The holiday season is a wonderful and amazing time of the year. The sight of the holiday lights lends hope to the soul. This fabulous feeling does not happen for everyone, and sometimes the holidays can be very difficult for children and teens with depression.

In 2016, suicide was the second leading cause of death for children from 10-19 years of age.  More children die from suicide that heart disease, infections and cancer combined.  

December is the anniversary of my nephew’s passing. I can’t convey the deep and lasting impact this had on my extended family. I write this in remembrance of Noah.

Let’s remember that children and teens can struggle with feelings of depression and even suicide this time of year. Reach out for help to your healthcare provider, counselor or the national suicide prevention lifeline.  

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to help at 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Prevent accidental poisoning this holiday season by knowing the risks to your children. There are poisoning risks everywhere.  Certain plants can be poisonous.  Grandmother’s purse is a big risk, as likely there’s medication of some sort in there. Antifreeze which has dripped onto the garage floor or driveway tastes sweet and is a risk both to children and pets. Something as small as a cigarette butt can be toxic if ingested by a child. Keep the poison control number in your phone and on the refrigerator: 1-800-222-1222.

Read more about accidental poisoning here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/how-to-avoid-accidental-poisonings

Thanks to Coast Live WTKR, Channel 3, Hampton Roads for inviting me to speak on health advice for kids as we approach winter. I enjoyed chatting with the lovely, brilliant and talented April Woodard. I mentioned five recommendations to keep kids healthy. We discussed the Center for Disease (CDC) recommendation for all children 6 months and older to get an annual flu shot. April asked if the flu shot could give you the flu.  Take a look at the segment to see my reply! https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/winter-health-advice-for-kids-on-coast-live

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 54 children.  It is a disability which affects language, behavior and social skills.  Chances are, you know someone with ASD.  The medical field continues to learn about ASD.  The early signs are recognizable at a young age. Researchers feel that causes include both genetic and environmental issues.  This month’s article in the Tidewater Family Plus magazine highlights this topic.  Take a look: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/autism-spectrum-disorder

Everyone gets a headache now and then, but headaches in children can be worrisome.  Most headaches are not a problem, but how does a parent know when to worry and when to act? In this month’s Tidewater Family Plus article, I discuss pediatric headaches including answers to the following questions:

What are the different types of headaches?

What can you do if your child gets a headache?

How should I track my child’s headaches?

When should I call my child’s pediatric healthcare provider or go to the Emergency Room?

Take a look: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/kids-and-headaches

In the USA, there are over 34 million people with diabetes.  Unfortunately, 1 in 5 of those people doesn’t know they have it. Diabetes runs in my family. I’m aware of how serious the consequences of diabetes can be. In America, it’s the 7th leading cause of death. Diabetes is a very serious disease in children. Children with diabetes may present with increased thirst, increased urination and even weight loss. If you are concerned that your child has diabetes, seek urgent care with your pediatric healthcare provider.

To learn more about diabetes, take a look at my article for the Tidewater Family Plus Magazine here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/diabetes-and-children

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends transitioning to a cup before 18 months of age. As a mom, I found the transition from bottle to cup challenging. My daughter just did not want to give up her beloved “ba-ba”.  She still remembers the drama! I feel that this is an important topic to discuss in hopes of easing some struggling parent’s burden. I hope it is helpful!

Take a few minutes and read my article in the Tidewater Family Plus magazine here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/from-bottle-to-cup

Hi all!  Here it is June, time for check-ups, yet many parents still feel hesitant about scheduling their child’s routine well visit. This is especially concerning in the light of COVID-19, for which we currently have no vaccination.

It is very important to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.  You can do this by limiting your interactions with others, avoiding sick people, staying home if you are ill, washing your hands before eating and after using the restroom, wearing a mask in public (as not to spread germs) and avoiding touching your face.

Check with your pediatric provider to be alerted to the prevention measures which they have instituted.  Many offices are seeing well children at times or in locations where there are no sick children allowed.  Be sure that the staff is using appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment: masks) and cleansing their hands often. Avoid waiting rooms if possible by checking in from your car in the parking lot.

There is concern that children could be at increased risk for catching vaccine preventable diseases if they get behind on their vaccination schedule.  Don’t delay those vaccines! Do all that you can do to keep your child and your family safe, but it’s vital to stay up to date on those vaccinations.  

Read more:  https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/dont-delay-vaccinations

This week I was happy to be invited to join the team at WTKR Channel 3, Coast Live to speak about what to say to your kids regarding the COVID-19 crisis.  I reminded folks to be understanding, as this is a scary time for all people, not just kids.  Kids are very alert and pick up on our concerns. Please reassure them that they will be fine and that most people don’t get very sick with COVID-19, although some people may get sicker.  We will wear our masks and wash our hands to protect ourselves and others.

It’s also VERY important that folks do NOT delay those so necessary VACCINES.  We do not want this health crisis to lead to an even bigger health crisis with a resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases.  Pediatric offices are taking great measures to keep you and your child healthy.  Most offer well only appointments during certain hours.  Be sure to make your appointment for your child’s physical and vaccines. We want to keep everyone up to date and HEALTHY!

If you missed the broadcast, you can watch it here: https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-covid-19-on-coast-live

Read more about how to talk to your kids about COVID-19 in my monthly column for the Tidewater Family Magzine:

 https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/talking-about-covid-19

EAR INFECTIONS

With all the news of the pandemic COVID-19, you’d think that no other illness exists.  Unfortunately, kids still get ear infections. There are things you can do to help minimize your child’s risk of ear infection.  There are also things which you should avoid.  To learn more watch my segment on Coast Live from 3/31/2020 here:  https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/treating-common-ear-infections-on-coast-live

Read more about those “pesky” ear infections in this month’s Tidewater Family Magazine here:  https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/those-pesky-ear-infections

Thanks to the Tidewater Family Magazine for continuing to put out such a wonderful product!  Please show your support to them by checking them out online.

COAST LIVE

Thanks Coast Live for hosting me virtually to keep everyone safe! I always enjoy being a guest on their show.  Be sure to check out April Woodard’s facebook post on “Marriaging Up”!  They are discussing driving. I will say that my husband and I often take turns driving.  I do note that he drives more on long trips, but I tend to drive more just around town. We BOTH gripe about the other’s driving, for sure!

THANK YOU

Thank YOU for doing YOUR private part to slow the spread of COVID-19, but especially to all our front line workers: Nurse Practitioners, Respiratory therapists, Doctors, Nurses, Aides, Staff, Grocery store clerks, Truck drivers, Pharmacists, Gas station attendants, and a BIG thanks to our Police officers, Paramedics, and Fire Fighters! I am so proud of everyone for doing their parts to keep people safe and healthy.

Stay home.  Wash your hands.  Don’t touch your face. We are all in this together.