May 2003

We are overwhelmed by your compliments on our office renovations. Many of you have asked us for information on how to obtain many of our new toys. Some were obtained via Internet, some via catalogs. We will soon make up a list for those who are interested. As one recent child said, "This place rocks." Also, thank you for your compliments on the Gazette. If there are topics you would like written about, drop me a note. If you miss some months, I have copies for the previous six months in the magazine rack in our waiting room. Happy reading and Happy Mother's Day!

Dr. Barenfeld

P.S. We are doing a sports themed examining room and would like to include some photos of our adolescents participating in a sport. If you would like to be included in our sports "photo wall", please drop off your photo at the reception desk.

Pediatric Myths-----------------------------------------

Mind Bender of the Month

Thought this would be fun for both parent and child. Two correct answers will get your name in next month's Gazette.

Add a specific number of one type of whole animal pictured below to balance the bottom seesaw. This puzzle has two solutions.

As Pediatricians, many of our conversations with parents involve detailed discussions of "old wives' tales". Word is spread that children must dress warmly and don a hat to prevent colds and ear infections, wait an hour after eating before going swimming to avoid cramps, and be introduced to yellow vegetables before green ones. These are all "old wives' tales." Let's discuss other possible myths:

True or false: Teething can produce fever and a wide variety of other symptoms such as diarrhea and ear infections. This is a common myth and many doctors still believe this to be true as well. The definitive study came from Israel in 1992 which showed no association between teething and associated symptoms. The study did show a temperature up to 100.4 degrees F on the day of tooth eruption.

True or false: Iron fortified formula produces diarrhea, constipation, or colic. Many excellent studies have convincingly shown that iron-fortified formula can cause green stools but none of the above symptoms. Similarly, the early introduction of solids has not been shown to be of benefit in getting infants to sleep through the night. Let's try one more.

True or false: Sugar consumption leads to hyperactivity. Many people swear this to be true. However there is simply no proof of this and several neurologists I have spoken to do not feel that sugar consumption plays any role in ADHD.

Buckle Up!

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that 99% of infants (aged 0-1 year), 94% of toddlers (1-3 years), and 87% of 4-7 year olds were riding restrained in appropriate car seats. However, 15% of infants, 10% of toddlers and 29% of children aged 4-7 years were seated up front. It is strongly recommended that all children aged 12 and under be age-appropriately restrained in the back seat. Remember: airbags are meant to protect adults. Many children have died from injury and suffocation from a properly functioning airbag, even with proper child restraint.

Recommendations for your children:

1. Children should be in rear-facing car seats until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 lbs. Infants who weigh 20 lbs. before 1 year of age should continue to ride in a rear facing seat approved for higher weights. If a car seat accommodates children rear facing to higher weights, the child should remain rear facing until reaching the maximum weight, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back.
2. Once a child has outgrown the rear facing seat, a convertible or forward-facing seat should be used for a child who weighs up to 40 lbs. and may be used as long as the child fits well - tops of ears below the top of the car safety seat back, and shoulders below the seat strap slots.
3. Once the forward facing seat has been outgrown, a booster seat should be used until the child is big enough to use the vehicle's safety belts. Vehicle safety belts should not be used until:
   1. the shoulder belt fits across mid chest and shoulder
   2. lap belt fits low and snug across thighs
   3. child can sit all the way back against vehicle seat and knees bend at edge of vehicle seat.

Therefore, children will not be ready to use the vehicle safety belt until they are 8-12 years of age (60-80 lbs.).

So, please buckle up even when driving short distances. You won't regret it!