Fall Newsletter 2007

As a general rule, allergies are not seen in children younger than three years of age.  Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that invariably follow exposure to a particular substance.  But others are more subtle and may masquerade as another condition.  Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy...

* Recurrent red, itchy, dry and sometime scaly rashes in the creases of the skin
* Recurrent or chronic cold-like symptoms that last more than a week or two, or develop at the same time every year including sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nose rubbing, itching sensation, coughing and wheezing

Some common allergens in your own home include dust, pollen, fungi, furry animals, latex and certain foods.  Many children are allergic to pollen and mold, both of which are found everywhere outdoors.  It is helpful to use an air conditioner, when possible, to reduce the exposure to pollen both in your home and car.  Molds are present in the spring, summer and fall - particularly around areas of decaying vegetation.  Remember children with allergies to molds should avoid playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall.  Another common allergen are dust mites.  These tend to congregate where food for them (i.e. human skin scales) is plentiful.  They are especially numerous in upholstered furniture, bedding and rugs.  Padded furnishings such as mattresses, box springs, pillows and cushions should be encased in allergen-proof, zip-up covers.  Wash linens weekly, and other bedding every 2-3 weeks, in hot water.  Pillows should be replaced every 2-3 years.

Your child's allergy treatment should begin with your pediatrician.  Antihistamines help with itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, as well as itchy skin and hives.  However, they may cause drowsiness.  Decongestants help with a stuffy nose.  Nasal corticosteroids are highly effective for allergy treatments and are widely used to stop nasal symptoms.  They are safe to use in children over long periods of time.  And finally, allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots may be recommended to reduce symptoms.  This would require a referral to the allergist.

More than 44 million Americans own firearms.  Of the 192 million firearms owned in the United States, 65 million are handguns.  Research shows guns in homes are a serious risk to families.

~ A gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill someone known to the family than to kill someone in self-defense.
~ A gun kept in the home triples the risk of homicide.
~ The risk of suicide increases by five times if a gun is kept in the home.
~ The best way to keep your children safe from injury or death is to NEVER have a gun in the home.
~ Talk to your children about the dangers of guns, and tell them to stay away from guns.
~Find out if there are guns in the homes where your children play.  If so, talk to the adults in the house about the dangers of guns to their families.

For those who know the dangers of guns and choose to keep them in the home:
* Always keep the gun unloaded and locked up.
* Lock and store the bullets in a separate place.
* Make sure to hide the keys to the locked boxes.

It is more common than most people think for children to be hurt in shopping carts.  These injuries can be severe and even deadly.  Each year approximately 23,000 children are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries from shopping carts.  Most injuries are caused by falls from the cart or by the cart tipping.  Injuries often occur to the head and neck.  Shopping carts come in different designs, and some may not be as stable or safe as they look.  Before you put your child in a shopping cart, you should think twice about his or her safety.  Instead of putting your child in a cart while you shop, try one of these options:
   - Get another adult to come with you to watch your child while you shop.
   - Put your child in a stroller, wagon or front pack, instead of a shopping cart.
   - Leave your child at home with another adult while you shop.
   - Shop online if your store offers shopping on the Internet.

Safety rules if you decide to put your child in a shopping cart:
   - Place your child in a safety belt or harness at all times
   - Never leave your child alone
   - Do not let your child stand up
   - Do not place your infant carrier on top of the shopping cart
   - Do not put your child in the basket
   - Never allow your child to ride on the outside of the cart
   - Do not allow an older child to climb on the cart or push the cart with another child in it, because it is very easy for a child to tip the cart over.

Some stores have taken steps to keep children safe - try to shop at stores that:
   - Use carts with safer designs that allow children to ride closer to the ground, for example, in a small model car in front of the cart.
   - Ensure that all carts have a child restraint in each seating location.
   - Offer a pick up area or help to bring your purchases to your car so you can safely take your child through the parking lot without having to use the cart.   
   - Have a supervised in-store play area for children.

Although we work very hard to be efficient with our appointment schedules, there may be an occasion on which our providers run behind.  If you have been waiting more than fifteen minutes, please ask the receptionists about the delay.  We would be happy to ensure your chart is in the right place, and double check with the nurse about your provider's schedule.  Thank you.