Holidays And Children
Potential threats
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but all of that can change in a matter of seconds if proper safety procedures are not observed. And when it comes to children, it’s a good idea to always be aware of any potential threats to their health and safety. Many decorations, for example, include mistletoe, holly and poinsettias, all of which are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept of reach of small children. The bubble lights commonly used on Christmas trees contain methylene chloride, a poison that can be hazardous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light. Alcohol poisoning occurs often in homes where parent host parties where alcohol is served. All empty or partially empty glasses should be removed as soon as possible because children tend to imitate adults and may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. And avoid feeding young children holiday foods like popcorn or peanuts, which are potential choking hazards.
Take care with toys
The American Academy of Pediatrics believes it’s important that adults become aware of problems with toys they are considering giving their children during the holidays in an effort to avoid any potential threats to young lives. Follow recommended age ranges on toy packages, toys that are too advanced could be a safety hazard for young children. Be careful of holiday gift wrapping, like bags, paper, ribbons and bows as these items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child. To prevent burns and electrical shocks, don’t give children under the age of 10 a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated. Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length because they could be a strangulation hazard for babies. Gift wrapping, like bags, paper, ribbons and bows, and uninflated or broken balloons can choke or suffocate a small child. And read the instructions before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with it and be sure he or she knows how to properly use the toy.
RSV infection
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. It is highly contagious and can attack up to 50 per cent of infants during an epidemic, most of which occur in the late fall, winter, and early spring – almost never in the summer. Children in day-care centers and preschools are at the greatest risk for transmitting RSV, particularly infants who have an older brother or sister in school. Good, frequent handwashing is a must to prevent its spread. When treating an RSV infection, the goal is to make children more comfortable while their bodies fight the virus. A cool-mist vaporizer to humidify the air may help soothe irritated breathing passages and relieve coughing, and remember to give the child plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juice as these help keep nasal secretions watery and easy to clear. If a baby is unable to feed or has symptoms of dehydration, a doctor may suggest other treatments.
Holiday hassles
Families dealing with issues like divorce and step parents usually see certain problems arise this time of the year due to the holidays and family oriented events. When a stepfamily is formed, the members have no shared family histories or shared ways of doing things, and they may have very different beliefs. In addition, a child may feel torn between the parent they live with most of the time and their other parent who they visit. Also, newly married couples may not have had much time together to adjust to their new relationship. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry encourages families dealing with these issues to foster and strengthen relationships between parents, step parents and stepchild, and step siblings. Parents should consider a psychiatric evaluation for their child when they exhibit strong feelings of being alone in dealing with their problems, of being torn between two parents or two households, of isolation by feelings of guilt and anger or if they feel uncomfortable with any member of the original family or stepfamily.
Potential threats
It’s always a difficult decision for a parent, but at this time of year it’s even more difficult because of the stress and constraints of the holidays. When is a trip to the emergency room necessary for my child? In 1996, 90 million visits were made to ERs in this country and more than half were not necessary. Before making a trip to the ER this holiday season, consider your options. If you have a primary care physician, it’s best to call your doctor and describe your child’s symptoms, the doctor can tell you if emergency treatment is necessary. If a trip to the ER is judged necessary, call ahead to make the personnel aware of the child’s problem, this will allow the staff to prepare for your arrival and will cut down on your waiting time. Loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure and head trauma are all good reasons to take a child to the ER, while earaches, minor cuts and insects stings are not.
Trusted by thousands of listeners every week, T. Glenn Pait, M.D., began offering expert advice as the host of UAMS’ “Here’s to Your Health” program in 1996. Dr. Pait began working at UAMS in 1994 and has been practicing medicine for over 30 years.