so antibiotics are not going to help.

Stay healthy and if your child does not feel well keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spread of infections unnecessarily.

Discussing Death with Children is Never Easy

Jamie — Wednesday, November 28, 2007 on 4:04 am

Early this morning, a very prominent NFL football player from the Washington Redskins died, after being shot in the upper leg by an intruder. This event is so tragic for his family and friends. And because he was so well known in the football world, many fans are mourning his death as well. The fans, as one would guess, range in age from older men and women to young children. This of course leaves everyone with the same thoughts and concerns over how to discuss this loss with a child.

Tomorrow morning we are going to talk about how to talk to your children about death on WUSA, Channel 9 news at 9am (in Washington DC). This is such an important topic because at some point or another we all will have to deal with death on a personal level and our children will have questions and valid feelings about the situation.

My 7 yr. old son is an avid Redskins fan and I knew that at school today he would hear the news. He and his friends talk non stop about football and know every player, position, and number. I was sure that this sad event would not go unnoticed. When he got home I really wanted to talk to him about it. I said to him “Did you hear anything about what happened to a football player today?” I wanted to keep the question open in case he had not. He responded that Sean Taylor died. When I told him that I had heard this news as well he quickly stated that he did not want to talk about it at that time (he looked uncomfortable and was busy playing with his legos). I decided not to continue to press him for information, but told him that if he has any questions or concerns or if the death made him fell a certain way that he could talk to me or his dad at any time. This way I felt that when he was ready he’d open up.

Interestingly, he did bring up the topic a little bit later in the evening. He revealed that he knew that the player was shot in the leg, but then again shut down. At this point, I tried to provide him with some reassurance that most leg injuries are fine and that usually doctors can help people when this happens. I did not want him to be scared if he heard in the future that someone hurt their leg. This was pretty much the extent of the conversation, but once again I left the door open for him to talk whenever he wants.

So far, that has been it, but I feel confident that if he wants to talk he will.

Parents, if there is one thing you can do for your children when it comes to death, please be open, honest, sincere and nonjudgemental when talking to them. Also, deal with each child as an individual and in an age appropriate fashion. At different ages, kids comprehend different things about death. So, it is so important to balance the information you give them.

What I mentioned above is just the tip of the iceberg when discussing death with your kids. There is a great article on line called “Talking to Children about Death” from Patient Information Publications, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health. I highly recommend it. It’s very easy to read and gives lots of great advice. The website is www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/childeath.pdf

Being Consistent�Easier Said than Done

Jamie — Tuesday, November 20, 2007 on 3:28 am

As a pediatrician, I feel like moms and dads are always asking for advice on how to deal with their children. As a mom, I feel like I am dealing with this struggle myself everyday as well. My “words of wisdom” to parents usually include a lot of ideas, but the thing I like to stress the most is to be consistent.

Consistency can mean a lot of different things and without it nothing will change. It can mean both mom and dad setting and maintaining the same rules, or following through with something which you told your child who chose not to listen. It’s hard to believe but kids thrive on consistency and structure; even if these means a punishment which was put out there before an unwanted action.

There is nothing more difficult than following through on something which ultimately “punishes” you more than your child. However, I promise, as much as it may pain you, your child will think twice before repeating the unwanted behavior.

I’m hoping that this is the case in my household. I have to admit that I am not the best at being consistent and often times cave in with my “threats”. However, I was very proud of myself this past weekend. My kids finally pushed my buttons to the limit, and I told them they lost going to a Washington Wizards game with the family, which they had been eagerly looking forward to. Normally, to be completely honest, I would have allowed them to earn it back. But not this time. I finally came to the realization that if I kept my word, just like I tell parents to do all the time, maybe their unwanted behavior would change. So, we did not go (much to my husband’s dismay). There were definitely some tears (from the boys), but my husband and I made it through the ordeal.

As far as whether or not this will change the way they act…..who knows. We’ll have to wait and see. My guess is that it will take many, many, many consistent parenting situations to alter the mischievous ways of two young boys.

Mission Accomplished:Flu Vaccine

Jamie — Wednesday, November 14, 2007 on 8:11 pm

I am happy to announce that our entire family has been vaccinated against the flu for 2007-2008. My sons and I opted for the FluMist, and my husband got the shot. I really have to say that the mist is just so easy. Both my sons sat there happily while receiving it, no tears! That made life a whole lot easier for everyone. In fact, I think my boys are rather fascinated by the whole FluMist thing, and were actually eager to get it. Maybe they feel like they’re beating the system because they have successfully avoided a shot. Who knows?

So, for everyone else who is still waiting to get it, go ahead, now is the time!

One Laptop Per Child - Give One Get One!

Rachel — Tuesday, November 13, 2007 on 2:35 am

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a medical issue, but it’s an opportunity for you to get a new computer, the XO Laptop, and give one to a child in a developing country…All at the same time.

Check out http://www.laptop.org
We bought ours, and we are very excited. Plus, you actually get a $200 tax deduction on the one you donate. So check out the site–you’ll find out about the computer itslef as well as the Give One Get One program, which is from today 11/12/07 to 11/26/07.

Another Recall: AQUADOTS

Jamie — Thursday, November 8, 2007 on 6:29 pm

Well, there is another big recall to tell everyone about today. Aquadots, those colorful toy beads used to make art projects, are being pulled off the shelves. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC), if the toy beads are ingested, the chemical coating on the bead is metabolized(or changed) into gamma hydroxy butyrate, otherwise known as the date rape drug. This can lead to coma, unresponsiveness, respiratory depression(severe breathing problems), seizures, etc. if swallowed.

So, if anyone has this toy please get rid of it immediately.

There are two good web sites for more information. They are www.cpsc.gov and www.aquadotsrecall.com. You will be able to find more information about replacement products on these sites.

I just got rid of our Aquadots, much to my son’s dismay. He really loves playing with this toy, but for now he’ll have to find something else to replace it!

Lip Licking Eczema

Jamie — Monday, November 5, 2007 on 5:55 pm

Fall is here. What a wonderful time of year. It’s finally getting a bit chilly around here, and we even got some rain last week.

Now with the cool, dry weather comes DRY skin. Both my sons have had bouts of eczema in the past, but as they have gotten older it has definitely improved. This season however my younger boy has unknowingly licked his lips to no end and now has a rather severe case of lip licking eczema. Funny name, I know, but it is exactly what it sounds like. What happens with this condition is that people, usually kids, lick their lips nonstop usually in the fall/winter season, and the skin around the lips gets red, dry, and scaly creating a red ring around the mouth.

Fortunately, this condition is not dangerous. It does, however, look a little unusual. And, it seems that whatever food he eats sticks to the eczema around his mouth. So, for example, at the birthday party he went to yesterday, he had a nice brown ring from the chocolate cake. It actually looked rather cute.

Now, what to do about this lip licking condition. In the best of all worlds I tell him to stop licking and he does. But that is not realistic. So, as much as I can (and I mean like 4 times a day), I put either vaseline or eucerin cream (from the tub…..the thick stuff) on the skin around his mouth. I try to rub it in well, and to put it far enough away from the mouth so he can’t ingest it. He does not particularly like when I do this, but I tell him he can choose which cream he wants. Giving some control to him makes it easier.

So far so good, it actually looks a lot better today!

Good luck to other moms out there with kids who have this similar issue and hopefully this will help a bit!

Trick or Treat!

Jamie — Monday, October 29, 2007 on 2:27 am

Happy Halloween everyone. I know that my kids are so excited for Wednesday. I’ve got one pirate and one football player. Yesterday I went to the store and stocked up on treats for all the Halloween visitors. I really love this time of year, but I have to say that once the 31st has come and gone, we’re left with hundreds of pieces of candy which I slowly try to remove from the house without my kids noticing. Honestly, after about a week, my boys have usually moved on to the next thing and the candy is a thing of the past. Until that time has come, I try to limit it to one piece a day, and even try to use it as incentive for whatever the behavior of the week it is I’m trying to work on. I must say it works well!

I don’t know if it’s the pediatrician in me or the mom in me but around Halloween time I always think about safety as well. There are so many simple things we can all do to help ensure the well being of not only our own kids but all the trick or treaters.

There are two websites the MommyDocs highly recommend for quick tips on Halloween safety. They are:

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/octhalloween.htm

2. The Consumer Product Safety Commision: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/hallow.html

Have a great 31st and Happy Halloween!

So What�s a Parent to do�..When their Child Has a Cold?

Jamie — Friday, October 19, 2007 on 10:11 pm

This is very good question. For years a lot of doctors, including Rachel and myself, have been telling parents not to use the over the counter cough and cold medications in young children under the age of six and especially under the age of 2. Thank goodness these suggestions are now reaching the press and the appropriate governmental agencies. Hopefully, very soon, there will be nationwide recommendations for all parents to turn to and follow when it comes to these meds. The cough and cold medicines (especially those directed at infants) have been sitting on the shelves for way too long. They are such a temptation for desperate parents, whose children are home sick.

Unfortunately, there is no good data to show they work, they have the potential for significant side effects, and the proper dosages, especially for little ones is not clear. So, many of us really cannot justify the use of these meds.

There are some other options to help your kids when they have colds, but unfortunately a lot of it is just riding it out. And, it’s not so unusual to get 8-10 colds a year.

So, pain/fever reducers are still okay to use(just be sure to call/go to the doctor if your child is under the age of 3 months and has a temp. of 100.4 or greater). Always give lots of fluids to your kids, and lots of rest. In addition, a humidifier may help. And in young kids a nasal bulb syringe/nasal saline drops may be helpful as well.

Most importantly, prevention, prevention, prevention. Good handwashing, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible. All easier said than done. I’m trying all these things with my 7 and 5 year old. For more info. on colds go to our FAQs section.

Stay well!!!!!

Free Lead Screening 10/20/07

Rachel — Thursday, October 18, 2007 on 7:46 pm

This Saturday, Washington D.C. in partnership with Lead Safe DC, is hosting a Lead-oriented health fair.

They will be offering free home lead dust swipe testing for parents with children below the age of 6, and blood screening for all children.
They will also have a complete listing of recently recalled lead toys and products, to help parents determine if toys they own are among those that have been recalled.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2007
Join the D.C. Department of Health & LeadSafe DC at a
Lead Poisoning Awareness Fair
Reeves Center, 14th and U Streets, NW
10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Back to School & Healthy (Yummy) Lunches!

Rachel — Monday, September 3, 2007 on 5:57 am

Read our article below for suggestions on healthy school lunches…

The MommyDoc Minute:
Healthy Lunches, Healthy Kids

The 2007-2008 school year has begun! It is the start of waking up early, going to after school activities, and doing homework. It is also the start of eating lunch at school, which means that for five out of seven days a week, your children will be eating meals out of the home, and out of your immediate watchful eyes.

View this as an opportunity to help your kids make good decisions about what to eat for lunch. As parents, we need to be especially vigilant in light of the increasing obesity epidemic among our youth.

Here are some quick and easy tips to help improve the nutritional content of school lunches…
Let your kids take part in the lunch decision process. If they wish to eat the cafeteria food at school, go through the weekly menu with them, and help them make their food decisions ahead of time. All schools should have a pre-made menu available; if they don’t, ask for one. In the event that you do not find healthy options, discuss this with your school’s principal or cafeteria manager.

If your child chooses to pack a lunch, avoid pre-made lunch kits. They tend to be loaded with fat, sodium (salt), and preservatives. It’s much healthier (and economical) to put together a lunch yourself. Traditionally, sandwiches are the main course. A great way to improve the sandwich’s nutritional value is to use wheat or multigrain bread. Also, try to avoid high fat condiments such as mayonnaise or butter. Mustard or ketchup are better choices. Other options for the main course could include low-fat or nonfat yogurt, or cottage cheese topped with fruit.

Always offer fruits and vegetables. Give your kids the choice between two different fruits or vegetables, and then pack the one they pick. If you give them this control, it is more likely they will eat their selection.

You also want to avoid sugary beverages such as juice or soda. Give your child the option of water or milk.

And let’s not forget to discuss dessert, because your kids will not let you forget to pack it! It’s okay to allow your child to choose a treat a few times each week. Just be sure you monitor the portion size. The new low-calorie snack packs are a great idea, and you can even make them yourself at home. Just pay close attention to serving size and calorie content.

During the weekend, plan meals for the upcoming week. Take your children to the grocery store, and let them help you choose what to buy. You’ll have everything ahead of time, and you won’t be scrounging at the last minute for healthy choices.

Remember: You are dealing with a captive audience at lunchtime. When your children sit down in the cafeteria and open up their lunch boxes, they are hungry. They will most likely be willing to eat whatever has been packed. So, it’s a great opportunity to get some nutritious food into their growing bodies.

Summer Safety & Upcoming Events

Rachel — Tuesday, August 21, 2007 on 3:01 pm

Click on the link below to read an informative (and short) article about summer safety.

www.cnn.com/2007/Travel/traveltips/07/02/summer.safety/index.html

Also,
–Check out our FAQ’s page for new information on Fever and your children.
–Check out our Podcast page for a new show on Lead: “Lead Lesson Number One.”
The second episode will soon follow!
–Catch us tomorrow, 8/22/07 on Channel 9 CBS/WUSA9 discussing Fever.

Lead & Toys Continued

Rachel — Thursday, August 16, 2007 on 5:23 am

If you check out our FAQ’s, you’ll be able to learn some more about the dangers of lead exposure. And be on the lookout for a new podcast we will be posting on the subject as well.

To find out more about the most recent Mattel recalls, click on the link below:

www.mattel.com/safety/us

XM Here We Come!

Rachel — Monday, July 9, 2007 on 8:17 pm

While we were at our Medical Communications Conference run by the AMA in April, we met Christopher Springmann, host of “Life, Love & Health.” Christopher interviewed us for his radio show, which is aired on XM and Sirius, and is on Walmart radio as well (so listen while you shop)! The topic is Anaphylaxis and Epipen Use (good topic since one of us is an allergist)! We are very excited about this, and hope you enjoy the show. Check out our “Podcast” page to listen…it’s short and sweet, and informative, too!

The Heat is on!

Rachel — Tuesday, June 26, 2007 on 3:38 am

Remember to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK! Children can get dehydrated more easily than adults, so make sure your kids drink fluids even before they step out the door in the morning.
We will be discussing Heat Related Illnesses on our WUSA/CBS appearance on Wednesday morning. Check out the show and our FAQ’s section on ways to beat the heat.

We also want to thank Manic Mommies for referring their listeners to us for medical questions!

Choo Choo�Thomas Recall!

Rachel — Thursday, June 14, 2007 on 4:19 am

We love Thomas (and his friends) but, there is a recall for some of these train set components (including wooden trains and buildings) due to a lead poisoning hazard. Some of the surface paints may contain lead. If you have these products, please take away the toys immediately. Please click on the link below for more details…

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07212.html

Mr. Golden Sun

Rachel — Wednesday, May 30, 2007 on 5:47 am

The sun is shining, and our kids don’t want to come inside. Just a quick reminder:
Wear hats and protective clothing, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Apply liberally and often, and don’t be shy. Our kids put up a major fight to avoid sunscreen, but our battle cry is, “No sunscreen, no playing outside!”

Happy Mother�s Day!

Rachel — Monday, May 14, 2007 on 4:04 am

To all of our fellow moms…
We wish you a happy and healthy Mother’s Day!
In the spirit of good health for ourselves and our families, we are passing along a link for an article about driving safely. We hope you’ll find the information useful and informative, as we do!

It’s precious cargo in those back seats.

http://www.www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/parenting/05/11/par.driving.mistakes/index.html

Thank You

Rachel — Sunday, May 6, 2007 on 4:04 am

We sincerely thank Anton Zuiker, author of mistersugar.com, for encouraging us to begin our blog. We met Anton in Tampa at the AMA’s 2007 Medical Communications Conference. He was part of the conference’s faculty, and taught courses on health and medicine in blogs.
Thank you, Anton!

Don�t use a match!

Rachel — Saturday, May 5, 2007 on 4:30 am

Earlier today, A 10 year old girl with a burn on her back was seen by the family medicine doctors I work with. Her dad brought her in after he tried to remove a tick with a hot match. Although his best intentions were at heart, his daughter now had a burn and a tick on her back.
So remember: Don’t use a match. Don’t use nail polish. Don’t use petroleum jelly. Don’t use other chemicals to try and remove or kill a tick. And Check out our FAQs section for more information on how to properly remove a tick.

Welcome to the Mommydocs Blog!

Admin — Wednesday, May 2, 2007 on 5:19 am

Hello and Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our site. Look for updates soon in our Blog. And don’t forget to look up the Press page to find out where and when we’ll be seen next.

Our Press page also has today’s video from WUSA9, Washington D.C.’s CBS affiliate, featuring the MommyDocs discussing tick bite prevention.