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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.

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.

5 Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy – Dental Health Month

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Being a mom to an infant or toddler is hard work. We know.  With everything else going on, sometimes moms miss a very important aspect of their children’s well-being: their dental health. Statistically, 28% of children ages 2 to 5 will have dental caries in their primary teeth.  That statistic is alarming to us pediatric dentists! We’re here to provide some helpful tips for your child to avoid early childhood dental caries and to promote a lifetime of healthy smiles, the first thing is to make sure you hire the right dentist, like Family Dentist, Mark S. Frey, DDS. He is honestly the best dentist who can work with kids and make them feel comfortable, that´s where I take my kids and that´s where you should take yours. But if I can´t go to him, what I do is to make sure the dentist I use knows about parramatta dental surgery, it will show you how much they care about what they do, the last time I went to the dentist I found one that gave use to Dental Marketing Ninjas: Local Search Optimization – Dominating Local Search and I was pretty surprised by their skills.

Pediatric Dentists

  1. Bottle Feeding & Nursing – Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed time bottle/sippy cup once their first teeth erupt. Limit your child’s intake of sugary beverages to 1 cup a day and mealtimes are best.
  2. Home Care – Once your child’s first tooth erupts, proper oral hygiene practices should be implemented. Clean your infant’s teeth and gums routinely with a soft, age appropriate toothbrush and pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make it fun! Play your child’s favorite song while you brush.
  3. 1st Dental Checkup – Schedule your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth appears or no later than his or her first birthday.
  4. Balanced Diet – Infants and young children should be provided a balanced diet. Offer healthier alternatives to sugary snacks and beverages like apple slices with string cheese, carrots and hummus, whole grain pretzels or pita chips, and low fat yogurt. Offer almond milk or water to quench your little one’s thirst.
  5. Use a Cup by Age 1 – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to have children drink from a cup by their first birthday.

pediatric-dentists

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child’s first dental checkup, you can visit www.ascensionsmiles.com. Our Board Certified Pediatric Dentist is here to help!

“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.

pediatric-dentists

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.

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

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All kids (and some parents) want to load up on all the Halloween candy they can get. Why even have the “Trick” in “Trick or Treat”?! Right?

As a pediatric dentist, I obviously don’t want your kids to eat too many sweets. Although I love seeing their smiling faces, I don’t want to find new cavities or an unglued crown that came out when they were eating a Laffy Taffy! Moderation is key here.  I would say don’t deprive your kids of candy. After all, that’s what Halloween is all about! But my advice is to go through all the candy together with your kids and choose 2-3 pieces they can have that day. Then stash the rest away out of sight.

Best and Worst Halloween Candy

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

The best types of candy for your child’s teeth are dark chocolates or sugar-free hard candies. Dark chocolates have antioxidants and are crunchy and dissolve quickly in the mouth. This means your child’s teeth will be exposed to sugar for less time.

Types of candy to avoid are hard candies that remain in the mouth for longer periods of time (i.e. lollipops) because these expose your child’s teeth to sugar over longer periods of time and have an increased chance of causing tooth decay. Similar to hard candy, caramels and gummies will stay in the mouth longer and also tend to stick to our teeth’s biting surface, creating a perfect environment for cavities to form. Sour candies have increased acidity and can cause tooth enamel to break down more quickly.

Healthy Halloween Treats

Another great idea is to give kids fun, but healthy (SHH!) Halloween treats.  I love Pinterest for ideas and found a great site with Halloween snacks for kids. Check it out here: http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/2013/09/heathy-halloween-food-ideas.html

Halloween doesn’t have to be a dentist’s nightmare. As long as candy is eaten in moderation and you supplement that candy with some fun, healthier alternatives, your kids can enjoy Halloween and still have a healthy smile!

For more information on children’s oral health or if you have any questions, please visit www.ascensionsmiles.com or call us at (225) 402-4118.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

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You know the feeling.  The sign posted on the door of daycare announcing the current illness that is floating around.  Oh the dreaded sign!  “We want to inform you that cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease have been diagnosed here at the center.”  GREAT!  There are likely two questions that are running through your head: 1) So what are we going to do when our child comes down with this latest illness? and 2) What exactly is Hand, Foot and Mouth disease?  Well, that first question is one that I have struggled with many times in my own household, and unfortunately, I can’t help you answer, but that second question…I CAN help with that one!

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth (HFM) disease is a very common viral illness in children, particularly those under 5 years of age.  Older children, teens and even adults can get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, but it is much less common as most people have had HFM by that time and therefore have natural immunity to these viruses.  This illness is typically seen in the late summer to fall, but especially here in Louisiana with our mild climate, I will see cases of HFM year round.  The virus is spread through contact with droplets of someone who is infected, so it is spread by sneezing and coughing as well as the saliva that children “share” with each other on toys.  It is not uncommon to see mini “epidemics” of HFM that spread through daycare centers or other child care facilities.  The incubation period for HFM is 3-6 days, so I generally tell parents to be on the lookout for signs of HFM for about 1 week after “the sign” is posted at daycare.

What are the symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

As with any other virus, each child may present differently, but most children will start out with fever.  In the next few days, children will often develop the classic rash that really can be anywhere on the body but, as the name suggests, most commonly is seen on the hands, feet, and around and in the mouth.  The rash looks like small blisters or ant bites, and you will find these spots on the palms and soles of the feet (there are not a lot of illnesses that will cause a rash on the palms and soles but HFM is one of them).

hand, foot, and mouth disease

Especially in infants and toddlers, I will almost always see the rash in the diaper area and on the backs of the thighs as well.  If you look inside the mouth, you may see ulcers on the inside of the lips or tongue as well as in the back of the throat.  These blister lesions will typically continue to pop up over the first 3-5 days of the illness.  After that time the rash will slowly begin to fade, and parents may even notice peeling of the skin where the blisters were located in the coming week.  Finally, some children will have changes to their fingernails or toenails about 4-6 weeks after hand, foot, and mouth disease, and it may appear like the nail is “splitting” horizontally and coming off.  No worries…there is a new nail under there!

hand, foot, and mouth disease

Since HMF is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not make the illness or the rash go away.  The mainstay of care for HFM is making sure children are drinking lots of liquids and using acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with fever.  Sometimes the throat can be so painful for children that they will not want to drink liquids, and then the concern is that they could be become dehydrated.  When it comes to liquids to offer, I often say that when kiddos are sick, they can have free reign of the liquids…so that means juice, milk, popsicles, Slurpees or even ice cream.  Just something that has liquid form to it!  If your child is refusing to take liquids, make sure and call your pediatrician as there are some occasions where a special mouthwash can be used to help with the pain.  As far as the rash goes, most children are not bothered by the rash.  It doesn’t hurt or itch typically and may only cause mild discomfort when walking for those children that have their little feet covered in blisters.

Now for the last remaining question that every parent asks, “When can my child go back to daycare/school?” and the answer might surprise you.  Once your child is fever free for 24 hours and tolerating liquids well, they can return to school.  Unlike chicken pox, the hand, foot, and mouth disease rash itself is not contagious! The only time I would recommend keeping kids out of daycare in regards to the rash is if they have many open sores that they are itching as these could easily become superinfected with bacteria (this is not very common with HFM whereas with chicken pox, superinfections of the skin are much more common).  The virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease can be shed through respiratory droplets for 1 week after the illness and can be shed in the stool for several weeks following symptoms, so by no means are children kept out of daycare or school for this period of time.  This is again one of those times where you hope your daycare is doing a good job of wiping down toys, washing hands, and practicing very good diaper changing hygiene!

For those of you who have been “lucky” enough to experience Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease already, you may say, “Wait a minute! My daycare told me that she couldn’t return until the blisters were crusted/gone.”  Well, as I said above, fever free for 24 hours is the main criteria for return to daycare or school, but child care facilities are able to set their own return policies when it comes to infectious diseases like hand, foot, and mouth disease, so in many cases, their policy will be the “law of the land.”

So if the next dreaded sign on the door at daycare reads “Hand, foot and mouth disease,” take a deep breath as you are now armed and ready to deal with this unpleasant but all too common illness of childhood.  And as with any illness, if you have specific questions or concerns about your child, please make sure and give your pediatrician a call…it’s what we are here for!

“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 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.

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.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit: What to Expect

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“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, and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below to be featured in an upcoming article. February is Children’s Dental Health Month and we have an informative article from Ascension Children’s Dental.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

As a parent, you may be surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you take your child to the dentist when the first tooth erupts or by your child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. Many parents make the mistake of bringing their children to the dentist when they have their first toothache. This can lead to a more traumatic experience for your child’s first visit, resulting in unnecessary fear of the dentist.
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be as easy and pleasant as possible. At our office, I believe in keeping this first appointment short. During the visit, I will evaluate your child’s teeth and gums and discuss any relevant oral hygiene instructions with you. If your child is older for their first visit, then I may recommend a cleaning and fluoride treatment. This first appointment really helps our team develop a trusting relationship with your child to promote stress-free dental appointments in the future.
As a parent, it’s important for you to know that your child’s behavior towards the dentist is usually a reflection of your own attitude and level of anxiety.
I put together some tips to prepare your child for his/her dental visit, no matter their age, to help the visit go smoothly:

  1. Make an appointment for a time of day that works best for your child. We do not recommend scheduling their appointment during nap time or when they are just waking up from a nap.
  2. Parents are welcome and encouraged to accompany their children during the initial exam. This allows us the opportunity to communicate directly with you about your child’s dental health.
  3. During the initial exam, I often will have you hold your child in your lap with their head positioned in my lap. Before the appointment, you can practice holding your child in this knee-to-knee position so he or she knows what to expect when the time comes.
  4. Never convey anxiety to your child. Children are very receptive to words, moods, tones and body language. If a child can sense that you are fearful, they are likely to anticipate discomfort and become fearful too. Tell your child about the visit but don’t go into detail. Over-preparing your child can create anxiety.
  5. Watch what you say around your child. Never let your child hear of any past bad dental visits – either experienced by yourself or siblings. Be aware not to use words like “needle”, “drill”, “shot”, “pinch”, “yank”, or “pull.” Never tell your child that something may or may not “hurt.” Explain to your child that the pediatric dentist will count his/her teeth and will help them with the important job of keeping their teeth clean and beautiful. Keep it simple!
  6. Do not be alarmed if your child cries during the first visit. Crying is perfectly normal. Remain positive and supportive and work with me during this time.

The more positive and supportive you can remain before and after your child’s first dental visit, the better says Dr. Swauger, a pediatric dentist. He said that it is the parents job to build Healthy Habits For Your Kids. Each time your child visits the dental office, it will be easier and easier, especially if they remember the previous experience as a positive and enjoyable one. Your child will also be more likely to develop good oral hygiene habits and want to take good care of their teeth. Developing a good relationship at an early age with the dentist will most often help your children carry these routines well into their adult lives.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child’s first appointment, please visit www.ascensionsmiles.com or call (225) 402-4118.

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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!

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Boost Your Immune System: Tonic Tea Recipe

[yumprint-recipe id=’45’]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.

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Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus