Integrative medicine treatments are a growing field within medicine and especially pediatrics. The treatments range from herbal remedies to acupuncture to nutritional healing and the excitement is that they have become more popular as parents seek greater control of their child’s health and well-being. However, it is important to find a practitioner who is truly INTEGRATIVE, meaning that they are trained in both traditional and alternative medicine. That way, your child gets the best of both worlds- and you can feel safe knowing that you doctor is going to access whatever treatments would best serve your child.

Alternative treatments do not necessarily mean better treatments. Be sure to ask about possible side effects of herbs and dietary supplements, which can cause problems with medications — and aren’t as well tested or regulated as are conventional treatments.

Doing your homework does not always mean using the Internet. Lots of information can get posted on the web that is false or promotional, cloaked as medical data. In general, the most trusted web sites are those created by major medical centers, universities and government agencies.

The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as over the counter or prescription medications. Herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals are all considered dietary supplements by the FDA but can have serious side effects and potent drug interactions. Some new regulations require manufacturers to evaluate the identity, purity, strength, and composition of dietary supplements but the new guidelines are not strictly enforced or regulated until 2010.

PLEASE: Tell your doctor about any supplements your child is on, especially before surgery or taking other medications.

The ideal situation is to have a doctor that is integrative, meaning that they work well with alternative practitioners and still maintain your overall health record. It is important to have a balanced approach- willing to utilize medicine that is conventional treatment when needed but avoiding excessive medications when alternatives such as nutritional changes and dietary supplements will help. Be sure you work with an experienced practitioner who has training in both conventional and alternative medicine- integrating the best of both worlds.

(4) AYURVEDA: MIND, EMOTION AND ENERGY.

Not surprising, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products don’t adaquately protect against sunburn and many contain chemicals that may be harmful. Leading brands were the worst offenders: Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutrogena all cuased concern form the EWG

• The EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, are: blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards.
• Sunscreens break down in the sun. Unfortunately, many sunscreens break down in the sun, in a matter of minutes or hours, and then let UV radiation through to the skin. It is a paradox, but 45% of products on the market contain ingredients that may be unstable in the sun.
• zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen provide strong UVA protection, and are contained in most new sunscreens. However, powder and spray sunscreens might absorb more easily through the lungs than the skin. Causing damage and potential toxic expsosure.
• Some sunscreens absorb into the bloodstream and expose your child to chemical side-effects
  Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and others may build up in the body or the environment..

8% of high SPF products (SPF 30 and higher) have poor UVA protection

According to the EWG , 72% of sunscreens were labeled with one or more terms that FDA has said are indicative of a misbranded product, terms that are “unacceptable,” or terms that could “mislead consumers by inducing a false sense of security”.
These include “chemical-free,” “non-chemical,” “help prevent skin damage,” as well as terms like “sunblock,” “reflects,” “shields,” “protects,” “filters,” “screens,” “sun’s rays,” “sun’s harmful rays,” and all SPF designations greater than 50.

I suggest that you go to the Environmental Work Group website www.EWG.com for more details. That said, any sunscreen is better than a sun BURN for kids (or parents) so please do not let this information somehow scare you off all sunscreens. SUNBURNS ARE ALWAYS WORSE!

For a young child, getting monthly allergy shots seems like torture. However, if your child really suffers from clearly defined allergies, it may be something to consider. Despite the fact that allergy shots usually take years to provide relief, many children with severe allergies have really benefited- especially those with seasonal allergies to the environment that get recurrent sinus infections, cough and asthma.

Why do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots work in a way similar to homeopathy: they introduce the body to very small amounts of the substances that trigger allergic reactions (allergens). The exposure is enough to stimulate the child’s immune system without causing a full-blown allergic reaction. As the allergy shots increase in intensity, the body gets desensitized to the allergens. Eventually, the immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergens, and allergy symptoms will diminish over time.
Allergy shots require great compliance because the shots are given on a precise schedule that involves two phases:

• Initially: the first 6 months a child gets shots two to three times a week. During this early phase, the allergen dose is gradually increased with each shot.
• Ongoing: After the first 6 months and upwards of three years, injections are given at a maintenance dose every month. The maintenance dose contains a consistent amount of allergens .

What are the best allergy shots?

• Seasonal allergies: pollens released by trees, grasses or weeds.
• Indoor allergens: dust mites, cockroaches, mold or pet dander

What Are the side effects ?

• Local reactions. There can be redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site within four to eight hours but should resolve without treatment.
• More serious reactions: Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives mean you need to call your pediatrician. Throat swelling, wheezing or chest tightness indicates an emergency.
• Anaphylaxis. Rarely, allergy shots can trigger anaphylaxis which causes low blood pressure and breathing problems. This is a potentially life- threatening condition but your doctor will monitor your child for 30 minutes after the injections in the waiting room.

REMEMBER: Allergy shots are only worth while if the impact of allergies on the quality of your child’s life is detrimental- allergies can lower their immune system, impact their school performance and drain their energy. But they are usually manageable with medication. Injections are worth considering if your child is missing a lot of school, the medication isn’t working or the allergy symptoms are worsening.