Heading into 2012, Literally Speaking

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previously published on January 7, 2012 in The Kansas City Star

The final weeks of 2011 were to be calm, pleasant and focused on family, all the while devoid of stress.
The presents were all nestled under the tree and holiday cards were dashed away by government employees muttering prayers of keeping their underappreciated jobs. Hopes of relaxing among kinfolk and roasting marshmallows by the hearth were next on my to-do list. But as all holidays and dreams go, it didn’t quite go as planned.
Instead 2011 closed with a bang forever engraved in this mother’s memory. Not by grandiose fireworks or with the eternally anticlimactic “Christmas crackers” — those blasted end-of-dinner-foil-wrapped-pull-toys opened by great-grandmas. (And after consuming one too many glasses of Riesling, then donning the paper hat from her cracker, she replaces her dentures with orange rinds and sings Auld Lang Syne. Is that just my family?)
Oh no, if my relations are to ring out the old year, we’re going to ring that bell! Therefore, in honor of decked halls, my youngest decided to clang the back of her cranium with such force on a franchise restaurant’s steel bench that I, a pediatric nurse, will never be the same. She’s fine now. Me…not so much.
If you have ever experienced a cut to the head — minuscule or large — you are well aware it can gross out well-seasoned medical staff and create superb plots for Hollywood thrillers, South Park episodes and video games (rated “M” for mature audiences).
Thankfully, my daughter did not lose consciousness, orientation or innards, so I was able to jerry-rig a contraption that got her noggin to temporarily cease bleeding and avoid more screaming by calling an ambulance. Boys may think ambulances are cool. Girls, not really.
So with a little scotch tape, a fry chef hat and a bean bag toy, (not really, but that would have been a cool fix), my youngest was stable and we headed to the ER. Then I attempted the most difficult task of all: contacting my husband.
Apparently when I’m in an emergency situation, I can only effectively handle the role of nurse. Not mom, wife, or transportation gal. Example: I speed-dialed my neighbor three times trying to reach my husband. She finally said she would take over and call my husband since I was incapacitated. Thank you, neighbor No. 1.
My next problem was getting my oldest picked up from school in 30 minutes, but alas, I wasn’t capable of doing that, either, or even figuring out how to get someone to pick her up. So I called responsible neighbor No. 2. She was going to pick up my child, so I needed to call the school to arrange it stat. Love her! For this lack of parenting 101 skills, I’m sure to get Mom of the Year.
Three staples in my precious cherub’s head later, a hug that lasted until she said, “Mom, are you done yet?” and ice cream and toys a-plenty, we all managed to survive my child’s first concussion.
I say “first” because if you notice the size of her mother’s head this is to not be the last of her head bonks. With our genetically enlarged craniums (due to the extra brain portion which is explicitly used for sarcasm), gravity will surely play another nasty role in the ringing of her bells.
Until our next adventure, I hope you and yours have a safe and conscious 2012!
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric registered nurse, writer and public speaker. Her humor blog can be found at http://nursemommylaughs.com.

Cold and Flu? Not You!

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previously published in KC Parent magazine January 2012 issue

Yes, once again we have hit the cold and flu season like a bag of bricks, and it’s a challenge to avoid catching these nasty germs. But if you follow a simple rule, you have a better chance of saving yourself some misery—not to mention some cash on the tissues and cough drops.

People often find it difficult to tell the difference between the two most common winter illnesses. Consider this information:
Common Cold Signs and Symptoms (American Academy of Pediatrics)

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy/ runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Mild headache

People generally contract a cold from a cough or sneeze or direct contact with infected persons. Colds normally resolve within 7 days, but some can last up to 2 weeks. Symptoms appear 2-3 days after exposure.

Flu Signs and Symptoms (AAP)

  • Sudden fever and chills (normally >101°F)
  • Head and body aches
  • Extreme fatigue (more than usual)
  • Sore throat
  • Dry cough
  • Stuffy or runny nose

Usually after a week or two, most symptoms have disappeared. “However, it’s important to treat the flu seriously,” reports the Nemours Foundation, “because it can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening complications, particularly in infants, senior citizens and people with long-term health problems.”

Hand Washing vs. Hand Sanitizer: Proper hand washing often is the best method to prevent common winter maladies.
Using soap and warm water and rubbing thoroughly for at least 20 seconds is recommended—which just happens to be the duration of the “Happy Birthday Song” repeated twice. “An alcohol-based hand cleanser or sanitizer works well, too,” says the AAP. “Put enough on your hands to make them all wet, then rub them together until dry.”

Hand Washing Facts:

  • Use warm water.
  • Use whatever soap you like. Antibacterial soaps are popular, but regular soap works fine. If you suspect that your hands have come into contact with someone with an infection, think about using an alcohol hand sanitizer.
  • In public restrooms, consider using a paper towel to flush the toilet and open the door, because toilet and door handles harbor germs. Throw the towel away after you leave.

(Nemours Foundation)

Final Words to the Winter Wise: While washing your hands more frequently and exposing them to the colder elements, use mild soaps with warm water to avoid chapping. Blot hands dry and, finally, apply a moisturizing lotion with no added fragrances or dyes.

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and freelance writer.

Ear Infections…Why Do You Plague My Child?!

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previously published in KC Baby magazine Winter issue 2011-12

Your infant cries more than usual, refuses feedings, has a discolored runny nose and tugs at her ear all morning long…what is your first thought? Colic? Not hungry? Coming down with a cold? These are common signs of an ear infection, and you DON’T want to ignore these symptoms. Call your pediatrician right away.

“Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States,” reports the Nemours Foundation. So it is a good idea that parents become familiar with these symptoms and prepare for what to do.

What Is an Ear Infection (Otitis Media)?

Basically, the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum), which happens to be shorter and more horizontal in younger children than adults, gets full of fluid from either a common cold or allergies; and without proper drainage, a secondary infection can occur, causing a fever, ear pain and a red, bulging ear drum. Ear infections usually start on the third day of a cold. Otitis media peaks at the ages of 6 months to 2 years; however, the infections can remain a problem up until 8 years of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

Dr. Scott Dattel, a pediatrician at Kansas City Pediatrics, says, “When a young patient presents with clear nasal drainage, no fever and the pediatrician has ruled out all signs of a bacterial infection, they will have the parent watch the child carefully for 3-5 days. However, if the child isn’t getting better, the clear mucus turns green and a fever goes higher than 101 degrees, the child needs to be rechecked, and a course of antibiotics will probably be required.”

“I find antibiotics a necessary evil for an infant with an ear infection,” says Heidi Prentice, an Overland Park mother of two girls. “I don’t think it is fair to let the baby suffer with the pain, fever and sleeplessness that my baby gets with her recurring ear infections. I also don’t want to chance hearing loss. However, I found that using saline rinses at the first sign of the sniffles can oftentimes prevent an ear infection altogether.”

Preventing Recurrent Infections

  1. Stay Away from Tobacco Smoke – Make sure that no one smokes in your home, the car or at the daycare where your child stays. Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the frequency and the severity of your child’s ear infections.
  2. Breastfeed Infants for at Least 6 Months – This can actually prevent early ear infections. With bottle-feeding, babies tend to lie down to drink their bottles, causing fluid to pool in that middle ear. Try to keep them more upright for better results.
  3. Fewer Exposures to Large Groups of Kids – More kids to breathe on, more colds, more risk of turning into ear infection…the circle of ear infection life!
  4. Good Handwashing – Do I need to explain this one again? Let’s all try to do better, right?!
  5. Keep Immunizations Up-to-Date – Certain vaccines, such as the pneumococcal, flu and Hib can keep your child from getting sick and progressing into an ear infection.

Ear Tube Surgery

“Ventilation tubes are tiny plastic tubes that are inserted through the eardrum by an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) surgeon, which allow fluid to drain out of the middle ear space and allow air to re-enter,” reports the AAP. “This reduces the risk of recurrent ear infections and returns the hearing to normal.”

Parents often debate whether or not to treat their infant with antibiotics for ear infections; but it is imperative your child be seen by a medical provider who can fully assess the situation and determine what is best for your baby. If the infection is severe enough and left untreated, further complications can arise. Please let your doctor advise you closely in these decisions!

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN, mother of two girls (one with ear tubes, one without) and a freelance writer in Overland Park, who is so glad the days of monthly ear infections are over!

Giving Children Caffeine: What are you Crazy?!

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previously published in SimplyKC magazine in December 2011 issue

by Stacey Hatton

PARENTING

Caffeine, which unfortunately is my middle name and comprises 58% of my blood fluid, may not be the healthiest choice for adults – but you can bet your bottom dollar it certainly is NOT for your child! If you think caffeine is found only in pick-me-up adult beverages, you would be mistaken. It lurks everywhere. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant, which not only can be found in coffee and soda pop, but chocolate, cold medicines, diet pills and some pain relievers.

Caffeine is a Drug

The Nemours Foundation reports caffeine may be fine for adults, but can have ill health effects on kids, especially younger children. Some of these symptoms may be a jumpy or twitchy feeling, anxiety, or an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Nausea, headaches, depression, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating in school can also be related to children consuming caffeine. “The United States hasn’t developed guidelines for caffeine intake and kids, but Canadian guidelines recommend that preschoolers get no more than 45 milligrams of caffeine a day. That’s equivalent to the average amount of caffeine found in a 12-ounce (355-milliliter) can of soda or four 1.5-ounce (43-gram) milk chocolate bars,” states Nemours Foundation.  Caffeine is labeled a stimulant, or drug, since it stimulates the central nervous system. The adrenalin rush for an adult is similar to what children experience. The problem is it takes quite a bit less caffeine for a child to feel these effects than adults.

Research Findings (Source: The Nemour Foundation)

  • Children are 60% more likely to be obese if they drink one or more 12-ounce sweetened soft- drinks every day.
  • Children who drink these caffeinated beverages do not get enough calcium from milk, which is necessary for healthy teeth and bones. (It can even decrease bone mass density, by interfering with the ability to absorb calcium correctly, eventually leading to osteoporosis.)
  • Caffeine may lead to fibrocystic breasts, or worsen lumpy and painful breasts.
  • Replacing water and milk with sweetened caffeinated drinks is also damaging to your child’s teeth. The high amount of sugar from these beverages is shocking and incredibly acidic, which erodes tooth enamel. This can lead to dental cavities (caries).
  • Caffeine acts as a diuretic by eliminating excess water from the body via the kidneys. If too much caffeine is consumed, dehydration can occur.
  • In regards to the wives tale of caffeine stunting your growth, it is a fallacy. There is no research to support this; however, I like to tell my kids that it does since I am 5 feet tall. Puts the fear in them!
  • Normally caffeine will pass out of the body within a couple of hours; but if a child is sensitive to it, they could feel the stimulant up to 6 hours.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping caffeine abruptly, even with children or young adults, can cause the body to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. It is important to decrease the amount slowly so that the child’s body doesn’t miss the “drug” and have feelings of: tiredness, irritability, severe headaches, nausea and/or vomiting.

Replacing Caffeine

“Caffeine may have a negative effect on a child’s nutrition if caffeinated drinks replace healthy drinks such as milk.  A child who consumes caffeine may also eat less, because caffeine reduces the appetite,” reports the National Institute of Health. Offering water, low-fat milk, and small quantities of 100% fruit juice are better substitutes for sugary, caffeinated drinks. Older children can have an occasional soda, but if sugary drinks were the only beverages available when they were younger, they probably will reach for it as a teen.

Finally, just because chocolate has trace amounts of caffeine in it, don’t insist your child pass on every hot fudge sundae. Moderation is always key for everything you put in your body!  Just don’t pour yourself a cup of Joe and then fill up your kids’ sippy cups to give them their morning preschool boost. Kids have enough battles to fight throughout their lives. Please don’t get them started early on the caffeine rollercoaster!