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Despite dramatic decreases in the number of fatal child poisonings over the past several decades, approximately 86,000 U.S. children were treated in hospital emergency departments in 2004 after ingesting drugs, cleaning products and/or other poisonous substances, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.

For the study, researchers reviewed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, related to unintentional poisonings in children, ages 4 and younger, who were treated in hospital emergency rooms.

The review found that about 70 percent of the poisonings involved children ages 1 or 2; more than half involved boys; and 13.3 percent resulted in hospital admission. Nearly 60 percent of the poisonings involved oral prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs or supplements.

The study authors state that child poisoning remains a "serious health concern," and that additional research is needed to better understand the circumstances surrounding unintentional poisonings, and improvements made to child resistant packaging.

(12-23-08)

Mothers – often the family's primary health care decision maker – recognize the great value in getting their families vaccinated against influenza throughout the winter months and even into early spring, according to a survey commissioned by the American Lung Association as part of its Faces of Influenza immunization awareness initiative.

"Mothers play an important role in keeping their families healthy, including getting them vaccinated against influenza each year, and our survey shows they believe in the value of immunization for their loved ones through the winter and spring," says Dr. Norman Edelman, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association.

National Influenza Vaccination Week was December 8-14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage physicians to continue giving influenza vaccinations through the end of the year and beyond. Each year, approximately 226,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with complications from influenza, and an average of 36,000 people die – including about 100 children. The CDC reports that annual influenza vaccination rates have historically decreased following the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, visit www.facesofinfluenza.org.

(12-23-08)

According to the American Dental Association, only 12 percent of Americans floss daily. ChicagoHealers.com practitioner Dr. Kevin Boehm has patients often asking about the significance and importance of flossing. As we've learned, it is extremely important to floss, and over the past 10 to 15 years, a large amount of research has brought systemic reasons for the importance of flossing to light.

"Flossing has obvious benefits including a decrease in tooth decay since floss can reach where toothbrushes cannot," says Dr. Boehm. "Flossing can be a simple process if done right and can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease."

Dr. Boehm also emphasizes a lesser known fact in that a lack of flossing can affect the immune system. Gum disease producing bacteria hides in the spaces below the gum line and can enter the blood vessels of diseased gums. An increased risk of heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis and heart valve or muscle damage are possible. Additional risks can include adult-onset diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney infections.

Dr. Boehm provides the following tips for flossing properly:

• Foot of Floss: Simply take about 12 inches of floss and wrap it around a couple fingers.
• Slide Around: In an up/down sliding motion, floss all the sides of the teeth. Be careful to go under the gum line to break up the bacteria's hiding places.
• More Than Just the Teeth: Remember that flossing not only helps save the teeth, but keeps the rest of the body healthy too.

(12-23-08)

Families are experiencing the emotional stress that comes with economic upheaval. From job loss to spending cuts, current economic times can negatively impact children's emotional well-being. But how can you recognize the symptoms of depression in your children and get your family through this difficult time?

According to Henry Ford Health System psychologist Dr. Victor Gardner, the main symptoms of depression in children involve persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness as well as mood changes, similar to adults. Here are additional symptoms to watch out for:

• Social withdrawal
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia, (sleeping too much)
• Increased emotionality/crying spells
• Problems concentrating
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches that seem to have no physical cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

"In children, depression may be expressed more so through persistent anger or irritability as well as angry 'acting-out' behaviors," says Dr. Gardner. "Significant changes in peer relationships, self-mutilating behavior (like superficial cutting on arms or legs) and abuse of alcohol or drugs may also be seen in extremely depressed children."

For tough topics, like a job loss or move, Dr. Gardner explains it is important to talk to children in an age-appropriate manner. "Children are often able to detect signs that something is wrong at home and if left uninformed about their parents' employment or economic status, children may become overwhelmed with negative thoughts or assumptions about their family situation," says Dr. Gardner. "When informing kids about job loss, parents should reassure their children that steps are being taken to cope with this situation, including seeking out other employment opportunities and making changes in their spending habits."

Parents can also inform their children that they are not alone in these challenging economic times, that this situation is likely to be temporary and that people have rebounded from situations like this before.

Another difficult topic may be expectations about the upcoming holidays or birthdays. Dr. Gardner suggests that parents should initially acknowledge and empathize with any feelings of disappointment their children may experience when informed about plans to reduce holiday spending. "Parents can then reassure their children that the reduction in the amount or type of gifts they may receive has nothing to do with the degree to which they are loved," says Dr. Gardner.

Parents can also admit to mistakes of overspending in the past or of emphasizing material goods, instead of focusing on the true reason for the holiday season. Likewise, parents can help children see that as a result of the economy, many families are making similar changes in their spending.

"If parents are concerned about their child's mood or any significant changes in behavior, they should consult with a pediatrician or family physician as soon as possible," says Dr. Gardner. "The pediatrician or family physician can provide a brief screening for depression and determine the need for mental health counseling, psychiatric consultation and/or placement on antidepressant medication."

But, there are things parents can do to help their families through a difficult time, including the following:

• Get your child involved in some physical exercise, walking or recreational activity, which have been found to relieve symptoms of depression.
• Encourage healthy eating.
• Seek advice and consultation with a mental health provider if the child's symptoms of depression persist and appear to be negatively impacting his or her daily functioning, school performance, family interactions or relationships with friends.
• Make sure that your child is compliant with any medication he or she may be prescribed by a psychiatrist to treat depression.

"Try to prevent your child from spending extended periods of time in isolation or away from positive influences. And, most importantly, keep communication channels open," Dr. Gardner says.

To promote positive communication with your child:

• Spend time with your child.
• Stay attentive and involved.
• Be empathic and caring and let children know that you are concerned about their emotional well-being.

(12-23-08)

Nearly half of all children in the United States are still exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) each week, according to a new survey from the American Legacy Foundation®, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence and researchers from Mississippi State University.

The groups say that while America has come a long way in changing the social perception of smoking in the past 10 years, children are still exposed to secondhand smoke at alarming rates, and they are encouraging parents who smoke to quit for good.

The Social Climate Survey of Tobacco has found that 42 percent of children are exposed to SHS each week, and there are public settings where children could be exposed that are still not smoke-free.

"Children especially deserve smoke-free environments, and all public places where children eat and play should be protected from secondhand smoke," says Dr. Jonathan Klein, director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Julius B. Richmond Center for Excellence. "Adults have the power to make healthier decisions for their children, and there needs to be more done to protect children in homes and cars from the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Other key findings include the following:

• While 75 percent of U.S households prohibit smoking in the home and car, that leaves 25 percent of American homes and cars unprotected.
• More non-smokers prohibit smoking in the home than smokers.
• More than one quarter of smokers report that their child had been exposed to secondhand smoke in their home.
• Among parents who smoke, only 53.5 percent prohibit smoking in the home and even fewer (22.5 percent) prohibit smoking in the family vehicle.
• 8.1 percent of U.S. parents report that their child was exposed to SHS in an indoor public place in the past seven days.

Over the years, studies have concluded that SHS can be just as harmful as cigarette smoking. It is estimated that SHS exposure causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States. Even more disturbing is the fact that young children who are exposed to SHS are at a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities. Infants are at a higher risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

"The effects of secondhand smoke are serious and should not be minimized," says Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, the only national public health foundation solely dedicated to reducing tobacco use in the United States. "Addressing this issue starts with helping adult smokers and parents quit. Most know they are dealing with a tough addiction, so pediatricians and others can provide the tools and resources for parents to re-learn their life without cigarettes."

Today's research coincides with the launch of a new partnership between Parents® magazine and the American Legacy Foundation, Parents Quit for Good. The program provides a free quit plan for moms and dads powered by the foundation's online cessation program, Become an Ex. The program launches just in time to help parents plan their New Year's resolutions to quit smoking.

This new collaborative will be featured in three upcoming issues of Parents starting in January, and includes a new Web site, www.ParentsQuitForGood.com where moms and dads can receive step-by-step assistance in identifying their own smoking triggers, in finding new ways to get through the day without cigarettes, and avoiding weight gain along the way.

(12-23-08)

With the holidays fast approaching, shoppers nationwide are looking for easy, affordable and meaningful ways to give gifts to friends and family. Americans stressed at crowded malls are also trying to find ways to add significance to the holidays. So World Vision, an international aid organization working with children and families, offers Americans some alternatives to cope with the holidays as the recession deepens.

According to a recent World Vision gift-giving survey, four out of five U.S. adults prefer to receive a meaningful gift this holiday season. More than seven out of 10 Americans plan to spend less on gifts, but almost half of those surveyed say that given the current economic climate, they're now more likely to give a "charitable gift," something that helps other people instead of a traditional gift like clothing or home electronics.

Here are the top 5 ways to help your family cope with the holiday recession:

1. As a family, select a charitable organization that you'd like to support, and make a donation online.
2. Consider do-it-yourself gifts (for teachers or friends) that you can make with your children.
3. Lend a hand to a neighbor or shut-in by shoveling their sidewalk or delivering hot chocolate.
4. Give the gift of your time and set aside a few hours to volunteer as a family at your local charity.
5. Buy gift certificates for friends to do family-friendly activities like going to the movies or ice-skating.

World Vision's Devin Hermanson is seeing a return to meaningful giving through World Vision's Gift Catalog, where sales are running ahead of 2007. "The holiday season can be a stressful time of year. There are gifts to purchase and wrap, cookies to bake, and family to visit but as the economy struggles, let's remember our friends and neighbors in need," says Hermanson.

For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

(12-23-08)

The holiday season is here and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to keep safety in mind as they decorate for the holidays. Flickering candles, blinking holiday lights and fragrant evergreens are beautiful staples of the holiday season, but when used improperly, these holiday decorating "must haves" can pose deadly dangers.

Each year, during the 60 days surrounding the winter holiday season, about 11,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to decoration-related injuries with falls, cuts, shocks and burns topping the list. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that each year an average of 240 fires involving dried-out Christmas trees result in 16 deaths and $13 million in property damage. An average of 13,000 candle-related fires are estimated by CPSC staff to occur annually, resulting in 170 deaths and $390 million in property damage.

"Deaths, injuries and the millions of dollars in property damage related to holiday-decorating hazards are preventable," says CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Keep the holidays festive, by keeping your family and friends safe from harm."

Use the following safety tips when decorating this year:

Trees and Decorations

• When purchasing an artificial tree, DO look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.
• When purchasing a live tree, DO check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, DO place it away from fireplaces, vents and radiators. Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways.
• When trimming a tree, DO use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.
• In homes with small children, DO take special care to avoid sharp or breakable decorations, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
• To avoid lung irritation, follow container directions carefully while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Lights

• Indoors or outside, DO use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA. Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses to prevent the wires from overheating.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
• If using an extension cord, DO make sure it is rated for the intended use.
• DON'T use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• When using lights outdoors, DO check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.
• DO turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Candles

• DO keep burning candles within sight.
• DO keep lighted candles away from items that can catch fire and burn easily, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.
• DO always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.
• DO extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room or leave the house.

Fireplaces

• DO use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting. Keep them away from children.
• DON'T burn wrapping paper or plastic items in the fireplace. These materials can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, resulting in a flash fire.
• DO place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable materials.

Get a free brochure with holiday decorating and toy safety tips at CPSC's Web site, www.cpsc.gov.

(12-23-08)

The holiday social calendar often may be jammed with get-togethers that come with hidden dangers. The number of injuries and deaths from alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents increases during the holiday season as people leave festivities after drinking too much.

"It's not because people are depressed; it's just because they're partying, and they think it's OK to drink and drive," says Dr. Kathleen Delaney, an emergency medicine and internal medicine physician at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "It's better to call a cab than to pay for a hospital bill – or a funeral."

Legal blood-alcohol limits for a driver vary among states. Regardless, people experience coordination impairment and reduced alertness with blood alcohol levels of 0.05. A 120-pound woman reaches 0.04 after consuming one 12-ounce beer. A 160-pound man reaches 0.05 after two beers.

"Common sense says you know that you're impaired even at those levels," Dr. Delaney says. "It's the holidays, so you're going to have a few drinks and enjoy yourself. But just don't drive a vehicle. Designate a driver. Being in an accident is not a good holiday present."

For those who will not be driving, Dr. Delaney recommends limiting total alcohol consumption, spacing alcoholic beverages at least an hour apart and having a nonalcoholic beverage between drinks to help counteract alcohol's dehydrating effects. Also, ensure that all drinks containing alcohol – including eggnog and punch – are out of the reach of children. Alcohol consumption can cause a child's blood sugar to plummet, she says.

(12-23-08)

As host, you've probably thought of everything that would make your holiday get together a success. But Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy and immunology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, recommends a few extra precautions if your guest list includes an asthma sufferer. The following suggestions can create a comfortable atmosphere for guests and help them avoid an asthma attack:

• Don't use juniper or cedar trees, which are pollinating this time of year. Instead, invest in an artificial tree and keep it dust free.
• Be mindful of fragrances, and avoid using scented candles and room sprays.
• Reschedule your party if you get sick. People with asthma are more susceptible to colds and the flu, which can exacerbate respiratory problems.

(12-23-08)

As the holiday season approaches, more people voice concern about the best methods for keeping vocal cords in shape for upcoming church choir performances, holiday concerts and spur-of-the-moment caroling.

Common causes for voice problems include misuse, such as loud talking in noisy environments and excessive coughing; smoking; and acid reflux, as well as stress, allergies, medications and even inadequate water consumption.

"The best thing you can do is to keep up an adequate level of hydration," says Janis Deane, a speech pathologist who specializes in voice disorders at the Clinical Center for Voice Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "Grab a bottle of water instead of a cup of coffee, which tends to dry you out."

If you have to do a lot of singing in a short period of time, consider giving your vocal cords a rest by staying quiet during rehearsal break, says Dr. Ted Mau, a laryngologist and throat surgeon with the Clinical Center for Voice Care. "It's particularly important to not push your voice when you already feel you need to strain to sing or talk."

Here are other precautions to consider:

• Avoid smoking and smoke-filled rooms or entryways, particularly just before a performance.
• Avoid eating a large meal just before a performance, particularly caffeine and acidic foods such as chocolate or citrus, all of which can cause acid reflux.
• Avoid repeated clearing of the throat, which can irritate the voice box. Take a sip of water instead.
• Treat coughs quickly so they don't develop into more serious hacking.
• Avoid alcohol, including folk remedies such as brandy and hot toddies, which are more likely to dry out the vocal cords.

Voice problems that last beyond a few weeks should be evaluated by a physician.

(12-23-08)