Fight the Flu: It starts with you!

Fight the Flu: It starts with you!

Flu season is upon us, so let’s protect ourselves and our Keiki! Department of Health offered the Stop Flu at School program this past October. If your child did not receive their vaccine at that time, please schedule at your pediatricians office. Catching the flu can be very serious, especially for the young and the elderly, so vaccination will significantly decrease your child's chances of catching it. 

The Flu Vaccine  

The flu vaccine protects against four of the most common strains of the flu for specific year.  A common misconception is that if your child gets the flu vaccine, he/she will not get sick at all. However, it is still possible for your child to get the flu caused by a less common virus that was not included in the vaccine. They may also catch a virus that causes the common cold. There is no vaccine for the main culprit of the common cold, the rhinovirus.

 Flu vs. the Common Cold 

The most common reason that the flu and colds get confused, is because both are respiratory illnesses. They may share similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. Unlike the common cold though, the Flu can cause severe illness and possibly life-threatening complications.

Prevention

·       Get vaccinated

Influenza or “flu” can cause serious illness. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

·       Cover your cough or sneeze

Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Toss your used tissue in the wastebasket and wash your hands.

·       Wash your hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

·       Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

If you touch surfaces with the flu virus, you can get the flu by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

·       Stay home if you’re sick

Flu viruses go wherever you go when you are infected. Stay at home and check with your healthcare provider when needed

Concussion: preventing, recognizing and treatment

Concussions could happen anywhere to anyone. Please remember to use seatbelts while in car, helmets when playing sports and other protective gear as much as possible.

con·cus·sion

1.     Temporary unconsciousness caused by a blow to the head.

2.     The term is also used loosely of the aftereffects such as confusion or temporary incapacity.

Synonyms: temporary unconsciousness ·

temporary loss of consciousness · bang on the head · mild cranial trauma

3.     A violent shock as from a heavy blow.

Synonyms: force · impact · shock · jarring · jolting · jolt · shaking

Symptoms 

Aftercare

 

Brush Your Teeth!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Make brushing teeth fun.

 

A healthy mouth is an important ingredient for a happy and healthy childhood. Healthy teeth and gums are important for overall good health, and one of the things our body cannot regenerate.

The condition of our teeth and gums can affect a person’s speech, smile, smell, taste, chewing, swallowing, and ability to make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions.

Bacteria in our mouth can cause inflammation and gum disease. These germs have been linked to chronic diseases that can affect physical health, including the heart and immune system (which is in charge of preventing illness and healing).

Keeping your teeth healthy for a lifetime starts early!  

Make your breath and smile sparkle by flossing and brushing 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Around age 7 or 8, kids can start to brush their own teeth. Watch your kids to make sure they:

·         Brush all of their teeth

·         Brush for about 2 minutes each time

·         Spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it 

·         Let your child choose a toothbrush in a favorite color or character. Just make sure it’s the right size for your child’s mouth.

·         Make a checklist and have your child add a sticker after each brushing.

·         Sing or play a song to help your child brush for 2 minutes.

 Re-think your drink

·         Drink plenty of water! Water or milk helps rinse away food particles, bacteria and reduces acid production. Fluoridated water provides extra protection and milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which strengthen your bones and teeth.

·         Saliva is your mouth's best defense against tooth decay, containing proteins and minerals that naturally fight plaque. Sugar free chewing gum also helps boost saliva production.

·         Stay away from sugary and sticky foods, because they fuel bacteria that causes tooth decay and promotes cavities.

A good diet is critical for the health of the mouth and body, but it won’t make up for poor dental hygiene.

*Continue to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings, and make sure to brush and floss regularly.*

All You Need To Know About Ukus

Head lice, or ukus as they’re more commonly known in Hawaii, are an anxiety provoking issue for parents and the topic seems to come up year after year.  Let’s start the year off right and make sure we’re all in the know when it comes to ukus and how to deal with them.    

Q: What are ukus?

A: Ukus are tiny 2-3mm insects that live close to the scalp.  They feed on blood from the scalp and cannot live away from their food source for more than 24 hours.  They cannot jump or fly and they do not spread any diseases.  

Q: Who is at risk for ukus?

A: Anyone can get ukus regardless of hair length, cleanliness, or where they live or play.  They are most common among preschool and elementary aged children.  

Q: How are ukus spread?

A: Ukus cannot hop or fly.  They crawl.  Most cases of ukus are spread by direct head-to-head contact with an infested individual.  It’s possible, but much less likely, to transmit ukus through indirect objects like combs, brushes, hats, etc.  A healthy uku is not likely to leave a healthy head unless there’s a heavy infestation.  

Q: How are ukus diagnosed?

A: Finding a live uku is the gold standard for diagnosing ukus.  Nits can also be a sign of ukus.  Nits are the uku eggs that are glued to the hair shaft close to the scalp.  Look behind the ears and the nape of the neck to find them.  It’s easy to confuse nits with dandruff and other hair products but nits are more difficult to remove since they’re glued to the hair shaft.   

Q: How do I treat ukus?

A: The most effective treatment for ukus is over-the-counter permethrin 1% or Nix.  

• Apply to damp hair that is first shampooed and then towel dried.  
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.  
• Once this is done, then manually comb out the nits before they hatch and start the whole process over again.  
• It is recommended to repeat this shampoo treatment in 7-10 days.  

Q: Where can I get uku shampoo?

A: Uku shampoo can be purchased over the counter at your local drugstore or grocery store.  You can also check with your child’s primary care provider to see if they can prescribe it.  Or, check with your Hawaii Keiki APRN Zoë Shih to see if there are community agencies that may be able to purchase it for you.

Q: What about natural remedies for ukus?

A: There is no clear scientific evidence to show that natural or home remedies for ukus are effective.  The most studied and most effective treatment is as stated above, permethrin 1% or Nix.

Q: Does the whole family need to be treated?

A: No, only those that show signs of ukus.  Make sure to check all close contacts once someone is diagnosed with ukus in the home however only those with an active infestation need to be treated.   

Q: Do I have to clean my whole house?

A: It’s important to treat household items or personal belongings that came into contact with the head of the person with ukus in 24 to 48 hours before treatment started.  Carpeting, rugs, furniture, car seats and other fabric covered items can be vacuumed.  Items such as clothing can be washed at temperatures greater than 130 degrees F to kill stray ukus or nits.  Items that cannot be washed can be bagged in plastic for 2 weeks.   

Q: Why does my child keep getting ukus?

A: Treatment failure is the number one reason for repeated occurrences of ukus.  Refer to the shampoo instructions listed above and don’t forget about household cleaning too.    

Q: How can we prevent getting ukus?

A: It can be helpful to tie or braid your child’s long hair, keep it short or even slick it back in order to make it harder for ukus to grab on.  You can also check your child’s hair at least once a week so that if your child does have ukus then you’ll catch it early and be able to treat it quickly.

Electronic Devices and Technology- Impact on Children

These days it’s becoming more and more normal to see children as young as a year old using either a smart phone or iPad to watch movies on Netflix or download games from the app store. This generation is tech-savvy and uses technology and various electronic devices (smart phones, iPads, mac books) for many different purposes, such as to update and check social media sites, or to research something on good ol’ Google. Unfortunately the use of technology in children commonly results in less physical activity, social interaction and interacting with their environment.  

Why Limit Exposure to Technology?

·       It can interfere with sleep! It has been shown that electronic stimulation causes children to have trouble falling and staying asleep

·       It may disturb family and person-to-person interaction! Using electronics doesn’t require interaction with others. Screen time results in less interaction face-to-face.

·       It may cause short attention span! According to studies; too much screen time causes problems with attention.

·        It may interfere with schoolwork! Lower grades are more common in children who watch a lot of TV.

·       It may lead to less physical activity! The more screen time children have, the less physical activity they usually have.

How to Limit the Use of Technology

• Set time limits to the amount of time spent on all forms of technology and electronic devices.
• Plan fun technology-free activities for the entire family to enjoy (going to the park, fishing, hiking, camping).
• Sign children up for after school activities such as robotics, sports, creative arts, sewing, dance, gymnastics, etc.           

Recess Snacking Ideas

Need some ideas on healthy snack options for your child at school? These snacks ideas are perfect for morning recess to keep your child energized and focused throughout the morning. 

1. Veggie and Favorite Dip
2. Hard Boiled Egg and Cherry Tomatoes
3. Yogurt and Fruit:  Pack a yogurt cup with a side of fruit, or use a little container and fill with yogurt and top with favorite fruit
4. Cheese and Fruit: Oranges, berries, grapes with sliced or string cheese are a perfect pair.
5. Cucumbers and cheese: fun to make little sandwiches or just eat side by side
6. Crispy Nuts or Seeds & Dried Fruit Trail Mix: pumpkin or sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, dried apricots, mango, etc.
7. Crackers with Guacamole or Hummus: whole grain cracker with healthy topping!
8. Celery with Nut or seed butter: add raisins for “Ants on  a log”. Please avoid using Peanut butter due to student allergies 9. Olives and a Date: Olives are a great source of fat and dates are sweet and full of energy and minerals. 

 

Hand-Foot-Mouth

Hand-Foot-Mouth

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease — It is going around!!! Read about prevention.

A mild, contagious viral infection common in young children — is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus.

There's no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. You can reduce your child's risk of infection from hand-foot-and-mouth disease by practicing good hygiene and teaching your child how to keep clean.

Symptoms

                               

 Hand-foot-and-mouth disease may cause all of the following signs and symptoms or just some of them. They include:

·         Fever

·         Sore throat

·         Feeling of being unwell (malaise)

·         Painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks

·         A red rash, without itching but sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks

·         Irritability in infants and toddlers

·         Loss of appetite

The usual period from initial infection to the onset of signs and symptoms (incubation period) is three to six days. A fever is often the first sign of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, followed by a sore throat and sometimes a poor appetite and malaise.

One or two days after the fever begins, painful sores may develop in the mouth or throat. A rash on the hands and feet and possibly on the buttocks can follow within one or two days.

Causes

The most common cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease is infection with the coxsackievirus A16.

Oral ingestion is the main source of coxsackievirus infection and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The illness spreads by person-to-person contact with an infected person's:

·         Nasal secretions or throat discharge

·         Saliva

·         Fluid from blisters

·         Stool

·         Respiratory droplets sprayed into the air after a cough or sneeze

Treatments and drugs

·         There's no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Signs and symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually clear up in seven to 10 days.

·         A topical oral anesthetic may help relieve the pain of mouth sores. Over-the-counter pain medications other than aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may help relieve general discomfort.

Prevention

Certain precautions can help to reduce the risk of infection with hand-foot-and-mouth disease:

·         Wash hands carefully. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before preparing food and eating. When soap and water aren't available, use hand wipes or gels treated with germ-killing alcohol.

·         Disinfect common areas. Get in the habit of cleaning high-traffic areas and surfaces first with soap and water, then with a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water. Child care centers should follow a strict schedule of cleaning and disinfecting all common areas, including shared items such as toys, as the virus can live on these objects for days. Clean your baby's pacifiers often.

·         Teach good hygiene. Show your children how to practice good hygiene and how to keep themselves clean. Explain to them why it's best not to put their fingers, hands or any other objects in their mouths.

·         Isolate contagious people. Because hand-foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious, people with the illness should limit their exposure to others while they have active signs and symptoms. Keep children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease out of child care or school until fever is gone and mouth sores have healed. If you have the illness, stay home from work.

Mayo Clinic