New Years Resolutions

We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season! With 2013 right around the corner we thought we would suggest to start thinking of some New Years Resolutions you can make with your children. The AAP has broke it down into age group. Setting goals is a great time to re-evaluate and help your children get a fresh start to the New Year! Happy New Years!

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Preschoolers

• I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.
• I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
• I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old

• I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only on special occasions. 
• I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
• I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
• I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
• I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
• I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent’s permission.

Kids, 13-years-old and up

• I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only on special occasions. 
• I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.
• I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.
• I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
• When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.
• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.
• When I notice my friends are struggling or engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.
• I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence. I will expect the same good behavior in return.
• I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
• I agree not to use a cell phone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

--www.aap.org

And the winners are.......

WOW! We had such a great turn out for the contest! We are so glad to hear that so many of your families still doing physical activity during the holidays. So without any further delay--

The winners of the Contest are:

BLOG: Jake and Kim--"Running! Outside, and our home is one level and we run from one end to the other! Walks, dancing to music on the radio, Airborne(jump your heart out!), snowman building, sleedding, shoveling snow!!

FACEBOOK :Melody Just Terry--"We love to go sledding or play in the snow (if there is any!), or head over to classic skating. Chasing kids around there is a great workout!"

Congrats to the two familes who won a $50 gift card to Target. Please contact our office to plan a time to pick it up before the holidays!

Keep staying active! We have more fun giveways after the first of the year! Happy Holidays!!!

Tragedy in Connecticut: How to help your children

Our prayers and heart felt sorrow goes out to the families and community of this horrible tragedy that has happened today in Connecticut. We ask that you turn off your TV and Internet today so your children do not see inappropriate media. We are very thankful for the APP and the website Healthychildren.org who immediately put up resources for us to pass along to you. Please feel free to click on there website for additional resources. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact your pediatrician. Again, our hearts are so heavy at this time for such a horrific event.

www.healthychildren.org

AAP Offers Resources to Help Parents, Children and Others Cope in the Aftermath of School Shootings

 

The AAP has assembled a collection of resources to help parents, teachers, students, and schools cope with the aftermath of school shootings. Additional resources are provided on promoting mental health, school safety and violence prevention. Contact your pediatrician for more information.

For Parents/Teachers:

• Teen Suicide and Guns
• Talking with Your Teen: Tips for Parents
• Next Stop Adulthood: Tips for Parents
• Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster
• Bright Futures in Practice: Mental Health:
• Tools for Families

For Students:

• Stress Management Guide for Teens
• Health Care for College Students
• Connecting with Your Community
• Staying Cool When Things Heat Up

For Schools:

• Health, Mental Health, and Safety Guidelines for Schools
• The following guidelines, in particular, may be considered in developing policies and procedures to aid in preparing for and responding to crisises:
• Mental Health Problems: Capacity to Identify, Refer, Manage
• Staff Trained for Emergencies
• Crisis Response Team and Plans
• National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement

• Guidelines for Responding to the Death of a Student or School Staff

Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools

Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster

THANKYOU AAP!!

-www.healthychildren.org and AAP

More Holiday Tips: Food, Visiting, and Fireplaces

Over the next 12 days many of you will have hosting or going to parties for the holidays. We hope these few tips will give you a reminder on a few safety tips. Remember to check out our contest for the 2 $50 gift cards to target!! A few more days to check it out. Click here. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Food Safety

• Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
• Be sure to keep hot liquids and food away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands. Be sure that young children cannot access microwave ovens.
• Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.
• Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
• Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.
• Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
• Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Happy Visiting

• Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
• Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots like unlocked cabinets, unattended purses, accessible cleaning or laundry products, stairways, or hot radiators.
• Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222 . Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.
• Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

Fireplaces

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
• Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely

--Tips for AAP

HOLIDAY CONTEST!!!!!

We hope you are all enjoying this holiday season! To say thank you for being such amazing parents and patients we want to do a Holiday Give Away! This season we are going to celebrate by awarding two $50 gift cards to Target! You will  have two chances to win!!! So how do you win??...

All you have to do is leave a comment on our BLOG or FACEBOOK page stating  "What you do with your families to stay active this winter season!"  You can comment on BOTH the blog and facebook and you will get TWO enteries!! That way one family will win a $50 gift card to Target from the BLOG and one from FACEBOOK! It's that easy! You only have until Thursday Dec 20th at 12:00 --noon! We will post the winners that evening and you can come and get your gift cards the next day!

We hope that this holiday season is full of family memories, safety and healthy kids! Happy Holidays!

Holiday Safety Tips

 

 

 

The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday season, here are some tips. We hope these few safety tips will help remind you of small things you can do to make this season very safe.

Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly. 

Lights

• Check all tree lights--even if you've just purchased them--before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations

• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked over.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
• Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.

--Tips from AAP

Toy Safety Reminder

It is that time of year when we all start to buy toys for our children. This year we thought we would give you some tips to buy the "SAFE" toy this year.

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.
• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age 10) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
• Young children can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
• Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death -- after swallowing button batteries and magnets. In addition to toys, button batteries are often found in musical greeting cards, remote controls, hearing aids and other small electronics. Keep them away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows one.
• Children can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; do not allow children under age 8 to play with them.
• Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.
• Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
• Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.

Happy Shopping

--List provided by AAP

How to involve children in service

As parents, we often wonder how we can teach our children the importance of service. We wonder about the best way to get little hands involved and young minds and hearts engaged.

A group of bloggers have launched an initiative, Blog for Cause, challenging families to do just that. Amy Mascott of Teach Mama , Allison McDonald of No Time for Flashcards
and Amanda Morgan of Not Just Cute are encouraging families to choose a cause that is meaningful to them and to work together to prove that little hands can make a big difference.

The bloggers are hoping that families will recognize that service doesn't have to be on a large scale to make a difference for the better in the lives of the people who are touched -- including the children who take part in giving that service.

Amanda recently shared a simple project on her blog which she and her boys created to donate to Primary Children's Medical Center. You can get the details of the project here and also read about other projects families have used to involve their children in giving service..

Thanks to Amanda for a great idea for our patients!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are so "thankful" for all of our patients! We will be open on Thanksgiving for a sick and urgent starting at 10:00 am-- Regular hours resume on Friday. We hope you have a very SAFE and Happy Thanksgiving!

"Super Sitter" classes

Leaving your child with a babysitter can be stressful at times. Primary Children's Medical center offers a class called "Super Sitter" . Participants learn how to provide safe and fun care to infants and young children. Areas covered are; Introduction to baby-sitting, Growth and Development, Injury Prevention, Health care issues. Participants must be at least 11 years of age and older.

Classes are held monthly and are at Primary Children's Medical Center and the Riverton Hospital. This is a great opportunity for your "babysitting" age child to get more experience. Contact Debbie Bemel 801-662-3517 or CLICK here to register. The next class is this Saturday Nov 17th from 9:30-noon. If your child attends--let us know how it was?
 

Halloween Safety Tips

 

We hope you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween!  You can have fun and be safe all at the same time! Remember a lot of dentist offices in our area pay kids $$ for there candy!

Article Body

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help ensure they have a safe holiday.

All Dressed Up:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Carving a Niche:

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

Home Safe Home:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

On the Trick-or-Treat Trail:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Healthy Halloween:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween

Technology in kids bedrooms lead to poorer health--Study suggest

 

Many children go to bed with one or more screens in their bedrooms, and doing so is damaging their well-being, according to a new study from the University of Alberta.
“If you want your kids to sleep better and live a healthier lifestyle, get the technology out of the bedroom,” Paul Veugelers, a professor in the school of public health and co-author of the study, said in a release.
Researchers examined data from a survey of nearly 3,400 Grade 5 students in Alberta that detailed their evening sleep habits and access to screens. Half of the kids had a television, DVD player or video game console in their bedroom. Just over one-fifth – 21 per cent – had a computer, while 17 per cent had a cellphone. All three types of screens were found in the bedrooms of 5 per cent of kids.
The more screens kids have at bed time, the worse it is for their health, the research suggests. Access to one gizmo made it 1.47 times more likely for a kid to be overweight compared with a child with no tech. Kids with three devices were 2.57 times more likely to be overweight.
Kids who stay up watching television on the sly for a little while may not seem to be doing anything all that harmful, but that’s not true, according to the study, which found that just one extra hour of sleep reduced the chances of being overweight by 28 per cent and cut the odds of being obese by 30 per cent.
The more sleep kids get, the more likely they are to engage in more physical activity – perhaps because they’re not completely zonked come recess – and make better choices of what to eat, according to the study, published in the journal Pediatric Obesity.

**thanks Dr Jopling for sharing this story
***Dave MCGinn--The Globe

More sleep = Imporved Behavior and Alterness

 

While healthy sleep is essential for alertness and other key functions related to academic success, research involving the impact of the amount of sleep on a child’s day-to-day behavior in school is limited. An estimated 64 percent of school-aged children (ages 6 to 12) go to bed later than 9 p.m., and 43 percent of boys ages 10 to 11 sleep less than the recommended amount each night.

In the study, “Impact of Sleep Extension and Restriction on Children’s Emotional Lability and Impulsivity,” published in the November 2012 issue of Pediatrics (published online Oct. 15), a modest addition of sleep each night – an average of 27 minutes among children ages 7 to 11 – resulted in significant improvement in their ability to regulate their emotions, including limiting restless-impulsive behavior in school. Conversely, children who decreased their sleep 54 minutes were associated with detectable deterioration of such measures.
Study authors say these new findings support the importance of sleep among school-age children, and the need for greater efforts to eliminate child sleep problems.

What you can do:

Sleeping Environment

• Get comfy. Make sure your bed and bedding are comfortable.
• Remove distractions. Get the TV out of the bedroom. Avoid watching or listening to upsetting, violent, or scary materials within 2 hours of bedtime. That includes the news, conflict-filled talk shows, and high-anxiety dramas. Use the bed only for sleep and intimacy, not for TV, reading, working, talking on the phone, or playing electronic games.
• Soothing sounds. Listen to relaxing music, sound from nature, or the sound of silence. Keep the noise level down. Consider earplugs if you can’t control the environment.
• Security and safety. Before you head for bed, make sure your doors are locked, the stove is off, the iron in unplugged, the water taps are turned off, and there are no bogeymen under bed (just kidding on this last one, but it does help to go through a routine to ensure you’ve done what you can to ensure your personal safety).
• Darker is better. Turn the light off. Darkness promotes sleep and healthy levels of melatonin, an important hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness.
• Keep it cool. Cool room temperatures promote sleep and minimize interfering itchy sensations.
• Smell the roses, or better yet, lavender or chamomile. Soothing scents such as lavender have proven effective in helping people fall asleep, even in noisy intensive care units.
• Warm it up. A person warmed passively by a hot bath or sauna (not from intense exercise) falls asleep more quickly than someone who is cold. Even just a hot foot bath has proven helpful to ensuring good night’s sleep in a scientific study; so even if for some reason you can’t soak your entire body, consider a warm foot bath before bed to help you drift into dreamland. Keep the body warm and the room cool.

Sleeping Routines

• Consider eating a light snack containing a protein (eg, seeds, nuts, low-fat milk, hard-boiled eggs) and a complex carbohydrate (eg, whole grain cracker or toast, slices of fruit or vegetables) within 2 hours before bed.
• Take a warm bath or shower within an hour before bedtime.
• Make it routine. Head to bed at the same time daily.
• Read something soothing, reassuring, or inspiring. Save the action/adventure stories, headline news, and murder mysteries for daytime reading.
• Manage your stress constructively. Practice mediation, autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, prayer, counting your blessings, extending good will to others, or other relaxing stress management techniques.
• Keep a journal. Write down or record any worries, anger, irritations, or other negative perceptions. Get them out of your head, set them aside, and let them wait until tomorrow. Write down or record a list of things you appreciate or for which you are grateful. Make notes about little kindnesses you have observed in others or offered to others. Did someone smile at you today? Offer a handshake? Ask how you were? Open a door? Let you go first? Just noting small acts of kindness can help us feel better and more connected to other people. This helps us feel more positive and secure.

During the Day

• Limit daytime naps to 45 minutes, maximum.
• Expose yourself to bright light in the morning; this helps set your biological clock so you’ll be tired in the evening. Avoid bright lights before bed.
• Exercise during the day; yoga or other slow, meditative exercises may be helpful in the afternoon or evening.
• Check with your doctor. Make sure you can breathe easily at night; congestions and obstructions to breathing reduce restful sleep. If you snore, ask your doctor to check for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. If you have a painful or itchy condition, discuss optimal management with your health professionals. Review your medications (if any) to make sure they aren’t the culprit.

What Else Can You Do?

• Consider a cup of calming herbal tea such as chamomile, lemon balm, hops, or passion flower.
• Talk with your clinician about trying valerian, melatonin, tryptophan, or 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) supplements.
• Get a massage or at least a hand, foot, shoulder, or back rub from someone you trust.
• Consider trying acupuncture, especially if pain makes it hard for you to sleep. (Sleepiness and a sense of calm and relaxation are side effects of acupuncture.)
• Ask your clinician about cranial electrotherapy stimulation or electrosleep.

What to Avoid

• Avoid alcohol within 4 hours before bedtime (alcohol use just before bed can lead to rebound wakefulness 2-4 hours later).
• Avoid caffeine 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid heavy or spicy foods 4 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime.
• Avoid stimulating TV, electronic games, and arguments within an hour of bedtime.

If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed, leave the bedroom, and try one of these strategies – snack, warm bath, soothing music, inspiring book, making a list or jotting in a diary.

Tramploine Safety

Trampoline Saftey Update

 

Article Body

An updated report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions against home trampoline use, and provides updated data on the number of and types of injuries caused by trampolines. Since publication of the previous AAP policy statement in 1999 (reaffirmed in 2006), the key recommendation remains consistent against recreational trampoline use, and includes data on injuries unique to trampolines.

In the updated policy statement, “Trampoline Safety in Childhood and Adolescence,” in the October 2012 Pediatrics (published online Sept. 24), the AAP provides pediatricians with guidelines on patterns of injury with trampoline use, the efficacy of current safety measures, and unique injuries attributed to trampoline use.

Trampoline injury rates have steadily been decreasing since 2004. In 2009, however, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) estimated almost 98,000 trampoline-related injuries in the U.S., resulting in 3,100 hospitalizations. The rates of trampoline injury appear higher for children than in adults.

“Pediatricians need to actively discourage recreational trampoline use,” said Michele LaBotz, MD, FAAP, co-author of the updated policy statement. “Families need to know that many injuries occur on the mat itself, and current data do not appear to demonstrate that netting or padding significantly decrease the risk of injury.”

Most trampoline injuries (75 percent) occur when multiple people are jumping on the mat. The smallest and youngest participants are usually at greater risk for significant injury, specifically children 5 years of age or younger. Forty-eight percent of injuries in this age group resulted in fractures or dislocations.

Common injuries in all age groups include sprains, strains and contusions. Falls from a trampoline accounted for 27 percent to 39 percent of all injuries, and can potentially be catastrophic. Many injuries have occurred even with adult supervision. The AAP policy statement also addresses the safety of trampoline parks. The AAP suggests that the precautions outlined for recreational use also apply to all commercial jump parks. Injury rates at these facilities should continue to be monitored.

The report includes key recommendations for pediatricians and parents, including:

• Pediatricians should advise parents and children against recreational trampoline use.
• Current data on netting and other safety equipment indicates no reduction in injury rates.
• Failed attempts at somersaults and flips frequently cause cervical spine injuries, resulting in permanent and devastating consequences.
• Homeowners with a trampoline should verify that their insurance covers trampoline injury-related claims.
• Rules and regulations for trampoline parks may not be consistent with the AAP guidelines.
• Trampolines used for a structured sports training program should always have appropriate supervision, coaching, and safety measures in place.

**aap.org

Researchers say Turn Off the TV

Parents, if nobody is watching the TV, please turn it off.
Researchers who conducted a national survey of kids' exposure to TVs droning on in the background say, "The amount of exposure for the average child is startling."
How much is it, exactly? Try just under four hours a day for the typical kid.
So why care about a TV that nobody seems to be paying attention to? Well, the researchers write, background TV may lower the quality of interactions between parents and kids, lower kids' performance on tasks that require real thinking and drain kids' attention during playtime.
 
The findings, published in the latest issue of Pediatrics, come from a telephone survey of more than 1,400 English-speaking households conducted in early 2009.
The researchers asked people to go through the activities of a typical day, noting whether a TV was on while the child was doing something.
There were a few significant patterns in the responses:

1. Kids living in single-parent homes were exposed to more background TV than those in two-parent households.
2. Children in the poorest households were exposed to the most background TV.
3. Infants and toddlers were exposed to more background TV — 5 1/2 hours compared to 2 3/4 hours for kids aged 6-8.

Pediatricians say the littlest kids — those 2 and younger — shouldn't watch any TV at all. Older children should spend no more than 2 hours a day plopped down in front of a computer, TV or other device with a screen.
The researchers behind the latest study suggest that it might be best for doctors and parents to concentrate on reducing the TV exposure of kids under 2, since they should watch the least and are being exposed to the most.
The work was funded by a grant from a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Thanks Dr Jopling for this interesting article!

**info from NRP.ORG

CPR Class this SATURDAY!

It is time again for another CPR class! This is such a great class and we have so many people that want to take it so make sure you sign up fast!

CPR Courses for Parents!

Saturday, Oct 6, 2012 at 2:00 pmThe class will last approximately 1 hour

$15 per person

15-20 spots available

To sign up, please speak with our office co-coordinator, Shaylynn. You can contact her by calling the office. There are only a few spots left so call today! 

Spots will be offered on a first come first serve basis!

This is only a CPR class, NOT certification. It will be taught by Christine Keddington, who is certified to teach CPR.

Flu Reminder:)

Flu Season Has Begun

 

Parents are encouraged to get their children and themselves vaccinated to prevent influenza. Now is the time to get vaccinated since flu season might begin as early as October and can last through May. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends seasonal vaccination for all individuals, including all children and adolescents, aged ≥ 6 months during the 2012-13 influenza season.  It’s important to get vaccinated each year because the vaccine is updated to help prevent infection among the most common circulating flu strains; additionally, the protective effects of the vaccine lessen overtime. Getting vaccinated will also help prevent infection among infants younger than 6 months and others who are ineligible to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is important for all children and adults but it is especially important for certain people who have a higher risk of medical complications if they acquire influenza or who are in close contact with these high risk people, including the following groups:

• Children younger than 5 years of age, and children of any age with a long-term health condition like asthma, diabetes or disorders of the brain or nervous system. These children are at higher risk of serious flu complications (like pneumonia). For the complete list of those at high risk, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. The flu can make some medical conditions worse, and can increase the risk of serious complications.


• Adults who meet any of the following criteria:
• Are close contacts of, or live with, children younger than 5 years old.
• Are out-of-home caregivers (nannies, daycare providers, etc.) of children younger than 5 years old. 
• Live with or have other close contact with children of any age with a chronic health problem (asthma, diabetes, etc.).
• Are health care workers 

It is important to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of influenza which is a dangerous and unpredictable disease sometimes leading to hospitalization or, in rare cases, even death. Every year in the United States, even healthy children are hospitalized or die from flu complications. Annual vaccination is safe and effective in preventing influenza.

 

We have several days we are doing FLU shots/ and mist....PLEASE call our office today to BOOK with a nurse.
 

Additional Resources:

http://www2.aap.org/immunization/illnesses/flu/influenza.html

The FAAN Walk for Food Allergy October 6th!

Guest POST :Michelle Fogg, Co-Chair
The FAAN Walk for Food Allergy in Salt Lake City is one week away!

                             Sugar House Park
                             Saturday October 6, 2012
                             Registration @ 11am
                             Walk @ Noon

Walk to Save a Life and play for a great cause. Lots of fun activities and vendors including: face painting, bounce houses, Munchkin Radio, Utah Society of Allergy & Asthma, Utah School Nurses Association, Utah Food Allergy Network, Mylan Pharma (EpiPen), SunButter, and more!


Everyone can help contribute to the Walk's success, even if you can't physically attend on Walk day. By working together, we can ensure the Walk comes back next year and that UFAN will be able to apply for a Community Grant from FAAN that is used to directly benefit our Utah community. Projects that have been funded by the FAAN Walk Community Grant in the past include special guest speakers for the Utah Food Allergy Conference and the FAAN School Food Allergy Program which was purchased for every school district in the state! The Walk is also a great way to raise community awareness and education not to mention an event where the kids get to play and we all see that we are truly not alone. Here are some suggestions of how you can get involved now:

• Register your Walk team today by visiting foodallergywalk.org and start gathering pledges & teamates
• Register as a Virtual Walker (you are unable to attend the day of Walk but still want to participate in the fundraising effort)
• Visit foodallergywalk.org and make a donation to any team or walker
• Help spread the word about the Walk in your community by delivering posters/brochures to your local businesses, libraries, physician offices, community centers, etc. Email "Walk Posters" to support@utahfoodallergy.org with your name, mailing address, and quantity needed and we will send them to you ASAP

Thank you for helping to make 2012 a successful Walk year and help to keep the Walk coming back. We are about $20k from our goal but if we work together, anything is possible!

...because you love someone with food allergies.

Reminder! Educational Class Tomorrow!

Reminder!!! Class tomorrow night! If you have a child in preschool through grade 1 this is a class you will NOT want to miss! We will have this amazing seminar on Tuesday Sept 25th at 7:00 PM.  Please contact our office right away to hold a spot:)....

Introducing an EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
for the parents of children in preschool
 through Grade 1

Tuesday, September 25th 7:00 pm
Willowcreek Pediatrics Office
$20 per person. Register at the front office or
 call 801-942-1800 and ask to speak to Margie
Space is limited; reserve your seat NOW!

Featuring life-changing, research-based
information to implement simple & fun
practice lessons that include:
**Goals for learning
**interesting texts
**Fun, real-world experiences
**Expert Reading strategies

Presented by reading experts:
Emily Swan, Ph.D & Michelle Roderick, M.Ed.

For Free parenting tips prior to attending visit:
www.engagewiththepage.com/parentingtips/

Best Prevention: Hand Washing!

It is that time of the year again to remind you about the most effect tool we have--HAND WASHING! How many times have you and your child washed your hands today? You might not have given it much thought. It’s either part of your routine, done frequently without thinking, or maybe you don’t do it much at all. But as your pediatrician may have told you, hand washing may be the single most important act you and your child have for disease prevention.
As early as possible, get your child into the habit of washing her hands often and thoroughly. All day long, your child is exposed to bacteria and viruses—when touching a playmate, sharing toys, or petting the cat. Once her hands pick up these germs, she can quickly infect herself by rubbing her eyes, touching her nose, or placing her fingers in her mouth. The whole process can happen in seconds, and cause an infection that can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Hand washing can stop the spread of infection. The key is to encourage your child to wash her hands throughout the day. For example, help her or remind her to wash her hands  

• Before eating (including snacks)  
• After a trip to the bathroom  
• Whenever she comes in from playing outdoors  
• After touching an animal like a family pet  
• After sneezing or coughing if she covers her mouth  
• When someone in the household is ill

Studies on hand washing in public restrooms show that most people don’t have very good hygiene habits. “Hand washing” may mean just a quick splash of water and perhaps a squirt of soap, but not nearly enough to get their hands clean.
So what does a thorough hand washing involve? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps:  

• Wet your child’s hands.  
• Apply clean bar soap or liquid soap to the hands, and then place the bar on a rack where it can drain before the next hand washing.  
• Rub the hands vigorously together. Scrub every surface completely.  
• Keep rubbing and scrubbing for 10 to 15 seconds to effectively remove the germs.  
• Rinse the hands completely, then dry them.

Drugstore shelves are full of trendy antibacterial soaps, but studies have shown that these antibacterial products are no better at washing away dirt and germs than regular soap. Some infectious disease experts have even suggested that by using antibacterial soaps, you may actually kill off normal bacteria and increase the chances that resistant bacteria may grow. The best solution is to wash your child’s hands with warm water and ordinary soap that does not contain antibacterial substances (eg, triclosan). Regular use of soap and water is better than using waterless (and often alcohol-based) soaps, gels, rinses, and hand rubs when your child’s hands are visibly dirty (and with children, there usually is dirt on the hands!). However, when there is no sink available (eg, the car), hand rubs can be a useful alternative.
Keep in mind that although 10 to 15 seconds of hand washing sounds like an instant, it is much longer than you think. Time yourself the next time you wash your hands. Watch your child while she’s washing her hands to make sure she’s developing good hygiene behaviors. Pick a song that lasts for 15 seconds and sing it while you wash. Encourage your child to wash her hands not only at home, but also at school, at friends’ homes, and everywhere else. It’s an important habit for her to get into, and hopefully one that’s hard to break!

*info from healthychildren.org

AAP Recommendations for FLU Vaccine

 

Article Body

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization for all individuals 6 months of age and older, including all children, adolescents and young adults.

An updated policy statement, “Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2012-2013” in the October 2012 Pediatrics (published online Sept. 10), includes guidance on vaccine formulations, dosing, and administration, as well as current treatment guidance for antiviral medications.

According to the AAP, special efforts should be made to vaccinate people in the following groups:

• children who have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza complications, like asthma, diabetes, immunosuppression, or neurologic disorders;
• family members and others who are in contact with children with high-risk conditions and children under age 5 (especially children under 6 months of age);
• all health care personnel;
• and women who are pregnant, are considering pregnancy, have just delivered or are breastfeeding during influenza season.

Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with a nurse. We have both the flu mist and flu vaccine (shot). Contact our office if you have any questions 801-942-1800.

Building Self-Esteem in Children

Our friends over at DDI Vantage wrote a great article on Self Esteem and we wanted to share it. If you do not know about DDI Vantage they offer many great classes along with services for our community. Check them out on Facebook and there website is www.ddivantage.org

Building Self Esteem in Children

Building a child's self esteem is an important part of helping your child be healthy and happy. Helping your child develop self-esteem starts with understanding what it is.

Self esteem is a combination of self-confidence and self-respect. Self-confidence is defined as proper respect for oneself and one's worth as a person. So it develop self-esteem a child must learn to believe in their abilities and respect themselves.

Developing self-esteem requires freedom and encouragement. A child who is free to experiment, to fail and to try again develops a sense of their own accomplishments. With too much help the child does not get to "own" the sense of accomplishment. Likewise, receiving encouragement lets the child know what they do is important and worth something.

In their guide for parents and teachers, Self-Esteem for Tots to Teens, educators Eugen Anderson, George Redman, and Charlotte Rogers offer these five principles for building self-esteem in children:

1. Listen to and acknowledge your child's thoughts and feelings. By giving your children your full attention when they talk and then paraphrasing their thoughts, you show that they count.
2. Create situations that help your children experience success, not failure. Set Clear and appropriate expectations, offer a reasonable amount of help, provide adequate incentives, and remove obstacles.
3. Give your children a feeling of reasonable control over their life. Having too little control over their environment can make them feel inadequate; having too much control can make them feel neglected and insecure.
4. Reinforce that your child is lovable and capable. Praise them for what they do, reward their successes and tell them tha you are proud of them.
5. Show your child that you have a positive view of yourself. Children can "catch" self-esteem from adults. Let your children hear you talk about yourself in positive terms. Let them see you react to circumstance in your life in a positive way.

While using these principles, remember to be careful to balance praise and criticism. A certain amount of praise will reinforce your children's sense of their own success, but too much praise can sound more like pressure than encouragement. Likewise, too much criticism can rob your children of their energy to solve problems.

**thanks DDI Vantage

CPR Class Announced!

It is time again for another CPR class! This is such a great class and we have so many people that want to take it so make sure you sign up fast!

CPR Courses for Parents!

Saturday, Oct 6, 2012 at 2:00 pm
The class will last approximately 1 hour

$15 per person

15-20 spots available

To sign up, please speak with our office coordinator, Margie. You can contact her by calling the office or email her at margiet@wasatchpeds.net.

Spots will be offered on a first come first serve basis!

This is only a CPR class, NOT certification. It will be taught by Christine Keddington, who is certified to teach CPR.

Labor Day Holiday Hours

YES! We are open today! We will have a doctor at our clinic starting at 9:30 AM to see sick patients. We will only book in consecutive order but are happy to see your sick child. Tuesday will be a normal business day with our phones turning on at 8:00 am to see your regular pediatrician. We hope you have a very nice and SAFE Labor day!

Back Pack Safety

 

 

School is back in for almost everyone in Utah! Can you believe that summer vacation is over? We hope as you are picking out those backpacks you double check for safety. Here are a few tips that may help.

What do I need to know about backpack safety?  

Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry schoolbooks and supplies. When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to carry the necessities of the school day. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body's strongest muscles. 
However, backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems for children and teenagers. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems. Share these guidelines to help your family use backpacks safely. 

Choose the Right Backpack

Look for the following:  

• Wide, padded shoulder straps — Narrow straps can dig into shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict circulation.  
• Two shoulder straps — Backpacks with one shoulder strap that runs across the body cannot distribute weight evenly.  
• Padded back — A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort.  
• Waist strap — A waist strap can distribute the weight of a heavy load more evenly.  
• Lightweight backpack — The backpack itself should not add much weight to the load.  
• Rolling backpack — This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs. They may be difficult to roll in snow.  

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following: 

• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may increase curvature of the spine.  
• Tighten the straps so that the pack is close to the body. The straps should hold the pack two inches above the waist.  
• Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's total body weight.  
• Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.  
• Stop often at school lockers, if possible. Do not carry all of the books needed for the day.  
• Bend using both knees, when you bend down. Do not bend over at the waist when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack.
• Learn back-strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack.  

Ask Your Pediatrician for Advice  

Parents also can help in the following ways:  

• Encourage your child or teenager to tell you about pain or discomfort that may be caused by a heavy backpack. Do not ignore any back pain in a child or teenager. Ask your pediatrician for advice.  
• Talk to the school about lightening the load. Be sure the school allows students to stop at their lockers throughout the day. Team up with other parents to encourage changes.  
• Consider buying a second set of textbooks for your student to keep at home.     

 **thanks to healthychildren.org

New Date for Educational Seminar

If you have a child in preschool through grade 1 this is a class you will NOT want to miss! We will have this amazing seminar on Tuesday Sept 25th at 7:00 PM.  Please contact our office right away to hold a spot:)....

 

 

PREPARE your child

for a SUCCESSFUL school year!

Learn EASY and FUN ways to empower your

child to be a lifelong learner!

Introducing an EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

for the parents of children in preschool

 through Grade 1

Tuesday, September 25th 7:00 pm

Willowcreek Pediatrics Office

$20 per person. Register at the front office or

 call 801-942-1800 and ask to speak to Margie

Space is limited; reserve your seat NOW!

Featuring life-changing, research-based

information to implement simple & fun

practice lessons that include:

**Goals for learning

**interesting texts

**Fun, real-world experiences

**Expert Reading strategies

Presented by reading experts:

Emily Swan, Ph.D & Michelle Roderick, M.Ed.

For Free parenting tips prior to attending visit:

www.engagewiththepage.com/parentingtips/

Bumbo Baby Seats recalled

Safety agency recalls popular Bumbo infant floor seat

 About 4 million Bumbo Baby Seats were recalled Wednesday after at least 84 incidents in which babies fell, including more than 20 skull-fracture reports.

The recall comes five years after 1 million seats were recalled to add a warning label about using the seats on raised surfaces, which was how most of the new incidents occurred.

Bumbo International, the South African maker of the seats, said it would provide owners with a repair kit to add a strap to secure babies in the seats — something consumer groups had been urging for months. The seats are used to prop up babies before they can sit up on their own.

• MORE: Get more recall information and order a repair kit

Because it's neither an infant carrier nor a walker, the Bumbo seat isn't covered by any federal or even industry standards, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission does have the authority to recall a product if it isn't covered by a safety standard and "presents a substantial product hazard," agency spokesman Scott Wolfson said in March.

Nancy Cowles, executive director of the advocacy group Kids in Danger, questions the need for the seats at all, as they are only recommended for babies from the time they can hold their heads up until they can sit unassisted. Says Cowles: "It might be better even with the fix to pass on this product."

Cowles and the Consumer Federation of America's Rachel Weintraub recommend parents instead opt for infant carriers or bouncy seats, as both are covered by voluntary safety standards that require them to restrain children.

Weintraub says adding restraints to the Bumbo seats is "significant" but says, "Too many children were injured while using this product."

Erika Bowles, who is moving to Richmond, Va., just had a yard sale and sold the Bumbo seat she used for her daughter, who is now 3. Bowles says she never felt comfortable with the seat after learning of safety issues and seeing how her daughter could tip backwards in it. "It wasn't worth the space of saving for potential baby No. 2 ," Bowles says.

The Bumbo seats, priced between $30 and $50 each, were sold online and at stores including at Walmart and Toys R Us from August 2003 through August 2012.

As of Wednesday, all new Bumbo seats will include the restraint belt. Some seats still in stores may include the restraint repair kit, but most will have it already attached, Bumbo says.

In February, the company said that "it is important to distinguish between seats with and without the additional warning added in 2007 to evaluate the efficacy of the additional warning." But the 84 reports of falls happened after the 2007 recall.

Order the free repair kit at http://www.recall.bumbousa.com or call (866) 898-4999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday.

**info from USA today

Wildfires: How to help your kids

Recently we have had a lot of wildfires here in Utah. The AAP came out with some great suggestions to help during the wildfire, after the wildfire and Psychological affects it can have on kids.  Lets hope the wildfire season is over but just in case here is an amazing article by healthychildren.org (full article click on bottom). Stay safe!

Wildfires: Information for Parents

Article Body

During a Wildfire While burning, the major hazards of wildfires to children are fire and smoke.

Resulting health effects include:

• Chest tightness or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Burning or stinging of the nose, throat, and eyes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Steps to Minimize Harmful Health Effects and Protect Children

• Stay indoors to minimize smoke exposure. Close all windows, doors, and any other openings. Put your air-conditioner on re-circulate if possible, and avoid activities that may add to indoor air contamination, such as cooking with a gas stove. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or other room air filtration systems that do not generate ozone are recommended.
• When in a car, keep windows and vents closed. Turn the air-conditioning to re-circulate.
• Do NOT give your child a mask to filter contaminants, since masks do not work when not fitted correctly. Smaller sized masks may appear to fit a child’s face, but no manufacturers recommend their use for children. If your children are in an area with bad air quality, take them to an indoor environment with cleaner air, rather than give them a mask.
• Outdoor activity should be minimized, and athletic and physical education stopped until air quality improves.
• Evacuate the area if recommended by authorities.
• Children with chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma, are at increased risk. Children at increased risk should remain in a clean-air environment, and be kept indoors until air quality improves. They should be monitored closely for signs or symptoms of harmful health effects. If they are showing these symptoms and their usual medications cannot bring them under control, they should be taken to a nearby medical facility, despite the risks of traveling.

After a Wildfire

The aftermath of a wildfire also poses dangers for children.

Take these steps to ensure your child’s safety following a wildfire:

• If you evacuated your home or area, before returning you should:
• Wait to be directed by authorities that it is safe to return
• Know the location of the nearest medical facility
• Be sure water supply, electricity, and phone lines are restored
• Block off unsafe or unclean areas so children can’t go in them
• Make sure your house is structurally sound
• Arrange for removal of ash and debris by professionals or adults (children and adolescents should not take part in clean up)
• Check with your water provider to make sure that your water is okay to drink. If you are unsure about the cleanliness of your water, heat it to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill potentially harmful bacteria and other microscopic organisms before drinking.
• Keep in mind that loss of power to refrigerators and freezers can cause food to spoil. If the food has been warmed to room temperature for more than 2 hours, throw it out and do not eat it.
• Keep your child away from physical hazards. Potential physical hazards include:
• Debris such as broken glass, wires, nails, wood, metal, plastics, and other objects
• Ash pits, which are holes full of hot ashes created by burned trees and stumps
• Unstable building structures, including flooring, stairways, railings, etc.
• Stored items that may have moved into unstable positions
• Slippery floors o Burned or damaged trees, since they may be unstable and fall
• Roadways, bridges, and other outdoor structures that may be damaged and unstable
• Animals that are deceased, stray, or wild
• Altered automobile traffic as a result of clean-up activities, since there may be heavier traffic in areas where children play or travel
• Ash is a particularly important hazard, as it may be irritating to the skin, nose, and throat, and can be difficult to clean up. Do NOT allow your child to play in ash and clean it up as soon as possible. When cleaning, avoid spreading ash into the air. Wet it down before attempting to remove it. Do NOT use leaf blowers or vacuums. Even if you are careful, it is easy to stir up dust that may contain hazardous substances. Children and adolescents should not take part in the clean-up.
• If your child has had contact with any potentially hazardous substance or has been playing in a fire-damaged area, wash their hands and any other exposed body part thoroughly, including flushing of the eyes. Remove any exposed clothing and wash separately as soon as possible.
• Monitor your child closely, particularly if your child has a chronic respiratory condition like asthma. Watch for symptoms such as coughing; wheezing; chest tightness; burning eyes, nose, or mouth; dizziness or lightheadedness. Move your child indoors or to a cleaner environment and bathe them (follow instructions in bullet above) if they show these symptoms. If your child has asthma or other respiratory conditions, give them their appropriate medication. If the symptoms do not improve, seek medical care right away.

Psychological Effects

Be alert to your child’s emotional health and psychological well-being. Grief associated with loss, stress, or anxiety from the disaster may cause emotional distress.

Signs of emotional distress can be different depending on your child’s age, and include:

• Clinging behavior and fear of separation
• Uncooperative behaviors (for example, argumentative)
• Nightmares
• Physical complaints (for example, stomach aches, headaches, generally feeling unwell)
• Irritability
• Fears
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Returning to babyish behaviors
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Fatigue, both physical and emotional
• Indifference
• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing at home or on school work
• Aggression or outbursts of anger
• Uncontrollable crying

Continue your child’s established routines as much as possible and provide a listening ear. Encourage your child to express feelings through a variety of ways, such as music, art, journaling, talking, or playing with toys or dolls. Avoid exposing your child to excessive or unnecessary TV or other media coverage of the wildfire. Answer your child’s questions openly and honestly, as appropriate for your child’s age. Be patient and remain calm, because children often take cues on how to act based on their parents and their environment. Your reactions communicate an unspoken message to your child, and may add to a child’s feeling of distress.
In some cases, the whole family may benefit from supportive counseling. It is important to remember that it is not a sign of mental illness to accept professional support during times of emotional distress.

Additional Resources

Getting Ready for the Worst
How to Prepare for Disasters
Understanding Disasters
Family Disaster Supplies List
Promoting Adjustment and Helping Children Cope (AAP Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council)
Wildfires (AAP Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council)
Emergency Preparedness and Response: Wildfires (CDC)
Fires and Wildfires (NIH)
Talking to Children about Wildfires and other Natural Disasters (American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry)
Wildfires (Ready.gov)


Full article click HERE
**resource healthychildren.org and the AAP