Choosing a pediatrician is an important and personal decision and we want you to feel at ease with the care you and your child will receive.

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Is it the FLU?

Flu starts with sudden onset of high fever, usually higher than 102, headache, body aches, runny nose or congestion, cough, red, watery eyes, extreme tiredness, sleepiness, decreased appetite, irritability. If your child has these symptoms at this time of the year it may be the flu, especially if your child did not receive their annual flu shot. Do not panic! Try to avoid going to the ER if all possible! To decrease the fever offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen in recommended doses and intervals and plenty of clear liquids. Use saline nose sprays and a humidifier to clear nasal passages. Call our clinic for appointment. If your child is seen within the first 48hours of his or her symptoms he/she can be treated with an antiviral medication called Tamiflu that shortens the duration of illness. Flu can be diagnosed by flu test that is taken from a nasal swab sample. Most kids do well with the Flu even if it is not treated with Tamiflu, but some may develop ear infection, pneumonia or other complications. Flu is a very contagious illness that spreads through the air. Kids with the flu usually excluded from school for 6-7days and you should not let anyone to visit in your home during the illness. To prevent the Flu avoid big crowds during flu season, wash hands, do not visit with those who are sick, teach your kids to cover their sneeze and cough and remember to get annual Flu shots!  

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Can my child eat anything he/she wants?

While it is very tempting to give in to letting kids eat whatever they want, it is not a good idea. Studies show that about 20% of children are overweight in the USA and the numbers are increasing and essentially what they eat is who they become.   

Consequences of Childhood Overweight and Obesity

Being overweight and obes in childhood is associated with serious physiological, psychological, and social consequences, as listed below. Many of these consequences manifest during childhood, others later in life. Children who are overweight or obese are also more likely to be overweight or obese as adults and live with a chronic illness, struggle with maintaining jobs and consequently may struggle financially as adults.  

They more likely suffer from:

• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis ( Heart Disease)
• Dyslipidemia (e.g., high blood triglycerides, high cholesterol)
• High blood pressure
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver disease (Fatty liver disease and failure)
• Asthma & Allergies
• Sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing
• Joint and bone problems
• Multiple sclerosis
• Iron deficiency
• Earlier onset of puberty
• Poor health-related quality of life
• Premature death later in life

They also more likely suffer from:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness or inferiority
• Body dissatisfaction
• Disordered eating and unhealthy weight control behaviors
• Substance abuse
• Peer victimization (e.g., victims and perpetrators of bullying)
• Behavior problems
• Poor academic performance
• School absenteeism

What can I do as a parent to prevent my child being overweight and obese or help them loose weight?

Breastfeeding as an infant and eating a healthy diet throughout childhood protects children from obesity and its consequences. If the mother is overweight, children are more likely to be overweight as well. If the mother leads a healthy lifestyle children will also. (Of course father’s support is important as well.) Healthy lifestyle can change the outcome, no matter what your family’s genetics are.  

How do I do this?

Scheduled mealtimes and eating 3 meals and 2 snacks and not allowing additional snacks is the first step. Provide healthy snacks like fruits and veggies and avoid chips and cookies. Limit juices to 4oz. After age 3 years serving low fat, low carbohydrate, low sugar, and low salt diet is essential for their future health. Serve meals on a divided plate. On the plate 1/6 of the meal should be lean protein: for example, grilled or baked meats, fish or eggs, low fat cottage cheese, yogurt. 2/3 of the plate should be fresh, steamed or cooked vegetables (make sure you flavor these for example with their favorite low fat dressing, parmesan cheese or other spices to taste, but keep it low salt!)  The remaining 1/6-th of the plate is the conventional side dish, like rice, potatoes, pasta. (These are also called carbohydrates and these should be limited since they are the cause of obesity.) Also limit their cereal intake to non-frosted, non-sugary cereals like oat meal or cheerios.  Limit their juice intake to no more than a cup a day; instead make sure they drink plenty of water. The recommended amount is ½ of their body weight in ounces (for example a 50 lbs. child should drink 25 oz. of water a day as minimum.) Make sure they do not drink sodas. Sodas are made of harmful chemicals and most have high sugar and caffeine and harmful to their developing brain and body. Kids should also take at least 3 servings of dairy a day after a meal to help to grow strong bones and get enough protein. The milk should be skim milk or 1% milk after age 3 years, to limit cholesterol intake (not whole milk or 2% milk.)    

Beyond healthy diet encourage daily exercise outdoors if possible for fresh air and sunshine. Alternatively exercise indoors. Getting a jump rope a hula hoop or having them join in yoga and other tumbling and floor exercises come handy in rainy days. Sign them up for sports as early as possible! Toddler swimming, tumbling, T ball, soccer, gymnastics, roller blading, biking are some examples that even the youngest can participate in. (Of course, do not forget their safety gear, like helmets!)  

Make healthy eating and exercise a habit for life and do not forget to show good example yourself. Your child will follow what you do not what you say. If you do chose healthy eating and exercise they will too!

On your child’s appointment ask us about healthy eating, diet and exercise and other life style questions you may have. At Kid’s Klinic we are committed to DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALHY LIFESTYLE TRAINING.

 

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