Keeping Our Children Safe
Sunday, July 29, 2012
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The Daily Dispatch
Keeping Our Children Safe
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Children carrying the load: Backpacks and back pain FRANK A. CORBO, DC
Most of the students surveyed are carrying backpacks weighing “We found one 10-year much more than the old female student with recommended limit of a backpack weighing 47 10 percent of their body pounds!” — Dr. Charlotte B. weight. In fact, we found Alexander one 10-year old girl with Children with back a backpack weighing 47 pounds.” pain are reaching almost Young children are epidemic proportions. The culprit, experts say, is suffering from back overloading our children’s pain much earlier than previous generations, backpacks. Often slung and the use of over one shoulder and overweight backpacks filled with everything is a contributing factor, from their lunch to according to the American athletic equipment and Chiropractic Association every book they own, backpacks are weighing in (ACA) . “In my own practice, at alarming rates, and this has physicians concerned. I have noticed a marked increase in the number of Recent studies reveal young children who are that up to 75 percent of school aged children may complaining about back, neck and shoulder pain,” be experiencing not only said Dr. Scott Bautch, past back pain, but also neck president of the ACA’s and shoulder pain too. In fact, studies show that Council on Occupational more than 13,260 injuries Health. “The first question related to backpacks I ask these patients is, ‘Do were treated at hospital you carry a backpack to emergency rooms, school?’ Almost always, doctor’s offices and the answer is yes.” clinics in the year 2000, The percentage of according to estimates children carrying heavy and projections of the U.S. backpacks is on the rise. Consumer Product Safety A disturbing fact reported Commission. in a landmark backpack The results of these study reported in the types of studies are medical journal Lancet especially important as found that almost 35 more and more school percent of schoolchildren districts — many of carry more than them in urban areas — 30 percent of their remove lockers from the bodyweight at least once premises, forcing students a week, exceeding limits to carry their books with proposed for adults! them all day long. This would explain “Carrying overloaded why 67.2 percent of the backpacks causes muscle subjects suffered muscle fatigue and strain”, soreness, 50.8 percent says Dr. Charlotte B. suffered back pain, Alexander. “If you have a 24.5 percent suffered 90-pound female carrying numbness, and 14.7 a 20-pound backpack, percent suffered shoulder then the backpack weight pain. The researchers becomes a medical issue. went on to conclude that SENIOR EDITOR, CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS & FITNESS MAGAZINE
the daily physical stresses associated with carrying a backpack on one shoulder significantly alters the posture and gait (how a child walks) of the youth.
Texas, and colleagues reported, “It is easy to underestimate the large demands required of children in our modern education system. Carrying a day’s worth NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF A of books, supplies, gym HEAVY BACKPACK clothes, and the myriad of items treasured by Wearing the backpack children for many hours on one shoulder can is a difficult task.” worsen the curvature The study went on of the spine possibly to say, “Despite recent contributing to scoliosis. warnings from health A heavier backpack will organizations and the cause your child to bend media, few parents have forward in an attempt to any idea how much support the weight on his heavy lifting their child or her back, rather than is doing by toting their on the shoulders, by the backpack around on a straps. This causes an daily basis. In fact only increase in the natural about 4 percent of the curve of the mid back parents of elementary (called kyphosis) and in school children who were the stress placed on the neck, back and shoulders. carrying the heaviest Another negative effect of loads had ever checked the weight of their child’s increasing this mid-back backpack. Most (96 curve is a decrease in percent) of the parents of the student’s breathing these heavy haulers had mechanics and lung never checked the weight capacity. of their child’s backpack, Students who carried and a third had never packs weighing 25 checked the contents percent of their body at all. Researchers also weight exhibited found that children whose balance problems while parents never checked performing normal activities such as climbing their backpacks tended to carry the heaviest loads stairs or opening doors, and more textbooks than increasing their risk of other children.” falls. BACKPACK SAFETY TIPS BACKPACK LOADING GUIDELINES
Many studies recommend that the weight of a child’s backpack be no more than 10 percent of their body weight. In the January 2003 issue of Archives of Disease in Childhood, study author Bryan Lane, M.D., of the Northside Family Practice Clinic in Temple,
The American Chiropractic Association offers some tips to help prevent the needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household. 1) Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of the body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward
in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps. 2) The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking. 3) A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back. 4) Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry, and the heavier the backpack will be. 5) Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain. 6) Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders. 7) The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain. 8) If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave
the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or workbooks. 9) Although the use of rollerpacks — or backpacks on wheels — has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls. CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP
It is important to remember that children and adolescent youths need backpack limitations that are appropriate for their age, weight, stage of spinal development, growth pattern and fitness level. It is our responsibility as parents and health care practitioners to educate our children on the importance of proper backpack safety. If you or your child experience any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentle type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.
The Daily Dispatch
Keeping Our Children Safe
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Eyes injuries are all too common in children
The active lives that children lead often lead to a few bumps and bruises along the way. While a few bandages and antiseptic creams are par for the course when caring for a child, parents worry about more significant injuries, including eye injuries. According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, any injury to your child’s eye should be considered a medical emergency. Unlike the heart, lungs and brain, there is not much natural protection for the eye beyond a thin eyelid. This makes it easy to suffer an eye injury, especially for kids who play sports. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that eye injuries are a significant health problem in the United States, second only to cataracts as a cause of visual
impairment. Each year, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision. Nearly half (47.6 percent) of all reported eye injuries occur in people between the ages of 18 and 45. Children ages 0 to 18 experience roughly 25 percent of those injuries. Projectiles and flying debris account for the vast majority of eye injuries across all age groups. Among children, some of the more common injuries occur when children are participating in various sports, including: • hockey • archery • darts • BB guns • bicycling • sports that involve rackets • baseball • boxing • basketball
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Toys, fingernails and even chemicals are responsible for some eye injuries in children. It is important to note that 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear. Some sports organizations mandate that children use protective eyewear. But even if it isn’t mandatory, parents should urge children to wear safety goggles.
vision loss. • Bruising: Black eyes or ecchymosis occurs from some sort of trauma to the eye. The tissue around the eye becomes bruised, but usually the eye itself is spared. However, only a doctor can determine if the eye is unscathed. • Corneal abrasions: The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye. A foreign item entering COMMON EYE INJURIES the eye, like sand or debris, may scratch the Certain injuries to the cornea. It also can become eye are more common than scratched by a fingernail others. Here is a look at the or an insect that flies into various types of injuries the eye. A doctor can that can occur. determine the severity of • Chemical burns: the abrasion and if any This is when a child gets treatment is required. any type of chemical into • Hyphema: This is a the eye. Chemicals may condition of blood in the be household cleaning anterior chamber of the objects. These injuries eye where fluid normally require immediate flows in and out to nourish medical attention because eye tissues. Hyphema is they can cause permanent caused by an injury, and
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PREVENTING EYE INJURIES
Eye injuries are largely preventable. Wearing eyewear during sports is essential. Frequent washing of hands and avoiding touching the eyes can prevent the transfer of debris from fingers to the eye. All chemical products should be kept out of reach. If children use cosmetic products, they should not be applied around the eye. Knowing the risks to the eye and how to prevent injury can help ward off serious injuries.
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blood can be seen in the eyeball. It requires prompt medical attention. • Eyelid lacerations: This is a cut on the eyelid. An eyelid laceration may be paired with bruising or even corneal abrasion, depending on what struck the eye. • Fractures: The orbit is the bony area around the eyeball, and an orbital fracture is when the bones around the eye are broken. This may cause severe eye damage depending on where the eye was struck. It definitely requires immediate medical assistance, and facial reconstruction may be necessary. • Burns: Sunburn not
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The Daily Dispatch
Keeping Our Children Safe
Healthy children’s options are now appearing on many restaurant menus
Today’s youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What’s encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating — and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive. The restaurant industry is supporting those efforts by doing its part to address the nation’s healthy living challenges and to help improve children’s nutrition offerings. Last July, the National Restaurant Association launched Kids LiveWell, a first-of-its-kind voluntary program in which participating restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of menu items for children that meet established
Everyone can play an important role in turning the tide and nourishing the health and well-being of children and families. For restaurants, providing and highlighting healthful menu options can help parents and children select menu choices that help young patrons grow and thrive. Make yourself a part of the solution too by supporting the menu items. nutritional criteria based on current dietary recommendations, including the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Well-balanced lifestyle habits established early in childhood, including healthy eating and physical activity, can help to reduce weight gain and the potential risk of disease later in life. The goal is to provide more healthful meal options for children, including a variety of nutrient-rich food groups, when families are dining out.
Through Kids LiveWell, parents are provided with the confidence that they can take their families out to eat and enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal. Across the country, participating restaurants have increased the variety and number of offerings on the children’s menu when it comes to fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, while limiting unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium. By offering more options and pairing
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healthful foods together on one plate, restaurants are providing a real-life opportunity for parents to educate children about well-balanced nutrition choices while eating away from home. Since last year’s kick-off, the number of restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell program has more than tripled and now stands at 68 restaurant brands representing more than 22,000 locations nationwide. The brands range from casual dining such as Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s to neighborhood eateries, from quick serve restaurants like Burger King to fine dining establishments, and the variety and volume of brands is slated to grow as the program further evolves. Parents can learn more at HealthyDiningFinder.com, which also has a mobile website for parents on the go. Follow the program on Twitter @KidsLiveWell and Facebook to stay informed of new participating restaurants and other health and wellness news.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Music education can help with school skills
Music’s efficacy as a teaching tool has long been studied. Though some still doubt if music has any effect on student performance, a strong body of evidence suggests otherwise. Studies into the effects of music on learning are nothing new. Such studies have been conducted for decades, gaining popularity during the 1950s when research was done on something called the “Mozart Effect.” The Mozart Effect theorizes that listening to Mozart can temporarily improve performance and may even boost a person’s IQ. In response, many parents started playing Mozart and other classical music in their homes. By the late 1990s, Baby Einstein, a company that offers a wide range of developmental and entertainment products for babies and toddlers, released a series of CDs and videos that prominently featured classical music amid visual learning sequences for young children. “Baby Mozart,” “Baby Bach” and “Baby Beethoven” were just a few of the videos capitalizing
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on the evidence that children learn more when exposed to classical music. Ongoing research continues to support the theory that music education can help children on many levels. In Canada, a research group from McMaster University conducted their own study into music education. That study, which was published in the journal Brain in 2006, examined two groups of children, ages 4 to 6. Each were taught the same lessons, but one group was also given musical instruction. The study found that the group of children who received musical instruction scored much better than their peers in literacy, mathematics, IQ, and memory skills. Long Island University researchers Joseph Piro and Camilo Ortiz found that children exposed to a multi-year program of music instruction, involving training in increasingly complex rhythmic, tonal, and practical skills, displayed superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared to their peers.
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The Daily Dispatch
Keeping Our Children Safe
Sunday, July 29, 2012
5
Parents should take measures to keep kids safe online
By now, most parents are aware that the entertainment and educational value of the Internet also comes with risks, particularly for children. Protecting children from those risks is a vital concern for any parent whose child uses the web and any web-enabled device. Online child safety measures should encompass steps that protect children from a variety of threats — including damage to a child’s reputation, contact from predators, spamming, bullying, and risks of identity theft. Here are some common online risks and what parents should know about how to protect their children: Online reputation As soon as children become active online they need to understand that what they say and share on the Internet “lives forever.” With a growing number of employers, colleges and universities including social media outlets in the background check process, teenagers’ online activity could potentially impact their ability to be admitted into their college of choice and even their future job prospects. Protecting a child’s
online reputation can be a complex task. Consider parental help sites like SafetyWeb.com. The online tool provides targeted monitoring and customizable utilities to help parents track their children’s presence in cyber space. The tool filters mobile phone and Internet activity for both positive and risky behavior, provides parents with timely alerts, and allows parents to see accounts, photos, friends, tweets, posts, texts and calls through one convenient online dashboard. Online predators The FBI notes that online predators often target children. Some invest a great deal of time, effort and even money into winning a child’s trust, while others engage in immediate inappropriate behaviors and conversations with children. To minimize the risk of children falling victim to sexual predators, the FBI advises parents to make sure their children know to never: • Arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online. • Share pictures of themselves with people they don’t personally know. • Provide identifying
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information like their name, address, school name or phone numbers. • Download pictures from someone they don’t know. • Respond to inappropriate online communication. • Believe that everything they’re told online is true. Email abuse As soon as children learn they can communicate with others via email, they’ll want their own email accounts. As soon as they have an email account, they can become victims of spamming, junk mail, hijacking and malware. To minimize the risks of your child’s email being abused, take these precautions: • Teach children to not open emails, links, posts or online advertisements from someone they don’t know. • Teach children to be wary of emails with attachments, even if they come from an email address they think they recognize. • Show kids how to create and use strong passwords. • Make sure your antivirus and security software is always up to date and active on
computers and other mobile devices. Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is an assault on a child’s online reputation and self-esteem, often by other children. The National Crime Prevention Association (NCPA) defines it as the use of the Internet, cell phones or other electronic devices to “send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.” The organization says cyberbullying affects as many as half of all American teens. NCPA says children can help prevent cyberbullying by refusing to participate in it, speaking out against it when they see it occurring, blocking communication with cyberbullies, and reporting instances to adults they trust. Parents can also help by: • Developing rules for their children about cyberbullying and making sure the kids understand the rules. • Raising awareness of the issue within the community. • Sharing anti-cyberbullying messages and measures with friends. Identity theft
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Protecting a child’s online reputation can be a complex task. Online tools, such as SafetyWeb.com, can provide targeted monitoring and customizable utilities to help parents track their children’s presence in cyber space. Most Americans are aware that identity theft is a significant problem, and that it’s important to take measures to protect your identity. What people might not know is their children may also be targets of identity theft before they even become old enough to own a credit card. The Federal Trade Commission has identified child identity theft as a growing problem and encourages parents to do what they can to minimize the risks to their children. A 2009-2012 Carnegie Melon CyLab study of more than 42,000 children younger than 18 found that
more than 10 percent had someone else using their Social Security numbers. The youngest victim was just 5 months old. To reduce the risk of children falling victim to identity thieves, parents should protect minors’ Social Security numbers. Never carry your child’s Social Security card, and if a company, school or medical provider requests it, ask why it’s needed and if you can provide some alternate form of identification. Teach children the importance of this valuable number and to never share it unless truly called for.
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Keeping Our Children Safe
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, July 29, 2012
How to help your children understand medication Kids are curious by nature, and few things parents do go unnoticed by their children. Though it’s good to encourage their curiosity, children might be in danger if their curiosity takes them to the medicine cabinet. According to research conducted at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the number of children under five who required emergency medical care because of household pharmaceutical poisonings increased by 28 percent between 2001 and 2008. Dr. Randall Bond, who led the research, noted that 95 percent of those hospital visits were related to kids getting into someone’s medicine and not a result of misdosing of their own medications. The reasons for those increased hospital visits can
vary and might very well be a product of an increased reliance on prescription medications, which are now more prevalent in most family homes than they used to be. For example, the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital notes that prescriptions for oxycodone, a painkiller that can prove deadly if ingested by a child, have increased by 500 percent in recent years. That growing presence only increases the chances accidents might occur when curious kids find these medications around the house. Regardless of the reasons behind the hospital visits, parents must take steps to ensure their children are safe from prescription medicines around the house. One way to do just that is to explain medications to
kids, whether it’s about their own medicines or something Mom, Dad or their siblings might take to treat an existing condition. • Explain the function of medication. Few children want to take medication, but explaining its function and how it should improve their health is a good way to reduce kids’ unwillingness to take their medicine. Discuss the child’s symptoms before administering the medicine and explain how it will alleviate those symptoms. When doing so, read the instructions to kids, making a point to explain why it’s important to follow the dosage instructions and how ignoring those dosing guidelines can prove very dangerous. • Acknowledge that medicine is not candy. Kids often don’t like taking medication because it doesn’t taste good. Acknowledge
that and use this as a chance to explain that medicine isn’t candy and shouldn’t be treated as such. This is especially important if medication is in pill form and doesn’t really have a taste that kids abhor. If the pills are brightly colored kids might be more inclined to take them and then take more of them when you’re not looking. So it’s important to explain that medicine isn’t candy no matter what it looks like, and that it should only be taken in Mom and Dad’s presence and in strict adherence to dosage guidelines. • Explain why medicines aren’t stored with food. Another good way to teach kids about medicine is to explain why medications aren’t stored with food. Explain that it might be safe to sneak an extra cupcake here or there, but that it’s never safe
to sneak an extra pill or dose of medicine when Mom and Dad aren’t looking, and that’s why medicines are stored in areas that kids can’t easily access, if at all. • Explain prescription labels to children. A prescription label can also be a valuable tool when teaching kids about medications. Point out certain symbols kids won’t soon forget, like poison symbols or skulls, and explain that they should never take anything out of such bottles without Mom or Dad present. Also, point out the doctor’s name on your own prescriptions, and explain that not even Mom and Dad can take medication unsupervised. This illustrates to kids that everyone, even grownups, must be under supervision when taking medication.
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The Daily Dispatch
Keeping Our Children Safe
Sunday, July 29, 2012
7
Opting out of vaccinations Fresh ideas for making healthy school lunches for kids is potentially dangerous Childhood vaccinations are issued to help prevent children from getting sick by building their immunity to diseases that were once prolific. But in the wake of confusing information regarding the safety of vaccinations, particularly the concern that some may be linked to the onset of autism, more and more parents are opting out of having their children vaccinated -- sometimes with unfortunate consequences. Many diseases that are effectively prevented by simple vaccines have cropped up once more. This can be attributed to children simply not getting fully vaccinated. Nearly 80 percent of parents are uncomfortable about having their children vaccinated, according to a survey analyzed by researchers at the CDC. Pain from the needle itself and uncertainty about the safety of vaccines is leading many parents to forego shots or delay certain vaccinations until their children are older. It is estimated that roughly 8 percent of American children are now not getting regular vaccinations or doing alternate schedules, and 2 percent are not getting shots at all. Some parents would like to have their children vaccinated but have postponed routine visits due to unemployment and subsequent loss of health insurance. Some areas have even fell victim to budget cuts that have led to shortages of necessary vaccines. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert regarding Haemophilus influenza type b, commonly referred to as Hib. Five children in Minnesota contracted the disease, three of whom who were not vaccinated. The CDC also reported that there were 17 outbreaks and 222 cases of measles reported in 2011. A disease that was essentially wiped out in North America is now showing up again and the numbers are rising. Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist, said that in 2011 the United States had the highest number of measles cases of any country in the last 15 years. Although it is likely that most of the cases were contracted outside of the country, kids who haven’t been vaccinated are highly susceptible
Confrontations focusing on diet between children and parents have been around seemingly since the beginning of time. Many children start off as cooperative eaters, anxious to try different types of foods. As they get older, the number of foods they’re apt to eat diminishes, which can make choosing healthy items for lunches and dinners more difficult. It also can make packing lunches for school more challenging. Considering school lunches must compete with far less healthy yet widely available alternatives, parents will need to be creative in their creation of homemade lunches. Here
are some ideas to get you started. • Purchase a new lunch container. There are many different new and innovative lunch containers that can make separating school lunches easy. Few kids want to dig into a brown paper sack and pull out something that has been so squashed it’s unrecognizable. Partitioned lunch boxes enable you to pack different items together where they can be stored separately. The divisions also help you remember to include foods from the basic food groups, such as a fruit, vegetable, protein, starch and dairy item. • Have your child
make a list of his or her favorite foods. Once the list has been made, see how you can make the foods healthier. For example, if chicken nuggets make the list, prepare your own nuggets with white meat chunks that are baked, not fried. If there are a number of bread items, see if you can substitute whole grain breads instead of white, bleached varieties. • Get creative. Children may not be inclined to eat loose pieces of fruit. But if the fruit is stuck on skewers or served with a low-fat dipping sauce or caramel, it may look more appealing. Look to “mini” foods, which tend to be more fun as well.
Nearly 80 percent of parents are uncomfortable about having their children vaccinated, according to a survey analyzed by researchers at the CDC. It is estimated that roughly 8 percent of American children are now not getting regular vaccinations or doing alternate schedules, and 2 percent are not getting shots at all. to measles onset as a result, potentially leading to a greater number of outbreaks in the United States and Canada. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory disease that was once considered eradicated but has also made a resurgence. Various states across the country have reported many whopping cough outbreaks, to the point that it has been labeled an epidemic once more. Health officials in Washington state have said that the number of outbreaks from spring 2012 are the highest since the 1940s. While whooping cough is usually not fatal among older children and young adults, it can be very dangerous for infants. Most health professionals agree that vaccinations are important to the well-being of the child and the community, providing the safest way to prevent certain diseases or reduce their severity.
Get your copy of our Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. Car crashes kill more teens than murder or suicide. That’s why I want every parent to have a copy of our Allstate Foundation Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. It gives important tips on how to talk to teens about driving safe. And lets parents and teens agree on the ground rules and consequences together. Call me or come in today for your free copy. Jeff Ayscue (252) 438-2299 946-A2 W. Andrews Ave. Henderson jeffayscue@allstate.com
Call or come in today for your Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts 2007-2009. Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company.
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The Daily Dispatch
Keeping Our Children Safe
The search for a safer car for your teen When the time comes to purchase a car, your teenagers might be dreaming of hot wheels. They may be thinking sporty, while you’re looking for reliability and affordability. In fact, 81 percent of parents put reliability first when choosing a vehicle for a teen, followed by a high safety rating and affordable auto insurance, according to a recent survey commissioned by USAA. Mother of two and automotive expert Lauren Fix understands those results. “I can replace cars, but I can’t replace a kid,” says Fix, known as The Car Coach. Use these tips to help you and your teen settle on a car that fits your budget and offers you peace of mind. NEW OR USED?
The price may be right for used cars, but they may lack technological safeguards. Newer cars tend to have the high-tech safety systems that reassure parents. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps drivers maintain control of a vehicle, is standard in all 2012
safety and affordability. • Check crash-test ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety releases its Top Safety Picks each year. • Get the CARFAX Vehicle History Report, if you’re buying a used car. This report, found through a car’s VIN or license tag number, can alert you if a car’s been totaled in a previous accident or damaged in a flood. “Do not buy a You want your children to drive a car that’s not in and out flood-damaged car under of the repair shop and that’s safer on the road. But you any circumstances,” also want them to take responsibility for the vehicle. warns Fix, noting that catastrophic water cars. Front air bags are technology, enlist damage voids any mandated, and though your young drivers to warranties and recall not required by the help with a little more government, side air bags research before you make notices. • Ask a trusted are standard in many a purchase. mechanic to inspect a new cars. Some models • Whether new or used car. While CARFAX have back-up collision used, make sure the serves as a valuable tool, intervention that can price is right. Use online Fix warns that not every apply the brakes before resources to compare car makes it into the the driver does. the sticker price, which database. “If a person had There’s no retrofitting the dealer wants you to a flood-damaged car, they for most safety features, pay; the invoice price, could air it out and you’d notes Fix. “You can always which is what the dealer never know,” she warns. tint windows and add paid; and the true market Have an Automotive seat covers,” she says. price. USAA Car Buying Service Association-certi“You can’t add ESC or air Service offers research fied mechanic check the bags.” Rearview cameras tools and a network of car inside, outside and can be installed after dealers to help you find underneath. the fact, but Fix warns the right car at the right • Investigate the monitor is typically price for you. insurance costs. While smaller than manufacturer• USAA’s top 10 cars affordable insurance installed versions. for teens on its Best Value ranked third as a key vehicles list highlights THE BIGGER PICTURE factor in the USAA cars for teens based on sur vey, some aspects factors like reliability, Looking beyond are out of your control.
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Sunday, July 29, 2012
Recognizing ADHD in children As kids watch their last few days of summer vacation slowly slip away, their parents are preparing them for a return to the classroom. Some kids can’t wait to get back to school, where they can continue their studies and spend time with their friends. Others, though, might not look forward to new schoolwork, and that might be because of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD is a common condition in which children experience problems with paying attention or concentrating. Such problems can make it difficult for kids to excel in the classroom. Many children have ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD, while other experts feel ADHD occurs in as many as 10 percent of school-aged children. Because it’s so prevalent, ADHD is a concern for many parents, who want their children to enter the classroom on an even playing field. Parents who suspect their children have difficulty paying attention or concentrating can look for certain warning signs or symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in children are grouped
into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. A child with ADHD will: • exhibit a tendency to make careless mistakes in school or other activities, • frequently shift from one uncompleted activity to another, • procrastinate, • struggle to finish schoolwork or perform tasks that require concentration, • be distracted by irrelevant stimuli. Hyperactivity symptoms can manifest themselves rather early and are almost always present before a child reaches his or her seventh birthday. Symptoms of hyperactivity include: • fidgeting or squirming when seated, • frequently getting up to walk around, • running or climbing excessively when it’s inappropriate, • talking excessively. Impulsivity can lead to accidents, be it knocking objects over or banging into people. Impulsive children may also engage in dangerous activities without considering the consequences. Symptoms may include: • impatience, • difficulty delaying responses Parents who want more information on ADHD can visit nimh.nih.gov.
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