August is National Children’s Vision & Learning Month, and while your child may not be doing a lot of learning in August, he should be in a prime position to learn when the school doors open come September.

Vision Problems and Learning

Most schools do a cursory check of your child’s vision using the 20/20 type of test – the chart with the big E on it. This test only measures distance vision, and doesn’t look for coordination between the eyes or adjusting between near and far vision.

If a child has trouble with their vision, it can affect their schoolwork, most notably with their reading. Quite often, children who have trouble reading do not have any difficulties with comprehension or speech. They have difficulty seeing what is literally right in front of them – their textbooks or work books.

They need clear vision to differentiate between the letters. And if their eyes do not cooperate with each other, the lines of text on a page may jump around. They may also face trouble when having to switch between the work on their desk and what the teacher is writing on the blackboard. This adjustment should be seamless, but if your child has a vision problem it may take a few seconds.

When children have undetected vision problems, they learn to cope with them, and not necessarily in a good way. With a child who can’t switch between near and far vision, they may stop looking up at the blackboard. They may rely on what the teacher is saying and missing what is being written.

Undetected problems can also cause normally bright and cheerful children to become frustrated at school and even mimic behavioral problems like ADD or ADHD. Diagnoses of ADD/ADHD depend on a subjective set of characteristics, since there is no definitive test for them. But the characteristics are also symptomatic of problems children have with their eyes working together as a pair. They have trouble focusing up close – reading and writing, causing them to “lose focus” and look away from their schoolwork. Looking away is not a conscious decision. Their eyes know something is wrong, and it is automatic to look up to refocus. If your child is diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, you may consider getting their vision assessed before you start medication.

Other common misdiagnoses are dyslexia and learning disorders, usually mistaken for convergence insufficiency. This issue also affects close work and causes eyestrain, blurry vision, double vision and sometimes headaches. It is worth mentioning that you can still pass a 20/20 vision test and have convergence insufficiency. With any diagnosis, spend the extra time to have your child’s vision tested.

Signs of Vision Problems

Children should have their eyes tested as a newborn, during their first year, at 3.5 years and at 5 years. If you see any of the following symptoms make an appointment to get your child’s eyes tested:

• rubbing their eyes often
• red eyes
• teary eyes
• misalignment of the eyes
• pupil is not purely black
• squinting
• double vision
• light sensitive
• trouble seeing objects far away, like text on a blackboard
• trouble following an object without turning her head (tracking)
• using a finger to keep his place when reading (after learning to read)
• poor focusing
• closing one eye to perform tasks
• difficulty reading

Of course, if you have any other reason to believe there is a problem, they should see a doctor. Give them every advantage you can, but first of all, make sure they can see so they are able to learn.

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We need to know the facts and how to best protect ourselves and our families from this possibly deadly virus.  It’s

affected my family personally in that we have canceled trips over the concern of not wanting to fly on a possibly contaminated plane or into a state with confirmed cases of Swine Flu.

Lysol Disinfectant Products KILL Swine Flu

Lysol let us know:  “Many Lysol Disinfectant products are effective against strains of influenza A virus and specifically the H1N1 strain, including Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Pourables and Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Triggers.”

One of the top suggestions for stopping the spread of Swine Flu is to disinfect surfaces, and I feel much better knowing now that Lysol sprays DO in fact kill the Swine Flu virus.  I’ll be carrying a can of the Lysol spray in my purse (I already carry one in my diaper bag) and the Lysol wipes to use on my kids hands and my own hands after touching things in public. 

It may be overly precautionary, but I advise all of our readers to take the same measures.  Wash your hands frequently with soap, disinfect germs on hands and surfaces continuously, and don’t go around anyone you know to be sick.  We want you to stay safe and keep your families healthy; better safe than sorry. 

You can also pick up $11 worth of Lysol coupons and more Swine Flu info right now at their website: Lysol.com.  Please pass on this info by linking to this post in your blog, emailing to your friends, tweeting about it, or bookmarking at your preferred social site. Thank you- stay safe!  Barbi

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I recently did a book review over at Product Reviews for Mom for a book called The Ultramind Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman.  I learned some very alarming facts that every other parent will want to know too.  This book will change your mind about at least two things:

• Letting your dentist use metal fillings on your teeth or your children’s teeth.
• Allowing anyone in your family to eat sugar anymore.

Let’s just say I am now terrified about the fillings, especially since both my daughter and I already have metal fillings in our teeth.  What I did NOT know was that metal fillings have been banned in most other countries, but not in the United States. 

The Ultramind Solution also talks about the side effects on your body and brain of using ibuprofen, which previously I had always thought of as very safe.

Trust me when I say this is one book every parent will want to read. 

You can read my full review of The Ultramind Solution here. 

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The following is an article written for HomemakerBarbi.com by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H., publisher of James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor Magazine, the magazine written by health-care professionals.  Dr. Hubbard was recently awarded the Top Health Blogger distinction by WellSphere.

7 Common Rashes in Kids

Odds are your child will have a rash at some time and you’ll worry. Fortunately, most rashes are treatable or just go away without complications. Here are seven of the most common rashes, starting with three viral infections.

1.  Erythema Infectiosum, better known as fifth disease because it was number five of the “usual childhood diseases,” behind measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Now we vaccinate against the others. This one occurs between ages 5 and 15. I like seeing this one because by the time the rash is evident, the child is over the virus, feeling well and not contagious. However it is very contagious when it starts (with a fever and cold symptoms) and tends to run amok through daycare centers. The fever and symptoms last about a week. The child feels fine, then the cheeks get bright red (it’s also called slapped cheek syndrome) and a lacy rash covers the body. For a couple of days it looks like someone has dropped red lace and stained the body. Stay away if pregnant.

2.  Roseola also starts with a fever for a few days followed by a rash. In fact, it’s sometimes called sixth disease. This rash starts on the trunk and migrates outward, consisting of small, flat or slightly raised pink lesions. Kids usually get roseola before age 2. It’s highly common and contagious.

3.  Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.  When the coxsackie virus causes a rash, it’s known as hand, foot and mouth disease. The rash consists of painful blisters in the mouth, tongue, palms and soles. There’s usually a high fever, and eating or drinking may be a problem due to the mouth pain.

4.  Scarlet fever is strep throat with a rash. Usually there’s fever, sore throat and tiny red bumps over the body that feel like fine sandpaper. This one needs antibiotics.

5.  Allergic reactions may cause urticaria or whelps. They’re raised, slightly colored and various sizes. They need medical attention.

6.  Scabies is caused by a tiny mite you can’t see that burrows underneath the skin and causes much itching. The tiny red spots usually start on the hands, arms or in creases of skin. This is one of the few rashes that occur in between your knuckles. Scabies is contagious for all ages and requires treatment.

7.  Petichiae are not common but notable because they warrant emergency medical attention. The rash is tiny red splotches in a child usually already sick. They are leaky capillaries under the skin and require immediate medical attention since internal capillaries are leaking, also. The only time they’re benign is if someone has been vomiting or coughing really hard and develops some locally around the face.

If you found this edition of the Health Corner useful, get more great medical information, blogs, articles and tips from your friendly family doctor by signing up for the My Family Doctor RSS feed or free email updates.

Rash photo by webchicken.

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5 Must-Know Children’s Medical Headlines

The last few months have brought lots of big medical news stories affecting kids and families. Here are my picks for the top-five biggest, with tips on what to do now.

1.  Kawasaki disease.  Named after the discovering doctor, and also known as Kawasaki syndrome, it affects fewer than one in 500 children under age 5. Although relatively rare, it’s in the news because John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s recently deceased son had it as a young child. It’s diagnosed when a child has a high fever lasting over five days, and four of the following signs and symptoms.

• Sore throat
• Body rash
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck
• Swollen, red tongue (strawberry tongue) and dry, cracked lips
• Swollen, red palms or soles
• Red conjunctivae (whites of the eyes)

It inflames the lining of the body’s heart and arteries. The cause is unknown but, if not treated within about 10 days of onset, 25 percent develop serious heart and arterial problems. If treated, that figure decreases to 2 to 4 percent. In spite of everything, 1 percent die, usually within a few months of onset.

If your child has these symptoms, see your doctor, but realize there are much more common illnesses with similar symptoms, such as various viral illnesses, scarlet fever (strep throat with a rash) and drug reactions.

2.  Vitamin D.  Arguably, the biggest nutrition story in 2008 was vitamin D and the findings that it helped about everything, it seemed. Along with strengthening bones, studies showed it decreases the risk of some cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.

Because of this—along with the fact that rickets is still around and breast milk has no vitamin D—the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends babies begin a supplement of 400 I.U. per day soon after birth. The only exception is if the child is drinking a quart or more of vitamin D enriched milk or formula daily.

3.  Cough and cold medicines.  The FDA says not to use these in children under 2 years old. Critics wanted the ban to go up to 5 years of age, but the FDA refused. They acknowledged that the medicine has never been proven to work in children and sends thousands per year to the emergency room, but they were afraid parents might just use stronger adult medicines if they didn’t have the children’s strength alternative. A group of major manufacturers has decided to put a “do not use under 4” label on them, anyway.

What can you do instead? Keep the child hydrated with fluids and a humidifier and consider dark honey, which has shown to be effective. (Never give honey to children under 2 because of a botulism risk in that age.) You can try the following, with or without an uncaffeinated beverage, 30 minutes before bedtime.

• Ages 2 to 5: ½ teaspoon
• Ages 5 to 11: 1 teaspoon
• Ages 12 and up: 2 teaspoons

4.  Bisphenol A (BPA).  BPA is a chemical found in plastics. Animal studies have shown it can affect brain behavioral and prostate development. The FDA says it’s safe in the small amounts found in baby toys. Critics disagree, saying human studies need to be done to prove safety.

Some major retailers no longer stock toys containing BPA. If you’re concerned, you have the alternative to buy glass baby bottles or plastic ones that are BPA free.

5.  Influenza vaccines.  The FDA now recommends every child aged 6 months to 18 years be immunized yearly. Babies up to 6 months old have their mother’s immunity if she was vaccinated while pregnant.

If you enjoy the Health Corner column, get more great medical information, blogs, articles and tips from your friendly family doctor by signing up for the My Family Doctor RSS feed or free email updates.

The following is an article written for HomemakerBarbi.com by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H., publisher of James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor, the magazine written by health-care professionals. Read more from Dr. Hubbard at his blog, and get special holiday gift pricing on subscriptions.

9 Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy in the Winter

Prevent infections by getting your children to:

1. Exercise. It boosts immunity. Let them outside for a half-hour or more unless the weather is horrible. (Cold weather does not cause infections. Instead, the culprit is exposure from other sick kids, exacerbated by crowding inside to get out of the cold.)

 2. Use tissues. Sharing is not good when it comes to germs. Teach them to use tissues properly to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. Just using a hand for cover does not work as well since most germs are spread by contact. So …

3. Wash hands frequently. Teach them the proper technique: Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. (Sing “Happy Birthday” twice, says the CDC.) Lead by example. The Scrub Club has some fun online games to help.

4. Consider the flu shot. The CDC recommends it for all children 6 months to 18 years old. Fear of needles? It’s OK to use the nasally inhaled vaccine for those who don’t have asthma and are over 2 years old.

5. Use a humidifier in the bedroom. The winter air can dry up the mucus that protects your airways.

6. Eat a nutritious breakfast to boost immunity.

Prevent trauma by:

1. Protecting them from space heaters and fireplaces. Little ones fall without warning. Every year, I see burns and hear crying (from the parents mostly).

2. Layering. The kids need to get outside, but to stay warm. After they start to exercise, they may need less cover. Don’t forget about the head and hands. Use common sense. Some days it may just be too cold.

3. Using helmets for sledding.

After all that, your child will probably get a cold occasionally. Keep your little one home a couple of days to rest until he or she feels better. Trust me, the teacher won’t mind. For more great health information from your family doctor, subscribe to My Family Doctor’s RSS!

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Be Prepared for Anything with the Prescription History List

A visit to an Urgent Care facility for antibiotics to treat an infection helped to invent the printable Prescription History List.

It was a holiday weekend and I was seen by a doctor I had never met before that happened to be on call.  He asked which antibiotics I had taken previously, and I remembered a few, but not all.  As he called out the names of prescriptions and asked if I had ever taken them, the best I could do was guess based on if the names sounded familiar!  He asked when I took them, and I didn’t know.  He asked what illness I took them for, and I couldn’t remember. 

These questions were about medications I MYSELF have taken, and most of the information I didn’t know!  You can guess how hard it is to keep these things straight when you start adding information for your spouse and children.  I started to panic, wondering what would happen if one of my children had to be taken to the ER by a sitter or relative.  They wouldn’t know about the kids’ medication allergies or reactions.

After my experience at the Urgent Care, I created a system to manage prescription medication information.  Our lists can be left with sitters in case of emergency, and can even be copied by your doctor and placed in your medical record so you don’t have the missing information like I did!  They are ideal for when you change doctors or clinics, or even when you move to a new town.

Print your FREE Homemaker Barbi printable Prescription History List and get your family’s medication info organized today!

For more Works for Me Wednesday, visit Rocks in my Dryer!

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The Prescription History List is a quick and convenient way to keep track of past prescription medications taken by your entire family.

Print Homemaker Barbi’s Prescription History List Form now.

Print one sheet for each family member.  Keep all the sheets together; try paperclipping, putting them into a folder or 3-ring binder, or whatever works best for you.  Keep the Prescription History Lists in an easy-to-access location, like in the basket with your medicines or medicine cabinet. 

Each time you pick up a prescription, log it on the Prescription History List along with the month and year.  Don’t forget to include what illness the medicine is being taken for.  During medicine use, make note of any allergic or adverse reactions and side effects experienced.

Take the Prescription History Lists with you to doctor appointments or emergency visits.  Your prescription history is valuable information that should be part of your medical record so that your doctor can see how you have handled certain medications in the past.  The handy allergy tracker at the top will prevent your doctor from prescribing a possibly life-threatening medication. 

Note:  Please request that your doctor or nurse make a copy of your Prescription History List or scan it and put it into your medical record.  The disclosure at the top of the form (”Attention Medical Personnel”) serves as your written permission for them to add the sheet to your medical record, saving you an extra step – just sign your name next to the disclosure.

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