Get little ones involved in the kitchen.

It’s that time between Christmas and New Year’s Day when the kids are all at home…a.k.a. the Christmas crash! The toys have been unwrapped and the kids are slowly coming down from the days-long sugar high.

Many parents work full time and many daycare facilities are closed between holidays. So for those parents that are off during the holiday break, they will get to spend all day, every day with their kids! 

With so much together time, it’s easy for tempers to flare and kids to get testy. If you find yourself with a house full of antsy children, here are some tips for surviving the Christmas crash. 

• Stick to your regular schedule. Keep kids on track, even for meals and naps. It’s easy for things to go haywire without a regimented routine. And scheduled naps for kiddos means a downtime for parents.

• Cook up a storm. There are plenty of kid-friendly recipes that can get the whole family involved. Let them help you stir and decorate. Studies show that kids are much more likely to eat healthy snacks if they help to prepare it.

• Clean out the toy chest. With so many new toys around, it’s easy for things to become crowded. Make room for new gifts while teaching your kids about giving. Help little ones sort through old toys and clothes and select items to donate to charity. Then, let them go with you to make the donation.

• Build a fort. With a sheet and some chairs, make a fun hideaway for the kiddos. Let them fill it with blankets and pillow. It’s a perfect place to watch movies and read books when the weather is dreary.

• Go to the park. Better yet, pack a lunch. A picnic at the park is a fun deviation from the norm.  Don’t forget the sand toys and sweaters in case it gets chilly.

• Hit the road. Pack some snacks and supplies and hop in the car. Take an impromptu trip to the beach or other favorite spot and take in the scenery.

When it comes to keeping the kids entertained, a little preparation goes a long way. 

Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com

With abundant snow on our local mountain tops, many families will be hitting the slopes this season!  To ensure you and your family have a fun and safe time, check out the following tips recommended by Dr. Francois D. Lalonde, orthopaedic surgeon at CHOC Children’s:

• Stretch:  Proper conditioning can minimize the risk of injury and optimize performance. Make sure your family is warmed up. This can be as simple as walking, marching in one place, or doing a few jumping jacks.
• Use proper safety gear:  The lack of proper gear is a common factor in sports injuries. Make sure your children use a helmet, wrist and elbow guards, knee pads, goggles, boots, and the appropriate snowboard or skis. 
• Dress appropriately:  Make sure your family is wearing the right amount of layers to match the weather and each person’s activity level. Wear a hat or helmet liner and gloves. Also, be sure to wear sun protection, even on cloudy days! 
• Get proper instruction: Take a lesson from a qualified instructor before you hit the slopes. Ensure that your children know how to properly use the equipment.
• Follow the rules:  Children should be supervised at all times. Make sure your family understands and obeys posted warning signs. Avoid icy slopes. Do not go off-trail.
• Ski or snowboard with a friend:  Pre-arrange a meeting place in case you get separated. Use walkie-talkies if possible. Make sure your children have the name and phone number of your hotel.
• Take a break:  Lots of energy is being used while gliding through the slopes. Take a moment to rest. While resting, make sure you have something to eat or drink.

Tis the season for winter fun…and the flu bug? The flu season typically starts in October and lasts through April. That’s when people tend to spend more time indoors and in school, close to others who may be infected. Although the flu does seem to be going around a lot right now, we are still a few weeks away from the peak of the flu season, which is in January or February.

One way the flu spreads is when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

Signs of the flu include fatigue and weakness, a high fever, severe aches and pains, headache and a cough. With a cold, on the other hand, your child might have a stuffy, runny nose, a sore throat, a hacking cough or sneezes frequently.

While there’s no real protection against every germ, there are ways to reduce the risks. Remind your children to wash their hands often. Place travel-size hand sanitizer in their backpacks. Postpone play dates with sick kids. Remind your children not to share linens, utensils and dishes with those who are sick.

In addition, consider getting your child a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends yearly flu shots for all children ages 6 months and older.

For more tips about the flu, please click here: http://www.choc.org/pressroom/index.cfm?id=P00296&nid=536

National Diabetes Awareness Month may be over, but the fight against this serious condition in children is not. To learn more about Type 1 diabetes and its symptoms, please see below.

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, life immediately changes for both the child and the family. Diabetes is a condition which affects the body’s ability to utilize blood glucose for energy. The increase in diabetes among children has been an ongoing trend for years, with the risk of developing type 1 diabetes being higher than virtually all other severe chronic diseases of childhood. An alarming new prediction indicates that Type 1 diabetes among children under the age of 15 will increase by 70% by 2020. Type I diabetes (juvenile-onset diabetes), is an immune system disorder that inhibits the body’s ability to produce insulin. The anticipated increase in Type 1 would represent a drastic lifestyle change for millions of children since it requires daily injections of insulin to manage the condition.

Dr. Susan Clark, director of the CHOC Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, and her team of clinical experts are passionate in providing the best care for CHOC’s diabetes patients. From carb counting to insulin pump training, the diabetes team focuses delivering family-centered care, through specialized diabetes treatment and education to patients and families. In particular, for Type 1 patients, education is key. According to Dr. Clark, with proper medical care, clinical therapies, diet, hygiene, and exercise, a child with diabetes can live a full and normal life.

Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly – often resembling the flu in children. According to Dr. Clark, the following are the most common symptoms for type 1 diabetes:

• unusual thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger but loss of weight
• blurred vision
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• extreme weakness and fatigue
• irritability and mood changes

The U.S. News and World Report recently recognized CHOC’s diabetes and endocrinology program as one of the top in the country. Regionally recognized for patient care excellence, CHOC’s Endocrinology team provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders and offers several innovative specialty programs and outpatient clinics designed to enhance quality of life for patients.

To schedule an appointment with a CHOC Children’s Endocrinologist, please call (714) 532-7982.

In honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month (November), Janna Moore, whose daughter is being treated for epilepsy at CHOC and who also co-founded the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, provided the following guest post. These tips are intended to help parents cope with the diagnosis of epilepsy and ensure their children get the best possible treatment and experience the best possible outcomes.  This list was compiled from a survey Janna completed with 70 parents, who have more than 275 years of epilepsy experience, combined.  

Attention Parents of Children with Epilepsy: Here’s a “Top 10” List You Won’t Want to Miss!

1) Find an experienced pediatric epileptologist at a pediatric epilepsy center.

2) Try and video/digitally record your child’s seizure to show the doctor at your child’s appointment.

3) Get an accurate epilepsy diagnosis detailing the seizure type or syndrome to ensure the most effective treatment for your child.

4) Join a local epilepsy advocacy organization, like Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, to connect – through educational and emotional support groups – with other parents who have many years of experience caring for their children with epilepsy.

5) Join an on-line support group to learn as much as you can about your child’s seizure type.

6) Start a medical notebook: track/record seizures – dates, times, triggers, in addition to how it started and what it looked like. Details are very important for the doctor.  Get yourself a calender, a log sheet, or sign onto “Seizure Tracker”.

7) Ask your child’s doctor about the emergency epilepsy medication, Diastat, if your child’s seizures last longer than 5 minutes or cluster.  Call 911 if child is experiencing 1st time seizure or if a child with epilepsy has a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes.

Educate yourself about your child’s specific seizure type once you get an accurate diagnosis.

9) Train your family members, child care providers and teachers on seizure recognition and first aid so your child is safe in any environment. You can schedule this presentation through Epilepsy Support Network.

10) Keep an eye on cognitive abilities and report to the doctor if you see a decline, which could be seizure -related.  Watch for behavioral changes, as well.  Be sure to address cognitive, behavioral, social issues if they arise – the sooner, the better.

Janna Moore’s daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 3 ½ years old.  She and her family experienced several challenges along the way, until arriving at CHOC Children’s, where she was seen by Dr. Mary Zupanc, director of CHOC’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.  Janna is a co-founder of the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, for which she currently serves as director of programs and services. 

Well, the holiday season is officially here! As you and your family get ready for Thanksgiving, keep in mind these helpful tips to get your kids involved, and to ensure you have a fun and healthy holiday.

Involve Kids In Preparing Dinner – They can…

• Help find items on the grocery list

• Help set the table

 • Wash vegetables and fruits

• Help measure and mix ingredients

• Help make fun Thanksgiving decorations

• Help come up with games or activities for the other kids that may be visiting

Holiday Healthy Habits – To help keep you on track…

• Don’t forget breakfast!

• Don’t starve. Avoid trying to save your appetite for dinner or you will tend to overeat.

• Cook with natural ingredients.

• Cook healthier, low calorie seasonal vegetables such as squash, carrots, turnips, and pumpkins, for a nutrient packed dinner.

• Serve in smaller serving dishes to encourage smaller portions.

• Plan for leftovers to reduce the chance of over-eating.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Enjoy desserts however, slice them into thin slices if possible and use nonfat whipped cream.

• Most importantly, enjoy!

From our CHOC Family to yours, have a wonderful, healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

Veterans Day is a great time to educate your children about this important holiday and the sacrifice of our U.S. veterans. Here are a few, fun ideas to share with your family:
1. Have your kids write a poem, or draw a picture about what the holiday means to them.

2. Have your kids create a colorful thank you card or poster for a veteran you know, such as a relative, neighbor or teacher.

3. Find an age-appropriate, educational program on T.V. about the history behind this holiday and watch it with your kids.

4. Make a dessert together using patriotic colors — share with family, or veterans in local nursing homes.

By CHOC Children’s Clinical Dietician Specialist, Leah Ballamy MS, RD, CSP

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month! Did you know that every 17 seconds someone is diagnosed with Diabetes? Diabetes is a condition which affects the body’s ability to utilize blood glucose for energy.  There are several types of Diabetes, but the most common are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. 

Type 1 Diabetes inhibits the body’s ability to produce insulin, and can be managed with insulin injections, diet and exercise. It’s anticipated that Type 1 Diabetes will increase by 70% by 2020.  Research suggests that unlike Type 1 Diabetes, it may be possible to prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes, which impairs the body’s utilization of insulin. The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes is expected to exceed Type 1 Diabetes within 10 years and currently accounts for 90% of Diabetes cases. Studies show that just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily and a 5-10% reduction in body weight can reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 58%.

Know the signs and symptoms of Diabetes. Early diagnosis saves lives!
-Excessive thirst
-Frequent and excessive urination
-Fatigue
-Dehydration
-Weight loss
-Nausea/vomiting

Treatment and prevention includes:
-Avoid concentrated sweets and sugary beverages such a regular soda, juice and sport drinks.
-Consume an average of 45-60g carbohydrates per meal and 5-15g carbohydrates per snacks (50-60% total calories).
- Eat every 3-4 hours. Avoid skipping meals and eating late at night.
-Eat more fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
-Decrease saturated fat (7-10% total calories) and total fat (25-30% total calories). Choose lean meats, low-fat dairy products and low-fat snack foods.
-Exercise 60 minutes daily
-Moderately reduce usual food intake by 250-500 calories, which should promote weight management/slow weight loss
-Check blood glucose and take medication as instructed

Where to find more information about Diabetes:

www.padrefoundation.org  (Pediatric Adolescent Diabetes Research Education)
www.jdrf.org (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
www.Diabetes.org (American D iabetes Association)
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com  (family  support network)

A recent article by The New York Times, titled “Parents Urged Again to Limit TV for Youngest,” reminded parents of infants and toddlers to limit the time their children spend in front of the TV, computers, and self-described educational games, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

While the topic of the effects of media exposure on children may be old, pediatric experts continue to educate the public on new guidelines, especially in this highly-digital dominated time.

According to the AAP, video screen time provides no educational benefits for children under age 2 and leaves less room for activities that do, such as interacting with others and playing. So far, there is no evidence that exposure to these mediums causes long-term developmental problems, experts said. Still, research shows that young children learn more from real interactions than from situations appearing on video screens. Some learning can take place from media, but it’s a lot lower, the article said.

Recently in a separate AAP study, where over 200 middle school students were surveyed, the results showed a direct link in the viewing of media with high profanity and subsequent aggression. Moreover, the findings provided continued support for ratings and content warnings surrounding profanity use in the media.

Check out the following tips on media exposure, from the experts at CHOC:
• Encourage alternative activities for entertainment for children (reading, drawing, outdoor games).
• Decrease the dependence on television as a babysitter.
• Identify normal media habits for your family (hours, usage and monitoring).
• Praise children for making good viewing decisions.
• Discuss non-violent problem solving techniques (talking, walking away).
• Limit using TV or other electronic gadgets as a reward for good behavior. Instead, try a trip to the park, or a visit to a friend’s house.
• Be a good example to your child by not watching too much TV, or over-using your cell phone and computer. Be involved in other activities, such as reading or walking. Read to your kids.

For more info on this topic, check out these articles:
http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&pub=KH&aid=131

http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&aid=552

September is National Head Lice Prevention Month. Lice is a common, uncomfortable problem that can be a nuisance to both your children – and you! To help fight these unwelcome critters, check out the tips below:

Head lice are tiny parasites that live on a person’s scalp, neck and behind the ears. They cause itching and scratching, because the lice live off blood and their bites itch. Lice are hard to find, but their eggs or nits, can be seen attached to hairs.

Shampoos containing a class of pesticides called pyrethrins are used to kill lice. Creams are available that loosen nits, the lice eggs that are firmly attached to the base of the hair. According to the National Pediculosis Association, however, no over-the-counter or prescription treatment is totally safe or totally effective. The best way to remove nits is with a fine-tooth comb. If you have difficulty removing them, you may want to try using a nit-removal cream. Also, be sure to:

• Teach your children to never share hats, combs, brushes, hair pieces or pillows.
• Watch for scratching.
• Don’t confuse nits with dandruff or dirt.
• Consult your pharmacist or health care provider before using lice treatments.
• Use any product correctly and with caution.
• Remove nits with a half-vinegar, half-alcohol mixture and a fine-tooth comb or fingernails. Commercial nit-removal creams are available.
• Wash bedding and recently worn clothing in hot water and dry it in a dryer for at least 20 minutes on the hot setting. Seal items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for two weeks.
• Avoid lice sprays. Keep your home vacuumed.
• Notify your child’s school, camp, care provider and friends that your child has lice.

Have you heard of other effective tips? Please share!