Krista's Children & Infant Health Blog

Ask Your Pediatrician Specifically

2008-11-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

As this article explains, many Pediatricians over us Antibiotics. Let the Childs Immune Sytem
function as intended if possible.

Don't pressure your pediatrician. Urging your pediatrician to write a prescription for an antibiotic whenever your child has a cold, flu, or sore throat is a bad idea. Antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, "but the majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses," says Howard Bauchner, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and public health at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Studies show, however, that many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics somewhat reluctantly at the urging of parents who mistakenly think it can't hurt. In fact, it can. Strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have flourished as a result, and a simple ear infection is more difficult to cure if it's caused by stubborn bacteria that don't respond to standard treatment. Whenever your child's pediatrician wants to prescribe an antibiotic, make sure she isn't prescribing it solely because she thinks you want it. "I strongly encourage parents to say, 'Do you think it's really necessary?' " Dr. Bauchner says.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

For more info, visit KristaClark.com

Holidays And Our Childrens Safety

2008-11-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Childproofing for the Holidays

Most parents understand the importance of childproofing their homes. Gates on stairs, using smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, and keeping medicines and poisons out of reach are fairly standard in many homes. In addition to the risks of holiday decorations, younger children can get into trouble if they visit a home during the holidays (or anytime of year) that isn't childproofed.
It is especially likely that a home isn't childproofed if you are visiting grandma and grandpa and they don't usually have children in the house. In addition to not having safety locks on cabinets, gates on stairs, covers on electrical outlets, etc., they may also have prescription medications that aren't in a child resistant container. Things to be especially watchful for, and which you may want to ask about, include:

Do they have a pool? Does it have a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate? Can the children get to the area where the pool is located?

Are there guns in the house? Are they stored unloaded in a locked box with the bullets locked separately?

Are there small objects, such as hard candy or nuts in candy dishes, where younger children can get them?

Are there gates on the stairs?

Are medications, poisons and household cleaners out of reach?
Do they have a pet that may harm the children, such as a Rottweiler, pit bull or German shepard?

If your child has food allergies, will they be serving that food?

You may think that you will just watch your child more closely, even if the house isn't childproofed, but this is hard if there are a lot of family members and friends present and the kids are all playing together. If there are going to be a lot of younger children present at a holiday gathering, you might consider volunteering to go over before hand and childproof the house for them

For more, please visit KristaClark.com

Potty Training

2008-10-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Potty training is a big deal. Here's what you need to know about timing, technique and handling the inevitable accidents. "I've gotta go!" If you're looking forward to ditching your child's diapers for good, these words may be music to your ears. Potty training is a big deal for parents and kids alike. The secret to success? Patience. Perhaps more patience than you ever imagined.

Is it time?

Potty training success hinges on physical and emotional readiness, not a specific age. Many kids show interest in potty training by age 2, but others may not be ready until age 2 1/2 or even older. And there's no rush. If you start potty training too early, it may only take longer.
So is your child ready? Ask yourself these questions:

Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear?
Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
Can your child ask simple questions?
Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day? Does he or she wake from naps dry?
Does your child have fairly predictable bowel movements?
Does your child tell you when he or she needs to potty or poop?
Is your child uncomfortable in wet or dirty diapers?
Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?

If you answered mostly yes, your child may be ready for potty training. If you answered mostly no, you may want to wait awhile — especially if your child is about to face a major change, such as a move or the arrival of a new sibling. A toddler who opposes potty training today may be open to the idea in a few months.

Ready, set, go!

When you decide it's time to begin potty training, set your child up for success. Start by maintaining a sense of humor and a positive attitude. Then:

Pull out the equipment. Place a potty chair in the bathroom. You may want to try a model with a removable top that can be placed directly on the toilet when your child is ready. Encourage your child to sit on the potty chair — with or without a diaper. Make sure your child's feet rest firmly on the floor or a stool. As your child checks out the potty chair, help him or her learn how to talk about using the bathroom. Use simple, correct terms. Let your child see you and other family members using the toilet.

Schedule potty breaks. If your child is interested, have him or her sit on the potty chair or toilet without a diaper for a few minutes several times a day. Read a potty-training book or give your child a special toy to use while getting used to the potty chair or toilet. Stay with your child when he or she is in the bathroom. Even if your child simply sits there, offer praise for trying — and remind your child that he or she can try again later.

Get there — fast! When you notice signs that your child may need to use the toilet — such as squirming, squatting or holding the genital area — respond quickly. Help your child become familiar with these signals, stop what he or she is doing and head to the toilet. Praise your child for telling you when he or she has to go. When it's time to flush, let your child do the honors. Also remember the importance of good hygiene. Teach girls to wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. Make sure both boys and girls learn to wash their hands after using the toilet.

Consider incentives. Some kids respond to stickers or stars on a chart. For others, trips to the park or extra bedtime stories are effective. Experiment to find out what works best for your child. Reinforce your child's effort with verbal praise, such as, "How exciting! You're learning to use the toilet just like big kids do!" Be positive even if a trip to the toilet isn't successful.
Be consistent. Make sure all of your child's caregivers — including babysitters, child care providers and grandparents — follow your potty-training routine.

Ditch the diapers. After several weeks of successful potty breaks, your child may be ready to trade diapers for training pants or regular underwear. Take time to celebrate this transition. Go on a special "big kid" outing. Call close friends or loved ones and let your child spread the news. Once your child is wearing training pants or regular underwear, be careful to avoid overalls, belts, leotards or other items that could hinder quick undressing.

Treat mistakes lightly. Accidents are inevitable — especially when your child is tired or upset. When it happens, stay calm. Simply say, "Uh-oh. You had an accident. Let's change you. Pretty soon you'll remember to use the potty chair every time you have to go."

Sleep soundly. Most children master daytime bladder control within three to six months of starting potty training. Nighttime control may take months — or years — longer. In the meantime, you may want to use disposable training pants when your child sleeps.
Know when to call it quits. If your child resists using the potty chair or toilet or simply doesn't get the hang of it, take a break. Chances are, he or she simply isn't ready yet. Try it again in a few months. If your child isn't interested in potty training by age 3, you might ask your child's doctor for suggestions.

Accidents will happen
You may breathe easier once your child learns how to use the toilet, but expect occasional accidents and near misses. Here's help handling — and preventing — wet pants.
Stay calm. Kids don't have accidents to irritate their parents. Don't add to the embarrassment by scolding or disciplining your child. You may say, "You forgot this time. Next time you'll get to the bathroom sooner." Slow down. Remind your child to relax and take it slow. Completely emptying the bladder can help prevent accidents.

Offer reminders. Accidents often happen when kids are absorbed in activities that — for the moment — are more interesting than using the toilet. To fight this phenomenon, suggest regular bathroom trips, such as first thing in the morning, after each meal and snack, and before getting in the car or going to bed. Point out telltale signs of holding it, such as fidgeting or holding the genital area.
Be prepared. If your child has frequent accidents, absorbent underwear may be best. Keep a change of underwear and clothing handy, especially at school or in child care.

Vending Machines Provide Poor Choices

2008-10-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- A healthier array of snacks in school vending machines could help reduce the epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes, according to research presented at the Obesity Society's annual meeting held Oct. 3 to 7 in Phoenix.
Amy Virus, R.D., of Temple University in Philadelphia, and colleagues from the HEALTHY Study -- a national program to reduce childhood obesity and diabetes -- collected nutritional data from 42 schools, three-quarters of which had vending machines.
The researchers found that 28 percent of vending machines offered drinks with added sugar (which contained an average of 280 calories per drink). Other commonly available snacks included 100 percent fruit juices (which often contained extra-large servings), reduced-fat chips, low-fat ice cream and baked goods (which contained an average of 480 calories per package).
"The program's goal is to ultimately remove all juice and sugar-added beverages, offer water instead and eliminate candy from vending machines," Virus said in a statement.

Survey On Childrens Vaccinations

2008-10-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

This topic requires additional study, as parents are becomming more and more concerned with Vaccinations. Should you want entire study, please e-mail me at Krista@KristaClark.com

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 8 (HealthDay News) -- More than one in four parents in the United States have doubts about childhood vaccinations and their wide-ranging concerns should be addressed by clinicians, according to an article published in the October issue of Pediatrics.
Deborah A. Gust, Ph.D., of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and colleagues analyzed responses in 3,924 interviews conducted in 2003-2004 by the National Immunization Survey.
The researchers found that 71.7 percent of the parents had no doubts about vaccinations while 28.3 percent reported that they were unsure about vaccinations or had either delayed or refused vaccinations, most often because of safety concerns. Parents who were either unsure about or had refused vaccinations most often cited the varicella vaccine as the source of their concern while those who delayed vaccination usually did not cite a specific vaccine, the authors note. Parents who changed their minds about delaying or refusing a vaccination usually cited "information or assurances from health care provider" as the main reason.
"The next step suggested from this research, as well as previous research, is to work with medical professional societies and other partners to encourage children's health care providers to solicit questions and to provide appropriate educational materials and recommendations to parents," Gust and colleagues write

Generation X'ers

2008-10-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

Remember Generation X'ers A Forum Just For You.

Available in Yahoo. To Join, simply click Krista's Generation X'ers

Immune System And Breastfeeding

2008-09-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

As is obvious, we certainly promote Breastfeeding, and endorse the scientific fact Breastfeeding is the best way your childs Immune System will develop properly. So, please explore this, and do so if possible.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Developing Immune System

The importance of breastfeeding cannot be overstated in building a strong immune system. Breastmilk is much more than food. In addition to providing the absolute best nutrition for a growing body, breastmilk supplies the factors needed to develop the immune system and protect your baby against disease. Breastfeeding also adds the loving touch and comfort that is crucial to the growth and well being of your baby.

Developing a Healthy Immune System

Although they have some antibodies from the placenta of their mother, newborns enter the world largely unprotected. They are faced with organisms they have never met before. Their immune systems are undeveloped, which leaves them at risk for infections and serious illnesses. An infant produces antibodies efficiently by about six months, but the immune system is not fully developed until it is about four or five years old. This is one of the reasons why it is important to breastfeed your baby for as long as possible. Breastmilk protects against illness and encourages development of the immune system.
Breastmilk contains lymphocytes and macrophages that produce antibodies and other immune factors. It provides lactobacillus bifidus, the "friendly" bacterium that helps prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria. Another molecule in breastmilk actually kills harmful bacteria. In addition to providing protection against pathogenic bacteria, breastmilk contains elements that guard against viruses, fungi and parasites. The immunology of breastmilk is quite amazing. Mother Nature definitely knows what she is doing!

Long-Term Breastfeeding

It's baffling that some health professionals believe that there is no benefit from breastmilk to babies after they are six months old! Long-term breastfeeding and natural weaning (letting your child decide when to wean) is by far the healthiest and builds a healthy immune system. Continuing to breastfeed into the preschool years does not make a child dependent on the mother. My daughter decided to quit nursing at age four. This was a gentle, easy transition for her. She is a strong, independent child because she knows she can always get her needs met.

Breastfeeding When You or Your Baby are Sick

Many people also believe that a mother should not breastfeed if she is has a contagious illness. The opposite is true. When you are exposed to a virus, you begin producing antibodies to fight the infection. Some of these antibodies are passed to your baby through your breastmilk so he or she can also fight the virus.
When your baby is sick, it makes sense to nurse him or her more frequently. In addition to providing antibodies, breastmilk is a nourishing calorie-rich fluid, which keeps a baby well hydrated. My daughter intuitively knew to nurse more frequently when she was fighting something off. This frequent nursing managed to keep whatever was trying to invade her body from developing into an actual infection or disease.

Obesity And Sugar

2008-09-17T08:56:00.001-07:00

Look around at the youth of today; obesity among children is escalating at an alarming rate and reaching epidemic proportions. To make matters worse, obese children become sick children who develop disease. The disease we once called Adult-Onset Diabetes has now begun to turn up in kids as young as eight and ten. Although epidemiological and nutritional researchers alike rush to pin the blame on dietary fat and lack of exercise, however research is proving otherwise.

Real data shows that amazingly children like most Americans have been eating less fat in recent years. Even more amazing, the children who were the fattest were the children who ate the least amount of fat. If fat can’t be blamed, nor lack of exercise can’t adequately explain the sky rocketing of obesity and the onset of type II diabetes, what can?

The answer is short and sweet, literally. The real culprit is the addictive white powder sugar in the amount it is consumed by our children. Sugar has always been around, but never before consumed at such a rate. The most recent estimates peg the intake of sugar in the US at 150 lbs per person per year. This equates to ½ a pound of sugar a day for every man, woman and child. Compare this to the 2 lbs of sugar per person per year at the turn of the Century, it is no surprise our bodies are revolting against the sugar.

A study published in the March 1999 Issue of the Journal of Pediatrics showed what children eat for breakfast, and lunch will set the tone for their desire to eat the rest of the day. If you feed them quickly absorbable carbohydrates they will eat twice as much later. A folk, even a carbohydrate is a form of sugar, and sugar in all forms consumed at high levels is disastrous to the body.

Due to revelations of sugar’s harmful effects artificial sweeteners now exist in abundance. Saccharin, cyclamate, aspartame, and sucrose all strive to look like sugar, taste like sugar, sweeten like sugar, and even cook like sugar, but have no calories, which is true, and have no adverse health consequences. So, the only negative effects of artificial sweeteners, are stimulation of the pancreas, risks of cancer, and risks to the brain. Actually, Folks the effects of artificial sweeteners are not known yet, conclusively, so they could be even more harmful than predicted once proven scientifically.

The addiction to sweetness represents an enormous departure from the diet of our ancestors, and one that will continue to create a health care crisis. As long as sugar is found as a main ingredient in practically every food found in our diets today, we will continue to struggle with these consequences.

For more information, visit KristaClark.com

Breastfeeding Exclusively

2008-09-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

We understand sometimes Breastfeeding is very difficult. However, consider it, and please understand it's importance in a child's development. Nature cannot be outdone.

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. A recent review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age if possible.

To enable mothers to establish and sustain exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, we recommend:

Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life.

Exclusive breastfeeding – that is the infant only receives breastmilk without any additional food or drink, not even water

Breastfeeding on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night
No use of bottles, teats or pacifiers.

Breastmilk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life. Breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness.

For more information, visit KristaClark.com

A Brief History of Modern Formulas

2008-08-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

The highlighted portion of the below text in red, should not have been the reason to start using. The Physicians also stuck their heads in the sand.

The rise of proprietary formulas

Despite the introduction of proprietary infant formulas in the 1920s, most parents continued to use evaporated milk formula because it was easy to prepare and affordable. It was not until the 1950s that commercial formulas began to slowly gain acceptance.

In the decades that followed, a variety of new formulas came on the market. Nutramigen, introduced in 1942, was the first protein hydrolysate infant formula. Ross Laboratories' Similac concentrate became available in 1951, and Mead Johnson's Enfamil (for "infant milk") was introduced in 1959. In that year, Ross first marketed Similac with iron. Iron-fortified formula was poorly accepted initially because of the widespread belief that iron fortification caused gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and constipation.

During the 1960s, commercial formulas grew in popularity, and by the mid-1970s they had all but replaced evaporated milk formulas as the "standard" for infant nutrition. During this time, the percentage of women who breastfed their newborn reached an all-time low (25%), in part because of the ease of use and low cost of commercial formula and a belief that formulas were "medically approved" to provide optimal nutrition for young infants.

A major factor in the acceptance of commercial formulas was their use in hospitals to feed newborn infants during the 1960s and 1970s. To encourage acceptance, formula companies began to provide inexpensive or free formula to hospitals in ready-to-feed bottles, enabling the phasing out of hospital formula preparation rooms. Mothers who witnessed how well their newborns accepted these easily prepared formulas were often convinced to continue this practice at home. Moreover, although pediatricians did not dissuade mothers from nursing, it was not strongly encouraged, as it is today.
For Complete story

Breastfeeding Myths Debunked

2008-08-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

"I'm going back to work." Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to reconnect with your little one after a long day of work. And, it's a good excuse to sit down and relax, letting those calming hormones work their magic on you. You can express your milk to leave for your baby during the day or, if it works better for you, combine breastfeeding and formula feeding.

"Breastfeeding requires a long commitment." It's okay to take nursing one day at a time. Any breast milk that your baby receives will be a wonderful gift. Colostrum, your first milk, gives your baby a very concentrated form of nutrition -- the best possible start. If you're unsure how long you want to breastfeed, set a goal, perhaps nursing for the first six weeks, and do all you can to make breastfeeding work in your life. You may be surprised to find that once you reach your goal you aren't ready to stop breastfeeding!

"Breastfeeding hurts." Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. Though it's normal to have some passing tenderness in the first few days as your breasts adjust, stronger pain should not be ignored. It's usually caused by problems with positiong and attachment. Schedule a visit with a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who will observe a complete feed and offer recommendations.

"I don't have enough milk." Almost all women can produce enough milk to feed their babies. One look at breastfeeding statistics in Norway, where breastfeeding is encouraged and supported, tells the story: 99% of women initiate breastfeeding, and 96% are still nursing at one month. Insufficient milk supply usually results from the baby not accessing Mom's milk. This typically is due to poor positioning and attachment, or insufficient feeds. Frequent feeds do not indicate a low milk supply. They are your baby's way of increasing your milk supply. It's also normal for your breasts to feel less full as you adjust to your baby's milk intake -- generally two and six weeks after your baby's birth. If your baby has good output and is gaining weight normally, you can be sure she is getting enough milk.

"I need a break." The first few weeks of mothering are challenging, whether you breastfeed or formula feed. Think of nursing in a new way: It's a great time to sit down, put your feet up and relax, or even lie down to feed your baby. You're not stuck in the house 24/7 either. You can take your little one along with you, without packing bottles, or get out for a couple of hours alone, right after a feed. Once the first few weeks pass, you'll find that breastfeeding requires minimal effort.

"My diet isn't good enough." Though healthy eating is a wonderful goal, research shows that the quality and quantity of mother's milk is sufficient, even with an inadequate diet. And you probably won't need to give up spicy or gas-producing foods, or even one alcoholic drink a day. Breastfeeding rarely requires dietary restrictions.

"My husband isn't on board with the idea." New dads want to participate, and there is plenty to do with a newborn other than breastfeed. Dads can soothe their babies, rock them, take them for walks, bathe them, change their diapers, and more. (And a bonus: breastfed babies' diapers are much more pleasant smelling than their formula-fed peers.) Dads also benefit because they don't have to prepare middle-of-the-night bottles. Last but not least, a breastfed bab y is easier on the budget due to lower health care costs, fewer sick days, and savings on formula.

For more information, visit KristaClark.com

Link Between Proper Nutrition And Breastfeeding

2008-08-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a small excerpt from an article elaborating on the benefits of Breastfeeding. In today's society, especially the US, it is extremely difficult for many mothers, especially those working outside the home to breastfeed. However, please explore it's importance, and see if you can implement.

Infant formula was designed to be a medical nutritional tool for babies who are unable to breastfeed, and survival with today's formulas is much higher than with some less-developed concoctions such as straight animal milks or powdered milk/syrup mixes. Just like drugs or surgeries, when it's needed, infant formula is an extremely valuable substitute to have available. No breastmilk substitute meets the optimal nutritional needs for baby, and all artificial feeds fall quite short in providing the immunity needs of infants, leaving their tiny systems flailing.

For more information, visit KristaClark.com

Childrens Health Web Site

2008-08-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

My Blog is new, and my Web Site KristaClark.com is also. Both of theses venues will be assisting Mom's in their awesome responsibility in their children's health, both physical and mental.
Please come back every couple days as I will be providing information regularly