Ask the Pediatrician Q.
A.
ScienceSnapshots
What do you recommend in terms of sunscreen for kids? And what’s your advice for choosing bug spray? Sunscreen is essential for keeping skin safe from ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin damage.
Protecting young skin has long-lasting effects: Good practices now can prevent skin cancer later in life. Some medications, such as acne medicines, make skin especially sensitive. SPF 15 or higher: Sunscreen should have a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and be used for children 6 months of age and older. Look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen, the kind that protects against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Sunscreen is most effective when used 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Apply it generously, and reapply every 2 hours. Zinc oxide is effective on areas especially sensitive to burns, like the face. Try to stay away from the sun in the middle of the day when rays are most damaging. Protective clothing, such as shirts with built-in sun protection, or hats, can help. Remember sunglasses for eye protection. Since water and sand reflect sunlight, consider surf shirts for the beach or pool.
Keep bugs at bay: Insect bites can be more than just itchy. They can spread disease. Avoid areas where insects gather. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help protect you from bug bites. You may want to consider a bug spray.
They offer real benefit in tough times
Experts give edge to ‘reduced glycemic load’
We all know that friendship is priceless. Now, the positive power of your child’s BFF can be measured by science.
After comparing three common diets for obese children, scientists say children are most likely to stick with the “reduced glycemic load” approach.
The study found that children with best friends around had lower cortisol levels in their saliva versus those who faced stressful events alone.
Use sprays sparingly because of the potential for toxicity. Lightly spray exposed skin and do not reapply. Avoid spraying on the face. Wash spray off your body and clothing after use.
Have fun outdoors this summer and remember that prevention is best when it comes to burns and bites.
Best diet for obese kids?
A recent study of 5th and 6th graders, published in Developmental Psychology, reports that the presence of a best friend directly protects a child from the stresses of negative experiences, such as getting in trouble with a teacher or having an argument with a classmate.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers bug spray containing DEET the most effective repellent against biting insects and says it is safe for children 2 months of age and older. However, concentrations of no more than 30 percent DEET should be used for children.
Avoid sunscreens containing DEET because reapplication can lead to too much DEET exposure. Alternatives include: Picardin (less toxic but also less effective), Permethrin sprays (only for use on clothing) and essential oils (also less effective).
Best friends good for health
In time, high cortisol levels can lead to immune suppression, decreased bone formation and other changes. Sarah Selickman Heidt, MD, a community pediatrician affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s, practices at Pediatric Associates of Mt. Carmel. She is president of the Cincinnati Pediatric Society.
If you have a question for the pediatrician, email youngandhealthy@cchmc.org
NewsBriefs
Unlike portion-control diets, this approach focuses less on calorie counting. It allows certain generous portions of “unrestricted” carbs, such as fruit, vegetables and 100-percent whole grains. This less restrictive way of eating, says Shelley Kirk, PhD, RD, of Cincinnati Children’s, may make it easier for families to follow a healthy food plan for the long term. Study results appear in the Journal of Pediatrics. Kirk recommends The Family G.I. Diet, by Rick Gallop, and other books in The G.I. Diet series as good resources for nutritional advice and recipes.
Learning to make the right food choices is more important than counting calories, experts say.
ResearchStudies Research studies help us learn more about medical conditions and come up with better treatments. Ultimately, studies help us find cures for diseases. Learn how you can help by joining a research study.
Tell Me a Story
GO ONLINE to www.cincinnatichildrens.org/story to watch our series of patient stories. If you have a story to share, email us at tellmeastory@cchmc.org
Autism and social life What: Researchers want to learn more about the social lives of kids with autism spectrum disorders.
New research building going up We are adding a 15-story research building to the main campus at Cincinnati Children’s. The $180 million expansion, expected by summer 2015, will allow our scientists to continue to make new discoveries, find cures and deliver the best care for kids.
Parents find answers here
Competitive spirit unbroken
Girls just wanna have fun
Chase Tieber was born in 2009 with a brachial plexus injury. His parents were worried. Would he be healthy? Would he ever be able to throw a football? With the right surgery and therapy, the answer is yes on both counts.
Zoe Bruce, a competitive gymnast, was practicing on the high bars two years ago when she fell, breaking and dislocating both elbows. Today, her competitive spirit is unbroken. She says her injury made her stronger.
Nurses at Cincinnati Children’s know something that helps LeCarol Batson get through each of her blood draws. LeCarol, who has sickle cell disease, loves to sing her way past the pain. Her caregivers even sing along.
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Advisers: Chris Peltier, MD, and Zeina Samaan, MD Editorial Consultant: Sarah Selickman, MD Managing Editor: Tanya Bricking Leach | Designer: Kacie Snyder To Subscribe: Sign up at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/subscribe
young and healthy
Volume 25, Issue 2
©2012 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center 3810 0612 124000
Pay: Families will receive a $20 gift card for completing surveys during the 60- to 90-minute visit. Details: Contact Carrie Thomas at carrie.thomas@cchmc.org or 513-803-3580.
Pediatric Primary Care moving
Teen sleep study
The Pediatric Primary Care Center, in Location A on the main campus at Cincinnati Children’s, is moving in mid-July. The center will move across the street to the second floor of the 3430 Burnet Ave. building.
What: The study will explore how teenagers are affected
Save the date for the Walk Mark your calendars. The next Cincinnati Walks for Kids event will be Saturday, Oct. 20 at Coney Island.
Our latest U.S. News rankings Young and Healthy is published by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and The Cincinnati Pediatric Society. Produced by the Department of Marketing and Communications, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, MLC 9012, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026 or call 513-636-4420.
Who: Kids ages 10 to 17 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, are verbal and have fluent language skills and have a parent available to participate.
Go to www.cincinnatichildrens.org to see our latest U.S. News rankings.
by not getting enough sleep.
Sleep study for kids with epilepsy
Who: Healthy 14- to 16-year-olds who do not drink a lot of caffeine (no more than two soft drinks or one coffee per day) may be eligible to participate.
What: Scientists want to know whether giving a dietary supplement to children with epilepsy will improve their sleep and provide better seizure control.
When: Study visits will take place Aug. 6 to 25.
Who: Children ages 6 to 11 who have seizures may be eligible to participate.
Pay: Families will be paid up to $225 for time and travel. Details: Contact Julie Field at julie.field@cchmc.org or 513-636-5360.
Pay: Families will receive up to $750 for time and travel. Details: Contact Twila Rogers at twila.rogers@cchmc.org or 513-636-0599.
young and healthy |
SUMMER 2012
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