Pediatric Care Archives - Page 3 of 7

Head Lice Prevention Month

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Since 1985, healthcare organizations have informed communities about head lice symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention for National Pediculosis Prevention Month, also known as Head Lice Prevention Month.

Although reliable data isn’t available on this condition, pediculosis (head lice infestation) is fairly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately six to 12 million infestations affect children between the ages of three to 11 each year. Adults can also develop infestations through contact with both children and other adults.

Head lice typically spread through contact with the hair of an infested person, though it can also occur when people share clothes or lay on furniture after an infested person has recently used them. Lice typically remain on a person’s scalp; however, in rare instances, they may move to the eyelashes or eyebrows.

Signs of pediculosis include the feeling of something moving through the hair, itching, the development of sores on the scalp, and difficulty sleeping due to the increased activity of head lice in the dark. A diagnosis is generally made when live head lice are found on the scalp.

You can prevent the spread of head lice by teaching your child to avoid sharing clothes or supplies, using furniture recently used by an infested person, or coming into head-to-head contact with friends or classmates. It’s also helpful to encourage them to regularly comb their hair. You can keep yourself free of head lice by following these recommendations, as well.

If an infestation has already developed, lice removal kits are a non-chemical solution for combing lice out of an infested person’s hair. Several over-the-counter and prescription lice removal shampoos, creams, lotions, and drugs are also available.

If you or your child need a diagnosis or treatment for head lice, schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Parechovirus

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a health advisory alerting public health officials of a growing number of parechovirus (PeV) cases. According to the organization, “Since May 2022, CDC has received reports from healthcare providers in multiple states of PeV infections in neonates and young infants.”

Parechovirus is a common viral infection that can affect adults and children. For adults and older children, the symptoms of the virus are typically mild and may include vomiting, fever, gastrointestinal problems, or a rash. Symptoms may not be visible in some individuals.

In newborns and babies under the age of 3 months old, symptoms caused by PeV can be severe and include high fever, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure. PeV infections can also lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as:

Seizures
Encephalitis
Sepsis-like illness
Meningitis

Parechovirus is highly contagious, spreading from person to person by way of contact with respiratory droplets (sneezing or coughing) or by fecal-oral route, meaning fecal material of an infected person is ingested by another person. You can also catch the virus by touching objects that are contaminated and then later touching your nose or mouth.

PeV infections are more common in the spring, summer, and fall months. However, transmission can be prevented by practicing proper hand hygiene; especially after diaper changes, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and staying away from those who are sick.

If your child is displaying signs of a parechovirus infection, consult your pediatrician immediately or seek emergency medical care. An early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Treatment for mild symptoms may include getting plenty of rest and fluids and taking over-the-counter medications. Hospitalization may be required for younger babies and children with more severe symptoms.

To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Baby Poop: What’s Normal Or Not

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

There are many shades and textures of normal when it comes to the color and consistency of baby poop. Color and texture can result from several factors including the age of the baby as well as the type of milk or food that is being consumed.

After newborn babies are born, their poop is likely to be greenish-black or black and have a sticky consistency. This is called meconium which consists of amniotic fluid, skin cells, mucus, and other particles the baby may have ingested in utero.

Once an infant begins to exclusively breastfeed, the color of the poop may be yellow or slightly green. The texture is often described as being seedy. What resembles little seeds are undigested milk fat. This is normal.

Formula-fed babies’ poop can be tan, brown, yellowish-brown, or greenish-brown in color. The consistency is a little firmer than that of a breastfed infant and is likened to pasty peanut butter.

The poop of babies who are eating solid foods such as pureed fruits or infant cereal may contain a wide variety of colors. The poop is firmer and may contain bits of undigested food.

Keeping an eye on your baby’s poop is important as it can be indicative of changes in their health. If your little one’s poop remains black several days after birth or is red, gray or white in color, notify your doctor immediately. Also, contact a pediatrician if your baby’s bowel movements occur more or less frequently than usual or are unusually watery or dry.

To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

What Are The Signs That Your Child Needs Therapy?

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Most children experience emotional highs and lows as they develop. Often, this is part of the natural maturation process, but for some, it can be a sign of a more serious issue that requires professional assistance. Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers the following advice to help parents determine when to seek help.

Parents should understand that children go through the same struggles emotionally as adults, but because of their lack of development, they can have a hard time processing their feelings. By helping your child get through these difficult times, you can help provide them with the coping and problem-solving skills they can put to use in the future.

One of the most important ways we can help children navigate through the tough periods in their lives is to listen to them and validate their experience. Offering them support, sensitivity, and patience can go a long way in making them feel heard and make them more receptive to discussing their emotions in the future.

Sometimes, however, despite a parent’s best attempt, a child may need professional help to address a more serious issue. You should seek help if your child:

Experiences problems in multiple areas of life, such as in school, during leisure activities, or in their relationships with family and friends
Displays repetitive self-destructive behavior such as hair pulling of skin-picking
Exhibits low self-esteem or lacks confidence
Withdraws from activities that they once enjoyed
Has a significant change in sleep habits or appetite
Engages in negative behavior
Talks about any kind of self-harm or suicide

Speak to your pediatrician if you believe your child may require professional help. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional who can offer an appropriate treatment plan.

To make an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Learn More About Scarlet Fever And How To Protect Your Children

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. As the name implies, the condition is signified by a bright red rash that covers most of the body.

Scarlet fever is most common in children five to 15 years of age. Although it was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made scarlet fever much more treatable. Still, if left untreated, scarlet fever can result in serious conditions that can affect the heart, kidneys, lungs and other parts of the body.

Common symptoms of scarlet fever include:

Red rash.The rash looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. If pressure is applied to the reddened skin, it will turn pale.
Red lines.The folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck usually become a deeper red than the surrounding rash.
Flushed face.The face may appear flushed with a pale ring around the mouth.
Strawberry tongue.The tongue generally looks red and bumpy, and it’s often covered with a white coating early in the disease.

The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about a week. After these signs and symptoms have subsided, the skin affected by the rash often peels. Other signs and symptoms associated with scarlet fever include fever, sore throat, enlarged glands, nausea, vomiting and headache.

Scarlet fever typically spreads from person to person via droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person will usually develop symptoms between two and four days after being exposed.

There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever. The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever is to practice proper hand washing hygiene, avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses, wipe down all contaminated objects and surfaces and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze.

Call your doctor immediately if your child develops any symptoms associated with scarlet fever.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s pediatric clinic, please call 718-670-5486.

Talking to Children About Sexual Abuse

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. One of the most effective ways to prevent abuse from occurring is through education.

Sexual abuse is a sensitive but much-needed discussion that parents should have with their children. Experts suggest that this discussion should begin with children at a young age as part of conversations about safety, and talks about sexual abuse should be ongoing throughout a child’s development.

Lessons about sexual abuse can be introduced by first teaching children about their bodies. Teach them the proper names for the parts of their bodies, and also inform them that some areas are private and should not be touched or looked at by others. Other important lessons that should be included in your talks are:

Secrets are not okay- According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), “Perpetrators will often use secret-keeping to manipulate children.” Let your child know that they should not keep secrets and that they can speak to you about anything. Providing an environment of openness and patience will help them to feel secure.
Do not accept bribes- People who sexually abuse children sometimes use bribery to keep them from telling. Teach your child not to accept gifts from adults without your permission.
It is okay to say “no”- Teach your child it is okay to say no when touched in a way that makes them uncomfortable or if touched in private areas. Respect your child’s decision to say “no.” Do not force them to give hugs or sit in the laps of adults if they refuse to.

Although the topic of sexual abuse is often dreaded by parents, it must be done in order to protect children from harmful situations. Parents should not risk abuse because of their own discomfort.

If you are uncomfortable about speaking about this topic, experts recommend reading books with your child to build a bridge of communication. Your pediatrician can also be a helpful resource, they may recommend child health professionals or organizations that can provide you with the support you need.

Baby-Led Weaning is a New Way of Feeding Your Baby – Learn More About it

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Every parent remembers when they first introduced their baby to solid foods. This momentous occasion of spoon-feeding them pureed food is considered a major milestone for babies and their parents.

Today however, more and more parents are opting to skip the applesauce and mashed sweet potatoes and instead are adopting a new feeding technique called “baby-led weaning” ( or BLW) for their babies. This alternative approach to feeding, first introduced in the UK a decade ago, involves introducing solid chunks of foods much earlier on by placing them on the baby’s high chair and letting them grasp the food and feed themselves directly. As the name implies, feeding time is led by the baby as they determine the pace and the amount of food they consume; basically, baby-led weaning puts the baby in charge.

While children all develop at different paces, advocates of baby-led weaning agree that this method of eating shouldn’t be introduced until the baby is ready. Cues to begin BLW include making sure that your baby can sit up straight unassisted, have good neck strength and be able move food to the back of their mouth with up and down jaw movements. Most babies develop these skills by the sixth month, but some babies may not fully develop them until they are nine months old.

Proponents of BLW believe that it holds many benefits, including enhancing baby’s hand-eye coordination and other fine motor skills, including using their thumb and index finger to grasp their food. They also feel that it will produce healthier eaters than spoon-fed babies because BLW eaters get to choose how much they eat as opposed to traditional feeding methods, which sometimes results in force feeding. Other advantages that BLW supporters claim to be true is that it creates a more enjoyable feeding experience for babies and less stress on their parents.

Detractors of baby-led weaning feeders point out that these babies are generally underweight as compared to spoon-fed babies because they simply do not ingest that much when they are first introduced to this way of eating due to difficulties grabbing food. BLW babies also tend to be iron-deficient because they aren’t consuming the iron-fortified cereals that spoon–fed babies typically eat. Lastly, a big concern for many parents is the increased choking hazards associated with BLW, and while the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t have opinion of BLW, they do state that babies are ready for solid food once they are ready to sit up on their own and bring their hand to their mouth.

If you are considering baby led weaning for your child, here are a few tips:

Continue breast feeding and / or formula feeding as this will continue to be your baby’s biggest source of nutrition until they are 12 months old.
Begin BLW feedings with softer foods, such as ripe fruits, cooked egg yolks, and shredded meats, poultry and fish.
Avoid foods that can pose as choking hazards, such as nuts, grapes, popcorn, or foods cut into coin shapes, like hot dogs.
Do not leave your child unattended during BLW feeding times. Continue to supervise and socialize with them while they eat and to have them eat when the rest of the family does.
Don’t panic if your baby gags as it is a safe a natural reflex. Instead of overreacting, prepare for a choking event by familiarizing yourself with the infant-specific Heimlich maneuver.
Introduce new foods one at a time to pinpoint potential food allergies. A recommended length of time is three to four days between foods.
The goal of BLW is to let your baby explore eating at their own pace. This may include the smashing, smearing, or dropping of food, so prepare for a mess.

Before you decide to adopt BLW to your child, it is a good idea to discuss with your child’s pediatrician as it may not be a good idea for all babies, especially those babies with known developmental delays or neurological issues.

To make an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder that affects a child’s socialization and communication skills.

Boys are three to four times more likely to have AS than girls. Children diagnosed with the disorder are often considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the autism spectrum. High functioning is the term used to refer to children on the spectrum who can read, speak, write or manage other life skills with very little assistance.

The causes of Asperger’s are unknown; however, experts are investigating possible factors such as genetics and abnormalities in the brain.

Signs and symptoms of Asperger’s typically appear first during early childhood and vary in severity, they may include:

Avoiding eye contact
Showing few emotions
Showing little or no empathy for others
Not understanding or missing social cues such as body language
Repeating the same movements or topic of conversation
Difficulty with having conversations
Frequently speaking to oneself
Possessing a remarkable ability in paying attention to detail
Displaying hypersensitivities to light, sounds and tastes
Having difficulty with change

Speak to your pediatrician if you notice these signs and symptoms in your child. Your doctor may refer you to a mental or developmental health professional that specializes in autism spectrum disorders. This specialist will conduct a complete assessment and create a treatment plan that is best suited for your child’s needs.

To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

All About Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Summer gives us a break from the flu and many other viruses prevalent during the winter months, but there is one contagious virus that your child is at risk of contracting during the summer.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness in the summer months, predominantly found in infants and children under the age of 10, but one that can also affect teens and adults. It is caused by a family of viruses known as the Coxsackie virus. There are multiple types of Coxsackie virus, but the A16 strain causes HFMD.

HFMD can produce a wide variety of symptoms, including mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, head and muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, and poor appetite. The fever usually lasts anywhere from 24 hours to 2-3 days. One or two days after the fever begins, small red spots begin to appear in the mouth, throat, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. These spots develop into blisters and eventually into painful ulcers, which resolve within a few days without any scarring.

These blisters give the illness its name, but it should not be confused with the similarly named foot (or hoof) and mouth disease, which is found in cattle.

HFMD is spread between children either hand to hand or through tiny air droplets that are released when they sneeze, cough, or blow their nose. The illness can also be spread when a person is exposed to an infected child’s stool or the fluid from their blisters.

HFMD is contagious and tends to spread most easily in settings where many young children are together, such as day care centers. In tropical parts of the world, HFMD is present throughout the year, but in cooler climates, such as New York, outbreaks take place only in the summer or fall. Some people incorrectly believe that the illness is spread in swimming pools, but a properly chlorinated pool should kill the virus.

Proper hand washing is considered the best protection against the virus, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. The virus can live on contaminated surfaces for several days. Therefore, parents should clean shared toys and all surfaces potentially contaminated with disinfectant cleaners to protect against the spread of HFMD.

There are lab tests to confirm HFMD, but doctors usually can diagnose the virus based on a physical examination. There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Doctors often recommend over-the-counter pain and fever reducing medications to make your child feel more comfortable. Salt water rinses might also provide relief.

If you think your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, you should see a pediatrician or call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment.

Is Your Child Addicted to Video Games?

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Joann Ariola

It’s often difficult for parents to know how much time their children spend online. Often children play video games, view videos and browse social networking sites. Spending too much time online can lead to the deterioration of your child’s school work and can cause problems with their relationships with family and friends.

Studies have shown that children ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes a day consuming media for fun, including TV, music, video games and other content. About two-thirds of 8 to 18 year olds had no rules on the amount of time spent watching TB, playing video games or using a computer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit their child’s screen time for entertainment to less than two hours per day and children under 2 have no TV or internet exposure.

Research shows that academic failure correlates with addictive video game play, and to a higher incidence of attention problems. Conversely, academic achievers spend less time online. Research has also revealed that child and adolescent video game addiction correlates with functional impairment, emotional problems, poor conduct, hyperactivity and peer problems, as well as with depression and social phobia. In addition, several studies have proven a relationship between excessive video game play and obesity and poor diet among children in grades 4 through 6.

Parents should discuss with their children their expectations for responsible online usage and set limits on how much time can be spent online. Dr. Gonzalez suggests the following rules for internet use:

Regularly determine how much time your kids are online every day.
Don’t put a computer or game console in your child’s bedroom—rather put them in the living room.
Avoid online activity before bedtime.
Charge children’s cell or smart phone or other handheld devices overnight in your bedroom.
Be a role model. Set an example with your own internet usage.
Use an alarm clock or timer to limit your child’s time online.
Provide alternatives to online activity and video games: sports, reading, play dates, time with pets, etc.
Set a rule: no handheld devices at the table during meals.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child with a Flushing Hospital Medical Center Child Psychiatrist, please call 718-670-5562