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3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress – Refinery Counseling Center

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The holidays are notoriously stressful. There are events to attend, kids out of school, parties to host, and financial stress as the cherry on top. Research shows that 88% of Americans feel increased stress during the holidays. Throw in a global health pandemic and crazy inflation rates and this holiday season is primed to be potentially the most stressful yet.

But what if it didn’t have to be?

Refinery Counseling Center is made up of a team of 6 mental health experts, and this holiday season we are bringing you three evidence-based tips to decrease stress and get the most joy out of your holiday experience.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress - Refinery Counseling Center

1. More Doesn’t Mean Better:

The holiday season is SO MUCH FUN. There are work parties, holiday programs at the kids’ schools, special events in the community, church proceedings, and more family gatherings than at any other time of year. As exciting and enticing as each event may seem, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to set a limit and honor the limit.

The limit or identified boundary will be different for each family depending on a number of factors, including the size of the family, the typical schedule, whether or not kids are involved, etc. With young kids, it is often wise to limit special events to weekends and keep a normal routine during the week. For families with older children, you may find that you have more flexibility with later bedtimes, or even a special event or two during the week. As tempting as it may be to want to “do it all,” everyone involved will enjoy themselves more if they are rested, fed, and able to be fully present in whatever event has gotten your “yes.”

2. The Mind-Body Connection is Legit- For You and Your Kids:

Gingerbread men., sugar plums, holiday cocktails, oh my! So many of our holiday celebrations are synonymous with treats and alcohol. Holiday meals feature large servings and heavy pours. Work clients or family members may send cookie tins or boxed candies as holiday gifts. Many holiday traditions center themselves around shared meals and specialty cocktails. Or eggnog. Or spiked cider (you get the drift).

So much research is available about the link between our minds and our body. When we aren’t fueling our bodies well, we can’t expect our mind and our mental state to be well either. And that’s not to say that a special treat or beverage can’t be enjoyed during the holidays- certainly it can! But if the goal is mental wellness, then moderation is key. There are many ways to be proactive about caring for your mind and body during the holidays, such as going on a daily walk, tracking water intake, limiting sugar consumption, and implementing stretch or cardio intermittently. Small, intentional habits can yield powerful results.

3. Expectations Will Make or Break You:

Many people go into the holidays with the best of intentions. But even the self-imposed pressure can be overwhelming. Are the teachers going to like their gifts? Is the event planning complete? Is the meal going to impress the family? Was the donation large enough to the holiday charity? Will the gifts arrive in time? Will anyone be sick for the trip back home? Will grandma or grandpa be able to travel? Are the kids in enough holiday camps or activities? Did the company make enough to give end-of-year bonuses… the lists could go on and on.

Slow down. Remember the reason for the season. If a task or event seems overwhelming, practice a moment of gratitude to ground yourself and refocus. Ask for help and delegate. Communicating clear expectations to everyone involved in an event will help set the scene so that everyone can enjoy it to the fullest.

If you need help, assign responsibilities. If you need time, specify how much time you need to set aside prior to the task. If you need hands, recruit them early on. Bringing young kids? Pack snacks. Taking a few minutes on the front end to prepare for whatever is at the center of your stress will allow you to prepare and communicate your needs before reaching a stressor or breaking point.

In the end, all of the tips that will help you thrive during the holidays are going to be rooted in mindfulness. Remembering the reason for the season and practicing gratitude will help reduce stress and bring more enjoyment to the holiday season for you and your family.

When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, you may be experiencing clinical mental health struggles. Refinery Counseling Center is a team of licensed professionals who specialize in mental health treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. If you believe your anxiety or seasonal depression may be more than just stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about mental health treatment options.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress - Refinery Counseling Center

To learn more about mental wellness, visit our website, check out our blog, and download our free Holiday Survival Guide and Holiday Survival Guide for Kids!

5 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating

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(HealthDay News) — Arriving home safe and sound is one of the best Halloween treats of all – below you will find 5 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating.

First, be sure that costumes and goody bags have reflective strips that improve visibility to drivers!

Trick-or-treaters should also carry a flashlight, and costumes should be bright, reflective, and flame-resistant.

Safe Trick-or-treating

5 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating

  • If you plan to use makeup, test it on a small area of skin first to ensure it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Wash makeup off immediately after returning home.
  • Costume accessories should be soft and pliable in order to reduce injury risk. Don’t wear decorative contact lenses, which can cause eye infections.
  • Comfortable and supportive footwear can help prevent blisters and sprains.
  • Discard homemade treats and unwrapped goods, the risk isn’t worth it, as one doesn’t know the exact ingredients used in preparation. Prevent possible allergy exposure, bacteria, and lastly poison by only allowing wrapped, sealed treats.
  • When trick-or-treating, children should stay alert and walk in groups or with a trusted adult. The reality is there are predators who use Halloween in particular as a day to disguise themselves. Safeguard your children by making sure they stick together in a large group and have an adult along to prevent an incident from unfolding.”

If children aren’t accompanied by an adult, they should carry a charged cell phone so they can call for help immediately, or provide parents with updates about their location, he said. And kids should know not to text while walking or crossing an intersection.

Dental Injuries and Sports: How You Can Protect Your Child’s Teeth

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Dental Injuries and Sports: How You Can Protect Your Child’s Teeth

By College Family Dentistry

Each year 3 million teeth are knocked out (tooth avulsion is the fancy term) due to sports, some statistics place this number much higher at 5 million teeth. The highest number of incidents happen in sports due to poor facial protection. There are many preventative steps you can take to reduce the probability of this happening with your child as you enter sports seasons. Two major things encouraged by dental professionals are regular six-month dental screenings which can identify the risk of teeth avulsion and custom fit mouthguards.

When Would a Professionally Made Mouthguard Be Recommended?

The American Dental Association and Academy for Sports Dentists recommends a professionally made mouthguard for contact and collision sports. This includes: football, baseball, basketball, rugby, lacrosse, and many more. Baseball and basketball have the highest tooth avulsion rate due to poor facial protection.

How is a Mouthguard Made?

Professional and custom fitted mouthguards are made by dental professionals by taking impressions of your mouth. This allows the mouthguard to fit your teeth structure perfectly and provide a much more comfortable bite. Custom mouthguards can even be made to fit players with braces. Once the impressions are made, the model of your teeth is sent to a local lab and a perfectly fitting mouthguard is created just for your player.

Why Choose a Professionally Made Mouthguard?

This custom mouthguard not only decreases the risk of dental injury, but unlike over-the-counter boil and bite guards it is more durable, less likely to lose its shape, and much more comfortable. This means it’s less likely to be left in the locker room before game time. A properly fitting mouthguard can also allow for a better oxygen flow.

Dental Injuries and Sports

By decreasing the risk of tooth avulsion, you are also saving money. All three of our locations offer FREE Mouthguards for Life with regular cleanings. This means:

  • You can bring your mouthguard in every 6 months to make sure it’s still in strong condition and fitting properly.
  • You reduce the risk of having to pay for a tooth implant due to a tooth being knocked out.
  • You can replace if the family dog decides he’d like a new chew toy.

Five million kids having their teeth knocked out is not a number you want your athlete to be in. To find out more information on our Mouthguard for Life program, you can schedule an appointment at one of our three locations, College Family Dentistry, Bencaz Family Dentistry, or Greenwell Springs Family Dentistry. We are open till 7pm some days (which means, no need for your athlete to miss school).

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

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Back to school…three words that represent great joy to parents who are ready to get back to routine and bring great anguish and “pain” to kids who aren’t quite ready to give up their summer freedom. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the fun and less structured summer into a new school year, I think it is important as parents to take the time to talk to our children about their worries and concerns going into the fall semester.

Back to School

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

Back to School – Ask Questions

The question could be as simple as, “Is there anything you are worried about for this school year?” I know in my office when I ask this question, I have had many a parent be surprised by the answer their child might give. When we know what our children are worried or afraid of, it makes us, as parents, better equipped to give them the guidance they need to maneuver through the unchartered waters of a new school experience happily and successfully.

Back to School – Set Expectations

I encourage parents to teach children to view school as their job—what better time to start teaching children about work ethic than from the very beginning of school. As parents, we should set expectations for our children in regards to their “job” performance, and if these expectations are not met, then they should be held accountable.

Now, the expectations, as well as the consequences, will, of course, vary by age, but even the youngest child should understand that they should strive to be the best they can be at their job. Even my son, who is starting Pre-K 3, knows that mommy and daddy expect him to listen to his teacher, follow directions, and be a good friend to his classmates. If he doesn’t achieve these things, he doesn’t get to read books at night (his favorite pre-bedtime activity).

These expectations are established from the get-go so that there is no confusion about the “job description.”

Back to School – Establish a good rapport with your child’s teacher

I also encourage all parents, but especially the parents of elementary-aged children, to establish a good rapport with their child’s teacher. After all, the reality is that in many cases, their teacher will spend more time with them during the weekday than we will.

It is crucial to make sure there are channels of communication that exist between parents and teachers, and these should not be one-way avenues. Parents should feel comfortable bringing up concerns to teachers, just as teachers should be respected when they bring concerns back to parents.

A partnership between teacher and parent is vital to helping children achieve success in the classroom which often translates to increased self-confidence in kids.

Stay positive

So as everyone heads back to school, establish those expectations, let them know their “job description,” and then make sure your voice as a parent is a positive one with excitement, support, and encouragement for the upcoming school year.

As kids make the trek up the ladder to reach those expectations you have set, make sure they know you are their biggest cheerleader and will always be behind them to catch them when they stumble, to give extra little pushes along the way, and to celebrate all of their achievements all from a place of unconditional love.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share family resources and Baton Rouge Family Fun’s experiences with food, fitness, and health as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Understanding Dental Insurance: An Ultimate Guide

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Dental insurance is an important part of ensuring access to the dental care you need to maintain your oral health. But with so many types of dental insurance plans available, understanding dental insurance isn’t always easy.

Understanding Dental Insurance:
An Ultimate Guide By College Family Dentistry

Whether you receive dental insurance through your job, have purchased individual dental insurance or are navigating seeing a dentist without insurance, it’s important to understand how dental insurance works and what your options are.

Keep reading to explore the ins and outs of dental insurance.

Understanding Dental Insurance

How Dental Insurance Works

Most dental insurance plans are designed to cover a portion of the costs for your dental care services.

Dental insurance plans typically cover 100% of preventative and diagnostic procedures, such as regular cleanings and X-rays, and a percentage of other procedures such as cavity fillings, root canals and tooth extractions.

While some dental insurance plans may cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, teeth straightening and veneers, many plans do not include coverage for these elective procedures.

Some dental offices will have you pay out of pocket at the appointment for any fees not covered by your insurance, while others may send you a bill following your appointment.

Either way, “it’s important to have a good understanding of your dental benefits before arriving at the dentist for an appointment,” said Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Evan Morse. If you’re local, the best way to do this is to call your Baton Rouge dentist office and talk to a treatment coordinator, who can help you navigate what is covered under your dental plan and what your out-of-pocket costs may be.

When working on understanding dental insurance, it’s also important to keep in mind that dental insurance plans are typically annual plans. Most include a “use it or lose it” feature, meaning that if you don’t use your benefits within the calendar year, they won’t carry over into the following year.

If you’re nearing the end of your annual plan and still have unused benefits, be sure to call your dentist and talk with them to identify which benefits need to be used before the end of the year.

“If you need work done we will work hard to get you into the office before benefits expire to maximize your covered,” said Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Morse.

Understanding Dental Insurance: Types of Dental Insurance

The first step toward understanding dental insurance and your specific dental plan, is to explore the types of dental insurance available. There are several primary types of dental insurance plans.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)

A PPO dental insurance plan typically features a network of dentists under contract to the insurance company. Contracted dentists must accept the maximum allowable fee outlined by the plan. With a PPO

plan, you’ll likely look for an “in-network” dentist, but can still see an out-of-network dentist, though out of pocket costs may vary. For example, if you’re in Baton Rouge dental insurance PPO plans will typically cover dentists in your area.

Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO)

With a DHMO plan, dentists are pre-paid a certain amount each month for each patient assigned to them. Dentists then provide specific services at no-cost or reduced cost to those patients. Because the plan doesn’t reimburse for individual services, patients usually must see an in-network dentist to use their benefits.

Indemnity Plans

This is sometimes referred to as traditional insurance. In this type of dental insurance plan, the insurance company pays claims based on the specific procedures performed, usually covering a percentage of the total fee. Patients are typically able to choose their own dentist.

Direct Reimbursement

With a direct reimbursement dental insurance plan, benefits are based on actual dollars spent, rather than on the type of treatment received. Patients are able to go to the dentist of their choice. A patient typically pays the dentist directly and then submits a receipt to be reimbursed by their insurance company.

Discount or Referral Plans

A company selling a discount dental plan typically contracts with a network of dentists, who agree to discount their dental fees to enrolled patients. Patients pay out of pocket for the discounted rate. While these are often sold to individuals, companies may also purchase discount plans for their employees. Additionally, some dentist offices, like our Baton Rouge dentist office, may have discount dental plans of their own.

Understanding Dental Insurance: Choosing Your Best Option

If you get your dental insurance from your employer, you likely won’t have a choice about the type of dental insurance you receive. But if you’re shopping around for an individual dental insurance plan, or you’re looking for a plan for your employees, it’s important to consider a few key factors when choosing a plan.

  • Costs: Make sure to review the cost for the plan compared to the cash cost of preventative procedures. While dental insurance is a valuable resource, you want it to be worth it.
  • Coverage: Make sure that your dental plan covers at least basic preventive and diagnostic dental care, such as regular cleanings and annual x-rays.
  • Waiting Period: Does the dental plan have a waiting period before benefits take effect? If you need care quickly, seek out dental insurance without a waiting period so you’re covered right away.
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Much like health insurance, any pre-existing dental conditions you have could impact your coverage or your dental insurance costs. Be sure to look into whether there are any existing dental issues you’re facing that could affect your insurance.

No Dental Insurance? You Still Have Options

It’s great to have dental insurance, but you can still see a dentist without insurance. If you don’t have dental insurance, you typically have a few options.

Pay Out of Pocket

Most dentist offices, including our Baton Rouge dentist office, accept cash, credit cards and checks to cover dental procedures. This is one of the simplest ways to pay for the dentist without insurance, especially if you’re able to afford the costs of your dental treatments.

Purchase Individual Dental Insurance

If you don’t get dental insurance as a benefit through your job, there are plenty of options to purchase personal dental insurance so you’re not faced with a trip to the dentist without insurance at all.

Sign Up for A Discount Dental Plan

A discount dental plan could also be a good option. At College Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, our Discount Dental Plan includes two healthy hygiene cleanings, two exams and an X-Ray series per member, as well as a periodontal evaluation and intraoral camera exam. Additional services, including cosmetic or restorative dental procedures, emergency visits and Invisalign services, are offered at a discount.

Be sure to read our full guide to seeing a dentist without insurance.

Understanding Dental Insurance: Is Dental Insurance Worth It?

If you’ve generally had good oral health throughout your life, it can be easy to wonder if dental insurance is really worth the cost.

On average, Americans pay about $360 each year, or between $15 or $50 per month for dental insurance. While this amount may exceed the annual cost of a discount dental plan, it is significantly lower than the costs for more intensive dental procedures like fillings, root canals or tooth extractions.

And while simply skipping the dentist if you’re experiencing no obvious dental issues or pain may seem like a fine idea, it can cost you a lot more in the long run – to both your wallet and your health.

Keeping up with regular cleanings, X-rays and other preventative dental care can help spot a potential issue early on, reducing your need for expensive procedures and improving your oral health overall.

If you have any questions about your insurance plan or need more help understanding dental insurance, please contact one of our family of Baton Rouge area dental offices. We’re always happy to help!

Car Seat Safety

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

 

Summer Travel Safety Tips – Ask the Expert

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing a few Summer Travel Safety Tips.

Car Seat Safety

Summer and road trips go together like peas and carrots.  Traveling during these high traffic times can be dangerous and it is important to be extra cautious when sharing the road with large trucks and buses.  Even though truck drivers are well aware of the dangers their vehicles present to other passenger vehicles, I can guarantee that this mama is not going to trust my family’s safety to another driver.  As a personal injury attorney, I have seen beautiful vacations turn tragic on highways and interstates.  Follow my top 3 Summer Travel Safety Tips and put your family and yourself in a better position to avoid tragic accidents.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Summer Travel Safety Tips

  1. Be Aware of the “No Go Zones”

Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots as shown in the below photo.  It is best to spend as little time as possible in these “No Go Zones”.  If you have a feeling that the driver of a large truck or bus does not see you, make some noise and honk that horn.  I know that horns can make you feel like your yelling at the other drivers on the road, but I personally have avoided my fair share of accidents by letting my horn rip.

Summer Baton Rouge

  1. Safe Passing

Make sure you can see the driver in the vehicle mirror. If you do not see the driver, it is best to assume he/she cannot see you.  When passing a truck or bus, make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front giving extra space.  If possible, it is a good idea to avoid passing trucks and buses when you are traveling downhill.  These big trucks and buses take longer to stop and you do not want to be on the receiving end of their failure to slow down.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

 

  1. Avoid Wide Turns

Buses and trucks make wide turns.  Be aware that these trucks usually have around a 55-foot turning radius.  A lot of times truck/bus drivers will swing wide to accommodate this turning radius and you want to avoid them swinging into your vehicle.

Summer Baton Rouge

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Louisiana Summer Safety Tips for Kids

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Nothing says summer here in South Louisiana more than biting into a scrumptiously sweet Louisiana strawberry, having the juice drip down your chin after devouring a big slice of watermelon, or enjoying a strawberry cheesecake sno-ball made the Louisiana way (i.e. the right way) with condensed milk.  And, lest we forget, very soon the kiddos will be “free” for the summer, with swimming, vacations, sports, summer camps, and a seemingly endless supply of other activities (and energy) to take full advantage of that time off.  So if your family is like mine and beginning to prepare for the upcoming summer season, here are a few pediatric tips to keep your kiddos healthy so that they can soak up every last second of that summer break from school.

summer Safety Tips

It’s getting hot out here– As we all know, summer in Baton Rouge means temperatures in the 90s and humidity that seems to exceed 100% on most days.  In order to protect your little one’s skin from those intense sun rays, begin with thin, lightly-colored clothing covering as much of the body as possible, and pair it with a nice wide-brimmed hat.  For those 6 months and older, sunscreen is key.  You want to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher and remember – the most important part of using sunscreen is frequent reapplication.  We are talking at least every 2 hours, even with those sunscreens that are “waterproof”, “last all day,” or any other claims the manufacturers might make to entice you to buy their product.

What’s bugging you?- Have you seen those native Louisiana mosquitos that are nearly the size of small birds these days?  OK, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration (albeit a small one), but all joking aside, protecting your kiddos from mosquitos is of utmost importance.  Not only are mosquito bites just plain itchy and bothersome, but mosquitos can also be carriers of things such as West Nile Virus and other insect-borne illnesses.  The Center for Disease Control reported that there were 111 cases of West Nile Virus verified here in Louisiana last year, and there were 5 deaths.  In order to protect children from the nasty bite of these pests, use a mosquito repellent on children 2 months and older that contains DEET of 30% or less.  For infants and younger children, I recommend putting the repellent on your hand and then rubbing it onto the skin of your children to keep the bugs away.  You, of course, will want to avoid the area around the eyes and mouth, and for those infants and young children, avoid those hands as well since they will almost immediately make it to the mouth.

Drowning prevention–  Because of the number of water activities to stay cool during the hottest part of the year, this is part of summer that keeps me awake at night more than anything else.  Here are some startling statistics:

  • Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children 1-4 years of age
  • 70% of preschoolers who drown were in the care of one or both parents when the incident occurred
  • 75% of children are “missing” for five minutes or less
  • For every child the dies from drowning, another 4 are treated in emergency rooms for near-drowning
  • Last year alone, there were 10 children under 16 years of age who died in Louisiana, and there are on average 390 children who die from drowning each year in this country

Drowning in children is often a silent event as children do not scream or thrash around.  It will not look like it does in the movies.  So what is the number one way to prevent drowning in children? Constant supervision!  When children are in the water, use the rule of “touch supervision” meaning that a child should always be within arms reach of an adult.  While age-appropriate swimming lessons are a good idea, never assume that a child is “drown-proof” no matter the number of lessons they have had.  Finally, protect pools with fences that are at least 4 feet high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate, just like the modern glass pool fences, and make sure to remove all pool toys from the pool and surrounding area when done at the end of the day (these can be VERY enticing for younger children).

For more on each of these topics and much more on parenting and pediatrics in South Louisiana, please check out my website The Mommy Doctor at  www.themommydoctor.com .   And as you and your kids head into the impending break, make sure and have a safe, healthy, and, most importantly, fun summer this year!

Ask the Experts Baton Rouge

“Ask the Experts” is a new series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts will share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below and they might just answer in an upcoming post.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRFF’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

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It’s that time of year again, with warmer weather comes the return of Louisiana’s second state bird… the mosquito!  In this installment of our Ask the Expert series, Dr. Mindy Calandro shares the best way to protect yourself and your kiddos from those pesky, Southern mosquitoes.

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

N,N dimethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)– This compound has been used as an insect repellent since the 1940s, and it is the insect repellent that is likely most widely known. DEET insect repellents may last anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on what percentage of DEET is contained in the products.

On average, products with 10% DEET will last about 2 hours while those closer to 30% DEET will last closer to 8 hours.  There are products available with DEET concentrations higher than 30%, but studies show that these products do not provide any longer/additional protection.

DEET can protect against not only mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus and Zika virus but also against biting flies, gnats and ticks that can carry Lyme disease (although our ticks here in Louisiana do not carry Lyme disease).

Now, a quick Google search will produce results citing that DEET can cause neurologic issues namely seizures.  This sure makes for good headlines, but the bottom line is that there have been 10 reported cases of seizures in children after applying DEET products to the skin in over 50 years!!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the risk of adverse reaction when DEET is appropriately used (i.e. applied only on the skin according to the recommended time intervals) is on the order of 1 per 100,000,000 people!

Insect Repellent

So what are the downsides to DEET? Well, if you have ever used a repellent containing DEET, you may recall a rather strong smell and a bit of a greasy feel.  Also, DEET can cause skin irritation for those with particularly sensitive skin.  Finally, DEET can cause damage to materials such as plastics, rubber, or leather so make sure to wash your hands prior to touching things like eyeglass frames, golf clubs or certain water bottles.

Recommendation for use: DEET 30% or less is ok for children 2 months of age and older.

Common Insect Repellent with DEET: Off! Familycare and Deep Woods, Cutter Skinsations and All Family, Repel Family

Picaridin– This product was approved by the Center for Disease Control for use as an insect repellent in April 2005 although it has been used for many years prior to this in other countries.  Picaridin is created from the extract of the leaves from the pepper plant and has really no odor, does not damage plastics, and has less risk of skin irritation when compared to DEET products.

Picaridin products are available in strengths from 5-20% with approximately 3-5 hours of protection with a 10% formulation.  Studies show that Picaridin can protect people from many of the same biting insects that DEET protects from including those pesky mosquitos that carry West Nile and Zika virus.

So what is the downside to Picaridin?  Since it is a relatively new product approved by the CDC and EPA, there are not as many long-term studies available here in the US.  However, based on what we know of this compound as well as reviewing many years of data from other countries on the use of Picaridin, it seems that Picaridin is likely a very safe and effective alternative to DEET.

Recommendations for use: 10% Picaridin lotions for children 2 months and older.

Common products with Picaridin: Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard, Natrapel, Sawyer Picaridin

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus– If we are talking about the CDC and EPA approved version of this compound, it is actually a chemically synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus and not the “pure” oil.  Most versions of this repellent you will find are concentrations of 30% and can provide about 2 hours of protection.

However, the data is still out on if oil of lemon eucalyptus can protect as well as DEET or picaridin against West Nile mosquitos.  Another important thing to know about oil of lemon eucalyptus is that it should not be used on children under 3 years of age because of risk of skin irritation as well as significant eye irritation.

Recommendations for use: Only in children 3 and older, and I would consider it a distant 3rd to DEET and picaridin

Common products with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Off! Botanicals

Plant based oils:  In this final category, we will group all essential oils but those referenced most commonly include soybean, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, and lavender.  It is important to realize that none of these oils have been approved by the EPA or CDC for efficacy in protecting against insects.

If these products do provide any protection from bug bites, and that is a big “if,” it is likely a very short window of less than 1 hour.  Also, as with all essentials oils, I would use extreme caution with these products on children with sensitive skin.

Recommendations for use: In my mind, I would not use these as insect repellents.

Common products with plant-based oils: California Baby Natural Bug Blend, Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent

A few things to keep in mind no matter what type of insect repellent you choose:

  • For young children, parents should use their hand to apply the repellent to children rather than spraying it on them.  For those children who tend to put their hands in their mouth, do not put the repellent on the hands.
  • Do not apply in close proximity to the eyes or mouth of children
  • Do not apply to open cuts or wounds
  • Products that are a combination of sunscreen AND insect repellent should not be used.  Since sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, this would lead to most insect repellents being applied far too frequently.
  • When coming inside make sure to wipe/wash all insect repellent off prior to children getting into bed.

As you and your family are enjoying the last days of summer, and if you are like me, looking forward to the upcoming fall, realize that those pesky mosquitos will be hanging around for at least another few months.

Across the board for all of those 2 months of age and older, there may be many options out there when it comes to insect repellents, but I would recommend sticking with either a DEET or picaridin based product to provide the most protection for your loved ones.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share Baton Rouge Family Fun’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Dry Drowning 101: Know the Signs with Dr. Mindy Calandro – Ask the Experts

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As if the idea of drowning didn’t strike enough fear into the heart of every parent, recent news headlines and social media posts have brought a new term to the forefront… dry drowning.  You might be thinking, “Well of course my kiddo has had a cough a time or two after their face inadvertently went into the water. Is this something to worry about?”  Here is what parents need to know about so-called “dry drowning.”

Dry drowning

What is dry drowning?

To get scientific, there are actually two entities here:

Dry drowning– This occurs when a small amount of water gets into the nose or mouth, and this water causes a sudden spasm of the airway where it shuts close.  It is almost like the airway is “overprotecting” itself from the water that isn’t supposed to be there.  With dry drowning, there is no water in the lungs.  In these cases, you will see symptoms almost immediately after the water gets into the airway (the airway will not spasm if the water isn’t there).

Delayed or Secondary drowning– In delayed drowning, a child inhales a bit of water through their nose or mouth, and the water actually does make it down into their lungs.  Once in the lungs, the water begins to cause significant irritation and inflammation (after all, water is not supposed to be in our lungs) which leads to something called pulmonary edema.  This can occur anywhere from 1-24 hours after the initial inhaling of the water.

You can see that while these two terms mean something different from a medical standpoint, the term “dry drowning” is often used in the news headlines and on social media to refer to secondary drowning.

How common do these types of submersion injuries occur?

Good news…these are both UNcommon!  It is estimated that either dry or secondary drowning probably accounts for only 1-2% of all drowning-related injuries in children.  Think about all the times your child has inhaled a bit of water while in the bathtub or the pool, and the vast majority of the time, they are a-ok.

What are the symptoms?

Good news again…dry and secondary drowning do not occur without warning signs.  When it comes to dry drowning, the symptoms will often be sudden in onset, and remember, they will occur at the time of the incident (like while they are still standing in the pool water).  Children will have immediate coughing that doesn’t resolve and sudden difficulty breathing.

Now, with secondary drowning, the symptoms usually do not start immediately after they inhaled the water.  It takes time for the inflammation to begin in the lungs.  Rather kiddos will start with coughing, trouble breathing, faster breathing, fever, vomiting, extreme sleepiness or a drastic change in behavior anywhere from 1-24 hours later.

dry drowning

What should parents do if they suspect dry or secondary drowning?

If your child has been swimming and in the hours following a swim they show any of the above signs, they need to be brought to medical attention immediately.  These symptoms certainly might end up being just the start of a circulating summer virus, but it is important to make sure that it is not secondary drowning.  Often a good physical exam by your child’s doctor as well as checking of vital signs including their oxygen levels and sometimes even a chest x-ray can help to ensure that their lungs do not have fluid that shouldn’t be there.

And a quick reminder here as well…anytime a child has required a pool rescue of any kind, at a minimum, there needs to be a call to your child’s pediatrician.  Depending on how long the child was under water, many of these kiddos also need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

How can you prevent dry or secondary drowning?

Both of these entities really fall on the spectrum of drowning-related injuries, and the best way to prevent any kind of drowning is constant adult supervision while swimming.  I have written before about drowning prevention (you can click here to check out that blog post),  but close attention to a child while they are in the water and vigilance for new onset of symptoms after a swim are key.  And again remember, these dry or secondary drownings are NOT common.

So hopefully now that you understand these frightening terms of dry or secondary drowning, you will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this does not happen commonly.  Kiddos will be kiddos playing in the water which often means an inadvertent inward sniff while in the water.  Let them continue to play, of course under an adult’s watchful eye, and if something doesn’t seem right after pool time is done, then you know the next step.  Happy summer!

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM moms’ experiences with food,  fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Car Seat Safety Choosing the Right Car Seat – GIVEAWAY

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing car seat and booster seat safety tips and laws. Be sure to check out the helpful printables that can be used at home, for babysitters, grandparents, or anyone that might need a car seat safety refresher. The best way to keep your child safe in the car is to use the right car seat in the right way.

Smith Shanklin Sosa is also hosting a fabulous giveaway for a GRACO Extend2Fit® Convertible Car Seat below!

Car Seat Safety

Car seats have come a long way. In the past, they provided minimal protection and were only used for babies; toddlers and other young children simply used seat belts. Thanks to extensive studies on vehicular injuries and advancements in technology, car seats, and booster seats are now mainstays throughout early childhood. Choosing and installing car seats can be confusing, but understanding their basic features and functions will help.

The Three Types of Car Seats

Children under the age of 1 should ride in rear-facing car seats. Louisiana law states that, due to the superior safety of this position in car accidents, children should be kept rear-facing until they are at least a year old or 20 pounds. However, safety experts recommend using rear-facing car seats until children outgrow them or are at least 2 years old.

The next step is the forward-facing five-point harness option. Children should be kept in these car seats until they’re at least 4 years old or 40 pounds. Then, booster seats should be used until children are tall enough to sit unassisted with seat belts safely crossing their shoulders and chests. Parents can choose between high-back and backless booster options. Typically, high-back boosters are used for younger children who don’t yet meet the height and weight requirements of a backless booster seat. These size restrictions should be clearly displayed on the packaging of all booster seats.

Multi-stage Car Seats

Though each type of car seat can be purchased individually, some companies have introduced multi-stage car seats that can adjust to fit children as they grow. Some of these options include the following:

– Convertible: These seats can be installed as both rear-facing and forward-facing to last until the booster stage.

– Combination: Equipped with removable harnesses, combination car seats can be used as both forward-facing five-point harness seats and booster seats.

– 3-in-1: The most advanced option on the market, these complete car seat solutions last until children are ready to use seatbelts.

Properly Installing Car Seats

Each car seat has its own installation requirements, and their instruction manuals provide detailed directions. Car seats and some booster seats are installed using one of two systems, seat belts or lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). The LATCH system is available in most vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002. LATCH systems should not be used when the combined weight of the child and the car seat exceed 65 pounds. For larger children or cars that do not have lower anchors, car seats can be secured by using the seat belt in a locked position. For parents who need assistance installing their car seats or want to make sure they’ve done it correctly, car seat inspections are available at local government facilities such as police stations, health departments, and fire stations.

Learning about car seats and booster seats can simplify the process of choosing the right one for your child. Car seats are safer than they’ve ever been, but accidents can still happen. If you or your child has been hurt in a car accident, the attorneys at Smith Shanklin Sosa may be able to help. To schedule a free consultation, call them at 225-223-6333 or contact us online.

In honor of Car Seat Awareness Month, check out these helpful car seat & booster seat tips to ensure you are keeping your child safe! Click on the image for the full free printables! 

Car Seat Safety Rear-Facing Stats Car Seat Safety

Car Seat Safety Forward-Facing 101Car Seat Safety

Car Seat Safety Booster 101Car Seat Safety
Car Seat Safety

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRFF’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.