Should You Give Your Child Probiotics?

Cropped view of woman holding white probiotic container and pills in hands on blue background.Digestive problems such as the stomach flu, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation are very common among children and are often causes for trips to a doctor’s office. In an effort to prevent these types of problems, many parents incorporate probiotics into their child’s diet. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, probiotics are the third most common natural product used by children.

Probiotics are strains of bacteria that support digestive processes. While many people associate bacteria with illnesses, certain types are necessary to help your digestive system function. In addition to processes such as nutrient absorption, these “good” bacteria also support a wide variety of functions associated with your heart, brain, and immune system.

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics may be helpful for preventing and treating common digestive issues in children, such as IBS, the stomach flu, constipation, and acid reflux, as well as some other medical problems, such as upper respiratory tract infections and eczema. However, there is currently not enough research to determine what the long-term benefits and risks of giving your child probiotics may be.

There are many different sources of probiotics. While supplement products (such as gummies or pills) are available, these types of products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold, making it difficult to verify claims they make regarding health benefits. However, another popular source of probiotics among people of all ages is yogurt, particularly products that contain “live cultures,” as stated on their labels.

Not all probiotics contain the same types of bacteria; for this reason, certain products may be more helpful against specific digestive problems than others. Additionally, there are known risks associated with giving probiotics to certain groups of children; for example, children with compromised immune systems could develop an infection, and other, more serious side effects could occur in sick infants. Make sure to talk to your child’s pediatrician before giving them probiotics.

If your child is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, you can take them to visit a pediatrician at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

When Should You Worry About Your Infant Vomiting?

It’s common for infants to struggle with keeping food and liquids down as they eat, particularly during their first month of life. However, certain symptoms accompanying this vomiting may indicate a more serious underlying medical problem with your child, potentially requiring a visit to a pediatric specialist. Some of these conditions include:

Gastroenteritis: Symptoms that may indicate gastroenteritis include mild diarrhea, irritability, stomach pain, and a poor appetite. This condition typically goes away on its own within a week, but if your baby starts to display symptoms such as dry skin, mouth, or eyes, a lack of tears, no wet diapers for up to 12 hours, or an unusual level of sleepiness or fatigue, they may be dehydrated and require an immediate visit to a pediatrician.

Ear infection: If your baby has an ear infection, it could cause nausea and vomiting without a fever. Some other symptoms they may experience include pain or discomfort in one or both ears, muffled hearing, and diarrhea. While an ear infection will usually resolve on its own without treatment, you should still take them to a pediatrician in case antibiotics are needed; severe infections could potentially damage a baby’s hearing.

Overheating: Hot weather and warm environments could overheat your baby, causing them to vomit and become dehydrated. In more serious cases, this can even lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Make sure to get your baby into a cooler environment and hydrate them as soon as possible; if they continue to display symptoms such as pale skin, abnormal irritability, and fatigue, get them medical attention immediately.

Pyloric stenosis: This rare condition occurs when the pathway between the stomach and the intestines is too narrow, leading to excessive vomiting as well as dehydration, weight loss, constipation, and abnormally few wet diapers and bowel movements. Surgery is required to correct this condition; tell your pediatrician right away if you notice these symptoms.

Intussusception: This rare intestinal condition occurs when a baby’s intestine is damaged and slips into another part of the intestine. Aside from vomiting without a fever, a baby with intussusception may experience severe stomach cramps that cause them to curl their knees up to their chest, as well as fatigue, nausea, and blood or mucus in their bowel movements. Treatment for this condition involves pushing the intestine back into place.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, they can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatrics Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Infant Immunization Week

Infants under the age of two are susceptible to a variety of serious illnesses that can significantly harm or even kill them, as their immune system is still in an early stage of development. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of immunizations that can protect infants against some of the most dangerous diseases to their health.

Many parents may have concerns about vaccinating their children due to potential side effects. While mild adverse reactions are possible with many vaccines, they typically disappear on their own within a few days. Generally, the side effects most children may expect include reactions such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and swelling or tenderness around the site of the injection. More serious, long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccines such as those given to infants only use the ingredients necessary to be safe and effective. These ingredients may often include adjuvants (commonly found in antacids and antiperspirants), stabilizers (such as sugar or gelatin), and formaldehyde (which is already present in the body). Additionally, all vaccines go through extensive lab testing, often for years, before they are available to the general public.

The CDC recommends vaccinating children under the age of two against:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Rotavirus
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • Pneumococcal conjugate
  • Inactivated poliovirus
  • COVID-19
  • Influenza
  • Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis A

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the CDC’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines they need, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Three Tips for Encouraging Exercise in Kids

Over one-fifth of children throughout the United States experience obesity, putting them at risk for serious chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, joint and breathing problems, and type two diabetes. This is partially due to the fact that less than a quarter of children between the ages of six and 17 engage in at least an hour of physical activity each day.

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective tools for preventing childhood obesity. It also offers additional benefits such as improved cognitive performance and classroom behavior.

There are many recreational options for children to choose from. Unfortunately, non-physical activities such as video games and social media compete for their attention and are more easily accessible than physical activities. Therefore, it’s important that parents make physical activities as equally appealing and engaging as possible. Here are a few effective ways this can be achieved:

  • Focus on fun: Kids are much more likely to stick with something that they find enjoyable. The desire to become more skilled, play with friends, or feel a greater sense of self-confidence may all factor into this enjoyment. If they’d like to explore an activity that they believe may be fun or are already enjoying something they’re starting to participate in, encourage them to keep it up and do what you can to facilitate it.

 

  • Try different activities with your child: Kids may not have much interest in sports or other activities that have no previous positive connotations in their minds. Trying out a few different activities with them yourself not only provides a reference point, but allows for bonding opportunities with you and all who participate.

 

  • Make exercise rewarding: Even if you succeed in getting your child interested in a particular activity, they may devote too much time to it at the expense of other obligations such as academics. Emphasize that recreational activity, while important, is a reward for keeping up with prioritized obligations.

If your child is experiencing medical problems preventing them from participating in physical activities, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-3007.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Bullying Prevention Month

As much as 20% of children aged 12 to 18 experiencing bullying throughout the United States. It is a prevalent issue that can happen at school, home, online, or in any other place where children regularly spend time.

Bullying is a problem that holds consequences for both victims and perpetrators. Kids who get bullied are at higher risk for mental and emotional issues such as depression and anxiety, health issues, and decreased academic performance. Bullies themselves are at higher risk for substance abuse, criminal behavior, and dropping out of school. Even kids who witness bullying may face a higher risk of substance abuse, mental health problems, and absenteeism.

Deadly consequences can occur as a result of bullying. It can contribute to a victim’s risk of committing suicide or, in rare cases, to extremely violent retaliatory measures such as a mass shooting.

Preventing bullying effectively involves helping children understand bullying, teaching them how to respond to it, and providing positive examples for them to follow. You can achieve these objectives by:

  • Providing a clear explanation of what bullying is and how it affects others.
  • Helping children to identify bullying and encouraging them to report it to an adult.
  • Teaching children to treat people with respect, kindness, and empathy.

If you believe that your child is experiencing mental health or developmental problems that are causing them to bully other children or are a result of their experiences as a victim of bullying, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department by calling (718) 670-5213 now.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Remote Learning Tips

With the lazy days of summer coming to an end, it’s time to start the frenzy called “Back to School!”

Each year parents, guardians and students visit their local stores frantically purchasing supplies, clothing and all things school related.  However, the 2020-2021 school terms will be like no other.

For this school year, different models for learning are being offered. One of the models offered is Full Remote Learning.

If you have chosen this model for your student, Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to share some helpful tips on how to help your student succeed:

  1. Utilize the internet for live video lessons and record lessons. It will be helpful for your student to be able to review the video to reinforce the lesson.
  2. Be sure your student has the tools they need to succeed. Both electronically and physically (such as, computer, scientific calculator, folders, paper, pads, pens, pencils, etc.)
  3. Provide a supportive, quiet and private space for learning where there are little to know distractions.
  4. Remain consistent in your methods and keep to a schedule, otherwise things could become disorganized.
  5. Be supportive of your student. Let them know you are there to help them navigate the unknown.
  6. Stay in touch with your students educators. Keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the educators so that you can be made aware of any assignments that may or may not have been submitted.
  7. Be supportive of your student. Remember, this is new territory for your student.  Try to remain understanding, patient and offer to help as much as you are able to.
  8. Create a cohort of support. Encourage your student to speak regularly with other students from their class, virtually or on the phone, to discuss, collaborate and communicate in real time. They will need to know that their problems are shared and can help each other by exchanging ideas.

Keep in mind that no matter what method or tip you follow, adapting to remote learning is going to be challenging.  We hope these tips will help reduce some of the stress and confusion

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What To Do When Your Baby Suddenly Stops Breastfeeding

When most people hear the words “nursing strike” the most common assumption is that it has something to do with a work stoppage by hospital caregivers, but the term can also refer to when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. This response can sometimes be mistaken for weaning, but unlike a nursing strike, weaning normally takes places gradually over a period of weeks or months.

Nursing strikes can be frightening and upsetting to both you and your baby, but they are almost always temporary. Most nursing strikes end with your baby back to breastfeeding, within a few days. In some cases the cause is a mystery, but most of the time it is due to some external factor. Some of the most common triggers for a nursing strike include:

  • An illness affecting your baby such as an ear infection or stuffy nose
  • A change in deodorant, soap, lotion or anything that would result in you smelling different to your baby
  • Your baby is teething or experiencing sore gums
  • A temporary reduction in milk supply
  • A change in nursing patterns
  • Your baby was frightened during a previous nursing experience

Whatever the cause, getting the baby back to the breast can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips that can help get your baby back to breastfeeding:

  • Be patient. Don’t try to force your baby to breastfeed as it can make the situation worse.
  • Rule out any physical problems such as an ear infection, stuffy nose, teething issues or a bladder infection.
  • Spend more skin-to-skin time together.
  • Avoid giving your baby a pacifier.
  • Attempt to nurse when your baby is either falling asleep, sound asleep, or just waking up.
  • Movement helps so try putting your baby in a sling while you walk around or try relaxing in a rocking chair.
  • Take a bath together or cuddle in a quiet, dark room.

You should continue to pump or hand express milk while your baby is refusing to nurse to prevent plugged ducts and infections.  It is also important to remain calm and understand that your baby isn’t rejecting you and while the situation can be upsetting that it is only temporary and everything will go back to normal.

If your baby is experiencing a nursing strike and you have additional questions, you should speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

If you would like to speak to a lactation consultant at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5201.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

October is SIDS Awareness Month

The month of October is designated as National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. The purpose of this observation is to bring attention to this leading cause of death in children under the age of one.

SIDS is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby that occurs during sleep. The cause is not completely known, however, it is thought to be related to a defect in the part of the brain that controls breathing.

Some of the risk factors for SIDS include:

  • A low birth weight
  • Having a recent respiratory infection
  • Having a brain defect that controls breathing
  • Gender ( boys are at higher risk than girls)
  • Living in an environment with second hand smoke
  • Having a family history of SIDS
  • Having a mother who smokes or drinks alcohol during pregnancy

How a baby sleeps can also be a factor. The risk of SIDS may increase if a baby sleeps in a bed with another person, if a baby sleeps on their stomach, or if a baby sleeps on a mattress that is too soft.

There are a few ways to prevent SIDS from occurring. These include having the baby sleep on its back, keeping the room where a baby sleeps from getting too hot, keeping the crib as empty as possible, and having the baby sleep in the same room as an adult if possible. It is also thought that breast feeding for the first six months may help to prevent SIDS.

If you are pregnant, it is important to receive good prenatal care. Speak to your doctor about classes that you can take to learn how to properly care for your infant. You can also call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5000 and ask to speak to a maternity specialist.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Is Strength Training Safe For Your Child?

For better or worse, children today play sports at a much different level than in previous generations. They start much younger and the level of competition is much higher. This has led some parents and coaches to incorporate strength training programs for children, however many wonder at what age or if this is appropriate or safe.

The answer is, if done properly, strength training can be safe and offer many benefits for young athletes. Strength training is even a good idea for kids who simply want to look and feel better. In fact, strength training might put your child on a lifetime path to better health and fitness.

There is a distinction between strength training and lifting weights, and experts don’t want parents to be confused. According to the Mayo Clinic , “Weightlifting can put too much strain on young muscles, tendons and areas of cartilage that haven’t yet turned to bone (growth plates) — especially when proper technique is sacrificed in favor of lifting larger amounts of weight.” This type of training should not begin until bones are fully-matured, which is after the onset of puberty.

Instead, children should focus on strength training that incorporates using their own body weight to get stronger, by doing push-ups, chin-ups, or planks. Another type of training that can increase not only strength, but also coordination is the use of resistance bands and tubes. Children can begin this type of training when they become interested in sports, usually between ages six and eight.

Strength training can offer children many benefits, including:

  • Increasing muscle strength and endurance
  • Protecting muscles and joints from sports-related injuries
  • Improving performance
  • Developing proper techniques that can continue into adulthood

Even if your child isn’t an athlete, strength training can help promote a healthy lifestyle and bolster self-esteem.

Before having your child begin a strength program, make sure it is under the supervision of a trained professional experienced in youth training.  A good program should not be too intense, include a proper warm-up and cool-down periods, and emphasize technique over results. Lastly, because they are kids, your child’s program should incorporate an element of fun.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Are Pediatric Vitamins Necessary for My Child

One of the most important jobs for every parent is to make sure they give their children a healthy start in life. A big part of that includes making sure they receive their daily recommended vitamin intake. Many automatically assume this includes providing them with a chewable or gummy vitamin each day, but is this really necessary?

The answer is not necessarily. Most experts agree that children should get their vitamins from a healthy diet that includes dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt; fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables; proteins, such as meat, chicken, fish, and eggs; and a variety of whole grains.

However, given the busy lifestyles of most families, providing well-balanced meals isn’t always a realistic option. In these instances, because children may not be getting their vitamins through their daily diet, supplements should be considered . Other potential reasons to supplement your child’s diet with vitamins include:

  • If your child is a fussy eater
  • If your child has a delay in his or her physical development
  • If your child is living with a chronic medical condition such as asthma
  • If your child has digestive problems or food allergies
  • If you are raising your child as a vegetarian or vegan
  • If your child eats a lot of fast food or processed food or drinks a lot of soda

If you believe that vitamins are necessary for your child’s development, it is important to make sure they are receiving the right ones. The following vitamins are considered most critical for growing children.

  • Vitamin A– Promotes normal growth and development; tissue and bone repair; and healthy skin, eyes, and immune responses.
  • Vitamin B – The family of B Vitamins, including B2, B3, B6 and B12 aid metabolism and energy production. They also promote bone and tooth formation and development of healthy muscles and connective tissue.
  • Calcium – Essential for helping build strong bones as a child grows.
  • Iron – Builds muscle and is essential to healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency is a risk in adolescence, especially for girls once they begin to menstruate.

If you do give vitamins to your children, follow these safety tips:

  • Put vitamins away, well out of reach of children, so they don’t treat them like candy.
  • Be sure not to exceed the daily recommended dosage as too many vitamins can be dangerous
  • If your child is taking any medication, be sure to ask your child’s doctor about any drug interactions with certain vitamins or minerals.
  • Try a chewable vitamin if your child won’t take a pill or liquid supplement.
  • Consider waiting until a child reaches age 4 to start giving a multivitamin supplement, unless your child’s doctor suggests otherwise.

There are many over-the-counter pediatric vitamins on the market today. Before you make a decision on which to buy for your child, consult with your pediatrician. They can advise you on what makes the most sense for your child.

To make an appointment at xx Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.