Natural Pediatrics

With all the hype about the flu this past fall and winter, you may have been misled to think that flu is a leading cause of death in infants and children. While influenza may be the leading cause of death due to infectious disease in the U.S., it is far from the leading cause of death of infants and children. The leading cause of death for the age groups of 1-4 years, 5-14 years, and 15-24 years in the U.S. is accidents, and of these tragedies, automobile accidents make up the majority.

Isn’t this just a reflection of our excellent healthcare, you may ask? Possibly, but it also demonstrates an area of Public Health and Safety that needs to be addressed. As technology advances and more research is done, recommendations for keeping children safe have changed significantly. For example, most parents now know that the safest place for an infant is in a rear-facing carseat in the back seat of a car, but how many know that the latest research shows that rear-facing in the back seat is the safest position until the age of 2? Many pediatricians have yet to change their recommendations because the research is so new and the American Academy of Pediatrics has not yet had a chance to revise their current recommendation that children remain rear-facing until the age of 1 or weight of 20lbs.

Some parents are irritated by booster seat laws put in place by some state governments. No matter how you feel about government involvement, you cannot deny the fact that booster seats are the safest way for children under a certain height to travel, in order to be properly restrained by a car’s seatbelt. Proper child restraints save lives, period.

Car manufacturers have put a lot of emphasis on safety features in the past 2 decades, which has certainly helped, but may also give some parents a false sense of security when it comes to the safety of family members riding in the vehicle. Before you give in to your 10 year old who wants to sit in the front passenger seat or think, maybe just this once, I can put my infant in the front seat, think of the risk you are taking and whether that decision is worth the risk.

Beyond car safety, parents should take precautions with their kids near the water. Children should be taught to swim at a young age, but knowing how to swim should never make a lifejacket an unnecessary accessory when boating or even playing near a large body of water. Young children should always be supervised by an adult (who can swim) or lifeguard when playing near a pool, or water of any depth (whether it’s the wading pool in your backyard, or the Ocean).

Other safety precautions include wearing helmets when biking, rollerskating, skateboarding, etc. Your kids are more likely to wear their helmet if you set an example, so make it a family rule.

Talking to preteens, teenagers and even your college-aged child about the dangers of driving or riding with friends under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another conversation you must have. It is important to have a family plan and let your children know ahead of time that they can depend on you to get them home safely (you can deal with the poor decision after your child has gotten home safe and sound). If you aren’t sure how to start this conversation, consider asking for help from a school counselor or other trained professional.

Remember that your children learn from watching you. If you are a safety first kind of person, chances are your children will grow up the same. If safety doesn’t come naturally for you, that’s okay. Many grandparents today were raised before the time of seatbelts and yet, many of them have managed to adapt to the latest recommendations.

If you’re willing to do everything you can to keep your children healthy, then it shouldn’t take much more effort to keep them SAFE too!

Tags: accident prevention, accidents, adolescent, american academy of pediatrics, booster seats, cause of death, Children, drunk driving, helmets, infants, life jackets, Pediatrics, safety, seatbelts, teenagers

Many parents have observed a correlation between over-tiredness and hyperactivity in their young children. What I recently learned and may come as a surprise to many parents out there is how significant an impact poor sleep can have on a child’s behavior and ability to function in school.

At a Pediatric conference I recently attended, one of the speakers was a pediatric sleep specialist. She commented that nearly every child that does a sleep lab study at her clinic is diagnosed with a respiratory sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea is an example of the one of the most severe respiratory sleep disorders). For children, a common treatment for snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea is surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids. In one study, it was observed that 80% of the children who had surgeries to correct a respiratory sleep disorder who were also on medications for Attention Deficit (and Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD) were completely cured of the ADD/ADHD symptoms and no longer needed their medications after the surgery. That is remarkable evidence that poor sleep (and oxygen deprivation) may cause symptoms of ADD/ADHD in children (and probably adults too)!

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I would hardly go around recommending tonsilectomies to every child who has ADD/ADHD symptoms, but I can work with patients on addressing the root cause of the sleep disorder through other means. Dietary intolerances are perhaps the common denominator–leading to the enlarged tonsils and adenoids that obstruct the airway at night and eventually cause behavior problems and attention deficits. Remove the offending food(s), and the child can avoid surgery and also avoid a misdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD or eliminate the need for medications if previously diagnosed.

I, myself, as well as colleagues have observed first hand the remarkable changes that can happen when a patient eliminates a problem food from their diet. In children, the top offenders tend to be dairy and wheat. In my clinical experience, dairy consumption is very strongly correlated with both enlarged tonsils and ADD/ADHD symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors are well versed in helping patients identify and eliminate foods that may cause symptoms and in some cases, can help patients get back on the right track so that the food can be reintroduced without causing problems. Some children even outgrow food sensitivities (or at least the effects aren’t as severe) after a few years.

If your child suffers from behavior issues, attention deficits, seems tired or groggy more than usual in the mornings, or is hyperactive, consider consulting a Naturopathic Doctor for treatment. At the very least, you should talk to your child’s healthcare provider about sleep and discuss options for diagnosing and treating an underlying sleep disorder.

If you are live in the Puget Sound area, you may visit my clinic website for more information about my practice: www.snovalleyholistic.com

If you live in Washington State outside of the Puget Sound, you can find a naturopathic doctor in your area by visiting the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ website: www.wanp.org

If you live outside of Washington State, visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ website to find a Naturopath in your area: www.naturopathic.org

Tags: ADD, adenoids, ADHD, Attention deficit disorder, behavior disorder, dairy, food elimination, food intolerance, hyperactivity, medications, natural pediatrics, Naturopathic, Naturopathic Medicine, Pediatrics, sleep apnea, sleep lab, sleep study, tonsillectomy

Your child is sick or just fell and bumped his head. You’re worried, but you don’t want to bother the doctor or nurse and turn to the internet instead. While the internet contains a wealth of information, it is not the most appropriate resource if you believe your child is really ill or injured. Doctors and Nurses are trained to ask the right questions and determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it’s a trip to the ER or watching and waiting at home. In many cases, your child’s healthcare provider may have access to their health history and medical records even after hours, thanks to the growing popularity of Electronic Medical Records. This can result in prompt care as well as ease a parent’s anxiety about their child’s condition. If you haven’t already done so, you should find out the after hours policy for your child’s provider. Some doctors use an answering service where nurses or other trained professionals will answer the phone and call the doctor, if necessary. Other providers will give an after hours cell-phone number or pager to contact them directly. Area hospitals may also provide Free 24 hour Consulting Nurse lines as a service to the community. In an earlier post, I also mentioned poison control as a great resource to have posted by the phone. You should collect any appropriate numbers and have them near a home phone or programmed into a cell phone for easy access. While I try to provide information in each of my topical posts about when to call or see a doctor, here is a list of common conditions for which you should consult your child’s healthcare provider immediately:

1. Persistent Fever (lasting more than 3 days) or High Fever (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit), especially when combined with decreased appetite. This can indicate an infection that requires treatment and may also lead to dehydration, which can happen quickly in infants and young children.
2. No urination in over 8 hours or extremely dark colored urine; No bowel movement in more than 4 days (unless your child’s healthcare provider has previously told you this was okay).
3. Blood in urine, stool, or vomit.
4. Head injury resulting in loss of consciousness or temporary disorientation.
5. Any kind of animal bite or puncture wound.
6. Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea.
7. Bloody nose that won’t stop bleeding.
8. Lethargy (limp, unable to rouse or wake easily, eyes rolling in back of head).
9. Weightloss of more than 10% of their body weight.
10. Possible broken bone

If your child is having difficulty breathing, is unconscious, or has a severe injury (gash, wound, or obvious broken bone/joint dislocation), you should call 911 immediately and consult your child’s doctor later. For potential poisonings, call your local Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222

Tags: asthma, blood in urine, breathing difficulty, broken bone, dehydration, diarrhea, head injury, high fever, nosebleed, Pediatrics, severe injury, vomiting, weight loss, wheezing, when to call doctor

Despite a national advertising campaign aiming to convince consumers that High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a natural sweeter similar to sugar, many parents still have questions about this popular sweetener and whether it is, indeed, safe for their children. While it is true that high fructose corn syrup is naturally derived, it is far from true that this sweetener can be found in nature. It is a highly processed ingredient originating from corn (most of which has been genetically modified).

As to the safety of this ingredient, there are many questions yet to be answered. Several studies have linked the consumption of foods and beverages containing  HFCS to the increase in childhood obesity and earlier onset of type II Diabetes across the population. This ingredient was first introduced just before 1970 and since then, there has been a clear rise in metabolic syndrome (syndrome associated with insulin resistance and pre-diabetes) as well as elevated lipids (which contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes).

Besides the potential harm caused  by HFCS as a sweetener, there is also an unknown danger of consuming any foods that have been genetically modified. A recent study showed that genetically engineered corn (which is used to make HFCS and other fructose sweeteners) caused organ failure in rats. More and more evidence is pointing towards the hidden dangers of these foods, yet they are still consumed in large quantities by the population (an average US citizen consumes 88lbs of corn based sweeteners a year).

With these clear correlations and several animal studies showing the direct damaging effects of HFCS on organs such as the liver and pancreas, why is this still the most popular sweetener used in the food industry? Because it’s cheaper than sugar or other natural alternatives. The major players in the food industry are in the business of selling food and increasing profits for their shareholders. They are not necessarily interested in the long-term health of their consumers. I say this not to encourage cynicism, but rather, to encourage you to question the sources and credibility of the information you receive.

While critics of the anti-HFCS movement would say that correlation does not imply causation and that HFCS has been identified as a scapegoat for our growing obesity epidemic, they can not argue with the fact that a diet of whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients is better for you than a diet of processed, packaged, and refined foods. Neither can they argue the fact that the increasing consumption of any caloric sweetener can have a negative impact on an individual’s health.

As parents, it is our responsibility to do what is best for our children. When it comes to the foods they eat, it is responsible to educate them about healthy foods early and prevent them from becoming a part of the growing statistic of children with chronic disease by teaching them to avoid ingredients such as HFCS and also to moderate intake of sugar and natural sweeteners that can also lead to obesity and diabetes.

For more information about HFCS and other genetically modified foods, please visit the following sites (disclaimer–these sites do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. Bowker but do contain factual information and links to other resources for those interested in researching this topic further):

www.sweetdisguise.com

www.seedsofdeception.com

Tags: cardiovascular disease, childhood diabetes, childhood obesity, corn syrup, food, food industry, fructose, genetically engineered, genetically modified, GMO, heart attack, HFCS, high fructose corn syrup, insulin resistance, lipids, metabolic syndrome, natural sweetener, nutrition, obesity, organ failure, organic, Pediatrics, pre-diabetes, stroke, sugar, sweetener, type II diabetes

Most parents of infants and toddlers make an effort to keep their children out of harm’s way and potential hazard’s out of their children’s reach, but what happens when your child eats some mysterious berries out in the yard or you accidentally give them the wrong cough syrup? Who do you call if they break out in a strange rash 3 days after taking a new prescription and the doctor’s office is closed? Calling your child’s doctor or a consulting nurse line is certainly appropriate in each of these cases, but did you know that Poison Centers are also equipped to answer your questions and give you advice? In fact, some doctors’ answering services and consulting nurse lines will transfer callers to poison control, depending on the question and circumstance. Poison Centers are usually staffed by pharmacists and nurses.  Occassionally other healthcare professionals and experts, such as MDs and toxicologists are available for consult. They can provide information on topics ranging from what to do if you suspect your child has ingested something toxic to answering general questions about potential drug side effects or interactions. In the United States, the toll free number, 1-800-222-1222 will get you through to the nearest poison center.

Poisons can be ingested through the mouth, absorbed through the skin, in the eyes,  and by breathing in.

Signs and symptoms of potential poisoning include: an open container nearby, pills, berries, etc. in the mouth, strange odor on breath, burns around mouth, upset stomach/nausea/vomiting, dizziness or unconsciousness.

Some of the reasons people call poison centers (besides obvious poisonings) include: food poisoning, lead exposure, rabies, animal bites,  spider and tick bites, snake bites, poisoning prevention, drug interactions, and carbon monoxide exposure.

I recommend adding the number for Poison Control to the list of emergency numbers posted on your fridge or near a phone for easy access. For more information about the Washington Poison Center, please visit their website: http://www.wapc.org

 Poison Control:  1-800-222-1222

Tags: animal bites, carbon monoxide, drug interaction, emergency care, first aid, food poisoning, lead poisoning, Pediatrics, pharmacist, Poison control, poisoning, prevention, snake bites, spider bites, tick bites, toxic exposure, toxicologist, toxins

In the middle of cold season, coughing is a symptom that many have to deal with. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics began advising against the use of over the counter cough suppressants for children and infants, many parents are left wondering what they can do to ease their child’s cough. Most coughs resulting from viral infections are self limiting and will run a normal course of 5-7 days. If your child has a persistent cough, labored breathing, a fever, or nausea/vomiting or other serious symptoms along with the cough, he/she should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If you are confident that your child just has a cold and want to ease the discomfort that comes with the cough, here are some things to try:

1.  Warm tea with lemon and honey. Black tea is best (decaffeinated is fine) for this purpose, since it contains tannins that help calm inflammation and irritation in the throat. The lemon and honey will help to thin the mucous and make it easier to get out of the respiratory tract or in cases of dry cough, will stimulate respiratory secretions to help decrease the tickling/irritation that causes the cough.  For children under 2, consult with a healthcare provider about the use of honey (pasteurized is generally okay).
2. Wet sock treatment. I’ve written about this before as a treatment for flu. It is a great treatment for any upper respiratory infection as it helps draw the fluid out of the head and chest and helps to stimulate the immune system. Start by soaking feet in a warm bath for 10 minutes (not hot enough to burn), then apply a pair of cotton socks rinsed in cold water and wrung out. Cover them with wool or polyester socks and allow feet to warm up (about 40 minutes). You may apply a warm compress to the chest at the same time for added benefit. This treatment can be done 3-4 times a day and can be done on infants, children, and adults.
3. Humidifier/vaporizor. This can be especially helpful for dry coughs or for infants and young children who have not yet developed the skill of coughing up the mucous that’s clogging up the respiratory tract. The humidity will keep the passages moist and help thin the secretions making it easier to get the gunk out.
4.  Homeopathic cold and cough remedies. There are many to choose from. Some are tablets, some are cough syrups. My advice is to choose one that matches the symptoms your child is experiencing most closely. For example, a dry, hacking cough may respond to a different homeopathic remedy/formula than a wet, rattly cough. Consult a Naturopathic doctor or healthcare provider trained in homeopathy for more specific remedy options. These are safe and generally won’t cause harm.
5. Avoid over the counter cough suppressants unless specifically directed by your child’s healthcare provider. These can actually increase the duration of the cough even if they help ease symptoms temporarily. The American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatricians advise against these medications in children due to the potential side effects and lack of evidence supporting their use.
6. Hydration. Keeping children well hydrated during a cold will help their system get rid of the virus more efficiently. Offering clear broths, herbal teas, and plenty of water (you can even add powdered vitamin C) will ensure that they get the fluids their bodies need.
7.  Avoid foods that increase mucous production. These include dairy, refined sugar, bananas, and orange juice. If these foods are avoided during the duration of a cold, the child should have fewer days of symptoms. If your child is a picky eater and you are concerned about restricting the diet for nutritional reasons, please consult your child’s healthcare provider.
8. Essential oil vapors. Eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, and lavendar are all helpful at clearing congestion when inhaled. Most drugstores carry eucalyptus drops near the humidifiers–you may add a few drops to the humidifier while running it, or you may add a drop or two to a basin of hot water and have your child breathe in the vapors. These oils should not be ingested and should not be used topically unless directed by a healthcare provider. Vapor rub is another alternative that can be applied topically to the chest, but avoid putting it under the nose of infants, as it can plug the nostrils.
9. Avoid treating low grade fevers. Fevers are a sign of a healthy immune system and help to kill viruses. Unless a child is extremely uncomfortable or unable to sleep due to the fever, you should avoid using medications that reduce fever. If a child’s temperature is higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you should seek medical advice, since higher fevers may indicate a more serious infection. Also, newborn infants with any kind of fever should be seen immediately.
10. Use your best judgement. If your child is lethargic (not active at all), has no appetite, appears pale, or seems to be in distress, you should seek immediate medical attention. If your child’s cough sounds horrible, but they are eating and playing normally, you needn’t worry too much.

Tags: american academy of pediatrics, cough, cough suppressant, essential oil, eucalyptus, expectorant, fever, homeopathic remedy, honey, humidifier, lavender, lemon, low grade fever, peppermint, rosemary, sore throat, tannins, tea, tea tree, vapor inhalation, vapor rub, wet sock treatment

Many parents have experienced challenges with bedtime at least once during parenthood. In this day and age, there are many “experts” out there willing to share their advice (some for free, and some for a price) on how to get your children to sleep. It should go without saying that what works for one family, doesn’t necessarily work for another; however, with the availability of information and pressure to do things the “right” way, many parents have lost the ability to tap into their intuition and do what is best for their own child and family situation. Below are a few suggestions to consider that may help your family get the sleep you all need and keep you in good health. After all, adequate sleep is necessary for healthy immune function, cognitive development and preventing chronic health problems such as type II diabetes and obesity.

1) Focus on a routine rather than a bedtime–infants and children understand routines and can learn relatively quickly to pick up on cues that bedtime is approaching. Simply telling your child that it’s 7:00 and time for bed doesn’t have the same meaning as taking a bath followed by a bedtime story. The other benefit of routines is that they can help children adapt to new settings and circumstances. You can follow the same routine while traveling or when bedtimes need to change for various reasons, and children accustomed to the routine will understand that sleep is to follow.

2) Chamomile tea–this herbal tea will help to calm nerves and promote relaxation. It is naturally caffeine free and safe for infants and children to take. I would recommend brewing the tea and serving it warm (not too hot) in a bottle or cup 30-45 minutes before the desired bedtime. This tea can be especially helpful for children who are overstimulated, overly tired, or uncomfortable due to teething or ear pain. While you’re at it, brew a cup for yourself as well, since being calm as a parent will certainly make bedtime easier for everyone.

3) Homeopathic remedies–there are a few different combination homeopathic products available over the counter that help promote sleep. These are generally safe for infants and children, since they do not contain any pharmaceutical medications. Follow the dosing instructions on the package and consult your child’s doctor if your child has a diagnosed medical condition or is taking any other medications. Homeopathic remedies for sleep can be especially helpful when traveling between timezones or changing your child’s schedule and is a much safer alternative to other over the counter medications that some parents have resorted to.

4) Nap time–depending on your child’s age and development, they may require day time naps in order to meet their sleep requirements. Infants and children who are deprived of daytime sleep can become overly tired and difficult to put to bed at night. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider to find out what your child’s sleep requirements should be and whether a nap is necessary.

5) Trust your parenting instincts–if you believe that your child is waking excessively or that he/she is not getting enough sleep despite all of your efforts, you should talk to your child’s healthcare provider in case there is an underlying medical condition interfering with your child’s ability to sleep. Bedwetting is an example of a condition that can cause children to wake at night and may be a symptom of a more serious condition.

6) Avoid screen time–the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against any screen time (TV or movies) for children under 2 and very limited screen time for preschool aged children (no more than 1-2 hours of quality programming/day). Screen time can interfere with brain activity and cognitive development and may affect normal sleep cycles. A healthy alternative to the TV is reading books. Storytime can also promote early literacy and help improve cognitive development.

7) Sleep environment–this may seem obvious, but make sure that the bedroom or sleep environment is conducive to sleep. Lights, noise, temperature, and clutter can all detract from the relaxation necessary to fall asleep. This is especially important if you are putting your baby or child to bed before they have fallen asleep. White noise and/or soothing bedtime music can be helpful at blocking other disruptive noise. Bright lights (even a night light or LED clock) near the bed can decrease the release of melatonin, a chemical in the brain that helps to induce sleep.

Hopefully some of the above suggestions will be helpful. When you find yourself frustrated, remember to keep things in perspective–what works for one child, won’t work for every child; all children can go through growth spurts or phases that may lead to bedtime challenges. Remember to stay rested yourself. If nothing else, it will help you get through the challenging times without losing your temper.

Tags: babies, chamomile, Children, homeopathic remedy, infants, melatonin, nap, parents, reading, screen time, Sleep, television, white noise

What parent hasn’t had to deal with diaper rash at least once? Although these rashes generally aren’t serious, they can be extremely uncomfortable for the child, making life for the rest of the household a bit more challenging. Most rashes are caused by a combination of irritation from friction (diaper rubbing on skin) and moisture (urine or stool left on the skin). For babies with sensitive skin, chemicals used in the diapers themselves can be an issue as can chemicals in some of the wipes and diaper creams/ointments. Here are a few suggestions of Natural treatments that can help soothe your child’s rash:

1. Hygeine–changing diapers frequently is extremely important. For really bad rashes, you may even consider letting your child have some diaper free time as exposure to air can help the rash heal more quickly.

 

2. Reduce chemicals–change brands of diapers or wipes to some that are free of chemicals irritants such as chlorine. Sometimes the fit of the diaper can make a difference too. If you use cloth diapers and wash your own, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to reduce alkalinity (most diaper services will do this on request if they don’t already).

 

3. Consider Food Sensitivities–if the rash is a persistent red ring around the anus and is accompanied by either frequent loose stools, constipation, or rashes elsewhere on the body (particularly the face, trunk, and insides of elbows and knees), your child may have a food sensitivity. A Naturopathic Doctor can help you identify and eliminate the offending food(s). Your child’s pediatrician may also have some general advice but may not be familiar with alternative methods of detecting food sensitivities (different than the life-threatening type of food allergy).

 

4. Calendula–this flower (aka Marigold) can help skin heal quickly and is perfect for rashes of any sort. Calendula cream may be applied topically to the rash; calendula diaper ointment (which contains other helpful ingredients specifically for diaper rash) may also be useful

 

5. Lanolin–many nursing moms are familiar with lanolin nipple cream. This is a great alternative to petroleum based products, is generally safe to use on infants, and is less likely to cause irritation in kids with extreme sensitivity. This should be applied after the area is clean to help protect the skin. Since it creates a barrier, you may want to apply it on top of calendula or other creams that need to penetrate the skin in order to work.

 

6. Zinc oxide–most of us are familiar with this traditional diaper paste. Try mixing with calendula cream (or find calendula diaper ointment with Zinc in it already). Zinc is a nutrient used by the skin and helps to speed up the healing.  Apply to affected skin and for added protection, apply lanolin on top.

 

7. Homeopathics–there are a variety of homeopathic remedies, both topical and oral, that may help decrease the severity of diaper rash. For diaper rashes that come on with other symptoms, homeopathic remedies may be especially helpful. Check with a Naturopathic Doctor or Homeopath for recommendations about which remedy is best for your child.

 

8. Hydrotherapy–a tepid sitz bath with Epsom Salts can be especially soothing for diaper rash. Add 2 cups of Epsom Salts and enough luke warm/room temp water to a tub to reach the child’s waist while sitting (or use an infant tub and add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salts). The affected area should be submerged in the water for at least 15-20 minutes for therapeutic benefits.

 

While the above suggestions may be helpful for many types of diaper rash, more serious cases may require prescription medications and persistent or chronic rash that does not clear up within a few days should definitely be seen by a practitioner. Also, if your child’s rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash elsewhere, loss of appetite, or lethargy, you should seek medical attention for your child.

Tags: calendula, diaper rash, epsom salts, homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, hygeine, lanolin, natural pediatrics, Naturopathic Medicine, zinc oxide

The Holiday Season is when depression and suicide rates are at their highest. Teenagers and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and peer pressure that may result in low self esteem and depression. The Washington State Department of Health just released a prevention plan, which may be of use to parents, teachers, social workers, healthcare providers, counselors, ministers, and anyone else who has daily contact with this at risk population. Here is an excerpt from an e-mail I received from the WA DOH:

“The DOH Injury and Violence Prevention Program just released Washington State’s Plan for Youth Suicide Prevention 2009. You can find a copy of the Plan at www.doh.wa.gov/preventsuicide. This electronic version will be updated as new information becomes available.

 Youth suicide affects our communities, neighborhoods, and families. On average, two youths in Washington State kill themselves each week and 17 more are hospitalized. Youth suicide is the second leading cause of death for Washington youth. There are nearly twice as many suicides as homicides for youths between 10-24 years of age. 

Youth suicide prevention involves prevention of violence, access to mental health treatment, adolescent resiliency, and intervention by primary health providers and emergency services.”

If you have concerns about your own teenager or adolescent, you should contact their primary healthcare provider. Primary healthcare providers are trained to assess patients for depression as well as suicide risk and can often provide helpful resources to give you the support you need to help your child.
 

Here is an exerpt from the Suicide Prevention Plan available for download at the link above:

•  A previous suicide attempt.
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan.
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal.
• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use.
• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye.

• a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member.
• a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents.
• news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community.

• Readily accessible firearms.
• Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks.
• Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to).

Courtesy of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program http://www.yspp.org

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org“

 Suicide is a Preventable Public Health Problem

Tags: adolescent, depression, natural pediatrics, public health, suicide, Suicide prevention, teen, Washington Department of Health, youth

Some babies are fortunate enough to have an easy time with teething. Their gums hurt for a bit, they chew and slobber, the teeth pop through and that’s it. If this describes your child, then you needn’t read further (unless you want tips for the future).

This topic is of interest to me because my son has had a really rough time with teething. His first teeth erupted at around 8 months and it seems that he has been in some state of teething since then (almost 10 months). Many babies experience the “teething syndrome”, which describes a variety of symptoms related to teething. Excessive drooling, low-grade fever, irritability, waking at night, ear pain, and chewing on just about anything are the more common symptoms. Infants that are sensitive to pain may even experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea from the stress and may also have changes in their normal sleeping and eating patterns.

Most parents are familiar with over the counter options for teething pain relief, but there may be more choices than you think. Here are some more natural options for getting your infant or toddler through this difficult time:

1) Homeopathic Teething tablets–a homeopathic preparation formulated to address the symptoms associated with “teething syndrome”. Incidentally, these are handy to have in the medicine cabinet for use any time the child has similar symptoms, even if not caused by teething. Homeopathic medicines do not contain pharmaceutical drugs and are generally safe for infants and children. You should follow the dosing instructions on the package and always consult with your child’s doctor first if the child is on medication or if you are not sure that the symptoms are teething related.

2) Homeopathic Teething gel–similar to the tablets, this is a topical preparation that can be soothing to irritated gums. It generally does not have the same numbing effect as other over the counter teething gels, but may have a mild anesthetic effect. I usually recommend using the teething gel at bedtime or during the day if the child is extremely uncomfortable.

3) Cold washcloth–no need to buy teething toys, when a cold wet rag will do the trick. You can also try wrapping an ice cube in the washcloth and rubbing it on your baby’s gums. You should not leave an infant or child unattended with an ice cube as this could be a choking hazard.

4) Chamomile tea–brew some chamomile tea and put it in the refrigerator before offering it to your infant. This herbal tea is safe for infants and can help reduce the pain and irritability caused by teething. While you’re at it, brew a cup for yourself to have before bed (it will help you sleep a little better even if your infant wakes you up a few times).

5) Marshmallow root–if you can get ahold of the actually root, this makes a great natural teether (of course, you will want to be sure it is clean). It should be dehydrated first and is safer than teething biscuits, since it is less likely to break apart. It also helps sooth the gums and reduce inflammation. For infants that have “peek-a-boo” teeth (teeth that appear to cut through and disappear depending on how swollen the gums are), the marshmallow root can decrease swelling enough for the teeth to cut through completely (providing a great deal of relief to the infant).

While the suggestions above may provide some relief, there is always a time and a place for pharmaceutical pain relief options. You should talk to your child’s doctor about their recommendations for over the counter pain relievers and dosages for infants. Keep in mind that dosing for infants is usually weight dependent, so even if an age-based dosage is given on the package, it may not be the appropriate dose for your child (which is why you should consult a doctor).

Tags: Chamomile tea, homeopathic teething tablets, marshmallow root, Natural Medicine, Naturopathic Pediatrics, teething, teething gel