Home away from Home - Bayshore Community Hospital

A
Fa m i ly
H e a lt h
Ma g a z i n e
from
K.
Hovnanian
Children’s
Summer
2014
Home Away
from Home:
Helping Kids Feel
Comfortable in
the Hospital
page 4
Smartphone Smarts
for Kids
page 11
The Surprising
Reason Why You
Aren’t Sleeping
page 14
Taraji Burrus, 3, of
Brick
H o s p i ta l
LOOKING FOR SUMMER FUN? Win four FREE tickets to a Lakewood BlueClaws
game. Turn to page 10 to find out how!
to our readers
Summer is here, and as always, there are some exciting things in
store! In addition to days at the beach and family bike rides,
Meridian Health has a few suggestions for how to have an active
and fun summer with your family. Our two exciting partnerships
will keep us on the field this summer, and we hope you will join us!
Meridian Health is thrilled to be the title sponsor for Sky
Blue FC women’s professional soccer team’s 2014 season.
Steven G.
Christie Rampone, Olympic Gold Medalist and official
Littleson, FACHE
President,
spokesperson for K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, is one of
Jersey Shore
Sky Blue’s star players, and we’re excited to provide care to the
University Medical
team and partner with them to educate families and fans across
Center and
the state about important health and wellness topics. Join us at a
K. Hovnanian
game this summer! Visit MeridianHealth.com/SkyBlueFC for
Children’s Hospital
links to the schedule and to buy tickets!
Executive Vice
We also have partnered with the Lakewood BlueClaws
President,
Meridian Health
baseball team. Our Meridian Pediatric Network’s Doctor
Bernard’s Kid Zone — which includes a playground, bounce
house, and more — is in the left field area of the stadium, and it
makes for a fun family experience at the games. We are also offering up a chance to win
four free tickets to a BlueClaws game, so be sure to flip to page 10 to find out how!
Lastly, we are dedicated as always to helping your family stay healthy this summer.
Whether you are looking for tips on how to manage your child’s smartphone use (see
page 11) or success stories from our Pediatric Care Centers (page 6), we have the
pediatric health news you need in KidViews. Be sure to also check out the new specialty
and pediatric practice in Meridian Health Village at Jackson for your health needs.
Wishing you and your family a summer of fun in the sun!
Sincerely,
Your Meridian Pediatric Network:
research
& education
prevention
& wellness
diagnosis
treatment
recovery
home
GORDON LITWIN
Chairman, Meridian Health Board of Trustees
JOHN K. LLOYD, FACHE
President, Meridian Health
STEVEN KAIRYS, M.D.
Medical Director, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Meridian KidViews is a free quarterly magazine prepared by the
Marketing and Communications Team of Meridian Health.
Inquiries or ideas can be addressed to kidviews@meridianhealth.
com. The material provided in this magazine is intended to be
used as general information only and should not replace the
advice of your physician or your child’s pediatrician. Always
consult your physician or your child’s pediatrician for individual
care. © 2014 Meridian Health
2
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2014
CHRISIE SCOTT
Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications,
Meridian Health
RYAN YOUNGER
Director of Marketing, Meridian Health
Photography: Jacki Kronstedt
inside
ON THE COVER: For Taraji Burrus,
3, a chronic condition means a lot
of hospital visits. Luckily, child life
specialists help make tough trips
easier. Turn to page 4.
4
Home Away from
Home: Helping Kids Feel
Comfortable in the Hospital
6
Big Help for Little Patients
When Emergencies Occur
7
9
KidMazing:
A Section for Kids!
10
11
12
13
14
A Second Chance: Making
a Full Recovery with
Immediate, Expert Care
Ask Our Experts
Smartphone Smarts
for Kids
Could Your Child’s
Stomachache Be
Appendicitis?
Older Moms,
Healthy Babies
Periods, Pregnancy,
Menopause — and Sleep
health briefs
TEENS AND
E-CIGARETTES:
LIMIT SCREEN TIME FOR
A HAPPIER FAMILY
Between TV, smartphones, tablets, and video games,
the average child spends nearly 8 hours a day staring
at a screen.
Steven Kairys,
Too much screen time can lead to weight gain and
M.D.
other health problems — but that’s not all. The more
Board certified in
Pediatrics, Adotime young kids spend in front of screens, the more
lescent Medicine,
likely they are to have family problems, new research
and Pediatric
shows. In girls, screen time is also linked to emotional
Child Abuse
problems like worrying and depression.
Neptune
Computer and TV time is often time kids spend
1-800-560-9990
alone. This can mean less bonding time between
kids and parents. “Limit screen time to two hours per
day,” says Steven Kairys, M.D., chairman of pediatrics at K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
CHRISTIAN COCUZZA and
ANDREW SALM, 14, play wiffle
ball. Turn to page 8 to learn
about their league!
STEPHANIE SOARES-PONA, 11, of
West Creek, wears a mouth guard
while playing field hockey.
WHAT PARENTS NEED
TO KNOW
Electronic
cigarettes, or
e-cigarettes,
allow users to
inhale nicotine
without burning
tobacco. Many
of these batterypowered devices
Glenda Albizu,
look like regular
M.D.
cigarettes.
Board certified
E-cigarette
in Family
use among
Medicine
West Long
adolescents has
Branch
doubled in recent
1-800-560-9990
years. While the
long-term health
effects are still unknown, a new
study suggests one potential risk:
Adolescent e-cigarette users are
more likely to smoke cigarettes
than nonusers, reports JAMA
Pediatrics.
Minors can legally buy
e-cigarettes in many states.
However, a new proposal would
allow the FDA to regulate e-cigs.
This would ban U.S. minors from
buying them.
“E-cigarettes contain harmful
chemicals and addictive
nicotine,” says Glenda Albizu,
M.D., a family medicine
physician affiliated with
Riverview Medical Center.
“Establish clear rules about
these products. And set a good
example by avoiding tobacco and
e-cigarettes yourself.”
Keeping Teeth Safe During Sports
If your child plays sports, you might worry about sprained ankles
and broken arms. But what about his or her teeth? “Children
should wear a mouth guard during sports with any risk for injury
— basketball, football, even gymnastics,” says Donn Winokur,
DDS, a dentist affiliated with K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
A tumble off the balance beam or a wild baseball pitch could
cut a lip or knock out a tooth. But a mouth guard can protect
your child’s teeth, tongue, lips, and cheeks.
Most sports stores sell soft plastic mouth guards that fit over
the upper teeth. Your dentist can create a custom-fitted mouth
guard. These are more costly but offer better fit and protection.
A mouth guard should be comfortable. It shouldn’t make it
hard to talk or breathe. Ask your dentist about finding the right
mouth guard.
Donn Winokur,
DDS
Toms River
1-800-560-9990
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
3
child life
specialties
TARAJI BURRUS, AGE 3,
of Brick, loves to sing and dance.
4
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2014
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At just 3 years old, Taraji Burrus is no stranger to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. When she was born at Jersey Shore, the
Newborn Screening Test showed she had sickle cell anemia. The disease affects red
blood cells and causes infections, pain, and organ damage.
“Identifying the issue early on means we can start
antibiotics right away to prevent potentially
life-threatening infections,” says Margaret
Masterson, M.D., a pediatric hematologist and
oncologist affiliated with Meridian Pediatric
Network and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New
Jersey. “We also educated Taraji’s mom about what
to watch for so we can prevent Taraji from
developing some of the complications that can
occur in kids with sickle cell anemia.”
Fun and Games Take the Edge Off
Most kids are afraid of hospitals. Not Taraji.
“When Taraji goes to K. Hovnanian, she actually
looks forward to seeing familiar faces,” says her
mother, Cynthia Beaucicaut.
Among those familiar faces is Sara Auerbach,
a certified child life specialist. As a child life
specialist, Auerbach works with kids to help them
understand what’s happening, using words and
tools they can understand. For instance, she uses
plain cloth dolls on which she can perform any
procedure from sutures to an IV to a cast. “It gives
children an understanding of what they’re going to
experience and also helps control their imagination
since what they’re imagining is always a lot worse
than what’s happening.”
In addition, Auerbach uses distraction
techniques to help calm and guide children
during procedures. As strong
as Taraji is, there’s one thing
she hates: IVs. “So Taraji and
I will sing songs, and before
we know it, the whole room
is singing ‘The Wheels on the
Bus’ while she gets her IV,”
Auerbach adds. “Whether it’s
with songs, toys, or games,
when kids feel comfortable,
it’s easier to treat them and
makes the experience better
for everyone.”
Margaret
Masterson, M.D.
Board certified in
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
and Pediatrics
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
Where Kids Come First
Since she was born, Taraji has been in and out of
the hospital countless times. Currently she’s in the
longest stretch — three months — without a
hospitalization since she was born. “Sickle cell is a
lifelong disease that requires comprehensive care,
and we do everything we can to help keep kids like
Taraji feeling well,” Dr. Masterson says.
Despite everything she’s been through, Taraji is
a happy and playful little girl. “She loves to sing,
dance, and talk,” Cynthia says. “The care Taraji has
received from Dr. Masterson, Sara, and everyone
at K. Hovnanian has made all the difference. I feel
like they treat Taraji as if she’s their own.”
ONLINE INSPIRATION:
Back to Dirt Bikes and Diving Boards After Cancer Treatment
When Tanner was diagnosed with cancer at age 4, his family geared up for the fight
of their lives. And luckily, the experts at Meridian Pediatric Network were there for
him. From a quick diagnosis to effective treatment and in-home visits, see how
Meridian Health helped Tanner get his life back at MeridianPediatricNetwork.com.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
5
emergency
department
LUKE, AGE 3, of Brick,
loves trains, pirates, and
playing with his big
sister Ella.
s
t
n
e
i
t
a
P
e
l
t
t
i
L
r
o
f
p
l
r
u
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c
Big He
O
s
ie
c
n
e
g
er
When Em
In the back of every
parent’s mind is the fear
your child could eat
something he or she isn’t
supposed to. For Brick
resident Nicole Ireland,
that fear became a reality Hossam
Radwan, M.D.
earlier this year.
Brick
“My son came out of
1-800-560-9990
the playroom and told
me he ate a penny,” she
says of her 3-year-old,
Luke. “He wasn’t choking, but he pointed
to his chest and told me it hurt.” Nicole
drove Luke to the brand new Emergency
Care Center at Ocean Medical Center.
They waited less than five minutes before
they were taken back to an exam room to
see a doctor. “An X-ray showed the penny
was exactly where he was pointing to in his
chest,” she says. “The radiology technicians
made Luke feel comfortable and even
showed him his penny in the X-ray images,
which excited him and impressed me.”
Waiting in Kid-Friendly Comfort
After the X-ray, they stayed in a private
6
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2014
room in Ocean’s Pediatric Care Center.
The Center is a separate area, located
adjacent to the Emergency Department,
that’s staffed by board certified,
emergency-trained physicians and
pediatric nurses.
“From the colors of the rooms to the
decorations on the wall, it’s a childfriendly area that helps kids and their
families feel more comfortable when
they’re here,” says Hossam Radwan,
M.D., a pediatric emergency medicine
physician at Ocean. “When children are
calm, it makes diagnosis and treatment
easier for everyone.”
Dr. Radwan explained that some food
and drink might help the penny go down.
Luke was offered juice, snacks, and ice
pops. While they waited for the penny
to progress, they sat comfortably and
watched TV.
Quick, Coordinated Care
Another X-ray showed the penny hadn’t
moved. Dr. Radwan suggested Nicole and
Luke go home and helped connect them
with specialists at K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center the next
morning. If Luke needed any surgical
intervention, he’d already be at
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Radwan coordinated with the
pediatric gastroenterologist and
Emergency Department staff so that they
knew what to expect when Luke arrived
the next day.
Fortunately, the X-ray the next morning
showed the penny had passed. “We’re so
lucky Luke was fine, but it’s reassuring to
know that everyone responds so efficiently
no matter how big or small an emergency
may be,” Nicole says.
We’re Here, Anytime
In an emergency, parents have
a lot to think about. Rest easy
knowing that our Pediatric Care
Centers provide emergency care
in an environment that caters to
the unique needs of children. See
all emergency care options at
MeridianHealth.com/PedsED.
KID
ID
K HOVNANIAN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
ACTIVE, AMAZING
YOU!
Beach Bag Crossword
Headed to the beach? Keep these words
in mind when you pack your beach bag!
Write the word that goes with each clue
in the puzzle below.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ACROSS
1.
You wear this to the beach
2. The beach is made of this
3. After swimming, you dry
off with this
5. You swim in this at the beach
6. These swim in the ocean
4. This is something you throw at
the beach
DOWN
nd
Be safe a
this
have fun
summer!
1.
You can pick these up on
7.
Wear this to protect your
head from the sun
the beach
SWIM SAFETY
Do you love to swim? Going to the beach or the pool can be one of the best parts of
summer. Swimming is fun, but you also need to be sure you are safe. Follow these
rules to swim safely:
• Only swim in places with a lifeguard
or another adult watching.
• Never swim alone. Stay with a friend!
• Do not go in water that is too deep. Be
sure you can touch the bottom.
• Ask a parent if water is safe for diving.
If the water isn’t deep enough, you
could get hurt.
• If you do not know how to swim well,
take swimming lessons.
A Kid’s View on Health
Love to Take Pictures?
So does Picatso! He has his own
Instagram page that you can follow.
If you already have an account, follow us at @meridianhealthnj. If
you don’t, you and your parents can start
one together. And look for Picatso out and
about this summer!
FT Wiffle (which stands for Free- ANDREW SALM, 14,
hold Township) was founded by
AND CHRISTIAN
COCUZZA,14
two inspired athletes looking for
Freehold
Township
a way to stay healthy.
Andrew says, “We immediately
had the idea to begin a wiffle ball league to get
the local kids active and together. We came up
with the idea at a garage sale, where the children
of each family were all sitting around, playing on
their phones. Christian remembered that he had a
set of wiffle balls in his garage, and then it began.
He decided that it would be fun to play and get us
moving, so we made some mini-teams and played
a small game.”
Now, FT Wiffle has about 20 players in the
league, with more anxious to join. The league
plays nearly every weekend and gets several kids
active for two hours.
“We enjoy our league and have amazing fun,
while staying active,” says Christian.
ANSWERS
F
I
S W
H
E
L
L
S H
A
T
I
M S U
A
N
D
I
T
O C
W
E
L
ACROSS
1. Swimsuit
5. Ocean
6. Fish
E
B
A
L
L
N
DOWN
1. Shells
2. Sand
3. Towel
4. Ball
7. Hat
Special Spirals
Tired of eating the same old sandwich for
lunch? Since it is summer, try something
new that’s easy to pack for the park or the
beach. This is something you can make
for yourself with a little help from mom
and dad. This brand new treat is fun and
easy to eat!
Directions:
1. Spread low-fat cream cheese all
around a whole-wheat tortilla.
2. On top, place thin slices of low-fat
turkey breast and some fresh baby
spinach leaves.
3. Roll up the tortilla tightly.
4. Let a grown-up help you cut the
tortilla roll into one-inch slices.
5. Lay the pieces flat to see the swirly
spiral and enjoy!
neurology
A Second Chance
Making a Full Recovery with
Immediate, Expert Care
Rachel Sherlis, 12, of
Wall, is a healthy and
active seventh-grader.
It’s hard to imagine
that just two years ago,
doctors weren’t sure
whether she’d breathe
Richard Sultan,
on her own, walk, or
D.O.
Neptune
talk again.
1-800-560-9990
In April 2012,
Rachel, her mom, and her sister were
in a car accident. A truck struck their
car and dragged it until it hit a pole,
which crashed through the roof onto
Rachel’s head. They were rushed to the
Trauma Center at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center where life-saving care
began.
Fighting for Her Life
Rachel underwent surgery to fix her
fractured skull and broken jaw. She stayed
in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
(PICU) for two weeks. There, she was
heavily sedated to help with brain
swelling she experienced. Richard
Sultan, D.O., pediatric neurologist at
Jersey Shore, diagnosed her with diffuse
axonal injury (DAI). “DAI is a traumatic
brain injury that affects the ability of
different parts of the brain
to communicate with one another,”
Dr. Sultan says. “It’s a very serious
condition that leaves many patients in a
vegetative state.”
The second week in the PICU, Rachel
woke up. “She was terrified because she
couldn’t talk, but we found out that she
could write,” says her mom, Gi Sherlis.
Rachel began to work with child life
specialists who made her feel more at
ease. They also helped her pass the time
News Moms Can Use!
with games and crafts in her hospital
room. “Even though it was a horrific
experience, it was made much easier
by the people who work at Jersey
Shore,” Gi says.
It Takes a Team
With time, additional surgeries, and
rehabilitation, Rachel regained the
abilities she’d lost. During four
weeks of rehabilitation, Rachel
surprised everyone with her progress.
“At first, she couldn’t speak or sit up
on her own, and she was very weak,” Gi
says. “Even though the doctors thought
she’d be in a wheelchair for a year or
more, she sat up within three days of
being at rehab and walked within a
week.” She became more conscious and
regained the ability to speak. When she
returned to Jersey Shore for an
additional surgery, everyone was amazed
at how far she’d come since the last time
they’d seen her.
“There’s no medicine to fix DAI, so to
recover you have to have perfect medical
care,” Dr. Sultan says. “The trauma care,
surgery, and care she received in the
PICU gave her brain a chance to
make the full recovery that it has.”
Rachel recently completed
seventh grade. Not only that, but
she’s on the high honor roll and is
back to doing all of the activities she
loved to do before her accident like
playing tennis and spending time with
her friends.
“Many people with DAI experience
dramatic personality changes,” Dr.
Sultan says. “Not Rachel. She has
more personality than anyone I’ve
ever met!”
Meridian Health is excited to provide My Health eNews as part of
our continuing commitment to our community’s health and wellness.
As a new feature, you can select to receive stories on the topics that
interest you most, from pregnancy to parenting to pediatrics. Visit
MeridianHealth.com/enewsletters today to subscribe!
RACHEL, 12, of Wall,
loves to play tennis,
read, and practice her
violin.
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com
7
9
ask our experts
Q
Q
Nader Nakhleh, D.O.
Board certified in Pediatric
Pulmonology and Pediatrics
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
A:
Edwin Wymer, D.O.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Jackson
1-800-560-9990
Amy Peardon, D.O.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Asbury Park
1-800-560-9990
Yes, mention that at your child’s next
checkup. Children or teens who snore
should undergo a more thorough examination to determine the risk for sleep apnea.
Meridian Health’s sleep centers offer
pediatric evaluations.
Snoring is the main symptom of sleep
apnea. This condition affects about 1
percent to 6 percent of children, causing
breathing trouble at night. Over time,
it can lead to problems with learning,
behavior, and growth and even heart
conditions.
Almost all children with sleep apnea
snore, but not every snoring child has sleep
apnea. A pediatrician may ask if your child:
• Snores at least three nights a week
• Also gasps or snorts during the night
• Has trouble paying attention
• Is sleepy during the day
• Has behavioral problems
If you spot these signs of sleep apnea in
your child, bring them up right away, even
if your doctor hasn’t asked.
Q
It seems that my baby
My child is ready to start
needs a lot of shots
eating solid foods. Are
before age 2. Won’t
there any foods we
giving babies multiple
should avoid?
vaccines at one time overload
their immune system?
My child snores
regularly. Is that
something I should
speak about with his
pediatrician?
A:
A:
Many studies have been done to assess
the safety of multiple vaccinations. None
has shown that multiple vaccinations cause
a problem. Children are exposed to many
foreign substances every day with no
harmful effects.
All vaccines are fully tested before
being approved for use by the FDA.
Vaccines contain weakened toxins, or a
dead or weakened form of the diseasecausing virus or bacteria, which causes the
body to produce antibodies that protect
the child from that disease. Scientists say
that the tiny amount of virus or bacteria
in vaccines is not enough to harm a
child. What can be harmful, however, is
delaying a child’s vaccines unnecessarily.
Vaccines not only protect your child from
deadly diseases, but they also keep other
children safe by eliminating or greatly
decreasing dangerous diseases that used
to spread from child to child.
Hit a Home Run!
Doctors once warned against feeding
infants certain foods — such as eggs and
fish — because they thought early exposure
increased allergy risk. But the new findings
suggest that providing a healthy overall diet
may be more important than choosing or
avoiding any one specific food.
Why? Fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and
veggies may help build babies’ immune
defenses. Manufacturers often fortify
canned baby food with vitamins and
minerals, but little bodies may more easily
absorb the natural forms.
Introduce new foods slowly. Most
babies can begin eating solid food when
they are 4 to 6 months old. You can
introduce new foods in any order. But it’s
best to give only one new menu option
every two to three days.
As you add each new food, watch
carefully for signs of allergic reactions. Stop
feeding the new food and call your child’s
doctor if he or she develops:
• Diarrhea
• Rash or hives
• Vomiting
• Breathing problems
Win Four Free Tickets to a Lakewood BlueClaws Game!
For your chance to win four free tickets to an August 2014 Lakewood BlueClaws game,
send us your health-related question and it may be answered in a future issue of Meridian KidViews! Topics can range from seasonal allergies, nutrition, and parenting to sleep,
sports injuries, and vaccines. Let us know what’s on your mind by e-mailing us your health question
to kidviews@meridianhealth.com. While you’re at the game, be sure to check out Meridian Pediatric Network’s
Doctor Bernard’s Kid Zone — which includes a playground, bounce house, and more — in the left field area of the stadium.
10
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2014
Smartphone Smarts for Kids
In this digital world of ours, more and
more children and adolescents — starting
at increasingly younger ages — are
staring at lit-up screens as they watch TV,
send e-mails, play computer games, and
surf the Internet.
All this screen time adds up to an
average of seven hours a day for most
children, some of it on smartphones. The
mobile phone that pretty much doubles
as a laptop computer is either already in
your child’s hands or will be soon.
Is there a “right” age for a child’s first
smartphone? No. Only you know what’s
best for your child. However, most kids
begin to show interest in smartphones
by middle school, when their social lives
expand. Whenever it is that your child
gets dialed in, help him or her make
smart choices with that smartphone.
A New Smartphone May
Mean New Risks
Whether they’re texting, reading e-books,
or scrolling through Facebook, anyone
spending too much time in front of a
screen faces possible health risks. “Sitting
so much keeps your child from being
more physically active. Less physical
activity leads to more snacking,” says
Bernard Adler, M.D., a pediatrician
affiliated with K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital and Jersey Shore University
Medical Center. Next thing you know, he
or she may start to gain weight, inching
toward obesity. Also, since smartphones
connect to the Internet, anything illicit
and forbidden lurking there could cross
paths with your child.
Encourage Safe Smartphone Use
Help your kid get a grip on that little
handheld device. Here are some helpful
tips from Dr. Adler on what you can do:
• Explain how being too sedentary with
it can hamper his or her health.
• Limit your child’s smartphone use,
and establish “screen-free” areas of
your home.
• Regularly talk with your child about
smartphone safety: Guard against
thieves and hackers. Tell your child not
behavioral
health
Bernard Adler, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
to open up attachments or links from
unknown senders or give out their age,
address, school, or location. And tell
your child to check with you first before
he or she downloads anything free.
• Take a walk with your child (without
your smartphones!) and together come
up with fun, nondigital ideas for more
physically and mentally active things to
do. What about shooting baskets,
learning a new board game, reading a
paperback, or dancing in the living
room?
Remember that you’re an important role
model for your child. Let your child see
that you, too, can cut your smartphone
use and use your smartphone wisely.
Moms Go Mobile!
You are always on the go, so
shouldn’t everything you need
be on your phone? Our Meridian
Momtourage Mobile Apps cover
topics from Ages & Stages to Potty
Training to a Nursing Tracker. Visit
MeridianHealth.com/MomApps to
check out all the apps you need.
PAIGE THEOBALD AND
ABBEY ZOHN, BOTH 12,
stay in touch mostly through
text. Paige, of Tinton Falls,
also uses her phone to talk
with her parents when she
isn’t at home.
7
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com 11
digestive
health
Could Your Child’s Stomachache
Be Appendicitis?
“My tummy hurts!” This common childhood cry
can mean almost anything, from anxiety about
school to a serious illness. Usually it’s nothing to
worry about. But how do you know when it might
be appendicitis or something else that needs
immediate attention?
You should try to determine the severity of your
Azam Soroush,
child’s
pain. “If your child is complaining about
M.D.
stomach
pain, but is still playing, laughing, and
Board certified
in Pediatric
eating, chances are it’s nothing serious. But if he
Gastroenterology or she is complaining about very severe pain and
Neptune
1-800-560-9990 is not doing these things as normal, have your
child seen by a doctor right away,” says Azam
Soroush, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist at
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is
found in the lower right abdomen. The pain for appendicitis
usually begins near the belly button; within a few hours, the pain
may move down to the lower right abdomen. “Symptoms that
appear after the pain begins include loss of appetite, a low-grade
fever, nausea, and vomiting,” says Dr. Soroush. In children 2 and
under, the main symptoms are vomiting and a distended abdomen.
Older children also may develop diarrhea and constipation.
Here are good reasons to take a troubled
tummy to the doctor at once:
Pain that starts near the bellybutton and
spreads to the lower right part of the stomach.
This can mean appendicitis, a medical emergency.
Stomach pain associated with blood in either the
vomit or stool.
Green liquid vomit. This could be bile, a sign of
torsion — twisting or blockage — of the stomach
or intestines. The condition must be treated quickly.
Distended abdomen. This can mean obstruction
or other problems, such as appendicitis.
Pain when the abdomen is pressed, particularly
if pressed and then released suddenly. This can
mean that the peritoneal lining, the membrane lining the
abdominal cavity, is inflamed. This can occur in
conditions such as appendicitis.
Child complains of abdominal pain and lies on
his or her side with legs drawn up toward
abdomen. This often occurs when appendicitis is present.
Child complains of abdominal pain and walks
bent at the middle. This can mean appendicitis.
When in doubt, call your pediatrician. If your child has
appendicitis, the appendix will be removed surgically. If
this occurs before the appendix bursts, complications are
rare, and the surgery only requires a short hospital stay.
Do You Have Questions?
Check out our Wellness Center for all the answers
you need. Visit TunedIntoYourHealth.com for
everything from health news to quizzes. Be sure to
check out the special kid’s health section!
12
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2014
maternity
Older Moms, Healthy Babies
Moving through your mid-30s and
pondering motherhood? You’re not alone.
More and more American women are
postponing having children. In fact, about
20 percent of women in the U.S. today
are having their first child after age 35.
If you are older than age 35 and
planning to have your first baby, you may
have concerns about becoming pregnant
later in life. You may have heard that a
woman’s risk for complications during
pregnancy goes up after age 35.
The fact is that most women in their
30s and 40s have healthy pregnancies
and healthy babies. To ensure a healthy
pregnancy, you should do what any
woman should do: Prepare for your baby
with healthy lifestyle choices.
Baby Your Body
“The best thing you can do for your baby
is to be in good health before you become
pregnant,” says Pamela Schultz, M.D.,
an OB-GYN affiliated with Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. Eat a
balanced, nutritious diet, lose weight if
you are overweight, and take a prenatal
vitamin that has at least 400 micrograms
of folic acid.
You should have a full medical exam
before you become pregnant. Tell your
doctor that you are planning to become
pregnant and ask about potential
health risks.
If you have a chronic condition or
other health problem, work with your
doctor to get it under control before
you conceive. You should also stop any
unhealthy habits, such as smoking,
drinking, or using drugs before you
become pregnant.
Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby
After age 30, women experience some
decrease in fertility, but it’s unlikely to
prevent you from becoming pregnant. It
may just take longer to conceive.
However, if you do not successfully
become pregnant after six months, you
may want to talk with your doctor.
Congratulations, You’re Pregnant!
Once you conceive, it’s important to start
prenatal care early. This allows your
doctor to monitor your pregnancy. It also
helps ensure that any potential problems
are caught and treated early.
After age 35, a woman’s risk of having
a baby with a birth defect increases. To
avoid any problems, your doctor will
assess your potential risk based on your
Pamela Schultz, M.D.
Oakhurst
1-800-560-9990
personal and family medical history and
may perform additional tests. Discuss
the pros and cons of these tests with your
doctor.
Once you have decided to take the
big step into parenthood, try to relax
and enjoy your pregnancy. Remember
that most older mothers have no more
problems during pregnancy than younger
women do. You’ll feel more confident
knowing that you’re doing all you can to
have a healthy baby.
KRISTEN VOLKLAND,
OLKLAND, 39,
is expecting her first
child, a girl. She stays
active according to her
OB’s tips.
Join the Meridian Momtourage
Community
Are you over 35 and expecting a baby? Visit
MeridianMomtourage.com and click “Ask
Moms” to join our discussion boards with other
local moms like you. Share tips, ask questions,
and benefit from a supportive community of other
moms and moms-to-be. Get started today!
KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com 13
your health
Periods, Pregnancy,
Menopause — And Sleep
Sleep disorders affect men and
women differently. Although men
apparently suffer more from sleep
apnea, women are more likely to
report spending their nights tossing
and turning.
Carol Ash, M.D.
Board certified
in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary
Disease, and
Sleep Medicine
Red Bank
1-800-560-9990
Researchers aren’t sure why women seem to
have more trouble sleeping than men, but
they have noticed that women have the most
difficulty when hormone levels fluctuate. In
other words, women are most likely to have
problems sleeping soundly during pregnancy,
early motherhood, menopause, and at certain
times during the menstrual cycle.
Whether changing hormone levels are directly linked to sleep
is yet to be determined, but there are ways that you can ensure
you get your best sleep at these more difficult times.
Your Period and Sleep
The hormone progesterone causes sleepiness, and
a woman’s progesterone level rises during
ovulation and then drops dramatically at the
onset of a menstrual period. That drop also
is the time when many women report
having sleep problems.
To improve sleep during your
period, follow these tips from Carol
Ash, D.O., medical director of
Sleep Centers at Meridian Health:
JENNIFER HEATON, KRISTIN
BELARDO, AND MICHELE DONOHUE
of Monmouth Beach, are
neighbors. The women are able to
keep up their energy during the
day with good sleep habits.
14
Meridian KidViews • Summer 2014
• Schedulemoretimeforsleep.Youshouldtrytogetbetween
seven and nine hours a night.
• Avoidcaffeinelateintheday.Drinkyourlastcupofcoffee
by 4 p.m.
• Don’tdoanythingenergizingclosetobedtime.“Payingthe
bills, using the computer, or anything that causes you to be
alert may keep you awake,” says Dr. Ash.
• Avoidsleepingpills.Changingyourbehaviorworksbetterin
the long run.
Pregnancy and Sleep
As any woman who has ever been pregnant can attest, the body
goes through profound changes during pregnancy. It’s probably
not too surprising that the quality of sleep suffers, too.
In the first trimester, when the body is adjusting to
abnormally high hormone levels, women often feel sleepier
than usual, but they also wake more frequently. Sleep disorders
also can emerge with pregnancy, such as restless legs syndrome,
snoring, and insomnia.
Most women have difficulty with sleep during the postpartum
period, but begin sleeping better after the first year.
To improve sleep during and after pregnancy, Dr. Ash
recommends:
• Be prepared to get more sleep.
Take naps, if you can, and go to
bed earlier. Your body needs more
sleep during this time.
• Sleep on your left side.
Sleeping on left side is more
comfortable for some and
better for the baby as it
MOMS
Menopause and Sleep
Once women reach menopause, most report difficulties sleeping.
Much of the reason for this may be physiological — women
often experience hot flashes, a sensation of heat spreading from
the chest to the neck and face. But while a hot flash might rouse
a sleeper, life changes and the worries that come with older age
may also be a source of wakefulness.
To improve sleep during menopause:
• Practice slow, deep, meditative breathing. Rhythmic
abdominal breathing can decrease hot flashes and help
promote sleep.
• Keep the bedroom temperature cooler than the rest of the
house to lessen the effect of late-night hot flashes.
• Avoid alcohol before going to bed. “Many people
mistakenly believe that alcohol will cause better sleep. In fact, it
disrupts the body’s ability to reach deep sleep and causes you to
wake up only a few hours after falling asleep,” says Dr. Ash.
Easy Ways to Adjust Your Sleep Habits
See Carol Ash, M.D., give valuable tips on how to get a better night’s
sleep on Fox News. Visit MeridianHealth.com/sleep to watch her
video and discover other useful sleep tools.
Have a Healthy Girls’
Day Out
As women, we enjoy
having that time to
catch up with our
friends. But for most
of us, it always seems
to revolve around one
thing — a meal, a cup
Jasrup Kaur,
M.D.
of coffee, or a couple
Tinton Falls
of drinks. It’s a great
1-800-560-9990
way to catch up on
conversation, but it’s
often not the most healthy practice.
Break the get-together monotony!
Here are a few simple options from
Jasrup Kaur, M.D., a family medicine
physician affiliated with Riverview
Medical Center and Bayshore
Community Hospital.
Take a Yoga Class
One of the best ways to stick to a
fitness program is to “buddy up.” So
why not try a morning of bending and
stretching together in a yoga class?
Plus, the potential health benefits of
yoga are plentiful, including less pain,
reduced stress, and greater flexibility.
Cook Together
Just because you and your friends
dine together doesn’t mean it has
to be unhealthy. One option is to
get your friends together to cook a
healthy meal at someone’s home. Or
take a local cooking class.
Find a Local Trail
Friendly get-togethers don’t have to
cost a lot of money, either. For a good
free activity, use your local hiking and
biking trails for your outings. Light
exercise, like a casual walk, goes great
with conversation.
Workout Together!
An afternoon at the gym is the
perfect way to bond with friends
while staying fit. Join one of our
fitness centers! See our locations at
MeridianFitnessandWellness.com.
increases blood flow to the uterus. Also, putting a pillow
under your legs may help relieve physical discomfort.
• Take naps when the baby takes naps once the baby is
born.
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Luke Ireland, 3, is back to playing
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Visit us on the Web at MeridianHealth.com
Skin Cancer Screenings
Summer 2014
nts
Upcoming Eve
•
ia n h ea lt h
• at m er id
Keep an Eye Out for Picatso!
You may have noticed a friendly new
face at some of your favorite Meridian
Health events, like Riverview Kids’
Rock. Picatso, part of the Pawsitive
Action crew with Doctor Bernard,
has started attending events
and cannot wait to meet
you! Look for Picatso
at upcoming events,
and send in your
pictures with Picatso to
kidviews@meridianhealth.
com. They may be featured
in an upcoming issue of
KidMazing!
Join Meridian and Ocean Monmouth
Health Alliance for Choose Your Cover,
free skin cancer screenings at one of
four locations.
July 19, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
20th St. Beach Entrance, Ship Bottom
Brick Beach III, Route 35 North
Brinley Avenue Boardwalk, Bradley Beach
Sea Bright Beach, Sea Bright
Are You Getting a Good Night’s Sleep?
Learn about sleep disorders and tips on
how to get a better night’s sleep.
July 31, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Carol Ash, D.O.
Arbor Terrace of Middletown
1800 Highway 35 South, Middletown
August 5, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Rana Ali, M.D.
Ocean Medical Center, East Wing,
Conference Room A
August 6, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Eric Costanzo, D.O.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center,
Brennan Rooms 104/105
Amp Up Your
Summer Family
Fun!
Win four free tickets to an
August 2014 Lakewood
BlueClaws game by sending
us your health-related
question. It may be answered
in a future issue of Meridian
KidViews! See page 10 for
topic ideas! Let us know
what’s on your mind by
e-mailing us your health
question to kidviews@
meridianhealth.com.