for your
health
25 school sbus afe-
million
Injury-prevention expert provides tips on minimizing the risk of children getting hurt
U.S. students ride a bus to and from school each day.
Now that the school year is well under way, kids have settled into their routines. It’s a good time for parents to reinforce the safety lessons about school buses – especially the dangers when kids are boarding or exiting. Dawne Gardner, injury prevention coordinator in the Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center at Cincinnati Children’s, says those moments can have the biggest consequences. “A 10-foot blind spot known as the ‘danger zone’ surrounds the school bus on all sides and obstructs the driver’s view,” she says. “Children who are not aware of this blind spot may mistakenly think that if they can see the bus, the bus driver can see them.” She encourages children to take five giant steps back from the curb as the school bus approaches, and to remember that the front and back of the bus are the most dangerous areas. Even if your child is not one of the 25 million U.S. students who ride a bus to and from school each day, it’s likely that he or she will board a school bus over the course of the year for things like field trips, extracurricular activities and athletic events.
While waiting for the bus: n Children should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is expected to arrive. This will limit the dangerous impulse to “run to catch” the bus.
No horseplay and stay out of the roadway, including backpacks and other belongings
n
Step well away from an approaching bus, and never move toward until it has stopped and the driver opens the door.
n
Avoid the school bus “danger zone” by staying 10 feet away from the front or back of the bus so that the driver can see you.
n
While riding the bus: n If a child drops something, they should tell the bus driver and make sure the driver is able to see them before they pick it up.
Make sure that drawstrings, backpack straps, scarves and loose clothing cannot get caught on the bus handrail, door or the seats.
n
safety first
n
Children should remain seated, facing forward at all times.
n
Avoid behavior, including shouting, that could distract the driver.
After the bus ride:
Dawne Gardner, MBA
n
Never leave your seat until the bus makes a complete stop.
An injury prevention coordinator in the Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center at Cincinnati Children’s.
n
Use handrails when exiting the bus.
n When crossing the street in front of the bus, make eye contact with the driver and wait until the driver indicates it’s safe. n
Look left, right and left again before crossing the street. 1
ask the
Denise Warrick, MD
pediatrician
at Cincinnati Children’s.
advocate for yo u r child’s h e a lt h The Family Resource Center
The center helps families, community providers and agencies find health information, community resources and support. Call 513-636-7606 for assistance.
Specia l N e ed s R esour c e Direc to ry
Use this directory to find information, resources and advocacy strategies at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/
when the doctor — b e c o m e s —
the mommy
special-needs.
Join Sp e c i a l Connec t i o n s
Our new online community connects with others parenting a child with special healthcare needs: www.cincinnatichildrens. inspire.com.
Madeline
E l i z a b e t h Wa r r i c k
born: May 16, 2015 length: 20.5 inches weight: 7 lbs. 10 oz. Our “Ask the Pediatrician” expert, Denise Warrick, MD, is used to answering questions about child health and parenting. But in this edition, we had a whole bunch of questions.
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And why not? She recently had her first baby.
Pediatrician, General and Community Pediatrics
have Questions?
If you have a question for the pediatrician, email youngandhealthy@cchmc.org
j o in a
Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s conduct hundreds of studies each year to figure out why people get sick and what treatments might help them. Discoveries researchers make in the lab can lead to even better treatments and ways to prevent diseases from happening in the first place. Did you know you could be part of the process of helping our scientists solve medical mysteries? You can participate by joining a research study. Here’s what we’re recruiting
What have been the best moments?
DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE EPILEPSY?
A: When she looks at me and smiles. Her smiles, coos and laughter make me forget all the other challenges of parenthood. It’s exciting for me to look at her and think about what her personality will be like and what she will be like when she grows up.
2 to 13 Year Olds Needed for a Research Study
What: We want to learn more about an investigational drug that is given as a spray in the nose. We also want to see how the body processes the drug and if it is safe in children and teens who have seizures. Who: Children and teens, 2 to 13 years old, who: Have a diagnosis of epilepsy and Weigh between 22 and 132 pounds Pay: Participants will receive a Kindle Fire, $25 Amazon gift card and up to $325 for their time and travel for completing all three study visits. Contact: Jessica McIntyre at jessica.mcintyre@cchmc.org • 513-803-7439
Has your baby’s sleeping habits affected yours? A: I had always heard the old adage “sleep when the baby sleeps.” This is definitely easier said than done! Unfortunately, the arrival of a new baby doesn’t mean that household chores (dishes, laundry, etc.) go away. It’s important to rest when you can, eat well and stay active. By taking good care of yourself, it’s much easier to handle the stresses of new parenthood. Also, I’ve learned that it’s much easier to accept help from others than to do it all on your own.
STUDY FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS WHO ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY MAKING ENOUGH MILK
Does being a pediatrician give you particular insight into caring for a newborn?
Milk Supply Study
A: During my pediatrics training, I learned all the textbook answers to parent’s questions. As you might guess, things rarely go by the book. For example, I would tell my patient’s parents to keep their children upright after feedings for 20-30 minutes to help with reflux. My daughter has reflux and it’s certainly difficult to follow my own advice at 4 a.m.! I have also gained more understanding and compassion for parents about the logistical challenges of getting through the day with an infant, things like taking a shower or going to the grocery store. My husband is also a pediatrician so we often talk about things and say “is this normal?” or “what do you think?” This helps to keep us grounded.
What: This research study will help us learn about the causes of low milk supply. Participating mothers will be loaned a baby scale and breast pump during the study. Mothers will also be given a summary of how much milk they are making. Who: Breastfeeding mothers whose babies are between 1 week and 2 months old and who are supplementing with formula Pay: Participants may receive up to $220 for time and effort. Contact: Erin Wagner at erin.wagner@cchmc.org • 513-636-46591 STUDY FOR TEENAGERS BEING SEEN AT CINCINNATI CHILDREN’S FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES
When was your baby’s first visit to the doctor and were you nervous? A: We went to our newborn baby visit when she was 3 days old. We were nervous, but it was reassuring to hear she was gaining enough weight with breastfeeding. It’s very different being the “parent” vs the “pediatrician.” As a pediatrician, it’s much easier to be objective. Yet, I now realize we as pediatricians often take for granted all the time and energy parents commit to their child’s overall health and well-being.
How are you going to coordinate schedules when you return to work? A: I’ve been fortunate to take 12 weeks of maternity leave. I returned to work full-time in August and our child will be starting daycare. It’s a challenge. They’re fully-trained and capable, but these people will see your child more than you will and witnessing some of your child’s greatest milestones. I have to tell myself that my husband and I are modeling a good work ethic for our daughter and that one day that she will be proud of her parents and their chosen careers. I grew up in a family of two working parents and have incredible respect for what they do and how their raised me and my brother.
Has motherhood changed your views the things that are most important in life? A: Motherhood has certainly changed my outlook on the world. My family comes first. I am no longer jam-packing our week with activities and social events. Instead, I’m content to spend most evenings cuddling on the couch or taking a walk around the neighborhood with my daughter and the dog. In terms of work, this means charting or catching up on emails late at night in favor of getting a few hours of quality time together before my baby falls asleep.
How did you select your baby’s name? And was there any “debate” within your family? A: My husband and I looked through several names before we found one we could agree on. Family names are very common for us so it often gets confusing at family reunions. We wanted something unique yet classic and easy to pronounce. Luckily we had a girl because we could never agree on any boy names!
researchstudy
FL3X (Flexible, Lifestyle, Empowering Change) Study What: This is a research study to learn more about how we can help teens with type 1 diabetes improve their blood sugar, reduce their risk of complications from the condition, and improve their quality of life. Who: Teenagers 13 to 16 years old: Who have had type 1 diabetes for at least one year and Whose most recent A1c (average blood sugar level) is between 8 and 13 percent. A parent will also be asked to participate. Pay: Families may receive up to $995 for time and effort to complete this 18-month study. Contact: Emily Smith at emily.smith2@cchmc.org • 513-803-9200
about this issue produced by
The Department of Marketing & Communications Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 9012, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026 Phone: 513-636-4420 Chris Peltier, MD, and Zeina Samaan, MD Denise Warrick, MD Tom O’Neill/managing editor Tine Hofmann, tm photography Christina Ullman & Alix Northrup, Ullman Design
@cincychildrens
facebook.com/cincinnatichildrensfans
fa ll 2015 Young and Healthy is a quarterly publication from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. For more health news and patient stories, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter online at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/subscribe © 2015 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
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l i b e r t y
c a m p u s > > n ow a
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full service hospital
beds , expanded pharmac y and specialty clinics , blood bank , full-service cafeteria , family resource room – all in convenient location More
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With the recent opening of a $48 million expansion project, the Liberty Campus at Cincinnati Children’s officially became a full-service hospital - and a clearer choice for many families. The hospital is conveniently located along Interstate-75 in Butler County, a growing area in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. The fourth-floor addition, complete with 42 total beds and expanded amenities, offers greater accessibility and services and further solidifies our primary mission—to take care of the children in our own community. Jeanette Holliday of West Chester Township realized the importance of having a top-ranked pediatric hospital in her neighborhood when her son Tyler faced a life and death situation in May 2010. The 8-year-old came to the Liberty Campus emergency room in septic shock and was later transported to the Burnet Campus. He had the tick-borne illness Rocky
b u ilding b e tt e r
patient rooms
n
Mountain spotted fever, which had taken over most of his body function by the time of his arrival. “His life-saving began right here,” says Holliday, a member of the Family Advisory Council at at the Liberty Campus. “Because of what Cincinnati Children’s can do, I still have my son; my other sons have their brother. Whether you have utilized the services of Cincinnati Children’s or not, I think knowing there is a pediatric hospital so close is a level of comfort any parent would be proud to have.” The Liberty expansion is equally important to local physicians affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s, including James Davis, MD, of Oxford Pediatrics & Adolescents Inc. “They have moved the mountain 30 minutes closer to our kids,” he says. “It eliminates the proximity problem so there are no more compromises. And, it gives our kids the advantage of being exposed to the knowledge, resources and focus that is part of Cincinnati Children’s. That 30-minute difference is going to save many lives.”
Lar g e wind ow s deliver natural light, and
interactive artwork on the ceiling tiles allow children to relax and play without having to leave
Work s tations located between every two rooms, give nurses a place to assess their patients’ needs and prepare any resources before entering the space. Each station includes windows into the patient rooms that give nurses and physicians easy and constant visibility.
n
n
Work s tati ons a u ni que pass- throug h system permits staff to restock
supplies and collect trash without ever stepping foot in the patient’s room. Secured openings in the wall keep essential tools and medications supplied and ready for use with minimal interruption to the patient’s privacy.
n
larger i n pat i e nt r o oms t h a n eve r be f ore
families can comfortably occupy the room while their child is admitted. Sleeper couches and extra curtains surrounding the family space provide heightened comfort and privacy.
focus on
protect your child's health
va c c i n e s
Vac c i n es 101
Good health policy, good common sense Measles, flu and other communicable diseases are readily preventable – if parents take that step Robert Frenck, Jr., MD, believes that vaccination programs in the U.S. have – in one sense – become victims of their own extraordinary success. He strongly urges parents to fully vaccinate their children, but as the director of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children’s, he also sees a generation of current parents who grew up without seeing the serious complications of measles, influenza and other communicable diseases. Vaccines have been so effective, Frenck says, that some parents underestimate their importance. “Just because many deadly diseases such as polio are no longer common,” he says, “people should not stop getting vaccinated.” Many parents are unaware that measles also can be deadly. Once declared "eliminated" in the U.S., the number of reported cases of measles averaged about 60 per year from 2001 and 2010. Last year, there were 644 cases. Part of that dramatic increase was an outbreak of measles at Disneyland near Los Angeles, where about 150 kids were infected because their parents hadn’t gotten them inoculated. The flu is another highly contagious, but easily contained, virus. "Kids are known spreaders of infection, so immunizing them can have a big impact on the rate and severity of infection in the community,” Frenck says.
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flu shots are no w availa ble
Frenck and other experts urge parents to be diligent at following vaccination schedules.
Here are a few tips on keeping your child
Robert Frenck, Jr., MD
Director of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children’s
Kids are known spreaders of infection, so immunizing them can have a big impact on the rate and severity of infection in the community
>>
Cocooning first 6 months despite being vaccinated still are at risk of contracting pertussis (whooping cough). The Academy of Pediatrics is a proponent of “cocooning.” This means that everyone around the baby - parents, siblings grandparents, friends, and caregivers – is immunized. Immunized kids and adults are less likely to spread pertussis to the baby.
> > Flu vaccine
everyone older than 6 months
Not only does flu vaccine protect your child, immunizing children can significantly reduce flu in adults because the kids are the ones who bring it home from school. The vaccine is available by nasal mist (fine for most healthy kids over 2 years of age) or injection.
> > DTaP, MMR & Varicella shots
over the age of 4
Children ages 4 to 6 should receive a DTaP, MMR and Varicella shots. At about 11 years of age they should receive Tdap, MCV4 (meningococcal) and HPV (papilloma virus) vaccines.
> > hpv
for girls and boys
Both girls and boys should receive HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine starting at age 11 or 12. HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer in girls and rectal and penile and other cancers in boys. It is part of an “adolescent platform” of vaccines that the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend.
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>> SI G N U P F OR
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Young and Heal thy M ONTHLY E -N EW SL ETT E R
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inside
t hi s i s s u e
l i b e r t y e x pa n s i o n
Improved campus along I-75 is now a full service hospital
a s k t h e p e di a t r ici a n What happens when the doctor becomes a first-time mom.
f a ll 2015
healthy
young and
A guide to your child’s good health
fall into
wellness
Learn how to prepare for the upcoming season