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News for Families

Sports injury benefits from quick, specialized care Kenyon Watson, 13, the eighth-grade quarterback at Tecumseh Middle School, thought it would be a good idea to join the wrestling team as a way to stay in shape in the football off-season. To an all-around athlete like Kenyon who competes in football and track, his first wrestling match should have been an uneventful day. His dad Kolby Watson was in the stands when Kenyon went down. “It looked like he had landed funny, and when he didn’t get up right away, I hurried to his side thinking he had dislocated his elbow,” Kolby recalls. “When I saw his arm, I knew it was probably something worse.” Continued on page 4

Don’t get bit by the flu bug (Page 2)

Safe teething remedies (Page 3) Recovering by leaps and bounds after knee surgery (Page 6)

Elbow surgery didn’t sideline quarterback Kenyon Watson for long, thanks to the expert care he received at Dayton Children’s.

Vol. 36, No. 3

Don’t get bit by the flu bug!

The flu season is October until May, with the highest peak from late December to early March. The most important protection against the flu is to get a flu vaccine. Who needs a flu vaccine? Sherman Alter, MD, director of infectious disease at Dayton

Children’s, recommends all children age 6 months to 18 years old receive a flu vaccine, with an emphasis on vaccinating children age 6 months to 5 years old. “The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu,” says Dr. Alter. Knowing the difference between the flu and a common cold can

sometimes be tough. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

●● Flu symptoms: High

fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite, cough (sometimes severe), exhaustion and sore throat. ●● Cold symptoms: Low fever (if

any), runny nose, little coughing; child’s appetite and energy level are usually not affected.

Scan this symbol with your smart phone to read more.

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene – especially hand washing – helps prevent getting or spreading the flu. Children should use soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. The seasonal flu vaccine is now available. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or family doctor today.

Growing Together is published quarterly for parents and families in the Miami Valley area by The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. The purpose of Growing Together is to show how Dayton Children’s and families are working together to keep all children healthy and safe. Additional copies of Growing Together are available by writing to Dayton Children’s, c/o Marketing Communications, One Children’s Plaza, Dayton, Ohio, 45404-1815 or by calling 937-641-3666. Your suggestions and comments are also appreciated. For more information: Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX 937-641-3666 childrensdayton.org

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Playing it safe at school continued from back cover…

“Kids don’t understand the dangers of playground equipment,” says Thomas Krzmarzick, MD, medical director of the Soin Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s. “To them a playground is all fun and games. It is important to remind

your child of the correct way to use equipment and explain what could happen as the result of unsafe play.” Six safety tips: 1. Make sure the playground equipment is inspected frequently and kept in good repair. 2. Remove head and neck

drawstrings from children’s clothing. 3. Do not allow kids to wear

6. Make sure playground surfaces

are protective, energy-absorbing materials, such as shredded rubber, wood chips, wood fiber, etc. This information is brought to you through a partnership with Kohl’s A Minute for Kids campaign. Since 2000, Kohl’s Department Stores has donated more than $1,527,629 to Dayton Children’s through their Kohl’s Cares® program.

helmets, necklaces and scarves or carry purses or backpacks while on playground equipment. 4. Keep kids from pushing,

shoving and crowding on or around equipment. 5. Keep toddlers younger than 5 years old in a separate play area. Leave big equipment for big kids.

Scan this symbol with your smart phone to read more.

Caring for baby: Safe teething remedies

found in over-the-counter products commonly used to soothe teething pain. You may know these products as Baby Orajel, Orajel and Anbesol. A rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia can occur after using benzocaine just one time or after several uses. In severe cases, it can lead to death. The Federal Drug

Four ways to ease teething safely: 1. Use a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator. 2. Gently rub or massage the

infant’s gums with your finger. 3. Give baby a clean, frozen

4. Infant Tylenol (acetaminophen)

may be useful for nighttime pain. If you are using benzocaine for your baby’s teething pain (under a doctor’s supervision) or for an older child’s mouth pain, be aware of the symptoms that something could be wrong: ●● pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips and nail beds ●● shortness of breath ●● fatigue ●● confusion ●● headache ●● lightheadedness ●● rapid heart rate

“Methemoglobinemia is rare, but is very serious,” Roehrs says. “If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help immediately.”

washcloth for chewing.

Have a safe and “spooktacular” Halloween Trick-or-treat is right around the corner, and while kids are focused on begging for candy and the excitement of the holiday, parents should be focused on safety. On average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year.

looking as they cross. Urge kids to walk, not run, across the street.

Top safety tips Dayton Children’s and Safe Kids Greater Dayton recommend: ●● Use the buddy system, and make sure an adult is with children younger than age 12. Have older kids go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.

●● Slow down and stay alert,

●● Cross the street safely at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Kids should look left, right and left again when crossing and keep

●● Walk on sidewalks or paths,

or if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings. watching for cars that are turning or backing up, and never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars. ●● Costumes can be both

creative and safe, but should have reflective tape or stickers on costumes or bags. Masks can block a child’s vision, so choose nontoxic face paint and make-up instead. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to see better, as well as be seen by drivers.

3 healthbeat

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic

Administration recommends that benzocaine not be given to children under the age of 2 unless directed to by a health care professional. “Fortunately, there are other things parents can do to ease their baby’s teething pain,” says Stacy Roehrs, clinical pharmacist, Dayton Children’s.

COVER S TORY

firsts”

A day of “

Quarterback Kenyon Watson is back in the game after elbow surgery at Dayton Children’s.

T “Because kids heal very quickly, a growth plate injury not treated correctly can heal improperly, causing the bone to end up shorter than normal or be abnormally shaped,” explains James T. Lehner, MD, Kenyon’s orthopaedic surgeon.

he coaching staff called 911 and first responders were soon at his son’s side. “The squad members responding were not authorized to give pain medications, so Kenyon was in a lot of pain by the time we arrived at Dayton Children’s,” says Kolby. When children suffer an injury to an arm or leg, it’s important they are evaluated quickly by a pediatric specialist, usually an orthopaedic surgeon, to make sure the growth plate is not damaged. Growth plates are the developing tissues at the end of long bones that grow in length. When a child’s bones have completed growing, the growth plates harden and cause the two parts of a long bone (the epiphysis and the metaphysis) to fuse together, forming a complete bone. Dana Drazner, MD, an emergency care physician, met Kolby and Kenyon soon after they arrived at the Soin Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s. She immediately

asked Kenyon how he was doing and assessed his pain. Kenyon’s mother Heidi, who is a nurse, received a call from her husband while she was still at work. “As a mom and a nurse, I was upset, concerned, scared and my husband, who had witnessed Kenyon’s injury, was sick with worry,” she recalls. Kolby remembers that he “was in worse shape than Kenyon, who handled his injury and pain pretty well.” Kolby and Heidi have both experienced long waits in emergency departments at adult hospitals, but that was not the case when Kenyon was brought to Dayton Children’s. “We were so impressed with the care Kenyon received. After he got back to a treatment room, people were checking on us often to make sure everything was okay. Kenyon was treated like a king.” Dr. Drazner and one of Dayton Children’s orthopaedic residents ordered an x-ray and after seeing the injury in more detail, requested a CT scan to get a better look. A small piece of bone – part of the growth plate – had broken off and was trapped in the joint. “The orthopaedic doctor

at the time explained that Kenyon would need surgery to remove this bone fragment (about half the size of a marble) so the elbow could be returned to its normal position and said that a surgery team could be ready to go that evening. He called one of Dayton Children’s five orthopaedic surgeons – James T. Lehner, MD – who said he could perform the surgery that evening. “Dr. Lehner met with us after the surgery and explained everything he had done. Things went well, and we were able to take Kenyon home that evening,” Kolby recalls. According to Dr. Lehner, the surgery performed to correct Kenyon’s injury, is “pretty straightforward for pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.” However, because the growth plate was involved, this is not straightforward for orthopaedic surgeons specializing in the care of adults. Dr. Lehner explains that because kids heal very quickly, a growth plate injury not treated correctly can heal improperly, causing the bone to end up shorter than normal or be abnormally shaped. “Pediatric orthopaedists see the greatest number of growth plate injuries and are specially trained and experienced in the care of injuries to growing bones and joints.” Kenyon’s last appointment with Dr. Lehner was in March, when he cleared Kenyon to resume normal activities. “The screw in Kenyon’s

5 DaytonChildren’s focus

elbow can stay in unless it becomes uncomfortable. After the bone is fully healed, the screw can be easily removed if the family wants that done,” Dr. Lehner says. “Kenyon is doing wonderfully. He started running with the wrestling team right away and was at every match cheering from the sideline,” Kolby says. “He’s an all-around athlete – football, wrestling, track – you name it.” Today, Kenyon is the eighthgrade quarterback at Tecumseh Middle School. “I love football and I hope to play in high school, but I also want to focus on running track,” Kenyon shares. Kenyon placed first in the 100-meter dash and the 400-meter dash at the Ohio Middle School State track meet in June. He was the first seventh grader in the 21-year-history of this meet to place first in two events. In July, the Watsons traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, so Kenyon could compete nationally in the Junior Olympics. Kenyon placed in the top 20 in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter events out of more than 4,000 competitors. For Kenyon and his parents, it’s been a year of firsts – from Kenyon’s accident during his first wrestling match to his first-place finishes in track and field to his first Junior Olympics. For Kolby and Heidi, their first experience with Dayton Children’s was positive from start to finish, as well. “Family is everything and you all were great to mine,” Heidi says. “From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, your skills, both medically and personally, helped us feel more at ease. Thank you!”

Recovering by leaps and bounds

6 More about the Orthopaedics Center at Dayton Children’s Dayton Children’s orthopaedic physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in pediatric orthopaedics. Our orthopaedic physicians are experts in the treatment of diseases of the pediatric and adolescent musculoskeletal system, including the medical and surgical treatment of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, skin and their related structures. The orthopaedic division manages a wide range of pediatric orthopaedic care from simple fractures to the most complicated congenital anomalies and deformities. The practice has offices at Dayton Children’s, as well as Centerville and Middletown, and has been recognized for patient satisfaction by the Medical Group Management Association. For more information on orthopaedic services, visit childrensdayton. org, Find a Service,

orthopaedics.

Rachael Hayes has had the same dream since her first dance class at age 7 – to be a professional dancer. Thanks to the trusted experts at Dayton Children’s, Rachael’s dreams can still be a reality, even after a severe knee injury.

Rachael has eight dance competitions planned this season with Special Touch Talent Dance Studio in Kettering after a remarkable recovery from knee surgery performed by Craig Shank, MD, pediatric orthopaedist at Dayton Children’s.

achael, a seventh grader at Magsig Middle School in Centerville, was experienced in practicing a technique called a front aerial, which is a forward revolution without the body touching the floor. But that day at the gym, something went terribly wrong.

“When I walked in the door of the gymnastics facility to pick up Rachael, she was hunched over on the floor in tremendous pain and surrounded by several coaches,” recalls Patti Tordilla, Rachael’s grandmother. “Rachael had landed directly on her knee, which was

Welcome the newest team member of orthopaedics John M. Wiemann, MD, is the newest member of the Orthopaedics Center at Dayton Children’s. Dr. Wiemann completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. Dr. Wiemann received his medical degree from the University of California-San Diego and completed an internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Wiemann is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery and brings expertise in hip pain, adolescent hip preservation and scoliosis. When asked why he chose his specialty, Dr. Wiemann shares, “The degree of improvement we can provide to children with both minor and severe musculoskeletal problems is very satisfying. The goal is to provide the ability for a completely normal life and function, and I am able to provide that in most instances.”

quickly starting to swell.” Rachael was first taken to a local urgent care where an x-ray revealed bone fragments in her knee. The urgent care referred Rachael’s family to Craig Shank, MD, one of Dayton Children’s orthopaedic surgeons. Later, an MRI showed the true extent of Rachael’s injuries. Rachael’s fall resulted in a dislocation of her kneecap, and she suffered fractures in her knee joint involving both the thigh bone (femur) and leg bone (tibia). The fractures resulted in loose pieces of bone and cartilage in her knee joint. In addition to the fractures, Rachael had a tear in her meniscus, which is a cartilage structure that’s important to cushioning the knee. “Once the kneecap dislocates, the patient is at risk for repeat dislocations,” explains Dr. Shank. “Rachael needed surgery to remove

the fragments of bone and cartilage and stabilize the kneecap.” For children like Rachael, a competitive dancer and gymnast, the news was heartbreaking. “Rachael was devastated,” says Kathleen Hayes, Rachael’s mother. “The day Rachael had surgery was one of the longest days in our family’s life.” According to Dr. Shank, while knee injuries are common in athletes of all ages, certain injuries, like kneecap dislocations, are much more common in young athletes and the treatment can be different in children than adults. “Pediatric trauma patients and athletes like Rachael are still growing and their open growth plates can complicate the treatment,” says Dr. Shank. “What’s unique about pediatric orthopaedic surgeons is they are trained and experienced in treating patients who are still growing.” After surgery, Rachael was placed in intense physical therapy with John Steiner, a physical therapist who is part of the Orthopaedic Center at Dayton Children’s and has extensive experience rehabilitating young athletes. She was told due to the extent of her injury that it could take up to two years before she could compete in dance or gymnastics again. “While any big injury to the knee joint carries a risk of knee problems or arthritis in the future, I am confident that Rachael will have a strong and stable knee that will last her a long time,” says Dr. Shank. Rachael didn’t have to wait two years to compete again, within just four months she was enrolled in dance camp. “I do not believe in my heart that Rachael would have recovered from such a traumatic injury if it weren’t for Dr. Shank and Dayton Children’s,” says Kathleen. “The high-quality level of care we received so close to home was amazing. Thanks to Dr. Shank and John Steiner, Rachael doesn’t have to sideline her dreams of dancing professionally someday; she’s back and stronger than ever.” Scan this symbol with your smart phone for more on orthopaedic services at Dayton Children’s.

newsbriefs Outpatient testing center now open in Sugarcreek Plaza Dayton

Children’s new outpatient testing center is located at 6116 Wilmington Pike in the Sugarcreek Plaza at the intersection of Clyo Road and Wilmington Pike. The center offers expert diagnostic testing for infants, children and teens, including x-ray, ultrasound, EKG and laboratory testing. A physician referral is required. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Phone: 9 37-641-4792

Key specialists join staff Dayton Children’s continues to focus on reducing wait times for high-demand services. One way we are doing this is by recruiting additional specialty physicians for key areas. Two new neonatologists join Dayton Children’s

•• Ken Schroeter, DO, FAAP, FACOP Welcome to Ken Schroeter, DO, FAAP, FACOP, who joined the department of neonatology and Dayton Children’s Regional Level IIIB Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after practicing medicine at Southern Mississippi Neonatology in Gulfport. Dr. Schroeter also served as an assistant professor of pediatrics, neonatalperinatal medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington. Dr. Schroeter has a medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. He completed a residency in pediatrics at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, and a fellowship in neonatalperinatal medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Dr. Schroeter is board certified in neonatalperinatal medicine and pediatrics.

•• Stephen Hunter, MD Dayton Children’s also welcomes Stephen Hunter, MD, to the department of neonatology. Dr. Hunter received his medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine and completed a pediatric residency and postdoctoral fellowship in neonatology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He is board certified in neonatal-perinatal medicine. He joins us after practicing with Onsite Neonatal Partners as an attending neonatologist. Last year, more than 500 critically-ill newborns were treated in the NICU at Dayton Children’s. Salim Mancho, DO, joins

the department of plastic surgery after completing a pediatric plastic and craniomaxillofacial fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He received his doctorate from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a surgical residency at the Medical College of Ohio and the University of Toledo Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Mancho completed a residency in plastic surgery at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. Dr. Mancho is board certified in surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Stacy Meyer, MD, has joined

the department of endocrinology at Dayton Children’s after completing a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. She received her medical degree from the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and completed a residency in pediatrics at Nationwide.

inside

this issue

Nonproﬁt Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit Number 41 Dayton, Ohio

The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton One Children’s Plaza Dayton, Ohio 45404-1815

Safe teething remedies

6 Recovering by leaps and bounds after knee surgery

Tune in November 19-21, 2012, for the annual K99.1FM Cares for Kids Radiothon to benefit Dayton Children’s.

Outpatient testing center now open in Sugarcreek Plaza

The Breakfast Club hosts, Nancy Wilson and Frye Guy, will broadcast live from Dayton Children’s and will share the courageous stories of our patients. Proceeds provide the highest quality of pediatric health care for infants, children and teens. Help us beat last year’s $200,000 total by calling 888-746-KIDS (5437), donating online at childrensdayton.org/donate or texting KIDCARE to 50555.

News for Families

Playing it safe at school How safe is your

Seasonal child’s school Health playground? Take Alert a few minutes to inspect the playground to make sure equipment is safe and in good repair. At the same time, make sure your child knows how to “play it safe.” continued on page 2…

INSIDE:

Don’t get bit by the flu bug (page 2) Have a “spooktacular” Halloween (page 3)

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