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It's that time of year again. School is out, so you have time to get your kids in for their check-ups and sports physicals. You have probably seen ads for sports physicals at urgent care clinics or group physicals run by local doctors offices. They seem convenient (and cheap!), but are they really the best thing for your kid?
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Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and bones and is important for bone health. It’s also important in immune function and the regulation of inflammation. While it is found naturally in a few foods (like fatty fish), added to some foods (like milk), and available as a supplement, it is also made in the body through a process that’s triggered when sunlight strikes the skin. Because of the shallow angle of the sun in northern latitudes, we receive less sunlight here in Oregon to be able to make as much vitamin D naturally, especially in the months between November and April. Clothing and sunscreen use also decrease how much sunlight reaches the skin.
It’s summer again, so it’s a good time to talk about sunscreen. Kids and adults should be wearing sunscreen whenever they are outside. Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, is water resistant, and is labeled “broad spectrum” so it covers UVA rays (cause tanning, skin aging, and wrinkles) and UVB rays (cause sunburns and skin cancer). It takes about 15 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into the skin, so you should apply it before going outside to make sure the skin is protected as soon as it is exposed to the sun. I see lots of kids with sunscreen ON their skin but not rubbed INTO their skin. The sunscreen needs to be absorbed by the skin in order to do its job. Make sure you use enough! Most adults need about as much sunscreen as you can hold in the palm of your hand to cover their bodies. Decrease the amount accordingly for kids. Make sure you cover all exposed areas, including ears, the back of the neck, the hands, and the tops of the feet (I’ve had that sunburn before…ouch!). Lips can be protected by lip balm with at least SPF 15. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when out in the sun, after swimming, and after sweating. Sunscreen can be used on babies as young as 6 months (don’t forget that bald, little head!). Younger babies should be protected from the sun with clothing and shade. Eyes can be protected with a hat or sunglasses.
I have seen a few interesting things online recently about online media. First was an article in the Washington Post about the problem of gaming addiction in kids, a problem estimated to occur in 5% of teens. The article discusses one family's struggle and talks about available resources. The best way to help kids with gaming is to help them learn to set limits. Keep screens (computers, TVs, game systems) out of bedrooms and in public areas of the house, so kids can be supervised while they play. Establish time limits in advance and keep them. Set a timer if you need one. Be firm. Be consistent. Your child might not like it, but you are helping them learn self-regulation.
Family meal (as many family members as possible sitting down to eat together with no screens on) are a frequent recommendation to parents. They benefit kids of all ages for different reasons, but they can be a challenge as kids get older.
The history of autism is a fascinating story told in Steven Silberman's book Neurotribes. While investigating things like the relationship between autism and Nazis, the history of autism parent groups, and the autism self-advocacy movement, he explores autism research and diagnoses and our understand of the cause of autism as these things have changed over the course of the 20th century and into the 21st century. Check out the book. Check out the TedTalk. Having a baby requires new parents to make a lot of decisions. For parents of baby boys, one of the first decisions is often whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Circumcision is an optional procedure where the foreskin of the penis is removed. When this is done in the newborn period, it is a much more minor and much less traumatic procedure than when it is done later in childhood or in adulthood. But is it necessary for penises to be circumcised at all?
Going Back to WorkAs a pediatrician who specializes in breastfeeding, I have worked a lot with working, breastfeeding moms. I was a working, breastfeeding mom myself. I went back to work when each of my kids was 6-7 weeks old and spent a LOT of quality time with my breast pump. Going back to work can be one of the hardest times for new moms. Some moms want to stay home but can’t because of finances or other obligations (in my case, I had a Navy contract that required that I go back to work). Some moms like their jobs and want to go back to work. Whatever the reason, there is often (but not always) guilt and stress with going back to work and maintaining breastfeeding. Will the baby take a bottle? How will you find time to pump? What if you have a problem with breastfeeding?
Maternity Leave and Preparing to Go BackAs a pediatrician who specializes in breastfeeding, I have worked a lot with working, breastfeeding moms. I was a working, breastfeeding mom myself. I went back to work when each of my kids was 6-7 weeks old and spent a LOT of quality time with my breast pump. Going back to work can be one of the hardest times for new moms. Some moms want to stay home but can’t because of finances or other obligations (in my case, I had a Navy contract that required that I go back to work). Some moms like their jobs and want to go back to work. Whatever the reason, there is often (but not always) guilt and stress with going back to work and maintaining breastfeeding. What equipment and supplies do I need? When should I start pumping? What if I don't get any milk?
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About the blogA look at some topics in breastfeeding, medicine, and kids health. Archives
August 2019
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