3 Reasons the 2016 campaign may be good for children (parents, it is up to you!)

3 Reasons the 2016 campaign may be good for children (parents, it is up to you!) - Presidential campaign this year has been remarkable - and not for good reasons. 

It was full of rancor, which is common in the countryside, but this time, resentment was more vehement and more personal and involved different ethnic and religious groups in ways that are unusual for campaigns. 

As a parent, one of the first instinct is to protect children against it - change channels, recycle paper, talk about something else.

But do otherwise could be very good for children. Here are three reasons why children and families could find themselves not only with a new president, but also important new perspectives.

1. The countryside is full of negative examples. By the way candidates are trying to talk to each other in general, how have talked about groups like Mexicans or Muslims, the campaign has made many people wince.

But instead of just wincing, we can say these things to our children and to talk. Ask your child, "How would you feel if someone told you that - or you" Talk about how words can hurt; use what has been said for example Talking important. listening, kindness, do not make great judgments about people These are the lessons that we all want our children to learn;. use the 2016 campaign to help give you a tolerance during the accident.

2. The campaign can help children learn about the electoral process. Face it, some years it is a bit boring. This year, definitely not boring. Talking about the university and the electoral delegates (if you do not know, the Archives and Records Administration National useful information, like the Congress for children).

Speaking of surveys, and their influence on people. Talking about the party system of primaries and party conventions. Helping children understand what the candidates are trying to do.There There are also sites that were targeted for students, such as Time for Kids, CNN Student News News, News and Scholastic KidsPost.

The New York Times has a site that shows where the candidates on major issues and one of the candidates and what they have to do to win. This year, there is enough entertainment factor for the learning interesting.

3. The campaign offers opportunities for families to talk about beliefs and values. As much as we want our children to share our beliefs and values, which is not always easy to find natural opportunities to talk about them. This particular campaign was full of possibilities.

If it is to explain why you identify with a particular party or candidate, or what you think about a particular topic, or how you feel about an event or interaction, the campaign can be a starting point for some very important conversations that could have a real impact on your child - and maybe you even closer as a family.
Ultimately, the 2016 presidential campaign is a great teachable moment. If used the right way, there is much good that can come of it - despite its bitterness.

Read More

Where it is best for the birth: the hospital or at home?

Where it is best for the birth: the hospital or at home? - In the second half of the 20th century, the birth of the hospital had become the norm in most Western countries. 

Hospital birth monitors and interventions, many of which saved the lives of mothers and babies. At the same time, births have become more and more - and some would say unnecessarily - medicalized.

Many might also argue that the pendulum has swung too far procedure. For example, from 1970 to 2010, the caesarean section rate US It doubled - but (if both are low) risk of a baby dying during delivery was unchanged, and the risk of dying mother little Rose. In an apparent effort to avoid unnecessary intervention, and find an alternative for the room environment, it is not surprising that some women have turned again to home birth.

Home birth safe?

We do not have better data to answer this question. The ideal way to respond would be a randomized controlled trial. But the random part (the place of delivery would essentially be decided by the draw) would be unacceptable to most women.

So instead, women and their doctors have had to rely on after analyzing the reality of large sets of administrative data (such as information recorded on birth certificates). 

There are some problems with this type of analysis.

There may be differences between women who give birth at home and those who delivered at the hospital are not counted in the time to draw conclusions. For example, a woman may choose to give birth at home because she does not have access to care, and can therefore be more likely to suffer complications. 

On the other hand, maybe the women who choose home birth focuses on a lifestyle designed to prevent problems and health interventions in general (healthy diet, not smoking, etc.). 

So when evaluating the results of the home birth, it is possible that the results are due to factors on the woman herself both as a place where you have your baby. 

One of the things that make mockery of these hard data is that until recently, there was no way to distinguish between planned home births and planned home deliveries. planned home births may include factors that make home birth are riskier than it may actually be (eg, birth due to unexpected emergencies or in women who have not had access to regular prenatal care ). 

On the other hand, counting the deliveries from the house, but can not be completed as "hospital births" could hide the risk of delivery at home complicated.Women and those who care about their health and have been an urgent need for better data and analysis.

A single set of data gives an idea

A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine describes a study in which the Oregon researchers have managed to overcome some of these data problems. Oregon birth certificate register if an expected mother to give birth at home or in hospital.

The researchers also had access to information about the health of the mother (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), which puts them at higher risk for problems during labor and delivery. For the study, the researchers excluded planned home births and that included what appeared to be healthy singleton deliveries (no twins or more). 

In its analysis, the risk of dying of a baby was small in any context, but the group is providing 1.8 per 1,000 for planned hospital births compared to 3.9 per 1000 births for unplanned outside the hospital.

Provided outside the hospital at birth was also associated with lower Apgar scores and a greater likelihood that the baby has a crisis or need a respirator, and a mother who had need a blood transfusion. 

However, planning for home delivery has also been associated with lower rates of admission need a baby to an intensive care unit and a lower rate of obstetric interventions, including the use of drugs or other ways to start (induce) or strengthen (increase) labor or vaginal forceps or vacuum delivery, cesarean delivery, and severe lacerations of the vagina.

What this means for women and their doctors? 

These results are consistent with other studies of sense to me, since many obstetricians. Sometimes an emergency occurs and you have the tools, medicines and facilities to respond quickly can make a difference. But have all these things on how the hand can also be used in cases where doing nothing would have been just as well. 

It is important to recognize that although the risk of problems for the babies was "superior" in the home birth group are not "high" in both groups. The difference was considered in absolute terms of the order of 0.5 to 2 infant deaths per 1,000 births. 

This risk is similar to other options supported in obstetric care, as a trial of labor after a cesarean past. The group home birth had lower rates of caesarean section and other complications that can affect the health of the mother. 

The risks to be considered for each option are very different, but this data can help women make decisions based on what they value most.

 

Finally, about 15% of women planning home birth requires a transfer to the hospital. Note that currently, there are no national standards of the United States to integrate home birth in a continuum of care.  

There are no agreed criteria to help identify good candidates for home birth, and there are rules to ensure adequate training for assisted home births. We need these systems and criteria to the US You should consider matching the recent call in Britain to encourage and support home birth. 

By: Jeffrey Ecker, MD.

 

Read More

Guns and health

Guns and health - People choose to possess weapons for several reasons: hunting, shooting, picking ... The number one reason is for protection now. 

As physicians, we also care about your protection. Our mission is to treat the disease, promote quality of life and prevent injury and death. Health and safety issues are discussed confidentially, without prejudice. We asked to depression, domestic violence, and drugs.

We make recommendations on the practice of safe sex and the use of seat belts. But some believe that doctors should not talk about guns. In fact, Florida has passed legislation restricting such discussion. But weapons will affect health and safety.

In the US, the number of deaths by firearms continues to increase (currently at about 33,000 per year, far more than any other developed country per capita) and is expected to exceed the death of motor vehicles in 2015. It is the second cause of death among children.

Death by association 

Weapons have been successfully used in self-defense. But the reality is that owning a gun is associated with an increased risk of injury or death family. Manslaughter and suicide attempts or completed are far superior to the use of firearms in self-defense. 

In fact, more households have guns in a particular state, most firearm deaths there - even after adjusting for crime, unemployment, urbanization, alcohol and poverty. 

And which is intended to be protected can be a threat. In an unauthorized entrance examination in homes, 1.5% of reported cases with a gun to defend himself, but twice that of the loss of his gun the intruder.

Moreover, most homicides (54%) are committed by someone known to the victim and another 25% were for the family, especially with firearms. When you have access to firearms in the house, the risk of dying from domestic violence of women quintupled.

Suicides 

As the possession of weapons has increased, so has the number of suicides. Two-thirds of gun deaths are suicides. However, firearms owners have more mental health problems, depression or suicidal thoughts than those without weapons. The problem is more easily accessible. Nobody thinks it could happen to them or their families, but many suicide attempts are unexpected and done on impulse.

Damage to children

Children also use weapons to commit suicide; 82% of suicides involving firearms in the house, most of the time stored unlocked. When suicide attempt, 90% of children do when firearms are used, compared to 5% by other means. It is difficult to prevent because young people often act impulsively and may have signs such as suicidal thoughts. 

Children often accidentally thrown by a friend or a brother. We think we know our children - but do not underestimate the secrets they keep. One study found that parents often mistakenly believe that their children had never handled their weapons. One third of children said otherwise.

Choose wisely

Weapons are your good choice. But know that even weapons can protect, chances are higher that they will hurt those who intend to keep. Education and commitment can help us work toward acceptable means to stem the rising tide of deaths related to firearms. That's why I'm going to talk to my patients the security of firearms.

What can you do?

       * If you plan to bring a weapon, consider the real risks for you and your family. If there is a history of domestic violence, or if someone in your family suffers from depression, consider removing any weapon.

       * If you choose to have a gun, keep it locked. Although this will not eliminate all risks, arms locked away will probably be less prone to theft and curious children. The Bureau of Justice estimated that firearms were stolen 1.4 million between 2005 and 2010, mainly domestic burglaries. 

       * If you decide to have a gun, store it with the button and ammunition separately. Explore the latest features and new technologies unlocked scanning and storage of fingerprints gun safety locks.

       * Before your child goes to a playdate, consider asking parents if they have a weapon, and if they are stored safely. This may be difficult at first. One day it might come as easy as asking about food allergies and safety seats for carpooling.

       * Talk to your children about what to do if they find a gun, or if your friend wants to show a weapon. Advise them, "Do not touch the gun, immediately leave the area and tell an adult."

       * Research on Firearms Support injuries so we can better understand the problem and find solutions. Research on the prevention of firearm injuries CDC stopped after funding was excluded for nothing interpreted as promoting stricter laws on weapons.
By: Wynne Armand,MD

 

Read More

Why your baby may need wheezing TLC, not drugs

Why your baby may need wheezing TLC, not drugs - When a baby is sick with fever, coughing and wheezing, it is natural to think that they need is a drug - as an antibiotic, or one of the drugs used to treat wheezing in children with asthma (like albuterol). It is only if a condition called bronchiolitis is the culprit, the best treatment is no treatment. 

Bronchiolitis is a bad cold (caused by several viruses) that is installed in the lungs. When he does, leading to fever, heavy congestion, coughing and wheezing or noisy breathing. It is incredibly common.

In fact, five babies under 12 months ending in the doctor's office for bronchiolitis - and 2% to 3% until the end of hospitalization. It can be very serious, especially when it is caused by a particular virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

So here in the US It is rarely fatal, in other countries with less medical resources, thousands of babies die each year of bronchiolitis.

If it can be so serious, why the latest guidelines say doctors should not use antibiotics, albuterol, or other treatments? Because it does not help - and can have side effects that are not good for babies. 

Not that we can do nothing to help children with bronchiolitis. We just have to help in different ways.Some babies have a higher risk of getting really sick with bronchiolitis. Including premature babies, babies with lung disease or heart disease, and those who have problems with their immune systems are included.

For babies, it is recommended that they receive a monthly injection, called Synagis during the winter (around September-March) to help prevent RSV. If your baby falls into one of these categories and is under a year, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this treatment. 

For other babies, what we recommend is that families and caregivers use non-medical ways to help them feel more comfortable and breathe better. They understand:

       * plenty of fluids - dehydration can make things worse congestion
       * a humidifier to loosen congestion
       * a pear to clear the baby's nose (nasal saline drops, available in all pharmacies, can help you get the most out of the nose)
 
       * acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever.

You should always consult your doctor if you think your baby has bronchiolitis and your doctor may want to see the baby to ensure that nothing is done that needs treatment. You should also call your doctor if, after being diagnosed with bronchiolitis, your baby grows

       * high fever (over 102 degrees F), or a new bout of fever after being sick for a few days
       * shortness of breath that is not relieved humidifier or bulb syringe (signs include shortness of breath or rapid breathing, sucking around the coast)

       * a pale or blue skin
       * sleepiness and irritability which is much worse than normal
       * refusal to take fluids, or not wetting diapers every 6 hours.

It is more likely that they are not going to happen, and that your baby is well. As with medicine and parenthood that most babies with bronchiolitis need a lot of TLC - and a little patience.
By: Claire McCharthy, MD. 

Read More

Caesarean section rates: Consider this when deciding where to take your baby

Caesarean section rates: Consider this when deciding where to take your baby - There have been criticisms that the caesarean rate is very high because the highest rates are not translated into improved maternal and child health for many years. 

Many moms feel strongly to have a natural vaginal birth and want to do everything possible to avoid a C-section. But for some, a cesarean section may seem a good choice for a variety of reasons. And for others, a cesarean section may be essential to protect the health - or life - mom and baby. 

In some parts of the world where caesarean sections are not readily available, complications of vaginal delivery often lead to serious consequences, including loss of life for the mother and baby. However, the rapid access to caesarean sections has its own problems.

Especially, cesarean section is a safe procedure. But it has higher risks than vaginal delivery, including the rate is three times higher infection, bleeding and organ damage. It also has a longer recovery period.

So how many cesareans are is a number deserve attention.

Find the optimal cesarean rate 

Consequently, there is a sweet spot - a certain "type" of caesarean sections necessary to prevent the terrible suffering and consequences that can occur when a baby can not move or the birth canal, or when there is an emergency requiring immediate delivery. 

Recently, a study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the School of Medicine at Stanford University found that the ideal rate of cesarean section appears to be about 19% of all births. This number is higher than previous guidelines have recommended, but lower than the rate in most US hospitals - which can be as high as 70%. 

How do researchers get this number? Caesarean rates of 194 countries analyzed and compared with the rates of maternal and infant mortality. Their analysis suggests that babies and mothers is not better wear when caesarean section rates are above 19%. The Caesarean section rate below 19% were associated with more complications related to childbirth and the poorest results.

This research also suggests that some of the reasons often cited for the high rate of caesarean sections - the moms who are older or obese, or who have had multiple births earlier, with the fear of being sued doctors - can not be only one small part of the bigger picture. In particular, these examples do not account for why some doctors and hospitals are simply more (or less) cesarean than others. 

Dr. Neel Shah is one of the co-authors of the study and an obstetrician in my department at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Shah has discovered some previously unknown that help explain the variation in the factors cesarean rates.

For example, his research suggests that time pressure in some hospitals may lead to more caesarean sections compared, vaginal delivery may take a long time and staff resources. Provide the clinical team with access to better information and technology can help to make better decisions based on the volume of patients, staff and global resources to support safe care.

What this means for parents

If you are a healthy woman and have a low risk pregnancy, the hospital plans to use can determine the likelihood that you're going to have a caesarean section more than any other factor. So find out the caesarean section rate in the hospital where she will give birth. Talk to your doctor about this also. If you are early in your pregnancy, you can opt to choose your doctor on the basis that he or she exercises.

Finally, it is important to remember that there are times when a cesarean is the only sure way to give birth. When this happens, the woman may feel a sense of loss of the birth experience she had hoped for. But do your homework about the quality of care can help ensure that your delivery has been determined for the right reasons.
By: Hope Ricciotti, MD.

Read More