Updated Recommendations for Safe Swaddling

This summer, the Children’s Hip Program launched a safe swaddling initiative under the direction of Tim Schrader, M.D., Medical Director, and Dennis Fredette, P.T., Clinical Director for Orthopaedics.  Studies show that improper swaddling, with the infant’s legs tightly wrapped with the knees and hips out straight and held closely together, can lead to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The program includes education for physicians and staff on safe swaddling techniques for them to teach to patient families. Visit www.choa.org/swaddlingpros to view our educational video.

In addition, the Hip Program team has developed resources that you can share with your patients, available at www.choa.org/swaddling. Resources include a video designed for patient families that practices can link to from their own practice’s site—the video will soon be available in Spanish.

Last Saturday, April 28^th,the Fowler YMCA here in Peachtree Corners joined with hundreds of YMCAs across the country in hosting their annual “Healthy Kids Day”. One hundred fifty families filled the Atrium of the Y learning tips for healthy living from a variety of different resources.

 Staff members from Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta were happy to participate in this community event.  We measured height and weight, provided vision screening, calculated BMI (Body Mass Index), and provided information to parents about the importance of tracking BMI. But, of course, the favorite activity at our booth was the face painting!

There were arts and crafts, games, inflatables to play on and demonstrations from the karate and gymnastics classes at the Y. Climbing in the fire engine was very exciting and everyone enjoyed the puppet show. If you missed the event this year, be looking out for it next year. 

 Spring Temperatures have arrived, and hopefully you have been outside enjoying this beautiful weather.  Some of you probably spent a good bit of your spring break by the pool or at the beach and have started thinking about sunscreen.  There are many options out there and a few important things to keep in mind when selecting a good sunscreen for your family.

Always look for an SPF of at least 15 or 30.  Although we tend to think the higher the better, beyond 30 doesn’t make a significant difference in sun protection.  It is important to have a product that has broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.  If your child has sensitive skin, you may want to try to avoid specific ingredients, such as looking for a PABA-free product.  You could do a test patch by applying sunscreen to a small area on your child’s arm to see if they have a reaction.  An actual sun blocker such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be beneficial, as some people may be sensitive to avobenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient. 

An even more important point than which sunscreen product you select is that we often don’t use enough sunscreen, and we don’t reapply early  and often enough.  Every 2 hours is a good rule, particularly during peak sun hours between 10am and 4pm.  Apply sunscreen while you’re at home, about 15 minutes before going outside.  We all know that when kids catch sight of a swimming pool, they want to jump right in.  Better to let the sunscreen dry and get absorbed before they take the plunge. 

A few more tips to keep in mind:

-consider sticks or wipes if you have a hard time applying to small areas such as the face

-remember a hat and eye protection

-don’t forget lip balm with SPF

-water-resistant products are a good idea, as you’re usually sweating, even if you’re not in the water

-clothing with SPF protection is available

-a more expensive product doesn’t mean it’s better!

-young children don’t necessarily need a product specific for babies as they aren’t significantly different

-sunscreens have an expiration date

-apply more sunscreen than you think you need to!

A message from our doctors,

Spring is in the air, and for many of us, that means baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. At PANA, we encourage safe physical activity at all ages. Although both baseball and softball are considered relatively safe sports, some common sense guidelines should be followed in order to prevent injury. In the article below from the journal Pediatrics, you can find the stats regarding the maximum number of pitches children of varying ages should throw, rest requirements, early warning signs of elbow and shoulder overuse injury and much more. Let's enjoy the Spring - and play ball - safely!

pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e842.full.html

Seasonal/Environmental Allergies:

Well if you hadn’t guessed it from the yellow plume of pollen in the air and thick film on your cars, it’s that time of year again!   It crept up on us a bit early with such a mild winter, but the spring pollen is here to stay for a little while.  The trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers are blooming, and with that comes itchy, drippy noses, sneezing, and red watery eyes for many of us. Fortunately, there are great remedies that can help alleviate some of these uncomfortable symptoms. 

The first thing to do is “avoidance”.  The less your children are exposed, the less bothered they will be.  On days with extremely high pollen counts, they can spend less time outdoors (record highs right now >9000 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air!).  You may be tempted to open the windows with these warmer temperatures, but perhaps you should hold off for a few weeks if you have allergic family members. 

There are some great over-the-counter (OTC) medications available.  You can try some OTC antihistamines (i.e. Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra), and these are available in children’s suspensions or chewables, and not likely to make your child drowsy.  Some children’s allergies are going to require additional prescription medication and may benefit from a visit with your child’s doctor.

If you notice a pattern each year with seasonal allergies, the key is, START EARLY!  Next year, before you’re seeing yellow everywhere, and the news reports are telling you about extremely high pollen counts, get started on the allergy medications that your doctor has prescribed.  All of our doctors have a lot of experience and training in treating allergies and asthma and would be happy to see your child to discuss her/her current treatment plan.

At Pediatric Associates of Atlanta, P.C. we are committed to keeping our parents up to date on information that is relevant to their families.  We have created this blog as an instrument to better communicate with you. 

Our clinic has partnered with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and their Strong4Life program to help eradicate childhood obesity.  A recent article in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website expounded on the very serious matter of childhood obesity.  Please feel free to read the following article.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2012/02/22/Study-Kids-drink-too-much-fruit-juice/UPI-13121329968185/?spt=hs&or=hn

A recent newsletter from the American Academy of Pediatrics unveiled a new policy recommending the H.P.V. vaccine be given to boys 11 years old and up.  Originally this vaccine was only made available to young girls.  However, research has shown that this vaccine can prevent cancer in boys as well as girls.  Please feel free to look at the article in its entirety at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/27/us-hpv-shot-recommendation-boys-idUSTRE81Q0NZ20120227

Whether your child is an existing patient or you’re searching for a pediatrician in the Peachtree Corners, GA area, we’re excited you are here. With the pediatric industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping parents and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote a lifestyle of good health for your child.  Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including pediatric health care news, advancements in pediatric treatment, practical child health care advice and updates from our practice. 

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your child’s best health. 

As always, feel free to contact Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta with any health questions or concerns.

-- The Pediatric Team at Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta