Children scheduled for day surgery need psychological preparation to reduce anxiety about hospital visits and surgery, according to a recent study performed by health care professionals at Texas Children’s Hospital.
“The literature clearly supports preparing children for hospitalization and surgery, however, little is known about the anxiety responses of children undergoing day surgery” said Heidi Vacik, child life specialist and coauthor of this study.
The study used children’s art to measure same-day surgery patients’ anxiety before and after surgery, comparing those children who were prepared for surgery by a child life specialist versus those children who were not. One hundred and fifty children between ages 5 and 11 were studied.
Learn more about preparing your child for day surgery on the Parents Resource Center.
Even before that first glimpse of your child’s pearly whites, you may notice your sweet, happy 5- or 6-month-old has turned into a clingy, fussy child.
“Most children begin to cut teeth between the ages of 4 and 7 months, with the average child getting his or her first tooth at about 6 months,” said Dr. Kathleen Hassel, a pediatrician with Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates. “By age 3, your child should have his or her full set of primary – or baby – teeth.”
Pain, crankiness, drooling and biting to ease gum pain may begin up to a month before you actually see your child’s first tooth. Gums may also become swollen and red, making those cute chubby cheeks seem even fuller.
Sometimes, although not always, children may run a low-grade fever when a tooth is about to break through. However, teething should not cause high fever. Any fever above 101 degrees should be evaluated by your child’s pediatrician.
To minimize the pain associated with teething, Dr. Hassel suggests the following:
- Offer your child a teething ring, pacifier or wet washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator, but not frozen in the freezer.
- Give children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Check with your child’s pediatrician for the proper dosage for your child.
- Use an over-the-counter teething gel, such as Orajel, but use it sparingly.
- If your child refuses to eat from a bottle, use a cup to feed him or her liquids.
- Massage your child’s gum with a clean finger or damp washcloth.
The schoolbooks are back out, but school isn't the only place that strain happens. Playing outside can increase eyestrain for youngsters too.
“Kids who spend many hours outdoors are at higher risk for developing problems from UV or ultraviolet rays,” said Dr. David Coats, chief of the ophthalmology department at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Now is a good time to make wearing sunglasses part of the routine.”
Coats recommends taking your child shopping for sunglasses to ensure a comfortable fit for his or her face.
- Avoid glasses that are trendy but do not provide adequate coverage at all angles.
- Check the product tag and look for styles that filter out close to 100 percent of the UV rays.
- A good pair of shades provides a clear, natural rendition of colors.
- Buy impact-resistant, polycarbonate styles and purchase a sturdy storage case to prevent damage when the glasses are not in use.
- A hat with a wide brim should be worn whenever possible for further sun protection.
For most children, the sun’s glare, warm weather, and schedule changes are simply part of back-to-school. The very factors associated with this busy time also can trigger the headache response. At what point should parents be concerned that their child’s headache is more than just a headache?
“Although most headaches are not cause for worry, more serious symptoms include weakness, double vision, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, coordination problems, unusual sleepiness or lethargy,” said Dr. Marvin Fishman, chief of neurology service at Texas Children’s Hospital. “If the headache is severe, if the child has never experienced a similar headache, or if the headache doesn’t go away after a day or two, parents should contact a doctor because any of these symptoms could be warning signals of a neurological problem.”
Learn more about headache warning signs, and how to treat your child's headaches.
Join Texas Children's for the 2004 Kids' Fun Run, a 2-mile, non-competitive race, on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The Kids' Fun Run is part of the Houston Marathon Weekend and the race will cover a portion of the actual marathon course.
Participating schools receive a stipend for each student who completes the run to buy equipment for physical education. Students must register for the Fun Run through their school physical education teacher. Learn how your school can participate.
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