Doctor Mih - Pediatric Office

From AAP News, here is a roundup of recent product safety recalls.

Health Alerts: Bookcases, sling carriers, mini sets, magnetic chess games, bicycles and more Federal officials have announced the recall of products that may be harmful to children.

https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/back-to-school-2024-amid-a-covid-surge-latest-symptoms-and-guidelines/2024/08

Back to school 2024 amid a COVID surge: Latest symptoms and guidelines As children go back to school this month with new classrooms and teachers, an infectious diseases expert shares the latest COVID symptoms, treatments guidelines.

I’ve been recommending early allergenic food exposure since the first study in 2015. Hopefully your child has benefited. The long term results hold up!

https://www.facebook.com/100064706439366/posts/967939905372882/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Peanuts! Get your peanuts! Kids who eat them early are much less likely to develop an allergy, studies conclude After tracking hundreds of children, researchers conclude that babies who eat peanut protein early and often in their first five years of life are 71% less likely to be allergic to peanuts at age 12.

What is the best first sport for kids? Swimming should be the first sport a child learns. Beyond the fun and fitness it provides, swimming is an essential life skill that can help protect your child from drowning. Drowning is the #1 cause of death among children aged 1 to 4.

https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/peanut-consumption-through-5-years-of-age-provides-lasting-tolerance-into-adolescence

Peanut consumption through 5 years of age provides lasting tolerance into adolescence Peanut consumption starting in infancy resulted in lasting tolerance into adolescence.

Health Alerts: Rolling candy, high chairs, infant swings and more Federal officials have announced the recall of products that may be harmful to children.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/my-baby-has-a-stuffy-nose-how-can-i-help-them-sleep-safely.aspx

My baby has a stuffy nose. How can I help them sleep safely? Nasal congestion from colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID can make it harder for babies to breathe—and sleep at night. Pediatrician and safe sleep expert Dr. Rachel Moon explains why and suggests safe ways to help your baby sleep when they have a stuffy nose.​

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/04/10/lunchables-contain-relatively-high-levels-lead-report-says/

Lunchables contain relatively high levels of lead, report says Lunchables contain lead, cadmium, sodium and harmful phthalates, according to a new report.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/7-Myths-Facts-Bilingual-Children-Learning-Language.aspx

7 Myths and Facts About Bilingual Children Learning Language ​Approximately 20% of children in the United States speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish as the most common non-English language. 

Teen Health Camp is a FREE 1-day event where high school students can learn hands-on clinical skills like suturing, casting, and CPR. Open to all students 9th-12th grade interested in health careers!

https://www.ahec.hawaii.edu/thc-registration/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/25/health/robitussin-cough-syrups-recall-contamination/index.html

Robitussin cough syrups recalled nationwide due to microbial contamination | CNN Some Robitussin Honey products sold nationwide are being recalled because of microbial contamination, according to an announcement posted by the US Food and Drug Administration Thursday.

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/app/2024/01/16/vaccinations-urged-after-hawaii-records-its-first-pediatric-flu-related-death-year/

Vaccinations urged after Hawaii records its first pediatric flu-related death of the year The child was an Oahu resident, authorities said.

So-called toddler milks are unregulated and unnecessary, a major pediatrician group says A pediatricians' group is warning powdered drink mixes known as “toddler milks” are unregulated, unnecessary and nutritionally incomplete.

Bow Legs (Genu Varum) (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth Bow legs is when the legs curve outward at the knees while the feet and ankles touch. Infants and toddlers often have bow legs. It's rarely serious and usually goes away on its own.

Water beads are hazards when small children ingest them!

FYI, the other hazards I worry about are button batteries and magnets, which can bore holes through your gastrointestinal tract.

Water bead toy kits recalled following death of 10-month-old child The death of a 10-month-old child has led to the recall of more than 50,000 water bead activity kits.

Flu vaccines are now available!
Call or email our office for an appointment.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/health/cold-medicine-decongestant-fda.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20230912&instance_id=102570&nl=from-the-times®i_id=74135509&segment_id=144557&te=1&user_id=022f4a075b5e5c29ebcbff157be11dce

A Decongestant in Cold Medicines Doesn’t Work at All, an F.D.A. Panel Says The agency now must decide whether products containing the ingredient, like some Sudafed and NyQuil products, should no longer be sold or perhaps give companies lead time to substitute other ingredients.

Be cautious! Cases of flu, COVID, and hand-foot-mouth disease have been increasing in the past week. With many keiki back at school, there is a higher chance of getting sick with these or other common viral illnesses.

Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know ​Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the best time to start swim lessos and what to look for in a quality learn-to-swim program.  

Let’s revisit amber bead necklaces for teething. Lately they’ve come up in conversations with parents of new teething babies so this is a great time for this oldie but goodie.

Health Alerts: Bunk beds, children’s robes, infant bath seats and more recalled Federal officials have recalled products that may be harmful to children.

Your keiki can lose an eye or finger with fireworks!

In medical school, I did a rotations in burn surgery (adult and pediatric), and saw firsthand some of the most gruesome and painful injuries anyone can suffer.

Fireworks may seem like fun, but they burn at high heat and can explode unexpectedly. Children can lose fingers, injure eyes, burn their faces, and suffer other injuries. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals and celebrate Independence Day safely!

4th of July Fireworks Safety: Tips for Families ​Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The AAP continues to urge families view public fireworks displays rather than buying fireworks for their own or their children's use. Learn more here.

Mosquitoes seem to have increased in numbers recently. Do they love to bite you or your kids? They sure love to bite me, so I sympathize!
1) Here is some useful information on dealing with insect bites.
2) Scroll down for the separate article on insect repellents.

Back by popular demand is the topic of BUG BITES and STINGS. 🦟

Bug bites cause red, swollen, itchy, or painful bumps. Fortunately, they usually go away all on their own without problem. To be honest, identifying WHICH bug caused the bite is not very important. 🤷‍♀️ Knowing what to do and when to get help is key.

Bites and stings result in redness and swelling. This is caused by the body’s normal reaction to insect saliva or venom – it does NOT necessarily mean that your child has an allergy. Swelling may get worse over the first 48 hours and can last for up to a week. ⏳ Redness can persist for several days. Mild reactions to bug bites include sneezing, itchy nose, or even mild hives – Benadryl taken by mouth can be helpful.

Signs of a SERIOUS allergic reaction to a bite or sting include rapid-onset shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, pale skin, fainting, tight throat, trouble breathing, swelling of lips or tongue, severe hives, and/or confusion. These children need a shot of epinephrine ASAP. Call 911 right away. 🚑 Long-term immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be necessary.

You should also seek out medical care if your child has fever for greater than 4 days in a row, confusion, a target-shaped (“bulls-eye”) rash, severe headache, neck stiffness, joint pain/swelling, drooping of the face, body aches, severe belly pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, or concern for dehydration (ie urinating less than 3 times per day). These could be signs of insect-related disease such as Lyme, West Nile, or Zika.

Cellulitis (skin infection) can occur following a bug bite/sting, especially if your child has been aggressively scratching the area. This requires antibiotics. 💊 Symptoms include worsening pain, warmth, redness, tenderness, and swelling that typically occurs at least 2 days AFTER the initial bite/sting. Cellulitis does NOT happen immediately – remember that the immediate inflammatory reaction is normal. With cellulitis, red streaks may appear near the bite, and skin may appear smooth and shiny. Get checked out right away if fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes develop.

Otherwise, bug bites don’t need any special attention. To relieve pain, you can apply cold packs (for up to 20 minutes at a time) or an occasional dose of Tylenol or ibuprofen. For itching, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can be helpful. Benadryl cream can be applied to the skin, but I find that taking it by mouth usually works better. Covering the bite with a bandage may reduce the urge to scratch. I don’t typically recommend antibiotic ointment (given the chance of skin reaction), but frequent washing with soap and water is wise. 🛀

When dealing with a sting, remove the stinger as soon as possible to prevent ongoing venom release. 🐝 Scrape the little black stinger away with a credit card, then clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. You can try rubbing baking soda paste (just a mix of baking soda and water) on a sting to neutralize the venom and reduce pain/swelling.

What about ticks? Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and tall grass. They can hide in the hair or under clothing, so make sure to check your children carefully. When attempting to remove a tick, do not use matches, lighters, or nail polish remover. 🚫 Grasp the tick near the head with tweezers and gently pull straight out. Rest assured that a tick must stay attached for at least 24 hours in order to transmit disease such as Lyme.

Fire ants are common in the southern states. 🐜 Burning pain occurs right away, followed by swelling and redness. Tiny blisters/pimples often appear the next day. Do not pop them. Bites may remain tender, red, and swollen for several days.

To decrease your number of bites and stings: Avoid scented soaps, perfume, and brightly-colored clothing. Steer clear of stagnant pools of water, uncovered food, and blooming flowers. 🌷 Cover up (long-sleeved shirt, pants, hat) and wear tennis shoes when walking through wooded areas or tall grass.

Use 30% DEET products on exposed skin and on top of clothing (not underneath the clothing) to achieve 5 hours of protection. If you only need protection for 2 hours, you could choose 10% strength. DEET products are safe at 2 months and up. Permethrin spray (such as Duranon or Permanone) can also be applied to shoes and clothing for added protection.

I hope this helps as you venture outdoors! ❤️

Mosquitoes seem to have increased in numbers recently. Definitely on my list of least favorite things in the world!
1) This is a brief article from the AAP on insect repellents and kids.
2) Scroll up for the separate post talking about insect bites and how to deal with them,.

How to use insect repellents safely around kids Biting insects can cause illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

A helpful list of things that we frequently encounter in pediatrics!

One revision to #8, we've been moving away from Benadryl due to side effects and instead using 2nd generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratidine).

Ten Things That Aren't As Scary As Most Parents Think - Keep Kids Healthy Parenting can be a little less scary if you are prepared for when you child eats a bug, has a night terror, or wakes up barking like a seal.

There is a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ni****ne is cruelly addictive and the to***co and e-cig companies are manipulating social media by targeting young people.

Protecting Kids From Tobacco’s Harms: AAP Policy Explained The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sees the explosion of new to***co and ni****ne products as a serious threat to child and teen health. Here’s why we strongly support for measures that will help keep these products out of kids’ hands and make it easier for those who develop to***co use di...

Be careful and avoid having these in your home if you have keiki!

Water Beads: Harmful if Swallowed, Put in Ears ​Water-absorbing gel beads sold as children's toys and used in vases and gardens are a growing problem among young children.​

Here is an upcoming HealthyChildren.org Webinar which may be of interest to you.

Media Balance: What's Your Family's Plan?

How much media consumption is too much for kids? The key is for families to develop habits that will help strike a healthy balance. In this free parent webinar on April 14, 2023 at 7AM Hawaii Time, HealthyChildren.org medical editor and host, Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, invites media use expert Suzy Tomopoulos, MD, FAAP, to talk about how to help children develop healthy media use habits early.

Register at https://bit.ly/40qOKiG

Why It’s Important to Take Care of Baby Teeth ​Baby teeth are important. If baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth that are left may move and not leave any room for the adult teeth to come in.​