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Posts Tagged "Children"

7Nov2022

Improve Indoor Air Quality for Your Children

When considering air pollution, the majority of us think of outdoor air. However, given that many kids spend more than 90% of their time inside, indoor air quality might be even more important. The EPA estimates that indoor air pollution levels may be two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels. There is not much ventilation in today’s energy-efficient homes to improve indoor air quality.

Compared to adults, children inhale and retain more air pollution per unit of body weight. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air since their lungs and elimination systems are still developing. Children’s body cannot handle more pollutants once they are already overburdened. They might start to react negatively to exposures like fresh paint, new carpet, cleaning supplies, mattress and furniture off-gassing, dust, mold, or pollen. A toxic overload youngster might become seriously unwell from even small exposures. According to estimates, more than 40 million individuals currently suffer from an environmental sickness as a result of harmful or allergic reactions to numerous environmental contaminants.

Symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution

  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Headaches
  • Congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble breathing

Allergens, tobacco smoke, or chemical exposure can cause asthma symptoms to appear or exacerbate already present symptoms. There may be a large list of other baffling issues with environmental sickness that are hard to identify.

Several distinct sources are releasing particles or gases into the air in your house. The most crucial room, though, is usually the one where your kids sleep. Their bodies regenerate as they sleep. Your kids’ bodies enter a deep healing phase when they sleep at night, and their immune systems work to get rid of any pollutants. If there is an added burden of toxins in the bedroom air, cleansing is challenging for the body. How long do your kids stay in their bedrooms? In addition to sleeping at night, a lot of kids are also napping or playing in their rooms during the day.

Lowering Indoor Air Pollution

First and foremost, it’s essential that infants and young children sleep on an organic mattress that doesn’t off-gas. All mattresses that include vinyl, polyurethane foam, fire retardants, or other harmful components need to be replaced immediately. Furthermore, the majority of bed frames, cribs, cradles, bassinets, changing tables, dressers, cupboards, and bookshelves are constructed from pressed or composite wood products that emit formaldehyde or contain paints or varnishes that also do the same. Replace this furniture, if possible, with solid wood pieces that have natural finishes. Another significant toxin that can discharge toxins almost continually is carpet. Paints, building materials, personal care items, and cleaning supplies can all release toxins into the air. For kids, any mold, dust mites, or animal dander in the bedroom can be a major issue.

Ways to Remove Allergens from Children’s Bedrooms

  • Invest in a HEPA room air purifier that eliminates odors, viruses, pollutants, and chemicals
  • Put non-toxic 100% organic cotton dust-mite-proof covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs
  • Think about getting a nontoxic organic children’s mattress
  • Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50% to prevent the growth of mold
  • Immediately address any plumbing, roof, and other water leaks, and securely remove any mold throughout the whole house
  • Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum twice a week to clean the house (more frequently if you have pets)
  • Regularly vacuum upholstered furniture, curtains, and mattresses
  • Use a moist cloth to wipe off hard surfaces and avoid using hazardous cleaners
  • To lessen exposure to pet dander, keep allergy-causing animals out of the bedroom or bathe your animals once per week
  • Wash linens once a week in hot water
  • Wash plush toys frequently
  • If at all feasible, replace carpet with natural, non-toxic rugs that you can wash frequently
  • Keep cigarettes out of the house
  • When possible, try to get solid wood furniture rather than composite or particle board
  • Before bringing composite wood goods within, let them off-gas outside for a few days or weeks
  • After bringing new furniture inside, carefully ventilate the space. Everyday window opening will enhance interior air quality
  • Common indoor plants like spider plants and bamboo palms may aid to filter the air
Kids Staff
Pediatrics
31Oct2022

Developing Children’s Sleep Habits

In order to give them the energy they need for vigorous play and good health, children must get adequate sleep so they grow and develop at a quick rate. Your child can sleep better if you practice proper sleep hygiene, such as setting regular bedtimes and creating a calm, secure sleeping environment.

A good sleeping habit is a set of behaviors and practices that promote restful sleep. It is frequently called good sleep hygiene.

How Much Sleep Should a Child Get?

Sleep patterns of newborns vary greatly. Most infants sleep 14 to 17 hours throughout the day after about a month. Your infant will gradually sleep longer at night and shorter during the day.

Preschoolers and toddlers require 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day. The majority of it need to happen at night, but they frequently also want rest during the day.

Attempt to limit daytime naps to one to two hours in order to prevent extending nighttime bedtimes, although each child’s needs will differ. Children in primary school need 9 to 11 hours of sleep every night.

Understanding Internal Timers and Sleep Cycles

Our body’s internal clock regulates our sleep habits by keeping us awake during the day and encouraging sleep at night. The hormone melatonin, which alerts our bodies that it is time to sleep, is released in accordance with the body clock.

Most kids are asleep in 20 minutes or less after going to bed. It’s crucial to set regular intervals for your youngster to nap during the day and sleep at night. This enables the release of melatonin by their biological clock, hastening the process of falling asleep. We alternate between phases of deeper and lighter sleep after falling asleep.

If your child gets deep sleep, they won’t wake up too frequently. Most children have their deepest sleep before midnight, so putting them to bed early will allow them to benefit from this time for restful sleep.

Forming the Best Sleeping Patterns for Children

Exercise and Nutrition

Your youngster will sleep soundly with the aid of a healthy diet and regular exercise. If at all possible, try to plan meals so that your child doesn’t feel uncomfortable or unable to go asleep by going to bed either hungry or full.

Play and physical exercise during the day will also help your child burn off energy, reducing the likelihood that they will be restless when it is time for bed. Encourage your children to play outside so that they can synchronize their body clocks, which will help them sleep more soundly.

If your child is older than 5, avoid naps throughout the day. Make sure your child doesn’t consume any caffeine, including that found in chocolate and soft beverages.

Time to Wind Down Before Bed

Your youngster can more easily transition from playtime to sleep if there is a wind-down phase right before bed. Playing some calming music, reading a book, or telling your child a story are all peaceful activities that can put your child to sleep. If your child is having trouble falling asleep for a daytime nap, wind-down times may be especially helpful. For at least an hour prior to going to bed, refrain from utilizing electronic devices such as television, laptops, and cell phones.

Routines Before Bedtime

You may help your youngster associate showering and brushing their teeth with going to sleep by having a consistent bedtime routine that includes these actions. Additionally, it’s critical that kids feel secure and at ease in their sleeping surroundings. If left alone in a dark room to sleep, some kids may feel upset. It could be reassuring to use a night light or leave the door open. If your youngster is checking the time frequently, make sure they can’t see a clock.

If you need to tend to your kid after they are in bed to help them settle, try keeping the lights low and the room quiet to avoid upsetting the peaceful atmosphere of bedtime.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
24Oct2022

The Importance Measles Vaccinations to Keeping Children Safe

It’s more important than ever for parents to comprehend the dangers of the measles virus and the potential consequences of not getting vaccinated against it in light of the recent outbreak of measles in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can be transferred by direct contact or by air.

When a sick person coughs, sneezes, or is simply nearby you or your child, air droplets carrying the measles virus can readily spread to you or your child. Measles is an extremely contagious virus that infected hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. The incidence of new cases of measles has considerably decreased since the introduction of the measles vaccine and the combined vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). However, the outbreak in Oregon and Washington serves as a reminder of what might happen if kids are not vaccinated against measles.

Who Is Most Prone to Measles Infection?

Measles can affect anyone, regardless of age or condition. But individuals who are older than 30, pregnant, or have immunological disorders are more vulnerable to the measles than children under the age of five. However, young children aren’t merely more likely to get the measles. They have a higher risk of developing a serious illness from the virus.

What Are Measles’ Symptoms?

Fever, cough, congestion, and conjunctivitis are the typical symptoms of measles, which is subsequently followed by a widespread rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. After infection, symptoms may begin to appear seven to ten days later. The measles rash that affects your child’s skin might take 7 to 21 days to appear.

Can This Virus Kill You?

There is no doubt that measles has the potential to be fatal. Simple side effects like an ear infection are the unfortunate best case possible repercussions of this illness. More dangerously , it can also result in fevers, acute pneumonia, and brain enlargement, all of which increase the risk of blindness and demise. Again, kids under five are most likely to pass away from these grave issues.

Can Children Who Have the Measles Recover?

There is no specific treatment for measles, though children can recover from it. Medical professionals can only assist and treat patients’ symptoms, such as dehydration brought on by fever, as it is a virus that must naturally run its course. Due to the high contagiousness of the virus, your kid will be isolated in a specific hospital room if they are identified as having the measles. Additionally, a rare type of progressive degenerative encephalitis can manifest years after measles exposure. The ideal situation? Vaccinate your child to avoid them ever getting measles in the first place.

Has the Number of Measles Cases Increased?

A now-debunked study that claimed vaccines cause autism sparked a “anti-vax” campaign in some U.S. states and other nations. Measles could return and spread in areas where parents are declining to vaccinate their children more and more. New York, Washington, and Texas all experienced notable outbreaks in 2019. The epidemic in Washington resulted in the declaration of a public health emergency and involved 54 verified cases. Ensure your child has had their most recent dose of measles immunization is the best preventive action you can take as a parent.

How Can Measles be Avoided?

First and foremost, it’s crucial to stress the safety of the MMR and measles immunizations. In fact , we’ve been administering the same measles vaccine since 1968. Most likely, you and even your parents received this vaccination when they were young. Therefore, the best preventive action you can take as a parent is to make sure your child has received the most recent dose of the measles vaccine. Bring your child back for their second scheduled dose because not all patients respond to a single shot. It is also the responsibility of parents of healthy children to safeguard vulnerable youngsters who cannot receive the immunizations due to weakened immune systems.

The best option for ensuring the safety and health of your child and your community is to vaccinate them against diseases like measles. Always get in touch with your pediatrician and discuss any worries you may have about the measles, the MMR vaccine, or other vaccinations.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
13Sep2022

Is Your Child Under The Weather? Signs Your Child Has Caught The Flu

Flu season is coming up fast, and your child may catch the virus even if they are vaccinated. It is important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms to ensure your child visits the pediatrician as needed. Now, you may be wondering if your child has caught a cold, the flu, or another virus. To help you determine your next step, here are several signs your child has caught the flu.

Lack of Appetite

A child suffering from the flu may not have much of an appetite, or they may not have an appetite at all. Your child may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which does not help with their appetite. Both could be a sign of the flu or stomach flu, so you want to have your child examined by a pediatrician to get an accurate diagnosis.

Respiratory Ailments

Your child may also show signs of respiratory ailments with the flu, such as a cough, runny nose, and sore throat. However, these are also symptoms of a cold and Covid-19, so you need to watch for other signs of the flu. If you are still unsure, their pediatrician can administer a flu test and a Covid-19 test to diagnose your child’s illness.

Body Aches

If your child has the flu, they may complain of body aches. The muscles in their back and legs may feel sore, but these aches are normal with the flu. In addition, your child may also experience a headache. Some children even have stomach aches with the flu, which also causes their loss of appetite. Unfortunately, a child with the flu is usually miserable.

Fatigue

You may notice your child is more tired than usual when they have the flu, especially if they are usually active and playful. The best thing you can do is allow your child to get the rest they need. They need to recharge their body and save their energy for fighting off the flu. In some cases, your child may feel dizzy and need to lie down.

Fever

A child with the flu may also have a fever as high as 103 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Their fever may also be accompanied by chills and the above symptoms, such as fatigue and body aches. If you are worried about your child’s body temperature, contact their pediatrician immediately.

It is important to note that symptoms of the flu can come on suddenly. If your child is showing signs of the flu or any other illness, schedule an appointment with Kids 1st Pediatrics. You can schedule an appointment online at kids1stpediatrics.net.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
26Aug2022

Keep Your Child Safe From Germs While Visiting The Pediatrician

It is no secret that the pediatrician’s office is full of germs. After all, many of their patients are feeling under the weather. You may be worried about your child catching a cold, the flu, or other viruses while playing in the waiting room. Luckily, you can keep your child safe from germs while visiting the pediatrician with these tips.

Limit What They Touch

Start by putting a limit on what your child can touch while in the waiting room. For example, they should only touch the chair they are sitting in as they wait for the pediatrician. In addition, you want to give them a limit on how many toys and books they can touch, especially if other children were using these items just several minutes ago.

Supply Your Own Entertainment

One way to limit what your child touches in the waiting room is to supply the entertainment yourself. You can allow them to bring their favorite toy or book from home, or you can keep them busy with a tablet and headphones. This way, you know who has been touching the items your child is using in such a high-traffic area.

Encourage Hand Washing

It is important to encourage your child to wash their hands once it is their turn to see the pediatrician. You can ask their pediatrician about stopping by the restroom or using the sink in their office. Another option is to have your child wash their hands after the appointment altogether. This keeps your child from contacting and spreading germs.

Bring Hand Wipes

It never hurts to bring hand wipes for your child to use after they have finished using the items in the waiting room. You may even be able to use the wipes on the items beforehand, but it is best to ask the receptionist before wiping down the items. Hand wipes are also convenient for sanitizing after the appointment altogether, especially if you forget to have your child wash their hands.

Ensure The Staff Is Clean

There is nothing wrong with politely asking their nurse and pediatrician if they have washed their hands before they examine your child. They understand that a pediatrician’s office is a high-traffic area, especially when they have a day full of appointments. Luckily, many nurses and pediatricians also wear gloves as an extra layer of protection.

If it is time to schedule your child’s annual visit to the pediatrician, consider Kids 1st Pediatrics. You can easily schedule an appointment online by visiting kids1stpediatrics.net.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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