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Archive for the ‘Babies’ Category

Ages and Stages Questionnaires

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

If you have been to a well baby appointment recently, you may have filled out the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.  This is a routine component of our well child visits that helps us evaluate how your child is developing.  It is given at every check-up from 4 months of age until 5 years old.

One goal of a preventative health care visit is to ensure that a child is developing normally.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all young children have a formal developmental screening at each check-up.  This screening helps identify subtle delays that may not otherwise be apparent.  Early identification of problems allows for immediate intervention and greatly improves the child’s chance of reaching his or her full potential.

If any concern is raised using this standardized screening tool, your child will be referred for further evaluation through the early intervention services in our community. 

As parents, you play an important role in the detection of your child’s developmental problems.  It is important to bring up any concerns you may have regarding your child’s development with the doctor.  The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is simply another tool to help us give your child the best care possible.

 

Infants and Nasal Congestion

Monday, April 29th, 2013

During the infancy period, infants are obligate nose breathers which means they only breathe through their nose and not through their mouth.  If an infant has any amount of nasal congestion present, they will have an increased amount of difficulty breathing, especially when feeding.

I’ve just learned about a product available to help with the aspiration of the nasal congestion to help infants have an easier time of breathing.  ”The NoseFrida The Snotsucker” is a nasal aspirator that actually works!  It is distributed by fridababy.com.  It’s doctor invented and recommended.  It’s 100% hygenic due to the included filters. It’s been reviewed by Rachel Ray and Parenting Magazine!  It’s the number 3 selling baby product on Amazon.com.  It’s easy to clean and top-rack safe in the dishwasher.  You can purchase it on fridababy.com, amazon.com or at Babies R Us. It sells for $15.00 on fridababy.com, $12.75 or $19.20 with 20 additional filters, on amazon.com and $16.99 at Babies R Us.

Submitted by Vona M. Lantz, CPNP

 

Infant Wellness

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

A study by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) finds that “despite warnings from pediatricians about feeding newborns anything other than breast milk or formula, many mothers appear to be introducing solid foods well before their babies’ bodies can handle it.”  A CDC survey of mothers found that “40 percent said they gave their baby solid food before they were 4 months old.”  “According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the head and neck control and overall coordination that infants need to safely eat solids doesn’t develop until around 4 months old. In addition, the early introduction of solids may increase the risks of some chronic disorders, such as  diabetes, obesity, eczema, and celiac disease.”  Additionally, exclusive breast feeding is recommended the first 6 months of life because of numerous health benefits for infants, including reduced risk of respiratory and ear infections, diarrhea, diabetes, obesity, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). 

We will discuss your infant’s growth and development and our feeding recommendtions at your infant’s well baby exam.

Submitted by Vona M. Lantz, CPNP

 

Car Seat App for the iPhone & iPad

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

Parents, have you ever found yourself wondering which car safety seat is appropriate for your child?  Do you have a child that has recently gone through a growth spurt and you are now questioning if the car seat you own is still adequate?  Have you placed your child in the car seat and then into the car to find that he or she must contort themselves into different positions to remain in the car seat?   

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, there is help through a new resource.   The American Academy of Pediatrics has come up with an app called Car Seat Check.  This app allows parents to determine which car seat is best for their child.  On the app, parents enter the height, weight and age of the child and are provided with proper car seat recommendations, installation instructions, prices, videos, local car seat instillation technicians and any product recall information.

The app is available for iPhone and iPad.  Parents can download the $1.99 app from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-seat-check/id584790382?mt=8.

The above information was obtained from the February 2013 AAP News magazine.

Elizabeth S. Wilson, M.D.   

 

 

February is National Dental Month

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Each February the American Dental Association sponsers National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  

It is recommended to begin brushing your child’s teeth right at the beginning when they first erupt.  You can use a toothpaste with fluoride when you begin to brush the teeth.  Apply only a tiny “smear” of toothpaste in the beginning.  By age of 2 years old you can use a “pea” size amount.

If your child is drinking from a botlle, remember fluids such as formula, milk, and juices and cause cavities if given in a bottlle for long periods of time.  Do not put your child to bed or down for a nap with a bottle. Remember sippy cups can increase the risk of cavities in this same manner if given to your child for long periods of time.  Water is the best fluid to give your child for longer periods of time.  You want to begin to wean your child from their botlle at 12 months of age.

Healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, crackers, cheese, and yogurt are recommended to support healthy teeth and gums.  Snacks such as fruit roll-ups and raisins-”sticky foods” can promote more cavity formation.

Your child should begin regular dental visits before the age of 2 years.  However, it is recommended that your child begin their dental visits at their first tooth eruption.

As a parent, be a role model to your children and demonstrate healthy oral hygeine habits.  Encourage your older children and adolescents to brush their teeth twice daily and floss regularly.

Submitted by Vona Lantz, CPNP

 

Vaccination News and Updates

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

Infants receive an oral vaccine to prevent rotavirus at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. A new study reported by the journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases finds that vaccinating infants against rotavirus may help protect unvaccinated adults against this highly contagious virus.

Two recent studies, one suggesting a possible link between influenza (“flu”), during pregnancy and autism, and the other showing an increased risk of fetal death during pregnancy in women with influenza.  In the first study, “Mother’s wiho reported having influenza during pregnancy were twice as likely to have a child who developed autism as those who did not report having influenza.”  Those women who had a fever lasting a week or more during their first eight months of pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child with autism. In the second study, risk of fetal death was nearly double in women who had influenza during pregnancy.

The Wall Street Journal reports “that according to the Center for Disease Control and  Prevention, pregnant women should receive the pertussis vaccine during pregnancy (to prevent whooping cough)”.  By vaccinating during pregnancy, mothers will produce antibodies against pertussis that are passed on to the infants before they are born.

Immunizations are an important achievement in health care.  There is overwhelming evidence of declining rates of vaccine-preventable diseases and virtual elimination of viral illnesses such as polio in the United States.  According to the National Immunization Survey, more than 90% of children in 2009 received most recommended vaccines.

There is growing concern about the safety of vaccines, and as such, we are seeing an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.  Pertussis is at an all time high this year.  We are currently facing one of the toughest influenza seasons on record.

We highly encourage all infants, children, and adolescents to be immunized with all the recommended vaccines and remain current and up to date in their immunization schedule.

Submitted by Vona Lantz, CPNP

 

Resurgence of Pertussis in Colorado

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

In response to a significant public health epidemic concern, we provide the following guidance from Bill Burman, Medical Director of Denver Health’s Denver Department of Public Health:

Colorado is having an epidemic resurgence in cases of pertussis or “whooping cough.”  Nearly 1,400 cases have been reported this year (more than in the previous five years combined).  Other states in our region have experienced similar epidemics.  What is traditionally a disease of infants has expanded until infection rates are just as high in 10-14 year-olds as in 0-4 year-olds.

There has now been one death from pertussis in Colorado this year and at least 16 in other states (mostly infants).  Anyone can get this highly contagious disease, and infants and children usually get the disease from adults, who may not realize their chronic cough is pertussis.  All adults and children 10 years or older who have not received the Tdap vaccine against pertussis should get it as soon as possible.  It is especially urgent that all health care providers receive the vaccine in order to protect themselves, their families, and their patients from pertussis.  Other high-priority groups for the vaccine are pregnant/postpartum women and the family members and other close contacts of infants.

Courtesy of COPIC/COPIScope Bi-Monthly Risk Management Newsletter – Issue 171 – Jan 2013

 

National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 2-8

Monday, November 26th, 2012

We highly recommend that everyone over 6 months of age be vaccinated to prevent influenza. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) promotes universal  influenza vaccination through out the flu season, before and after the holidays, and into January and beyond. Universal flu vaccination is for everyone 6 months of age and older. Infants, pregnant women, children, and seniors are especially at a higher risk of illness from influenza. Individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart and lung conditions are at a higher risk of complications from influenza.

We offer influenza vaccination to your infants,  children, and adolescents,  and to parents as well.  Don’t forget influenza season lasts through  April to early May.

There is a flu clinic scheduled at our practice for Saturday, December 8, 2012.  Please call today to schedule an appointment.

Submitted by Vona M. Lantz, MSN, CPNP

 

Home Safety Alert: Accidental Drug Ingestion And Serious Complications

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

The FDA is warning parents about accidental ingestion by children of over-the counter eye drops used to relieve  redness and dryness and nasal decongestant sprays can result in serious and life threatening adverse events. The cases of accidental ingestion reviewed by the FDA occurred in children 5 years of age and younger. Most of the eye drops and nasal decongestants do not come packaged in child-resistant containers. Children can accidently ingest the drug if the bottles are within  easy reach.  Ingestion of only a very small amount (1-2 ml; for example, there are 5 ml in a teaspoon) of the eye drops or nasal spray can lead to serious health risks in young children.

If you have any of these products at home, make sure they are kept out of your child’s reach. If your child accidentally swallows any OTC medications , call your local poison control center immediately (1-800-222-1222).

Submitted by Vona M. Lantz, MSN, CPNP

 

October is SIDS Prevention Month

Monday, October 15th, 2012

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) remains the leading cause of death among infants from one month to one year of age.  The greatest incidence of SIDS occurs in infants between two and four months old.  It is rare in infants under one month old.

SIDS is unpredictable.  There is a higher incidence of SIDS in African American and Native American infants.  There are several risk factors that may increase the incidence of SIDS.  Infants whose mothers smoke during their pregnancy or after are at greatest risk of SIDS.  Exposure to passive smoke doubles the risk of SIDS.  Infants who sleep on their stomachs have an increased risk of SIDS.  Latest research shows that infants who are placed side-lying are also at an increased risk of SIDS.

There have been some protective measures that may help reduce the incidence of SIDS.  Breast feeding has been shown to help reduce SIDS.  Pacifiers have also been shown to help lower the risk of SIDS.  

SIDS Risk Reduction Recommendations:

1)  Always place your infant on their back to sleep for naps and at bedtime.

2)  Your infant should sleep on a firm surface. There should not be any pillows, quilts, or fluffy bedding in your infant’s crib.

3)  Keep toys, soft objects, stuffed animals, and any loose bedding out of your infant’s sleep area.

4)  Don’t allow any smoking around your infant.  Don’t allow any smoking inside your home or car.

5)  Do not sleep with your infant or allow your infant to sleep with any other family members or other children.

6)  Consider allowing your infant to use a clean, dry pacifier at nap and bedtime.

7)  Dress your infant in light clothing at naps and bedtime.  Keep your infant’s room temperature at a temperature comfortable for an adult.  Do not let your infant get overheated during sleep.

8)  Provide tummy time at different intervals during the day when your baby is awake.  Your baby should be monitered during their tummy time.  Tummy time will allow your infant to develop their motor skills and will help to prevent flattening of the back of their head.

Submitted by Vona M. Lantz, MSM, CPNP

 

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