SUMMER 2015
Don’t be a couch potato!
Get moving this summer TH KE TA
E NEXT G
e
S!
0 6 30
FIT
CH A L L E NG E
er y v e tes win! u n mi y and da
N E SS
rc is e x E
OK ID
Andrew’s story When it comes to drowning, time doesn’t heal all wounds
Camping 101Tips for staying safe and what to pack
Stay cool! Protecting your kids from the sun and heat
STAYING ACTIVE
IS STAYING AWESOME.
GOKIDS! Win
a Cardinals game-day fa mily experience
HEY KIDS... IT’S TIME TO MOVE IT! Join the Banner Children’s GO KIDS Fitness Challenge, June 1 - 28, and be entered to win cool prizes. All you have to do is spend 30-60 minutes each day biking, running, dancing or doing any type of exercise. You can even get your family, friends and sports teams involved, the more the merrier. Ready? Set...GO KIDS! Track your activities at BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS Connect with us:
EDITOR'S LETTER
Kids of Summer
Volume 1 Number 4 | Summer 2015
photo content winner, is the perfect example. They view staying active not as a chore, but an opportunity to do things together as a family. I love that attitude, and I plan on making that a focus with my own brood.
I’m a dad of a certain age who remembers the Eagles’ “Boys of Summer,” that bittersweet anthem to summer. Whenever I hear it, I get nostalgic for lazy Popsicle days spent in a small town in the Midwest.
Other inspirations in this issue include a wonderful feature on camping, with tips on what to pack and how to stay safe. On the topic of safety, summer means more families will be hanging out by the pool. We all have seen tips about being safe around water, but Lesia Crawford has a cautionary tale to tell. Her younger brother suffered a non-fatal drowning and the aftermath devastated her family for decades. Hers is a poignant reminder for us all.
However, my summers were anything but lazy. On any given day, I might start the morning playing baseball in the park before moving on to the tennis court. After lunch, I would ride my bike to the town pool where I would swim for hours, squeezing in time for basketball or soccer or throwing the football around. I’d go to bed each night tired but happy, only to wake up the next day and do it all again. Essentially, I would reappear in time for school in September. “Hey mom, hey dad…it’s me!”
Check out these and many more stories in this issue. Be sure to sign up for the GO KIDS! program and participate in the next GO KIDS! Fitness Challenge. Go to BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS for more details.
Today, it’s far more challenging to keep your kids active and eating healthy, which is why the Banner Children’s GO KIDS! program just makes sense for busy families. The Bonds, who we featured on the front cover as our first-annual
Jim Williams, Editor and father of three
What’s inside!
4 5 6 8 10
GO MOM Blogger Nicole Cottrell shares a rite of passage: Summer camp Quick hits Adjusting to a new sibling; parent’s ‘Love and Logic’ workshop Andrew’s story When it comes to drowning, time doesn’t heal all Camping 101 Tips for staying safe and what to bring
Sleep to succeed Looking at a child’s sleep needs by age
11 12
13 14
Q&A Understanding diabetes; discovering healthy habits
GO KIDS! Fitness Challenge The next great kids' fitness challenge is just round the corner
“What we wish parents knew” Protecting kids from the sun and heat GO KIDS! activities Create your own home-based obstacle course
CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING FOR BANNER CHILDREN'S VOLUME 1 NUMBER 4 SUMMER 2015
Publication of Republic Media Custom Publishing.
A division of Republic Media, 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-444-1000
General Manager Cami Kaiser/ckaiser@ republicmedia.com; Creative Development Director Isaac Moya/imoya@ republicmedia.com; Editor Jim Williams/JLWilliams@ republicmedia.com; Senior Managing Art Director Tracey Phalen/tphalen@ republicmedia.com; Art Director Miles Abernethy; Editorial Coordinator Nick Kostenko; Contributors Rick D’Elia, Kristine Burnett, Meghann Finn Sepulvada, Brian Sodoma, Dolores Tropiano GO KIDS! magazine is published as a service to our friends and neighbors by Republic Media Custom Publishing for Banner Children’s. Material in GO KIDS! is obtained from a wide range of medical experts and health-care authorities. If you have any concerns about specific items that appear in GO KIDS!, consult your personal physician. If you no longer wish to receive GO KIDS! magazine, please notify us through email at gokids @ republicmedia.com or by phone at 602-444-2235. Be sure to include your full name, address, city and zip code as it appears on the mailing label of the publication.
BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
We exist to make a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. For information, call 602-230-CARE (2273) or visit BannerChildrens.com. Cover Photo: The Bond family, the GO KIDS! photo contest winner. (From left, front) Daughters Bailey, Crystal, Ashley; (in back) parents Tammie and Leo Bond.Photo by Rick D'Elia.
GO KIDS!
3
GO MOM
T
BY NICOLE COTTRELL
he great outdoors, the wide open sky, new experiences, and new friends all make up one of the most exciting moments in childhood— sleepaway camp. For most parents, sending your child off to camp is also one of the biggest “take a deep breath, watch them go, and then beam with pride” moments in childhood. Overnight camp or away camp, however, while a sort of rite of passage filled with fun and adventure, can also be a bit overwhelming for some kids and parents. (Um, hi. I’m talking to myself). But with a little preparation summer camp can be filled with excitement and fun instead of worry. TALK IT OUT Nothing helps prepare a child for an experience like explaining what they can expect. Pull up the camp website on your computer or hand your child a brochure. Explain what an average day might look like, complete with waking up early, mess hall dining, communal bathrooms, and all the other glorious parts of camp.
FAMILY KIT As a surprise, try sneaking a couple family photos, some of your child’s favorite snacks, and a letter from mom and dad (and even siblings) in their bag. Those can all help ease any home sick feelings. PREPARE SIBLINGS Younger siblings may experience some separation anxiety when older kids head off to camp, so be sure to prepare them mentally, as well. Encourage them to write postcards to their older sibling while they are away too. While it can be difficult to “remove the training wheels” and send our kids off to camp, it is important to remember that camp offers worthwhile and life-long benefits for children. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Camp Association, children who attend camp are more willing to try new things, express independence, develop social skills, and gain a greater sense of confidence and sense of self-worth. Now what parent doesn’t want that?
Off to camp we go!
PACK TOGETHER Allowing your child to help pack or letting them pack themselves creates a sense of independence and excitement about the events to come. This summer, my eight-year-old daughter Riley will be attending her first away camp and I have chosen to let her choose two new camping items to pack. She chose a fancy purple flashlight and a shiny compass. These little extras help build anticipation in a healthy way.
Want more helpful advice on food, fitness and fun? Check out Nicole Cottrell’s GO MOM blog online every Tuesday and Thursday at BannerChildrens.com/GOMOM
4
GO KIDS!
Summer 2015
BY DOLORES TROPIANO
A new Love and Logic Workshop Series is putting the pleasure back into parenting. The six-week class, created by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, takes place at Banner Children’s Academy of Education and Development in Tempe. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple for each session. “The goal is to give parents tools to create loving relationships with their kids and improve family life,” said Banner Children’s special education teacher Michael Laramie.
I ‘heart’ parenting!
Each class addresses an aspect of child-rearing with a focus on kids learning to solve their own problems. With practice, the techniques learned can end arguments and begin the essential process of raising responsible and accountable kids.
“It is about how to parent with empathy and love,” Laramie said. “While providing valuable life lessons.”
New sessions will begin this fall. Visit bannerchildrens.com/ loveandlogic for dates and registration information.
BY DOLORES TROPIANO
new baby is a blessing for parents but can be an adjustment for older siblings. While the baby shines under the spotlight, siblings can be left in the shadows feeling more jealousy than joy. Banner Children’s successful Sibling Adjustment Class can help. The two-hour class for ages 3-10 provides tools to turn slighted siblings into supportive ones. The class costs $20 (for the first child and $5 for each additional sibling) and takes place at Banner facilities throughout the Valley. Register for classes at bannerhealth.com/230CARE
BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
Suzanne Clinton, Women and Infants Services program outreach manager at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, says the interactive class focuses on safety. Kids learn about holding, feeding, and diapering an infant and how a small toy can become a choking hazard in the hand of a baby. “The class helps build their self-esteem and gets them excited about welcoming the new baby,” said Clinton. “And safely participate in the experience.”
Knock, knock… who’s here?
GO KIDS!
5
When it comes to drowning, time doesn’t heal all wounds
Andrew’s story BY KRISTINE BURNETT
T
here’s no way around it. A drowning is devastating and the consequences, both physical and emotional, can last a lifetime. Just ask Lesia Crawford whose younger brother, Andrew, suffered a non-fatal drowning in the backyard swimming pool nearly 30 years ago. “When people hear a news story about a ‘near drowning’ and a child being pulled from a pool, they automatically think, ‘Good, the child didn’t die,’” Crawford said. “What people don’t realize is that the child and family may never be the same. What happened to my brother is just as tragic as if he had died that day, maybe worse.”
Looking back
It was 1985, and Crawford and her almost 3-yearold brother were playing in the sunroom of their family’s home. Thirteen at the time, she retreated to her bedroom alone to enjoy a lazy first day of summer vacation. “My mom assumed I was watching him, but at 13 you don’t think about telling someone when you’re leaving the room,” explained Crawford, still living with the guilt of that day. Not long after, Crawford’s father pulled a lifeless Andrew from the pool. He had slipped out a back door and, with no fence around the pool, fell in.
6
GO KIDS!
Underwater for what was estimated to be four minutes, he didn’t have a pulse and he wasn’t breathing. “At that point, everything about my family completely changed,” said Crawford. “We went from being a regular family to a broken one.” While her father began frantically performing CPR, Crawford phoned paramedics. First responders used a defibrillator to get the toddler’s heart beating again before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Fighting to survive
Hooked to respirators and monitors, doctors didn’t expect the comatose toddler to make it through the night. With each passing day, doctors slowly extended Andrew’s life expectancy. First it was a week, then a month. But even when Andrew woke from his coma, the prognosis wasn’t good. At the start of Crawford’s Christmas holiday from school, young Andrew was discharged from the hospital and sent home. Doctors expected the once happy, healthy and curious little boy to live only a short while, giving him the chance to spend his final days surrounded by family. Only Andrew didn’t pass away. Rather, he began living an entirely new existence. “He was never the same—never able to walk or talk again,” said Crawford, forever saddened by the situation. “But my parents refused to give up on him.” Summer 2015
“When people hear a news story about a ‘near drowning’ and a child being pulled from a pool, they automatically think, ‘Good, the child didn’t die.’ What people don’t realize is that the child and family may never be the same.” — Lesia Crawford Volunteers began coming to the home to perform all sorts of rehabilitation exercises with Andrew. Dedicating their time and energy to “fixing” their child as Crawford says, her parents eventually lost their jobs, lost their home and later divorced. “There was so much animosity and guilt and they didn’t have time to work on their relationship or focus on the rest of us,” she explained. “A family just can’t survive something like that.”
Living with change
For Andrew, whose family moved to Arizona three years after the drowning seeking a change in climate to alleviate his recurrent bouts of pneumonia, happiness came from music, movies and having people sing to him. He spent the rest of his life almost entirely in a bedroom. “My brother lived the happiest life he could, but he still lived in a shell,” Crawford said. “We used to be able to take him outside when he was younger,
Banner Children’s Lifeguard on Duty
Water safety wristband campaign promotes eye-to-eye adult supervision It's heard all too often in drowning situations: “I thought someone else was watching him.” Keeping kids safe around swimming pools, lakes, rivers or other bodies of water requires more than assuming someone is standing watch. It requires identifying one To recieve a Banner Children’s Lifeguard on Duty Wristband, call (602) 230-2273 (CARE). or more persons to actively serve as a lifeguard on duty. To help remind parents, babysitters and other responsible adults about their role in keeping kids safe, Banner Children’s nine years ago launched the Banner Children’s Lifeguard on Duty BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
but by the time he was 20, he was too frail to get out of bed for anything other than his once-a-year physical.” Andrew passed away in October 2013, at the age of 29. Despite the fact that nearly three decades have passed since his drowning, the guilt, anguish and sadness of that day continue to haunt Crawford and her family. For more stories on water safety, “My dad once told visit BannerChildrens.com/ me that as a parent, your job is to keep GOKIDS, search "water safety." your children safe,” she said. “To this day, he says he failed. His guilt has never gone away.” Now the mother of a three-year-old little boy, Crawford is an advocate for water safety. She began working with Banner Children’s five years ago to help raise awareness for water safety and to let people know that there is no such thing as a “near drowning.”
“When watching a pool, a water safety campaign. person can only stay focused Tracey Fejt, RN, injury for about 15 to 20 minutes,” prevention coordinator and Fejt explained. “When staring outreach manager with at the water, your mind starts Banner Children’s, says to see what it wants and not the goal is to raise awarenecessarily what’s actually ness about water safety and Tracey Fejt, drowning prevention. Fejt was RN, injury prevention happening.” Having treated coordinator and outmany drowning victims during instrumental in creating the reach manager with her 20-year career as an new Banner Children’s LifeBanner Children's ER nurse, Fejt has dedicated guard on Duty wristband, a her career to water safety. tool help remind designated adults about their role in keeping kids safe. “I always heard parents say, ‘I didn’t know,’” “The wristbands identify someone as the lifeguard on duty, whether at a party, gathering or everyday backyard fun,” said Fejt. “When wearing the wristband, the person is not reading a book or talking on the phone. They are maintaining eye contact with those in and around the pool and staying close enough to touch if something happens.”
However, Fejt says the responsibility of being a lifeguard on duty must be shared, with a person serving in the role for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
she explained. “They didn’t know a child could or would crawl through a doggie door, climb out a window or slip through an unlatched door or gate. I want to make sure no one can say they didn’t know.” What began as a door-to-door drowning prevention campaign in the East Valley has become a Valley-wide initiative thanks to Fejt, her Banner Health colleagues and volunteers, and local first responders who share her commitment to keeping kids safe around water. “Whether fatal or not, drowning can happen to anyone—child or adult— at any time,” Fejt warned. “We all have to do our part to prevent it.” GO KIDS!
7
BY MEGHANN FINN SEPULVEDA
H
iking, exploring and roasting marshmallows by the fire are just a few of the many joys of camping. If you and your little ones share a passion for nature and the outdoors, a family camping trip may be in your future. Before you hit the woods and embark on your adventure, take time to plan ahead so that everyone can have fun and stay safe.
First aid kit
One of the most important things to pack is a first aid kit. Besides the essentials like band aids and pain relievers, there are other items that should be included. “Waterproof sunscreen is ideal for kids,” said William Schneider,
8
GO KIDS!
D.O., medical director of pediatric emergency services at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale. “An antibiotic cream is also beneficial to treat burns and blisters.” Chewable antacids can ease an upset stomach. “A child could develop food poisoning if raw or undercooked meat is consumed,” Schneider added. “Sports drinks mixed with water can replace electrolytes and prevent dehydration if there is vomiting or diarrhea.” To alleviate a rash or itching from an insect bite or sting, experts recommend hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment and an antihistamine, if needed. If there is a known food allergy, extra EpiPen auto-injectors should be packed in the event a serious reaction occurs. If a sprain or strain occurs, have ice packs, bandages and braces on hand. Tweezers can help remove splinters and stingers.
Meal planning
Whether you’re spending one or several nights under the stars, it’s best to pack simple, nutrient dense meals and snacks including plenty of drinking water. “Instant packs of oatmeal and frozen fruit are a perfect breakfast option,” said Bailey Noble, a registered dietitian at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa. “Energy rich foods like granola bars and peanut butter are also good choices.” Eggs, meat and dairy should be stored at a temperature of 40 degrees or lower to avoid bacteria growth, and placed on the bottom of a cooler away from raw food. Summer 2015
Camping 101
Tips on what to pack and how to ensure safety
An empty milk carton filled with water and placed in the freezer can act as both an ice pack and provide clean drinking water. Prepping meals ahead can save time and be individualized for each family member.
“Long pants and sleeves, sturdy shoes, a wide brimmed hat, compass, map and whistle are great to have while hiking,” Fejt said. “Think about how far your child can go and don’t push beyond that point.”
“Dinner options like foil packets of precooked meat, vegetables and potatoes can be quickly heated up over a fire,” Noble said. “Popcorn, cheese sticks, nuts, sliced apples, pears, cucumbers and celery make great snacks.”
Bring a flashlight, knife, matches and extra blankets. A reflective mirror can signal help.
Outdoor safety
Be aware of your surroundings especially when preparing your campfire.
Before leaving your driveway, always check the weather forecast, familiarize yourself with the campsite and call your family and friends. “Share details of your trip including where you’ll be and when you’ll be back,” said Tracey Fejt, RN, injury prevention coordinator and outreach manager with Banner Children’s. If you plan to hike, wear protective gear and know your limits. BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
Use safety precautions if you plan to participate in any water activities. “Life jackets should be worn at all times when boating, swimming or even fishing off the beach,” Fejt said.
“Don’t set up a fire near a tree root because kids can trip and fall,” Fejt said. “Never leave a fire unattended. It should be completely cool when it is extinguished.” Finally, identify the nearest urgent care or hospital if emergency medical care is needed.
Be aware of poisonous plants, insects and animals While there aren’t many poisonous flowers or plants in Arizona, there are some that could cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset if accidentally ingested. Research the area in advance and identify any that look unusual. “If a child consumes a wild mushroom, for instance, there may be nausea, vomiting, or oral or skin irritation,” said Dan Brooks, MD, medical director at Banner Poison and Drug Information Center. “Usually the reaction isn’t harmful, but parents should call the Poison Center to get a better understanding.” Scorpion stings and rattlesnake bites are more concerning. “The bark scorpion is the most dangerous species,” Brooks said. “A child stung by a scorpion could experience intense pain, numbness or tingling at the sting site, vomiting and increased saliva.” A cool compress can help lessen the pain. Poison Center staff can guide treatment and help parents decide the appropriate time to seek and coordinate emergency medical care, especially if a child is having difficulty breathing. Rattlesnake bites can deliver life-threatening poisonous venom if not treated. “Do not kill or capture the snake,” Brooks said. “Call 911 immediately and head to a hospital to get antivenom as soon as possible.” Save the number for Banner Poison Control and Drug Information Center to use in an emergency: 800-222-1222. “Have your medical records, vaccination history, and allergy information, list of medications including dosage schedules, and pediatrician’s phone number readily available,” Fejt said. GO KIDS!
9
Sleep to succeed
A look at a child’s sleep needs and what happens when those eyes are closed
BY BRIAN SODOMA
M
ost parents have experienced it - the dreaded bedtime battle. As soon as donning pajamas is mentioned, kids dig in their heels and arm themselves with a bevy of excuses to avoid slumber. But experts say that battle-weary parents should not give in, because sleep is crucial to a child's well-being. Sleep (or the lack of it) greatly impacts children mentally and physically, says Tamara Zach, MD, a Banner Children’s neurologist in Glendale. “Eighty percent of the time, if you improve sleep, you improve behaviors and learning. Children are calmer and less irritable. Sleep is something we don’t think about much, but we should,” she offered.
Needing shut eye
During sleep, short-term memories consolidate. It’s a way for the brain to store data and retain information. Without enough sleep, this critical filing can’t occur and memory could be compromised during waking hours. In addition, motor skills and the immune system can also see negative impacts, Zach explained. “Most of my patients, within five to 10 minutes, I can tell if they have good sleep habits,” she added. Sleep also allows toxins to flush from the brain. A growing sleep debt plus genetic predisposition can possibly lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia later in life, Zach said.
How much?
So how much sleep does your child need? Walter Castro, MD, a Banner Children’s sleep medicine specialist in Glendale, offers the following breakdown by age:
Birth–2 months: 16-20 hours/day 3-12 months: 9-12 hours/night; 1-4 naps (2-5 hours long) 1-3 years: 12-13 hours/night; 1-2 naps 3-5 years: 11-12 hours/night; 0-1 naps 6-12 years: 10-11 hours/night; no naps 13-18 years: 9-9.5 hours/night Castro encourages parents to look for signs their child may need to see a specialist. “If a child from six to 12 years of age requires a nap, that would be considered abnormal, and requires an evaluation. A sleepy teenager might also need to see a specialist,” he added.
Children who sleep with a television in their room average 18 less minutes of sleep than those without a TV.*
59%
of 6th through 8th graders and 87 percent of high school students in the U.S. are getting less sleep than they should on school nights. R.E.M., which stands for rapid eye movement, is the stage of sleep when kids dream.*
40%
the amount of time the average two-year-old spends asleep, according to National Sleep Foundation. *American Academy of Pediatrics
Sleep hygiene
Both doctors highlight the importance of an effective bedtime routine. They offer the following recommendations: • Go to bed at the same time each night, if possible • Stop physical activity (even sports) and electronics two hours before bed • Encourage calm activities like reading or a bath before bed
Tamara Zach, MD, a Banner Children's neurologist
• To avoid disrupting sleep-onset, keep all electronics (even TVs) out of the bedroom
Walter Castro, MD, a Banner Children’s sleep medicine specialist
For more information on sleep, go to BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS, search “sleep.”
10
GO KIDS!
Summer 2015
Q&A Healthy habits lead to school success As a Banner Children’s pediaWhat health habits will help my child be trician and mom of two, here successful in school? are a few tips to help parents prepare for the school year.
What’s first on the to-do list? Have vaccines up to date. Sometimes the summer goes by and then it is stressful getting kids in. I prefer that kids come in around birthdays for comprehensive well exams and sports physicals and not wait for the new school year. And annual screening for glasses are also important. Other priorities? Nutrition. Families can look at the school menu together and strategize healthy food choices. The worse thing is for a child to skip meals. Send them off with a lunch they really like (plus water) so they’ll have a happy food day.
Dawn Sorenson, MD, Banner Health Center, Maricopa
Final tips? Sleep is vital. Don’t wait till the night before school to get on a routine. Children in grades K-8 should get 10 or more hours and older kids should get 8-10 hours of sleep.
Diabetes—understanding the different types I have always been confused about the difference(s) between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Can you please explain the difference(s) between the two types?
Diabetes, a disorder of chronically elevated blood sugar levels, affects roughly 30 million Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association; and its prevalence is steadily climbing. The vast majority of people are diagnosed as having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. But what is the difference between the two? Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in individuals when their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to properly regulate blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that is most often diagnosed in children and young adults. However, this type of diabetes can present suddenly at any age and, unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent it. Roughly 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
When the pancreas does not make sufficient insulin, blood sugar levels can become extremely high. Symptoms tend to be very prominent at the time of diagnosis and include extreme hunger and thirst, increased urination, irritability, unexplained weight loss, and weakness or fatigue. People with type 1 diabetes need to receive replacement insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Effective management of this type of diabetes also requires frequent blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, and regular exercise. There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is not preventable, type 2 diabetes can be. The roughly 95 percent of diabetics who have type 2 can still produce insulin; however their bodies have developed a resistance to insulin and aren’t producing enough of it to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. This can result in symptoms very similar to type 1. However, insulin resistance usually comes on gradually, and those symptoms may not be present at the time of diagnosis, so regular screening is needed, meaning annual For more stories about diabetes, healthcare provider visits are recommended. visit BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS, The onset of type 2 is often related to a number of factors, including being overweight, inactivity, having an unhealthy diet, and genetic factors (type 2 tends to run strongly in families). Approximately 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, according to the CDC. search “diabetes.”
Just like type 1, there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a variety of medications can help drop blood sugar levels to a more normal range. In fact, people who are committed to lifestyle changes (losing weight, healthy eating, and exercise) can often reduce the medication they are taking, and in some cases they may get off medication altogether. BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
Joel A. Hahnke, MD, Banner Children's Specialists— Endocrinology. Scottsdale
GO KIDS!
11
BY BRIAN SODOMA
Program promotes an active summer for kids
Even competitive athletes find it challenging to exercise in the summertime heat; and for kids, summer often means more TV and video games and less physical activity. But Banner Children’s GO KIDS! Fitness Sign up to participate in the GO KIDS! Fitness Challenge: BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
Challenge is committed to keeping kids moving as the mercury rises. The Fitness Challenge, taking place June 1-29, is an online program geared towards kids kindergarten through eighth grade. To participate, a child (with a parent’s help) simply registers as a GO KIDS! member (at BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS) then tracks his or her daily physical activity. Participants must stay active 30 to 60 minutes a day and log their information into the GO KIDS! online calendar.
Prizes, free stuff
Each week, if a participant meets the minimum activity goals, his or her name is entered into a
12
GO KIDS!
drawing to win a weekly prize. If a member stays active at least 50 percent of the total days for the monthlong challenge, their name is entered into a grand prize drawing for a day at an Arizona Cardinals game for a family of four. Participants get backpacks, which include sunglasses and a jump rope. Parents will receive an e-newsletter with tips for ways to stay active and the GO KIDS! site has plenty of ideas for ways to keep kids moving all summer long.
Meet the Bonds
GO KIDS! photo contest winner
The Bonds family, our first GO KIDS! photo contest winner, are great ambassadors for the GO KIDS! program. Leo Bonds, whose wife and three daughters,
“It doesn’t have to be hard. As long as you just get up and get moving,” said Ryan Polosky, a GO KIDS! program co-manager.
Big fun, big benefits
Rachel Calendo, GO KIDS! program co-manager, highlights the importance of fun activities during the summer. Active Wii and X Box games, indoor team sports, karate, hiking and dancing are eactivities that get the heart pumping. “Sometimes it’s a kid who likes to walk getting a pedometer and creating a goal of 10,000 steps per day,” she added. “Any little burst of activity throughout the day is better than nothing.” With childhood obesity rates climbing, Calendo says her team often consults with children about weight management concerns. embrace the program as something they could all do as a family. “We try to do some kind of family exercise together 3 to 4 times a week,” Bonds says. “For one day a week, we choose a restaurant to have dinner. We walk to the restaurant and eat dinner then we walk back home. It usually ends up being a 2-5 mile walk roundtrip.” Bonds feels families should create their own fitness regiment to suit their needs. “Eating healthy, nutritious meals and physical exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” Summer 2015
GO PARENTS
What we wish parents knew:
Protecting kids from the sun and heat BY MEGHANN FINN SEPULVEDA
E
ven as summer temperatures rise, kids don’t slow down. Sports, swimming and other outdoor activities continue, making children at risk for sunburn, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. With the blazing sun most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., parents should watch for early warning signs so everyone can enjoy a safe summer.
Hydration can come from water AND food Thirst is not a reliable sign that kids may be dehydrated, especially in hot, humid weather. Water is considered the best option to keep kids hydrated before, during and after activities. Offer water not carbonated soda or sports drinks. Avoid beverages with high
fructose corn syrup and preservatives. Whole fruit and vegetables contain high water content and help maintain hydration. Watermelon and cucumbers are great snack options.
John Sarmiento, MD, pediatrician, Banner Health Center in Surprise
How to recognize heat-related illnesses It’s not uncommon for kids to sweat and become flushed after spending time outdoors, but it’s important to watch for signs of heatrelated illnesses. Todd Clever, MD and emergency medicine physician at Banner Estrella Medical Center
Heat cramps are an early symptom of dehydration, but can easily be treated if a child stops the activity to rest and consume fluids. When heat exhaustion occurs, a child loses the inability to rehydrate.
Children often experience weakness, nausea, headaches and vomiting. During heat stroke, children no longer produce sweat. They can become confused and disoriented and can’t control body temperatures. Emergency medical care is needed immediately to cool and treat the child.
For more information about heat illness in children, visit BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS, search “heat.”
Some sunscreens can cause an allergic reaction While an allergic reaction to sunscreen is no longer common, it can occur. Fortunately most For more information about heat illness in children, visit BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS, search “sunscreen.” manufacturers are using formulations that are gentle on the skin. Experts recommend children wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS
I suggest applying a high SPF and using a generous amount of sunblock for the best protection. Try to keep kids out of the sun during peak times of the day and use hats, rash guards and sunglasses to protect the body and face.” Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, redness and blisters.
Suzanne Nielsen, MD, pediatrician, Banner Health Center in Gilbert
“If you notice any of these symptoms, wash the sunscreen off the child and seek medical care,” Nielsen said. GO KIDS!
13
GO KIDS! ACTIVITIES
Up for a challenge? Create your own Banner Children’s GO KIDS! Obstacle Course If you’re on the hunt for a fun activity to try with your kids this summer, how about a DIY obstacle course? Below are step-by-step instructions on how to create a fun obstacle course right in your own backyard. This will deliver the important 30+ minutes of movement that we prescribe each day and also challenge them in the areas of balance and coordination. Ready? Set … GO KIDS!
1
Spider Web Crawl Arrange 4 [or more] chairs in the shape of a rectangle. Tie yarn to one chair and create a web by weaving it around the other chairs. For this part of the obstacle course, the kids will have to crawl on their hands, knees or stomach from one side of the web to the other, and must avoid touching the web.
2
Warm Up Start by having the kids do 25 jumping jacks in place to warm up their muscles and increase their heart rates. Make sure they count out loud. Roll Call Take the roll of painter’s tape, and for the next obstacle, tape all different letters of the alphabet on the ground. Yell out certain letters that the kids will have to jump to and from. Do this activity for about 2-3 minutes.
3 4
Hopscotch For the next obstacle, use the chalk to draw a hopscotch board on the ground for the kids to jump across.
Hula Hoop Run For the next obstacle, take 8-10 hula hoops and place them down on the ground creating a “tire run.” Tight Rope Next, grab the jump ropes and place them in a straight line on the ground. This will be known as “walking the tight rope” where their balance will be a key component. You can also choose to have the kids jump rope for a few minutes somewhere within the obstacle course as well.
5
6 7
8
Ring ‘Em Next, set up water bottles in the same triangular shape as bowling pins. Have the kids throw the paper rings at the water bottles to see how many times they can get the ring to land around them during a 3-minute period. Have them drink some of the water before moving on to the next obstacle!
Reminders • Be sure kids are well-hydrated before, during and after they participate in the obstacle course. Also, do the activity in the morning to avoid excessive heat and UV sun exposure. • If your kids are prone to injury, set up the obstacle course on a soft surface like grass, or strap on some protective gear like elbow and knee pads.
14
GO KIDS!
Materials needed • 4+ kitchen or lawn chairs • 1 spool of white yarn • 8-10 hula hoops • 1 roll of painter’s tape • 4 pool noodles • 3 jump ropes • Chalk • 1 package of paper plates (cut out holes from the inside to make paper rings) • 10 full water bottles • 1-2 bags of water balloons (filled and ready to go) • 8-10 plastic cones • 8 small cardboard boxes
Weaving For the next obstacle, grab the plastic cones and set them up in zig-zag formation about five yards apart. Have the kids sprint from one cone to the next until they reach the 10th cone. To make this more difficult, try having them alternate between sprints and backpedaling.
9 Hurdles Take the pool noodles and prop them each up below knee-height on two overturned boxes. This will create four hurdles your kids will have to jump over.
10 Water Balloon Fight To celebrate completing the obstacle course, have water balloons filled with water and waiting for them at the end for a friendly water balloon fight and a nice cool down. Summer 2015
WHEN YOU HAVE A
PEDIATRICIAN FOR YOUR KID, YOU HAVE A
HEALTHIER KID.
FIND A TRUSTED BANNER CHILDREN’S PEDIATRICIAN. Banner Children’s pediatricians provide trusted, comprehensive care to help keep your family healthy. Whether it’s for sick visits or checkups, Banner Children’s pediatricians focus on open communication between parents, children and practitioners. From babies to teens, we’re dedicated to maintaining a strong community of healthy families. Go to BannerChildrens.com or call (602) 230- CARE to find a pediatrician now. Connect with us:
BANNER HEALTH 1441 N. 12th STREET PHOENIX, AZ 85006-2887
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LONG BEACH, CA PERMIT NO.1677
STAY COOL , BE SAFE AT THE POOL.
GO KIDS!
IT’S TIME FOR FUN IN THE SUN! Banner Children’s wants to keep you safe around the swimming pool, the lake, the ocean and other fun water spots. Take these simple precautions to keep your family safe: • While a child is in a pool, there’s absolutely no substitute for a parent or caregiver’s constant supervision, whether the child is an experienced swimmer or not. • Keep a phone next to you so you don’t have to run inside, leaving children unattended for even a moment can spell danger. • Make sure your pool has a working, self - closing gate that locks automatically. These are just a few of the ways you can make summer both safe and fun! Ready? Set...GO KIDS!
For more pool safety tips visit BannerChildrens.com/GOKIDS • Connect with us: