The family eating environment and influence of parents are important factors in childhood eating disorders.  Comments on a child’s weight or body shape, and an emphasis on thinness may contribute to negative attitudes about their body. This may result in long-term problems with body image and self esteem.  Mothers tend to have a greater affect on their children’s eating and self image, especially in girls.

It is estimated that one in every 100 girls and young women may have anorexia.  Symptoms may include exercising a lot, eating little food, vomiting after meals, and a focus on eating, but not enjoying food. You may not realize right away that there is anything wrong. It is common for children to hide their weight loss by wearing loose fitting clothes.  You should be concerned if your child complains of being fat, doesn’t eat meals, or makes excuses for a significant weight change.  An eating disorder is a serious problem.  Pressuring a child to eat will generally not change their behavior.

What parents should do:

• Rule out any medical or psychological condition.
• Develop healthy eating lifestyles at home with three nourishing meals a day.
• Eat meals together as family as often as possible.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Maintain an active lifestyle and limit television and video games.
• Never tell children to clean their plate. This gives them a sense of not being in control of their food. Allow them to determine when they are full.
• Never criticize a child’s weight.
• Encourage children to express their feelings.
• Don’t allow your child to overdo athletic activities. Be aware of what coaches expect of a team and step in if you feel the activities are unhealthy.

If you believe your child may have a problem with eating, be sure to consult your doctor. Treating an eating disorder is difficult.  It may be necessary to involve both the child and family in treatment over a period of time. Even when a child’s weight returns to normal, it takes time for healthier behaviors and a positive self-image to develop.

While he may be permanently sidelined, Mobley is fortunate that he found out about the condition before it took its toll.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has cut short the life of several well-known athletes including former Celtic Reggie Lewis and Loyola Marymount star Hank Gathers.  In fact, this disease is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest for those under the age of 30, including young professional athletes thought to be in the best of health.   While sudden death only occurs in a small number of patients, it is important to have an understanding of the disease and be aware of risk factors and symptoms.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex, but fairly common heart condition that occurs in 1 out of 500 individuals. This disease causes a thickening of the heart muscle, which makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood, forcing it to work harder. When the heart muscle has thickened, other heart changes may occur as well, including abnormal heart rhythm among others.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is probably best known for its sudden death characteristic, occasionally occurring during intense exercise.

The cause of this disease is genetic. The condition can be passed on in families through a defect in a gene.  Children and siblings of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have about a 50 percent chance of inheriting the abnormal gene that causes the disease.  The gene is passed along equally to men and women, although the disease is not always recognized in women.  Inheriting the gene however, does not necessarily means the disease develops. Some people may only be a carrier of the gene.

While there are symptoms associated with this disease, most people live a normal life without ever experiencing symptoms.  It often goes undiagnosed.  Others however, may have symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath during physical activity, dizziness, fainting and/or heart palpitations (pounding of the heart).  Symptoms can occur at any age and may first appear in infants or young children; although it is more likely that symptoms will develop during puberty, when the disease develops. For some, symptoms may be mild at first and worsen as the disease progresses. Symptoms can also vary from day to day.  In a small percentage of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, sudden death may be the first symptom.  Fortunately, this is rare.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be suspected if a heart murmur is heard when a physician listens to the heart. A heart murmur can indicate that the thickened heart muscle is causing abnormal blood flow.  If the disease is suspected, further testing can be done.  An echocardiogram is the most common test used to diagnose the condition. This is a painless procedure using ultrasound to see images of the heart. The test can indicate the thickness of the heart muscle, as well as abnormalities in blood flow and heart valves.

As this is a genetic disease, there is nothing that can be done to prevent it.  Also, there is no cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  Today, a number of treatments are available to help control symptoms and prevent sudden cardiac death.  Treatments can include drug therapy, surgery to remove a portion of the thickened muscle to improve blood flow, or implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator.

While intense physical activity does not cause sudden death in every athlete with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the medical community recommends that athletes with this condition avoid competitive sports to reduce the risk.  Anyone with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy needs to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors before engaging in physical activity.

It is unfortunate that Cuttino Mobley had to retire under these circumstances, but in doing so, he definitely decreases his risk for sudden death and can now manage this condition.

Type of facility – What type of daycare are you seeking: care in your own home, care at the home of a childcare provider, or care at a center?  Determine the pros and cons of each and make a decision based on your family’s specific needs.

Location – Is your child far from home or work? Can you get there quickly in case of an emergency?

Licensing – Is the provider licensed with the appropriate government agency?  Were there any past violations?

Visiting – Can you visit your child any time of the day?

Experience/training – What kind of experience and/or training does the provider have?

Staffing – Is the adult/child ratio appropriate according to the nationally recognized standards?

Program – Is there a daily schedule?  Are children involved in activities that are age-appropriate?  Are there learning activities?  Is there time for reading and talking, rest, snacks and meals?  Is the food nutritious and suitable for the age groups?

Rest/Sleep – Is there a sleeping or quiet area large enough with at least 3 feet of space between each child?  Are there cribs, cots or mats to sleep on and do children stay in view of the staff?

Play – Are there enough safe toys within easy reach of the children?  Are toys that infants or children put in their mouths sanitized before used by another child?  Is the outside play area and equipment well maintained and working properly?  Is the area fenced?

Illness/Injury – What is the policy for sick children?  What procedures are in place if your child is injured?

References – Ask for references and check them.

If your child is new to daycare, there may be an adjustment period before he or she feels comfortable in the new surroundings.  It may be helpful to introduce your child slowly by leaving him or her for short periods of time at first, rather than an entire day.  If your child is old enough to understand, talk about what they will experience.  Be positive and encouraging.  Allow your child to take a favorite toy, picture, or other reminder of home for comfort.

High quality daycare can help promote a child’s physical, social and mental development.  As a parent, the quality of care your child receives is your responsibility.  If you have questions or need advice about the type of care your child requires, talk to your family physician.

Finally, if you ever suspect a problem or feel the health or safety of your child is in danger, remove your immediately.  No one knows your child better than you.  Trust your instincts.

·      Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not always safe when taken together.  Before taking any over-the-counter drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it can be taken with your current prescription drugs.

·      Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescribed drugs.  Understand the prescription, why it’s used and what to expect from treatment. 

·      Ask questions if you have concerns about a drug.  Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have, especially if you have an allergy to a specific drug.

·      Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any foods that should be avoided when taking the drug.  There are some foods that may interact with the drug and increase the risk of serious side effects.  For example, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may cause problems when consumed with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

·      If you see more than one doctor, it’s very important that both doctors know every prescription and over-the-counter drug that you are taking, including vitamins and supplements.

·      Know the side effects that may occur.  Read the information that comes with the prescription; it will list the side effects.  Let your doctor know about any side effects you experience.

·      If you accidentally miss a dose, do not take two doses to make up for it.  Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.

·      Take all of the prescribed medication, even if you feel better.

·      If you take a drug for a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

·      Alcohol and street drugs do not mix with prescription drugs.

·      Never share prescription drugs with anyone.

·      Use a pill reminder case so you don’t forget a dose.

·      Keep a written record of all prescriptions that you take, including name of drug, the dose and how often it’s taken.   Carry a copy with you in your wallet or purse so it’s available in case of emergency.

·     Check expiration dates on prescription and over-the-counter drugs.  If the drug has expired, don’t use it.

·     Do not flush unused drugs down the toilet.  Water treatment systems may not remove all traces of the drug.  Instead, crush tablets, dissolve them in water and use cheap kitty litter to absorb the liquid.  Place in a sealed container or bag before it throwing away.

These simple tips will help reduce the potential for problems when taking prescription drugs.  Pay attention to how you feel.  If you think you’re experiencing a side effect, or you do not feel better after taking all of the medication, contact your doctor.  Be an active participant in your own health.

Flu season has arrived.  The word influenza, or flu for short, is often used for symptoms such as vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.  These are not typical flu symptoms.  The flu is actually a contagious respiratory illness of the nose, throat and lungs caused by viruses.  Unlike other viral respiratory infections, like the common cold, the flu is a serious illness that can cause severe, even life-threatening complications. Each year about 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized because of the flu with approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths.  Children account for about 20,000 of these hospitalizations.  The flu, like any illness, is easier to prevent than treat.

The flu should not be confused with the common cold.  At times, it can be difficult to tell the difference as they both have similar symptoms.  Unlike a cold however, the flu usually starts suddenly with more intense symptoms.

·         High fever

·         Headache

·         Extreme fatigue

·         Dry cough

·         Sore throat

·         Runny or stuffy nose

·         Muscle soreness

The influenza virus is very contagious.  It is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and touching infected objects.  During flu season, a little common sense will help prevent illness – avoid people who are sick, wash hands often during the day, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when sick, and most important, get a flu shot.

New flu vaccines are manufactured every year because flu viruses change from year to year.  Last year’s vaccine may not protect against this year’s newer viruses.  Vaccine protection only lasts about a year so a flu shot is needed every year.  Anyone wanting protection can get a vaccination, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends vaccines for everyone that is considered high risk.  High risk individuals are more likely to develop severe complications if infected.  This includes:

Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday

Pregnant women

People aged 50 and up

People with certain chronic medical conditions

People living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

People who live with or care for those at high risk

If prevention fails and flu strikes, stay home, drink lots of fluids, and talk to a doctor about taking an anti-viral drug.  While they are not a substitute for vaccines, they can help keep the virus from reproducing in the body.  This can lessen symptoms and help you feel better faster.  Keep in mind, anti-viral drugs work best when started within the first day or two of symptoms. 

The flu is a serious illness and can cause severe complications, even death.  Flu shots are available now.  Don’t wait to get one.  It can take up to two weeks after getting the shot to be fully protected.  Prevention is always the best medicine.