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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.

Beaching with Baby and Family – Tips, Hacks & Safety Precautions

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After months of being stuck at home with the family, people are eager to get outside. Many Louisianans are flocking to beaches for vacation and a change in scenery. Most beaches are now open with social distancing requirements, however, this could change as numbers in Florida Caranovirus cases continue to climb. Below you’ll find a few safety precautions to consider as well as some tried and true tips and mom hacks for beaching with baby! 

Beaching with Baby and Family

Travel by car and limit contact with other travelers.

This seems obvious but the less contact you and your loved ones have with others during your travels to the beach the better. Avoiding crowded airports, oversold airplanes, and high traffic rest stops, which are a hub for germs, is highly recommended.

Location

One of the biggest issues is the location. Try not to go to a beach that you know will be packed with locals and possibly tourists. Another factor is assessing your risk.

BYO

Ideally bring your own towels, toys, chairs, and food. If you need to rent equipment, just make sure to use a disinfectant wipe. And don’t forget your mask! There are mask mandates in place at some beaches, at least in areas with shops and restaurants.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is encouraged at all open beaches—beach visitors should stay at least 6 feet away or more (both in and out of the water) from people they don’t live with.

 

Beaching with Baby and Family

Beaching with Baby: Tips for a Successful Trip to the Beach

Here are some fabulous tips for Beaching with Baby from a mama who recently had a first-hand experience! 

  • Umbrella Stroller

We brought an old, cheap one that I found in my in-law’s garage. It did the trick and would probably use it even if the baby was walking. It helped with trips back and forth to the room.

  • Swim Diapers / Baby Wipes / Regular Diapers / Clothes

I used the Huggies Little Swimmers and didn’t have any issues with them. They were just the first ones that I saw on the shelf. I brought a pack of the normal baby wipes, as well as regular diapers. I packed the diapers and an extra set of clothes and a light blanket for nap time. I packed a hooded towel and a hooded cover-up in case of a change in weather.

  • Sun Protection

I saw this fabulous Mom Hack on Facebook and it’s a game-changer! Simply use a beauty blender to apply sunscreen on the face! 

  • Battery Operated Fan / Air Pump

We didn’t need a fan because there was a good breeze every day and it was never too hot. We used the air pump to blow up the kiddie pools/floats/toys after we got down to the beach. It is easier to carry floats not inflated.

  • Entertainment 

A kiddie pool is a must-have for babies because it kept them cool and entertained and contained. We sat the pool on the sand in the shade, so they were out of the sun pretty much all day. Our kiddos weren’t able to get out on their own so they played in the pool most of the time.  We had the guys bring up water from the gulf in buckets to fill the pool up. It took a couple of trips but it was worth it.  I brought some beach toys and some water toys from home. The biggest hit was foam bathtub letters and koozies – who would have thought?! We used the Swimways Baby Spring Float Activity Center with canopy in the pool and it was perfect.

This is Charlee and Hayes in their kiddie pool at the beach.

  • Shades and Covers

A small tent for the kiddos or baby to get out of the sun is also a great item to bring the beach. Our favorite is the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent.

Beaching with BabyAnother option just for baby is this small SUNBA YOUTH UPF 50+ Sun Shelter Baby Travel Crib with Mosquito Net.

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  • Baby Powder

This is a miracle worker! You simply cover the sandy area and let it sit a minute and then you can literally brush the sand off without any scratching or pain. You will be covered in white baby powder but it will wash off with a splash of water. 

Most importantly, enjoy! Soak up the sun, the sounds and the breeze of the salty air while staying safe! 😉

We’d love to know, what beach tips, tricks, and or products worked or didn’t work for you?
Follow the conversation on Facebook! 

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe – Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

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Lately, my favorite grocery method is online ordering and home delivery. I love the convenience of having my groceries delivered to my home but can’t always depend on the quality of meat or the availably of the meat that I prefer for my family. I’m thrilled to share a brand new program that is sure to help make family mealtime and serving the best quality meats to your family a whole lot easier! Perdue Farms recently launched its brand new direct to consumer bundle boxes and they are everything we didn’t realize we needed!

Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

High-quality protein is the most important part of the meal when it comes to my four growing teen boys. Now I can get the quality of Perdue Farms meats I know and trust delivered to my door with the direct to consumer box. Be sure to check out our favorite Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe using Perdeu Farms chicken below! 

Thanks to Perdue Farms, my family had the opportunity to try the medium Family Bundle box {a 17% savings) which included:

Perdue Farms

Family Farmers and a Commitment to Animal Care

Over the last 10 years, Perdue Farms has transitioned from conventional chicken & turkey production to becoming the #1 supplier in the U.S. for Organic Chicken as well as a leader in premium Beef, Pork, Lamb, Pasture Raised, Grass-fed, Heritage Breed, Antibiotic Free (No Antibiotics Ever), Non-GMO, Ever, Certified Humane, GAP & more.

Direct to consumer boxes will include heritage, organic, pasture-raised, pork, beef, chicken or lamb – all raised with no antibiotics ever by farm families with the highest standards of animal care. 

Perdue Farms Sustainability and Recyclable Packing 

All packaging is 100% recyclable. The foam insulation is made from water-soluble cornstarch, which can be composted or even disintegrated under running water and safely rinsed down a kitchen sink. Each order also includes a reusable shopping tote and a packet of bee and butterfly-friendly seeds for consumers to plant in their yards to help the local pollinator population flourish. 

Additionally, with each direct to consumer box, Perdue Farms will make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to help offset the shipment’s carbon footprint, which will equate to removing more than 70 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere per order. You can read more about Perdue Farms’ Sustainability Initiative on their website.

Perdue Farms

One of my weekly go-to meals is a very simple Sweet Pepper Chicken recipe that my boys love. This quick and easy recipe with chicken and mini sweet peppers, in a savory and sweet sauce, is sure to be a family pleaser! Perdue Farms’ precut diced chicken breasts in our Family Box were perfect for this recipe and made meal prep a breeze. 

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe

Sweet Pepper Chicken
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MARINADE INGREDIENTS
  1. 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
  2. 1/4 cup
  3. 1/3 cup water
  4. 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  5. 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  6. 1 Tbsp. honey
  7. 1 Tbsp. corn starch
PEPPER CHICKEN INGREDIENTS
  1. 1 lb. chicken chunks
  2. 2 Tbsp. olive oil, Avocado oil or Butter
  3. 12 mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
  4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
MARINATE CHICKEN
  1. Combine and mix all marinade ingredients in a ziplock or bowl. Add the chicken chunks and toss in the marinade. Refrigerate chicken/marinade mixture for at least 30 minutes - the longer the better!
TO MAKE THE SWEET PEPPER CHICKEN
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the sweet peppers and garlic and saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large bowl.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Remove half the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon or tongs (reserve the marinade) and saute 3 minutes turning until browned. Transfer chicken to the pepper bowl. Saute the remaining chicken and transfer to bowl. - If doubling recipe you will have to saute chicken make in two to four batches.
  3. Pour reserved marinade into the same pan and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Add the chicken and peppers to the pan, toss to combine. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
  4. Serve immediately over rice and a broccoli for the perfect sweet pepper chicken and veggie bowl!
Notes
  1. You can make an extra batch of the marinade and set aside until it's time to thicken the sauce if you like extra sauce with your chicken.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Perdue Farms

A 100-Year Tradition of Excellence

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food, and agriculture company in its 100th year of business. Through their belief in responsible food and agriculture, they are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Learn more about Perdue Farms’ new Direct to Consumer program and SAVE UP TO 25% ON BUNDLED PRODUCTS. Shop now!

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. 

Causey Med Aesthetic Baton Rouge Giveaway – ($250 Value)

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Is the stress of Back to School season showing in all the wrong places? If you feel like you’re wearing all of the excess stress on your face, this giveaway may be for you! We’re here with a solution for one lucky mom! Baton Rouge Moms has partnered with Causey Med Aesthetic to host a giveaway for one area of Free BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment (valued at $250) (Forehead, Glabella, Crow’s Feet) to one lucky winner! (SEE BELOW!)

Causey Med Aesthetic

Causey Med Aesthetic in Baton Rouge proudly brings the most cutting edge medical spa and aesthetic services to their clients. Drs. Danielle and Drew Causey provide the best experience in Baton Rouge while promising a relaxing, high-end atmosphere and the best services to suit your needs. Causey Med Aesthetic in Baton Rouge offers a range of services, including medical-grade cosmetics and aesthetic services. They also provide medically enhanced weight loss programs and state of the art lifestyle enhancement services.

Causey Med Aesthetic

Causey Med Aesthetic is giving one lucky reader one area of Free BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment! (valued at $250 – Forehead, Glabella, Crow’s Feet) 

Botox is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment, with more than 6 million Botox treatments administered each year. Botox injectable treatments can reduce fine lines and wrinkles without invasive surgical procedures, which could help patients attain youthful-looking skin.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about Causey Med Aesthetic, or for a full menu of available services, please visit Causey Med Aesthetic online today!

Causey Med Aesthetic
18135 E. Petroleum Dr. Suite F
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810

Causey Med Aesthetic on Facebook

Causey Med Aesthetic on Instagram

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. 

Run like a cheetah to the 14th annual Family Zoo Run Run

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Whether you are a turtle or a hare there is fun for all to be had at the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 13th annual Family Zoo Run Run 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, August 24, 2019. You are welcome to come aim for that exclusive Ostrich Egg award for first place, try out your creative skills to run in an animal-themed costume or enjoy some post-race animal crackers. It’s sure to be a wild time. Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys and more? 

Baton Rouge Zoo Run Run

Participants can enjoy refreshments for the whole family after the race in our Capital One Pavilion area. As well, any supporter in a participant’s party gains free admission to the Zoo after the race, so you can make a family day after the race! All pre-registered participants will receive a Zoo Run Run T-Shirt on Race Day as well. You can pre-register at http://www.brzoo.org/events/special/zoo-run-run/.

Family Zoo Run Run 5K And Fun Run

You can register on race day at the event near the front entrance of the Zoo starting at 6:30am. 

All proceeds from the event support BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and international cheetah conservation efforts. We encourage our entire community to come out for this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience at the Zoo. So, run like a cheetah and get pre-registered today!

WHEN?

Registration opens at 6:30 a.m.
Fun Run begins at 7:45 a.m.
5K begins at 8:15 a.m.

Race Day

Race day registration will be located at the front entrance of the Zoo. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, take Exit 8A off of I-110 North and turn right onto Highway 19. Continue to the second stoplight and turn right onto Thomas Road. The Zoo entrance is one mile on the left.

Chip Timing

Only 5K runners will be timed. Your RFID timing chip will be attached to your race bib.

Race T-Shirts

Participants who are pre-registered by August 15th are guaranteed a Zoo Run Run t-shirt on Race Day.

Entry Fees

Adult/Teen Registration
  • Pre-registration (before Aug. 24): $25
  • Race Day Registration: $30
Child Registration (ages 12 and under)
  • Pre-registration: $12
  • Race Day Registration: $17

 For more Family Zoo Run Run information check out:  BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Website

For questions or to volunteer, please call (225) 775-3877 or email info@brzoo.org.

Flock on down and join the herd for a great event for competitive and casual runners, walkers, and families alike, all for a great cause. We hope to see you there! 

 

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.

Baton Rouge Summer Tennis lessons with BREC

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in tennis will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. Baton Rouge Summer Tennis lessons with BREC are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! 

BREC Tennis

Baton Rouge Summer Tennis 

BREC’s Tennis Department manages five major tennis centers, each housing its own pro shop that offers tennis resale merchandise, equipment rentals, refreshments and a full staff that manages court reservations and fees. The five major tennis centers provide a number of programs to the community, including tennis instruction, school athletic programs, youth and adult league play and tournaments. Facilities are available for rental to organizations for tournaments, workshops, and high school league practice. There are also 85 neighborhood tennis courts located at recreation centers throughout East Baton Rouge Parish where patrons can play tennis at no charge.

There are numerous options to get your kids involved in Tennis at BREC this summer including Summer Camp! 

Summer Tennis/Splash Camps (Ages 6-17) – Drills, games, and competitive play. Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Campers must bring their own lunch. Campers will swim at Liberty Lagoon Monday-Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. $195 per person. Registration Deadline: Friday before camp begins. Camp Director: Jeremiah Casson.

Baton Rouge Summer Tennis

Yahoo Tennis/Splash Camp June 10-14

Jumpin’ July Tennis/Splash Camp July 8-12

Back to School Tennis/Splash Camp July 29-Aug.

Junior Programming at all levels is provided by tennis pro, Chase LeBlanc, during June. Learn more about each program and register: http://bit.ly/BRECTennisLessons

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.

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.

Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center Botox Giveaway {$700 Value}

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When you’re having any kind of medical procedure, you want to know you’re in the best hands possible. At the Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center, you can rest assured that whether you’re having Mohs surgery for skin cancer, a laser procedure, a medical dermatology visit, or a aesthetic treatment such as Botox®, injectable fillers, or a chemical peel, you can be certain you’re in the hands of a caring expert.

At the Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center, we combine professional expertise with a personal touch. Designed to reflect our patient-centered approach, the atmosphere of the Baton Rouge dermatology centers is soothing, welcoming and peaceful.

Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center

At Dermasurgery Center, their our goal is to provide a healing environment that enhances your sense of well-being. That’s why you’ll find lots of natural light, outside views, soft colors, and “green” materials throughout. You’ll be well cared for by a warm, professional staff dedicated to making your experience as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.

Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center

Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center – Benefits of Botox

When you want to look naturally youthful and refreshed, BOTOX can be the solution. The Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center teams in Baton Rouge has been expertly injecting Botox for beautiful, natural-looking results for years.  And, over all of these years, they’ve not only developed quite a knack for delivering consistent, desirable results, they’ve also learned a lot about this long-standing facial relaxer. 

Botox is very safe and side effects are relatively rare.  Those side effects that are noted are generally mild and resolve quickly.  These may include temporary redness or light bruising at the injection site.  Your Botox provider can further discuss these and answer any questions during your initial consultation.

BOTOX GIVEAWAY {winner will receive up to 50 units ($700 value) Must be 18 years or older and redeem at the BR location}

It’s simple, follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below!
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Visit their website, www.derma.net, to learn more about their services!

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 “over protecting” 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 type of submersion injuries occur?

Good news…these are both UNcommon!  It is estimated that either dry or secondary drowning probably account 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 vast majority of the time, they are a-ok.

What are the symptoms?

Good news again…dry and secondary drowning do not occur without warnings 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 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 snif while in the water.  Let them continue to play, of course under an adults 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 Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

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