in good hands: - K. Hovnanian Children`s Hospital

A
Fa m i ly
H e a lt h
Ma g a z i n e
from
K.
Hovnanian
Children’s
summer
2015
5 Key questions
for Kids
with Asthma
Page 12
pushing 40?
Tips to Boost Your
Bone and Joint Health
Page 14
In Good
Hands:
Meridian Doctor
Relies on Colleagues
During Son's Crisis
page 9
azaan ahmad, 3,
of Tinton Falls
Hospital
HEAD TO THE FIELD THIS SUMMER. Win FREE tickets
A
FA m i ly
H e A lt H
mAgAzine
From
K.
HovnAniAn
CHildren’s
to a Sky Blue game. See the back page to find out how!
to our readers
5 Key quesTions
for Kids
with asthma
Page 12
Pushing 40?
Tips to Boost your
Bone and Joint health
Page 14
Summer has made its official debut! We hope your family is
headed to the beach to enjoy the sunshine. Meridian Health has
a few suggestions for how to have an active and safe summer with
your family, and some exciting news to share. As an ER physician
myself, I always make it a point to stress the importance of
applying sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, and trying to stay out
Kenneth N. Sable,
of the direct sun, at least during the midday hours when the sun is
M.D., Mba, Facep
generally the strongest. And above all else, never ever leave infants,
President,
children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked
Jersey Shore
open because the temperature can rise to dangerous levels in a very
University Medical
short period of time.
Center and
Meridian Health is thrilled to continue its role as title sponsor
K. Hovnanian
for Sky Blue FC women’s professional soccer team for the second
Children’s Hospital
consecutive year. Last year, this partnership helped us educate
families and fans about health and wellness, and we’re excited to
have the opportunity to do that again this year. Sky Blue FC tickets are on sale now.
Visit MeridianHealth.com/SkyBlueFC for links to the schedule and to buy tickets!
In other news, Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been named a
Comprehensive Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers for
the second consecutive year. We are the first and only Level 4 center in Monmouth
County and the only Level 4 center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. This
distinguished designation recognizes JSUMC’s ability to care for complex epilepsy
patients with complicated seizure disorders in the region. It clearly defines our system as
a leader in Neuroscience.
As your family enjoys the summer, remember to take safety and health precautions.
Since my own kids love trampolines and water slides, I’ll be sure to read these safety tips as
well! Have your kids flip to page 7 for some tips on how to stay safe in the summer heat.
As you soak up the season, continue to turn to Meridian Health for all your family’s
health needs.
connect with us
Visit our
Facebook
page on July 3
for a fun, kid-friendly,
and easy summer recipe!
Meridian tweets
tips to help
keep you and
your family happy
and healthy this
summer.
post your
family's best
#healthyselfie
this summer on our
Instagram page
@MeridianHealthNJ.
Gordon Litwin
Chairman, Meridian Health Board of Trustees
John K. Lloyd, FACHE
President, Meridian Health
Steven Kairys, M.D.
Medical Director, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Meridian KidViews is a free quarterly magazine prepared by the
Marketing and Communications Team of Meridian Health.
Inquiries or ideas can be addressed to kidviews@meridianhealth.
com. The material provided in this magazine is intended to be
used as general information only and should not replace the
advice of your physician or your child’s pediatrician. Always
consult your physician or your child’s pediatrician for individual
care. © 2015 Meridian Health
2
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
HospitAl
summer
2015
Chrisie Scott
Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications,
Meridian Health
Ryan Younger
Director of Marketing, Meridian Health
Photography: Jacki Kronstedt
in good
hands:
meridian doctor
relies on Colleagues
during son's Crisis
Page 9
azaan ahmad, 3,
of Tinton Falls
inside
On the cover: Learn how
Meridian Pediatric Network experts
saved Azaan’s life by acting fast
when he suffered an allergy attack.
Turn to page 9.
4
Adding a Dose of Fun to
a Hospital Stay
6
Advanced PICU Care
Helps Infant Recover from
Common Virus
7
KidMazing:
A Section for Kids
9
Meridian Physician
Relies on Colleagues
During Son's Crisis
10
11
Ask Our Experts
5 Ways to Get Your Teen
a Good Night’s Sleep
12
5 Key Questions for
Kids with Asthma
13
The Truth About Pregnancy,
Nuts, and Your Child’s
Allergy Risk
14
How Our Bones and
Joints Change with Age
health briefs
Could Your
Mood Affect
Your Tot’s
Tantrums?
Moms aren’t alone in feeling baby
blues. About one in 10 dads also
develop postpartum depression.
And a new study shows this
sadness has consequences for
the children.
Toddlers with depressed
parents are prone to problem
behaviors, such as aggression and
disobedience. They also stand a
greater chance of having anxiety
and sadness themselves in their
toddler years, the findings show.
“Depression prevents
moms and dads from being as
supportive, positive, and loving
as they otherwise would,” says
Jocelyn Bautista, M.D., FAAP, a
pediatrician affiliated with
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
“Though it’s not always easy to
seek help for yourself, doing so
is important for your whole
family.” Not sure where to start?
Dr. Bautista recommends talking
with your child’s pediatrician.
Jocelyn B.
Bautista, M.D.
Board certified in
Pediatrics
Colts Neck
1-800-560-9990
See
page
12 for
five key
questions
to ask
kids with
asthma.
Lea H. David,
M.D.
Board certified in
Pediatrics
Holmdel
1-800-560-9990
l to r: grace dougherty, 6,
katelyn morales, 6, and madison
morales, 7, spend their summers
being active at the beach, building
sand castles and flying kites.
Kids Pile on Pounds
During Lazy Days of Summer
Harvard scientists compiled the
results of seven previous studies,
with a total of more than 10,000
kids. The findings showed schoolage children gain weight at a faster
rate during summer vacation.
Kids already overweight or in
ethnic groups prone to heaviness
pack on the most weight in summer,
putting them at risk for obesity.
You might expect that bike rides
and pool time would slim kids
down over the summer. But absent
a structured schedule, boredom
and easy access to junk food may
lead them to eat more calories.
Meanwhile, without P.E., recess, or
sports, kids often move less.
Lea David, M.D., a pediatrician
with Riverview Medical Center,
offers these tips to keep your
whole family’s weight in check:
• Be active each day. Bike, swim,
or play in the park as a family.
• Provide toys that encourage
movement. Young kids may like
balls and jump ropes.
• Cut down on screen time. Limit
TV and nonactive computer time
to two hours per day.
• At mealtimes, fill half of every
plate with fruits and veggies.
Stricter Rules Deter Teens’ Drinking
You might not think your teen listens
to a word you say. But when it comes
to alcohol, it turns out the message
may be getting through. The more
often parents warned about the risks
of drinking, the less likely adolescents
were to consume beer, wine, and
liquor, according to a new study in the
journal Addictive Behaviors.
Overall, parents tend to relax the
rules about alcohol as teens get older,
the findings show. “Moms and dads
may underestimate their influence as
fledglings start to leave the nest,” says
Ramon Solhkhah, M.D., affiliated with
Meridian Behavioral Health. “However,
consistent messages about the harms
of drinking may play a key role in
keeping your child from experiencing
the consequences.”
Ramon
Solhkhah, M.D.
Board certified
in Psychiatry
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
3
child life
specialists
4
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
james smith, 9, of Toms
River, loves racing-car
games, Hot Wheels,
and action books.
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f
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e
s
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i
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Ad
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to a
On his 8th birthday, James Smith of Toms River
woke up ready to party. His chronic seasonal
allergies and asthma were far from his mind.
But a few hours into his birthday
celebration, he had a flare-up,
including chest pain, vomiting, and
diarrhea, that was so severe he ended
up in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
(PICU) of K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital at Jersey Shore University
Charles K.
Medical Center.
Dadzie, M.D.
Board certified in
James was upset when he learned
Pediatric Critical
he’d be spending his birthday, and
Care Medicine,
possibly the next several days, in the
Pediatric
hospital. But he soon had some visitors Pulmonology,
and Pediatrics
who began to brighten his mood:
Neptune
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital’s
1-800-560-9990
team of child life specialists, experts
in child development who support
children and their families during a hospital stay.
“By putting patients at ease, child life specialists enable
doctors and nurses to focus on a child’s medical needs,”
says Charles Dadzie, M.D., a pediatric pulmonologist
affiliated with K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, who
treated James during his multiple visits. “They are
invaluable members of the health care team.”
Fast Friends
James’ mother, Melanie Aviles, says James made an instant
connection with the child life specialists. “They calmed
him down, gave him fun pajamas and video games, and
explained everything that was going on,” she says. “I felt
like they treated him as though he was their own child.”
Child life specialists work with children of all ages
throughout the hospital, including the PICU, general
pediatric units, and Emergency Department. “We help
children understand medical procedures, teach them
coping strategies to ease their anxiety, engage them with
toys and games — anything they need to make their time
with us more comfortable,” says Sara Auerbach, a certified
child life specialist at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
He’s Not a Doctor … But He Played One on TV
Over the next year, James returned to K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital three more times. Auerbach met
James during his last stay, and the two hit it off so well
that they were featured in a NJTV News segment on the
Child Life Program. During the segment, James helped
administer a breathing treatment to Monty, a patient
puppet used to help kids understand treatments.
Today, James is doing well under the care of his
pediatrician, Nancy Deacon, D.O., affiliated with
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. Melanie says it’s
reassuring to know that such a caring team is always
ready for him. “They brought him such joy,” she says. “I
give them 10 out of 10 stars.”
monty is a patient puppet used by the child life
specialists at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital to
help kids understand treatments.
Online Inspiration
Thankful for Expert Neurological Care
One week after winning awards at her soccer camp, Emma was diagnosed with a
rare neurological condition. Go to MeridianPediatricNetwork.com to watch Emma’s
story of how Meridian Pediatric Network quickly diagnosed and treated her.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
5
pediatric
critical care
ryland bintliff, 4 months, has been a
laughing, babbling, happy baby since coming
home from his stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care
Unit at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
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over from Co
Infant Rec
At 2 months old,
Ryland Bintliff, of
Brick, already had his
own way of talking to
his mom, Jillian. “He
has a special way of
looking at me and
Samuel C.
smiling that means, ‘Hi,
Thomas, M.D.
Board certified in
Mommy!’” she says.
Pediatric Critical
In March, Jillian
Care and
and her husband,
Pediatrics
Neptune
Justin, noticed that
1-800-560-9990
their normally cheerful
little guy wasn’t quite
himself — he had a nagging cough and
seemed to be breathing more loudly.
Ryland’s parents took him to Ocean
Medical Center, but when his symptoms
worsened, he was transferred to the
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
The diagnosis was respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV), a common illness that
strikes almost all children by their second
birthday. “Most of the time, the virus
causes mild cold symptoms, which pass in
a few days,” says Samuel Thomas, M.D.,
6
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
a pediatric critical care specialist on the
PICU team at K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital, and one of the first doctors
to see Ryland as his symptoms were
worsening. “In infants such as Ryland,
however, an RSV infection can become
much more serious very quickly.”
Expertise and Comfort
As the entire PICU team attended to
Ryland’s medical needs, Dr. Thomas
brought in extra support for Jillian and
Justin. He called the parents of an
infant who had also been treated for
RSV at K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital and made a full recovery. “It
helped a lot to speak with them,”
Jillian recalls. “And the entire medical
team was great — they even set up a
bed in the PICU so I could stay by
Ryland’s side.”
After eight days, Ryland was taken off
the ventilator. “Soon after that, he was
raising his eyebrows at me and smiling,
and that’s when I knew he was going to
be OK,” she says. Today, Ryland is back to
his giggling and babbling self.
Jillian warns other parents of newborns
to be cautious about keeping infants away
from people with colds and to be vigilant
about following up on any cold symptoms
with their pediatricians.
She will always be grateful to the
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital team.
“Everyone in the PICU was incredible
and went above and beyond for us,” she
says. “The doctors and nurses treated us
like family.”
Babies don't come with an owner's manual.
Here's the next best thing.
My Baby Expectations™ is a free, personalized e-newsletter that tells you
what to look forward to during your pregnancy and the first year after your
child's birth. Subscribe today at MeridianHealth.com/enewsletters.
kIDmazing
K Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
active, amazing
you!
Summer Fun
Word Scramble
Hopscotch is trying to plan her summer activities, but they got all mixed up.
Can you help her unscramble her ideas of things to do and places to go this summer?
erlrlo ratsoce
eibk esrid
meeht rkpa
gimmnisw olop
inpcci
cbahe
icnlvara
btaogni
pcimang
fnishgi
5 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer is a season to celebrate! Don’t let anything bust your summer bliss. Follow these
steps to stay safe in the summer sun.
3. Show off your favorite shades!
1. A sore sunburn can spoil summer fun. To
Sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun.
prevent sunburn, you or a parent should rub on
4. Try not to play outside between noon and 3 p.m.
sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 before you
This is when the sun’s rays are strongest. It’s also
go outside. Wear it even if you’ll be in the shade
usually the hottest time of day.
or it’s partly cloudy.
5. Stay loose. Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes
2. Sip water before, during, and after playing outside
helps to keep you cool.
to stay cool.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
7
A Kid’s View on Health
WORD
SCRAMBLE
ANSWERS
Roller coaster
Bike rides
Theme park
Swimming pool
Picnic
kendall souchek, 12, and
mackenzie souchek, 14, of
Brick, took the Safe Sitter course
to get ready for babysitting.
Become a Safe Sitter
The Safe Sitter course is a great way to learn
about some of the situations you will come
across as a babysitter. We took the class to
learn emergency skills. We also learned tips
and tricks for taking good care of kids and
keeping ourselves safe.
Certification is helpful as you start getting
clients. Sharing the business with a friend, like
us, makes your business reliable. We highly
suggest taking the Safe Sitter course. It sets
you up for success, and gives you confidence
to handle any situation.
Beach
Carnival
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Wiggly Watermelons
Try a new version of your favorite summer treat.
These tiny slices make a fun snack.
Instructions:
1. Ask a grown-up to cut a lime in half. Scoop out
the insides with a spoon and save the rind.
2. Make a box of red gelatin. With the help of an
adult, follow the directions on the package.
3. Spoon the red liquid into the lime halves.
You can set them in a muffin tin or small bowls
to prevent spills.
4. Chill until they’re almost set.
5. Use a fork or skewer to push mini chocolate
chips into the gelatin. They look just like
watermelon seeds!
6. When they’re totally firm, cut the halves
into slices and serve.
Sign Up for the Safe Sitter Course
Are you 11 to 14 years old and looking for
babysitting tips? Then the Safe Sitter babysitter
training course is for you! Ask a parent to go to
MeridianMomtourage.com/Classes. There,
they can find class details and sign you up for
the class.
Take a Healthy Selfie!
Love to take pictures? Ask your parents if your family can post your best
#healthyselfie of the summer on our Instagram page @MeridianHealthNJ. You and
your parents can start an Instagram account together. What's a healthy selfie? It's
a picture of yourself doing a healthy activity, like drinking plenty of water on a hot
summer day. Be creative!
8
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
Meridian Physician Relies on
Colleagues During Son’s Crisis
On a memorable day last fall, Nasir
Ahmad, M.D., was in Riverview Medical
Center’s Emergency Department looking
over a 3-year-old boy who was being
treated for a severe allergic reaction to
peanut butter. An infectious disease
specialist at Riverview, Dr. Ahmad knew
that the medication the youngster had just
been given might take some time to work,
so he tried not to worry. But that was
impossible. The patient, Azaan, was his son.
“When my wife, Aisha, called to tell
me that Azaan was being brought to
the hospital in an ambulance, I just kept
asking, ‘How bad is it?’” he recalls. One
look at his son gave him the answer:
Azaan had broken out in hives, his lips
had swollen, and his color wasn’t good.
Emergency medicine physician
Stephanie Reynolds, D.O., a longtime
colleague of Dr. Ahmad’s, could feel his
anxiety. “As a physician, he knew exactly
what was going on, but he was there as a
dad, first and foremost,” she says.
Dr. Reynolds treated Azaan with
epinephrine (which counteracts severe
reactions) and steroids (which decreases
inflammation), but when he didn’t improve
right away, she recommended a transfer to
the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Nasir M. Ahmad, M.D.
Board Certified in
Infectious Diseases and
Internal Medicine
Red Bank
1-800-560-9990
at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Bruce Grossman, M.D., a pediatric
critical care specialist, continued treating
Azaan in the PICU. “Any time a child
has a severe allergic reaction, there’s a risk
of a delayed or ‘rebound’ effect,” he says.
“Therefore, we continued treating Azaan
with steroids and other medications to
alleviate his symptoms and carefully
monitored him to make sure they didn’t
worsen.” After one night in the hospital,
Azaan was well enough to go home.
Today, Azaan is never far from his
EpiPen®, which contains a single dose of
epinephrine to treat a life-threatening
allergic reaction. His parents are
hopeful he might someday grow
out of his peanut allergy, but in
emergency
care
To see more inspiring stories, visit
MeridianPediatricNetwork.com.
the meantime, they remain cautious. And
they are grateful that help was there when
they needed it most.
“It was a nerve-wracking situation,
but it was very comforting to know that
the people taking care of Azaan were
colleagues whom I knew and trusted,”
says Dr. Ahmad.
azaan
ahmad, 3,
enjoys singing,
drawing, and
playing with his
big brother and
sister.
Stephanie Reynolds, D.O.
Board Certified in
Emergency Medicine
Red Bank
1-800-560-9990
Bruce J. Grossman, M.D.
Board Certified in
Pediatric Critical Care
and Pediatrics
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
9
ask our experts
How can I help my child build strong
bones for life?
A:
To build strong bones, youngsters ages 9
to 18 should get 1,300 mg of calcium daily.
In a study published in the American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition, calcium from food
strengthened young girls’ bones more than
calcium supplements.
Some calcium-rich foods and beverages
include the following:
• Plain low-fat yogurt: 488 mg per cup
• Tofu, raw, regular, prepared with calcium
sulfate: 434 mg per ½ cup
• Orange juice fortified with calcium:
349 mg per cup
• Nonfat milk: 316 mg per cup
• Raw broccoli, chopped: 43 mg per cup
A:
Brenda
Salvador-Goon,
M.D.
Tinton Falls
1-800-560-9990
Getting physical activity during adolescence is vital to strong
bones during adulthood. Many teens may not realize that some
types of exercises are better for bones than others. For exercise
to be bone-building, it needs to be weight-bearing. This means
your legs are supporting your weight while you exercise. Some
examples include walking, jogging, playing tennis, dancing, and
playing basketball.
physician spotlight
How can I offer support
when my child needs
“catch-up” time at school?
If your child needs to repeat his or her
current grade in school or attend summer
school to move ahead, it can be disappointing. Kira Feldman,
M.D.
But understanding why your child is
Board certified
struggling and offering support can go a long in Pediatrics
Barnegat
way to help him or her prepare.
1-800-560-9990
Talk with your child’s teacher. Ask why
your child is being held back or needs help
over the summer. If your child is having a hard time in a specific
area of school, ask whether tutoring or other special services can
help. If your child needs to repeat a grade, ask how the program
in place for the next year will help.
Research shows that kids who have been held back are more
likely to struggle with low self-esteem. They may have more
trouble making friends. And despite the extra help, they may be
more likely to drop out of school later on.
Make sure you discuss these issues with your child’s teacher,
principal, and school psychologist. And take steps to build up
your child’s self-worth:
• Listen and give your attention to your child.
• Avoid sarcastic remarks.
• Praise your child's efforts.
Donn H. Winokur, DDS
How did you discover your passion for
pediatric dentistry?
I got started in dentistry from a neighbor who was
an orthodontist. I also had an interest in specialneeds children when I was young, and I combined
these two interests.
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
0
1
10
What do you want families to know about the
new Meridian Dentistry for Children Program?
Everything in our office is centered on the patient.
I have a dog, Shea, who is part of our pet therapy
program and sets the tone for the office. Shea sits
on patients’ laps and helps reduce anxiety in
patients and their families.
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
How does the Meridian Dentistry for
Children Program provide a kid-friendly
environment?
We understand that kids are not little adults; they
are very different. Our dentists and office staff use
a quiet tone with kids and always keep parents in
the room. Children can sit on parents’ laps during
procedures. We use words that are direct but never
alarming, and assistants pass scary instruments
below children’s eyesight. We have many measures
in place to keep a calm atmosphere. We’ll stand on
our heads if we have to.
behavioral
health
5 Ways to Get Your Teen
a Good Night’s Sleep
Does your teen sleep the whole weekend away? A large new
study helps explain why: Fewer than one in 10 teens gets the
advised amount of shut-eye on school nights.
Some contributing factors — like early school start times
— are beyond parents’ control. Still, there are steps you can
take to add to your teen’s z-count this upcoming school year.
Poor Sleep Is Nothing to Snooze At
Government researchers analyzed data from four years’ worth of
national surveys. Each year, more than 12,000 high schoolers
answered questions about their sleep habits. Most fell far short
of the expert-recommended nine or more hours per night, with
only about 7 percent of girls and 9 percent of boys getting
appropriate amounts of shut-eye.
Five hours of sleep or less per night was reported by:
• One in five black males and females
• 15 percent of Hispanic and white females
• 12 percent of Hispanic and white males
New memories form while teens slumber, so schoolwork seems
harder on less rest. Lack of sleep also contributes to poor food
choices, obesity, accidents, depression, high blood pressure, and an
impaired immune system.
Recharging Teens’ Batteries
“Hormones push teens’ sleep-wake cycles later,”
says Walter Wynkoop, M.D., a
pulmonologist affiliated with Ocean
Medical Center. “They naturally
turn into night owls — and late
risers — once puberty strikes.”
Dr. Wynkoop offers these
ideas to ensure your teen sleeps
enough, and well.
1.Suppress screen time. The
average adolescent uses four
different electronic devices
after 9 p.m. But bright lights
and stimulating content
disrupt rest. “Ban TV from your teen’s
bedroom, and take the cellphone away,
too — many teens may spend the
night texting or waiting for a
response,” says Dr. Wynkoop.
2. Avoid all-nighters. Instead, encourage
your student to do a little schoolwork
each evening.
3. Nap wisely. Encourage your teen to
limit midday sleep to an hour or less
and to do so early in the day.
4. Control caffeine. Discuss cutting back
on coffee, soda, and chocolate,
especially in the afternoon.
5. Encourage exercise. Regular sweat
sessions make sleep more restful.
Walter A.
Wynkoop, M.D.
Board certified
in Critical Care
Medicine, Internal
Medicine, Sleep
Medicine, and
Pulmonary Disease
Brick
1-800-560-9990
If your teen still has trouble nodding off or seems excessively
sleepy during the day, consult a doctor.
Well Rested and Well Behaved
Studies show that kids with sleep disorders are more
likely to have behavioral issues, and that treatment
can lead to improvement in both behavior and school
performance. Visit MeridianWellRested.com for a list
of locations where pediatric care is available.
Allison Rosofsky, 12, of Jackson,
will be a teenager soon and is
starting good sleeping habits early.
Before going to bed, she reads to
her pets — Pumpkin, a cockatiel,
and Jackson, a bearded dragon.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com 11
pediatric
asthma
5 Key Questions for Kids with Asthma
You know her cry, his
favorite sandwich, and
how to make each
“owie” all better. But
when it comes to how
asthma affects your
child’s life, you may not
Nader J.
be the ultimate
Nakhleh, D.O.
Board certified
authority, a new study
in Pediatric
finds. When doctors
Pulmonology
asked them directly,
and Pediatrics
children with asthma
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
reported feeling much
better — and less
limited by their condition — than their
parents believed.
The results suggest your child should
speak up at each doctor’s visit. “With his
or her input, the doctor will get a better
picture of whether your child’s asthma
management plan is working or requires a
change,” explains Nader Nakhleh, D.O.,
a pediatric pulmonologist with
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Find a FREE
Asthma Tool with
a Few Clicks
Peak-flow readings show
how well a child’s lungs
are working. Knowing
these numbers can
help monitor your child’s
asthma. Find a children’s
asthma peak-flow
calculator online at
MeridianHealth.com/
AsthmaTools.
12
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
Dr. Nakhleh suggests you encourage
your child to answer these questions at
the doctor’s office:
1. Does asthma keep you from
playing sports or doing other
activities? With well-controlled
asthma, your child shouldn’t have to sit
on the sidelines. The doctor can adjust
your young athlete's treatment to get
him or her back in the game.
2. Do you feel worse inside or outside?
Allergies and asthma often go hand in
hand. Your child’s doctor can determine
whether allergens like dust, pollen, or
animal dander trigger asthma attacks. If
so, allergy medications, or even allergy
shots, may help.
3. Do you ever feel sad or left out?
Nearly half of kids with asthma report
feelings of isolation at some point.
Keep the lines of communication
between you, your child, and your
doctor open. This way, you can spot
early warning signs of depression.
4. Have you missed school because
of asthma? Kids with asthma rack up
more than 10.5 million absences each
year. Asthma that’s serious enough to
keep your child at home may require
treatment from a specialist who treats
conditions like asthma. If your child
doesn’t see one already, ask your
pediatrician for a referral.
5. Does your asthma ever disappear?
If your child feels better for a while,
it’s easy to believe he or she doesn’t
have asthma anymore. But an attack
can still occur at any time. The
doctor can explain this to your child
and ensure that he or she carries
rescue medications and knows how
to use them.
Some children might have trouble giving
information during medical visits. Look
for a doctor who shows compassion for
your child and works to put him or her at
ease. The physician should also ask these
types of questions — and listen carefully
to the answers.
The Truth About Pregnancy, Nuts,
and Your Child’s Allergy Risk
Until recently, doctors advised pregnant
women to steer clear of nuts. But a new
study suggests a compelling reason to get
cracking instead. Kids whose moms ate
the most nuts during pregnancy were
least likely to develop peanut or tree nut
allergies later on.
The reason? Moms-to-be truly eat
for two. By snacking on nuts, you’re also
exposing your child to them. And contrary
to prior beliefs, doing so at this early stage
may increase — not decrease — your little
one’s tolerance.
Nut Allergies on the Rise
Peanuts pose a danger to an increasing
number of children. In fact, rates of
this dangerous — and even lifethreatening — reaction have tripled in
the past several years. Now, about 1.4
percent of kids can’t eat peanuts, and
many have allergies to tree nuts, such as
almonds and walnuts, as well.
Many adults have nut allergies, too.
If you’re among them, the results of this
study don’t apply: The findings suggest
the opposite may be true for allergic
women — eating nuts during pregnancy
may increase your child’s allergy risk.
What’s more, EpiPens used to treat
life-threatening allergy emergencies
may pose a risk to unborn babies. “Talk
with your doctor about the best way to
manage your allergic reactions when
you’re expecting,” advises Eugene
Kaskiw, M.D., an OB-GYN affiliated
with Riverview Medical Center. “And
take extra care to avoid exposure by
reading food labels, asking questions
at restaurants, and washing your hands
frequently.”
obstetrics
Eugene H. Kaskiw, M.D.
Board certified in
Obstetrics/
Gynecology
Little Silver
1-800-560-9990
Eat a Healthy Pregnancy Diet
Women in the study whose kids had the
lowest allergy risk ate nuts five or more
times per week. Generally, one serving
of nuts is equal to 1 ounce, which is
about 23 almonds, 14 walnut halves,
or 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.
“Consumption of nuts during
pregnancy doesn’t guarantee an
allergy-free child,” says Dr. Kaskiw.
“However, the findings suggest that if
you enjoy nuts and can safely eat them
yourself, there’s no reason to give them
up during pregnancy.”
In fact, the protein, fiber, and healthy
fats in nuts can serve as part of a healthy
pregnancy diet. Eat them along with
other nutritious foods, including:
• Whole grains. This includes oatmeal,
whole wheat bread, and brown rice.
• Fruits and vegetables. Eat
a wide variety to get all the
nutrients you and your baby need.
• Low-fat dairy products.
Try yogurt, milk, and cheese.
But skip soft cheeses and
other unpasteurized
products. Check labels for
the phrase “made with
pasteurized milk.”
• Other healthy sources of
protein. Choose eggs,
peas, tofu, poultry, fish,
and lean cuts of meat.
Prepare for Baby with Our Maternity Classes
Whether you have questions about nursing or infant care
101, Meridian Health offers exceptional education to help
your baby have everything he or she needs to thrive. Visit
MeridianMomtourage.com/Classes for a list of our
childbirth and maternity classes.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com 13
MOMS
Cook with Your Kids to
Instill Healthy Values
Nancy N. Deacon, D.O.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Toms River
1-800-560-9990
A recent study found that learning to
cook helps children eat healthier. Use
these tricks to make the experience
fun for you and your children.
Keep It Simple
“Let your child begin with easier jobs
and work up to tasks that are more
difficult or complex,” says Nancy
Deacon, D.O., a pediatrician with
Shore Touch Pediatrics.
Simple kid-friendly recipes include
salads, yogurt sundaes, mini pizzas,
healthy nachos, and decorated whole
wheat bread made with prepared
bread dough, chopped dried fruit
and nuts, and sunflower seeds.
Keep It Safe
Dr. Deacon recommends enforcing
these rules in the kitchen:
• Wash hands with soap and water
before preparing food and after
touching raw meat and fish.
• Closely supervise knife use and
show proper cutting techniques
before letting children cut anything
on their own. Teach children to cut
away, not toward, their fingers.
• Use pot holders when removing
hot pans and dishes from the oven.
• Use one cutting board for meat
and poultry and another one for
fresh produce.
Christie Rampone Dishes
About Healthy Foods
Read all about why professional
soccer player Christie Rampone
says education on nutrition is vital
for kids. To read Christie’s blog
page, go to MeridianHealth.com/
EatingHealthy.
14
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2015
mary brenner, 52,
has stayed active as
she's gotten older.
She's done the
Jersey Girl sprint
triathlon twice and
enjoys circuit
training, riding her
road bike, and
paddleboarding. your
health
How Our Bones and
Joints Change with Age
As we age, it’s normal to notice a few more wrinkles or a little gray hair. But most of us
don’t realize the effect aging has on our skeletal systems. Find out what’s going on with
your skeletal system and how to boost your bone and joint health.
How Bones Change
Throughout life, your bones are constantly changing. The body
naturally removes old bone and replaces it with new bone. “When
you are young, bone is replaced much more quickly than it is lost,”
explains David Rodricks, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon affiliated
with Ocean Medical Center. “This is when you are building
stronger and denser bones. Around age 30, most people reach their
peak bone mass.”
After reaching peak bone mass, your body replaces about
as much as it loses for a while. But around age 40, less bone is
replaced. And this causes the bones to become thinner and weaker,
increasing the risk for osteoporosis. “For women, the most rapid
bone loss occurs in the years after menopause,” adds Dr. Rodricks.
How Joints Change
Your joints are also living, active tissues that can
change over time. Loss of water content, as well
as normal wear and tear, can take its toll on
the joints, breaking down the top layer of
cartilage. And this slippery tissue is
important. It covers the ends of the
bones in joints, helping them glide
easily and absorb the shock of
movement. When the cartilage wears
away too much, osteoarthritis occurs.
But not all age-related joint
problems are unavoidable. One that
is not a natural part of aging, but
often occurs with age, is inactivity.
As we get older, we begin to taper
off our exercise. But it’s important
to remember that inactivity can
stiffen our joints, not to mention
weaken our muscles. Those who
avoid the stereotypical sedentary
lifestyle of older age are rewarded
with better bone and joint health.
Turning Back the Clock
Aging is inevitable. But there are many
things you can do to boost your bone and
joint health as you age, preventing or
delaying problems. Dr. Rodricks offers
these tips:
• Ask your doctor whether medication
may be affecting your skeleton. A
David J.
Rodricks, M.D.
number of drugs contribute to bone loss,
Board certified
including some long-term antiseizure
in Orthopedic
drugs, certain cancer treatments, and
Surgery
Brick
glucocorticoids, which are used to treat
1-800-560-9990
arthritis and many other diseases, such
as asthma, Crohn’s disease, and lupus.
• Exercise regularly. Not only can
physical activity keep your joints more flexible, it can
minimize bone loss as well as help you maintain muscle mass,
which strengthens surrounding bone and helps prevent falls.
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are
essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Your
doctor can tell you how much you need. If you are unsure
whether you are getting enough through your diet, ask
about supplements.
• Keep your weight at a normal level. Carrying too much
weight puts stress on the joints and can lead to increased wear
and tear and greater risk for osteoarthritis.
Start Your Healthy Joint Journey Online
Now is the time to maintain your bone and joint
health. At MeridianOrthopedicsNJ.com, you’ll
find a variety of resources to help you protect your
bones and joints, like classes, events, and success
stories. You can also watch new videos of the
physicians on our talented orthopedic team!
GOLD SEAL–APPROVED!
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, and Riverview Medical
Center have all earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for their Hip
and Knee Joint Replacement Programs. This recognition reaffirms that the highest
standards are being followed in the delivery of orthopedic care to our patients.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com 15
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Meridian
Health
1350 Campus Parkway
Neptune, NJ 07753
At only 2 months old, ryland
bintliff was transferred to the PICU
at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital
when an RSV infection became
serious. Turn to page 6.
10291M
Visit us on the Web at MeridianHealth.com.
Sky’s the Limit: Ticket Giveaway!
Meridian Health is thrilled to be the title sponsor for Sky Blue
women’s professional soccer team’s 2015 season. For your chance
to win tickets to a game, visit MeridianHealth.com/SkyBlueFC.
Summer 2015
nts
Upcoming Eve
•
ia n h ea lt h
• at m er id
Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
This four-session smoking-cessation
program is offered by the American
Cancer Society. Success in the program
requires attendance at all four sessions.
July 6, 8, 13, AND 15, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center,
Cancer Conference Room
August 18, 20, 25, AND 27, 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.
Meridian Health Village at Jackson,
Conference Center
Take Control of Your Health
Learn practical skills and strategies
for managing symptoms, working with
health care professionals, setting weekly
goals, problem solving, relaxing, handling
difficult emotions, eating well, and
exercising safely and easily. Six-week
program. Registration required.
Starting July 30, 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Starting August 4, 1:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Meridian Health Village at Jackson,
Conference Center
This summer, check out
these classes at the
Meridian Community
Resource Center at
Freehold Raceway Mall:
Living with Chronic Migraines?
Join Jorge Corzo, M.D., as he
discusses the causes and treatment
options for chronic migraines.
July 8, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Varicose Veins
Lawrence Mueller, M.D., will discuss
varicose veins, their causes, and the
latest treatment options.
July 23
Lecture: 7:00 P.M./Screenings: 8:00 P.M.
Safe Sitter
Babysitter training for boys and girls
ages 11 to 14. The class includes
handling emergencies, first aid, and
CPR. Fee: $40.
July 24, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
August 19, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Concussions in Young Athletes
Alan Cabasso, M.D., will discuss the
signs, symptoms, prevention, causes,
and treatment options of concussions
in young athletes.
July 29, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Eyes Are Everything
Ralph DelNegro, D.O., will discuss
vision changes as you age and things
you can do to protect your eyes.
August 4, NOON – 1:00 P.M.
Breast Health
Phillipa Woodriffe, M.D., will discuss
prevention, risk factors, myths, and
treatment options for breast health.
Light refreshments will be served.
August 5, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tween Self-Esteem
This program is for seventh- and
eighth-grade girls and their moms.
It will focus on how to make healthy
life choices and the changes girls go
through during the teen years. Lord
& Taylor will be on hand for a minifashion show. Dinner will be provided.
August 26, 6:30 – 8:30 P.M.
SPEAKER: Marilyn Loh Collado, M.D.