tips FOR
skin protection
Doctors at Cincinnati Children’s urge parents to use sunscreen on their children and themselves, even as the autumn sun burns a little weaker.
K a r a S h a h , M D , Ph d
Director, Division of Dermatology at Cincinnati Children’s
Tanning beds: “There is definitely evidence that it increases the risk of a range of health issues for your skin. The tanning industry has a message they’re trying to sell. There is a lot of misinformation online.”
sunscreen
in autumn? The list of summer items people put away come September includes the usual suspects: beach towels, bathing suits, flip-flops and sunscreen. Which one should not be put in the closet for the season? Sunscreen. After all, it protects your body’s great protector: your skin. The sun’s rays are typically stronger in the summer, because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis, and autumn brings less sun-worshipping. But if the sun’s shining – even through clouds – your sunscreen should be on. Doctors at Cincinnati Children’s urge parents to use sunscreen on their children and themselves, even as the autumn sun burns a little weaker. “We encourage parents to model good behavior,” says Kara Shah, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Dermatology at Cincinnati Children’s. “Some are more concerned about their kids than themselves, but it’s important that your kids see you putting on sunscreen too.” Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher and re-applying every two hours or after swimming or sweating, regardless of the number on the bottle. n
Spray-on sunscreen: “I’m not the biggest fan. You don’t want to inhale it. If you use it, it’s important to rub it in.”
“ If the sun’s shining – even through clouds – your sunscreen should be on.” 1
ask the
Ni ck DeBlasio, MD
pediatrician
Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Children’s
advocate for yo ur child’s h e a lt h The Family Resource Center The center helps families, community providers and agencies find health information, community resources and support.
Stand up to your kids’ sitting down
Q: How concerned are doctors about the connection between children’s health – especially weight issues – and the amount of time they spend using computers, TV, video games and various social media?
One of parents’ bigger challenges is limiting the amount of time their children spend sitting in front of the TV or computer screen. Here, some tips from our pediatrician.
A: “We really struggle a lot with that. Kids spend
Call 513-636-7606 for assistance.
Q: Is the problem worsened by the ads and
Spec ia l N e eds Resou rce Directo ry
commercials kids see?
A: “Yes. Many of the commercials they’re exposed
to are for junk food and snacks, things that are high in fat and/or calories.”
Use this directory to find information, resources and advocacy strategies at
Q: What other health concerns do these kids face?
www.cincinnatichildrens.org/ special-needs.
Joi n S p ec i a l Co nn e cti on s Our new online community connects with others parenting a child with special healthcare needs: www.cincinnatichildrens. inspire.com.
so much time not only watching TV but playing video games and communicating on social media. Obesity is an issue because they’re not doing active things.”
A: “Kids who use media excessively also have
“Kids who use media excessively also have increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and poor glucose control. ”
increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and poor glucose control. Also, too much access to media can affect their sleep. Some kids have a TV or computer in the bedroom and are up watching late into the night. Plus, it’s stimulating so it never gives their minds a break. It’s tougher to monitor and it takes away from family time.”
Q: How important is setting limits on screen time? A: “For kids two years and older, two hours a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen-time for kids under two.”
Q: What about educational television? A: “The problem is that kids miss the chance to learn through interaction. It’s passive learning. Hands-on environmental learning with other people is important. TV is not a good babysitter. Some kids have language delays as a result of too much TV exposure. All of us really struggle with the practicality of it, but limits are important.” Q: Does the problem reach the doctor’s office? A: “Yes. I often have to ask the 5-year-old to put
down his tablet so I can start my exam, which is a little troubling.” n
2
have Questions?
j oi n a
If you have a question for the pediatrician, email youngandhealthy@cchmc.org
researchstudy
Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s conduct hundreds of studies each year to figure out why people get sick and what treatments might help them. Discoveries researchers make in the lab can lead to even better treatments and ways to prevent diseases from happening in the first place. Did you know you could be part of the process of helping our scientists solve medical mysteries? You can participate by joining a research study. Here’s what we’re recruiting volunteers for now.
healthy
young
African American Children and Teens With Asthma Who Have a Sibling Without Asthma
and
Asthma and Environment Study What: This research study will look at how things in the environment such as trafficrelated air pollutants contribute to asthma. Who: African American children and teenagers 5 to 18 years old who have been diagnosed with asthma and have a brother or sister who does not have asthma. Pay: Families may receive up to $50 for time and effort for this one-visit study. Contact: Ashley Ulm at ashley.ulm@cchmc.org • 513-803-0562
R EADE R SU R V EY
Children and Teens wit h Down Syndrom e
Down Syndrome and Disturbed Sleep Study What: Researchers know that children with Down syndrome commonly don’t sleep well. This study will look at the relationship between disturbed sleep and behavioral and cognitive processing in children and teens with Down syndrome. Who: Children and teens 5 to 17 years old with Down syndrome may be eligible to participate. Pay: Families may receive up to $50 for time and effort Contact: Emily Porter at emily.porter@cchmc.org • 513-803-3641 6 to 18 Year Olds with Chronic Migraines
Brain Activity Study What: We want to look at what is happening in the brain before and after someone has started treatment for a migraine, using a machine called an MEG. We will compare those results to someone who does not have migraines. An MEG measures the magnetic activity in the brain. Who: Children and teens, 6 to 18 years old, who are: diagnosed with chronic migraine and not currently taking any prescribed drugs for their migraines. Anyone with a non-removable implant or metal device (like a cochlear implant, pacemaker or braces) will NOT be able to participate. Pay: Participants will receive up to $50 for their time and travel ($25 for each of two MEG scans). Contact: Kim Leiken at kimberly.leiken@cchmc.org • 513-803-7228
s h a r e yo u r thoughts
get a chance to win a Kindle Here's an opportunity to shape the future of Young and Healthy by taking our brief, online reader survey. It gives us a better focus to serve you, with more coverage of the topics that affect you and your family. It gives you a chance to win a free Kindle Fire HD tablet (valued at $139). The survey is available at: www.cincinnatichildrens.org/yh-survey
about this issue
fa l l 2014
produced by
The Department of Marketing & Communications Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 9012, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026 Phone: 513-636-4420 Advisers: Chris Peltier, MD, and Zeina Samaan, MD Editorial Consultant: Nick DeBlasio, MD Editorial Staff: Tom O’Neill/managing editor Photography: Tine Hofmann, tm photography Design: Christina Ullman & Alix Northrup, Ullman Design
@cincychildrens
facebook.com/cincinnatichildrensfans
Young and Healthy is a quarterly publication from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. For more health news and patient stories, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter online at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/subscribe © 2014 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
youtube.com/cincinnatichildrens
cincinnatichildrensblog.org
3
spotlight on
patient experience
Seacrest st u dios
For nearly a year now, Seacrest Studios has provided patients at Cincinnati Children’s a window to the world, a pathway to music, interactive television, and perhaps most importantly, each other.
4
The studio provides patients a chance to put on headphones, step to the microphone as guest DJs, participate in program production and be part of the media magic.
B
orn from a partnership between Cincinnati Children’s and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, the glass-fronted studio operates in the hospital’s main concourse as passersby stop and watch. The Foundation has launched seven studios in U.S. pediatric hospitals since 2010. The studio provides hospitalized children a chance to put on headphones, step to the microphone as guest DJs, participate in program production and be part of the media magic. It’s also an interactive lifeline for kids unable to leave their hospital rooms because of safety or infection issues. It broadcasts game shows and other entertainment directly on the TVs in patients’
rooms on Channel 33, WKID33. Children can dial 3-3333 to call in music requests, participate in games or watch learning and health-oriented programming. Notable visitors to the studio have included 2014 Miss America, Nina Davuluri of New York, and numerous musicians. “Kids can come in and explore and get their minds off why they’re in the hospital,” says studio manager Zach Wells, a former TV sports broadcaster in Cincinnati who is one of two full-time media specialists at Seacrest. “To see the reaction on the kids’ faces, to bring joy to them, it’s so meaningful.” “Sitting with Wells behind the radio control board is Jenna Zayatz. She’s a child life specialist in the Division of Child Life and Integrative Care and works at the studio. She glowed while talking about connecting to room-bound kids. “It’s so cheesy,” she says, “but when a kid calls and screams into the phone ‘I got bingo!’ it’s so cool.” At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the studio last year, TV star Ryan Seacrest, who is founder and chairman of the non-profit Seacrest Foundation, called the staff and the children a “constant source of inspiration and courage.” His family members are in top leadership roles. He added, “We hope that Seacrest Studios will serve as a creative outlet and healing opportunity for the patients and their families during their stay.” n (above left to right) Nina Davuluri of New York, crowned Miss America 2014, answers questions from Cincinnati Children’s patients, some of whom call in from their rooms; Zach Wells, a former TV sports broadcaster, serves as one of two full-time media specialists. (left) Cincinnati Children’s patient Molly Schenkenberger, 15, enjoys her time behind the microphone. 5
u n d e r s ta n g i n g
infectious diseases Im p o rta n ce o f
mea sl es va cc i n ati on
With reports of measles reaching a 20-year high in the United States, infectious disease experts are strongly urging parents to ensure their children receive all their recommended vaccinations.
M
easles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus and is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is highly contagious.
It results in a rash all over the body, as well as fever, cough and a runny nose. About 10 percent of children also get an ear infection, about 5 percent will develop pneumonia and some even can develop a brain infection called encephalitis. It can be fatal, especially to children under five years of age and those with a poor diet or a weakened immune-system. Most importantly, it is readily preventable with vaccination. Children should receive their first MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose can be given a month later,
annual incidents
but is typically given when the child is about to enter kindergarten. Recent outbreaks are the result of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children for a variety of reasons, all of which are unfounded, says Robert Frenck, MD, medical director in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children’s.
Robert F re nck, MD Medical Director, Division of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children’s.
“Most people who are anti-vaccination aren’t negligent, they’re misinformed,” says Frenck. “Vaccines are their own worst enemy in that they have been so effective. So people forget that measles killed many people.” He and other health experts are hoping that parents will immunize their kids so that history does not repeat itself. n
u.s.
measles cases
January 1 - August 8 2014
593 c a s e s
18
outb r e a k s
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
M ann y D o yne , M D Pediatric Associates of Mt. Carmel
6
Manny Doyne, MD, has been a community doctor with Cincinnati Children’s for nearly four decades and has never seen a case of measles.
“It’s a pretty awful disease with long-term complications,” Doyne says. “But parents haven’t been exposed to it because of vaccinations, at least in this country.”
That’s a testament to the effectiveness of the measles vaccination, which became standard in the U.S. in the 1960s.
He notes that parents’ fears that the vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella could be linked to autism have been proven false.
Now, he and other physicians are concerned that some parents’ opposition to vaccination poses a serious health risk because measles is highly contagious.
“For some parents, there is fear of the unknown,” he says. “But why would we want to go back?”
fo c u s o n
nutrition
fuel
for success
What to eat and drink before, during and after playing sports or exercising, but don’t jump right to the surprise ending.
Kate B er z , DO Physician, Division of Sports Medicine at
Cincinnati Children’s.
Most parents know that kids need to stay hydrated during a strenuous sports game or exercise.
every pound lost during a game or exercise,” Berz says, “you should drink 16 ounces of water.”
But the key to performing well – and maybe even avoiding injury – could depend on what kids eat in the hours leading up to the game.
A person needs to burn 3,500 calories to lose a pound, so remember that how quickly one loses weight depends on how long and strenuous the activity is.
“Kids who follow good pre-game nutrition perform better,” says Kate Berz, DO, physician in the Division of Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s. “In terms of an overall diet, we look for deficiencies of iron, vitamin D and calcium in kids who keep getting injured.”
Water is the ideal option for hydration, but an hour after the game or exercise, it is OK to switch to sports drinks. Berz emphasizes the importance of reading labels carefully. There are many options, not all of them healthy.
Berz and other sports-medicine physicians recommend that in the three or four hours before a game, children should eat a healthy portion of carbohydrate-rich food such as rice, beans, pasta or potatoes. “Then, about an hour before,” Berz says, “have another carb snack. Fruit is an excellent option. A good balance of fats, carbohydrates and protein is best.”
“Gatorade did all the early research,” she says. The drink was developed in 1965 by researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine. It takes its name from the school’s team name, the Gators. The goal was to create the best formula for replenishing the water, electrolytes and carbohydrates that the school’s athletes lost from sweating during games.
During the game, it’s essential for kids to drink liquid to avoid dehydration and cramping. “In general, for
“Sugary things,” Berz says. “I tell kids in our clinics, read the labels. Look at the first three ingredients,
As for the worst things to eat before the big game?
and avoid anything you see with sugar or fructose.” Within an hour of the game’s end, kids should enjoy another snack such as fruit. Interestingly, there is one drink that studies suggest helps in post-game muscle recovery because of its 4-to-1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. Chocolate milk! Who knew? n
7
Heartpedia:
3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 9012 Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
an interactive 3D app featuring congenital heart defects no w availa ble for free do wnl o ad o n i Pad and i P ho ne
inside
t hi s i s s ue
s e a cr e s t s tudio s
Helping to give hospitalized children a creative outlet.
season change
Tips to maintain your child's health as autumn approaches.
healthy
young
fall 2014
and
A guide to your child’s good health
food and
fitness
making wise nutrition choices can improve your child's performance.