• About

PediMedCenter

~ what's the latest news in our pediatric practice

PediMedCenter

Tag Archives: safety

Breastmilk is still the best

14 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by pedimedcenter in breastfeeding

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

breastfeeding, milk bank, safety

breastfeeding

If you are about to have a baby or have recently had a baby, you have had to make the big decision whether or not to breastfeed your baby. This is an easy choice for many mothers, but others may find it a difficult process, whether it be from lack of production of milk, difficulty of baby latching, or considering pumping when returning to work. We, as pediatric providers highly encourage you to breastfeed, even if it is only for those first two months of life. We even have a certified lactation consultant in our office to help our mothers succeed, which is a rare thing to find in most pediatric offices. That is how important we think this is. The antibodies your baby receives are so beneficial to their development. Breastmilk is much easier for your baby to digest as compared to formulas.

We know breastfeeding isn’t a possibility for all mothers but there are some other options besides formula. There are some moms that produce enough milk to feed multiple babies, but end up tossing it at some point because they seldom needed to dig into their stored supply. Breastmilk is GOLD!!! Consider donating your milk if you have an oversupply or obtaining your milk from a milk bank. The milk is thoroughly screened for disease and kept properly until a baby is in need of it. A great organization to look in to for this is HMBANA. https://www.hmbana.org/.

The following article is great one to describe the process of donating milk and the rigorous testing the milk is put through.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/867213

Why Moms Can and Do Donate to Human Milk Banks

Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC

|August 12, 2016In October 2015, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) opened the 18th milk bank in the United States under the umbrella of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). In 2016, to date the CHOP Mothers’ Milk Bank has pasteurized and dispensed more than 13,000 ounces of milk.

Pasteurized donor milk is available from both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the United States. Nonprofit milk banks are part of the HMBANA network and have a shared set of standardized milk-banking practices. HMBANA has an interdisciplinary board, with representatives from HMBANA milk banks as well as external board members from a variety of professions.

Milk Bank Donors

Why do mothers with extra milk donate to a human milk bank? Optimistic and altruistic motives are the primary reasons for donation to an HMBANA milk bank.

Mothers may find themselves with too much milk that they would rather not discard, and by donating their milk they are giving a tangible gift that they know will benefit other infants. They have seen the benefits of providing their milk to their own children. Mothers who are familiar with the needs of HMBANA milk banks and the infants they serve are motivated to donate their extra milk and report positive emotions and a willingness to donate again if given the opportunity. Healthcare providers can influence a mother by recommending donation of her excess milk to a HMBANA milk bank.

Some bereaved mothers also choose to become donors to HMBANA milk banks. Some mothers know during pregnancy that their infants have a fatal diagnosis, and others have infants who die after a long hospitalization. Bereaved mothers report that by donating their milk, they give meaning to their child’s life. They report that donating their milk helps in the grieving and healing process and may help them achieve a sense of closure.

The HMBANA Milk Banking Process

Mothers who wish to donate milk must go through a rigorous screening process. The first step is a verbal health screening. The mother then completes a lifestyle questionnaire related to her health, her infant’s health, and her lifestyle and dietary practices, as well as an extensive health history. A healthcare provider must complete a screening form for the mother, reporting her health status and laboratory testing from pregnancy. In addition, the infant’s healthcare provider must complete a form stating that the infant is in good health, is growing well, and is breastfeeding well.

A milk bank coordinator then reviews all of these materials and verbally confirms the information with the potential donor, who gives written consent to be a donor. At this point, donors undergo serologic testing for HIV, HTLV1, HTLV2, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and syphilis. The cost of the laboratory testing ($200-$300) is paid by the milk bank.

Once a mother has passed all screening and her blood work is negative, she is approved to be a donor. Mothers can make a one-time donation or be repeat donors. If a mother continues to be a regular donor, the milk bank staff will follow-up regularly to ensure the mother has had no changes in her lifestyle or health.

Milk is transported to HMBANA milk banks using a variety of methods (in person drop-off, courier service, milk depots in the community, and shipping). Raw milk is stored frozen until ready to be prepared for pasteurization. Raw milk is thawed, pooled, poured, and then pasteurized, and cultured after pasteurization to ensure that there is no bacteriologic growth. After pasteurization, the milk is stored frozen. Once the milk culture comes back negative, milk can be dispensed to donor recipients.

In the United States, most HMBANA milk is donated to hospitals with neonatal intensive care units. Pasteurized donor human milk is mostly used for preterm infants or other vulnerable infants. However, some data support the use of donor milk for term infants or late preterm infants, if supplementation is required during the hospital stay. In the community setting, a prescription from a health professional is required for the milk bank to dispense pasteurized donor milk to a home.

Pasteurized donor milk from HMBANA is provided on a cost-recovery basis, causing the milk banks to charge a processing fee of $3.00-$5.00 per ounce. Insurance reimbursement varies from state to state, resulting in a cost to the hospitals or consumers.

Medscape Pediatrics © 2016  WebMD, LLC

Any views expressed above are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this article: Why Moms Can and Do Donate to Human Milk Banks. Medscape. Aug 12, 2016.

https://static.cmptch.com/v/lib/mng.html?1471048263#&#180#&#360#&#360

Are your kids into Pokemon Go? Here’s some good tips to consider.

29 Friday Jul 2016

Posted by pedimedcenter in injury, news, safety, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

game, safety

 

pokemon

Pokemon Go is all the rage right now!!! If your kids aren’t playing, I’m sure you know or have seen someone playing. We have heard of lots of scary injuries that have occured while playing this making many leary about the game. The following article has some great tips if your kids insist on playing!

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/866271#vp_2

Pokémon GO Tips for Parents

Tim Locke

July 18, 2016Pokémon GO is a global phenomenon getting children and adults walking around outside with their smartphones hunting creatures.

It seems like the computer game parents have been waiting for – one you have to GO outside to use.

However, as well as encouraging healthy exercise, there are some safety concerns over children playing the game.

The NSPCC has issued advice for parents and has written to Nintendo UK saying the app “appears susceptible to being hijacked by users who wish to harm other players and as such raises fundamental child safety concerns”.

The game uses the phone’s GPS location feature to lead players to Pokémon using built-in maps.

Before the app launched in the UK, the charity says: “there have been numerous accounts of children being placed in dangerous situations because of the geo-location feature – in one instance it is reported that armed robbers lured teenagers to a particular spot using your game and in another that players are taken to a sex shop”.

Despite these concerns, millions of parents are likely to come under pressure by children wanting to play Pokémon GO, so what can be done to help kids play it safely?

Understand the Game

You’ll need to know your Poké Balls from your Pokémon Gyms to understand what kids will be doing when out playing Pokémon GO.

Pokémon are ‘pocket monsters’. They only exist inside the game – but you have to track them down in the real world outdoors. When one is spotted nearby, the app gives an alert and you use the phone’s camera to look in front of you – and the Pokémon is seen superimposed on the real life scene on the phone screen – called augmented reality.

You catch them by flicking Poké Balls at them. The captured creatures are logged in the player’s Pokédex. Once you have reached a high enough level in the game you can visit Pokémon Gyms in your area where you can train the creatures and take part in competitions. PokéStops are other places you can visit to collect items for the game.

Before letting kids out on their own with the app, join them for their first Pokémon adventure – and play along yourself if you can.

It Is Free… But…

The game is free to download and play – but there are tempting in-app purchases available to help players reach higher levels. Check the settings on your child’s phone and store account to prevent these extra charges or limit them to avoid a bill shock later. A boost of 14,500 virtual Pokécoins will set you back £79.99 in real money.

The game only works on smartphones, so be ready for pester power from children insisting they need a costly upgrade this summer.

The app also uses mobile data—so keep an eye on this mounting up and going over spending limits on your account or pay-as-you-go top ups.

Set Limits

A child will probably find a couple of Pokémon close to home, but will need to go some miles to keep finding more. Talk to children about how far you are happy for them to go while playing, and specify areas you want them to keep away from.

Keep Concentrating

You can get very immersed in the game and forget about real dangers around you. Make sure children understand road safety dangers – and make sure they concentrate near traffic and look out for physical risks, such as cliff paths.

The NSPCC says there have already been cases of children being lured into unsafe places.

Respect Boundaries

The Pokémon maps mostly follow real life pavements and paths, but the creatures can appear to tantalisingly close, but in graveyards, someone’s garden or on other private property. Make sure kids know where they can and can’t go.

Stranger Danger

At the moment Pokémon is a single player game, but PokéStops and gyms, and the location of the creatures themselves will bring people together to certain places in your area. Some of the strangers your children will meet will be other kids, but the game is also popular with adults. The NSPCC warns “you never know who they might meet”.

Theft is another risk, with reports of phones being snatched from players as they turn up at known locations in the game.

Is It Age-Appropriate?

You’ll know best whether your child is old enough to play the game and also understand the risks. Make sure younger children are accompanied by an appropriate older child or adult while playing.

Privacy Concerns

To play Pokémon GO, you’ll need an account – and the app asks for personal information, such as date of birth and email address. It is possible to opt out of some uses of this information outside of playing the game through the game’s privacy policy.

Spare Battery

Playing the game uses the phone’s screen, GPS tracking and mobile data – and that runs the battery down far quicker than normal use. So that kids can always get in touch with you when they are out and about, consider investing in a special spare battery pack to plug in if the phone goes dead. Stress that this is to keep them in touch with you – not just to extend playing time!

Safety First

When the game starts up the first screen warns players: Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings. Niantic and The Pokémon Company who make the game have told players they take safety seriously.

They advise players to be aware of their surroundings especially when exploring unfamiliar places. They suggest playing with friends and family, and respect local laws and the locations visited.

SOURCES:

NSPCC: Pokémon GO: Our open letter to Nintendo UK,

Apple App Store

Pokémon GO app game play

Niantic and The Pokémon Company

BBC News

WebMD Inside Health News: The Pokemon GO Pick-Me-Up

WebMD Health News © 2016  WebMD Inc.

This news article was written and produced by staff at WebMD Health and is intended for a consumer audience. Questions or comments? Email newstip@webmd.net.

Cite this article: Pokémon GO Tips for Parents. Medscape. Jul 18, 2016.

https://static.cmptch.com/v/lib/mng.html?1469573891#&#180#&#360#&#360

http://partners.cmptch.com/akif?campaign=zA43ZPwT&adgroup=wQ89YfsSzw%3D%3D&keyword=lV5%2BIQ%3D%3D&hookid=wQ5sZvcXzlBuGMQSt4rU1A%3D%3D&ts=yQs4a%2FoQzANtFw%3D%3D

Internet and kids

30 Wednesday Mar 2016

Posted by pedimedcenter in news, safety

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

internet, safety

children_from_internet

The internet and media can be a wealth of information!! On the other hand, when used inappropriately can be a nightmare! Locally, we have had new app called Ogle that is a social media app geared for kids to share campus information, but has been used to post mean things about other kids and a bomb threat! This terrifies me! How do you know whoever posted that threat won’t act out on it?! We need to teach our kids proper use of the internet and safety measures. It is too accessible to not address this issue any more. A local school sent an email to parents warning them of the above app and internet safety tips to review with your child. Please consider discussing these tips with your children!!

Here are some helpful hints for parents and families to help support your child from Peaceful Parents, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham:

1. Never write or forward a photo, or anything in a text, that you wouldn’t want forwarded to everyone in your school, your principal and your parents. Remember that everything you send can become public.

2. Always ask before you forward a text or photo. Be respectful. How would you feel if someone forwarded an unflattering photo of you?

3. Always ask before you take a photo or video. Even once someone has given you permission to take a photo, ask before you post it.

4. If someone asks you to send a “sexy” photo, remember that even with Snapchat (which “evaporates” the photo), the picture can be copied and forwarded to others. Anyone could see it — every kid in the school, your teachers, your parents. It happens all the time to great kids. Just don’t send it. And talk to your parents about it.

5. If you receive an inappropriate photo, immediately delete it from your phone, tell your parents, and block the number so you can’t receive more. Possession or distribution of sexual pictures of people who are underage is illegal. If the person who sent it to you asks why, just say “It’s illegal. Let’s talk instead.”

6. Never post your cell phone number on Facebook or broadcast it beyond your friends (because it leaves you open to stalking.)

7. Never broadcast your location except in a direct text to friends (because it leaves you open to stalking.) Don’t use location apps that post your location.

8. Never respond to numbers you don’t recognize.

9. If you receive an unsolicited text, that’s spam. Don’t click on it. Instead, tell your parents so they can report the problem and have the caller blocked.

10. Don’t download apps without your parents’ permission.

11. Don’t spend your money all in one place.You don’t need web-surfing or ringtones. Get unlimited texts so you don’t have to worry about budgeting.

12. Set up your charging station in the living room so your phone is not in your room at night.

13. Have a life. Don’t feel obligated to respond to texts right away and don’t text until homework is done, during dinner, or after 9 p.m.

14. L8R – Later! If you’re driving, turn off your cell phone and put it in a bag where you can’t reach it in the back seat. (Make sure you have directions before you start out.) Cars kill people.

15. Nothing replaces FtF. If a “friend” sends you a mean message, take a deep breath and turn off your phone.Talk to them the next day, Face to Face, about it. Never say anything via text that you wouldn’t say Face to Face.

Is HPV vaccine worth it?

25 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by pedimedcenter in safety, vaccine

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

safety, vaccines

New study put out by CDC shows promising results!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/22/health/vaccine-has-sharply-reduced-hpv-in-teenage-girls-study-says.html?_r=2&WT.mc_id=SmartBriefs-Newsletter&WT.mc_ev=click&ad-keywords=smartbriefsnl

Concussions

13 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by pedimedcenter in injury, sports, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

concussions, injury, safety

football

The following article is a great guideline for kids with concussions or even if you suspect a concussion. Please consider taking note of these guidelines especially if your child is playing a sport where they may be at risk.

http://www.parents.com/health/injuries/new-concussion-rules/?sssdmh=dm17.865482&esrc=nwpdbk011316

concussions

17 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by pedimedcenter in safety

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

concussions, safety, sports

football

As school starts back up, so do our many children athletes. Do you know what to look for if you think your child has a concussion and know when to take them to the doctor?

Here’s a great article for you to read if you have an athlete

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/Sports-Related-Concussion-Understanding-the-Risks-Signs-Symptoms.aspx

kids left in cars die

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by pedimedcenter in safety

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

car, child, heat, safety

sun

As the temperatures soar to above 100F every day, please be cautious about leaving children in the car. Another child in the Permian Basin area has died this week after being forgotten in car. In 100F weather, the temperature can soar to 140F within 15 minutes!!! The following article gives some safety tips to help you remember not to leave child in car.

Click to access heat-stroke-safety-tips.pdf

School is almost here!!!

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by pedimedcenter in safety

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

safety, school

school

Yes, school is just around the corner. While kids may not be thrilled, many parents are ready. We are frantically running around buying new school clothes and getting school supplies! Not only do our children need to be physically ready, we need to mentally prepare them. Take a look at these tips.

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx

fireworks safety tips

03 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by pedimedcenter in safety

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

fireworks, kids, safety

flag

Happy 4th of July!!!!!

Although we have had lots of rain, there is always a risk of a fire starting or someone getting burned. Please be safe and enjoy the time with your family! More importantly, don’t forget the reason we celebrate Independence Day and thank those who have sacrificed so much for us to keep our independence.

The following article has some great tips if you plan on shooting fireworks.

http://www.safekids.org/tip/fireworks-safety-tips

summer safety tips

30 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by pedimedcenter in safety

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

safety, swim, water

Kids-Swim

Summer is in full swing!!! Water safety is of utmost importance!! Please review the tips per AAP to protect your little ones!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water-Safety.aspx

← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 1,595 other followers

April 2021
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
« Jan    

Pedi Med Center

Pedi Med Center

categories

  • autism
  • breastfeeding
  • cool stuff!
  • development
  • diet
  • discipline
  • holidays
  • illness
  • injury
  • medication
  • news
  • safety
  • services
  • sports
  • teens
  • Uncategorized
  • vaccine

Blogroll

  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Centers for Disease Control
  • HealthyChildren
  • Medline
  • Pedi Med Center

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy