Posts Tagged ‘KC Parent Magazine’
Written by nurse mommy on 01 September 2010
Lactose Intolerance Can Be Tolerable
Stacey Hatton, RN
Why is it some people can ingest foods containing lactose, while others are plagued by even a trace of it? The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “Lactose intolerance occurs in people who can’t digest lactose. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and other dairy products.”
Dr. Deb Winburn, pediatrician with Premier Pediatrics, says, “Lactose intolerance affects many children each year.” Children who don’t naturally produce the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for digesting lactose, may have symptoms ranging from nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps, to actual vomiting, skin rash, nasal congestion (less specific) and/or bloody stools.
According to Winburn, no single, simple test exists to prove or disprove that a patient has lactose intolerance. “Most often, elimination is tried and results are subjectively monitored to see if there is improvement,” she says. “The elimination technique should ideally be done for at least three weeks before a conclusion is drawn.”
For those who are still uncertain, Winburn says a trip to the GI specialist may be warranted. “To date, the most ‘objective’ test for lactose intolerance is via a breath test,” she says. “The child’s cooperation is needed, and the equipment is costly.”
Melissa Mereghetti, a Kansas City pediatric registered dietitian says, “The most common sources (of lactose) include milk, cream, ice cream, cheese, butter, pudding and yogurt. Lactose can also be found in processed foods that have milk products added to them such as bread, waffles, pancakes, baked goods, instant potatoes, soups, breakfast drinks, salad dressing, margarine, luncheon meats (hot dogs, sausages) and candy.”
Other hidden names for lactose-containing foods are whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids or not-fat dry milk powder, according to Mereghetti. Lactose free milk (such as Lactaid) and fortified soy milk both contain calcium. “Lactaid milk is made from cow’s milk but contains an enzyme that breaks down the lactose to make it easier to digest,” Mereghetti says. “Calcium fortified orange juice, broccoli, spinach, beans and tofu are also rich in calcium.”
Winburn cautions that rice milk is lactose free but is nutrient poor in both zinc and protein, making it the least desirable substitute commercially available. “In either case, children should consume 1200-1500 mg of calcium and 400-800 IU of vitamin D daily for adequate bone ossification,” she says.
Dietitian Mereghetti agrees, “Make sure your (lactose intolerant) child has adequate intake of vitamin D (because) most of our vitamin D comes from dairy products.”
Stacey Hatton is an Overland Park pediatric nurse, mother of two preschoolers and a freelance writer—and is craving ice cream for some reason.
Tags: dairy products, KC Parent Magazine, Lactose intolerance
Posted in KC Parent Magazine, Nursing tips | No Comments »
Written by nurse mommy on 02 August 2010
You Want Fiber with That?
8/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Fiber Facts
Have you ever thought of fiber helping to “clean the cobwebs” out of the bowel system? Dr. Deb Winburn, with Overland Park’s Premier Pediatrics, explains “Soluble fiber (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) not only transport vital nutrients (to) where they can be absorbed, but also ‘drag’ water along to flush out waste products.”
“Diets with little fiber promote slow gut function, and therefore allow more time for stool to sit in the bowel,” according to Winburn. “The result – a dry bowel movement which can be difficult to pass.”
Daily Requirements:
Melissa Mereghetti, a Kansas City pediatric registered dietitian, instructs her patients to eat the recommended soluble daily fiber. “Try to make half of your grains come from whole grains by changing from white bread, white pasta, white tortillas and white rice to whole wheat (products),” she says. “If your kids seem resistant at first, you can mix whole wheat pasta with regular pasta, or white rice with brown rice.”
Increasing Children’s Fiber:
Mereghetti advises to increase fiber intake gradually to ensure that your child tolerates it well. Begin the day by offering a higher fiber breakfast cereal (at least 3 grams of fiber/serving). She also suggests, “Top cereal with fruit for extra fiber and nutrients. Whole fruits provide more fiber than fruit juice.”
At snack time, provide vegetables with dip or peanut butter. Smoothies, popcorn, whole wheat crackers and homemade trail mix are also great choices, Mereghetti counsels. For dinner, set out a plate of fruit or vegetables to go along with your meal.
Prevention of Constipation:
Winburn says, “It doesn’t take long for toddlers to associate hard or painful stools with the act of passing them. This can result in withholding or toileting refusal.”
“Failure to eliminate fecal matter leads to decreased appetite for solids and liquids, which leads to dehydration and a larger stool load. Increasing liquids (16-32 oz. daily), increasing fiber, and the addition of softening agents (juices, raisins, prunes, etc.) are instrumental in correcting constipation.”
She also recommends exercise and a scheduled time to sit on the stool after a meal as essential elements of regular stooling. “Unfortunately, ‘slow guts’ run in families.”
Supplements:
“Added fiber supplements can help with bowel irritation or constipation,” says Winburn.” She advises these should only replace fiber when you cannot get the child to eat the fruits and vegetables. The real thing is better if possible, but it’s nice to know there is a backup plan for those picky eaters.
Stacey Hatton is an Overland Park pediatric nurse, mom of two daughters and freelance writer.
Tags: consitipation, constipated children, fiber for children, KC Parent Magazine, soluable fiber
Posted in Constipation, KC Parent Magazine | Comments Off
Written by nurse mommy on 16 June 2010
What KC Moms Need to Know for Staying Safe in the Summer Sun
Do you miss the sun throughout the winter but in the summer months feel like you should live in a cave to protect your infant’s delicate skin from the sun? You are not alone in your frustration. A cave may not be necessary, but the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that sun protection should begin in infancy and continue throughout life.
However, the AAD warns, “It may only take 15 minutes of midday summer sun to burn a fair-skinned (child).” Dr. Aundria Speropoulos, a pediatrician at Child Care Limited in Kansas City, MO, also warns parents, “Infant skin is more likely to burn in a short time. I have seen infants with second-degree burns (blisters) to their faces because the parent thought the baby would be safe on a cloudy day at a sibling’s soccer game.”
Consider these American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations:
- Younger than 6 months Try to keep out of the sun. If complete shade is unavailable, use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face and back the hands. (Light colored clothing that is tightly woven, covered strollers and sun umbrellas are also recommended.)
- Older than 6 months Apply (sunscreen) to all areas of the body, but be careful around the eyes.
What is SPF?
Dr. Trisha Prossick, a Shawnee Mission dermatologist with American Dermatology Associates, says, “Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of protection against only UVB rays. It does not reflect protection against UVA; but both UVA and UVB are damaging to the skin.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that there is a new UVA “star” rating system, one being the lowest and four stars offering the highest UVA protection available.
How Much Protection Is Enough?
“Most baby products on the market have an SPF greater than 30: The higher the SPF, the higher the UVB ray protection,” Speropoulos says. “Parents need to buy a product with ‘broad spectrum’ coverage, which means UVA and UVB ray protection. Products with a physical barrier such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer even greater safety from the sun.”
Apply and Reapply Sunscreen
Prossick suggests, “Sunscreens should be applied 20 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and should be reapplied after 2 hours or after any swimming. Even water resistant sunscreens lose efficacy in the water after 40 minutes and should be reapplied.”
Treatment for Sunburn
“Once you get the sunburn, you have done the damage, and there is not much to do other than alleviate the symptoms,” Prossick says. “Therefore, prevention is the best medicine. Tylenol or ibuprofen can help with the pain or discomfort.”
NOTE: Make sure to check with your medical provider for correct dosing and use the appropriate measuring device (i.e. manufacturer’s provided measuring cup or a medication syringe from the pharmacy).
Prossick also says, “Cool water or whole milk compresses can be applied for 20 minutes at a time to provide a cooling and soothing effect. If you choose to do the milk compresses, please wash it off afterwards. Moisturizers with or without aloe and over the counter hydrocortisone can also provide some relief.”
Recommended Products for Sensitive Skin
Speropoulos tells parents to look for “hypo-allergenic, fragrance and dye-free sunscreen. There are so many good choices these days, but I like Neutrogena baby, California baby or Aveeno baby.”
Are Darker Skin Tones Safe?
According to Mayo Clinic, “You need to use sunscreen even if you have darker skin pigment, tan easily and can tolerate longer periods of sun exposure without burning. The sun’s energy damages DNA of skin cells.”
The hardest part of protecting your child is remembering to get the sunscreen on the child and then reapplying at the correct time. A sunburn can take up to 24 hours to fully develop, so don’t think if you don’t see a pink tinge on your child, she is safe.
Finally, before you leave for your sun outing, don’t forget to check expiration dates on your sunscreens. They lose potency after expiration and will be ineffective for proper sun protection.
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN, freelance writer and mom of two unsuccessful sunscreen protestors.
Tags: KC Parent Magazine, SPF, sun and babies, sunscreen
Posted in Infants, KC Parent Magazine | 2 Comments »
Written by nurse mommy on 27 February 2010
by Stacey Hatton, RN
3/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Most parents have overwhelming safety lists which can make their heads spin! But when you are frantically plugging in your outlet covers, don’t forget to give your children enough water. (Not at the same time, please!) The simple act of not drinking adequate amounts of water is unsafe.
Q: Why is water essential to my child’s health?
A: Dr. Sarah Hampl, a Kansas City, MO, pediatrician says, “Our bodies are 70 percent water and we need to keep them well hydrated, because we lose water constantly, and we need to replace it. Adequate water maintain(s) healthy digestive function and prevent(s) constipation. It helps ensure our bodies do not get overheated during times of exercise or fever (and) it helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. It also maintains “healthy skin (and) muscles.”
Q: How much water is required daily for my child?
A: Kansas City pediatric registered dietician, Stephanie Jones says, “Water recommendations for children range from 4 to 6 cups per day. It is also very important that children are consuming adequate servings of milk (2-3 cups) along with their water. Children who are out in the heat or doing sports need to increase their water consumption above this amount.”
Q: Do fruit juices, sodas and sports/energy drinks count towards the daily requirement?
A: Yes, they do count, but the amounts of sugar and caffeine in these drinks are not recommended for children. Caffeine is a diuretic so it will dehydrate the body.
Q: How can I convince my child to drink more water?
A: “It is important for the parent to be a good role model in drinking water,” says Jones. “It is also helpful to limit children’s access to other beverages that might seem more appealing. If a child does not like plain water, fruit slices can be added to the water. Having a child carry a reusable water bottle during their day can increase their water intake. It can even be a family contest to see who can meet their goal.”
Q: Can water help prevent childhood obesity?
A: Hampl answers, “If kids (and adults) are drinking adequate amounts of water, it helps keep their appetite for less healthy drinks lower. Drinking a glass of water before a meal may help prevent overeating at the meal.”
Q: Is bottled water safer than tap water?
A: The Environmental Protection Agency says bottled water isn’t “necessarily safer than tap water. Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is less or not treated at all.” All tap water has to pass an annual water quality test. “Your water supplier must notify you if your water doesn’t meet EPA or state standards.”
So make sure at every meal (and snack) your kiddo is getting something healthy to drink. Whether it’s bottled water or straight from the tap, whether it’s milk or watered down juice, plenty of fluids keep your child from dehydration. And remember, it’s always fun to drink something with a super curly straw!! Cheers!
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric nurse, mommy and freelance writer from Overland Park who is quite parched after writing this.
Tags: KC Parent Magazine, kids, water, weight loss
Posted in preventative health | 3 Comments »
Written by nurse mommy on 12 February 2010
I have been working on an article on Asthma, Allergies and Eczema (working title: Why Can’t I Ever Spell These Blasted Words?) and after interviewing a local Allergy and Asthma specialist, he confirmed what I thought was just a kooky rumor – Infant Acetaminophen has been linked to Asthma in children. WHAT?! He said that children who received more acetaminophen as infants have more severe cases of asthma later on! He sited a study in CHEST Magazine 2009 (don’t worry this would be a G-rated magazine) which reports these findings. He also said that moms who used acetaminophen often during pregnancy might be responsible for more severe asthma in their kids too. Isn’t that nice for instilling a guilt complex?!
OK, my children are doomed!! Pediatric nurses are surely going to be the highest percentage of moms with kids suffering with asthma. Peds nurses are a breed of medication servers who know too much and want to prevent our kids from dealing with any pain or sniffle. I think I had tube of Oragel in my pocket for an entire year when my kids were teething! I think the next study should be who’s kids are coughing up the most phlegm. And the winner is…nurses kids!!
I will be delving into this study more in KC Parent’s April’s issue, so please stayed tuned. Does this freak out anyone else or do you have any stories to share about your kids teething experience? I would love to hear them!
©2010, Hatton. All rights reserved.
Tags: acetaminophen, Asthma, KC Parent Magazine, Parenting, pediatric nurses, Teething
Posted in Asthma, Infants | Comments Off
Written by NurseMommyLaughs on 13 January 2010
As a pediatric nurse and a mommy of two preschoolers, you would think I wouldn’t be surprised by any childhood illnesses. But one of the problems with pediatric diagnosing is that with almost every disease or illness, the symptoms can be different for every child. It is an extremely difficult job to be an accurate diagnostician for children. What may seem clear for one kid, can be the complete opposite for another.
I recently published an article for KC Parent Magazine – January 2010 issue on the common cold. After listing the signs and symptoms, rulings on pediatric cold and cough medications, preventative measures, and when to call the doctor, parents expect to hear how to treat their child’s symptoms. But if your kid only has a cold and not something more severe, such as croup or an arm falling off, you have to ride it out! Not really what a sleep deprived, stressed out mommy wants to hear. Where is the miracle cure? Where is the no-fail drug that will give my child comfort and relief? Especially when there are over 200 common cold viruses out there and most kids tend to have between eight to ten colds in their first two years of life!
So you think your kid has a cold and then suddenly they spike a high fever, stop eating, and WANT to take a nap… any guesses what this one is? You got it…the dreaded EAR INFECTION! Now there may be several other symptoms that go along with this diagnosis, but if you have the runny nose, a fever and start tugging at your ear, your Mommy is going to cough up the doctor co-pay and head on over for an office visit.
My three year old recently had a fever, vomiting, started sleeping during the day (a LOT) and stopped eating for three days. No tugging at the ears, no complaining of ear pain – she just said her stomach hurt. Five days later she spiked another fever so off to the pediatrician we go. The doctor said both ears were “awful.” Just what you want to hear back from vacation. How can she have an ear infection so severe that her pediatrician winces and her only complaint is her stomach? Symptoms vary with each child…
Anyone out there have any stories to share regarding wacky childhood symptoms not matching the diagnosis?
©2010, Hatton. All rights reserved.
Tags: child illness, common cold, ear infections, KC Parent Magazine, Parenting, symptoms
Posted in Common Childhood Illnesses, Toddlers (1-2), Uncategorized | Comments Off
