15 minute read
Good Growing Newsletter
A Seattle Children’s Publication | Fall 2021
Anxiety Disorders Are Common and Treatable
Anxiety is a normal emotion. However, for some kids, it’s a too-big, too-frequent feeling that affects their overall happiness — and sometimes, even their ability to function. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders among children and teens.
The symptoms vary from child to child. One common symptom is fear centered around parents or caregivers, such as being away from them, or fearing they’ll die. Kids may fear being embarrassed or making mistakes in social situations. They may worry a lot about everyday events like tests or sports contests, or huge events like global warming. Sometimes, they fixate on dirt or germs, or develop a specific phobia. These are just some of many possible symptoms.
We feel anxiety in our bodies in the form of headaches, stomachaches, racing heart, dizziness, and quick breathing. When they happen frequently, these feelings can interfere with our lives and disrupt our sleep and appetite — and may even be mistaken as symptoms of a physical illness.
Understandably, excess anxiety can lead a child to avoid situations like school, social
Safely Dispose of Unwanted and Expired Medicines
One way to prevent unintentional ingestion of medicine and medicine misuse is by safely disposing of medicines that you no longer need as soon as possible. Drop-boxes are located throughout Washington at participating retail pharmacies, hospital and clinic pharmacies and law enforcement offices. Most prescription and over-the-counter medicines are accepted.
to learn more: Visit takebackyourmeds.org to find a drop-box near you. events, and activities they once enjoyed. If untreated, this can cause them to become withdrawn and depressed.
There is no single cause of anxiety disorders. Some children seem to have an anxious nature from birth. Often, kids with anxiety disorders have parents or other family members who also have excess anxiety. In any case, it’s nobody’s fault.
Sometimes, in trying to help their child cope, parents and caregivers unknowingly model fearful behavior that can amp up their child’s symptoms rather than ease them. So, if you suspect your child has an anxiety disorder, seek expert help right away. Research shows that the treatment that helps the most is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on exposures or facing one’s fears. Ideally, caregivers are active participants in this treatment; for young children, the medical expert may work just with the parents.
Your child’s doctor may be able to help you find resources or providers that specialize in this treatment. And in addition to CBT, there are many free resources available online or via apps to help get you started.
Let your child know that together, you’ll do whatever’s needed to overcome this challenge. Anxiety disorders are not lifetime disorders — this problem is changeable. With some help, anxiety won’t be calling the shots in their life anymore!
Pinkeye: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Th e Consumer Product Safety Commission has said it will stop companies from selling infant sleep products that do not meet sleep-safety standards. Th ese unsafe products include infant hammocks, in-bed sleepers, and inclined sleepers. Tragically, these types of products have been linked to more than 100 infant deaths. Unfortunately, this mandate does not go into eff ect until next year, and some companies that produce these unsafe products may take advantage of a loophole by removing the word ‘sleep’ from their product names — and then continue to market them. To see whether a product has been recalled or is linked to injuries, go to www.SaferProducts.gov. To learn more, watch the ‘Safe Sleep for Your Baby’ video using the link below.
to learn more: Visit tinyurl.com/uzedzkbs.
Conjunctivitis, better known as pinkeye, is a common eye infection. It can be caused by the same viruses and bacteria that result in colds and other infections. Pinkeye can spread through coughing and sneezing, by touching an infected person, or by touching something an infected person has touched. Not surprisingly, it can sweep through daycares and schools. Besides the red or pink color, eye discomfort is also a symptom — including itchiness and a gritty feeling under the eyelids. Th ere may also be a goopy discharge, along with swollen eyelids and sensitivity to bright light. Handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes help prevent the spread of pinkeye. If you think your child has it, see their healthcare provider to determine if treatment is needed. Viral pinkeye usually goes away without any treatment, while the bacterial type is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Pinkeye that’s caused by allergies or by irritants (like chlorine or smoke) is not contagious, but treatment can ease the symptoms.
Preventing Flu and COVID-19
COVID has dominated news headlines for many months, but it’s not the only health threat out there. Th e seasonal fl u is also heading our way. We must all take action to prevent getting sick from these contagious — and potentially dangerous — viruses.
To prevent the seasonal u, everyone 6 months and older should get the fl u vaccine every year. It’s reformulated each year to protect against the fl u viruses that science predicts will be most common that fl u season. It takes about two weeks for the fl u vaccine to protect us from the fl u, so aim for you and family to get the vaccine by the end of October.
To prevent COVID-19, everyone who is eligible should get the COVID vaccine, which is now available for ages 12 and older. (At the time this newsletter was published, a vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 was expected in early to midwinter — possibly sooner. For those under 5, it’s expected sometime in 2022.) People are fully vaccinated two weeks aft er their second shot of the two-dose Pfi zer or Moderna vaccines, and two weeks aft er the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. If you have questions about any vaccine, ask your doctor.
Th e super-contagious COVID delta variant is surging and is causing severe illness for some unvaccinated children and adults. To protect our kids and ourselves, even fully vaccinated people should mask up, avoid crowds, and practice social distancing. And to help prevent both the seasonal fl u and COVID, we should always practice the basics: wash hands frequently, stay home when sick, and avoid others who are sick.
to learn more: Visit cdc.gov/fl u/symptoms/fl u-vs-covid19. htm.
Growth-Plate Injuries
Children and teens have patches of growing tissue near the ends of their long bones. Th ese areas are called growth plates, and they determine how long a child’s bones will be once they are fully grown. When kids break bones, they may also damage their growth plates. Th is can cause the bone to stop growing or to grow unevenly. Most growth-plate fractures occur in the long bones of the fi ngers, forearms, and lower legs. Since growth plates can’t be seen on an X-ray, a child may need an MRI or other scan to check for growth-plate damage. To avoid long-term problems, it’s important to see a doctor who specializes in growth-plate injuries in children and teens.
Picky Eaters
It’s common for toddlers to become picky eaters, or to have less of an appetite than when they were younger. It’s also common for parents to worry that their child isn’t getting the nutrition they need — and pediatricians do a lot of reassuring on this topic! Indeed, these changes in eating habits and appetite are normal. Keep off ering your toddler healthy choices and keep introducing new foods — bearing in mind that they may need to be off ered a new food as many as 10 to 15 times before they will eat it. Don’t force or pressure your child to eat, and don’t keep them in their highchair if they’re clearly not interested in eating. If you’re worried or have specifi c concerns, talk with your child’s doctor.
Pedestrian Safety for Kids
As pedestrians, children are more apt to be injured than adults and older teens — mostly because of their smaller size and lack of brain development. As you go about your daily activities, talk with your child about how to be safe around traffi c. Point out the sounds and sights of moving vehicles and help your child tune in to them. Be sure they understand that drivers oft en can’t see them — especially when their vehicle is backing up. Since young kids can’t judge the distance and speed of vehicles, don’t let children younger than 10 cross the street alone or go into it to retrieve a ball. Be a strong role model by removing earbuds, using crosswalks, and always looking left , right, and left again before crossing.
Quick Tip
Check that you have a working smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement. Change batteries once a year.
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Regional Clinic Locations
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Primary Care Clinic
• Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic
Main Hospital Numbers
206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (Toll-free)
Online Resources
Visit seattlechildrens.org for the following: • Child Health Advice • my Good Growing email newsletter • Doctor Finder • On The Pulse and Autism blogs • Medical condition information • Health & safety information • Ways to help Seattle Children’s • Research Institute information
Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can fi nd Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2021 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.
As the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to adjust or postpone our classes and events to follow public health recommendations. We now offer some classes online while some are on pause. Please check our website for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar.
PARENTING CLASSES
Autism 101
This free 90-minute lecture is designed to provide information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. A portion of each session is dedicated to answering questions from the attendees. View dates, learn how to join the live stream or view a past lecture at seattlechildrens.org/ autism101. Email Autism101@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.
Autism 200 Series
Autism 200 is a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. Each class features a different topic. Classes are on pause, but you can view past Autism 200 lectures at seattlechildrens.org/ autism200. Email Autism200@seattlechildrens. org if you have questions.
Babysafe
Babysafe is a 4-hour class for new and expectant parents and others who care for babies. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and care of common injuries for infants from birth through 12 months of age. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced, but this is not a certification class. This class is currently available virtually via Zoom. The fee is $85 and each registration is good for two people from the same family. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
This free class is for adults who regularly interact with adolescents ages 12 to 18. Youth Mental Health First Aid will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed. Youth Mental Health First Aid is now available as a two-part virtual series. The series includes a self-guided course and a live instructor-led course. The date you register for is the date of the live instructor-led course. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions. CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES
Better Babysitters
For youth, ages 11 to 14. Students learn about responsible babysitting, basic child development, infant and child care, safety, handling emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business tips and parent expectations. This is currently a two-part class, with sessions taking place via Zoom on two consecutive weekend dates. Each session is two hours long. The fee is $50. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
Body Talk: Building Body Wisdom
For all preteens, ages 9 to 12 and a grownup. This is no ordinary class on nutrition and fitness. Body Talk is about learning new tools together that help us understand how our bodies and minds work as we eat and move. Topics include how to build a healthy relationship with food and trust yourself as an eater, and how to build a healthy relationship with exercise and trust yourself as a mover. This class is offered as a two-part online workshop series. The fee is $45. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.
CPR and First Aid for Babysitters
For youth, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills. Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED completion card, which is valid for two years. This class is offered as a two-part series. The series includes a virtual session as well as a short in-person skills check. The fee is $75. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
The Chat
The Chat is a new online workshop series on puberty and sex that reflects the content from the in-person classes, For Boys and For Girls. Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 10 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult. You may take any individual workshop or all five. If you register for all five events, we recommend starting with BO, Pimples and Hair — Oh My! and ending with Being Connected: Sex, Love and Everything In Between. While families can choose to attend any combination of workshops, the information in earlier sessions provides a foundation for understanding later sessions. The fee is $25 per workshop or the series of five for $100. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.
EVENTS
Free Car-Seat Checks by Appointment Only
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 23 WHERE: Seattle Children’s REGISTER: seattlechildrens.org/carseatchecks Register for an appointment and come learn how to safely secure your child in the car. Child passenger safety experts will check your child in a car seat, booster seat or the seat belt and answer any questions you may have. The car-seat check will follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
Free Virtual Car-Seat Checks
King County Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car-seat check appointments via video-chat platforms. For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura.miccile@ kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664. South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County are offering free virtual car-seat classes. Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.
continued from page 22 indicating that you are on the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop. Dedicated in 2008, the loop is a 6-mile, multiuse loop around the lake that connects parks, pocket parks, street ends and waterways. Named for a Duwamish man who once lived on the lake’s shoreline, the loop features signs that share histories of the lake and how it sustained local tribes.
Vi Hilbert Ethnobotanical
Garden • seattleu.edu As a child, Upper Skagit elder Vi Hilbert was punished for speaking her native Coast Salish language of Lushootseed. As an adult, she spent decades working with linguists to document and preserve the language. This Seattle University garden honors her work, as well as the relationship between Native American peoples, their land and their languages. Makah Museum • makahmuseum.com At the western tip of Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula is the ancestral home of the Makah people, famous for their whaling rituals and practice. The renowned Makah Museum exhibits whaling and fishing gear, as well as many artifacts from the archaeological site at Lake Ozette, a Makah village that was destroyed by a mudslide in 1750. (The Makah Indian Reservation and museum remain closed to nonresidents due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Hibulb Cultural Center •
hibulbculturalcenter.org “So we can remember,” explains the Hibulb Cultural Center’s website of its mission. Located just off I-5 on a 50-acre natural history preserve, this Tulalip center opened in 2011. Exhibits are labeled in both English and Lushootseed, and the complex includes the grand Canoe Hall, temporary exhibits, a research library and more.
Boardwalk at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Community connection
Launching a new NHL team has given Seattle Kraken leadership a unique opportunity to engage with local Coast Salish Tribes. Visitors to the Kraken Community Iceplex can enjoy stunning murals highlighting the connection to the sea and its Indigenous stewards by Paige Pettibon, a Salish, Black and white artist. Learn more about Pettibon’s work on p. 46.
Located on the ancestral grounds of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the wildlife refuge was also the site of the first signed Indian treaty, in 1854. Now, the refuge is one of Washington’s most intact estuaries, where saltwater meets the freshwater of the Nisqually River. In 2016, it was posthumously named after Nisqually tribal leader Billy Frank Jr., in honor of his advocacy for tribal fishing rights.
Families will enjoy strolling the boardwalks through the tangled wetlands, observing ducks and geese, and listening for songbirds and frogs. Children will also enjoy the nature displays in the visitor center (the center is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic), the Nature Explore Area and the Junior Refuge Manager program. ■ Elisa Murray is a Seattle-based editor, writer and communications specialist.
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