Louisiana Summer Safety Tips for Kids

July 6, 2022 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 13, 2022 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

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.”

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.

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.

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.

14 Reasons I Pack Lavender Essential Oil On Roadtrips

June 23, 2015 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

It’s ROAD TRIP SEASON!! Yay!! The time of year when you load up your loved ones and all the gear you need for adventure, and head out on the road for parts unknown. I love road trips so much more than flying. You get to really see the country, meet the people. But even the best vacations can have a few bumps in the road (heh), so I always carry both a little bottle and a pre-diluted roller of Lavender Essential Oil in my travel kit.

Lavender essential oil has so many uses, and a little goes a long way. I’ve divided the uses up into “Self,” for use on your body and for minor health complaints, and “Stuff” for use on your things and environment.

14 Reasons I Always Bring Lavender Essential Oil on a Road Trip

Lavender Oil for Your Stuff

Okay, this section could really just be one reason: People smell bad, and they make their stuff smell bad. But there are several specific places I use lavender oil to hide this fact. You can use any strong, pleasant smelling essential oil here. Lemongrass is a good one. I prefer lavender because it smells soapy. Just use a few drops of oil straight from the bottle. If you’re using it on clothing, try to drop it where it won’t be noticed in case it discolors the material.

Suitcase Sachet

Put a few drops on a rolled up sock and place in your suitcase, the smell will permeate through the whole case and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Sweater-Wear-Extender

I have a favorite sweater-jacket thing I like to wear in the car. I also like to wear it in the hotel. Midway through a trip, it’s less than fresh, usually more from the smell of fast food in the car than from the smell of me (really!). I’m pretty liberal with the lavender oil on this sweater. Putting a few drops on the inside of it makes it smell like it’s just been washed so I can avoid actually washing it.

Stinky Shoes

At least three drops per shoe. Because we all have that one stinky kid who needs to take their shoes off in the car.

Poo Pouri

Put two drops in the toilet bowl before you (or Stinky Kid) get started. This will drastically reduce the odor. This is the ultimate hotel trick because there’s nothing worse than having a stinky bathroom that opens into the only living space you have.

Car Odor

Big Macs, teenagers, over-loved stuffed animals, diapers, teenagers (did I mention teenagers?) – cars can get stinky on road trips. Try putting a few drops strategically around the car and rubbing a few drops on the air conditioner vents, professionals from Ambrose Air, Inc. recommended me to do this at home but I guess it also works on the car’s AC.

Musty Hotel

Hotel rooms can smell stale or musty. You can diffuse oil by by putting a few drops on the register and turning the fan on.

Lavender Oil for Your Self

Lavender is great for a number of minor health complaints. There are other essential oils that can be used for each of these, but I don’t know of another that can be used for ALL of them.

I feel I should put a disclaimer here and a safety notice: Lavender essential oil is not evaluated by the FDA.

This post discusses MINOR physical complaints. If you’re seriously sick or injured, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Many essential oil experts warn against using any essential oil on a child under 2 years old. On a child age 2-10, the oil should be diluted. I buy a pre-diluted oil roller from Plant Therapy. The Hippy Homemaker has an excellent post on essential oils and child safety.

Also, people can be allergic to anything. Some people are allergic to lavender. Do a little test on yourself and family just to make sure that it doesn’t cause rashes or headaches.

Stomach Issues

When we’re on the road we try to picnic and grab healthier things from grocery stores, but there have been those trips where we have to knock out 15 hours of driving in a day and the only stops are to cruise through the Drive-Thru window. Fast food, bouncing around in your stomach for 15 hours can cause some issues, that’s why is important to prevent and have some options in case of an emergency like the Best Portable Toilet . The big people in our family drop a few drops on the abdomen right near the belly button and rub in a circular motion. For the little tummies, I draw a small circle around the belly button with the prediluted roller and then gently rub in a circle.

Traveling can occasionally expose you to coughs and colds. Yuck. Inhaling lavender scented steam can help ease a minor cough. To make a hotel steamroom, I put the plug in the tub, add in about 15 drops of lavender, and then run a hot shower. The person with a cough sits in the bathroom with the door closed and breathes. You could also add a few drops to a warm bath.

Agitation/ Fussy Kids

Cramped cars and hotel rooms, exciting adventures, messed up schedules, there are alot of reasons kids can get agitated on road trips, but lavender is calming. A few drops on the top of a stuffed animal to hold, or some drops in the bath, or a little swipe behind the ears with the prediluted roller will help calm a little person.

Sleeplessness

You know how, when you’ve been driving for a few hours and you lay down to sleep, you’re still driving? Or you’re just so wound up from all the fun you’ve been having, or you might have had one too many MM’s (apparently you can actually eat “too many”) and you just can’t sleep? Lavender can help with that too. Put a few drops on your favorite blanket from The Comfy Traveler, in a warm bath, behind your ears or on the soles of your feet to help you get to sleep. For children’s ears and feet, use the roller.

Emergency Deodorant

This one is less for your health, and more for the health of the people around you. If you forget your deodorant or it melts or falls apart, you can use lavender oil as an emergency deodorant backup. Just mix a couple of drops into a dime sized amount of hotel body lotion and spread on your armpits. It’ll hold you until you get to a drug store. It might even work so well for you that you give up store bought deodorant all together.

Mild Athlete’s Foot

Whether your feet are trapped in sweaty hiking boots or you’ve been at a waterpark or pool sharing bare-foot-space with strangers, there are many opportunities to get athlete’s foot on a road trip. Lavender oil has antifungal properties and can fix that nasty yeast infection. Just put a few drops on the affected area. Repeat as necessary.

Minor Burns and Bites

This is also the reason I always have a little lavender roller in the kitchen. My five year old loves to help cook, and I love to let her, but sometimes her little finger will get too close to the edge of the electric frying pan and she’ll get a little burn. After running it under cold water, I roll a little bit of diluted lavender oil on it and it seems to really help the pain. It also seems to heal more quickly than just using cold water alone. Lavender oil can also help ease the pain of minor bites and stings. Perfect for road trips that involve camping, fire and bugs.

Sunburn

Saved my favorite for last. Sunburns heal more quickly when you put a little lavender on them. I make my own “after sun” by adding a few drops of lavender to about 1 tsp of coconut oil and rubbing it on the burn (apply more as needed). You could also add the lavender to aloe vera gel or a commercial after sun lotion.

Check out this neat essential oils guide.