SUPPORT REPORT
Transcription
SUPPORT REPORT
SUPPORT REPORT Supporting Rensselaer County’s Parenting and Expectant Families Volume 1, Issue 4 Director’s Note Sharing the Season Articles Submitted By- Cheryl Kremer Hello Everyone, Summer is full force upon us with its bright sunny days, barbeques, picnics and swimming. I hope this note finds everyone enjoying the summer splendor, keeping safe, and staying mosquito free!! While June has already passed, I would like to take a moment to recognize the dads out there. Father’s Day was celebrated on Sunday June 15, 2008. What many do not realize is that Father’s Day, as a national holiday, has only been celebrated since 1972 when President Nixon signed it into law. Before that, there were some celebrations throughout the US however none carried the recognition that fathers deserved. Fathers play an important role in raising children. Whoever said a dad can’t be loving and nurturing to their child? Whoever said that they can’t give hugs and kisses and tumble on the floor? Whoever said they can’t change a diaper, make a meal, or fix a boo-boo? You might be surprised how many dads out there do! So for this moment, I want to recognize all of the dads out there who take pride in being the best father they can be to their children. Happy Belated Father’s Day to you! ONCE UPON A SUMMER DAY BY JOSEPH T. RENALDI Once upon a Summer day, Birds chirped in a musical way, Grass drenched in the morning dew, The sky covered in a vast color of blue. Once upon a summer day, Flowers bloomed in full array, Bright rays of sunlight spilled Upon my garden on the hill. Once upon a summer day, Thunder rumbled and prolonged its stay, But after the rain tumbled down, This summer day wore a glorious rainbow crown. Section cont. on page 4 Thankfully, In This Issue Teething & Tooth Care Donnamarie HFRC EVENT PICTURES! Autism Specturm Disorders "It is a wise father that knows his own child." -- William Shakespeare And much, much more Page 1 |July 08 Pregnancy Page Infant Info Articles Submitted By- Shannon Leonardo Articles Submitted By- Brandie Bowman To What Activities Should I Avoid During Pregnancy? As your pregnancy progresses, you should avoid any activity that puts you at risk for falling or increases the chance of trauma to your abdomen. And the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that activities at altitudes over 6,000 feet may carry some risks, as less oxygen is available for you and your baby. Research is conflicting about whether raising your core body temperature through exercise can harm your baby, but we do know that the following activities can cause problems during pregnancy: Amusement park rides: Waterslides and other rides at amusement parks are a no-no, since a forceful landing or sudden start or stop could harm your baby. Bicycling: Cycling isn't a good idea for newbies, but experienced riders may be able to continue until their second trimester, when a shifting center of gravity affects balance and can make cycling dangerous. Contact sports: Soccer, basketball, and hockey put you at a high risk of injury from a ball or puck, a collision with another player, or a fall during play. Gymnastics: Same risk of falling and increased chance of trauma to your abdomen. Horseback riding: Even if you're a good rider, it's not worth risking a fall. Post-sport tubs and saunas: Soaking in hot tubs and Jacuzzis or sitting in a sauna can be dangerous to your developing baby because overheating has been linked to birth defects. Running: If you weren't a runner before you got pregnant, now's not the time to take it up. Otherwise, it's fine in moderation. From your second trimester on, when the risk of falling increases, you should run with caution. As with all forms of exercise, avoid becoming overheated, and drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweating. Scuba diving: This is an absolute no. As you surface, air bubbles can form in your bloodstream, which can be very dangerous for both you and your growing baby. Teething & Tooth Care The vast majority of babies sprout their first teeth when they're between 4 and 7 months of age. An early developer may get his first white cap as early as 3 months, while a late bloomer may have to wait until he's a year old or more. (In rare cases, a baby's first tooth is already visible at birth.) Whenever the first tooth makes its appearance, celebrate the milestone by taking pictures and noting the date in your child's baby book. Teeth actually start developing while your baby's in the womb, when tooth buds form in the gums. Teeth break through one at a time over a period of months, and often — but not always — in this order: First the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back. They may not all come in straight, but don't worry — they usually straighten out over time. The last teeth to appear (the second molars, found in the very back of the mouth on the top and bottom) have usually begun coming into place by your baby's second birthday. By age 3, your child should have a full set of 20 baby teeth, which shouldn't fall out until his permanent teeth are ready to start coming in, around age 6. Teething Symptoms Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash) Gum swelling and sensitivity Irritability or fussiness Biting behavior Refusing food Sleep problems What can I do to ease my baby's discomfort? Give your child something to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold washcloth. If your baby is old enough to eat solids, he may also get some relief from cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. Giving him a hard, unsweetened teething cracker such as zwieback to gnaw on is another time-honored trick. (Avoid carrots, as they can be a choking hazard.) Simply rubbing a clean finger gently but firmly over your baby's sore gums can ease the pain temporarily, too. Continued on page 3 Page 2 |July 08 Pregnancy Page Infant Info Continued from page 2 If these methods aren't working, some doctors recommend giving a teething baby a small dose of children's pain reliever such as infants' acetaminophen — but check with your doctor before giving your baby any medication. (Never give your baby aspirin or even rub it on his gums to ease the pain. The use of aspirin in children is associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially lifethreatening condition.) Rubbing the gums with topical pain relief gel is also an option, but you may want to ask your baby's doctor before trying it. If you use too much, it can numb the back of your baby's throat and weaken his gag reflex (which helps prevent him from choking on his saliva). The gels are generally safe to use, but in rare cases can cause an allergic reaction. If drool causes a rash on your baby's face, wipe, but don't rub, the drool away with a soft cotton cloth. You can also smooth petroleum jelly on his chin before a nap or bedtime to protect the skin from further irritation. Should I start cleaning my baby's gums even before his teeth come in? Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it's a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. You don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums. What's the best way to brush my baby's teeth after they start coming in? As your child's teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn't sprouted his first tooth by the end of his first year, don't worry — some children don't start getting them until 15 to 18 months.) Articles Submitted By- Shannon Leonardo Surfing: Same risk of falling and increased chance of trauma to your abdomen. Tennis: A moderately paced game of tennis is okay if you played before you became pregnant. But you may have problems with balance and sudden stops, so watch your step. Most women find that it's hard to keep up their game as their bellies get bigger in the second and third trimesters. Waterskiing: Another activity that puts you at risk for falling and increases the chance of trauma to your abdomen. Play it smart by sticking to safe pregnancy activities. Even if you were very active before getting pregnant, if you're at risk for preterm labor or intrauterine growth restriction (when the baby fails to grow at a normal rate), you should cut back on your level of physical activity in your second and third trimesters. Your healthcare provider can help you design a fitness routine that's right for you and your baby-to-be. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that you stop exercising immediately and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms: • vaginal bleeding • shortness of breath • dizziness or feeling faint • headache • chest pain • muscle weakness • calf pain or swelling (which could indicate a blood clot) • preterm labor • decreased fetal movement • fluid leaking from the vagina As long as you're cleaning your child's teeth regularly, you don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he'll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out. Written by: Joanna Stone, M.D. found on www.babycenter.com Source: Adapted from articles found on www.babycenter.com Page 3 |July 08 Sharing the Season Continued from page 1 How to Be Safe When You’re in the Sun The weather is warming up, the days are longer and there’s more time to be outside doing all kinds of fun things! But if you're going to be out in the sun, especially on a hot day, you need to stay safe. You don't need to hide from the sun completely or wrap up like a mummy to protect ct yourself. But you should take these two steps: Always wear sunscreen. Take frequent breaks from the sun by going indoors or moving into the shade. These steps are especially important between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon afternoon, when the sun's rays are strongest. Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Put on sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun. If you are fair skinned, you should use a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating such as SPF 30. The letters SPF stand for sun protection factor, and the number rating tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. So if you normally burn after 20 minutes and you put on a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15, this sunscreen may give you 15 timess the protection. That's 15 times 20 minutes, or 300 minutes (5 hours).But this isn’t always true, so reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, just to be safe. Do this more often if you've been swimming or sweating a lot - even if the sunscreen is waterproof. oof. And remember that you can get sunburned more quickly when you're swimming or boating because the reflection from the water intensifies the sun's rays. Be sure to put sunscreen all over your body. This includes some places you might not think of, like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the part in your hair, your face, and the tops of your feet. If you want to block the sun's rays, wear clothing that you can't see your hand through. You may still get burned through sheerer fabrics. Wear a baseball seball cap or other fun hat to block your face from the sun. Don't forget that your eyes need protection from ultraviolet rays, too. Always wear sunglasses in the bright sun, and make sure they have a label saying that they block UV rays. Drink Up! Drinking water is an important part of staying healthy, especially when it's hot outside. When Talking Toddlers Articles Submitted By- Brandie Bowman Tantrums Why 2-year-olds olds throw tantrums A temper tantrum is the emotional equivalent of a summer storm — sudden and nd sometimes fierce, but often over as quickly as it starts. One minute you and your child are enjoying your dinner in a restaurant, the next she's whimpering, whining, and then screaming to go home. Two-year-olds Two are especially prone to such episodes. Though ough you may worry that you're raising a tyrant, take heart — at this age, it's unlikely that your child is throwing a fit to be manipulative. More likely, she's having a meltdown in response to frustration. Often, your 2-year-old's old's language skills — or lack thereof — are to blame. "Two-year-olds "Two are beginning to understand more and more of the words they hear, yet their ability to articulate their feelings and needs is limited," says Claire B. Kopp, professor of applied developmental psychology at California's ia's Claremont Graduate University. As a result, frustration builds when your child can't express how she feels. What to do when your 2-year year-old pitches a fit Don't lose your cool. A tantrum isn't a pretty sight. In addition to kicking, screaming, or pounding po the floor, your child's repertoire may include throwing things, hitting, and even holding her breath until she turns blue (don't worry; she'll eventually come up for air). When your child is swept up in a tantrum, she's unable to listen to reason, though t she will respond — negatively — to your yelling or threatening. Stomping out of the room — tempting as that may be — can make your child feel abandoned. The storm of emotion she's feeling can be frightening to her, and she needs to know you're nearby. nearby Rather than leave her thrashing on the floor, go to her. If she's not flailing too much, pick her up and hold her. Chances are she'll find your embrace comforting, and will calm down more quickly. Remember that you're the adult. adult No matter how long the tantrum antrum goes on, don't give in to unreasonable demands or negotiate with your screaming child. It's especially tempting in public to cave in as a way of ending the episode. Try not to worry about what others think — anyone Continued on Page 9 Page 4 |July 08 Sharing the Season Preschool Piece Continued from page 4 you're sweating, you lose water that your body needs to work properly. And if you're playing a sport or running around in the sun, you lose even more water, because you sweat that much more. So drink up and don't wait until you're thirsty - drinking before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your body from dropping too low when it's hot or you're sweating a lot with exercise. If you forget and suddenly feel thirsty, start drinking then. There are lots of cool coollooking water bottles around, so get one you really like, fill it up, and drink up! Got That Hot Feeling? If you're out in the hot sun, or you're exercising on a hot day, it's easy to get heat exhaustion.. Kids get heat exhaustion when their bodies can't cool themselves fast enough. A kid with heat exhaustion might feel overheated, tired, and weak. Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly. A person may just collapse when playing soccer or tennis, for example. It can leave a person feeling really tired for day days after it happens. Heat stroke is a more serious heat-related related illness and can cause a person to stop sweating, to have red, hot skin, and to have a high temperature. The person might become uncoordinated, confused, or even lose consciousness. It requires emergency medical attention. Be sure to tell an adult if you're hot and you have a headache or feel dizzy or nauseous (like you're going to throw up). The grown-up up will want to get you out of the sun, give you liquids to drink, and take you to a doctor, if necessary. The good news is that the sun doesn't have to be your enemy if you wear your sunscreen, drink your water, and take breaks when you start to feel too hot. And don't forget your sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, they make ke you look so cool! Article Submitted By- Brandie Bowman PRESCHOOLERS AND SHARING "You can't have it!" your preschooler shouts as he grabs his toy truck from his playmate. No sooner have you smoothed out that squabble than another erupts. "No!" he yells as his visitor heads toward his rock collection. Why doesn't your child know how to share? Well, he knows;; he just isn't very consistent about doing it. Your preschooler may spend hours a day playing with other children, he can take turns in games, and he's less self-centered centered than he h was a year or two ago. But he's still impulsive and doesn't have a very good grasp of time, so waiting while his playmate takes a turn with a coveted toy is trying for him. "Preschoolers are just learning that it feels good to give and that it's fun to share s with friends," says Roni Leiderman, associate dean of the Family Center at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. You can sow the seeds of sharing by encouraging these displays of generosity and by gently discouraging your child's less-charitable less impulses. Make sharing fun. Teach your preschooler cooperative games in which players work together toward a common goal. Do puzzles together, taking turns adding pieces, for instance. Share projects, too: Plant the garden, paint the fence, or hose down the car with him. Finally, give him things to share with his buddies now and then, like a special snack for preschool or a roll of stickers to divvy up during a playdate. Don't punish stinginess. If you tell your preschooler that he's selfish, discipline iscipline him when he doesn't share, or force him to hand over a prized possession, you'll foster resentment, not generosity. "To encourage sharing, use positive reinforcement rather than admonishment," Leiderman says. Continued on page 14 Source: www. http://kidshealth.org Section continued on page 13 Page 5 |July 08 Parent to Parent What Healthy Families Are Saying About Early Intervention: “My son has been in EIP for a year and a half. He receives physical and speech therapy and gross motor. I see a great improvement in his speech and gross motor since therapy. I am grateful for all the help we have received. Thank you so much.’ -Aimee, parent of DeAngela age 13, Andrew age 3 & Lacey age 17 months “In the summer when trying to get services started it was very difficult to get a call back. The testing process could have been more organized but now that my son is receiving services I am very happy with them. The information they provide me with is very helpful.” -Stacy, parent of Roger age 3, Christopher age 2 & Peter age 9 months “I’ve had EIP for three of my four children and it has always been a good experience. Some of the staff members are better at their jobs than others but my kids have always enjoyed who they’ve worked with.” -Amanda, parent of Kelsey age 4 “My daughter is difficult to deal with. I’m glad she is getting EIP because I am learning about her disability so that I can help her and feel better about being a parent to her.” -Amanda, parent of Samira age 3 83.3% of responding families participating in Early Intervention Services report that the services have helped them help their child develop and learn. -NYS Early Intervention Annual Report (2006) Thank you to all the parents who responded to this season’s topic. Be on the lookout for our next feature topic. If you want to suggest a topic please share it with your worker! This section of the newsletter is for parents of Healthy Families to share with one another a poem, letter, recipe, or a question that you may want answered from other parents. Please speak to your Family Support Worker, or send newsletter submissions to Healthy Families of Rensselaer County at 2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, N.Y. 12180. Or email [email protected] Please note that we will try our best to put as many submissions as possible in each newsletter, though we may need to edit or save your submission for the next newsletter. Page 6 |July 08 Health Safety & Development Article Submitted by: Leslie Robinson Autism spectrum disorders are a group of disorders in which children show difficulties with communicating, problem-solving and social skills, and ritualistic and obsessive behaviors. The spectrum can include autism, Asperger’s syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder. The severity of the disorder can range from mild to severe. It is called a spectrum disorder because it affects each child in a different way. Children with autism have limited language, and some may not speak at all. Sometimes they have trouble understanding what language is for and can seem out of the communication loop. They may not grasp nonverbal aspects of communication, such as gesture, facial expression, tone of voice and eye contact. Their difficulty in reading the emotions, desires and behavior of others often contributes to awkwardness in social settings. Autism and Asperger’s syndrome have much in common, but children with autism are more likely to have intellectual disability and sometimes epilepsy, while children with Asperger's usually have fewer problems with verbal language. Pervasive developmental disorder is diagnosed when the child has some signs of either autism or Asperger’s, but not enough to diagnose either of those conditions. Living with a child who has trouble recognizing the feelings of others can be very hard on siblings and parents. Joining a support group or seeking counseling can help families cope with some of the stress. Early diagnosis and therapy can help to alleviate some of the difficulties children with autism spectrum disorders encounter. The following professionals can help with diagnosis and treatment: pediatrician, child psychiatrist, audiologist, developmental psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist and specialist teacher. Source: http://raisingchildren.net.au Page 7 |July 08 Dad Detail Section Submitted By- Leslie Robinson & Donnamarie Martocci The Power of Knowing Your Child’s Needs WRITTEN BY THE DADS @ FATHERS.COM How well do you know your child's devel developmental opmental needs? A recent study at the University of Rochester discovered that about one-third third (31.2%) of parents of 9 9-month-olds olds are "clueless" about child development milestones, such as when babies talk, learn right from wrong, or can be potty trained. Some S moms and dads have unrealistic expectations for their children’s physical, social or emotional growth, and become frustrated. Others underestimate those abilities and prevent them from learning on their own. Nearly all of the parents surveyed were moms moms,, and based on our experiences and research, it’s reasonable to assume that a significantly higher percentage of fathers are uninformed about their children’s development—perhaps half to two-thirds. thirds. All dads, in any stage or level of experience, would do w well ell to recognize the importance of being aware of their children’s developmental milestones, as well as their unique interests, needs, dreams and challenges. This knowledge, or "insight," is a big part of the Championship Fathering fundamental of Coaching—the Coaching lifelong process of shaping, mentoring and empowering a child as he or she moves toward adulthood. The researchers concluded that low-level level knowledge of child development predicted two things in the parents: 1) they are less likely to enjoy healthy interactions with their infants during learning tasks, and 2) they are less likely to engage their children in regular enrichment activities. If we are more aware of our children's developmental needs and abilities, we we'll 'll be more motivated to encourage them in learning activities and more likely to enjoy that time together. Additionally, insight will bring confidence to our fathering. When we are aware of what our children really need, we can be confident that our actions actio are making a difference—building building them up, encouraging them, helping them overcome difficulties, etc. Whether your child is an infant, finishing kindergarten, entering the teen years or getting married, utilize insights on your child's development to yo your advantage—and his. Gain more insight about your child’s stage of development. A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~Author Unknown Continued on pg. 11 "The love of a father is one of nature's greatest masterpieces." ~ Author Unknown Page 8 |July 08 Talking Toddlers Bargain Bin Articles Submitted By- Brandie Bowman Submitted by: Syreeta Garbarini Continued from page 4 who's a parent has been there before. By conceding, you'll only be teaching your child that pitching a fit is the way to get what she wants, and setting the stage for future behavior problems. . Whatever your financial situation, CCCS can help you make it better. With a certified counselor, you will review your income, expenses and debt, and create a plan to achieve If your 2-year-old's old's outburst escalates to the point where she's hitting people or pets, throwing things, or screaming nonstop, pick her up and carry her to a safe place, such as her bedroom, where she can't harm herself. Tell her why she's there ("because you hit your you sister"), and let her know that you'll stay with her until she calms down. If you're in a public place — a common breeding ground for tantrums — be prepared to leave with your child until she gets a grip. your financial goals. You will receive tips on managing your money, and options for handing financial crises. Services Include: Credit Budget Counseling Bankruptcy Counseling HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Credit Report Review Call the office orr ask your family support worker for more details. ALBANY 2 Computer Drive West Albany, NY 12205 (518) 482-2227 Fax (518) 482-2296 Talk it over afterward. When the storm subsides, subsides hold your child close and talk about what happened. Acknowledge her frustration, and help her put her feelings into words, saying something like, "You were very angry because your food wasn't the way you wanted it," Kopp suggests. Let her see that once she s expresses herself in words, she'll get better results. Say with a smile, "I'm sorry I didn't understand you. Now that you're not screaming, I can find out what you want." Watch for signs of overstress. Though daily tantrums are a perfectly normal part of o the terrible twos, you do need to keep an eye out for possible problems brewing. Has there been upheaval in the family? An extremely busy or harried period? Tension between you and your partner? All of these can provoke tantrums. If after the age of 2 1/2 2 your child is still having major tantrums every day, talk to her pediatrician. If she's younger than 2 1/2 but has three or four tantrums a day and isn't cooperating with any routines, such as getting dressed or picking up toys, you also may want to seek help. The pediatrician can make sure that a physical or psychological condition isn't contributing to the problem, and suggest ways to deal with the outbursts. Source: www.parentcenter.com Page 9 |July 08 How Humorous Article Submitted By- Mary Ann Jones What I Didn't Know Until I Had Kids How many seconds it takes to microwave 4 fish sticks perfectly. Who John Jacob Jingle Heimershmitt is. How to change a diaper in the dark, in a parked car, on a standing child and all of the above simultaneously. Which lines of The Cat in the Hat and If I Ran the Circus can be skipped over without a child noticing. How bright a 3 a.m. full moon is. The design marvels of hooded towels, Velcro-strap shoes and mitten clips. Locations of public restrooms all across town. Why anyone would bother retracing their steps for miles just to retrieve a lost blankie. That tigers live in the trees in our backyard. The amazing technicolor variety of infant stool. How to open a van door while bobbling 2 lunch boxes, two extra coats, a purse, a diaper bag and a baby. How little sleep a human body truly needs to function. Almost every Disney lyric ever penned. How to spell amoxicillin, let alone say it. That one can never own too many sippy cup lids or refrigerator magnets. Scientific names of dinosaurs from A to Z. That reverse psychology really works. The recipe for a homemade version of Play-doh. The distinctive sounds of Cheerios crunching underfoot. How far you can dilute juice and still retain it's taste. Sesame Street's air time. That the more my kids learn, the less I seem to know. The blessedness of naps, the inviolate importance of routines. And the one I wanted to add ... How much you could love one human being! Source: http://www.lovethosekids.com Children’s Comedy Knock Knock Who's there? Abbott! Abbott who? Abbott time you answered the door! Knock Knock Who's there? Al! Al who? Al give you a kiss if you open this door! Toddler Property Rules: If I like it, it’s mine. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine. If I think it’s mine, it’s mine. Source: http://www.lovethosekids.com Page 10 |July 08 Kids in the Kitchen Recipe Submitted By- Syreeta Garbarini Hamburger Cookies Ingredients: • vanilla wafers • icing • food coloring • chocolate mint Directions: Let the kids assemble these themselves. It's loads of fun! Take two vanilla wafers (the bun). Squeeze a bit of yellow icing (mustard) on one wafer and red icing (ketchup) on the other wafer. Put a chocolate covered d mint on the ketchup wafer and top with the mustard wafer. Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles Ingredients: • 2 cups fresh (chopped) or frozen strawberries • 2 cups low fat vanilla yogurt • 12 small paper cups • 12 wooden sticks Directions: Combine strawberries trawberries and yogurt. Mix well. Fill cups with mixture. Cover cups with plastic wrap or tin foil. Insert a stick through the plastic wrap or tin foil. Freeze popsicles until firm. Gently tear away paper cup from frozen yogurt popsicle before eating. Makes 12 popsicles Source: www.dltk-kids.com Spanish Section Article Submitted By- Nelly Massanet Los dos principales riesgos que pueden entrañan la mayoría de picaduras o mordeduras de insecto son las reacciones alérgicas (que en ocasiones es pueden poner en peligro la vida del afectado) y las infecciones (más probables y menos graves). Qué hacer: Picaduras de abeja, avispa y avispón • Las abejas, cuando pican, dejan un aguijón adherido a una bolsita llena de veneno. Intente extraer el aguijón aguij lo antes posible. Una forma de hacerlo es frotarlo suavemente con un objeto de borde romo, como una tarjeta de crédito o un cuchillo sin afilar. • Lave con cuidado el área afectada utilizando agua y jabón. Hágalo dos o tres veces al día hasta que se haya curado la piel. • Aplique una bolsa de hielo envuelta en un paño o una toallita húmeda y fría sobre la zona afectada durante unos minutos. • Déle a su hijo paracetamol para mitigar el dolor. • Para el dolor y el picor, déle a su hijo un antihistamínico administrado istrado por vía oral si lo aprueba el pediatra; siga al pie de la letra las instrucciones de dosificación teniendo en cuenta la edad y el peso del niño. También puede aplicar una crema que contenga corticosteroides o una loción de calamina en el área de la picadura. • Una picadura en cualquier lugar de la boca requiere atención médica inmediata. Esto obedece a que las picaduras en las mucosas de la boca pueden provocar una inflamación importante que puede obstruir las vías respiratorias. Usted debería solicitar solici atención médica si, tras la picadura, su hijo desarrolla una erupción que afecta a un área considerable de la piel o una inflamación importante en la zona de la picadura o si el dolor o la inflamación persisten durante más de 72 horas. Debería solicitarr atención médica urgente si percibe cualquiera de los siguientes signos, que pueden indicar una reacción alérgica grave que podría poner en peligro la vida del niño: estridor, respiración sibilante o dificultad para respirar opresión de pecho o garganta hinchazón de labios mareo o desmayo náuseas o vómitos Continua en la pg. 12 Page 11 |July 08 Dad Detail Spanish Section Section continued from pg. 7 Article Submitted By- Nelly Massanet Picaduras de garrapata Después de pasar la jornada o una parte de ella en un área boscosa, inspeccione atentamente el cuerpo de Talk with your children’s mother about what new developments each of you is noticing in your child—and and ways you ca can get involved to help encourage, protect, etc. Make sure your little one is very familiar with you as well—your your face, your touch, your voice, etc. Are you expecting something of your child that she can’t handle? Or expecting too little le of her? Get feedback from someone else who knows your child well. Listen carefully for small differences in your baby’s cries. Is he telling you he’s uncomfortable? Hungry? Tired? Source: www.fathers.com "To her the name of father was another name for love.” - Fanny Fern sus mascotas y de sus hijos en busca garrapatas. garrapata Las garrapatas más comunes son las de los perros y las de los ciervos (estas últimas pueden trasmitir la enfermedad de Lyme). Si detecta una garrapata en su hijo: Llame al pediatra. Tal vez le pida que guarde la garrapata después de extraérsela (puede introducirla en un recipiente de cristal lleno de alcohol para matarla y conservarla). Utilice pinzas para apresarle firmemente la cabeza o la boca cerca de la piel del niño. Tire firme ininterrumpidamente de la garrapata hasta que se desprenda de la piel pie del niño, luego pase un trocito de algodón con alcohol por el área de la picadura. No utilice vaselina ni encienda cerillas para matar y extraer la garrapata. Source: www.kidshealth.org One of Our Annual Healthy Family Pic Picnics! nics! .96 Join us on Thursday August 7 from 2:30-:4 :4:30 for the Southern Rensselaer Family Picnic at River Front Park! Page 12 |July 08 Sharing the Season Healthy Family Happenings Section continued from page 4 Bug bites and stings usually are just nuisances. They bring momentary alarm, temporary discomfort and pain, but no serious or lasting health problems. But on occasion, they can cause infections that require treatment and allergic reactions that can be serious, even fatal. Parents should know the signs off an infection or allergic reaction, and when to get medical attention. Inform all caregivers if a child has any history of complications so they know what to do in the event of a bug bite or sting. Bee and Wasp Stings • A bee will leave behind a stinger attached ached to a venom sac. Try to remove it as quickly as possible. (Wasps don't leave their stingers in the skin after stinging, which means they can sting more than once.) • Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to three times a day until thee skin is healed. • Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a cold, wet washcloth for a few minutes. • For pain and itching, give an over-the the-counter oral antihistamine if your child's doctor says it's OK; follow dosage instructions for your child's age and weight. You could also apply a corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion to the sting area. • A sting anywhere in the mouth warrants immediate medical attention because stings in oral mucous membranes can quickly cause severe swelling that may block airways. • Seek medical care if you notice a large skin rash or swelling around the sting site, or if swelling or pain persists for more than 3 days, which could indicate an infection. • Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following signs, which may indicate a serious or potentially life lifethreatening allergic reaction: wheezing or difficulty breathing tightness in throat or chest swelling of the lips, tongue, or face Family Story Time Lansingburgh Library 114th Street & 4th Avenue, 12182 Call 274-7071 7071 for details. Collar City Live (Family) Wednesdays at Noon 265 River Street Call 859-3047 3047 for details Saturday, August 2, 2008 Times Union African American Family Day 12-6 6 p.m. Empire State Plaza Call 474-5987 5987 for details Saturday urday August 23, 2008 Albany Latin Fest 2008 11-6 6 p.m. Washington Park Friday & Saturday September 5-6, 5 2008 Town own of East Greenbush rd 3 Annual Community Celebration Sunday September 7, 2008 Uncle Sam Parade & Celebration th th Starts at 125 and 5 Call 235-0615 0615 for details. Saturday & Sunday September 20-21, 20 2008 Knickerbocker Harvest Festival 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Hemstreet Hemstr Park Call 677-3807 3807 or 692-2374 692 dizziness or fainting nausea or vomiting Tick Bites Check kids and pets for tickss carefully after you've been in or around a wooded area. Common types of ticks include dog ticks and deer ticks (deer ticks may be carriers of Lyme disease). If you find a tick on your child: • Call your doctor, who may want you to save the tick after removal al (you can put it in a jar of alcohol to kill it). • Use tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at its head or mouth, next to the skin. • Pull firmly and steadily on the tick until it lets go, then swab the bite site with alcohol. • Don't use petroleum jelly or a lit match atch to kill and remove a tick. Source: www.kidshealth.org Sunday September 21, 2008 th 5 Annual Walk/Run for Autism Begins at 8 a.m. Central Park Schenectady Call (518) 274-1279 274 for details or ask your Family Support Worker. Worker Page 13 |July 08 Preschool Piece Article Submitted By- Brandie Bowman Healthy Families of Rensselaer County 2008 Graduates! Keep in mind, too, that it's okay for your preschooler to hold back certain items. Talk it up. When kids squabble over toys, help them figure out what's really going on. If a friend is holding something back, explain to your child how his buddy might be feeling. For instance: tance: "Josh really likes that toy, and he doesn't want anyone to play with it right now." Help your preschooler put his own feelings into words too. Teach your preschooler to problem-solve. solve. If your child has a death grip on a toy truck that his playmate wants, chances are he's thinking, "It's either him or me." The concept of sharing the truck may not even have occurred to him. Encourage your preschooler to take turns with the truck (setting a kitchen timer to mark each child's turn may help), reassure him im that sharing isn't the same as giving away, and point out that if he shares his toys with friends, they'll be more inclined to share theirs with him. Set the stage. Before a playdate, ask your preschooler if there's anything he'd rather not share, and help him find a good place to keep those special toys. Then ask him to think of some things that would be fun for him and his visitor to play with together, such as toy walkie-talkies, talkies, art and craft supplies, building blocks, and sports equipment. That willl put him in a sharing frame of mind when his guest arrives. Ask his pal to bring along a toy or two of his own as well, since your preschooler may be more generous if he's not the only one doing the giving. Lead by example. The best way for your ler to learn generosity is to witness it. So preschooler share your ice cream with him. Offer him your scarf to fashion into a superhero's cape, and ask if you can try on his new cap. Use the word share to describe what you're doing, and don't forget to teach him that intangibles (like feelings, ideas, and stories) can be shared too. Most important, let him see you give and take, compromise, and share with others. Source: www.parentcenter.com Page 14 |July 08 Sharing the Season Articles Submitted By- Cheryl Kremer Swimming Swimming is a lot of fun, but drowning is a real danger. Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Drowning can happen so fast — sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person's head goes under the water. That leaves very little time for someone to help. Many drownings and near-drownings occur when a kid accidentally falls into a swimming pool. But accidents can happen anywhere — at someone's home or even at your own house, and that's why it’s smart to know how to be safe around water. Swimming Pools Pools are awesome! Have you seen those big numbers painted on the side of the pool? Those are called depth markers — they tell you how deep the water is at that point. You should always look before you jump into a pool. You should also only dive off the diving board. Never dive off the side of the pool unless an adult says that the water is deep enough. The water may be shallower than you think. If you hit the bottom . . . ouch! You might get knocked out or you could hurt your neck very badly.Test the pool's water temperature before you plunge in. Cold water can shock your body and make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. You might accidentally open your mouth to yell and accidentally breathe in some water. Cold water can also slow your muscles, making it hard to swim. Here's some other good advice for the pool: Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around. Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn't a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out! Always obey pool rules. Swim with a buddy. Walk slowly in the pool area. Don't run. Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you're just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end. Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself. Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They're toys that can lose air or float away. Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke. Lakes and Ponds Lots of kids swim in streams, lakes, or ponds. Extra care must be taken when swimming in these beautiful places. You can't always see the bottom of the lake or pond, so you don't always know the depth of the water. This is an additional reason to always swim with an adult. Although the fish swimming around won't hurt you, some ponds and lakes may hide jagged rocks, broken bottles, or trash. Wear something to protect your feet. Also, watch out for weeds and grass, which can trap even a good swimmer. If you panic and try to yank yourself free, you may get even more tangled. Instead, shake and pull your arms and legs slowly to work yourself loose or call for an adult's help. If you're going out on a boat, always wear a life jacket. (Again, the life jacket should be Coast Guard approved.) Even if you are a good swimmer, something could cause the boat to tip over and you could be trapped underneath. Here are some other good water safety tips: Learn to swim. Ask your parents to contact your local American Red Cross or community center for information on boating or water safety courses. Always put on plenty of sunscreen before you go outside. It's also a good idea to wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember, lightning is electricity — electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Don't swim in the dark. Wherever you're swimming, do have a waterfall of fun! Source: ww.kidshealth.org Page 15 |July 08 Where We Are: Samaritan Hospital 1528 Columbia Turnpike 2215 Burdett Avenue Castleton, NY 12034 4th Floor South (518) 472 472-9821 Troy, NY 12180 518) 472 472-9822 fax Advisory Board Members Steven Davis, Owner Ecolibrium, LLC Syreeta Garbarini,, Assistant Director Healthy Families of Rensselaer County Susan Hayes, Outpatient Therapist Conifer Park (518) 274-1279 Pam LaBuda, Wellness Coordinator Rensselaer County Department of Health (518) 271-7219 fax Please call for more information on our program. Debbie Lajeunesse, Director of Maternity Samaritan Hospital Family Birth Center Lisa Lajeunesse Rensselaer County Department of Social Services Katherine Maciol, Commissioner Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health A Program m of Healthy Families New York Anthony Malone, Pediatrician Developmental Pediatrics Donnamarie Martocci,, Executive Director Healthy Families of Rensselaer County Michael O’Neill, Psychologist Stratton VA Medical Center Milinda Reed, Director Unity House Domestic Violence Services Officiall Referral Partnership Members: Lisa Smith, Director Cornell Cooperative of Rensselaer County Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program Family Birthing Center at Samaritan Margaret Stein, Office & Programs Coordinator Albany Pine Bush Preserve eserve Commission MOMS Program Gerald Vogt, Lieutenant City of Troy Fire Department Rensselaer County Child Protective Service Troy OB & Associates- Gold Star Partner Unity House of Troy Mary Fran Wachunas,, Public Health Director & Early Intervention Official Rensselaer County Department of Health Richard Zazycki, Executive Director Circles of Mercy, Inc THANK YOU If you would like to learn more about the partnership, schedule a quick in-service training by calling or emailing us! Page 16 |July 08