Under the Rainbow | Spring 2006

U N I V E R S I T Y H O S P I TA L S O F C L E V E L A N D • R A I N B O W B A B I E S & C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I TA L

T H E

L AT E S T

IN

C H I LDRE N ’ S

MAX WIZNITZER, MD, Director of the Autism Center, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?

RAINBOW EXPERTS RESOUNDINGLY SAY, “YES!”

C

ertainly, few parents can watch their tiny infant get a shot in a chubby thigh — and hear that blood-curdling scream — without feeling a pang of guilt for “causing” their child pain.

ask rainbow...

Rainbow’s experts are here to answer your health care questions!

You can contact us by phone at 216-844-RAINBOW or e-mail us at ask@rainbowbabies.org, or visit www.rainbowbabies.org

BARBARA BAETZGREENWALT, MD, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

At that very moment, you may wonder, “Does my child really need to endure this?” Or, perhaps you’ve read something online about side effects of vaccines. Maybe your friends are also balking, saying it’s not necessary.

Should you vaccinate your child?

The answer, according to Barbara Baetz-Greenwalt, MD, of Rainbow’s Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, is a resounding “Yes!” “Over the past 30 years, we’ve been so blessed with the essential elimination of the usual childhood diseases that are

H E A LTH

N EW S

•

SPRI N G

now vaccine-preventable,” Dr. BaetzGreenwalt says. “Most people, thankfully, don’t know what it’s like to have a child with measles or whooping cough. But we now have a generation of parents who grew up without them wondering why the vaccines are so important.”

Or take the more recent chickenpox vaccine. Many parents who themselves had chickenpox as children may wonder, “What’s the big deal?” But before the vaccine, Dr. Baetz-Greenwalt says, she saw at least a dozen healthy kids a year hospitalized for complications from the disease. Chickenpox can be fatal for children with immune problems.

That’s not to mention the economic impact of the disease, she adds. For a family with three kids who each get chickenpox, a parent can easily miss work for a month.

But what about potential side effects from vaccines? Do they really cause autism? Rainbow neurologist Max Wiznitzer, MD, says the only literature that suggested the possibility was flawed and has since been discredited.

“For parents, it should really be a non-issue,” he says. For those also concerned about mercury in vaccines, such as those for the flu, Dr. Wiznitzer says that most new versions no longer include it.

“While the data hasn’t linked any health-related problems with the small amount of mercury in such vaccines, you can certainly ask your physician to make certain that your child receives one without mercury if you are concerned,” he adds. ■

CELEBRATING 140 YEARS

of Caring for Cleveland.

2006

inside this issue: Are Tubes Right for Ear Infections? page 2

Take Action Against Asthma page 3

There’s Help for Bed-Wetting page 5

Ask the Doctor page 7

SEARCH HEALTH INFO ONLINE For easy access to Rainbow physicians and in-depth health information for you and your child — including a new symptom checker — visit us online:

www.rainbowbabies.org

Under the R AINBOW

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a GREAT OFFER! Rainbow is offering free copies of the booklet Treating Middle Ear Infections. Call 216-844-RAINBOW for your free copy today.

Should My Child Have Ear Tubes?

Your child may be a good candidate for ear tubes if he or she has: ■ Fluid in the middle ear (present for more than 12 weeks)

ROBERT C. SPRECHER, MD, Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

■ Recurrent ear infections despite efforts of prevention (more than three infections in six months) ■ Ear infections that don’t improve after two to three rounds of using the appropriate antibiotics

When Should I Consider Tubes for My Child’s Chronic Ear Infections?

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t’s a scenario familiar to many parents. The waking at under general anesthesia and suctions out the fluid. A small night crying. The fever. The refusing to eat. The tugging tube just a few millimeters long is placed through a hole in the at her ears. Yet another ear infection? eardrum to dry out the middle ear and keep it dry.

While most children will have at least one ear infection by “The tube acts as a vent allowing air in and fluid out, helpthe age of 3, it is understandable for parents to become coning to prevent bacteria from causing infection,” Dr. Sprecher cerned when their child has seemingly constant ear infections. explains.

“A child who suffers from multiple ear infections may be Tubes help prevent recurrent ear infections in about 90 pera good candidate for ear-tube insertion,” says Robert C. cent of cases, he adds. They typically fall out on their own Sprecher, MD, Chief of Pediatric after about a year.

TO LEARN MORE Otolaryngology at Rainbow Babies “While tubes aren’t the answer for & Children’s Hospital. “When fluid every child with ear infections, they For a consultation with a buildup lingers in the ear for longer than can be beneficial, especially in young Rainbow otolaryngologist to learn if your child may benefit three months, such as in many children children who are in the peak of speech from ear tubes, please call: with repeat infections — or one that development,” adds Gregory G. 216-844-RAINBOW. simply doesn’t respond to treatment — Golonka, MD, a pediatrician with it thickens to the point where it can no the Rainbow Specialty Center in longer drain on its own.”

Strongsville. “Having fluid in the middle ear for an extended In an ear-tube insertion, also called a tympanostomy, an time can muffle hearing and affect a child’s critical language otolaryngologist makes a tiny incision in the child’s eardrum growth.” ■ 2

Find a physician online: www.rainbowbabies.org/PhysicianSearch

Breathe Easier LEARNING MORE ABOUT ASTHMA CAN HELP YOU BETTER MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S CARE

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ou know the wheezing, coughing or breathing distress that signal an asthma attack. But do you realize that with proper management, children with asthma should be symptom-free 95 percent of the time?

“Parents tend to have low expectations for the functional level of their children with asthma,” says Carolyn M. Kercsmar, MD, Co-Chief of the Division of Pulmonology at Rainbow and Director of its Children’s Asthma Center. “Since their child has asthma, they expect they should cough in school, while playing and have problems sleeping — but this is a misconception.”

“More education and skills are warranted to help parents truly understand their child’s asthma.”

—Carolyn M. Kercsmar, MD

low-level symptoms that go unnoticed or ignored for a number of reasons.

Kids might underreport them. They might be away from home involved in extracurricular activities. Or, they might simply get used to living with them.”

Whatever the cause, Dr. Kercsmar cautions parents that an unscheduled doctor’s office visit, trip to the emergency room or hospitalization shouldn’t be viewed as par for the course, but rather as a major treatment failure.

“More education and skills are warranted to help parents truly understand their child’s asthma,” she says.

Generally, most children with asthma will need to take a chronic preventive medicine, even when they’re feeling well, Dr. Kercsmar advises. But, as with any chronic condition, continuous treatment is necessary to minimize exacerbations.

She adds that parents can be assured that current asthma treatments are safe and effective and have minimal or minor side effects.

CAROLYN M. KERCSMAR, MD, Co-Chief of the Division of Pulmonology and Director of the Children’s Asthma Center at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

a GREAT OFFER! Rainbow is offering free copies of the brochure Tips to Remember — Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children.

Call 216-844-RAINBOW for your free copy today.

DON’T WAIT FOR FLARE-UPS Parents often view asthma as acute episodes rather than a chronic disease, Dr. Kercsmar says. “The tendency for flare-ups is always there,” she explains.

“However, some children may have

STAY INVOLVED Another key to proper asthma management, she says, is a good relationship with your child’s health care provider.

“Together, you and your child’s doctor should assess whether your child’s

asthma is truly under control. If not, you will need a plan or referral to a specialist to help your child live life with the least interference from asthma as possible.” ■

TO LEARN MORE For an appointment with a Rainbow asthma specialist, please call 216-844-RAINBOW.

Expert Advice for Families With Asthma CHILDREN, TOO, SHOULD BE PARTNERS IN THEIR CARE

■ Review your child’s treatment needs at

About 6.3 million U.S. children have

an action plan for your child. Make sure

asthma. Here is more expert advice to help

your child’s asthma is under control,

school with teachers, coaches, admin-

parents and families:

because if it is, he or she can do any-

istrators and the nurse. They may not

■ Seek an asthma evaluation for any child

thing any other child can do.

know much about asthma.

who has frequent coughing or respiratory

■ Stick with the prescribed medication

■ Teach your child to help manage asthma.

infections, such as pneumonia or bron-

plan while avoiding or controlling asthma

Depending on age and maturity, kids can

chitis. Other common symptoms include

triggers. Common triggers include

learn to avoid triggers, care for medica-

episodes of wheezing, chest tightness

exercise, respiratory infections, allergies,

tions and take them. Older children

and shortness of breath.

and irritants such as tobacco smoke or

should be as responsible as possible for

cold air.

their own treatment.

■ Work closely with your doctor to develop

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Tips for Frazzled Mornings Here are some additional tips Dr. Kingsberg offers to ease the a.m. crunch: The night before ■ Make sure homework is done and ready to go in backpacks.

■ Have outfits — including underwear, socks and shoes — laid out.

■ Designate an area where items for

SHERYL A. KINGSBERG, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, MacDonald Women’s Hospital

school are placed, so children can grab and go in the morning.

■ Prepare lunches.

■ Check your calendar pre-marked with important reminders for project deadlines, tests, permission slips and afterschool activities. Color-coding events by person is particularly helpful.

The morning ■ Review the day’s plan with each family member.

■ Calmly provide time updates and give

CAROLYN LANDIS, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

warnings of approaching deadlines.

■ Define children’s tasks and make each relatively easy to complete.

■ Praise success.

■ Be REALISTIC in your timetable. Your

Morning Madness GET YOUR FAMILY’S DAY OFF TO A GOOD START WITH THESE ORGANIZATION TIPS

child’s (or spouse’s) pace may not be the same as yours. Continually setting the pace too fast will cause them to feel like failures and do nothing but frustrate everyone.

a GREAT OFFER! Rainbow is offering free copies of the brochure, Put Time on Your Side: Time Management Strategies for Busy Women. Call 216-844-RAINBOW for your free copy today.

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ho would have thought that the Great American Race was really the daily struggle to get your family and yourself out of the house on time every morning?

It is a common sight to see parents herding children into cars or buses while zipping up coats, placing mittens on cold fingers, pushing feet into boots, placing lunches in backpacks and then making sure their own coats, hats, lunches and briefcases have made it out the door.

“That’s enough stress to cover an entire day, much less the early morning hours,” notes Sheryl A. Kingsberg, PhD, clinical psychologist with University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital. “In contrast, a relaxed start to a day has been shown to improve overall mood, work productivity, and physical and mental health.”

Sounds nice, but is it realistic for your household? While perfection is not the goal and mishaps will happen, there are several proactive strategies you can adopt to ease that morning rush hour traffic.

“The first priority in making mornings less crazed is to make certain that all household members — including moms and dads — get enough sleep,” says Carolyn Landis, PhD, clinical psychologist with Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. “Children should have set bedtimes and get adequate sleep so that waking them in the morning will be much

easier. Moms who are tired and cranky interacting with children who are sleep-deprived and loath to get out of bed make for chaotic, stressful mornings.”

Both Drs. Landis and Kingsberg say that establishing a set routine for the night before AND the morning is key to reducing stress levels.

“Everyone should know what to do and in what order,” Dr. Landis says. “It can also help to offer children a say in their preferences. For example, do they want to get dressed first or eat breakfast first? For children who really struggle with the morning routine, it also may be beneficial to establish an incentive to get ready early. This might be 15 minutes of watching an episode of a favorite cartoon or eating a favorite breakfast that needs to be eaten at the table — like waffles — rather than in the car or at the bus stop. Lots of praise should be heaped on these children when they get ready on time!”

While your next Monday morning may still include a lost left tennis shoe or a forgotten cell phone, don’t be discouraged. Your perseverance will pay off in the long run.

“If you stick to your new routines, your life will change for the better,” Dr. Kingsberg says. “Even the youngest of children are aware of morning stress. Working together on realistic evening and morning routines may not necessarily make you and yours ‘morning people,’ but it will certainly help you face the day if you’re not utterly exhausted before it even begins.” ■

Find a physician online: www.rainbowbabies.org/PhysicianSearch

Not High and Dry WHEN SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD’S BED-WETTING?

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ost children begin staying dry overnight at around 3 years old. But, as with most developmental milestones, that’s only an average.

“Children achieve bladder control at different ages,” says Jeffrey S. Palmer, MD, FACS, FAAP, Director of Minimally Invasive Pediatric Urology at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. “It is not unusual for children up to the age of 5 years to wet the bed at night, though this may be aggravating to parents.”

“Parents should keep in mind that children seldom wet the bed on purpose and are typically embarrassed about the situation.”

About 40 percent of 3-year-olds wet the bed at night, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This declines with age to roughly 20 percent of 5-year-olds, 10 percent of 6-year-olds and 3 percent of 12-year-olds.

“While the causes of bed-wetting JEFFREY S. PALMER, JACK S. ELDER, aren’t entirely understood, the problem MD, FACS, FAAP, MD, Chief of is typically caused by one of two reaDirector of Minimally Pediatric Urology, Invasive Pediatric Rainbow Babies & sons,” explains Dr. Palmer. “Either the Urology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital child’s bladder is not yet developed to Babies & Children’s hold urine for a full night, or he is not Hospital yet able to recognize when his bladder is full, wake up and use the toilet.” to a more serious disease or problem.

Some children may wet the bed every Yet, only about 1 percent of bed-wetting night, several times a night or only on cases are due to defects in the child’s occasion. urinary system, diabetes, bladder or “Parents should keep in mind that kidney infections. children seldom wet the bed on purpose “If a bigger problem is suspected, and are typically embarrassed about your child’s pediatrician may run a test the situation,” says Jack S. Elder, MD, to rule out infection or take X-rays to Chief of Pediatric Urology at Rainbow determine if the wetting is more than Babies & Children’s Hospital. “Instead delayed bladder maturity,” says Dr. of punishing, they need to offer support Palmer. “Your child may also be that the child will be able to master stay- referred to a pediatric urologist if it ing dry at night.” appears the condition is not resolving While nearly all children will outgrow with standard intervention.” ■ bed-wetting without any treatment, some pediatricians recommend the use of a bed-wetting alarm or medication LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN COPE for children ages 6 and older until they WITH BED-WETTING develop bladder control on their own. by visiting our Web site at Dr. Palmer notes that parents may www.rainbowbabies.org/ bedwetting/aspx. fear that their child’s bed-wetting is due

SUGGESTIONS Drs. Palmer and Elder run the Rainbow Center for the Management of Incontinence in Children, which offers comprehensive assessment and treatment of children with urinary incontinence.

Dr. Elder suggests parents can help their children who wet the bed by: ■ Limiting liquids before bedtime ■ Making sure your child uses the bathroom just before bedtime ■ Praising the child on dry mornings ■ Having a nightlight in the bathroom to encourage nighttime use ■ Using an impermeable mattress cover to make cleanup easier

Take a Hard Line Against Soft Drinks Children often trade milk cartons for soda

Although your child’s diet won’t be ruined

POUR IT ON

bottles when they hit the preteen years.

if he drinks soda in modest amounts, it

■ Give children three cups of fat-free or low-

Those kids also tend to eat fewer fruits

can be hard to stick to that goal. Children

fat milk or milk products a day. Serving it

and vegetables, get less calcium and

often gulp down a 20-ounce bottle, equal

cold makes it more inviting, Myeroff says.

take in more calories. Since one in seven

to 2 /2 servings.

U.S. youths weighs too much, that alarms

1

“It’s extremely easy to forget about por-

■ Offer water in a fun bottle.

■ Steer teens toward diet sodas when soft

tion sizes when it comes to drinks,” says

drinks are on the menu. “If a teenager is

Myeroff. Instead, she suggests parents

going out and everyone else is getting a

the weight crisis. But drinking less soda is

stop serving soda. “In fact, It’s very tough

soft drink, sugar-free is an OK alternative,”

one clear way to reduce calories.

to drink soft drinks in moderation because

Myeroff says. But preteens should not drink

health professionals.

Soft drinks can’t take all the blame for

“The total number of calories coming

they are so pervasive — and in huge por-

from liquids, such as soda, is an important

tions. A better plan, though hard initially,

■ Give a child one serving of 100 percent

one in combating obesity in children and

is to simply eliminate them all together.”

fruit juice each day if you wish, Myeroff

teens,” says Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Dietitian Adria Myeroff, RD, LD.

Nutritious substitutes are close at hand.

Start with milk, she suggests.

much diet soda full of artificial sweetener.

says. Avoid fruit drinks and iced tea with added sweeteners. Dilute super-sweet drinks with water.

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More than 3.5 million children suffer from sports- and recreationrelated injuries each year.

Recreation-related injuries and issues include: ■ ACL sprain/tear

AMANDA WEISSKELLY, MD, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

■ Ankle sprain ■ Apophystis ■ Bursitis ■ Concussions ■ Contusions ■ Dislocations ■ Exercise-induced asthma ■ Foot sprains/strains ■ Little League elbow/shoulder ■ Low back strains

SUZANNAH BRISKIN, MD, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

■ Meniscal injuries ■ Muscle strains ■ Tendinitis ■ Exercise-associated menstrual changes ■ Sprains of any joint ■ Tennis/golf elbow ■ Inadequate nutrition and hydration

Sports Medicine: Treating Female Athletes With Special Care

■ Growth plate injuries ■ Fractures Rainbow’s sports medicine program not only provides expert treatment of common injuries to get your young athlete back in the game, but also focuses on all areas of your child’s health, including pre-participation sports exams for injury prevention, nutritional counseling, cardiology services, pulmonology services, orthopaedic surgery services, rehabilitation services, performance enhancement, sports psychology and adolescent gynecology.

Our sports medicine team works with the patient, family, teacher, coach, athletic trainer and primary care physician to help your children — whether they’re in Little League or aspiring professional or Olympic athletes.

If Rainbow Sports Medicine sounds like the right program for your child, call our referral service at 216-983-SPORT to schedule an appointment.

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hether it’s tennis, gymnastics, basketball, softball, volleyball, swimming, soccer, cross country, rugby or golf, more girls are participating in sports than

ever before.

As a result, the demand continues to rise for sports medicine physicians with expertise in women’s health — the kind of expertise that only nationally recognized hospitals like Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital can offer.

Rainbow’s Amanda Weiss-Kelly, MD, and Suzannah Briskin, MD, represent a small but increasing number of female physicians specializing in the field of sports medicine.

“Since the advent of Title IX, more and more women are partaking in sports,” says Dr. Weiss-Kelly. “Therefore, we are beginning to recognize the emergence of different injury patterns between male and female athletes participating in the same activities.”

Certain types of conditions and injuries are more common in females due to their physiques and the ways in which their bodies respond to the rigors of athletic competition.

For example, Drs. Weiss-Kelly’s and Briskin’s medical training and professional experience enable them to evaluate and treat teenage girls with abnormal menstrual cycles and iron deficiency, and recognize the importance of learning to avoid injuries. They also are competitive athletes themselves who are familiar with the issues that their patients face on and off the playing field.

“For healthy individuals, the benefits of athletic activities typically outweigh whatever risks they may face,” Dr. Briskin says.

Still, female athletes of all ages run certain risks that should not be ignored. Among the most significant for girls and young women is the female athlete triad, a condition that involves eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis.

“I’m a strong advocate for athletics and contend that children who play sports tend to be healthier than children who don’t,” Dr. Weiss-Kelly says. “By the same token, you work out regularly if you expect to stay healthy. Athletes often get hurt in an early season game because they aren’t in shape — their bodies were not trained adequately for the stress and strain of competition. All winter long, they were couch potatoes.”

Dr. Weiss-Kelly says pediatric sports medicine provides a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with a staff of specialists in orthopaedics, cardiology, pulmonology, psychology and gynecology. This staff works with individual patients as well as sports teams at local high schools and universities.

“Sports often cause sore muscles, but more serious injuries do occur that merit a doctor’s examination,” Dr. Weiss-Kelly says. “Some parents worry about being overly cautious, but they all seem relieved as soon as they see their children are in the expert hands of a doctor. It’s up to the parent, not the child, to decide when to see the doctor.” ■

Find a physician online: www.rainbowbabies.org/PhysicianSearch

Q

ASK THE DOCTOR: WHEN IS A SPOONFUL NOT A SPOONFUL?

Q A

When giving our child medicine, we sometimes use a kitchen spoon. Is this safe?

While that’s unlikely to cause serious ANNE LYREN, MD, harm, it is always Pediatrician, Division of General Academic best to use a dosing cup or Pediatrics, spoon when giving medicines Rainbow Babies & to children, says Anne Lyren, Children’s Hospital MD, a pediatrician in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics at Rainbow.

“That way, your child will always get the right amount of medicine,” she explains. “Follow the label directions every time you give medicine to your child.

Know the abbreviations for tablespoon (tbsp.) and teaspoon (tsp.), and use a measured medicine dropper if a dosing cup or spoon is not provided.”

Observe the expiration dates of over-the-counter medicines, and discard extra or old prescription medicines, Dr. Lyren advises. “Never give your child a medicine prescribed for someone else,” she states. “Pay attention to potential side effects of any medicine, and call your doctor if you notice anything unusual.” ■

Q A

Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

How much sleep does my teen need?

is proud to sponsor the 2005–2006 Cleveland Orchestra Musical Rainbow Series at Severance Hall. We are pleased

Ideally, teenagers need at least nine hours of CAROL ROSEN, MD, sleep, but most teens Medical Director of Pediatric Sleep are getting much less, says Carol Services, Rosen, MD, Medical Director Rainbow Babies & of Pediatric Sleep Services at Children’s Hospital Rainbow. At this age, increased pressures from school and social life and early school start times can make it hard to get enough sleep.

In fact, up to 15 percent of teens say they have fallen asleep in class, Dr. Rosen says. “Lack of sleep decreases school performance and increases moodiness and accidents.” Teenagers have a tendency to stay up later on school nights and even later on weekends.

Their body rhythms shift, making it even harder to fall asleep at night and wake up for school in the morning.

“Encourage your teenager to keep a regular sleep and wake schedule, not varying more than one to two hours on school days and weekends,” she says. ■

Q A

Foster a Love of Music

My 5-year-old is a picky eater. Should I give him a daily multivitamin?

to support these programs, which encourage learning and foster a love of music in young children ages 3 to 6.

Each interactive program teaches children about an instrument or instrument family of the orchestra through musical games, demonstration and audience participation. Musical Rainbow programs are part of a broad array of Cleveland Orchestra programs for children that also include Family Concerts for children ages 7 and up.

Visit www.clevelandorchestra.com or call The Cleveland Orchestra Education Department at 216-231-7355 for more information.

Cleveland Orchestra Concerts for Children Spring 2006 Schedule: Musical Rainbows for ages 3 to 6 — Tickets just $6 The Cheerful Cello Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m. and Saturday,

Most children this age are choosy about HOWARD S. what they eat, says JACOBS, MD, Pediatrician, Howard S. Jacobs, MD, a University Hospitals pediatrician with University Health System Hospitals Health System who has offices in Broadview Heights, Chagrin Falls, Garfield Heights, Mayfield Heights and Twinsburg. Also, Dr. Jacobs notes, their growth rate is slower then when they were babies, so they may eat less. “It’s understandable to be concerned, but this is normal,” he says. “As long as you are providing your child choices from all food groups, such as whole-grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein such as lean meats and beans, your child is getting all the nutrients he needs.”

April 22 at 10 and 11 a.m.

While you don’t need to give your child a multivitamin, Dr. Jacobs advises that it is safe to do so.

“Be sure to follow the package directions,” he says. ■

May 13 at 10 and 11 a.m.

David Alan Harrell, cello Laura Silverman, piano Maryann Nagel, host Carnival of the Animals Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Cleveland Orchestra Andrew Grams, conductor Joela Jones, piano Carolyn Warner, violin/piano Damon Gupton, narrator The Virtuoso Viola Friday, May 12 at 10 a.m. and Saturday, Lembi Veskimets, viola Laura Silverman, piano Maryann Nagel, host

HOW MUCH SLEEP IS ENOUGH? Want to learn more about why getting the proper amount of sleep is critical to your child’s

Visit www.clevelandorchestra.com

health? Visit www.rainbowbabies.org/sleep.aspx for more information.

or call 216-231-1111 for tickets.

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University Hospitals of Cleveland Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit N. 694 Effingham, IL

ASK RAINBOW! Rainbow’s experts are here to answer your health care questions! You can contact us by phone at 216-844-RAINBOW or email us at ask@rainbowbabies.org.

Get Your Kids to Log Off “SCREEN TIME” CUTS INTO PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

T

V and video games have robbed children of outside play for years. But now most U.S. homes have a personal computer, too, and about a third of kids ages 8 to 18 have one in their room. That has health experts casting a wary eye on PCs as well.

The problem is not just that going online can expose youngsters to predators or cause them to waste hours in chat rooms. It’s also that rising “screen time” can cost kids the exercise they need to keep fit.

“We’re seeing a drastic drop in activity levels due to changes in school NAVEEN ULI, MD, Medical Director of physical education the Healthy Kids, requirements, comHealthy Weight puter technology Program at Rainbow and community Babies & Children’s resources,” says Hospital

Naveen Uli, MD, Medical Director of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Weight Program at Rainbow. “This means that our kids are becoming increasingly overweight and obese and may be the first generation not to have a longer life expectancy than their parents.”

Children and teens should get at least 60 minutes a day of physical activity, according to the 2005 dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. How can you help? A lot of doctors say you should take TVs and PCs out of kids’ rooms and limit screen time to two hours a day. They also say you should back more exercise. Go for a walk with your kids a few nights a week after supper, for instance. Shut off the Saturday cartoons to go inline skating or visit the zoo.

“Your kids may complain at first,” Dr. Uli says. “But in the long run, they

will be healthier and more well-rounded individuals for spending less time in front of the computer screen.”

They key is to encourage outdoor activities for your children without being overly controlling. You may want to brainstorm with other parents and organize an after-school program to provide a safe environment. “But kids, given their imaginations, can usually come up with plenty of fun things to do,” he says. ■

TO LEARN MORE ■ “We Can!” (National Heart,

■ ■ ■

■

Lung, and Blood Institute): http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov PC–Turnoff Organization: www.pcturnoff.org American College of Sports Medicine: www.acsm.org National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity: www.ncppa.org President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: www.fitness.gov

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER Rainbow’s experts are here to answer your healthcare questions!

You can contact us by phone at 216-844-RAINBOW or e-mail us at aask@rainbowbabies.org.

Why Choose Rainbow?

By selecting Cleveland’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital for your child’s health care, you are choosing one of the most trusted names in children’s healthcare.

Caring for children for more than a century, Rainbow is ranked number one in the Midwest Region and sixth in the nation by US News & World Report. It is also recognized as one of the top five children’s hospitals in America by Child magazine.

At Rainbow, you and your child will have access to a staff of more than 850 physicians, nurses, child life specialists, social workers and other professionals — the largest in Northeast Ohio — solely dedicated to addressing the special diagnostic, medical and surgical needs of infants, children and adolescents.

Under the Rainbow is published by Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Articles in this newsletter are written by professional journalists or physicians who strive to present reliable, up-to-date information. But no publication can replace the care and advice of medical professionals, and readers are cautioned to seek such help for personal problems. ©2006 Staywell Custom Communications, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067, 267-685-2800. Some images in this publication may be provided by ©2006 PhotoDisc, Inc. All models used for illustrative purposes only.

Some illustrations in this publication may be provided by ©2006 The StayWell Company; all rights reserved.

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