Sunscreen

Summer is in full swing. The sun is shining high in the sky, pools and beaches are calling to us to come out and play. But Susan Bayliss, MD, director of pediatric dermatology at St. Louis Children's Hospital, reminds parents that there is one essential item for every family to have nearby for the summer months: sunscreen. "Because 80 percent of sun damage to the skin occurs before 18 years of age, it is very important to protect our children from harmful ultraviolet rays," she says.

We all need some sun exposure; it's our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn't take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and even cancer. Even people in their 20s can develop skin cancer.

Most children rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child's chance of developing skin cancer.

A good start is avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. That doesn't mean you have to keep children indoors — but take breaks from sun exposure during those hours, and make sure children wear sun protection when they are in the sun.

Slather it On
Sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 should be applied liberally, especially to the face, ears, neck and backs of the hands. "People with fair skin, light eyes and blond or red hair should wear sunscreen year-round," Dr. Bayliss says. Sunscreen should be reapplied every three to four hours.

Parents who choose waterproof sunscreen for their kids should remember that it only lasts for 30 minutes in the water, so it needs to be reapplied more often. Zinc oxide can be used on sensitive areas like the nose and shoulders to provide a complete sun block.

Check Expiration Dates
Before you rely on any type of sunscreen, remember that it does expire, especially after being exposed to the heat of the sun or the high temperatures of the car. "I suggest parents buy sunscreens fresh each summer," Dr. Bayliss says.

Keep the Very Little Ones Out of the Sun
"Sunscreens have not been tested on babies under 6 months," Dr. Bayliss says. "Babies need to be in the shade and covered with clothing." Dr. Bayliss advises parents to use sunscreen on babies only if sun exposure is unavoidable and only in addition to clothing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now states that sunscreen is probably safe to use on younger children, as young as six months, especially if you just use it on small areas of your baby's skin that is exposed to the sun and not protected by clothing, such as the infant's hands and face.
But babies, especially those with fair skin, should not be out in the sun that long. “Parents should definitely avoid putting their babies to sleep in the sun," Bayliss says.

Still, younger children should be kept out of direct sunlight because they can burn easily and may not be able to handle getting overheated as well as older children. So even though it is likely safe to use sunscreen on kids less than six months old, it is safer to keep them out of the sun.


Don’t Let the Clouds Fool You
Dr. Bayliss also reminds parents to be just as cautious on cloudy days. Because as much as 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation can get through the clouds, they offer little protection for sunburn. Plus, beachcombers must remember that sand and water reflect sunlight and can contribute to sunburn. In addition to sunscreen, children should wear hats and sunglasses.

And, before you head off to that sunny vacation, Dr. Bayliss tells parents to check with their pediatrician to determine whether any medicines their child takes can increase sensitivity to the sun.

Other tips to keep your kids safe from the sun:
When buying sunscreen look for:
the the highest SPF you can find, typically 50+, though some experts believe that they don't provide that much extra protection. Some experts go as far as to say the SPF rating should be capped at 30.

a kids' brand (Banana Boat Kids, Coppertone Kids, Coppertone Waterbabies, etc.)
While it is fine to use these, they are really not that much different from those that are made for adults, so you don't really have to buy a separate sunscreen just for your kids.Apply enough sunscreen to protect your child. Most experts estimate that many parents only use about half of the recommended amount of sunscreen on their children, providing less protection than they think.

a sunscreen that is water resistant. Even if you aren't going swimming, if your child is outside, he will likely be sweating, so a water resistant might provide better protection than a regular sunscreen. Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly and at least every 2 hours, or more often if your child is swimming or sweating.

hypoallergenic and fragrance free, especially if your child has sensitive skin.

a form that is easy to use on your child, whether that means it is a gel, lotion, spray, continuous spray, etc.

Remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your child will be exposed to the sun.

Use sunscreen even if it is cloudy outside. Clouds don't absorb all of the UV radiation that may harm your child.

Avoid sun exposure when the effects of the sun are the strongest, which is usually from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Use physical protection, including clothing, such a hat with a 3-inch brim, lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and/or a stroller, tent, umbrella or tree.

Encourage your children to wear sunglasses that protect against ultraviolet rays.

Remember that a sunscreen isn't better just because it is more expensive. Saying this, I buy La Roche Posay Anthelios SX sunscreen for my children's faces. Overpriced and available at CVS. BUT, it IS a french product and I really do trust those Euro brands. It is a daily moisturizer containing Mexoryl™ SX, a unique organic UV filter that is highly protective against short UVA waves, provides comprehensive UVA/UVB protection*. Anthelios SX features the first new sun filter in a sunscreen approved by the FDA in 18 years.
For more information about Anthelios SX, Mexoryl SX and UV rays, please visit Anthelios.com.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreens
Unfortunately, many sunscreens that say that they are broad spectrum really aren't or don't block rays from the full UVA spectrum. To get good protection from UVA rays, look for sunscreens that list avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide as ingredients.

Sunscreen Ingredients
If your child gets a rash from his sunscreen, you might review the ingredient's list and choose a different one next time. Make sure to choose one that is PABA free. You might also look for one that gets its UVA protection from a sunblock, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, since they can be less irritating than avobenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient.
Be sure to apply it to just a small area of your child's skin if you think he might have a reaction to the new sunscreen too.

Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for kids with:
moles on their skin (or whose parents have a tendency to develop moles)
very fair skin and hair
a family history of skin cancer, including melanoma
You should be especially careful about sun protection if your child has one or more of these high-risk characteristics.

So before you send your kids outside to play in the sun- just make sure you take the necessary precautions when it comes to sun exposure! AND don't forget to slather YOURSELF- everywhere I missed a spot the other day and the burn STILL hurts. Don'y you hate it when that happens??

-SBH

Music is good for the soul

Who would've guessed that reggae or Brahms could be good for your baby's soul? Music that soothes you or makes you happy just might have the same effect on your baby. Although there's evidence that music has cognitive benefits for preschoolers and older children, no one has studied this in infants. Still, you may find that music plays a useful role in your baby's life now in other ways:

Music as a soother. Works for you, doesn't it? When your baby is fussy or crying, try singing lullabies softly into her ear, like "Hush Little Baby" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." The repetitive sounds and your familiar voice may help her to feel more secure and relaxed.

Music as calming background noise. Instead of keeping the TV or radio on all day, consider switching to an all-music radio station you like. Or, if you have one, program your iPod with tunes that please both you and your baby.

Music as a source of strength. A study at Brigham Young University found that premature infants who were exposed to music gained more weight, had lower blood pressure, and had a stronger heartbeat than a comparable group of babies who weren't.

There's no evidence that any one kind of music is more effective than another, so pick what you like. Exception: Animal and plant studies show that the discordant notes and chaotic pace of rap, grunge, and head-banger rock seem to interfere with growth in both plants and animals and with brain structure in animals.

courtesy of Babycenter.com

The Eight Foods You NEED To Eat

8 Superfoods
By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

Blueberries
These amazing berries are on anyone's list of super foods. Recent research shows that they're brain food -- feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: Try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!

Guava
Among the super foods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that's been described as "part strawberry and part pear," one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich fruit contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power, guava scored only second to blueberries, right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer-fighting lycopene.

Kale
Kale is a member of the brassica family -- vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's rich in potent cancer-fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.

Sardines
The best kept secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since they rank so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.

Apples
The juicy red or green apple's reputation for keeping you out of the doctor's office is well deserved. Loaded with pectin (an important fiber), apples are one of the best sources of boron, a little known nutrient that helps support strong and healthy bones. An apple with a glass of water is a great natural appetite suppressant. Highest antioxidant value: Red Delicious.

Coconut Oil
This superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today's excellent virgin coconut oil -- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago -- doesn't contain trans fats.

Green Tea
A superstar beverage if there ever was one, green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn't make you nearly as jittery as coffee.

Flaxseeds
Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of fiber along with omega-3. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.

-SBH

Raynaud's Syndrome

As if my pregancy wasn't bad enough... I had a really awful time breast feeding. It at one point was incredibly painful. My nipples were cracked and bled. I felt a sense of dread and anxiety everytime I had to feed my baby but was determined to breast feed for the first year of his life. THEN, when I was done feeding him, I would get a searing pain that moved across my chest that would last for up to an hour.

One day after a good cry, I decided to consult a lactation specialist. I saw her learned that #1. My baby had a bad latch and #2 I had Raynaud's Syndrome.

Oh great, something else to worry about....but actually it wasn't that bad and seems to be very treatable. I was just relieved that there was a reason for my pain and that I was not a TOTAL failure as a breastfeeder.

So what is Reynaud's?

Here is part of a great article I found about it.
"Raynaud's phenomenon is due to spasm of blood vessels preventing blood from getting to a particular area of the body. It occurs in response to a drop in temperature. Most commonly, Raynaud's phenomenon will occur in the fingers, typically when someone goes outside from a warm house on a cool day. The fingers will turn white and the lack of blood getting to the tips of the fingers will cause pain. Raynaud's phenomenon occurs more commonly in women than men, and is often associated with illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Raynaud's phenomenon can also occur in nipples. In fact, it is much more common than generally believed. It can occur along with any cause of sore nipples, is, in fact, probably a result of damage, but it may also, on occasion, occur without any other kind of nipple pain at all.

Typically, Raynaud's phenomenon occurs after the feeding is over, once the baby is already off the breast. Presumably, the outside air is cooler than the inside of the baby's mouth. When the baby comes off the breast, the nipple is its usual colour, but soon, within minutes or even seconds, the nipple will start to turn white. Mothers generally describe a burning pain when the nipple turns white. After turning white for a while, the nipple may actually turn back to its normal colour (as blood starts to flow back to the nipple), and the mother will notice a throbbing pain. The nipple may go back and forth between colours (and types of pain) for several minutes or even an hour or two."

For more go to :
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/raynaud.html

The loss of color in the nipple is called "blanching". When you first feel the pain in your breast look and see if the nipple looses its color. It seems that everytime the pain gets bad this happens- from MY own experience. Poor positioning and poor attachment or latch may cause blanching of the nipple and pain during breastfeeding. I also read that because the breast pain associated with Raynaud's phenomenon is so severe and throbbing, it is often mistaken for Candida albicans infection.

Hopefully, no one will go for as long as I did. I spent almost 7 weeks in just the WORST pain. So I hope this helps some of you!!!! Thankfully, I made it to 14 months of breastfeeding!

-SBH

Childproof Those Pretty Pills

Have you noticed how your kid puts everything, or least almost everything, they find into their mouths? Curious 2-4 year olds can get themselves into big trouble with medications, especially because they come in such pretty colors and can be shiny or even have TWO colors. Beware of the dangers lurking in your cabinets and the dark recesses of your purse. Try to make every effort to store all medications away from those little prying explorers.
Here is the CDC's advice on the safe storage of medicines and vitamins:

* Post the national phone number for the poison control center on or near every home phone. That phone number is 800-222-1222.
* Store all medicines in secured cabinets out of reach of children.
* Use child-resistant caps and always close medication lids tightly after use.
* Remember, child-resistant containers aren't childproof. Store them in a secured cabinet.
* Whenever possible, store medicines in their original containers.
* If you transfer medication to a pill box or other container that isn't childproof, take extra precautions to keep them away from kids.
* Get rid of leftover or expired medicines by flushing them down a toilet.
* Avoid taking medicines in front of children, who tend to imitate adults.
* Never call medicine "candy."
* Be aware of any medicines visitors bring into the home. Keep visitors' drugs secure and away from kids. Don't leave those medicines in an unattended purse or suitcase.

SOURCES: CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Jan. 13, 2006; vol 55: pp 1-5. News release, CDC.

-SBH

Interesting children's medications from the past

A bottle of Bayer's heroin. Between 1890 and 1910 heroin was sold as a non-addictive substitute for morphine. It was also used to treat children with strong cough.












Very popular for children in 1885. Not only they relieved the pain, they made the children happy!


-SBH