Since I have focused on some negative trends I thought I would now change things up and talk about the positive. I have been a doctor for 18 years and in private practice for 15 years and have seen some wonderful improvements.
First of all I now see less illness, fewer ear infections, and less hospitalizations. This improvement is due to vaccines. Chicken pox has been almost eliminated due to the vaccine. Not only are there fewer office visits and hospitalizations due to chicken pox but I also see few cases of shingles. Next came the release of the pneumococcal vaccine. It is to prevent serious infections such as meningitis and sepsis. A pleasant byproduct of this vaccine has been a decrease in ear infections. Fewer of my patients need to get ear tubes and it is rare for my patients to need more than 1 course of antibiotics to get rid of an ear infection. Next came the rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus is a nasty vomiting and diarrhea illness. I still see patients with vomiting and diarrhea but the illnesses are much milder than rotavirus so there are fewer office and ER visits and hospitalizations for dehydration. Most importantly these vaccines have led to fewer pediatric deaths. Now that's a trend I like!
The next trend I have noticed is a greater understanding and acceptance by parents that viral illnesses are not cured by antibiotics. I get less arguments and I even have people ask me if the antibiotic is really necessary when I do need to prescribe it! Decreased antibiotic use is good because it leads to less resistant bacteria, fewer side effects, and less cost to the parents. Now if we can only get the rest of the medical community (urgent care!) on board.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Two More Trends
Since I wrote my last blog column I have realized two other trends I have seen recently.
I have seen a resurgence in babies and toddlers wearing necklaces. In particular many are wearing "teething neckleaces." These amber colored necklaces are supposed to help with the pain of teething. There is no scientific evidence that it helps. The reason we don't recommend necklaces for babies and toddlers is that they are at risk of catching the necklace on something and strangling themselves. Have you noticed that kid's hoodies no longer have ties for the hood? The reason is because kids were getting them caught on things and getting hurt.
So what to do... For teething we recommend giving your child a wet wash cloth or cold teething ring to chew on. I have seen on the internet that they do make teething necklaces that mom can wear that the child can chew on while in her arms. (They are actually quite stylish!) If you want your young child to wear jewelry we recommend either a bracelet or pinning a charm to their shirt.
The other trend I have noticed are children and teens drinking Muscle Milk. Sometimes they are drinking it because doesn't like regular milk or sometimes they are drinking it to gain weight. Muscle Milk is a protein supplement. It is not approved by the FDA and is like other things you might buy at the vitamin store. It is not milk (the name is misleading.)
What do we recommend instead -- a healthy diet!! (you saw that coming didn't you?!) For the child that won't drink milk we would suggest yoghurt or soy milk. For the child looking to gain weight we would recommend Carnation Instant Breakfast, Boost, or Pediasure/Ensure. Also to gain weight they could eat larger portions of healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits and veggies and lean meats. Most of us (including athletes) get more than enough protein in our diets and don't need a protein supplement.
I have seen a resurgence in babies and toddlers wearing necklaces. In particular many are wearing "teething neckleaces." These amber colored necklaces are supposed to help with the pain of teething. There is no scientific evidence that it helps. The reason we don't recommend necklaces for babies and toddlers is that they are at risk of catching the necklace on something and strangling themselves. Have you noticed that kid's hoodies no longer have ties for the hood? The reason is because kids were getting them caught on things and getting hurt.
So what to do... For teething we recommend giving your child a wet wash cloth or cold teething ring to chew on. I have seen on the internet that they do make teething necklaces that mom can wear that the child can chew on while in her arms. (They are actually quite stylish!) If you want your young child to wear jewelry we recommend either a bracelet or pinning a charm to their shirt.
The other trend I have noticed are children and teens drinking Muscle Milk. Sometimes they are drinking it because doesn't like regular milk or sometimes they are drinking it to gain weight. Muscle Milk is a protein supplement. It is not approved by the FDA and is like other things you might buy at the vitamin store. It is not milk (the name is misleading.)
What do we recommend instead -- a healthy diet!! (you saw that coming didn't you?!) For the child that won't drink milk we would suggest yoghurt or soy milk. For the child looking to gain weight we would recommend Carnation Instant Breakfast, Boost, or Pediasure/Ensure. Also to gain weight they could eat larger portions of healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits and veggies and lean meats. Most of us (including athletes) get more than enough protein in our diets and don't need a protein supplement.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Two (Disturbing) Trends
I commonly notice societal trends since I talk with so many people on a daily basis. Here are two trends that I have recently noticed and find alarming.
The first trend I have noticed is that parents are routinely giving toddlers iced tea to drink. Now you may ask what is wrong with that, isn't tea supposed to be good for you? Well, tea is good for you but there can be ingredients in it that aren't. Caffeine is in most tea (more in black than green). Why would you want to make your child more hyper and make it difficult for them to sleep? Also if you drink caffeine regularly and then don't for a day or so you can get headaches and not feel well. (aka cranky child!) The other ingredient that isn't good for you is sugar. If you buy a sweetened tea or add sugar then it can be just like drinking a soda. So, what is ok? I would suggest brewing your own tea using decaffeinated tea bags and then do not add sugar to it. Or, if you are lazy like me I would just give your child a glass of water to drink instead.
The second trend was brought to my attention by my teenage daughter. She tells me that teens are using tanning salons and lying out in the sun. I thought that this had decreased over the years with education about the dangers of the sun but I having been checking with my patients and my daughter is right. So, it is time to start talking with our teens about the dangers of the sun. They don't care about skin cancer so instead I would tell them that the sun causes wrinkles and will make them ugly. Take them shopping for sunscreen to see if you can find a type that they like and are likely to use. Encourage them to put it on daily.
The first trend I have noticed is that parents are routinely giving toddlers iced tea to drink. Now you may ask what is wrong with that, isn't tea supposed to be good for you? Well, tea is good for you but there can be ingredients in it that aren't. Caffeine is in most tea (more in black than green). Why would you want to make your child more hyper and make it difficult for them to sleep? Also if you drink caffeine regularly and then don't for a day or so you can get headaches and not feel well. (aka cranky child!) The other ingredient that isn't good for you is sugar. If you buy a sweetened tea or add sugar then it can be just like drinking a soda. So, what is ok? I would suggest brewing your own tea using decaffeinated tea bags and then do not add sugar to it. Or, if you are lazy like me I would just give your child a glass of water to drink instead.
The second trend was brought to my attention by my teenage daughter. She tells me that teens are using tanning salons and lying out in the sun. I thought that this had decreased over the years with education about the dangers of the sun but I having been checking with my patients and my daughter is right. So, it is time to start talking with our teens about the dangers of the sun. They don't care about skin cancer so instead I would tell them that the sun causes wrinkles and will make them ugly. Take them shopping for sunscreen to see if you can find a type that they like and are likely to use. Encourage them to put it on daily.
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