The Joy of Music

               Does anyone remember the dancing baby from the show Ally McBeal? While most toddlers can not dance that well, almost all of them can appreciate music. From infancy and onward your child can enjoy and respond to music. 

               Classical music is a good choice for newborns and older infants. When your baby is pleased with a particular song, she might be soothed, smile or laugh.  Your baby might show displeasure with a particular song by crying.  Singing or humming to a baby can be comforting for both parent and child. Toddlers and young  children can enjoy a variety of musical styles so don't be afraid to expose your child to different kinds of music. They also love to dance so show off your dance moves. Your toddler will try to imitate you and your school age child will show off her own moves.

The other day I was driving with my 21 month old son, when the song SHOUT by Otis Day came on the radio. Many people might remember this song from the movie Animal House. Immediately a twinkle appeared in my son's eyes as he smiled and started to move to the music. He threw both of his chubby little arms in the air, rocked to the beat and started kicking his feet. He even began to babble the words to the song. I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes. 

Teens listen to music a great deal and use it to help express certain moods. Take a moment and find out what kind of music your teen likes and which songs express which moods the best.  You may benefit from the information in other ways.  You'll know your teen had a bad day when you hear him playing his sad mood song or he has a new girlfriend when the love songs get played. Today so many songs that were popular decades ago are being redone by current artists, that you might even be surprised to find some common ground.
Lastly, don't discount the power of music to affect your mood. After a hectic day, a good song can elevate your mood, help you get through the evening and deal with the demands of your children on your time and person.

......Dr. Trina

The "Stomach Flu" Spotlight ---Norovirus

Contrary to popular belief the "stomach flu" is not caused by the influenza virus. It is usually caused by lesser known viruses. There is a family of these viruses called Noroviruses.

These viruses cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever and body aches. The symptoms usually only last 1-2 days. Most healthy adults and children are able to get better from the illness on their own. However, if the vomiting and diarrhea are severe enough to cause dehydration then the illness can be life threatening. Unfortunately, since Noroviruses comprise a large group of viruses, it is very difficult to develop permanent immunity. As soon as you become immune to one, you will come into contact with another.

Norovirus is highly contagious and illness can start as early as 12 hours after becoming infected. Bodily fluids like stool, vomit and saliva are teeming with the virus and are especially contagious. Food handled by someone with the illness can become contaminated with the virus and it can spread like wildfire. You may have heard of this phenomenon occurring on cruise ships. Even after getting better from the virus, a person can still be contagious for days to weeks afterwards.

Protect yourself and family by:
(1) Good hand washing before preparing food, and after using the bathroom
(2) Raw foods like fruits and vegetables need to be washed before eating them.
(3) Do not share utensils, cups or food with someone who has the stomach flu.
(4) Someone with the stomach flu should NOT prepare food while ill and for at least three days afterward
(5) Surfaces that have come in contact with stool or vomit should be disinfected with bleach immediately.
(6) Clothing that has come in contact with stool or vomit should be washed in hot soapy water.

You should contact a doctor if your child has decreased urination, is unable to hold anything down, seems lethargic or does not seem to be getting better. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to stop the vomiting or may order intravenous fluids. Do not give immodium to your child unless directed to do so by your doctor. Anti-diarrhea medications usually allow the virus to increase reproduction and make the illness worse.
For more information visit the Centers For Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov

......Dr. Trina

Cough, Cough, Cough

It seems like coughs are more abundant than snow flakes these days. Everyone is coughing. It's all the rage. Coughs can be caused by a myriad of illnesses from allergies and asthma to Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Pneumonia. How can anyone tell which coughs are minor and which are more serious? Here are a few tips for when to call the doctor...

(1) Coughs associated with fever
(2) Coughs that have been lingering around for more than 2 weeks.
(3) Coughs that are "tight and dry." This describes an asthma type cough where the child is having trouble moving air in and out of the lungs.
(4) Cough that is occurring every 3-4 minutes
(5) Cough that induces vomiting
(6) Cough that interferes with talking or activity
(7) Cough that cause abdominal or chest pain

Minor coughs tend to be associated with colds and usually self limited. These coughs generally resolve within 1-2 weeks. It should not interfere with sleep or daily activities.
Many of the cough preparations have been removed from the market for children under age 4.
For these children plenty of fluids, humidity and nasal suction are the most recommended remedies. For infants Pedialyte may be necessary to supplement fluid intake. For children over one year old honey can be a helpful soother for a cough caused by a dry tickle in the throat.
For older children we usually recommend over the counter preparations such as Delsym or Mucinex.
Coughs tend to be tricky business so if in doubt, get it checked out!

----Dr. Trina

"Tis the Season to be Wheezing"

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. This virus circulates this time of year and is especially prevalent among day cares and schools. Infection with RSV can be serious in young infants and children with chronic lung conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Symptoms include profuse runny nose, cough, congestion and in more serious cases wheezing. Older children tend to only exhibit cold like symptoms. Young infants, especially premature infants are more likely to become seriously ill. They may wheeze, have trouble feeding and have trouble breathing. Children with chronic lung conditions are also more likely to exhibit the more serious symptoms.
The key to prevention is to regular hand washing. If you have a young infant or high risk child then no one with cold symptoms should visit your home or be around your child. Older school age siblings with cold symptoms should stay away from younger siblings and their playthings.
Premature infants may be eligible to receive a monthly vaccine to protect them against RSV called synagis. This is decided on a case by case basis and needs to be discussed with your doctor.
RSV can survive for long periods of time on counter surfaces and doorknobs so disinfecting these areas is important. Be sure to wash pacifiers and toys with hot soapy water or run through te dish washer if possible. If your child attends daycare ask about their RSV policy and what precautions they take to prevent spreading the virus.

....TJB