Integrative medicine
June 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment
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.
June 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment
(4) AYURVEDA: MIND, EMOTION AND ENERGY.
Sunscreen – what do you really need to know?
June 11, 2009 | 1 Comment
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!
Do Allergy shots work and is it worth it?
June 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
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.
How to be prepared
May 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment
In a disaster or during a health emergency such as a flu pandemic, be prepared by assembling a survival kit to keep you going. The Mayo clinic recommends the following:
You should have supplies to last everyone in your household — including pets — at least two weeks.
SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST
- Water
Plan on 1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and for sanitation.v - Food
Select foods that require no refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and require little or no water to prepare. This may include ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit and crackers.
Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils - Hygiene and sanitation
N95 respiratory masks or comparable make
Moist towelettes
Alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels
Garbage bags, heavy duty, and ties - Prescribed medications
Store at least a one-month supply. - First-aid kit
First-aid book
Rubber gloves
Cleansing agent (soap or towelettes)
Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment
Cold packs
Adhesive bandages, cotton balls and swabs
Sterile dressing, tape and elastic wrap
Thermometer
Tweezers, sharp scissors, spoon
Eyewash solution
Medication for fever and pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Anti-diarrheal medication
Antihistamines - Tools
Manual can opener
Eating utensils
Flashlight
Light sticks
Radio, battery powered
Batteries
Matches, in waterproof container
Duct tape
Knife
Wrench or pliers - Additional items
Cash and coins
Special needs such as inhalers, contact lenses, extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries
Copies of credit cards, bank numbers, important documents, medical prescriptions, driver’s licenses and passports
Keys, extra sets
Feminine hygiene supplies
Infant supplies
Recreational materials
Food and supplies for pets
Writing supplies - Items for evacuation
Blankets or sleeping bags
Change of clothing and footwear
Bathing supplies
Raincoat
Local maps
Another formula warning?
April 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
After writing to you about BPAs in formula and baby bottles, and scaring many parents about what their babies have already been exposed to, now we have another alarming report from the Centers for Disease Control about Perchlorate, a chemical component of rocket fuel. Researchers at the CDC found Perchlorate in 15 brands of powdered baby formula tested.
Perchlorate occurs naturally in the environment but is also manufactured for use in rocket propellant, explosives, fireworks, and road flares. Perchlorate is a potent toxin that effects the thyroid: the thyroid is needed for normal growth and development of the central nervous system, and may interfere with fetal and infant brain development.
Perchlorate is found in some drinking water in more than 50% of the US states. “Perchlorate contamination of drinking water is a very serious concern, particularly for infants,” said Anila Jacob, M.D., a senior scientist with Environmental Working Group. “As this unprecedented study demonstrates, infants fed cow’s milk-based powdered formula could be exposed to Perchlorate from two sources—tap water and formula. That suggests that millions of American babies are potentially at risk.”
The results of the latest study from the CDC found Perchlorate in all brands and types of infant formula, with the highest levels in powdered infant formulas made from cows’ milk containing lactose. This is probably due to the fact that mammals can store Perchlorate. However, the potential good news about infant formula is that infant formula contains iodine. Iodine is an important aspect of thyroid function and in theory would be expected to ameliorate any potential effects that Perchlorate would have to the thyroid.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t regulate Perchlorate in drinking water, but that may change. To find out if your drinking water contains Perchlorate, the EPA suggests calling your state to find out if they require Perchlorate monitoring and if so, what were the results. You can also send a sample of your tap water to a lab certified to analyze perchlorate The EPA’s web site has a state-by-state list of links to drinking water labs.
Vaccine update: what you need to consider
March 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment
1. Immunizations and Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1 in approximately 170 children. It effects a child’s communication, social relationships and interactions. There appears to be both a genetic and environmental component to the cause of autism.
A study in the late 1970’s, showed that autism was linked with the administration of the MMR vaccine at one year of age. As a result, several large studies have attempted to confirm this, but have not been able to prove any association between the MMR and autism. However there continues to be a lot of concern about the preservatives used in vaccines ( thimerosol) and its possible link to autistic symptoms.
Thimerosal is ethyl mercury was used for years as a preservative in vaccines to prevent infections at the site of the injection. No studies exist that definitively link autism and thimerosal. However, because of a possible association with developmental delay, the vaccine manufacturers made the decision to take this substance out of vaccines over 5 years you’re your doctor should be able to show you the list of manufacturers they buy vaccines from and the report that shows the level, if any of thimerosol in the vials. Most vaccines used in pediatric offices are thimerosol free, and some office can order certain vaccines completely preservative free, such as the flu vaccine.
2. Changes in Immunization recommendations
1) Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A, as opposed to Hepatitis B can be contracted not only while traveling but even at home. Usually through contaminated foods. Therefore, children are now encouraged to get this vaccine as early as age 1 year. There are two doses that are 6-18 months apart.
2) Meningitis vaccine: Menactra vaccine is given to protect your preteen and adolescent from life-threatening meningitis which, even if not fatal, may result in chronic disabilities. I urge you to get your child vaccinated. It is one dose at 11-12 years old. Older teenagers who missed it should also get the vaccine, and it is required by most camps and colleges.
3) Chicken pox vaccine ( varicella) The 2007 Immunization Recommendations now advise a second dose to boost your child’s protection, unless he/she has had the chickenpox. Most children receive their first dose at age 1 but now the recommendation is for a second dose for children over four.
4) Tdap. (Adacel) Eevry child gets a tetanus booster when entering junior high school but the new teteanus booster also includes a pertussis (whooping cough) booster as well.
5) Human Papilloma Virus (Gardasil) is a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine is the only vaccine that prevents a type of cancer caused by a virus that most women are exposed to during their lifetime. Only some of the strains of the virus cause cervical cancer, and the gardisil vaccine is targeted against those strains. It is recommended for all females between the ages of 9 and 26. There are three doses spaced six months apart.
Possible help for kids with Peanut Allergies
March 5, 2009 | Leave a Comment
According to an update posted on Medscape pediatrics for professionals, a new study shows that if a child who is allergic to peanuts eats a small amount of peanut flour every day it can increase his peanut tolerance. This sounds very similar to principles in vaccine immunology and homeopathy.
Of course, the scientists are not recommending you try this at home: “However encouraging, these results are preliminary and [the technique] should not yet be attempted outside clinical trials,” the researchers write online in the journal Allergy.
In England, where this most recent study was conducted, the children were tested for peanut allergy and then fed peanuts one at a time. The children had an allergic reaction after one peanut, and one child developed anaphylaxis and needed an adrenaline shot.
Each child was given instructions to eat 5 milligrams of peanut flour mixed with yogurt each day, and slowly increasing that over the next six weeks. The theory with immune tolerance is that if the body stops seeing the allergen as “foreign” and starts to “tolerize” to it, that the immune system will stop responding as if it was a threat.
After six weeks, during which time none of the children had any reactions, they were rechallenged with whole peanuts. All of the children could tolerate eating at least 10 peanuts.
That does not mean that they are no longer allergic, noted the researchers. But It may provide a bit of a margin of safety should they accidentally consume a few peanuts.
“We’ve got them to a point where they can safely eat at least 10 whole peanuts. It’s not a permanent cure, but as long as they go on taking a daily dose they should maintain their tolerance.”
Clearly, this trial with your child should be done in a controlled setting with your allergist’s approval and monitoring- but it does signal that there may be hope for those children with serious peanut allergies in the future.
SOURCES:
Clark, A. Allergy, online early edition.
News release, Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Resource Centers
Allergy Resource Center
FIRE RETARDANTS
February 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment
In a shocking report from the Environmental Working group ( www.ewg.org) apparently young children had as much as three times the amount of the chemicals used for fire retardants as their mothers did!
PBDEs, (or polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are the chemicals used to make products fire-retardant. They are considered to be “hormone-disruptors” and are especially worrisome for young children because of their developing brains and organ systems. PBDEs have been shown to cause neuro logical behavioral changes including hyperactivity, as well as thyroid disorders. Furthermore, small children ingest more PBDEs than adults because young children put so many things in their mouths.
Two forms of PBDEs known as Penta and Octa are no longer made in the U.S. because of health and safety concerns, but still exist in older furniture and foam items (such as mattresses). The largest volume of PBDEs known as Deca are used in electronics which is banned in European electronics and in some U.S. states. However, Deca continues to be widely used in this country despite the warnings, and Penta, one of the PBDEs banned earlier, can still be found in imported furniture.
Until changes in the regulations pass, it is important to consider alternatives to flame retardant products. Notably, learn about your child’s pajamas and mattress.
- 1. In the United States, children’s sleepwear sized 9 months to 14 years must meet certain flammability requirements. The requirement is intended to protect children from burns. To meet the regulatory flammability requirements, children’s sleepwear must either pass certain flammability tests, or be tight fitting and meet certain specifications as to dimensions.
If the fabric is synthetic it has flame retardants because all synthetic materials have flame retardants added. Chemically treated fabrics have a chemical flame retardant added to the sleepwear. In contrast, most synthetic fiber sleepwear has a flame retardant inserted into the fabric fiber, including most polyester fabrics. To avoid flame retardants in children’s sleepwear look for snug fitting natural fiber pajamas, such as cotton. Sleepwear that is snug fitting meets flammability standards because the child will theoretically avoid having a stray sleeve catch fire. - 2. Your Furniture and Mattresses: most foam mattresses and furniture contains flame retardants. That does not mean you have to throw out all your belongings, but consider getting tight fitting covers for over the furniture and mattresses. The company where you purchase your furniture should be able to provide you with information about the chemicals used in their materials. Going forward, purchase pieces that don’t contain foam or in which foam is wrapped in layers of natural fibers. For most of us who cannot afford to replace all the furniture, cover it with a wool, hemp or linen to create an additional barrier to the foam.
- 3 Cleaning: limit your exposure to PBDEs by using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and a damp mop to keep household dust in check. Wash your children’s toys often in warm water.
Product safety Update: Some recent news updates you need to read
January 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Playsets:
It turns out that many older wooden play sets have been treated with arsenic!
What to do:
Replace high exposure areas like handrails, steps, or deck boards with non-arsenic alternatives- get help from your local builder!- Wash your child’s hands( and your own) after playing on the play set especially before eating.
- Be sure to bring a tablecloth to cover potentially arsenic-treated picnic tables in the playground.
- If you have a deck, do not store toys or tools underneath because Arsenic leaches from the wood when it rains.
Skincare
- Just because a label says “natural” doesn’t mean it is safe for your little one’s delicate skin.
- avoid triclosan, BHA, fragrance, and oxybenzone.
-
Check out www.vedaPURE.com for more information and healthy products.
Food
- Choose to buy organic fruits and vegetables, or use FoodNews.org to find conventionally grown produce with the least pesticides.
- Please buy only organic when it comes to dairy and and meat to avoid growth hormones.
- Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings contain bisphenol A (BPA).
- Many plastics contain BPA, which is carcinogenic. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles marked with a “7” or “PC.”
- Don’t microwave plastic containers. Stay away from toys marked with a “3” or “PVC.”
- Filter your tap water. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water.
Household Chemicals
- Non-stick cookware can emit toxic fumes. Instead, try to cook with cast iron or stainless steel .
- Use a HEPA-filter vacuum. Household dust can contain lead and fire retardants.
- Have your child remove his shoes and school clothing when he gets home to decrease the risk of him/her speading pollutants and germs inside yourhouse.
- Use greener cleaners & avoid pesticides.
- which can irritate kids’ lungs, especially if your child has asthma.
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