Springtime Sun

Warm weather is rapidly approaching and it is important for your child to be safe in the sun. The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided these rules for sun protection for you child:

• Choose sunscreen that is made for children, preferably waterproof. Before covering your child, test the sunscreen on your child's back for a reaction. Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding eyelids. If a rash develops, talk to your pediatrician.
• Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Cotton clothing is both cool and protective.
• When using a cap with a bill, make sure the bill is facing forward to shield your child's face. Sunglasses with UV protection are also a good idea for protecting your child's eyes.
• If your child gets sunburn that results in blistering, pain or fever, contact your pediatrician.
  

• The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to keep out of the sun during those hours.
• The sun's damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow or concrete; so be particularly careful of these areas.
• Most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
• When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the label - it means that the sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Choose a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
• Zinc oxide, a very effective sunblock, can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on the shoulders.
• Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees.
• Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors - it needs time to work on the skin.
• Sunscreens should be used for sun protection and not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.

I hope you are all safe and have fun in the sun!

February was Dental Health Month

American Academy of Pediatrics states,"that dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the United States. It is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. Despite advances in oral health, dental and oral diseases continue to plague children. Factors contributing to an oral health decline include lack of access to care, inadequate availability of preventive measures such as water fluoridation and dental sealants, and lack of knowledge of the importance of oral health."
As parents it is easy to get caught up in the amount of activities we have going on and forgetting to remind our children to brush their teeth. It is very important that they at least brush twice a day but more often is beneficial. Regular checkups with the dentist is also recommended. Along with brushing a child's diet also affects the health of their teeth. It is important to encourage nutritious foods instead of candy, pop, and other junk food. Teeth are an important part to the way a child feels and looks about him or herself. So encourage them to make the best choices for their beautiful smiles.

New Year's Resoultion

How many of us have decided to be healthier as a New Year's resolution? I hope success has met all of you this first month of 2007. Not only do we need to improve our healthy lifestyle but our childrens' as well. How many calories do you think a child ages 4-13 need in a day? Suprisingly enough, only about 1400 to 1800 depending on the activity level of the child. A very active child may need up to 2200. However, is counting calories something you ever thought necessary for your child? In order to provide your child with the nutrients he or she needs in a day it could become a valuable tool. Access to the food guide pyramid can be located at the link along side the left hand side of the page under Health Resources. It has information and varying activities for children and adults. Reading Food Labels is also an imperative way to determine nutritional value for your child. Remember that what ever you teach your child about nutrition is what will become habit for them. So, you hold the key to the healthier child.

Nurse's Corner

The snow we have had this year has been great for different winter activities. Safety is a great need during these activities. Please have your child dress appropriately in thin layers helping them maintain a steady temperature, to avoid hypothermia. American Academy of Pediatric recommends that clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Have your child come in periodically to warm up! Also remember to use sun screen to protect your child's skin because of the amount of sunshine reflecting off the snow. Keep in mind not to allow your child gum or candy while sledding to prevent choking. Make sure the area your child is playing is not crowded or objects that may cause injury are in the way. Snow activities are alot of fun but can be very dangerous. Have fun and be careful!