Tag: health

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Back-to-School Technology Traditions

Off and Running

By Lara Gajkowski, Assistant Headmaster
Lakehill Preparatory School

We are quickly nearing one of my favorite events of the year – Trek for Tech.

I love Trek for Tech for several reasons. It is our best avenue for ensuring that our school is equipped with the latest advances in technology. It is also a time that I more seriously train to run (following Coach Karen Owens’s Training Schedule), and I renew my yearly pledge to challenge myself physically, mentally, and creatively.

As I was running/walking my three miles last night, I thought about all of our students and a sudden rush of mental connectedness and empathy came over me. The first few weeks of a school year are challenging. The first few weeks of training are challenging. As I was struggling with my ¼ mile running lap, concentrating on my strides, breathing, and self-talking (“You can do this”), I thought, this is how the kids must feel. They are concentrating on getting to class, keeping up with their studies and activities, and self-talking (“I can do this”). I was humbled and encouraged by the daunting fortitude it takes to be a Lakehill student. I thought, if the kids can do it, I should give my best effort. Newly inspired, I wiped my brow and ran another lap.

I hope you will join me in my support of our students and our common journey of striving and working to be the best we can. I challenge you to challenge yourself. Coach Karen is only a walk/run away.

Save the date for Trek for Tech – Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Look for more information on Coach Karen’s Couch to 5K in the September 22 issue of The Warrior Weekly.

 Trek for Tech

 

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Heath and Wellness

Coughs and colds: It’s a virus

By Kelly A. Johnson, MD

Coughs and colds: It’s a virus

When are antibiotics needed?   Almost Never!

Coughs and colds during the winter season are very common and spread easily from person to person.  Doctors call these upper respiratory infections and they are caused by viruses. They are spread from the fine mist of water droplets expelled when we cough or sneeze. They usually last about a week and then are gone. All you and your child need are fluids, rest, and fever medications.  Antibiotics will not treat viral infections and are never used for this purpose.  As usual, there are some exceptions and you need to take your child to the doctor:

1)  If your child’s symptoms worsen after three to five days. 2)  Persistent fever over 100.4 for five days or more. 3) Develops a new fever with worsening cough after three to four days of symptoms. 4) Your child has asthma or wheezing.  5) Develops ear pain. 6) Your child is under 12 months of age and exposed to RSV.  7) Any age child that you suspect has the flu.

RSV is a respiratory virus that causes severe cough and cold symptoms with increased mucus production. It can cause children under two and children with asthma to have difficulty breathing and is a very serious illness. If your child develops severe cough and cold symptoms and is breathing fast or panting, they need to see a doctor immediately.

Flu is also an upper respiratory virus and can present with similar symptoms as RSV except there is usually a higher fever, body aches, sore throat and less mucus production. Getting a flu vaccine can prevent this illness in many cases.  Neither RSV or flu can be treated with antibiotics.

As usual, good hand washing and covering your cough will help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. Please do not send your child to school until they are fever free for 24 hours to prevent the spread to other children.

If you have further questions, need an appointment, or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com or 214-558-0037.

Kelly A. Johnson, MD

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Heath and Wellness

Enterovirus EV-D68

By Dr. Kelly A. Johnson, MD

Due to increased concerns about viral respiratory illnesses, I wanted to update everyone on Enterovirus EV-D68.

Enterovirus EV-D68: When are antibiotics needed? Never!!!

Enterovirus EV-D68 is a respiratory virus. There are over 100 types of enteroviruses, and they are responsible for the common cold. EV-D68 is more rarely seen and the CDC is not sure why it has resurfaced this year. It does tend to historically cause more severe cold symptoms than the more common strains. Usually the beginning of a new school year is when enteroviral colds start in increase in number.

The important thing to remember is to not panic! This is a cold. However, this is a severe cold virus, so certain populations (asthmatics, infants) of children are being hospitalized due to wheezing and difficulty breathing. If your child has asthma, has an inhaler or nebulizer at home, or is younger than five years old; they are at increased risk for severe wheezing. They will need to be monitored closely. Asthmatics will need to have an aggressive wheezing action plan in place if this virus becomes epidemic in Texas. Healthy kids over five years will most likely have moderate to severe cold symptoms that will subside after a few days like any other cold.

There is no cure for the common cold, even severe ones like EV-D68. Doctors can only treat symptoms like wheezing and wait for the body to heal. Antibiotics will not prevent or treat this illness. By next year, CDC may have developed an immunization similar to the flu shot, but that will not happen in time to help with this outbreak.

Prevention is our best defense. As usual, prevention is good hand washing, covering our cough, and staying home to prevent the spread if you become sick. I realize as a parent, viral illnesses are frustrating and more severe ones are scary. But it’s important to stay calm and stay informed. So far, there has not been a single death due to this virus this year. Never hesitate to contact your child’s doctor if you have concerns.

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Heath and Wellness

Strep Throat: When Are Antibiotics Needed? ALWAYS!

By Dr. Kelly A. Johnson, MD 

Since we are about to begin another school year, I decided to discuss a topic that never goes out of season: Strep throat.  Despite the fact that it seems to be more common in the winter months, it is with us all year around. I know that makes us all cringe a little bit.  It’s miserable for everyone, spreads easily to family and friends, and usually means at least one day of missed school.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tonsils that is spread from person to person through direct saliva (i.e. , eating, drinking, and kissing).  Surfaces of water fountains can become contaminated and spread the illness over an entire class or school. Everyone knows the classic symptoms of Strep throat, sore throat and fever.  But there are actually five symptoms of Strep and they can all occur together, or in any combination.  It’s not always what you expect. The five signs are sore throat, fever, rash, stomach pain, and headache.  The stomach pain is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The rash usually starts on the face or chest and is fine and sandpaper- like in feel.  It can be easily missed.  If your child develops any of these symptoms (alone or together) for more than two to three days, they need to have a Strep test. If they have been exposed to Strep, then don’t wait. Children without tonsils can still get Strep throat as well.

For children under 21, untreated Strep infections can cause long-term heart, kidney, and brain disorders that are unfortunately untreatable. Adults who have young children at home should also be vigilant about being treated for their children’s safety.

To help prevent the spread, children should not eat or drink after one another.  They should never share toothbrushes.  A new toothbrush is always needed after about two to three days of antibiotic treatment for an active infection so they do not re-infect themselves.

If your child has a tendency to contract Strep throat more than two or three times a year, you may want to discourage them from using water fountains and have them bring their own water bottle to school and sporting activities.

If your child does get Strep throat, it is mandatory that they stay home for 24 hours once treatment is started.  Not following this rule is the main reason Strep throat is almost epidemic during the school year.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com.

 

 

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Heath and Wellness

West Nile Virus (WNV)

By Dr. Kelly A. Johnson, MD 

West Nile Virus (WNV)

There have already been some reported cases of WNV in Dallas County this year.

Here are some helpful facts:

1.            More than 80% of people who are infected with the WNV show NO symptoms, and over 25% of the mosquito population in Dallas carry the virus. Which means you and your family may have already been infected without getting sick.

2.            Only 20% of infected people will have mild flu like symptoms that disappear in a few days. Only 1% of these people go on to have severe symptoms requiring medical treatment due to severe neck stiffness, tremors, seizures and loss of consciousness. Most of these people are over 50 years of age and/or have a compromised immune system due to cancer, HIV or organ transplant.

3.            If you believe you or your child has WNV that requires immediate hospitalization due to the above symptoms, contact your PCP or go to nearest emergency room.

Is there treatment?

There is no medication or treatment for WNV. In severe cases, patients receive supportive care of IV fluids, fever reducers, and anti-seizure medications when needed.

How is it spread?

It is only spread through mosquito bites and cannot be spread from person to person.

The 4 Ds of prevention:

1.            DEET containing bug sprays, they need to be washed off once indoors.

2.            Dress with long sleeves and pants when possible.

3.            Dusk to Dawn:  avoid being outside during high mosquito activity.

4.            Drain all standing water around your home, no matter how small the amount.

Pediatric House Calls, doctor’s offices and urgent care clinics do not test for WNV.  It is a very expensive specialized test that takes 3-5 days for results. Call the Dallas County Health department for testing facilities. Go to CDC.gov for more information on WNV.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com

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Heath and Wellness

Sprains, Strains, and Fractures

By Dr. Kelly A. Johnson, MD 

Sprains, strains and fractures:

Now that spring is in the air and the days are longer, we are all spending more time outside enjoying physical activities.  As expected, I always see an increase in injuries this time of year.  Although injuries are common, many parents are unclear as to how to treat them and when medical intervention is needed. Also, the fear of something being “broken” can lead to inappropriate requests for x-rays before they are necessary.

Most injuries in children are minor and are a result of damage to soft tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments) and not bone.  Swelling, bruising, and pain are not indicators of fractures only, but injuries of soft tissues as well.

If your child suffers an injury that causes an obvious deformity, or a bone has broken the skin, you need to proceed to nearest emergency room for immediate treatment. That also includes blue or cold fingers and toes.  Your pediatrician or urgent care centers cannot treat complex fractures and dislocations. These usually require the attention of an orthopedic specialist and conscience sedation for pain. This also includes a head injury involving loss of consciousness or severe altered behavior. These are medical emergencies and emergency rooms are the appropriate places to treat these injuries

Otherwise, stay calm and remember the acronym RICE.  It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevate. Your also need to treat the pain with ibuprofen every 8 hours for 2-3 days, not Tylenol. Have your child stop physical activity immediately, don’t wait until the game is over if it’s a sporting event. If your child does not rest and protect the injury, it will not heal. Most sprains and strains take 1-2 weeks of rest to completely heal. Place ice for 10 minutes every 2 hours to the area that is painful and swollen. Icing for more than 10 minutes at a time can cause frost bite! Compressing the area with an ace wrap or splint can reduce swelling, just not so tight that skin turns pale or blue in color. Elevate the body part above the level of heart to decrease swelling and pain.  RICE can safely be done for 24-48 hours.  If pain and swelling is greatly improved after 2 days of RICE, a fracture is unlikely.  After 48 hours, injuries should be evaluated by your doctor or an urgent care clinic if there is no improvement.  X-rays may or may not be needed, but a doctor needs to evaluate the situation.

Less than 1% of x-rays taken at my urgent care clinic show bone fractures, so that means over 99% of children had needless x-ray exposure. There is an increased risk in cancer with increased exposure to x-rays. As parents, we need to keep this in mind and let a doctor’s guidance and not fear help you decide what treatment is best for your child.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, visit my website at www.pedihousecalls.com

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Heath and Wellness

Seasonal Allergies and Sinusitis

By Kelly Johnson, MD, the founder and owner of Pediatric House Calls

Spring is almost here, so I thought it would be a good time to discuss nasal allergies and sinus infections.

Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for all the sneezing, coughing, and congestion caused by allergens in the air. In the spring and fall, allergens are usually from plant and tree pollens. There are also many indoor allergens that can exist year round like dust, mold and pet dander. Allergy symptoms occur when you are exposed to these airborne particles. Your body mistakes them for cold viruses. You end up snotty, congested and miserable, just like a cold. It’s all one big mistake by our immune system and this is why many people mistake allergy symptoms for cold symptoms.

Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Allegra,Benadryl) and steroid nasal sprays (Nasacort), which are all over the counter, are the best way to combat allergy symptoms. They are safe for all ages and the generic products work well and save you money.

Treating your child’s symptoms appropriately should relieve most of their symptoms after about 3-5 days. Some people may need to continue these allergy medications for several weeks to avoid the return of symptoms. If nasal congestion and drainage continue for longer than 10 days without improvement, then sinusitis may have developed. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and is a complication of impaired sinus drainage. Sinusitis can resolve with allergy medications, but sometimes antibiotics are needed. Sinusitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Treat your child’s allergy symptoms appropriately and avoid antibiotic usage unless necessary after 10-14 days of symptoms. Avoiding outdoor activities on peak pollen days will also help manage symptoms.  Keeping windows open during the spring and fall may not be a good idea if household members are sensitive to plant and tree pollens. If your child has asthma or has ever had breathing treatments, allergies can trigger coughing and difficulty breathing. Start breathing treatments immediately for coughing if not alleviated by allergy medications alone and consult a doctor.

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis do not cause fever. If your child has a temperature greater than 100.4, then you may need to consult a doctor.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com

 

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Heath and Wellness

Coughs, Colds and Fevers: Is My Child Sick Too Often?

By Kelly Johnson, MD, the founder and owner of Pediatric House Calls.

During the winter months, it seems like everyone is sick almost constantly. Even excluding Flu and Strep throat, there are dozens of respiratory viruses that can make us sick. I often get asked by parents, “Is my child sick too often?”

Usually the answer is no. Most children average 9-12 illnesses a year and most occur in the winter.  So that means at least once a month or more in winter is normal. As children get older, this usually lessens unless your child has asthma or some other chronic medical condition.

The number of illnesses is not as important as the severity of them. Most childhood illnesses should be mild and come and go quickly. If your child gets frequent complications that are difficult to treat, then your Pediatrician may need to do some extra testing or consult an Immunologist.

For most childhood illnesses, antibiotics do not help and are not needed.  There are always exceptions, like Strep throat and urinary tract infections. Call your doctor if your child has been sick for longer than three days or you’re not sure of the best treatment.

Please do not send your child to school until they are fever free for 24 hours to prevent spread to other children.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com or 214-558-0037.

 

Categories
Heath and Wellness

Coughs and Colds: It’s A Virus

By Kelly Johnson, MD, the founder and owner of Pediatric House Calls.

Coughs and colds: It’s a virus

When are antibiotics needed?   Almost Never!

Coughs and colds during the winter season are very common and spread easily from person to person.  Doctors call these upper respiratory infections and they are caused by viruses. They are spread from the fine mist of water droplets expelled when we cough or sneeze. They usually last about a week and then are gone. All you and your children need are fluids, rest, and fever medications.  Antibiotics will not treat viral infections and are never used for this purpose.  As usual, there are some exceptions and you may need to take your child to the doctor:

1)  If your child’s symptoms worsen after 4-5 days. 2)  Persistent fever over 100.4 for 5 days or more. 3) Develops a new fever with worsening cough after 3-4 days of symptoms. 4) Your child has asthma or wheezing.  5) Develops ear pain. 6) Your child is under 12 months of age and exposed to RSV.  7) Any age child that you suspect has the flu.

RSV is a respiratory virus that causes severe cough and cold symptoms with increased mucus production. It can cause children under two and children with asthma to have difficulty breathing and is a very serious illness. If your child develops severe cough and cold symptoms and is breathing fast or panting, they need to see a doctor immediately.

Flu is also an upper respiratory virus and can present with similar symptoms as RSV except there is usually a higher fever, body aches, sore throat and less mucus production. Getting a flu vaccine can prevent this illness in many cases.  Neither RSV nor flu can be treated with antibiotics.

As usual, good hand washing and covering your cough will help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. Please do not send your child to school until they are fever free for 24 hours to prevent the spread to other children.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com or 214-558-0037.

Categories
Heath and Wellness

Fever Phobia: When Do I Worry?

By Kelly Johnson, MD, the founder and owner of Pediatric House Calls.

Fever is a normal part of childhood.

Since the weather will turn cooler soon, that means cough and cold season is right around the corner.  One of the most common pediatric complaints during the cooler months is fever.  For the 13 years I’ve been practicing pediatrics, nothing is more surrounded by myth and misunderstanding than the concept of fever.   Let’s start with the definition of fever: it is a body temperature above 100.4 F or 38 C. Even if your child normally runs “low”, they may have an elevated body temperature, but they do not have a fever unless they are above 100.4. Body temperature elevates daily around 2-3:00pm, so if your child feels warm after school, that is normal.

Fever can be the only symptom of illness, or it can occur with other symptoms like cough, congestion, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.  Over 90% of the time, these are viral illnesses and your child’s fever will improve in 2-3 days.  They do not necessarily need to see a doctor and only need fever reducing medication, rest, good hydration and time. There are a few exceptions to this rule:  1) Fever lasting for more than 5 days with no improvement.  2) Fever that develops after your child has been sick for 3-4 days already without fever. 3) Fever and burning with urination in a girl.  4) You suspect strep throat, seasonal flu or ear infection. 5) Fever with severe headache and rash.

You may have noticed that I did not mention anything about how high the fever can get before you need to worry. Viral illness usually cause fevers as high as 104-105, but respond well to medications like ibuprofen. The fever usually returns when the medication wears off. The fever will cycle up and down for 3-4 days and then resolve.  Bacterial illnesses usually have lower fevers of 102 and below, but don’t respond as well to fever reducers. It takes a fever of 108 to cause brain injury, so treating fevers is more about the comfort of the child.  Anything over 102 causes irritability, physical discomfort and increased risk for dehydration.  For a fever under 102, you do not have to treat unless your child is uncomfortable. There are exceptions to this, children under 5 years old with febrile seizures or infants less than 6 months old.

I hope this has been informative, and it helps you feel more comfortable with the idea that fevers are a normal part of childhood and can be managed. Reminding your child to cover their cough and wash their hands can prevent many illnesses.

For questions call me at 214-558-0037 or email me at keajohns@hotmail.com  or info@pedihousecalls.com. For more information, visit http://pedihousecalls.wordpress.com/.