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Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children – Dr. Mindy Calandro

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Until recently, the headlines about Covid-19 have largely been about the disease in adults, especially the elderly and those people with underlying health conditions. As a pediatrician, I’m used to seeing virus like influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) wreak absolute havoc in children. So, it has been an unexpected, albeit very welcome, “surprise” that Covid-19 seems to be having very little effect on children. However, over the past few weeks, it seems that doctors around the globe are noting cases of children who are being diagnosed with severe inflammation throughout their body – something the Center for Disease Control is now calling Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MIS-C for short. The headlines about this new development in kids are frightening, so let’s talk about what MIS-C really is and how worried parents need to be (keep reading for the good news here).

Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Doctors really like to follow trends or clusters of illnesses, so when doctors in New York City started to see an increase in cases of children with overwhelming inflammation presenting to the hospital, it certainly was noteworthy. Symptoms of children presenting with MIS-C have been varied but include high unrelenting fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, red eyes, and neck pain. These children are showing massive amounts of inflammation in their blood vessels causing problems in organs such as the heart, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and brain.

Covid-19 

Some of the children who have been diagnosed with MIS-C have been found to have positive antibody tests to Covid-19 without a prior diagnosis of a Covid-19 infection. This would signal that MIS-C would have occurred weeks after a Covid-19 infection (again most likely an asymptomatic infection). It is important to note, however, that there have also been children diagnosed with MIS-C who have had all negative testing to Covid-19. The bottom line right now is that we are not sure what is causing MIS-C.

Kawasaki Disease

MIS-C “Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children” is closely resembling two other rare illnesses that we see in children…one called Kawasaki disease and one called Toxic Shock Syndrome. The cause of Kawasaki disease is not truly known, but doctors have long suspected that it is likely a post-viral illness where the body’s immune system starts to almost attack itself, leading to inflammation of blood vessels in different areas of the body including the heart. Children with Kawasaki disease present with high fever for more than 5 days, rash, redness to the eyes, changes to their lips or tongue as well as swelling of the extremities and swollen lymph nodes.

Kawasaki disease can be treated, and the majority of children recover from this illness without long term effects (although in some cases, long-term damage to the coronary arteries can occur). Toxic shock syndrome, on the other hand, is caused by bacteria (either Staph or Strep) and can be life-threatening very quickly as it causes extremely low blood pressure, also known as shock.

When the initial cases of MIS-C were seen, children seemed to be presenting with some of the physical signs of Kawasaki disease but with the low blood pressure seen in Toxic Shock Syndrome. As more information is collected, it also seems that children with MIS-C are older with the most common ages being 5 and up. Kawasaki disease, on the other hand, is more commonly seen under the age of 5 (although both of these illnesses can be seen in anyone under the age of 18).

As with a lot of things in medicine right now, we are trying to learn as quickly as we can about the disease process of MIS-C, and work is ongoing to determine whether there is a direct link to Covid-19, whether some children more likely to get MIS-C than others, and whether there is any way to prevent MIS-C from happening.

The Good News for Parents

So, you might be wondering: what about the good news I mentioned above? Well, while the headlines are scary about MIS-C, the most important thing I want parents to take away from this is that MIS-C is still EXTREMELY RARE. While data collection is continuing on a daily basis, as of this writing, 23 states are reporting cases of MIS-C, there are around 250 cases across the US (with close to 100 of those cases being in New York alone), but at the moment, there have been less than 5 deaths nationwide. Just to be clear, while any child dying is absolutely tragic, do keep in mind for reference that influenza has already killed 176 children so far this year.

When it comes to Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, doctors and parents alike need to be aware of this new illness and be on the lookout for concerning symptoms. But once again, there is no need to panic as this illness, while scary given its symptoms and complications, remains exceedingly rare. Doctors and scientists are feverishly working to try and learn as much as possible about MIS-C, and its causes, relationship to Covid-19 and, of course, treatment and a cure.

In the meantime, I encourage parents that may be worried about MIS-C to speak with their pediatrician, and if you are worried about your child being ill with any kind of symptoms, please do not be afraid to bring them to the doctor. Pediatricians are available and equipped to see children both healthy and sick during these uncertain times of Covid-19.

“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 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.

COVID-19 and Children – What a pediatrician wants you to know

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The past 3 weeks have been anything but normal as COVID-19 has changed our daily landscape. Kids are out of school, parents and teachers alike are having to learn how to do distance learning, there is no date night with your spouse, and your social media feeds are filled with scary headlines about an enemy that is striking down those we love and yet we still know very little about the why and how of this foe. No one has all the answers right now, but I want to let you know a few important things about COVID-19 and possibly help you to decipher some of the flashy news stories.

What is Coronavirus?

Human Coronaviruses as a whole are by no means new. In fact, most people have likely had a coronavirus at some point in their life as these viruses typically cause mild respiratory illnesses like the common cold. So then what is the difference with COVID-19? It appears that this particular coronavirus likely started in bats. In the past, those coronaviruses that started in animals and then spread to humans have caused more significant illnesses. The two prior coronaviruses to start in this particular manner were SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003 and MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) which surfaced in 2012. The COVID-19 virus is “novel” meaning that until December 2019, this strain had not been identified in humans.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Reported symptoms include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, headache, and diarrhea. The WHO has estimated that 1 in 6 people with COVID-19 will have a more severe illness that will include shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Now, those milder symptoms could also describe this year’s influenza illness or even just the common cold. Take away message here…not every cough, fever or body ache is COVID-19. However, if you have fever, cough and any difficulty breathing, you need to call your medical provider immediately for guidance on where to be evaluated.

Who really needs to be tested for COVID-19?

The testing capability for COVID-19 is increasing across our area, but that does not mean that tests are readily available for everyone who wants to be tested “just because.” Those that are over 60 years of age, have diabetes, underlying severe lung disease, severe kidney disease or are immunocompromised or are a health care worker are primarily the groups that testing is indicated. Now, in pediatrics, those under 10 weeks of age, those with congenital heart or lung disease or those that are immunocompromised are the main groups of children who would meet testing criteria at this time. As tests become more available (and easier to get results as well), then these testing criteria might expand further. In the end, most COVID-19 tests can take up to 7-9 days to come back, so if there is any suspicion for COVID-19, presume that you have it and isolate accordingly.

I see that numbers of cases in Baton Rouge and Louisiana are jumping by hundreds or more each day. What does this really mean?

Let’s put these numbers into perspective. Test results are coming in usually 1 week after the test is done. So that means that the increase you see in numbers today were more than likely from the tests done a week ago. This goes to further show that Coronavirus is in our community and has been for some time. It does not mean that social distancing and other measures to slow the spread are a failure, but it likely shows that people might not have been practicing as strict isolation measures a week ago.

COVID-19 and Children

Is COVID-19 causing illness in children?

As a pediatrician and a mom, this is one of the most important things that I am keeping an eye on. To this point and in looking at data from China as well as across the US, the number of cases of COVID-19 in children has been dramatically low. YEA! Do a happy dance!! Now, this is not to say that there have not been some children hospitalized with COVID-19 and even several deaths, but the rate of children becoming seriously ill has been drastically lower than what we are seeing in the adult population. The reason for this trend in children is puzzling and yet another aspect of COVID-19 that we are trying to figure out. Perhaps a child’s immune system is handling this virus differently than an adult. Perhaps because children see other strains of coronavirus all the time (i.e. the common cold), they have some protection for this novel strain. Either way, for now, it seems that kiddos are doing ok through this pandemic.

What is research telling us about COVID-19?

Doctors love to have studies to back up what we are thinking or what we recommend. We love big, sweeping studies that include hundreds of thousands of people and studies that have variables that we can control and test. We just don’t have those kinds of studies in regard to COVID-19, at least not right now. Currently, doctors from across the US and the world are working together through panel discussions, message boards, and small data collections groups, telling of their patient experiences with this virus, telling what has worked or not worked for treatment, and sharing as much information as possible so that we can try and learn as fast as possible about how to handle COVID-19. Those big sweeping studies will be coming, but they will take time.

Should I wear a mask in public?

As we are learning more about COVID-19, the recommendations for wearing a mask in public have changed. Initially, masks were only recommended for those who had coronavirus. We now know that many people who have COVID-19 can be asymptomatic with no obvious symptoms, and we also know that people are likely to be able to spread the virus before they start showing symptoms. With this new information, the CDC made a recommendation on April 3, 2020, that everyone should wear a NON-SURGICAL, cloth mask when going out to necessary public places (remember you should not be going around town for non-essential trips anyway). This can be a mask sewn with fabric, a bandana to cover the nose and mouth, or there is even a video on the CDC website with the Surgeon General showing how to easily make a mask at home. Please note that surgical masks and especially N95 masks are NOT recommended for the public as there is already a frightening shortage of these supplies which are vital for our healthcare workers on the front lines of this pandemic.

How about wearing gloves in public places?

Think about this scenario…you put on latex gloves to go grocery shopping. With your gloves on, you touch the shopping cart and your groceries. You then reach in your purse to pull out your phone which has your shopping list. You then get out your wallet to pay for the groceries. When you load all the bags into your car, you then take off your gloves. If you are like most people, you will probably then touch your phone before starting your drive home (remember you touched that same phone with your gloves on). Then you touch the steering wheel to drive home. Once home you take the bags out of the car and unpack your groceries. Again, remember you had on those gloves when you were touching these items before. Hopefully, you can see that you are just causing the same contamination with gloves while probably giving yourself a false sense of security. The bottom line here…gloves are not needed. Please just make sure to wash your hands (all the time, 20 seconds each time) and wipe down surfaces such as your phone especially if you have been out in public.

Is daycare a good idea?

Bottom line here is that if you can keep your children out of daycare, then do so. However, I know that there are families where the caregivers are essential personnel and have to go to work. There are also families that cannot afford to have caregivers not working. This is a decision that will be personal to each and every family. Ideally, for those daycares that are open, children that attend as well as all staff should have their temperature checked at least twice per day, and PLEASE do not send kids to daycare if they are sick (none of this give a fever reducer in the morning for a fever and sending them on their way)!

How about those playdates?

I have had plenty of families asking me if playdates with friends are ok during social distancing. If we view this time just as we would a surprise snow day or summer break, then we have missed the mark for social distancing. If we have any hope of slowing the spread of the COVID-19 (notice I said slowing the spread and not stopping the spread), then we all must work together to limit our contact with others. While calling several friends to see about a playdate for a group of children is certainly a tempting break from trying to navigate the waters of e-learning, I really advise against it.

I think the most important thing to take away from reading this is that there is a lot that we are still learning about COVID-19, but scientists and doctors are working tirelessly and feverishly to learn and understand this Beast just as fast as we can. Please make sure and do your part by staying home, following shelter in place mandates, and above all else, WASH THOSE HANDS!

“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 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.

How To Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus, Flu & Cold

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By practicing healthy living on a daily basis, we provide the best support possible to the immune system and help to prevent illness altogether. There are many active steps you can take to boost your immune system against coronavirus, flu & colds! Ol’ Benji Franklin was right!

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
-Benjamin Franklin

With that said, coming down with a cold or flu is often inevitable and now we are dealing with a whole new monster with the Coronavirus disease -COVID-19. However, if you’re practicing healthy living strategies, the chances for a less severe illness, of shorter duration and milder symptoms is much greater. And remember, getting sick now and then is okay; comparable to a musical instrument that needs tuning, so too does the immune system. It keeps us healthy and strong in the long run! Here are some quick tips for daily healthy living…

How To Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus, Flu & Cold

Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus, Flu & Cold

  • Make sure to rest! 8 hrs of sleep/night, don’t overdo it; proper rest is the foundation for health and the time when your body heals, repairs and restores.
  • Clean eating! plenty of organic, fresh fruits + veggies, hormone-free meats, minimally processed with the fewest ingredients possible… real food.
  • Minimize sugar! medical studies show sugar decreases white blood cell function– white blood cells are the soldiers that make up the army that is our body’s immune system. Keep ‘em healthy + strong!
  • Hydration! Aim for ½ of your body weight in ounces of room temperature water daily. (example: if you weight 150 lbs, aim for 75 oz water/daily)
  • Manage + minimize stress! Studies show stress also decreases immune function.
  • Go outside for fresh air + sunshine! Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood. Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitating normal immune system function. 
  • Movement + exercise! Even on days when you’re not feeling so well, if you can move or stretch gently, it will help to encourage lymph, blood, oxygen and nutrient flow throughout your body, which in turn helps to kick start healing.
  • As a preventative, avoid shaking hands and touching your face and wash your hands frequently.

Bone Broth… it’s oh so good for you!

One great way to beef up your nutrient status is with a batch of homemade bone broth. This soup packs a punch, containing a remarkable amount of vitamins + minerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and potassium.

The bones used for this broth also include collagen, a protein that is released during slow cooking to form gelatin. Gelatin can help build healthy skin, hair, and nails.

The gelatin in bone broth also protects and heals the lining of the digestive tract. The liquid is particularly rich in two amino acids, glycine and proline. Interestingly enough, these nutrients are not found in as high amounts in meat—hence the beauty of bones. Amino acids are important for digestion and a healthy gastrointestinal tract, as well as many other processes within the human body.

Reduce inflammation

Damaged joints and autoimmune diseases often result in inflammation, which can also be brought on by stress and poor diets, among other factors. Bone broth contains glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds widely sold to reduce inflammation and to decrease joint pain. Not only may bone broth calm your joint pain, but it can also help to calm your mind by producing relaxing hormones like serotonin and GABA. Cool, huh?

Lastly, this nutrient-dense soup is a great go-to during the months when colds and flu are running rampant. The immune system loves it!

Easy Bone Broth Recipe
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Ingredients
  1. 2-4 lbs of beef bones (most grocery stores carry, ask the meat counter if you have trouble finding them)
  2. 5 cloves of pressed garlic
  3. Sea salt to taste
  4. Other vegetables and herbs (think carrots, onions, cilantro, ginger) can be added but are not necessary
Instructions
  1. Place bones, garlic, and sea salt in slow cooker, cover with water, turn slow cooker on high for 2-3 hours, then turn to low setting and cook for 10 additional hours. The longer it cooks the better the results. Let the broth cool in refrigerator, skim thin layer of fat off top or mix well into remaining broth. The broth can then be strained and stored in the refrigerator. If a large batch is made, freeze ½ for future use. Serve hot or cold. Hot is more palatable, especially during winter months.
Notes
  1. The broth can also be used as a base for soups, stews, steaming rice or vegetables. This recipe can also be made on the stove top.If the boiling of bones seems like a task you are not quite ready to take on, many grocery stores now sale ready made bone broth, located on the soup aisles.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Boost Your Immune System: Tonic Tea Recipe

Immune Tonic Tea Recipe
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Ingredients
  1. 1 heaping tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  2. 1-2 Tablespoons Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
  3. ½ fresh lemon
  4. Cayenne powder- to heat tolerance
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to 1 cup boiling water; sip often throughout the day during illness duration.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
For more tips on healthy living, visit Rachel and Carly online at their website, www.kaleblossom.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Car Seat Safety

Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus

Red Stick Refinement – Eat, Drink, and Mind Your Manners

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There’s a new etiquette teacher in town and our kids may need her more than we would like to admit! Manners, politeness and being confident in social situations are characteristics of proper etiquette — imperative lifelong skills that will transform the lives of our children. While we do our best to teach our children these basic skills at home, with full days and the busyness of life some important lessons can fall through the cracks… that’s where Red Stick Refinement can make all the difference!
 
Red Stick Refinement
 
Red Stick Refinement’s Baton Rouge Etiquette Classes focus on teaching both traditional etiquette and also modern etiquette. Founder, April Palombo Setliff, teaches the Importance of Eye Contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions. These are skills students will use their whole life, instilling confidence in children and teens so that they feel confident in any social situation. During class students also learn to set a formal table and learn how to eat both American and Continental (European) Style. They also write thank you notes and for the teenagers discuss Social Media Etiquette. Our children are considered digital natives, and with our digital world managing your social media presence is important. 
 
Red Stick Refinement

April has taught hundreds of kids from over 20 different schools in the Baton Rouge Area. In addition to teaching classes out of her home, she also travels to campuses to teach. Below are a few options for classes at Red Stick Refinement:

PART I – SOCIAL SKILLS 
We discuss Eye Contact, Handshakes and Proper Introductions. We also talk about respecting others and writing Thank You Notes. Social Media Etiquette is addressed for classes of teenagers.

PART II – DINING ETIQUETTE 
Students learn all there is to know about table manners for both ladies and gentlemen. They learn to set a formal table and also how to eat both American Style and Continental (European) Style.

Red Stick Refinement

Red Stick Refinement‘s Top 5 Etiquette Lessons a Child Needs to Know

1.) Put the device down and make Eye contact. Eye contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions are the first things in teach in my class. Having a firm handshake and making Eye Contact not only shows the other person respect, but it also shows self-confidence. I want students to walk away with self-confidence to succeed in any social situation.

2.) For teens, I discuss Social Media Etiquette. They have heard the bad that can happen by posts, so I try to encourage the good. I teach there is a way to position yourself in the best light online.

3.) Send thank-you notes! Thank you notes are becoming a lost art but they are still so very important in my opinion. Send thank-you notes in a prompt manner. State the gift or service you are thankful for then state WHY. 

4.) Table Manners: Learning table manners are important because it’s a skill set they will use their whole life. Have your kids take turns setting the dinner table. Make it a fun activity instead of a chore. 

5.) Be Kind & Mind Your Manners: I feel a person with good manners can carry a conversation and make the people around them feel comfortable, respected and welcome. When making a proper introduction say the name of the older person first out of respect. Or the person of higher authority. For example, if a teen is introducing a new friend to their parent the parent’s name should be said first. “Dad, I’d like to introduce to you my new friend, Matt. Matt, this is my Dad.” A good conversationalist takes it a step further by making a connection between the two people. This encourages the conversation to continue. “Dad, Matt plays soccer at his school. Matt, my Dad coaches my soccer team. We have a game coming up this weekend. When is your next game?” Make a connection then you could ask an opened ended question.

The above is just a glimpse of some of the lessons kids and teens will learn with April at Red Stick Refinement. And Etiquette lessons are not just for children and teens, April also teaches business and personal etiquette for adults!

For more info., visit Red Stick Refinement online on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.redstickrefinement.com.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

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. 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 baton rouge

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

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 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.”

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.

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 Moms 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 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.

 

Summer Travel Safety Tips – Ask the Experts on Baton Rouge Moms

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms 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.

 

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. Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

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 Moms 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 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 Moms 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

Extend2Fit® Convertible Car Seat Giveaway

  • Helps protect rear-facing infants from 4-50 lb and forward-facing toddlers from 22-65 lb
  • 4-position extension panel provides 5″ additional leg room
  • Up to 50 lb rear-facing allowing your child to ride safely rear-facing longer
  • 6-position recline helps keep your child comfy
  • 10-position headrest adjusts easily for your growing child  

Smith Shanklin Sosa is hosting this giveaway for a GRACO Extend2Fit® Convertible Car Seat (Valued at $200) Simply enter via our Rafflecopter Giveaway Widget below with more entry option on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

*Graco Extend2Fit® Car Seat Giveaway
WINNER ANOUNCEMENT*

Stay tuned until the end of the video to find out who won the Car Seat Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

West Nile Virus in Baton Rouge: What Parents Need To Know

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If there is a mosquito within a 1 mile radius, it will find me.  I am that person in our family that mosquitos seem to love which my husband finds as a convenient thing for him.  Unfortunately, two of my three children “inherited” this trait from me.  Not only do mosquito bites cause lots of itching and huge red welts if you are like me and my kiddos, but the bite of a mosquito can be the culprit of unwanted illness such as West Nile Virus.  You may have seen recent news headlines here in the Capital City making us aware yet again this year that mosquitos in our area have tested positive for West Nile Virus.  In this two part series, we will discuss what exactly is this virus, what does it mean for your time outside as the summer winds down, and how can you protect your family?

West Nile Virus Baton Rouge

West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito.  The life cycle of the WNV involves mosquitoes feeding on infected birds. The virus then remains in the salivary glands of the mosquito, and when that mosquito “feeds” on humans, WNV can be passed onto the human host.

WNV has been documented across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India since the mid-1900s, but it did not make its appearance here in the United States until 1999.  This virus was “imported” to the US by way of New York- most likely by a person who may not have even known they had the virus.  Since 1999, WNV has been detected in every state except Hawaii and Alaska.  We often see outbreaks of WNV during the mid to late summer months of June to September when the Culex mosquito is most common.  In 2016, there were 40 cases of human infection with WNV here in Louisiana.  By comparison, there were 335 cases of WNV in humans in 2012 here in Louisiana.  So far this year, there have been mosquitos that have tested positive for WNV here in Baton Rouge, but from available resources, it does not appear that there have been any confirmed human cases thus far.

Ok so now to what everyone really wants to know…how common is WNV and what should parents be on the lookout for in regards to symptoms?  Great news here- about 80% of people who become infected with WNV will have absolutely no symptoms.  For 20% of people infected, they will most commonly have West Nile fever which is a mild, self-limited illness with symptoms that include fever, body aches, headache, vomiting and/or diarrhea and fatigue.  Approximately 1% of those that are infected with WNV will come down with the serious form of the illness which can include swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis, or inflammation and swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis. Symptoms of neurologic involvement with WNV include high fevers, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, and seizures.  For this 1% of infected people, WNV can be deadly.

There is no specific treatment for WNV.  Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not helpful.  For those with the more serious form of WNV, hospitalization might be required in order to provide fluids as well as pain control.  There is lots of ongoing research into possible treatment options for those with encephalitis or meningitis from WNV, but at this time, all of these treatments are considered experimental.  Also, at this time, there is no vaccine to prevent WNV.

Now, we all know that the chance of getting a mosquito bite in the next few months is almost as much of a guarantee as the afternoon rain showers here in the South, so how do you know when to be worried?  No need to panic at the first sign of fever during the summer months as there are lots of other circulating summer viruses other than WNV (In fact, I have been seeing a particularly bad “fever” virus making the rounds in the past few weeks here in Baton Rouge).  Now, if your child ever has a fever along with a drastic change in behavior, weakness or other neurologic changes, immediate medical evaluation is needed (and this is really true anytime of the year and not just during WNV season).

Stay tuned for the second part of this blog series where we will discuss the best ways to protect yourself and your kiddos from the bite of those pesky mosquitos.  

 

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms 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 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.

Simple Steps To Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day – Holly Clegg

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What do you get your mom for Mother’s Day when she deserves the world but you can’t quite afford that? Moms do everything for us since the day we are born and they only get one day a year to be really recognized for that. And on that one-day, they are still the ones who usually end up planning whatever event you do that day! I usually make our favorite make-ahead easy brunch casserole from KITCHEN 101 and serve with Cheese Grits but this year I have a different plan!

Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, I have decided to pamper my mom like the Queen she is, follow these simple steps so that you can too.  After you get home from your Mother’s Day brunch, party, or cookout it’s time for your mom to relax. Waiting for her in the refrigerator will be delicious Chocolate Truffles dipped in White Chocolate from Too Hot In the Kitchen along with an Avocado Carrot Cream Mask. Both are homemade by you with all of the love in the world.  And, there’s even a Chocolate Mask too-the ultimate pampering chocoholic favorite!

Mother’s Day

The Chocolate Truffles are extremely easy to make and contain only 3 ingredients. The best part is that you don’t have to tell your mom that. Let her think that you slaved over the stove all day to make her these authentic French truffles because you love her that much.

Although the truffles are very impressive, the most impressive part of the gift will be the facemask. This Avocado Carrot Cream mask is a really “good-for-you” facemask to pamper your mom with. The avocados are rich in vitamin E, which creates the best moisturizer, while the carrots (high in beta-carotene and antioxidants) help to reduce dry, flaky skin. Why go out and buy a facemask when you can make one and know exactly what is in it? This facemask can provide some good quality time between you and your mom, as well as an amazing refreshing feeling when she takes it off.

Both of these recipes can be stored and enjoyed by your mom all week long. The final step to your perfect Mother’s Day present is to buy “Too Hot in the Kitchen.” This cookbook contains more fun, simple spa recipes as well as many more fun and sassy recipes like these to keep your mom’s Mother’s Day going all year long.

Two of my favorite DIY skincare masks!

Simple Steps To Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day

Avocado Carrot Cream Mask from Too Hot in the Kitchen

A really good-for-you mask with avocados rich in Vitamin E (naturally rich moisturizer), carrots (high in beta-carotene and antioxidants-reduces dry, flaky skin) so these ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.  Leaves you glowing!  Makes a lot!

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten (unclog pores)
3 tablespoons honey (tightens skin)

In bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth.  Spread gently over face and neck 10-15 minutes.  Rinse with cool water and follow with toner.

Mother’s Day

Chocolate Mask from Too Hot in the Kitchen

Everyone wanted to eat this mask it smelled so good but then it made you look and feel good too! Especially good for dry skin.

1 tablespoon cocoa powder     
4 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon heavy cream        
1 teaspoon oatmeal 1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Mix all ingredients in a blender and smooth onto face. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.

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