Tips to Avoid a Sunburn

How Do Sunburns Happen?

UV rays react with a pigment called melanin in the skin.  The lighter a child’s natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV rays and protect our body’s largest organ-the skin.  Regardless of your child’s skin tone, all kids need protection from UV rays to prevent damage.  Here are some tips for having fun in the sun without getting a sunburn.

Tip #1:  Timing Is Important

Limit time in the midday sun. UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4pm so it’s important to limit sun exposure during these hours.

Tip #2:  Be A Good Role Model

Consistently wear sunscreen to teach your kids good sun sense! Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours after being in the water or sweating.  Most of the sun’s rays go through clouds so use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Make sure your sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Tip #3:  Children Under 1 Year Of Age

Try to keep children under the age of  1 year out of the sun as much as you can.  Dress babies in lightweight, light colored clothing and always cover their head.  Don’t forget about protecting ears, hands, feet or lips. 

Do not use sunscreen on babies 6 months or younger!

Tip #4:  Medicine Check

If your child is on any medication, make sure to double-check the warning labels.  Some medicines make skin more sensitive to UV rays-especially antibiotics and acne medicines.

Tip #5:  When Sunburns Happen

What if my child gets a sunburn? Apply moisturizing creme with aloe on the burn.  You can also give your child ibuprofen or Tylenol-Do NOT give aspirin to children or teens.  Benadryl can help with itching and swelling.  Most importantly, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.  Keep children out of the sun until the sunburn has healed.

If you have questions about your child’s skin, give us a call today!  We see everything from sensitive skin to full blown rashes.  We are here for you!

How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment for your Baby

Creating a safe sleep environment for your new little one is important for their health and safety.  By ensuring a safe sleep environment, you are helping to protect your infant from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death).  Additionally, introducing good sleeping habits from the beginning will promote long-term healthy sleep habits as your little one grows.  The following tips will help you create the safest sleeping environment for your little one so you can rest easy knowing they are as safe as possible. 

Tip 1:  Back is Best

Always place your baby on their back to sleep!  When this strategy was introduced in the 1980s, it reduced the SIDS rate by 53%!  A simple strategy that makes a big difference!  As your baby gets older and begins to roll over, don’t worry about waking them to put them on their back.

Tip 2:  To Swaddle or not to Swaddle

Every baby is different, but we highly recommend finding a swaddle that you and your baby love and use it religiously every night!  The swaddle will provide comfort by mimicking that snug womb feeling and helps reduce the startle reflex that can wake a sleeping baby.  It also eliminates the need for loose blankets and is the safest way to keep your baby warm at night. 

Tip 3:  Sleep Environment

Co-sleeping, room sharing, bed sharing-there are so many names for places that babies sleep.  However, we know the safest place for baby is in their own bed (firm, flat surface and a well-fitted sheet over the mattress) in your room.  This is often referred to as room sharing. Sharing your room, but not your bed, with your baby is helpful for many reasons, number one being those frequent nighttime feedings.  Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the importance of room sharing for AT LEAST the first 6 months, if not the first full year of your baby’s life.  Also, make sure there is NOTHING else in the bed with your baby.  No loose blankets, stuffed animals, burp cloths, etc. Any of these items can cover the baby’s face making it difficult for the baby to breathe.

If you have additional questions about caring for your newborn, call or schedule a visit today.

Six Reasons Kids End Up in ER

Injury is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, but the good news is that many of these injuries can be prevented.  Here are six common reasons why kids end up in the Emergency Room.

#1:  Ingesting Button Batteries

One of the most dangerous foreign bodies a child can ingest is a button battery. Not only is this a choking hazard but, if swallowed, it can erode through the esophagus and cause life threatening bleeding.

#2:  Dog Bites

Do not let your child pet dogs they are unfamiliar with.  It is also important to teach your child to never put their face in an animal’s face.  All dogs are still animals and can be unpredictable. 

#3:  Pool Accidents

Never allow any age child to be unsupervised around a pool even if they know how to swim!  Also, never assume another adult is paying attention at pool parties. If you are planning a pool party it is a great idea to hire a lifeguard.

#4:  Riding Without a Helmet

 When using bikes, scooters, rollerblades or any toys that are a falling hazard, a child should always wear a helmet.  Remember they are watching you too.  Teach them that helmets are cool and save lives. You only have one brain!

#5:  Eating Candy/Snacks Without Asking

Never send your child to another house without teaching them to ask before eating any candy/snacks they find.  Edible marijuana ingestions in the pediatric population have increased 19% in the last five years.  The majority of edibles look like candy that kids are used to eating.  What may be safe for adults can be dangerous and even life threatening for children!

#6 Firearms

Firearms are extremely dangerous. You should teach children about firearms and never to touch them. Curiosity is one reason children play with guns so having a discussion about how dangerous firearms are is very important.  If you own a gun, it should be in a gun safe.  If your gun safe has a code, make sure to use a code your child won’t be able to guess. 

By taking these preventative measures, parents can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and protect your children from harm. If you have any questions about safety or other health concerns, Saving Grace is here for you. Together we can keep our children safe and thriving.

Tips for Summer Skin Care

Here is the thing with sensitive skin, it’s all about maintenance and products!  In the summer, sunscreens, chafing in swimsuits and bug sprays can cause so many skin flares!  Here are some summer skin care tips to get you through the season. 

Tip #1:  Choose Products Wisely

Even if you have used the same products for years and the lavender sleepy soap has never bothered them before, reactions can occur.  Switch to dye-free and fragrance-free products.  Our very favorite is VaniCream.  All of our patients report back that it has worked wonders.  Try out the soaps and moisturizers.

Tip 2:  Moisturize

Keep lotion in the pool bag!  Once your child is done swimming, lather them up before heading home.  Moisturizer is your best friend. Apply twice daily as part of their routine with changing clothes.  If there are any flare ups, start with topical cortisone cream one a day + moisturizer + aquaphor over the top.  Baste that baby like a turkey!  This will cure most dried or flared up skin.  If not, it’s time for a topical prescription.  Perfect time to schedule a texting or virtual appointment!

Tip #3. Sunscreen Selection

Sunscreen is a tricky and hot topic!  Mineral? All Natural? Aerosol? Alcohol? It can be so confusing! On a sensitive face that is prone to irritation and redness, try out Neutrogena Pure Zinc Baby-you’ll be blown away.  You have to apply product less frequently and they do not get burned or irritated.

Water Safety

Things are heating up!  It’s a great time to think about water safety with your kids. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-4.  Here are some safety tips to help prevent a tragic accident.

At Home

It is easy to leave items that hold water around the house that you wouldn’t think are drowning hazards. For example, you should always empty those kiddie pools every time you are done using them and store buckets empty and out of reach of children.  Don’t ever leave a child unattended in the bath.  It is easy to walk out of the room for the second and that second could be all it takes!

Large Bodies of Water

When at the lake, river, ocean, pool or any large body of water, put your child in a well-fitted US Coast Guard approved life jacket.  At social events, take turns with other adults being “water watchers”, even when a lifeguard is present.  Stay within arm’s reach of your child.

Home Pool or Hot Tub

Does your home have a pool or hot tub?  The AAP recommends adding fences and alarms to home in ground and above ground pools and hot tubs.  The fence should be at least 4 feet tall and have a self-latching gate.  When visiting friends and family who have pools or ponds behind their house and no fence or safety latches, it is a good idea to put a well-fitted life jacket on your child when outside.

A temptation for kids are toys. Remove all toys from in and around the pool when not in use. This can be a fun way to end the pool day with your child by cleaning up all the toys and floaties.

Concussions-What You Need to Know

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a bump or a blow to the head.  Symptoms of a concussion can include pain, nausea, loss of consciousness, vomiting, light sensitivity or dizziness. 

Spring sports are in full swing.  Be prepared for what to do if you are concerned your child might have a concussion.

When to Seek Care?

Anytime you as a parent are concerned, you should seek care from a provider.  Things such as vomiting, loss of consciousness or excessive sleepiness are reasons to seek emergent care care immediately.  Sometimes it is harder to know if your smaller child has lost consciousness.  If your child cries immediately after the fall/hit, you can rest assured they did not lose consciousness.  If you are concerned about your child’s irritability, our team is available for appointments.

What Can I Do For My Child?

If your child has been seen by a provider and cleared to be at home, the best thing for your child is to have brain rest.  Resting, dimming the lights and having low stimuli activity is key.  Only use Tylenol for the first 48 hours after a head injury.  DO NOT USE MOTRIN/NSAIDS as they can increase the risk of bleeding.  Your child should avoid looking at screens such as televisions, phones or iPads as that can make symptoms worse.

When to Return To Activities

Each child is different and will need to be evaluated to determine if they are ready to return to full activity/sports.  Give us a call and we can evaluate your child.  Any time after an injury to the head, children should rest and take it easy for a few days.  Once your child feels up to activities have them start slowly.  If they begin to experience symptoms again that means more rest is needed. 

Reminder!

What would happen if your child returns to sports with a concussion?  Something called Second Impact Syndrome can cause permanent damage to the brain if it is hit again while still injured.  This is why it is very important to be honest about the symptoms your child may be experiencing and allow rest when advised. 

If you are concerned that your child might have a concussion, the providers at Saving Grace are here to answer all of your questions.  If you are in the OKC or Tulsa Metro areas, we are also able to evaluate your child with an in-home visit.  Give us a call or schedule a virtual or in-home visit. We are here to help!

Causes of Pink Eyes in Children

Not only is pink eye uncomfortable for your kiddo, it is also something that can send them home from school or daycare!  There are different causes of conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, in children.  Some are contagious, some are not. Treatment of pink eyes will vary depending upon the underlying cause.

Cause #1: Allergies

This is very common this time of year in Oklahoma especially after all the windy days we’ve had recently.  The white part, or conjunctiva, will be red.  Kids usually complain of itching or watering eyes.  You may notice some puffiness around the eyelids.  They will not have thick discharge.  This is NOT contagious!

Treatment:

If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, there are several great over-the-counter options. Claritin and Zyrtec both come in a chewable tab.  Flonase works great if your child can tolerate a nasal spray.  In some cases, allergy eye drops or prescription allergy medication may be needed.

Cause #2:  Viral Infection

This will commonly be accompanied by other viral symptoms like a runny nose or cough.  Similar to allergic pink eye, the white part of the eye will be red.  Your child may complain of irritation and increased lacrimation or tears.  They may have a little eye discharge, especially when they wake up in the morning, but will not have copious discharge throughout the day. This IS contagious.

Treatment:

Antibiotics will not treat viral pink eye.  Over-the-counter drops may help treat symptoms like dryness or irritation, but will not help the infection resolve any quicker.  A child is contagious until symptoms resolve.

Cause #3:  Bacterial Infection

This is the pink eye accompanied by thick, purulent eye drainage.  The white part of the eye will also be red.  Similar to the other types of pink eye, you may notice some redness and swelling around the eyelids.  This IS contagious. Bacterial infections can be associated with an inner ear infection.  If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to have your chid examined.

Treatment:

This requires prescription antibiotic drops or ointment to resolve.  A child is no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

In all cases, warm or cool compresses can provide symptomatic relief for your child.  Frequent hand washing and using clean towels is also important. 

If your child has pink eyes, the providers at Saving Grace can answer any of your questions or concerns. Whether it  requires antibiotics or not, we can help your child get to feeling better. Call us or schedule a virtual or in-home visit today.

How to Help your Child Break the Thumb Sucking Habit

Does your child continue to suck their thumb as they get older? Although it can be so cute,  there comes a point when every parent wants their child to break the habit of sucking their thumb! Here are some things to remember:

Tip 1: Always Keep It Positive!

When we notice our child has their finger out of their mouth we can say things like, “oh, gosh I can understand you so easily with your finger out of your mouth – yes! Here is your cup.” Or try saying “I see you remembering to keep fingers out of your mouth – great job!”. 

When we say things to our child like “get your fingers out of your mouth” or “stop sucking your thumb” it makes your child tempted to continue the behavior. This is not to be defiant but is just human nature. 

Tip 2: Identify The Trigger 

Identify the trigger of thumb sucking and try to find a healthy coping skill. Some times they are needing something to do with their hands and other times it is for comfort and a lovey would help. 

Tip 3: Say Nothing

Sometimes not saying anything at all helps. Try bending to their level, pull their hand from their mouth (sweetly) and give them a kiss. Then continue to make light and distract them. 

Tip 4: Appliances

You can use a thumb guard or nail bitter to keep the appeal away! 

Lastly…

Remember, if your child is sucking their thumb for comfort and you are raising your voice or forcefully pulling their hand from their mouth it will only make them want to suck their thumb more. I know this can be frustrating but remember they will not do it forever and this too shall pass. 

If your child is old enough it can be helpful have a discussion about germs and why we don’t want them to suck their thumb.

Strep Throat

Let’s talk about strep throat – honestly it is the positive most parents hope for! In a world full of viral infections and “waiting it out”, strep can be a nice surprise when you get the right care, quickly! Strep is the cause of a sore throat about 40% of the time and therefore it is important to always check for strep if your child complains. Strep is a bacterial infection in the throat caused by Group A Strep that requires an antibiotic to treat. Strep is most common in elementary school aged children and can be spread from an infected child sneezing and coughing or you child touching a contaminated surface. 

When a child has Strep their throat is typically sore and red, they will run fever and their tongue can look coated white or pale grey. Often with strep your child will complain of a headache and fatigue. Kiddos often say “my neck hurts” or have swollen lymph nodes in their neck. They can also throw you for a loop and your child can be experiencing fever, vomiting and abdominal pain – never saying their throat is sore.  

After starting antibiotics your child usually feels better in 24 – 36 hours. Did you know it is important to change your child’s toothbrush after 48 hours on antibiotics and make sure you wash their favorite cup really well?

If you have more questions let’s set up a phone call or a home visit – no more urgent care waiting rooms! Sit at home in your comfy clothes, turn on a movie and snuggle you sick little one. We will be your Saving Grace. 

Is it Allergies or an Infection?

With the weather getting nicer and trees in bloom, it can be hard to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and an upper respiratory infection.  Here are a few helpful tips to help you navigate the difference. 

Tip 1: Duration

Allergies tend to last longer than infections. Allergy symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, whereas infections usually last a few days to a couple of weeks. If your symptoms persist beyond two weeks, it is more likely to be allergies than an infection.

Tip 2: Type of Symptoms

Allergies and infections can cause similar symptoms like coughing, sneezing and congestion.  However, allergies often involve itching in the nose, throat, and eyes, whereas infections tend to cause more pain and discomfort in those areas.  Allergies do not cause a fever.

Tip 3: Drainage Color

The color of the discharge can also help you differentiate between allergies and infections.  Allergies usually produce clear, thin mucus, while infections MAY produce yellow or green mucus.

Is it allergies or an upper respiratory infection?  Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.  If you’re unsure about whether you have allergies or an infection, it’s always best to consult with a health care professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.  Saving Grace treats both children and adults for allergies and upper respiratory infections. 

Call or book online today!