Southpoint Pediatrics

Tylenol Recall

2012-02-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

The makers of Tylenol are announcing a voluntary recall of Grape Infants' Tylenol. The medication itself is fine, but some parents have had problems with the newly redesigned bottles, which include a protective cover and a syringe. If you have this medication (and have had problems with it) you can find out how to get a refund here.

There's still time!

2012-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

you can see more of this chart here

Typically by this time of year flu season is in full swing and starting to wind down. But this year we are just getting started...in February! Crazy. This likely means that flu season will hit later and last longer. Which means that there is still time to get your flu shot. It is especially important for children under one year. Babies above 6 months can get vaccinated, and need a booster shot one month after the initial dose. In our crazy lives this booster shot is easily forgotten, but it is really important.

We're still doing vaccinations for parents, so the whole family can join in on the fun. You don't even need an appointment. Just walk on in and we'll get you all protected.

Here's to healthy kids and a happy flu-free spring.

Just trying to do our best...

2012-01-24T22:31:00.000-08:00

Almost every mom I see is just trying to do her very best to raise her kids. We all fall down and make mistakes, but luckily for us most of the time the kids turn out great even with our foibles.

I recently read a great little blog article about being a mom, being kind to others, and trying to make our way through parenthood, and I thought I'd pass it on. Enjoy.

Parenting Classes

2012-01-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Dr. Ridge is offering more parenting classes. Click on each handout to make it more readible. Please contact Kim, at our office, if you are interested or would like more information.

Acetaminophen Dosing

2012-01-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

In 2009 the FDA noted that there were multiple accidental overdosages of acetaminophen (or Tylenol) to infants. Part of the problem was that there were multiple strengths of the drug, leading to confusion on how much to give. So they recommended a single concentration of liquid acetaminophen for pediatric use be available OTC. Manufacturers switched to a single, stronger concentration of 80 mg/0.8 mL and marketed it as "infant" to avoid the dosing errors.

But recently, there has been concern about the stronger concentration being MORE harmful if overdosed. So a new lower concentration (160 mg/5 mL) is being introduced for infants. Supposedly, the stronger concentration is being phased out and in theory eventually there will be one version of infant/children's acetaminophen, the 160 mg/5mL.

But until this happens there are two DIFFERENT forms of acetaminophen out there, both labeled "Infant." Last week a parent told me they had "Infant drops" and I gave them the traditional "Infant" dosing. But after looking at the label I realized that it was the new formulation, and had given them incorrect dosage instructions. So you must read the labels very carefully to make sure you are giving the correct dose. If you mix up the doses and give the higher volume of the more concentrated drug, it could have serious consequences for your baby.

This is a decent dosing chart. If you have any questions, please call our office.

Changes in VFC vaccinations

2011-12-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Vaccines for Children Fund (VFC) is changing the distribution of their vaccinations come January first. Previously our office was able to offer VFC vaccinations for people who had insurance but that insurance didn't cover vaccines (under-insured). Starting in January we can only give VFC vaccinations for children with Medicaid, Chip and those who don't have insurance (self-pay). For those families who are under-insured there is still a way to get the vaccines. They will be distributed out of a "Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)" or a "Medicare Certified Rural Health Center (RHC). The closest centers to our office are

Center City CHC

461 South 400 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

801-539-0993

Oquirrh View CHC

4745 South 3200 West

Salt Lake City, UT 84118

801-964-6214

Please call if you have any questions.

Hit the Slopes

2011-12-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

As Christmas Break approaches, and the snow begins to fall, here are a few safety tips for the upcoming ski and snowboard season. Check it out here.

ADHD Work Shop

2011-12-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

{I am really excited about this next class we are offering!! There is such a need for this, and it's a great deal.}

Dr. Ridge will be holding a Saturday workshop on December 10 at 2 pm for parents of children ages 2 to 5 who suspect their child has ADHD, or are struggling with behavior such as:

anger and irritability
hyperactivity
impulsivity
temper tantrums/emotional outbursts
low frustration tolerance
oppositional and defiant behavior

The cost is $30. Call Kim at 801-565-1162 to reserve your spot.

Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

A reader asked this a few weeks ago:

With all of the electronic learning games that are available, how do you weigh the advantages of your child learning key concepts and being entranced by the games?

Good question. I think like most things, the answer to this one is moderation. A little bit is good, but more is not necessarily better. I would adhere to the AAP policy of 2 hours of quality screen time a day. So mix and match your Blue's Clues, Sesame Street, PBSkids.com, Wi and LeapFrog. And then let them run outside, play with their friends and read some books.

Shots for Parents

2011-11-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

We are excited to now offer 2 vaccinations for parents.

The flu vaccine (mist or shot). Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Tdap, also known as Adacel, or the tetanus, diptheria and pertussis booster. Recommended for people ages 11 to 64. It is especially important for anyone who is in routine contact with newborns or infants, as they are at increased risk for pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis in an infant can be extremely serious.

If you are interested in these vaccinations you can call and schedule an appointment. Or just check-in with the front desk at your child's next visit. We will bill your insurance company or you can pay for them out of pocket.

Moles

2011-11-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

There's a new dermatologist in town, and she is fantastic. Allison Triplitt is incredibly well-trained. She did a pediatrics residency, a dermatology residency AND a pediatric dermatology fellowship. (Most dermatologists haven't done a fellowship, and I don't know ANY who have done a pediatrics residency to boot!) So when we had a reader request for mole info I knew where to turn. Thanks Dr. Triplitt!

Moles are collections of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They can be present at birth (congenital) or acquired throughout life. They differ from freckles because they have not only increased pigment, but also increased numbers of melanocytes. Moles may slowly change over time, particularly moles present since birth. Most moles will never cause a problem. However, a small number of moles can develop into melanoma, a very serious form of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to monitor your mole once a month for rapid growth or change. It is also important to pay attention to the development of itch, pain, or bleeding, as these can be concerning signs. Another important concept is the “ugly duckling” rule. If one of your moles does not look like the others, it too, can be a worrisome sign.

Risk factors for developing melanoma:

Blistering sunburns in childhood
Tanning beds. One tanning bed exposure increases your risk of melanoma 75 fold!!!
Family history of melanoma
Numerous moles (>100 in adults)
Red hair and/or fair skin

It is important to remember that childhood melanoma is quite rare, and only represents 2% of all melanomas, but it can occur. Therefore, it is important to use the ABCDE rules of melanoma to follow your moles.

A=Asymmetry. Does one side look like the other?

B=Border. Is the border even? Or is is blurred, notched, or jagged?

C=Color. Is the color homogenous and even? Or are there multiple colors such as black, blue, red or white?

D=Diameter. Is it larger than 5mm?

E=Evolving. Is it slowly changing as the child grows? Or is it rapidly changing over a period of a few months?

If you have questions about your moles, you may contact your pediatrician or dermatologist for an evaluation.

Allison Triplitt, MD

**Dr. Triplitt works with the University of Utah and sees patients at both ends of the valley. If you have any skin mysteries pay her a visit. 801-581-2955

Halloween, 2011

2011-10-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hope your ghouls and goblins (or Supermans and Rapunzels as the case may be) are ready for the big night. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help ensure they have a safe holiday.

All Dressed Up:

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Carving a Niche:

Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

Home Safe Home:

To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

On the Trick-or-Treat Trail:

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
Never cut across yards or use alleys.
Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks
Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Healthy Halloween:

A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

Feedback Friday

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I've had a hard time coming up with interesting, meaningful blog topics. I've had a few ideas, but then thought, "Would people really find that useful?" and second guessed myself.

So I'm going to throw it back at you, faithful readers. Any topics you've been dying to hear about? We want this blog to be useful and meaningful to you and your family, so have at it. Let us know what you'd like, or things you find less helpful.

Thanks!

-Dr. Packer

Free Parenting Workshops

2011-10-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Experiencing TROUBLE withyour child’s behavior?

Looking for FREE education about what to do?

Help is available…

As part of ourcontinuing commitment to helping you improve your child’s well-being,

Willow CreekPediatrics in Draper together with Southpoint Pediatrics in West Jordan ispleased to offer a free series of threeeducational sessions for parents and caregivers of children.

Behavioral Specialist- Marion Hunt MEd and Rian Jensen LCSWfrom TKJ will present the latest in positive parenting/ behavior managementtechniques and will be available to answer your questions on the first three Tuesdays evenings in November(11/1; 11/8; 11/15). Eachsession will be from 7-9pm. Eachsession contains different information/intervention ideas so if possible planto attend all three.

Feel free to bringtough examples, questions, ideas and your spouse/partner…

(but no children please)…

and join us at the Willow Creek Pediatrics in Draper 114 East 12450 South, Suite #100 Draper, Utah84020.

Again, this event is free of charge, just RSVP to Melissa White, RN, Care Coordinator at 801-576-5941 no later than October 28, 2011.

Come learn how to help your child succeed! Looking forwardto seeing you there.

Topic: Behavior Management

Date: November 1, 8, and 15, 2011

Time: 7-9pm

Place: Willow Creek Pediatrics in Draper

114East 12450 South # 100 Draper, Utah 84020

RSVP: By October 28 to MelissaWhite, RN @ 801-576-5941

{Can you believe these classes are free? I am still a little shocked that we are pulling it off!}

Frog Mask Recall

2011-10-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

If your little one was planning on being a froggy for Halloween, and you bought your mask at Target...it's time for a costume change. Target is recalling this mask because it doesn't have adequate ventilation and can pose a suffocation hazard.

A UPC code with 06626491474 is printed on a label attached to the mask. For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.target.com

It starts...

2011-10-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

We saw the first case of documented influenza this week here in Utah. So come on in and get your flu shot (or mist!) before the craziness is in full swing.

Back to Sleep

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended all babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in 1992, deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome have declined dramatically. But sleep related deaths from other causes have increased. The AAP recently updated their policy statement, giving advice on creating a safe sleep environment. More information can be found here

Some of the key points:

Breastfeeding is recommended and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
Infants should be immunized. Evidence suggests that immunization reduces the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.
Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.
Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
Wedges and positioners should not be used.
Pregnant woman should receive regular prenatal care.
Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
Breastfeeding is recommended.
Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads)

BOB jogging stroller recall

2011-10-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

The drawstring on the BOB jogging stroller can detach and pose a choking or strangulation hazard for young children. You can get more information here

ADHD, inattentive type

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

We are into the school year about a month now. And hopefully it is going great. But if it's not, consider the possibility of ADHD. ADHD has three types: hyperactive, inattentive and combined. The hyperactive and/or combined are pretty easy to spot. These are the kids that are always on the go, talking non-stop, jumping out of their seat. If you don't notice it the teacher will. But kids with the inattentive type can fly under the radar. They are the ones who do their homework (and often do it perfectly) but don't turn it in. They don't hear what the teacher says, not because they are causing a ruckus, but because they are silently staring out the window thinking about something else. Because they don't make a fuss they can go undiagnosed and don't live up to their potential. With proper treatment, however, children with ADHD can excel.

If you are concerned that your child may have ADHD, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We want to make this the best school year yet.

Civil War and Living History Weekend, Sept 30-Oct 2

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for something different this weekend? Want to bring history to life for your kids? Head up to the Heber Valley and visit their Civil War and Living History Weekend. All of the events are free, and they have all kinds of activities. A mock skirmish, artillery demonstration, quilt show, music, dancing and a cavalry demonstration. Should be a great time.

You can get more information at www.hebervalleycivilwarlivinghistory.com

Asthma Education Class

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is coming! School days, football, leaves changing, and a chill in the air. It’s also the time when asthma attacks seem to come more frequently and last longer. As part of our continuing commitment to helping you improve your child’s well-being, Southpoint and Willowcreek-Draper Pediatric Clinics are pleased to offer a free education session for parents and caregivers of children asthma and other airway diseases. Dr. Darin Bosworth and Tim Bluth, Certified Respiratory Therapist, will present the latest in asthma management techniques and will be available to answer your questions. Feel free to bring your child’s peak flow meters, spacers and inhalers for individual consultation as well.

Join us at the Southpoint Pediatric Clinic (9071 S. 1300 W. Ste. 301, West Jordan) on Thursday October 6 from 7 to 9 pm. Again, this event is free of charge, just RSVP to Rick Gordon, RN, Patient Care Coordinator for Southpoint Pediatrics, at 801-565-1162 x103 no later than September 30, 2011. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Date: October 6, 2011

Time: 7-9pm

Place: Southpoint Pediatric Clinic, 9071 S. 1300 W. Ste. 301, West Jordan, UT 84088

RSVP: By September 30 to Rick Gordon, RN, Patient Care Coordinator, 801-565-1162 x103

Sponge Bob Square Pants in Hot Water

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about a recent study that looked at children and their reaction to certain television shows. The researchers took 60 four-year-olds and let them either draw or watch 9 minutes of Caillou or Sponge Bob. Immediately after their activity they gave the kids a short test. The children who watched Sponge Bob did measurably worse than the Caillou or drawing group.

Although Sponge Bob may be annoying to some, it's the pace of the show more than the content that is the problem. It is fast paced with many different voices, pictures and scenes to help keep the child's attention. It was created for the early school age child, but typically watched by the preschool crowd and may not be appropriate for their young minds.

There was a great interview last week with one of the leading experts on children and TV that you can listen to here. It's about 5 minutes long, and very interesting. One of the points he makes is that we need to assess our purpose with watching TV. Is it for education? For learning? For entertainment? For babysitting? (Dora has done her fair share of babysitting at my house) All of those are valid reasons to turn on the tele. TV is not inherently bad--we should just be aware of what we are watching and why.

National Play-Doh Day--Today

2011-09-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

So break out your Play-Doh and enjoy!

Flu Vaccine Supply

2011-09-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

We received a limited supply of VFC flu vaccines today (mist and shot) for children with Medicaid, CHIP, self pay and underinsured. We have flu vaccines (mist and shot) for all ages and all insurances.

Please call our office to set up an appointment in one of our flu clinics.

Flu Clinic days:

Tuesdays: 4 pm -7 pm

Wednesdays: 9 am - 1 pm

Fridays: 2 pm - 4 pm

Saturdays: 9 am - 1 pm

Help Your Child Succeed, Tonight!

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

This event is tonight at Willowcreek Draper Pediatrics (114 E 12450 S, Ste. 100 Draper, UT 84020) from 7-9. If your child has an IEP or a 504 come and get help navigating these often confusing waters. Please call our office with any questions.

Bath Time 101

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

At first glance, bathing a baby seems a breeze. How hard can it be, right? But once you are actually holding your precious newborn, filling the tub and plopping them in it can be a little intimidating. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Until the umbilical cord falls off sponge baths are the rule. It's pretty much like it sounds. You use a sponge, or a clean wash cloth, to wash the baby instead of immersing her in a tub. Start with the face (no soap yet) and gently clean her off with the wet cloth. Keep her covered and warm while you are bathing her, only exposing the area you are cleaning. Next use some soapy water to dip your cloth in and clean the rest of her body, paying attention to the crevices. You can finish up with lotion if you like. But beware, for the first week or so she is going to look like she is peeling and all the lotion in the world won't help.

Once the cord has fallen off bathe her around 3 times a week. You can use whatever area works best for you. A kitchen sink, a baby bath or the regular tub. Just fill the water (not too hot--make sure your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees) up to the depth of your elbow. Support her head and put her in the tub. Then it's just like before. A little soap, a soft cloth, and clean the body, remembering those darn hidden spots like under the neck and in the diaper area. Cup your hand over her forehead to keep soapy water out of her eyes. Since the water won't completely cover her, pour some water over her occasionally to keep her warm. When you are done dry her off with a towel. The ones with the hoods work well to keep her from getting too cold.

One important point: NEVER leave your baby. Let the phone ring, the people at the door wait, the other children dump flour on the floor. Stay with your baby.

Initially bath time might not be her favorite activity, but she'll love it with time. As she gets older she can splash around and even play with toys. And there's nothing better than snuggling your clean baby when you get done.

Talking to kids about 9/11

2011-09-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few ideas about taking to your kids about the upcoming anniversary.

How many flu shots do I need?

2011-09-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

This year’s policy contains a simplified dosing algorithm for administering the influenza vaccine to children depending on the child’s vaccine history and age at the time of the first administered dose:

Infants younger than 6 months are too young to be immunized.
Children 9 years of age and older need only 1 dose of influenza vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age need only 1 dose of the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine if they received at least 1 dose last season.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age should receive 2 doses if they did not receive any vaccine last season. The second dose should be administered at least 4 weeks after the first.

Helping Your Child Succeed in School: IEP and 504 Help

2011-09-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

It’s Back-to-School time! For parents with children who have special health care or education needs, it’s also time to evaluate and update the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Southpoint and Willowcreek Draper Pediatrics will be co-sponsoring a family group meeting at Willowcreek Draper to help you navigate this complex process. Mandy Bennett, a special education teacher and mother of a special needs child, will be giving a presentation on managing the IEP/504 process and being an effective advocate for your child. This event is free of charge, just RSVP to Melissa White, Care Coordinator at Willowcreek Draper (801-576-5941) no later than noon, September 9, 2011. Please join us on September 13, 2011 at the Willowcreek Draper office at 114 E 12450 S, Suite 100, Draper, Utah 84020 (801-523-3001). See you there!

Family Group Activity

IEP and 504 issues: Helping your child succeed in school

September 13, 2011

7:00-9:00pm

Willowcreek Draper Pediatrics

114 E 12450 S, Ste. 100

Draper, UT 84020

Labor Day

2011-09-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

We will be open Monday if you need us.

Boxing

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

This one seems obvious to me, but now the AAP has made it official:

TEENS + BOXING = BAD IDEA

You can read more about it here.

Flu Shots

2011-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

It feels like summer is just getting started, and bam, here it is almost fall. And after fall comes winter, and with winter comes...influenza. From year to year we never know how bad the flu season is going to be. Some years we hardly see any. But some years it is awful. And kids with influenza are miserable. 'Shoot me now!' kind of miserable. "But we've never gotten the flu before!" you say. As Dr. Buchanan says, "I've never been in a car accident, but I still wear my seatbelt." Do yourself a favor and protect your kids.

Right now we have flu vaccine (mist and shot) for children 6 months and older with regular insurance. We currently do not have flu vaccine for children with Medicaid, CHIP, self pay or underinsured. We'll be getting more, and don't you worry--we'll keep you posted :)

Starting in September, flu clinic days will be on and by appointment only:

Tuesdays 4-7, Wednesdays 9-1, Fridays 2-4 and Saturdays 9-1

{a little info from the CDC}

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

There are two types of vaccines:

· The “flu shot” — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
Flu Shot: Vaccination Information Statement (VIS)

· “Flu-Mist” —a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Nasal Spray: Vaccination Information Statement (VIS)

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.

Yearly flu vaccination should begin AS SOON AS VACCINE IS AVAILABLE and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.

Lunchtime Safety

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

If your kids are brown bagging it this year, here's something to think about. A new study showed that out of 700 pre-schooler's lunches, 98% of them were at an unsafe temperature for perishable meats, dairy and veggies. Surprisingly, 45% of these lunches had ice packs!

What's a health conscious mom to do? Add more ice packs, and use the refrigerator if it's available.

You can read more here.

Giveaway Winner

2011-08-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Back to School Giveaway. It was fairly close, but more people were excited for school starting than dreading it.

The winner is.....

Rochelle

Who said...

Our summer has already ended. Our boys have already started school. I am sad I feel that we had very little time to spend as a family doing fun summer family adventures. Now we just plan some of those on Saturdays. Could have used a few more weeks of summer vacation. Love spending time with my family.

Congrats! Send us an email to southpointpediatrics@gmail.com with your contact info so we can get you your gift card.

Time Out

2011-08-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Southpoint is incredibly lucky to have Nate Ridge, a child psychologist, working in our office. Nate specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD and behavioral problems. Today we asked him to give us a run down of how to effectively use time outs. Thanks, Nate!

Have you ever wondered why it is that you can get a manual for a TV, but there
does not ever seem to be a manual for your child? More often than not, parents
will ask themselves this question at the height of their child’s NONCOMPLIANCE
or AGGRESSIVE behavior. For these particular situations, time out is often the
best choice for handling these types of difficulties.

So what is time out and how do you effectively implement this at home or even in
public. I want to go over the top ten tips for implementing time out in your home:

1. Choose an area: Before using time-out, decide where the time-out chair/
area will be. Make sure it is free from any potentially dangerous objects
(outlets, glass objects) and out of reach of shelves, furniture. It should be
in a place where the child cannot watch television or play with toys.

2. Identify behaviors: Choose before hand what behaviors you will use for
time out (example: hitting).

3. Explain rules: Before you begin using time-out, explain to the child where
the time-out chair is, what behaviors will have time out as a consequence,
and how to get out of time-out (sitting calm and quiet).

4. Remember IMMEDIACY and CONSISTENCY. The child should be
placed in time-out each time the challenging behavior occurs.

5. IF and WHEN. Following the challenging behavior, tell the child what they
did and guide them to time out. For example, “You hit, time out.” Say this
phrase calmly and only once.

6. Never reason, negotiate, give explanations, or apologize: Remove any
toy in the child’s hands. If the child does not go willingly, take the child to
time-out, using as little physical guidance as necessary. Do not make eye
contact with the child, argue with, or reason with the child while they are
in time out. Remember, once you say time out, time out must happen so
your words mean something.

7. TIME: Generally use 1 minute per age of the child. However, remember
that time out begins when you child is cooperating and staying still and
quiet, not when the child is throwing a tantrum. The first few times you
implement time-out, your child may scream, kick, hit, or even try to leave
time out. IGNORE the tantrum and DO NOT allow the child leave time-
out. The child must learn that they will ALWAYS return to time out until
they cooperate.

8. Stay in Control: Never use an egg timer or tell you child “You can come
out when you’re ready.” You are always in control.

9. Stay Calm: Take a deep breathe and use positive self talk to remain calm.

10. Remember the relationship: While all of the above steps help make time-
out effective, what makes time-out extremely effective is that the child
realizes that there is a rift in your relationship. So it is important to find
something to praise once your child comes out of time out to let them
know that “We’re okay."

While time out can be effective, there are many parenting tools at your disposal.
Remember, time out should be use infrequently and only out of necessity. If you
find yourself having questions, feeling that it is not working, or that you are using
time out too liberally or frequently, please do not hesitate to give me a call.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nate

Back to School GIVEAWAY

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with our last giveaway, we thought we'd do it again...just in time for last minute back-to-school shopping. The question this time:

Do you look forward to school starting/summer ending with dread or excitement?

Three ways to enter (you can do all three!):

Leave a comment
Put a link to the giveaway on your blog
Put a link to the giveaway on Facebook

The prize:

$75 gift card to Target

For our last giveaway the winner sent me this sweet email:

"So my grandma trained me to tell her everything I purchase when she sends me a giftcard so I feel obligated to do the same with you. I bought myself a cute pair of Mossimo capris, a cute green shirt, Maizy got a new pair of shorts with a matching shirt, I needed a bottle of hairspray, and I bought Jen Ostrander the first book of the Hunger Games because she is too stinking cute AND I had $17 leftover. Thank you so much, I had a blast!!!"

Fun, fun. We'll close it in a week, Sunday at midnight, and announce the winner Monday the 15th.

got milk?

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

The first two weeks of a baby's life are precious and wonderful and awesome...but they are also hard. Really hard. Dead tired, hormonal, overwhelmed hard. And nursing, one of those things that seems like it should be natural and easy and intuitive, can also be really hard. One of the common complaints is that there's not enough milk. While the quantity of your milk supply is in part genetic, there are a few things you can do to shift the tide in your favor.

Start nursing right away. I know it seems like initially your baby isn't getting enough from your measly colostrum, but she is! Her stomach is the size of a marble those first few days, and colostrum is incredibly good for her. So let her nurse on demand, and hold off on formula unless your doctor recommends it (for jaundice or weight issues). Your body is only going to make as much milk as it thinks your baby needs, and by nursing frequently you'll make more milk.
Drink plenty of water and eat, eat, eat. In the midst of taking care of a new baby and the other kids it is so easy to forget to take care of yourself. But if you aren't hydrated with plenty of calories (500-1000 extra per day) you won't make as much milk as you could.
Trust yourself and your baby. Nursing is harder than bottle feeding for the first 2 months (for most women, not all). But it is so much easier for the next 10. Your body will start to make enough, and your baby will start to latch. You just need a little time.
There are a few medications/herbs that can help increase your supply. One or two of these is usually enough; you don't need to do all of them:

Mother's Milk Tea. 3 cups a day.
Fenugreek. 2 capsules three times a day.
Blessed Thistle. 2 capsules three times a day.
Reglan. I'm not a huge fan of this one because it's a little bit of a "dirty" medication. There are rare side effects that can be bothersome.
Domperidone. This is a medicine similar to Reglan, but without the side effects because it doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier. It is not approved in the US, however. Talk to your OB about it.

We also have a wonderful lactation consultant in our office who is great in helping you and your baby figure it out. You can call our office at 801-565-1162 and schedule an appointment with Teresa McNaught.

Good luck!

Dear 16-year-old me

2011-08-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

This video is really well done and worth watching. Lather those precious babes up with sunscreen.

Stomach Bug

2011-07-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

We've seen a nasty stomach bug going around lately. No fun. If you're child comes down with it try to start clear fluids as early as possible. If they are having a hard time keeping anything down go slow, giving them as little as a teaspoon every 15 minutes or so. Anything is better than nothing. A child should have at least 3 wet diapers a day or one wet diaper every 10 hours. Fewer would indicate dehydration and likely need IV fluids.

For more information on gastroenteritis (the fancy word for the stomach flu) go here.

If you really want to know more, go here.

BBQ

2011-07-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Buchanan's graciously hosted a BBQ last night for all of our providers. Dr. Buchanan has an amazing yard and his wife is an amazing cook. Throw in a snow cone machine and you've got the perfect recipe for a great evening. Thanks!

Chicken pox deaths down 97%

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since most of us had chickenpox as a child, I think we sometimes take it less seriously than we should. This article from CNN is a good reminder of why we vaccinate.

Deaths from chickenpox (the varicella virus) have dropped 97 percent in adolescents and children since the use of the vaccine began in 1995, new analysis shows.

"I think there's certainly the potential for very little disease in the future and very few deaths if we are to fully implement and maintain that program," said Jane Seward, deputy director, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study appears in journal Pediatrics. Researchers from the CDC looked at data from 1990 to 2007.
"Every kid did get chickenpox and, in the pre-vaccine era, there were 3-4 million cases a year," Seward said. "What people may not have realized, every year, about 105 people died of chickenpox. About half of those were children and about 11,000-12,000 were hospitalized with severe complications. We started preventing the disease to really prevent those very serious complications."

Among adults younger than 50, the decline was 96 percent; overall, the decline was 88 percent. Seward pointed out that adults get more serious chickenpox than children and also need two doses of the vaccine.
"They have about twenty times higher risk of dying from chickenpox than children do. So it is really important for adults who haven't had chickenpox to get the vaccine."

Pacifier Recall

2011-07-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Pampers is recalling their "Natural Stages" pacifier. The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards and pose a choking hazard to young children. The pacifier comes in yellow, pink or blue colors and is made of silicone. Only "Stage 1" pacifiers are recalled. "Stage 1" and "Ortho" or "Bulb" are printed on the package. The recalled pacifiers have an oval-shaped mouth guard and "Pampers" molded on to the handle side of the mouth guard. The product comes two per package and were sold April 2010 through February 2011 for about $6.

If you have one do not use it. Call the company at 800-447-1224 or visit key-baby.com for a full refund or $10 coupon toward the purchase of any Pampers Natural Stages products.

Holiday Hours

2011-07-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

We will be open Saturday July 23rd and Monday July 25th. As always, we hope you don't need us over the holiday, but we will be there if you do.

WhiteOut

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

There's a new movement in children's dietary health, being led by Dr. Alan Greene, a Pediatrician from Stanford. The idea is that children eat too many refined, processed carbs, and part of the problem may be the foods we are feeding them from the get go, specifically rice cereal. Giving them rice cereal early on may give children a taste for refined foods, that later in life leads to obesity. Instead, he suggests, we should start with whole grains and real foods.

I haven't seen any good scientific data to back this up, but it does make sense. We know whole grains are better for us than refined carbs, and starting our babies off on them is probably a good idea.

You can read more about Dr. Greene's campaign here at his website.

Firework Safety

2011-07-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Utah fireworks laws changed this year, making fireworks more accessible to the public. Fireworks are legal from from June 26 – July 26 and some types of aerial fireworks are now legal for home use. With these changes we thought we'd remind you of a few common sense safety tips, take from here, the Utah Department of Public safety.

You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks.
Fireworks need space from trees, carports, structures, or other obstacles. Aerial or “cake” fireworks need at least a 30 foot bubble of clearance around on the ground and above in the air. Some need as much as 150 feet clearance in the air.
Should a firework misfire or not light, do not attempt to re-ignite.
Children in Utah are burned each year by sparklers. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision. Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
Hold a sparkler at arm’s length from your body and do not wave sparklers or run while holding sparklers. Stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
After a firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.

New Safe Treatment for Lice

2011-07-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

If your little one comes home with the dreaded critters, there is a new home remedy that has proven to be effective using Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser. You apply the cleanser to the hair, wait 2 minutes and then comb it out. Eight hours later wash the hair with regular shampoo. Repeat once weekly for 3 weeks. Out of 131 patients studied 97% were cured of their lice using this method.

Recalls

2011-07-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Rhino Oball Links and Mini Rattles
The ends of the chain can break and pose a choking hazard. Call 888-250-9969 for a refund.

Baby Jogger Jump Seats
The seat doesn't lock properly and the child can fall out. Call 877-506-2213 for safety straps.

Holiday Rattle Baby Slippers

The stuffing and rattle can be pulled out and pose a choking hazard. Return to any Walgreens for a full refund.

Pool Safety

2011-06-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is finally here, we are all ready to cool off. The kiddie pool seems like the perfect solution: cheap, easy, quick and portable. But use it with caution. A new study in Pediatrics reports that about 2 dozen children drown each year in the portable pools. The pools are so easy to set up that the amount of scrutiny and care that goes into a full-sized pool often isn't there. Fences aren't set up to keep unsupervised kids out, and the pools are often not drained completely when the fun is over. Children can drown in as little as two inches of water, and it only takes a few minutes of submersion for their breathing and heart to stop.

You can read more here.

We're not out to rain on anyone's pool party, but when you break out the kiddie pool use the same caution you would when you go to the pool. Make sure kids are supervised at all times and empty the pool when you're done with your fun.

Menactra Booster

2011-06-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

The AAP is recommending that teens and those without a spleen get a 2nd Menactra shot.

The Menactra vaccine is an immunization against a bacteria that causes meningitis and other serious bacterial infections. Typically, the vaccine has been given at the 11-12 year old visit. But a recent study showed that the protection gained from the shot starts to decrease sooner than originally thought.

Starting this year (2011), the AAP now recommends that all teens receive a 2nd Menactra shot ("booster") after their 16th birthday, or 5 years after their initial vaccination. Side effects from Menactra have been quite minimal. We recommend this booster for everybody!

Tylenol Dosing

2011-06-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Currently Tylenol and other acetaminophen containing products come in two liquid doses: infant and child. The infant product is approximately 3x more concentrated than the children's. The dosing for the two is different, and it can cause some confusion. Over the next 6 months to a year makers of acetaminophen containing products will phase out the infant formulation and only have the child version. This will mean that when you give your baby Tylenol, you will give her a larger volume (but the same amount of medication because it is less concentrated) than you previously did.

Just to be clear, DO NOT give your infant a larger volume of the current Infant drops (80 mg/0.8 ml) than what you usually do. This would overdose the child. But once the changes occur, the amount of Children's Tylenol you will give will be different. We will let you know when the changes start rolling out.

This is a pretty good chart for Tylenol dosing. It differentiates between Infant and Children.

I Love You Now, I Loved You Then

2011-06-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

One of our patients just published a children's book entitled "I Love You Now, I Loved You Then." We think it's fantastic. We will have some copies in the office, but if you want to get your own you can get it here from Amazon. Way to go, Kate!!!

When Jake was born with a cleft lip and palate, there were a lot of of unknowns. Suddenly, the perfect childhood we had imagined for our son would be filled with multiple surgeries, countless doctor visits, and years of therapy. Would he recover easily? Would he be happy? Would he be teased? The questions were endless. But my husband and I decided from the very beginning to treat him just the same as his twin sister. He was never "our poor little guy with a cleft." He was and always will be "our son, Jake." The twins being our first kids, we didn't have a pediatrician yet. At the hospital, someone mentioned that Southpoint Pediatrics was a good place to go. So for our first check-up, we had the good fortune to land an appointment with Dr. Lash. About half-way through the appointment, he said "You know, I had a cleft just like that." We were so surprised! We'd barely even noticed that Dr. Lash had a scar. It was such a relief to hear about his experiences, and to see that he'd grown up into a happy, successful person. But, in passing, he mentioned that he'd never seen a picture of himself before his cleft was repaired. I've since heard the same thing from several people. I couldn't imagine that for my son. I wanted him to know that we were every bit as proud of him with a cleft as we are now that it's been repaired. I didn't ever want him to think that his cleft was repaired because it was ugly or something to be ashamed of. So, as he and his sister wiggled in their baby swings, I sat down and wrote "I Love You Now, I Loved You Then." And, because in other countries children born with clefts are often hidden away in shame, we donate the proceeds from Jake's book to Operation Smile. All I meant to do was make my son smile. But through the love and support of family, friends, and the amazing cleft community here in Utah, we're working towards bringing smiles to lots more kids!
-Kate Isles

thirsty?

2011-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Try some water. It has 0 calories, no potentially harmful additives and best of all it's a whole lot less expensive than the alternatives. Sports drinks or energy drinks are not necessary for the exercise that most kids are doing, and can potentially cause problems. Many of these drinks are loaded with unnecessary calories and are contributing to the obesity epidemic. When I see a child who has weight issues the first thing I have them do is cut out all juice, soda and sugary drinks and replace them with water and low-fat milk.

So before you hit the summer heat (hopefully soon!) fill up those bottles with some H2O.

You can read more about the new AAP guidelines regarding sports and energy drinks for children here.

Cure for bedwetting?

2011-05-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

A new study found that children who wet the bed who also have sleep apnea may stop having accidents if their tonsils are removed. Out of 400+ kids, nearly half stopped wetting the bed after tonsillectomy. You can read more about it here.

Tonsillectomy is an invasive procedure, and should not be the primary treatment for bedwetting. But it may be worth a consultation with your Pediatrician or an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (an Otolaryngologist) to see if it is something to consider for your child.

Spotlight: Dr. Lash

2011-05-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

One of our readers suggested we do get to know you posts profiling our docs. Sure thing.
First up: Dr. Lash.

Were you named after anyone?
-My middle name is a shortened version of my Mom's maiden name.

Do you have kids?
-Yes. Two sons, teenagers. They are smart and talented and great kids.

Do you still have your tonsils?
-Nope. They didn't make it through my many surgeries for cleft lip and palate.

Would you bungee jump?
-No way. But I have rappelled a few times.

What is your favorite ice cream?
-Peppermint Candy. With hot fudge sauce on top.

What is the first thing you notice about people?
-Their facial expressions. I try to figure out if they are having a good day or a really bad day.

Mountain hideaway or beach house?
-Beach House. I love the mountains but would rather be hiking than sitting in a cabin.

Favorite sports to watch?
-Big surprise here-- SOCCER, FUTBOL, FUTEBOL, CALCIO, etc.

Favorite food?
-I like almost everything, but I would have to say right now asparagus roasted in the oven with olive oil and sea salt.

Scary movies or happy endings?
-Neither. I like movies that make me think or teach me about history or people.

Last movie you watched?
-Rio.

Summer or Winter?
-All four seasons, one after the other.

What book are you reading now?
-Tales from the Alhambra by Washington Irving (inspired by my recent trip to Spain). Just finished Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

Rolling Stones or Beatles?
-BEATLES!!!!

What is the farthest you have been from home?
-Tanzania, Africa (Mount Kilimanjaro).

Do you have a special talent?
-Singing, piano; I love to do school projects with my kids like science fair boards and 3-D models too.

What is the strangest food you ever ate?
-Cow's udder Fried Rice

On the weekends I like to…
-Watch youth soccer games in the morning, then see a Real Salt Lake game at night.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
-To the Galapagos Islands.

New Tylenol Concentration

2011-05-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Figuring out your child's Tylenol dosage can be a little confusing. Not only do you have to make sure you have the right amount of medication, but the right concentration, too, as there are different formulations for children and infants. Not for long. The makers of Tylenol announced that they will be phasing out the Infant's formulation. Soon there will only be the Children's Strength (160 mg/5 ml). Other manufactures of acetaminophen are following suit.

Until the change is complete (sometime in 2012) make sure you check the concentration and know what you are giving. Here is a useful chart.

and the winner is...

2011-05-02T03:51:00.000-07:00

Carrie Lynch

who said

We love and adore Dr. Bosworth!! My three kids ranging from 7 yrs old to 3 yrs old love him, his name even comes up on occasion at the dinner table. I love that my kids are confident in Dr. Bosworth, they literally cry for him when they are sick. My 5 yr old son just asked me last week if Heavenly Father is smarter than Dr. Bosworth and was shocked that my answer was "yes". I have left Southpoint with many different emotions over the past few years: laughing, feelings of gratitude, and sometimes in tears but I can't imagine working with a different team in this crazy task of raising three beautiful children in an extremely scary world. I love that I can go to Dr. Bosworth for anything and know I will get his honest opinion/diagnosis regardless of my hesitations. If anybody is looking for a pediatrician who is knowledgeable, compassionate, funny, and totally committed to the many patients who love him, Dr. Bosworth is THE MAN!! He also comes with an amazing assistant, Jen.Thanks Southpoint.

Thanks to everyone who entered. We loved all the nice comments; we're going to do this again and give ourselves another ego boost.

GIVEAWAY!

2011-04-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

A few years ago Dr. Lash came up with a crazy idea to put together a Southpoint blog. 150 posts later, here we are. And to celebrate, we're doing what all good blogs do...a giveaway! But since we don't have any cute crafts to give away, and no one's all that excited for what we do have (shots?) we're going old school. Cold hard...gift card. $75 to Target. Think of all the unnecessary goodness you can splurge on!

Three ways to enter (if you do more than one, just let us know in your comment):

Leave a comment with your favorite thing about our office, your doctor, or this blog
Put a link with your favorite thing about Southpoint on your blog
Put a link with your favorite thing about Southpoint on Facebook

We will end the fun Sunday at midnight and announce the winner Monday morning.

*If you have problems with the comment form, send an email to southpointpediatrics@gmail.com and we'll enter you

5K/ Family Fun Run for Craig Peterson

2011-04-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Do you know our sweet receptionist Cindy? She will always greet you with an empathetic smile or a kind grin. Her husband Craig Peterson has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and her family is hosting a fun run/auction to help support him. So get your running shoes on and come to support Cindy. You may even get to see your favorite doctor or MA in their running digs....a little scary but it's for a great cause.

Saturday May 14th

9-12

Jordan Hills Elementary School

(8892 South 4800 West West Jordan)

Call our office, or visit their facebook page here for more information.

Disney Princess Tricycles Recalled

2011-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

9000 Disney Princess plastic racing tricycles were recalled last week. The Princess Castle on the handlebars could cut a child if they fell on it. If your child is a princess racing daredevil, call Kiddieland at (800) 430-5307 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.kiddieland.com.hk for a replacement part.

Screen-Free Week

2011-04-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, we're a little slow on the uptake on this one. Sorry. But what's so special about the 18th-24th anyway? The 25th- 1st seems just as good. Try a few days screen-free...or at least screen-reduced. Is the average really 7 hours a day?? Seems like a lot. Think of everything you could get done in 7 hours. Maybe a good way to start is by documenting how much screen time your kids get, and if it is in the 7 hour range try to cut back a bit at a time until it is more reasonable. Good luck!

*time spent reading pediatric blogs does not count toward your total daily allowance

we think so...

2011-04-21T12:46:00.001-07:00

A Reaction or Just a Rash?

2011-04-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's a common scenario: Your child is ill with a cough, runny nose and a fever. You go to the doctor and what do you know---there is an ear infection too. So you start on the Amoxicillin and are well on your way to feeling better. Things start looking up, but a few days into the treatment a rash develops. It's Saturday night, of course, and you call the office to talk to the on-call doctor. They tell you to stop the Amoxicillin and they'll call in a non-Penicillin antibiotic. Now your child is labeled "Allergic to Penicillin" forever. Yuck.

A new study found that perhaps the penicillin allergy might not be so straightforward. A group in Switzerland looked at 88 children who developed a rash after being on an antibiotic. A few months later they tested them for allergies to these antibiotics. Only 12% had positive skin tests, and only 7% developed a rash when taking the antibiotic again. However 2/3 tested positive for a virus, which likely caused the cough, runny nose...AND the rash. The antibiotic was likely a red herring.

So what does this mean for you? If your child has been labeled penicillin allergic based only on a rash (no breathing problems, hives, swelling or other symptoms) it may be worth doing a medically supervised oral challenge test to see if the rash really equalled an allergy.

social media

2011-04-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

*adapted from HealthyChildren.org

According to a Common Sense Media poll from August 2009, 22 percent of teenagers log on to their favorite social media site more than 10 times a day, and more than half of adolescents log on to a social media site more than once a day. Seventy-five percent of teens now own cell phones, and 25 percent use them for social media, 54 percent for texting, and 24 percent for instant messaging. Given the prevalence of social media, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) addressed the issue last month with a new report. (Full version here.)

The new AAP guidelines include recommendations for pediatricians to help families navigate the social media landscape, including:

Advise parents to talk to children and adolescents about their online use and the specific issues that today's online kids face, such as cyberbullying, sexting, and difficulty managing their time.
Advise parents to work on their own "participation gap" in their homes by becoming better educated about the many technologies their children are using.
Discuss with families the need for a family online-use plan, with an emphasis on citizenship and healthy behavior.
Discuss with parents the importance of supervising online activities via active participation and communication, not just via monitoring software.

The AAP report outlines the positive effects of social media. Engagement in social media and online communities can enhance communication, facilitate social interaction and help develop technical skills. They can help tweens and teens discover opportunities to engage in the community by volunteering, and can help youth shape their sense of identity. These tools also can be useful adjuncts to-and in some cases are replacing-traditional learning methods in the classroom.

But because tweens and teens have a limited capacity for self-regulation and are susceptible to peer pressure, they are at some risk as they engage in and experiment with social media, according to the report. They can find themselves on sites and in situations that are not age-appropriate, and research suggests that the content of some social media sites can influence youth to engage in risky behaviors. In addition, social media provides venues for cyberbullying and sexting, among other dangers. Youth who are more at-risk offline tend to also be more at-risk online.

"Some young people find the lure of social media difficult to resist, which can interfere with homework, sleep and physical activity," Dr. O'Keeffe said. "Parents need to understand how their child is using social media so that they can set appropriate limits."

Parents also should educate their children about the ways social media sites can capture personal information about users, Dr. O'Keeffe said. Young people can harm their reputations and safety by posting personal and inappropriate information. And information about sites they visit may be captured and used to target them with advertising.

For additional resources about online safety for children and teens, visit SafetyNet.org.

Measles

2011-04-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

There was a case of measles here in Utah this week. Here are a few tidbits about the condition:

Before the vaccine in the 1960s measles affected 4 million people a year, with nearly 500 deaths
Since the advent of the vaccine there are around 150 cases a year, with over 90% of these occurring in people who are unvaccinated
Children are routinely vaccinated at 12 months of age via the MMR vaccine (which has absolutely no proven link to autism)
Measles is highly contagious. The attack rate in a susceptible individual is over 75%. Hence, sending all unvaccinated kids home from Olympus High school, where the case was reported.
Measles presents with fever, fatigue, red eyes, runny nose and cough. A rash whitish/blue rash can develop in the mouth, and there can be a bumpy red rash that starts on the face and spreads down.
Patients tend to improve 48 hours after the appearance of the rash.
Patients are contagiousness 5 days before the appearance of rash to 4 days afterwards, with the most contagious period when the patient has a fever and a cough.
Complications from measles occur in about 1/4 of the cases, with ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea being the most common.

Given that only one case has been reported, and most children are vaccinated, it is unlikely your child will get the measles. But if you have questions or concerns, give us a call. We are happy to check your child out.

662-CARS

2011-04-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bosworth pointed out that yesterday's post may have been more confusing than clarifying. And after looking at it, I think he is right. So scrap the chart. If you have car seat questions, your best bet may be a live person- the experts at Primary Children's Medical Center. They've got answers to all your questions.

801-662-CARS

more car seat info

2011-04-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

In case you had questions on what kind of car seat your child should be in, here's the new algorithm from the AAP.

*css=car safety seat

If you want to read the whole thing you can go here

You're doing great

2011-03-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

A few week ago I was in a well-child check with a darling 2 year old. I was checking developmental milestones and asked the mom how her daughter did with a spoon and a fork. Somewhat sheepishly the mom admitted that she great....because she hadn't had much practice. She made such a mess eating that the mom tended to spoon feed her in an effort to stay clean. I laughed and admitted that I did the same thing, and 2 1/2 year old Ella still asked me to feed her from time to time.

The role of the well-child visit is to make sure children are healthy, developing normally, and are safe. But with all that entails it can be a little overwhelming. And the truth is, most kids turn out okay because of (and sometimes in spite of) our best efforts. So Ella's not a whiz with her fork. She will be by the time it counts. And she's a whiz at lots of other things. So your child is still sleeping in your bed. He won't be when he's 16! Enjoy it while he still wants to be with you :)

Well-checks are an important part of growing up, but if you aren't doing everything "perfectly"....don't stress! Do your best and your kids will be just fine.

AAP Updates Car Seat Recommendation

2011-03-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

For a few years now we've been telling parents that keeping kids rear facing as long as possible is the safest. This week the American Academy of Pediatrics made it official and changed their policy statement to say that children should be rear facing until 2 and in a booster until 8. While this can be hard to swallow, it's a good idea. This video gives an idea of what can happen in a crash.

Scary, right?

This short article gives a great overview of why the change was made. Basically, infant and toddlers have big heads compared to the rest of their body, and it is much safer for them to be rear facing.

My guess is that this over time everyone will adopt this recommendation and it will eventually become law. When car seats were initially introduced they were viewed as cumbersome and somewhat inconvenient, and they are obviously the norm now. Riding rear facing will likely go through a similar process. Yes, it's going to be a little bit painful. But keeping our kids safe is priority #1.

I'm just hoping my new baby Anna doesn't put up too much of a fight...

RSV and Influenza B starting to decrease

2011-03-14T08:57:00.001-07:00

According to Primary Children's Hospital's Germ Watch website, RSV levels are starting to decline. Influenza B also appears to have peaked and is decreasing. We are still seeing both of these in the office, but they are definitely slowing down here as well.
We are seeing a lot of Group A Strep infections (Strep throat). Typical symptoms include fever, sore throat, stomach ache and/or headache. Because strep's symptoms can be similar to many viral infections, if you suspect your child has strep we should see him or her and test for it. Strep is treated with antibiotics since it is a bacterial infection. Antibiotic treatment decreases the spread in families and schools, helps children get better (a little) faster, and prevents the rare but serous complication of rheumatic fever.
Don't forget to wear green this Thursday!

RSV Peaking; Influenza B Increasing

2011-02-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

According to last week's data from PCMC HERE, RSV has peaked and is starting to come down, but is still at quite high levels. Influenza B is still increasing, Influenza A is pretty much gone.

We have also started seeing our old friend Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (enterovirus), with fevers in the 103-104 range and canker sores in the back of the throat.

Strep throat is still quite common as well.

If your child is running fevers for more than 48 hours, or is under 3 months of age and running fevers, we would like to see them in the office. We are having doctors stay later right now to try to meet the high demand, so call early if you need an appointment!

Announcing...

2011-02-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Anna Elise Packer
February 10, 2011 2:19 pm
6 lbs 7 ounces, 19 inches

RSV is on the Rise

2011-02-10T16:06:00.001-08:00

We received this update from the state health department regarding RSV infection rates:

3 – Increasing RSV Activity - UT
The Intermountain Healthcare Germ Watch program (https://intermountain.net/portal/site/mdvsi/) has identified an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the past few weeks. Recent trends indicate this increase in RSV activity is not unusual. Over the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in RSV activity toward the end of January through February.

RSV can cause upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory tract infections (such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia). In children under one year of age, RSV is the most important cause of bronchiolitis. RSV is spread through respiratory droplets via direct or close contact. Individuals with RSV are infectious just before the onset of disease and continue through the duration of their illness. Healthy individuals, including infants, typically improve within 2-5 days with minimal home care. Premature infants, children less than two years of age with congenital heart or chronic lung disease, and children with compromised immune systems are at highest risk for severe disease. Adults with compromised immune systems and those 65 and older are also at increased risk of severe disease.

RSV infections can be prevented through frequent hand washing and respiratory droplet precautions. Breastfeeding of infants offers some protection against respiratory infections. There is no vaccine to prevent RSV. Palivizumab (Synagis) is an FDA approved monoclonal antibody injection that is used monthly during RSV season to prevent severe RSV illness in high risk infants and children. The drug can help prevent development of serious RSV disease, but it cannot help cure or treat children already suffering from serious RSV disease and it cannot prevent infection with RSV. Additional information on RSV, including AAP recommendations for the use of Palivizumab can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/clinical/prophylaxis.html

Parenting Workshops by Dr. Ridge

2011-02-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dr. Ridge, psychologist, is offering parenting workshops for any parents that are interested. Emma, at our Cottonwood office, is scheduling for these workshops. Cottonwood's office number is 801-747-8700. You can click on the pictures to make the information more readable.

Well-Child Check Reminder Calls

2011-01-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Starting tomorrow (1/26/11) we are trying out a new system that will give a reminder call to patients who are behind on their vaccines or need a well-child check up.

We are hoping the system does a fantastic job, but there are always glitches. If you get a call but are pretty sure your child is up to date, go ahead and give us a call and leave a message for the medical assistant. They will double check your child's vaccines record and call you back. (We have over 300 calls that will be going out in the next week, so if we don't get back to you right away....forgive us. We will call you before we close at 8:00 pm.)

Hopefully this will help our patients stay healthy, and take one thing off your plate.

Flu Vaccine Update

2011-01-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

We no longer have FluMist for patients with regular insurance. We do still have flu shots for all ages and insurance as well as FluMist for patients that require VFC vaccine (Medicaid, no insurance, under-insured).

Parenting Books

2011-01-23T19:47:00.000-08:00

During my "nesting" for this new baby, I came across some parenting books and thought it might be worthwhile to pass on a few of our favorites. This list is by no means inclusive, but it's a good place to start. Happy reading!

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth

Last week I had a rough time getting my 2 year old to stay in her own bed. After one long night, and a few tears, I remembered this great sleeping book. I broke it out and re-read the chapter on toddlers. I followed Dr. Weissbluth's advice, and the next night was worlds better. His program is simple and it works, but you do have to be okay with listening to your child cry initially. If that's not your style, Nighttime Parenting by Dr. William Sears is a good alternative.

Baby 411 by Denise Fields and Dr. Ari Brown

This is the book I give as gifts for baby showers. It's written by a Pediatrician and a mom, in a question and answer format. Things like, "How much should my baby be eating/sleeping/peeing/pooping at 4 months?" "How long are naps supposed to be?" or "I have chosen to feed my baby formula. What formula should I use?" It answers all those questions that you had at your well-child visit, but forgot to ask.

The Happiest Baby on The Block by Dr. Harvy Karp

If you have a colicky baby, this book is a lifesaver. Dr. Karp explains different ways to soothe your crying baby. The techniques don't work every single time, but it's nice to have something in your arsenal when you're all out of tricks.

Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care by Dr. Benjamin Spock

This is Dr. Lash's go-to book for child care questions. It's an oldy but a goody.

Your Child's Health: The Parent's One-Stop Reference Guide to: Symptoms, Emergencies, Common Illnesses, Behavior Problems, and Healthy Development by Dr. Barton Schmitt

This is another of Dr. Lash's favorites. It is great for acute illnesses, "Do I really need to go to the Dr?" questions and behavioral issues.

Dr. Terry Brazelton has some great books on child development and behavioral issues (discipline, potty training, feeding, sleep, aggression, sibling rivalry, etc).

1,2,3...Magic by Thomas Phelan, PhD

This is a good discipline book for toddlers through school age children. It discusses how to effectively use time out.

hot tip

2011-01-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

If you buy Pampers* diapers, Amazon is the way to go. Through their Subscribe and Save program you get 30% off. You sign up for a recurring order (I do monthly) and a week before it ships they send you an email reminding you of your order so you can change or cancel as you like. You can also have the order come early, but it takes a few days to get here after you order it.

I wasn't sure it was a great deal until last week when I ran out of diapers a few days early (one of the downsides) and went to Walmart to buy some more. I paid $26.50 for 92 diapers. When I came home I found the diapers on my front porch (drat! should have waited) and realized that for $28.10 I got 156. I also checked Sam's club and there the 156 count is $38.98. If you join the Amazon Mom club you get 2-day free shipping, too.

{yes, this girl is still in diapers. she tells us that when her baby comes next month she is going to start going in the toilet...}

*I am not in any way endorsing Pampers--as a Pediatrician I have no opinion as to which diapers are best. As a mom, Pampers fit my little girl well and if I can find a good deal on them...even better.

Winter Bugs

2011-01-13T14:37:00.001-08:00

We are starting to see more and more influenza cases. If your child needs a second dose of flu vaccine (check out this for more information) come on in and get it. We still have about 50 doses of FluMist left, and a few hundred doses of injectable Flu vaccine. If your child is under a year it is especially important to get them immunized.

Also, we've started to see more RSV and strep. I thought this was a decent overview of RSV and this and this good articles about strep.

Calling All Artists

2011-01-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

If you've been in our office lately you know it looks vastly different than it did a few years ago. We are almost done with our remodel, just putting the finishing touches here and there. In our waiting room we are going to rotate artwork created by our amazingly talented patients. If your child wants to draw a picture please bring in an 8x10 masterpiece at your next visit.

Thanks in advance to all you Picassos, Monets and Van Goghs out there!

Influenza Vaccine a Good Match for Circulating Strains

2010-12-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

We are seeing a quick rise in the number of influenza cases in the office. We are identifying both influenza A and B with our rapid tests. While we have had a few patients test positive for influenza even though they received this year's vaccine, the data from the CDC is so far showing a good match between the strains contained in the vaccine and the strains that are causing illness. The strains are also sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) so far this season.

Here is an excerpt from the CDC's Influenza Update:

Antigenic Characterization:
CDC has antigenically characterized 89 influenza viruses [13 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses, 26 influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and 50 influenza B viruses] collected by U.S. laboratories since October 1, 2010.

2009 Influenza A (H1N1) [13]

All 13 were characterized as A/California/7/2009-like, the influenza A (H1N1) component of the 2010-11 influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere.
Influenza A (H3N2) [26]

All 26 were characterized as A/Perth/16/2009-like, the influenza A (H3N2) component of the 2010-11 influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere.
Influenza B [50]

All 50 viruses belong to the B/Victoria lineage of viruses and was characterized as B/Brisbane/60/2008-like, the recommended influenza B component for the 2010-11 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
Antiviral Resistance:
Testing of 2009 influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B virus isolates for resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir) is performed at CDC using a functional assay. Additional 2009 influenza A (H1N1) clinical samples are tested for a single known mutation in the neuraminidase protein of the virus that confers oseltamivir resistance (H275Y). The data summarized below combine the results of both test methods and includes samples that were tested as part of routine surveillance purposes; it does not include diagnostic testing specifically done because of clinical suspicion of antiviral resistance.

High levels of resistance to the adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) persist among 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) viruses (the adamantanes are not effective against influenza B viruses) circulating globally. As a result of the sustained high levels of resistance, data from adamantane resistance testing are not presented weekly in the table below.

To prevent the spread of antiviral resistant virus strains, CDC reminds clinicians and the public of the need to continue hand and cough hygiene measures for the duration of any symptoms of influenza, even while taking antiviral medications. Additional information on antiviral recommendations for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza virus infection is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/index.htm.

Flu Clinic Days

2010-12-22T14:12:00.001-08:00

Starting in January, we will be scheduling flu clinics on Wednesday's from 2-5 and Friday's from 2-5. If your children haven't received their flu vaccine yet, please call our office and schedule an appointment. We still have flu shots and flu mist for all insurances and VFC.

A Holiday Wish For You!

2010-12-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

Guidelines on Food Allergy Updated

2010-12-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

The National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has released updated guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of food allergies. The summary page for parents and patients can be found HERE.

Highlights:

--Most children with allergies to milk, egg, soy, and wheat will eventually be able to tolerate these allergens, while tree nut and peanut allergies are less likely to resolve with time. Likewise, food allergies that begin in adulthood are likely to persist.

--Food allergies tend to coexist with asthma, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and exercise-induced asthma. Eliminating food allergens can improve symptoms of some of these comorbid conditions.

--The guidelines do not recommend restricting maternal diet during pregnancy or lactation to prevent the development or clinical course of food allergies, but they do recommend exclusive breast-feeding of all infants until age 4 to 6 months, unless medical reasons contraindicate breast-feeding.

According to Dr. Hugh Sampson, the guidelines concur with current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. "There is no evidence that delaying certain foods, even foods that are considered allergenic, (is) going to have any significant effect on the development of allergy," he said.

-Food allergies should be confirmed, because studies indicate that 50% to 90% of presumed food allergies are, in fact, not allergies.

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve

2010-11-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

We will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve for sick visits only. Dr. Buchanan and Dr. Packer will be the doctors in the office on those days. We will only be open in the morning on both days. Our phones will turn on at 8:00 a.m.

The Great American Smokeout

2010-11-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

Every year the American Cancer Society chooses one day to encourage people to stop smoking for 24 hours and to quit for good. It's called the Great American Smokeout, and it is tomorrow, November 18th. So, to all you parents out there who know you need to quit...tomorrow is your day. If you needed anymore motivation (although I know you don't--those darlings are enough) here are a few tidbits.

Living with someone who smokes (even if they only smoke outside) makes kids more likely to have ear infections, lung infections, SIDS, obesity, worse asthma and allergies.
Smokers are more likely to be depressed.
Any amount of smoke (not just high levels) causes genetic abnormalities in lung cells which can lead to cancer.
People who quit smoking AND change eating habits at the same time are more successful at both.
Children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to begin smoking.
Brad Pitt did it for his kids. You can too.

We know that quitting can be really really hard. There are some great resources out there. Check them out, and Butt Out tomorrow!

You can do it.

Here Here Here and Here

The Flu and You

2010-11-17T09:36:00.001-08:00

Worried about getting your flu shot? Worried you don't need it, or it will give you the flu, or it will cause all kinds of bad diseases???

Read this. Then come in and get your child protected. We still have vaccine (mist and shot) available, for all insurances and all ages.

Retraction, of sorts

2010-11-10T13:08:00.001-08:00

After reading Tuesday's post about Vicks VapoRub, Dr. Bosworth reminded us of a few of the potential pitfalls of using VapoRub. A few years ago there were some deaths associated with camphor (one of the ingredients in VapoRub) toxicity. The camphor levels in these incidents were very high, and were likely ingested. So, take home point #1: Don't eat it.

Last year a study came out that showed respiratory distress in small infants and children who used VapoRub, as it caused them to have more mucus production. Take home point #2: Don't use it near the mouth or the nose.

VapoRub...helpful or just a big hoax?

2010-11-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Vicks VapoRub. Grandmas swear by it. But does it really work? A new study in Pediatrics is validating Grandmas everywhere. 138 sick kids in Pennsylvania were divided into three groups: some got VapoRub plastered on their chest, some got Vasoline, and some got nothing. The kids who woke up smelly ended up doing the best. The VapoRub group had less cough and congestion and slept better. There was no difference in runny nose. About half of the VapoRub kids had minor skin reactions, such as tingling, burning or red skin.

So this cold season, it might not hurt to follow Grandma's and lather on the Vicks.

Breast or bottle...it's all the same to mom

2010-11-09T10:04:00.001-08:00

There is a commonly held idea (with some scant research to back it up) that babies who eat formula sleep longer. But no one has ever looked at how much sleep mom gets with a breastfed baby compared to one who takes formula. And really, isn't it how well rested mom is that counts?

Researchers in West Virginia decided to do some sleuthing. They took 80 moms and followed them for 12 weeks. Some breast fed exclusively, some bottle fed exclusively, and some did both. They had the moms keep sleep diaries and they wore monitors to measure their sleep. Somewhat surprisingly, they found that there was no real difference in the amount of sleep that mom enjoyed.

At first glance, the results seem a little counterintuitive. If babies sleep longer with formula filled tummies, shouldn't mom sleep longer too? The authors theorized that breastfeeding moms were able to fall asleep faster. They didn't have to wake up completely to mix formula, and some of the hormones associated with breastfeeding promote drowsiness in babies, making it easier to get them back to sleep.

However it works, it is one more reason to try and stick with breastfeeding.

Day After Thanksgiving

2010-11-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

We will be open the day after Thanksgiving 11/26/10 for sick visits only. We hope that you won't need us but if you do...know that we are open. Dr. Bosworth and Teresa McNaught will be the providers in the office. The phones will turn on at 8:00 a.m.

Get your books

2010-11-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, the Salt Lake County Library is having their annual book sale. It will be held tomorrow and Saturday (November 5-6) from 10:00 to 6:00 at the Sandy Library (10100 South Petunia Way, which is around 1400 East). Most items are under a dollar, cash or check only. They don't allow strollers, so bring your Baby Bjorn.

I can see more extensive libraries and smarter kids already.

Read to Me

2010-11-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Want to boost your child's chances of finishing high school or going to college? Load up your shelves with books. A new study out of the University of Nevada found that simply having books in the home was a better predictor of a child's future education level than was how much schooling their parents had. Having a library of 25 books (children's or adult) in the home gave children a greater chance of getting an extra year of education. A library of 500 or more led to an extra 3.2 years of education!

Now, it's likely the effect does not come from just having books in the home, but rather how they are used and regarded. But it is a good reminder to all of us to keep fodder for young minds handy...so head out to the library or the bookstore and stock those shelves.

After Hour Appointments

2010-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

We have after hour sick appointments Monday - Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There is a "after hours" fee for all these appointments, but it is cheaper than an ER visit.

Southpoint Pediatrics WELCOMES

2010-10-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Nathanael Ridge, Ph.D, PAS-III

He received his Masters in Science from Baylor College of Medicine, Doctorate of Philosophy and Bachelors in Science from Brigham Young University.

He will be joining our office 2-3 days a week beginning in January 2011.

He will be seeing patients with:

ADHD

Depression

Anxiety

and other mental health issues

Call our office mid December and we can begin scheduling appointments

Teething Tablet Recall

2010-10-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

The FDA has issued a recall for all types and lot numbers of Hyland's Teething Tablets. Some of these tablets have been found to contain belladonna. Belladonna is a plant (also known as Deadly Nightshade) that has been used for centuries as a medicine and a poison. In large quantities it can have harmful effects in children, such as a racing heartbeat, dry mouth and skin, drowsiness, and dilated pupils. The FDA has received reports of children exhibiting signs of belladonna toxicity after taking the tablets.

If you have any of these teething tablets, stop using them and return them to the store.

More information here.

Fructose intolerance

2010-10-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

I thought this was an interesting article...something that we probably don't think about often enough. The original article can be found here.

Low-Fructose Diet May Ease Kids’ Abdominal Pain

Cutting Back on Fructose Relieved Symptoms in Children With Fructose Intolerance

By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Oct. 18, 2010 -- New research suggests that a low-fructose diet reduces recurrent abdominal pain in children with fructose malabsorption. The condition causes gas, bloating, and cramping because of an inability to properly digest fructose.

Fructose is a sugar found naturally in fruits, honey, and some syrup. It is also used to sweeten many processed foods and drinks. Researchers led by Daniel Lustig, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center in Tacoma, Wash., studied 245 patients aged 2 to 18 who had unexplained chronic abdominal pain,constipation, gas, bloating, and/or diarrhea. Nearly two-thirds of the group was female and the median age was 11.

The children underwent breath hydrogen tests to determine if they had fructose intolerance. Nearly 54% of the group tested positive for fructose intolerance.

Children who tested positive were put on a low-fructose diet and counseled by a registered dietitian. They were later re-evaluated for pain. Sixty-seven percent of the children who tested positive for fructose intolerance reported resolution of abdominal pain and other symptoms after being on the low-fructose diet. Of note, about 48% of children who tested negative for fructose intolerance also reported resolution of their abdominal pain without a low-fructose diet.

The findings were presented today at American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 75th Annual Scientific meeting in San Antonio.

Lustig says fructose intolerance appears to be more common in teenage girls. Fructose intolerance can be mistaken for other gastrointestinal disorders that cause abdominal cramping and pain, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome.

“With fructose in everything from fruit to pre-packaged products, soft drinks, and honey, it is difficult to avoid so the challenge is finding those foods without fructose and still maintain a healthy nutritional balance," Lustig says. "While there is definitely a subset of patients who respond well to a low-fructose diet, it's challenging for patients who are fructose intolerant to maintain, especially teenagers. But the good news is that over half of patients who are fructose intolerant are able to maintain a low-fructose diet and are able to notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms.”

Hepatitis A Outbreak

2010-10-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Health Department notified us that there have been several cases of Hepatitis A in Utah recently. Hepatitis A is usually food-borne, but can also be passed by close personal contact.

Our patients receive vaccinations against Hepatitis A at the 12 month and 18 month visits, so most of your children should be protected. Some teenagers may not have received the vaccine when they were little, although we try to catch them up when they start 7th grade. If you have any questions about your child's immunization status, feel free to call us at 801 565-1162 to check on it.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A to watch for would include: vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) and tiredness. If you or your child has these symptoms, please get checked.

Skinny Jean Syndrome

2010-10-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

As one who occasionally dons the skinny jean, I was curious to read about Skinny Jean Syndrome.

Apparently, it is the when your skinnies are so skinny that they can block some of the normal nerve conduction in the legs and lead to numbness and tingling. Today Dr. Lash saw his first case!

So all you hip moms and kids...maybe try jeggings?

Flu Clinic Days

2010-10-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

There has been some confusion about our flu clinic days. Flu clinic days are by appointment only to minimize wait time. Patients that show up without an appointment may still receive the vaccine but will likely have to wait longer.

We have flu vaccine for all ages and for all insurance companies, self pay or under-insurance patients.

Flu Clinic Days:

Select Tuesdays 9-5

Wednesdays 2-5

Fridays 2-5

Saturdays 9-1