Take Home Pediatrics

Let's look at what is unfolding in the world of kids:

• Childhood respiratory virus ➡️ asthma

• ADHD meds are scarce!

• Lice can go to school now too 🐜

• BMI (Blame the Mother Index)

THE NEWS

A simple cold can lead to asthma. Getting a cold is tough enough as a child, and now I have to worry about asthma? Several studies in the past have shown links with RSV, but now a new study shows that even a very common cold virus known as rhinovirus appears to have a causal affect. The next question is whether these viruses are just revealing an already existing tendency to develop asthma, or are they truly increasing risk of asthma.

An ADHD medication shortage is worsening. For the last three years, supply shortages have been very common in everyday lives. Now, it is spreading to ADHD medications as well. This started with only Adderall, but it is now affecting many ADHD medications. Medications are important for treatment of ADHD, but there are adjunctive treatments that include behavioral therapy for the child and caregivers, executive function or organizational coaching, music therapy, regular exercise and healthy diet. A few small studies have shown avoiding artificial sugars and dyes ❌🧪 and ensuring good levels of omega 3 🐟 may help. There is no recommendation to eliminate certain food groups, such as wheat or dairy unless your child truly has an allergy via testing. I raised my son with no food dyes. To this day (he's an adult), he lectures his friends that they should not be drinking the colored electrolyte drinks.

Lice can go to school in your kids hair now! I'm not sure if we should be happy or sad about that? American Academy of Pediatrics released guidelines on lice treatment last year recommending that kids do not have to miss school. Lice is not a sign of poor hygiene, but that stigma still exists among parents. It is passed on by head to head contact, so it is very common in school aged children. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, which include over the counter or prescription medication; cleaning linens, towels and clothes in hot cycle; and monitoring and treating contacts. Please do not use home remedies without discussing with your doctor, as some are harmful.

Mother-Daughter relationship takes on a whole new meaning. Mothers with higher BMI tend to have daughters with higher BMI...but sons are in the clear. And once again, the father doesn't contribute. This link was seen as early as 4 years of age, but the study did not follow through to puberty and adulthood. This study sheds light on genetics vs lifestyle, and how this is most likely a result of both. As parents, we should set good examples for our children by having an active lifestyle and choosing healthy eating habits. My daughter ran a half marathon with only a 2 week notice. I completed a 10k over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge... like mother like daughter (almost! she did a 8 minute mile for 13 miles, I did a 12 min mile for 6 mile🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️)

🚨ALERTS🚨

• Hoverboard

• Child Swing

• Bike Helmets

• Electric Bike

• Bike

• Chocolate Fruit Bites

• Salmon

• Salads

DEAR DR. BHUMI

Dear Dr. Bhumi, my 4 year old still clings to me when dropping him off at preschool. He has been in school for over a year now. What can we do to help him adjust?

Dear Reader, separation anxiety is part of normal development usually around 9 months old and again 18 months-2 yrs old, with some starting earlier and some lasting longer. However, some children will continue through childhood. Developmentally, it occurs until children understand object permanence... when sometime goes, it will come back. However, if the anxiety continues past 3-4 yrs old, then it is considered Separation Anxiety Disorder and likely due to fear of unlikely events such as fear of parent being hurt or dying. Our older kids may experience physical symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, or headache. Life changing event can also trigger it. Here are tips on how to handle a child being clingy: when saying bye, make it quick and consistent; do not keep returning to the child after saying goodbye; do not try to sneak out without saying bye; when saying bye, be attentive and acknowledge child's concerns; let your child know when you are comping back and be sure to be back at that time (build the trust); practice some separation with playdates and also let your child have some one on one time with other family members. For the younger kids, playing hide and seek will help with understanding object permanence. If your child is older and unable to adjust with the above measurements, discuss options of behavioral therapy with your doctor.

HOT TOPIC VIDEO

Car Seat Safety🚙👶

If you've been enjoying our newsletter, we would love for you to spread the word to your friends and colleagues who might be interested. Sharing our newsletter with others not only helps us grow, but it also helps them stay up-to-date with the latest news and insights in pediatrics! Thank you for your continued support and for helping us reach even more people who could benefit from our newsletter!"