A holistic approach to pediatric care in Frisco and Plano, Texas

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Category Archives: SAFETY


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AVOID THIS DURING PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

FOOD

Listeriosis and Toxoplasmosis are foodborne illnesses that are more likely to affect pregnant women.

Keep food safe to eat by following these general guidelines to avoid food borne illness.

CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often.
SEPARATE: Don’t cross-contaminate. For example, after cutting meat, wash the knife before using it to cut vegetables.
COOK: Cook to proper temperature using a food thermometer.
CHILL: Refrigerate promptly.

ALCOHOL

· Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should not drink Alcohol. Alcohol can cross the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream. It causes damage to an unborn baby at all stages of pregnancy. Risks involves

• miscarriage

• the way your baby develops in the womb – in particular, the way your baby’s brain develops

• the way your baby grows in the womb, by causing the placenta not to work as well as it should – this is known as foetal growth restriction

• increased risk of a stillbirth

• increased risk of premature labor

• your baby being more prone to illness in infancy, childhood and as an adult

• learning and behavioral disorders

SMOKING AND DRUGS

· These are potentially just as dangerous as Alcohol, if not more. SO avoid.

CAFFEINE

· You should limit caffeine during pregnancy – avoid having more than 200mg of caffeine a day. High levels of caffeine can cause babies to have a low birth weight. Too much caffeine can also cause a miscarriage. Caffeine is found naturally in some foods and is added to some soft drinks. So avoid Sodas.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

· Virtually no medicinal herb has been established as safe in pregnancy or breast-feeding, and even herbs that might seem safe because of their wide use in cooking could cause problems when they are taken in the form of highly concentrated extracts.

· Some herbs are definitely known to be toxic in pregnancy, such as blue cohosh and pennyroyal .

· Other herbs that are traditionally regarded with caution during pregnancy include andrographis , boldo , catnip , essential oils , feverfew , juniper , licorice , nettle , red clover , rosemary , shepherd’s purse, and yarrow , along with many others.

· the herb chasteberry has shown a theoretical potential for inhibiting milk supply.

· Some supplements like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) appears to reduce the fat content of breast milk, with potentially harmful effects on the nursing infant.

· herbs with estrogen-like properties make scientists worry about possible effects on the fetus; these include soy , isoflavones , red clover , flaxseed , lignans , and hops .

· Some un-regulated Chinese herbal medicines and Aryurvedic herbal remedies have been found on occasion to contain toxic heavy metals, poisonous herbs, or unlabelled prescription drugs.

HYGIENE:

· Wash your hands with soap and water after touching soil, sand, raw meat, or unwashed vegetables.

· Cats can spread parasite causing Toxoplasmosis. Have someone else change the litter box if possible. If you have to change it, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.

· Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox. Cats may use gardens or sandboxes as litter boxes. Wash hands afterward.

· Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling in less developed countries.

Sources: EBSCO, NHS, Choosemyplate.org

VACCINE EFFECT – DEATH RATE BEFORE AND AFTER

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BET YOU DIDN”T KNOW ABOUT CHILDREN VITAMINS

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HOW TO STORE CHEMICALS AROUND KIDS

Children feel the environment with their mouth. So everything end up with a lick. Beware. That includes your household chemicals.

So follow this safer way to storing chemicals around babies.


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YOUR DIET PRODUCT – KEY INGREDIENT

I dare you to drink the next diet soda, knowing this.


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SUMMER TIP: HEAT IN VEHICLES

Don’t leave children unattended in the car even for a minute


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ROAD SAFETY / FATALITY REPORT

Here are the number of road fatalities in 2012 per 100,000 people in each state:

Business Insider/Andy Kiersz, data from Michael Sivak, University of Michigan

North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming are the most dangerous states, with over 20 deaths per 100,000 people each. Meanwhile, more densely populated areas tend to be safer. New York had about 6 deaths per 100,000 people, Massachusetts about 5 per 100,000, and in Washington D.C., there were only about 2 deaths per 100,000 people.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/university-of-michigan-car-crash-study-2014-7#ixzz37T1vELBN


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HEROIN FOR KID’S COUGH?

Can you believe that?

In 1912 Beyer marketed Heroin as a cough suppressant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroin – mediaviewer/File:Bayer_Heroin_bottle.jpg

We do NOT recommend any commercial over the top cough syrup for kids. If you must, try honey (for kid > 1 yr) or turmeric milk.


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LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH

Transport injuries and intentional injuries (including suicide) are the leading causes of death for young people.


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SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM CAR HEATSTROKE

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about 38 children die of heatstroke each year in the United States. Studies show that about half of the incidents involve a loving parent or caregiver forgetting about a sleeping child in the backseat. Curious children may sneak into an unlocked car to play and get locked in, so if your child is playing outside and disappears for a few minutes – check the car immediately, including the trunk.

Children left in a parked car, even on what feels like a cool day, are at risk of heatstroke. Also a child’s body’s temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult’s.

STEPS TO TAKE

a) instruct your child’s caregiver to give you a call if your child doesn’t show up by a certain time.

b) place a stuffed animal in the front seat as a reminder that your child is riding along

c) Sometimes if you leave a key item of your being like a cell phone, wallet, bag on the backseat or on the ground then you are liable to open the door to look for it and then that’s when you can see that your child is there

d) If you see a child in a parked car – call for help.

Source: Tips on how to prevent hot car deaths by 19 Action News Digital Team


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TEXANS – DO YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG IN THIS PICTURE?

If so, take action:


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TEENS WHO THINK ALCOHOL IS COOL

Check out the effects of Alcohol


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BAD HABITS – FROM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY :)

Check out http://eczemag.com/list-of-common-bad-habits/


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POSTURE EDUCATION FOR TEENS

MORTALITY BY SITTING

THE RIGHT WAY TO SIT

EXERCISE TO COUTER THE BAD EFFECTS OF SITTING

Source: The health hazards of sitting

By Bonnie Berkowitz and Patterson Clark, Published: Jan. 20, 2014


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TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY GENERICS?

Generic drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription medications, are very strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rules for generics. Regulations include:

· A generic’s active ingredient, dosage, and strength must be the same as its brand-name equivalent.

· Generic drugs must be "bioequivalent" to brand-name drugs, meaning they have to show up as the same in the bloodstream and work in the exact same way.

· Manufacturing, testing, and packaging sites are subject to the same FDA regulations, whether the product in question is a brand name or a generic. (About half of generic drugs are actually made by the same companies making the brand-name versions.)

In the end, the variation in performance between brand names and generics is about the same as the variation between brands.

So, do Doctors buy generic?

Source: Bronnenberg et al

YES!

Now, you decide.


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DRUG AND FOOD INTERACTIONS TO AVOID

This is more for adults than for children:

· Grapefruit juice negatively interacts with more than 50 medications, including statins. Because the effects of the citrus juice last more than 24 hours, simply taking your meds at a different time won’t solve the problem.

· An enzyme found in pomegranate juice can break down several blood pressure prescriptions.

· Calcium can interfere with the effectiveness of thyroid medication. Wait at least 4 hours after dosage to drink any calcium-rich beverages.

· Caffeine can pose a serious health threat when taken with stimulants. Avoid a cup of joe when taking ephedrine (appetite suppressants), asthma prescriptions, and amphetamines (such as Adderall).

· The potassium in Sport drinks can be dangerous when coupled with some heart failure or hypertension drugs. Bananas are also very rich in potassium.

· Skip the dinnertime glass of wine when taking antidepressents; the combo can cause hypertension, headaches, fast heart rate, and stroke. The same goes for energy drinks.

· Vitamin K, also found in broccoli and kale, can decrease the effect of blood thinners such as coumarin or warfarin.


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SHAME ON TEXAS – DRUNK DRIVERS

Imagine this: Your lovely child has grown up following all the rule and laws, is a shining example and a model student, helpful in every way to the family and society, has great prospects for the future and then SUDDENLY….an erratic and fast moving car plows down your child in front of your home, in front of your eyes.

And guess what the driver is taken to court and all he gets is his wrist slapped by the justices (with involuntary manslaughter that sometimes carries only a probation).

Think this is not possible?

This happens every single day – by DRUNK DRIVERS. In fact there are 1000s of repeat offenders who casually Drink and Drive and all our society and lawmakers do is turn a blind eye. If you are a concerned parent or grandparent you should be enraged that we don’t have strict anti-drinking laws or condemn such behavior.

This doesn’t look like a big problem? Here are the stats on Texas

· Drunk driving deaths per 100,000: 5

· Total DUI arrests: 85,436 (2nd highest)

· Beer consumption per capita: 34.4 gallons (9th highest)

· Percent of minors consuming alcohol: 22.4% (14th lowest)

· Percent of binge drinkers: 18.9% (19th highest)

Nearly 1,300 people in Texas died in drunk driving accidents in 2012, more than in any other state. In 2012, 3,610 young adults under 21 were arrested for violating the state’s underage drinking laws, among the most in America. In 2012, 169 people under the age of 21 died in drunk driving accidents in Texas, more than in any other state. Overall, Texas law enforcement officers arrested 85,436 people for drunk driving that year, more than in any other state except for California.

Should the irreponsible drunk get a free pass from our justice system? Shouldn’t they be punished with the maximum sentence?

If you care, write to your lawmaker.


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BPA Free Plastic bottles are safer right. No!

Years ago I watched a BBC documentary that showed the dramatic impact of plastics on sperm motility.

The documentary concluded that one the prime culprits of Infertility in the Western world is due to the prevalence of Plastics

(especially those that come in contact with our food and water).

Then came the damning revelation that BPAs in plastics were leaking into food. If you don’t know how it affects your child’s life, see

· PVC, BPA and DEHP are Dangerous for Kid’s Health

· FOR A SAFE PREGNANCY – AVOID BPA

· CHEMICALS TO AVOID

· DANGEROUS HARMONE AFFECTING CHEMICALS IN OUR KID’S DIET

The recommendation given was, Choose BPA free Plastics. But guess what, even if the bottle says BPA free, it is NOT SAFE.

See this wonderful article from Mother Jones: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/06/bpa-free-plastics-tritan-nalgene-dangerous


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READY TO DIE FOR A DYE?

Researchers in Sweden studied nearly 300 non-smoking hairdressers and those who often used light colored hair dyes or hair-waving products on clients had more potentially cancer-causing compounds in their blood than hairdressers who used the chemicals less frequently. Specifically, toluidine compounds in the blood increased with exposure to perm chemicals and permanent light hair dyes.

In the late 1970s, regulatory actions were taken in Europe and carcinogenic aromatic amines were forbidden for use as hair dye ingredients. But it still shows up in hair colors.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

Exposure to o-toluidine should be eliminated since it is a carcinogen.

· If you must use color, use gloves to minimize exposure to chemicals in dyes and change to fresh gloves after mixing the dye, applying it and rinsing it.

· Use Shikakai as an alternate natural coloring agent.


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ONE OF THE GRAVEST TRAGEDY OF OUR TIME

New research from Yale University reveals a grave tragedy of our times, ~ 12 % of all children in the US suffer some sort of confirmed neglect, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by the time they reach age 18.

The following are some of possible effects of child abuse and neglect on a child’s mental health:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dissociation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Academic problems in school-aged children and adolescents
  • Withdrawn and/or difficulty connecting with others
  • Flashbacks
  • Increased hyper vigilance
  • Difficulty sleeping

These are some common effects observed in children who have been physically or sexually abused and/or neglected:

  • Bruises, welts or swelling
  • Sprains or fractures
  • Burns
  • Lacerations or abrasions
  • Difficulty in walking or sitting
  • Torn, stained or bloody clothing
  • Pain or itching in the genital area; bruises or bleeding in the external genital area
  • Sexually transmitted infections or diseases
  • Lack of adequate supervision, nutrition or shelter
  • Poor hygiene
  • Inappropriate dress

Children may develop these as ways to cope with complex trauma, or perhaps even to forget or suppress the traumatizing memories.

  • Possible emotional and behavioral effects of trauma include:
  • Eating disorders
  • Drug use
  • Risky sexual decision-making
  • Self-harm
  • Troubled sleeping
  • Discomfort with physical touch

I can’t think any more greater tragedy than a child living through the horrors of Abuse.

If you want to take action, support Collin County Child Advocacy Center.

– Source: JAMA, joyfulheartfoundation

MODERN TOXIC NON-FOOD CONTAMINANTS

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ANOTHER VICTORY TO THE NATURAL MOVEMENT

Back to our roots we go.

You may recall that last month we posted that Subway will remove an additive from its bread. And Gatorade was removing BVO from its sports drink.

And Chick-fil-A made a series of highly publicized menu tweaks early this year, removing artificial dyes from some of its dipping sauces and committing to a switch to antibiotic-free chicken within the next five years.

Now it is Panera’s turn. The restaurant-café chain will remove all artificial additives from its menu by 2016. That means no dyes, no preservatives, and no artificial sweeteners in any Panera restaurant-café offerings.

This follows Chipotle’s earlier commitment to naturally fresh ingredients.

It is getting bit easier to eat out now.


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NEWS: EPIDEMIC IN CALIFORNIA

Whooping cough, or pertussis, has experienced a resurgence this year with more than 3,400 cases reported between January 1 and June 10, 2014, per California Department of Public Health. Los Angeles county accounts for around 350 of the new cases so far this year. Two-thirds of pertussis hospitalizations have been from children four months or younger. Two infant deaths have been reported.

Pertussis is a highly infectious bacterial disease that can be spread to others by coughing. Infants may not have typical pertussis symptoms and may have no obvious coughing. Parents describe episodes in which their infant’s faces shifted to a red or purple color.

Takeaway

all pregnant women should get vaccinated.

We also urge parents to vaccinate infants as soon as possible.


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IS YOUR HOME CHILD PROOF?

Home is the place where there is family, relaxation and play go together. Home is also the place where accidents happen the most. Minor cuts and bruises are okay. When major accidents happen then it becomes a big concern.

From the moment babies learn to crawl, the world becomes a magical place for them for their adventures. From their perspective everything is a mountain to climb. Book-shelves, furniture, pesky stairs, they have mysterious places to investigate beyond their safety gates. Little bumps do happen. We have to help them so that these brave expeditions don’t result in something serious.

Some tips for home safety

• Walls should be in good condition without peeling and cracking. Older homes contain lead in the paint chips. When peels fall out they find their way straight inside a baby’s mouth.

• Nails in walls hurt babies. So it should be removed.

• Photo frames and paintings should be hung neatly and securely, far out of the reaches of babies.

• Rugs should be secured on floor fitted with anti-slip pad underneath.

Doors and windows

• Finger pinch guard on doors is a must.

• Rubber tips removed on all door stops or install a one piece door-stop.

• Sliding doors should be fitted with child proof stops.

• Install Safety bars or window guards on upper level windows.

• Window stops to keep them ajar or not closing all the way.

• Window blind specially designed to clip loose cord.

Furniture

• Furniture and book shelves should be secured with wall brackets so they can’t be tripped over.

• The sharp edges of coffee tables, furniture and counter tops of corners paddled.

• Safety hinges fitted to toy chests and other chests.

• Checking the baby equipment if they are recalled.

• TV screen mounted securely on wall or other TVs stable on ground

• There should be stops on all drawers preventing them from falling out.

Stairways

• Safety gates at the top and bottom of every stairway is a must.

• Check whether stairways clear of tripping hazards such as loose carpeting or toys

• Are the banisters and railings secured?

• Door to the basement steps locked.

• Is there enough light on stairways.

While your aim is to prevent major mishaps, don’t worry about small bumps.

Kids learn through exploring. If we kill curiosity, we kill the joy for life.


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BAD FOOD SCIENCE

1. Eliminating fruits because of the sugar

fruit does contain sugar, however, it’s natural fruit sugar won’t spike blood-sugar levels like table sugar. The fructose found in fruit will help to re-saturate liver glycogen stores, and this is one of the deciding factors as to whether your body releases energy or not.

2. Herbs are harmless

You think herbal remedies are natural, so they must not pose any threat of side effects. But make sure you do your research before you start using a particular herb. Even Aspirin was discovered from a herb.

3. Calories only matter to maintain weight

the type of calories you take in will determine how easy it is to attain your desired calorie level. The more healthy foods you eat, the less you crave junk.

4. Neglecting Spices

One serious place where calories like to hide is in the condiments and sauces you’re using. try and make use of herbs and spices. They offer many health properties and will add flavor without the calories.

5. Drinking sports drink during workout

Unless you’re exercising for hours at a time, you simply won’t require the calories or electrolytes found in these beverages. Water is best.

6. Relying on Multi-vitamins

Multivitamins are meant to help fill nutritional gaps, not to serve as complete substitutes. While there are benefits to making multivitamins a part of your health regimen, you should get your nutrients directly from the source.

– Source: Web