Author: reister.6

RSV and Children: Do you Know the Signs and Symptoms?

sick child at doctor

What is RSV?

According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is a common respiratory virus that can infect the nose, throat, and lungs, typically causing mild, cold-like symptoms.

RSV and other viruses can inflame the small airways (bronchioles) in a child’s lungs causing bronchiolitis. Since bronchiolitis causes the small airways to narrow and fill with mucus, it can make breathing more difficult.

RSV Symptoms

RSV may resemble a cold when it first starts. However, if it progresses medical attention may be needed. According to the CDC, early symptoms of RSV may include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Mild cough
  • Possible fever (though not always, especially in very young infants)
  • Less interest in eating or drinking; decreased appetite or feedings in babies
  • Irritability or low energy, especially in infants under 6 months old

More Severe / Progressing Symptoms (bronchiolitis)

  • Cough may worsen and last for several weeks (often 3–4 weeks)
  • Wheezing or tight breathing (whistling or squeaky sounds)
  • Fast and shallow breathing, or increased effort to breathe
  • Retractions — skin pulling in between ribs or at the neck when breathing in
  • Pauses in breathing (apnea) in infants, sometimes lasting 15–20 seconds or more
  • Change in skin color — pale, or bluish tint to lips, fingers, toes, especially during breathing difficulties
  • Trouble feeding or drinking, less wet diapers (in babies) signs of dehydration or inability to feed properly
  • Being unusually tired, weak, or less playful than normal

When to seek help

Contact your child’s health care provider if:

  • Symptoms worsen (e.g., cough or breathing problems worsen)
  • Your child is not eating or drinking well, or is producing fewer wet diapers than usual (possible dehydration)
  • They become unusually irritable, very sleepy, or find it hard to wake up for feeding (infants)

Seek immediate medical care (call 911 or go to the emergency department) if your child has:

  • Trouble breathing rapid or very shallow breathing, working hard to breathe, retractions (skin pulling in when breathing), flaring nostrils.
  • Blue or gray color around lips, tongue, face, fingers — sign of low oxygen.
  • Pauses in breathing (apnea), especially in very young infants.
  • Severe dehydration: refusing to drink, very few or no wet diapers, or signs of dehydration.

According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, doctors may diagnose RSV by testing your child’s nasal drainage, X-Ray, or by measuring the amount of oxygen in their blood. Since RSV is a virus, antibiotics are not useful.

Prevention

According to Mayo Clinic Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the following prevention strategies can help slow the spread of RSV:

  • Practice frequent handwashing (wash your hands and your child’s hands after play, diaper changes, before feeding).
  • Keep children away from people who are sick. Avoid crowded places during RSV/virus season if possible.
  • Encourage covering coughs and sneezes (tissues or elbow) and avoid sharing cups/utensils/toys with children who are ill.
  • Ask your child’s doctor about preventive options: in some cases, infants may be eligible for an antibody shot which helps protect against severe RSV.
  • Keep up to date on recommended vaccinations as other viruses can also cause bronchiolitis.

Author: Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County.

Reviewer: Daniel Remley, Extension Field Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences Nutrition/Wellness

Small Bodies, Big Challenge: Understanding Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, childhood and adolescent obesity have reached epidemic levels in the United States. Currently, about 17% of US children are presenting with obesity. This alarming statistic comes with the warning that childhood obesity can lead to unhealthy patterns young people carry with them throughout their lives. Parents and caregivers can help children maintain a healthy weight by following MyPlate guidelines and tips found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website. Here you can access  MyPlate Plan which can help families understand what and how much children one and over should be eating from designated food groups over the course of a day. MyPlate Plans are available in multiple languages and have been culturally adapted to reflect foods from ten distinct cultures.

Drinks Count Too

“The average 4-5 year old child consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day – which amounts to 65 pounds of added sugar a year. The majority of a child’s added sugar intake comes from fruit drinks, high-fat desserts, soft drinks and candy” (FIRST 5). Follow Potter the Otter for helpful tips on healthy eating and staying active. Parents and caregivers can help by reducing the number of sugary drinks offered, modeling healthy drink choices, and providing water first for thirst.

Physical Activity and Screen Time

Physical Activity also plays a significant role in children’s health. According to the CDC, “physical activity is good for children in many ways. Benefits include improved academic performance, brain health, muscular fitness, heart, and lung health, cardiometabolic health, long-term health, bone strength, and measures of healthy weight.

Children need 60 minutes of activity each day. The Move Your Way website offers suggestions for adults and children including an activity slider to keep you on track. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “a combination of high screen time (hours per day) and low physical activity (step count per day) was associated with overweight and obesity.” Looking for more fun ways to get your kid moving? Use the chart below from the American Heart Association to try a new activity with your child each day.

 

Family Meals are More Than Good Nutrition

Did you know eating as a family can improve your health? The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University says that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use illicit drugs. The center compared teens who dined with families five or seven times a week with those who did so twice or less. Those who ate together more often were four times less likely to smoke, 2.5 times less likely to use marijuana, and half as likely to drink alcohol.

Are You Raising a Healthy, Active Child?

Take the interactive quiz and get tips from The American Academy of Pediatrics. Access the quiz through the healthychildren.org website.

 

Author: Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County

Reviewer: Dan Remley, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Ohio State University

Fresh Farm to Table

Father and child at farmer's market

Farm to Table Summer Fun

Did you know agriculture is a significant Ohio industry, contributing billions to our state economy? If you are looking for something fun to do with your children this summer consider a visit to a local farmer’s market. Many markets offer family friendly activities and, of course, fresh & healthy food at competitive prices. Click here to find a market near you. In addition to local fruits and vegetables, many farmer’s markets offer bread, eggs, pastries, homemade soups, meats, jams, jellies, flowers, and wares such as pottery and jewelry. Foods to avoid or use caution at farmer’s markets include raw sprouts, milk,  and cheeses as they pose a greater risk of food-borne illness particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and pregnant women.

The Slow Food movement, according to chef and activist Alice Waters, is in direct contrast to the fast convenience foods we have become used to. Slow foods prioritize locally grown foods like the kinds you will find at your neighborhood farmer’s markets. These foods are grown responsibly and support your community. Alice’s passion for using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients was the inspiration for her fresh market-inspired restaurant, Chez Panisse and her life’s work promoting farm to table education. Her Edible Schoolyard Project promotes children’s involvement in the preparation and consumption of their food and embedding agricultural practices into their everyday lives.

Interested in starting your own garden so you can practice farm to table? Ohio State University Extension has a plethora of resources designed for beginners. Already practicing farm to table with produce to share? Check out our guidance on creating your own food business.

 

Written by: Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County, reister.6@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Dan Remley, PhD, MSPH, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension

 

 

Going Mad for Pancakes this March!

healthy pancakes topped with fruit

While pancakes have probably been a part of your mornings for as long as you can remember, these tasty mouthfuls of goodness have quite a history of their own. Did you know that pancakes may have been around since the stone age?

In honor of the religious season of Lent, some people may abstain from eating animal products like butter, eggs and milk. Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday has traditionally been a day of celebration prior to Lent, where people would use up these ingredients by making foods such as pancakes in order to prevent waste. Today, Fat Tuesday wraps up Mardi Gras and is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday each year. There are many traditions surrounding the history of this season including king cakes, parades, parties, masks and of course pancakes!

While it is fun to indulge during your celebrations, try giving your pancakes a healthy twist by making them with whole grains or nuts. Whole wheat flour, oat flour, or almond flour can give your pancakes a kick of nutrients traditional pancakes lack. Rather than loading your stacks up with traditional syrups that often contain considerable amounts of sugar, try topping your flapjacks with fresh fruit (natural sugar), nut butter or plain yogurt.

Utah State University Extension suggests replacing oil with applesauce or mashed avocado and adding flaxseeds or chia seeds for a boost of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Costing around just $2.00, this recipe is also wallet healthy!

Healthy Breakfast Pancake Recipe 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oats, blended
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 mashed banana

Directions:

  • In a blender or small food processor, finely blend oats (or use flour if this isn’t an option).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the blended oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, yogurt, honey, vanilla, and mashed banana.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (be careful not to overmix).
  • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil.
  • Pour batter onto the skillet for each pancake and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
  • Serve with fresh fruit, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey for a healthy topping.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, meal time is a great way for families to stay connected. However, busy schedules can often make it difficult to eat together. Don’t limit your routine to just dinner plans. Breakfast together can be just as rewarding especially when you consider families who eat together three times a week enjoy health benefits such as lower rates of obesity, depression, and substance abuse. Consider getting children involved in the meal preparation too. Pancakes are the perfect anytime meal to mix, measure, stir, and flip!

Author:  Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County.

Reviewer:  Daniel Remley, Extension Field Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences Nutrition/Wellness

Not Cute as a Button!

 

child with button battery near mouth

With the holidays just around the corner, parents should be extra cautious about the dangers of button batteries. Unlike the cylinder type, button batteries can be easily swallowed by young children who are often attracted to their shiny round appearance. Button batteries are also dangerous if inserted into the nose or ears.

Button batteries are found in many household items such as remote controls, key fobs, hearing aids, toys, and even singing greeting cards, costume jewelry, or holiday ornaments.

Boston Children’s Hospital reports every three hours, a child arrives at an emergency department having ingested a battery. Because parents may not witness their child swallow a button battery, it is important to know some warning signs that may indicate they need medical attention. These signs include:

  • sudden crying
  • drooling
  • decreased eating or drinking
  • difficulty swallowing
  • hoarse voice
  • vomiting
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • abdominal pain
  • blood in saliva or stool (poop)

According to HealthyChildren.org, “when a button or lithium battery comes into contact with body fluids, the battery generates a current. That current produces small amounts of sodium hydroxide, a harsh corrosive similar to lye. If the battery gets stuck somewhere in the body, the lye burns a hole at that spot. Infection usually follows. The result can be serious injury and illness, long-term disability or even death.”

If you believe a child has swallowed a battery, do not delay in getting them to the hospital. The National Safety Council also recommends you:

  • Call the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline (800) 498-8666.
  • If available, provide the battery identification number, found on the package or from a matching battery.
  • In most cases, an X-ray must be obtained to determine whether the battery has passed through the esophagus into the stomach; if the battery remains in the esophagus, it must be removed immediately.
  • Don’t induce vomiting; don’t eat or drink until the X-ray shows the battery is beyond the esophagus.
  • Report fever, abdominal pain, vomiting or blood in stools immediately.

If your child is at least one year old, is not allergic and can swallow liquids, give them two teaspoons of honey and take them to the ER immediately.

To prevent batteries from being swallowed, never allow young children to chew on household items that contain batteries such as key fobs, remote controls, and cell phones. Routinely inspect all toys with batteries to ensure compartments are secure and there is no corrosion. 

 

Author:  Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County. 

Reviewer:  Laura Stanton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Warren County 

Combatting “I’m Bored” This Summer

young children with hula hoops

The beginning of summer is always exciting, but July is around the time adults begin to hear the dreaded complaints of boredom. Although you may be tempted to pack your child’s schedule full of activities to avoid hearing “I’m bored”, Dayton Children’s suggests boredom gives children an opportunity to build skills essential to good mental health. The ability to entertain oneself, problem solve, and seek creative solutions are useful life skills that can combat short-term boredom. Although a small amount of down time can be a good thing, it is important for adults to recognize and intervene when a child is lacking the initiative to find things to do on their own. Dayton Children’s offers the following suggestions to keep kids engaged this summer:

  • Make a list together of ideas the child can do when they feel bored. Or make a list of things that you can only do during the summer and let them decide which activity they’re in the mood for.
  • Expect to hear a little frustration. The child may be used to teachers and other adults scheduling their whole lives, and they can feel a little thrown off if they have to come up with their own plans.
  • If the child complains about boredom, explain that the feeling may be due to having downtime.
  • Boredom can also be a result of the child’s brain wanting to be more active.
  • Encourage them to come up with an idea. You can also prompt the child to try something new. Maybe pull out a few supplies and encourage them to make something out of completely random items. If the weather is nice, try some messy play outside. Consider a traditional summer activity—resting in a hammock, taking a swim—and see if they’re interested.

Although summer break means less rigid schedules for some families, research shows that many children are less physically active in the summer months than during the school year. Left on their own, some kids may fall into the habit of utilizing television, computers, or phones to keep entertained. Child Care Aware suggests children have some physical activity each day. Adults can help keep kids active by getting them involved in the planning of activities, making bucket lists of ideas, and setting screen limits.

Cleveland Clinic pediatrician, Dr. Gina Robinson, MD reminds us in addition to the health benefits of getting kids outside and being active, the socialization that comes with being around other children is also a positive result of summer down time. Finding free activities within the community such as trips to the library, volunteering, and playgrounds can also help to address summer boredom and keep kids busy as they head into the final days of summer.

Author:  Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County. 

Reviewer:  Laura Stanton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Warren County.

Sources

Beat Summer Boredom with Physical Activity (2023) Child Care Aware https://ks.childcareaware.org/beat-summer-boredom

Beating Summer Boredom (2023) Cleveland Clinic https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/06/20/beating-summer-boredom

How to Help Kids Deal with Summer Boredom (2024) Dayton Children’s https://www.childrensdayton.org/the-hub/how-help-kids-deal-summer-boredom-oosblog

What’s That Noise? Kid’s Fear of the Dark Can Make Bedtime a Challenge

child hiding behind a blanket

You are awakened by your young child who says they are afraid of the dark. Despite all efforts to convince them there are no monsters in their closet, you finally cave and let them sleep with you. If this scenario sounds familiar, you are not alone. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, 45-80% of children under the age of 12 have a fear of darkness particularly around ages 7-9.

Dr. Gene Beresin, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, states “although a child’s imagination is useful during play and learning, they are not fully able to distinguish the difference between reality and fantasy which can lead to scary thoughts or sounds presenting as real threats”.

Often a child’s fear can be traced to other issues including separation, a scary movie, anxiety, or something completely unrelated to the dark, so it is important to understand exactly what is keeping your little one up. Once you identify the root of the fear, you can address it. Remember, the fear is real to them, so it is important to acknowledge it while helping them work through what is real versus what is in their imagination.

One mistake parents make in the quest to conquer their child’s fear is unintentionally reinforcing it. Telling your child that you drove a monster away with “monster spray” or a “magic wand” will only have your child believing that their fears are real. Instead, pediatrician Dr. Laura O’Connor suggests telling them you understand they are afraid, but that the monster is not real and cannot harm them.

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is also key to assisting your child in gaining control of their fears. Helping your child to relax before bedtime with breathing exercises, soft music, a familiar toy, or blanket can promote sleep. Providing a night light or utilizing white noise can create a calm environment. Limit overstimulating activities such as too much technology prior to bedtime.

Finally, acknowledge small wins. For example, even if your child does not make it through the entire night in their own bed, tell them you are proud of them for making it an extra hour than the night before. If your child is experiencing panic attacks or is seriously distressed, they may need professional medical or behavioral support. If your child’s fear is related to a traumatic experience or it is impacting their behavior, talk to their pediatrician to determine what kind of intervention will be most helpful.

Author:  Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County. 

Reviewer:  Jenny Lobb, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Franklin County

Sources:

Austin, D. (2023). More Americans than ever are afraid of the dark, experts say. Here’s why. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2022/03/01/are-you-afraid-dark-why-pandemic/6782349001/

Cleveland Clinic (2022). Is Your Child Afraid of the Dark? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tips-to-overcome-nighttime-fears

Whitehead, M. (2023). 6 Tips to Help Kids Who Are Afraid of the Dark. Cincinnati Children’s. https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/child-development-and-behavior/help-kids-who-are-afraid-of-the-dark/

Your Child’s Art is Communicating More Than You May Realize

Have you ever said “Wow, this is so beautiful!” about a piece of artwork your young child proudly shows you all the while wondering “What in the world is it supposed to be?” You are not alone! Most parents face the dilemma of trying to interpret what appears to be just scribbles on a page. However, that indecipherable collection of colors, shapes, and marks is actually the beginning of an exciting stage of development for your little one. This exploration is the foundation for learning to write. Drawing and writing lead to increased communication and understanding of how the world works and their place in it.

child scribble on wall

According to Zero to Three, there are five stages of drawing and writing that you may see as your child grows from 15 months old to 3 years old.

Stage 1: Random Scribbling (15 months to 2½ years). They are just figuring out that they are making the lines and scribbles on the paper.

Stage 2: Controlled Scribbling (2 years to 3 years). Their scribbles become more controlled. They love the way crayons, markers, play-doh, and paper smell and feel (and taste, so keep watch!).

Stage 3: Lines and Patterns (2½ years to 3½ years). They realize that their drawing conveys meaning. They may draw a sun and then tell you about it.

Stage 4: Pictures of Objects or People (3 years to 5 years). Symbolic thinking skills are present when he draws to convey meaning. They have a story to tell and then draws it.

Stage 5: Letter and Word Practice (3 to 5 years). They create content to communicate thoughts.

What can parents do to prepare their child for writing?

As with most development, parents must understand that all children develop at their own pace. Pushing a child to master a skill before they are ready could have negative consequences.  However, providing opportunities to explore materials, strengthen fine motor skills, unleash imaginations, and learn through play is the perfect way for a parent to support an emergent writer. According to Donna Whittaker (VP of curriculum and education at Big Blue Marble Academy), “Young children can build muscles by manipulating small objects, drawing, scribbling, painting, smearing, playing with Play-Doh, scooping, pouring and squeezing,”

Kid Sense offers these additional tips for strengthening your child’s fine motor skills:

  • Threading or lacing with a variety of sized laces.
  • Scissor projects that involve cutting.
  • Tongs or teabag squeezers to pick up objects.
  • Drawing or writing on a vertical surface.
  • Activities that require finger strength such as opening containers and jars.
  • Practice drawing the pre-writing shapes (l, —, O, +, /, square, \, X, and Δ).
  • Finger games that practice specific finger movements such as Incy wincy Spider.
  • Craft: Make things using old boxes, egg cartons, wool, paper, and sticky or masking tape.
  • Construction: Building with Duplo, Lego, Mobilo, or other construction toys.

As adults we should encourage and support a child’s attempts above the finished product. Try saying, “I love all the colors you used” or “Tell me about your picture” rather than “What is this?” or criticizing work.

If you have concerns that your child is experiencing difficulty meeting any developmental milestones, speak with a pediatrician who can properly assess your child’s development.

Written by: Heather Reister, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County

Reviewed by: Roseanne Scammahorn, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Darke County.

Sources:

Borst, H, (2021), How Children Learn to Wrote, https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/how-children-learn-to-write

Learning to write and draw (2017), https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/learning-to-write-and-draw/

HealthyChildren.org, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/find-pediatrician/Pages/Pediatrician-Referral-Service.aspx

Writing Readiness (Pre-Writing) Skills, Kid Sense. https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/writing/writing-readiness-pre-writing-skills/

What have we learned about SIDS? New Recommendations released.

tiny baby

For families who have experienced the heartbreak of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), nothing makes sense. However, continued research is offering recommendations that may reduce the risk of future unexplained sleep related deaths.

According to the Mayo Clinic, SIDS is the death of a baby less than a year old who otherwise seems healthy. SIDS often occurs as the child is sleeping. Although the cause is often unknown, SIDS might be associated with breathing issues associated with sleep arousal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the term SIDS is also used to describe sleeping infant deaths that are caused by accidents, including suffocation or entrapment, which account for approximately 27% of sudden unexplained infant deaths.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Sam Hanke and his wife Maura, who was a kindergarten teacher at the time of their son Charlie’s death, realized if they could lose a child to SIDS, anyone could. Combining their medical expertise with their personal experience they started Charlie’s Kids Foundation to educate, support and advocate for safe sleep practices for all families.

In a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) it is estimated that approximately 3,500 infants die of sleep-related deaths in the US each year. Although this number has decreased since the 1990’s, research continues to reveal the need for education and prevention efforts.

In July 2022, the AAP released a full list of updated evidence-based recommendations for reducing infant death in the sleep environment that include:

  • Back to sleep for every sleep
  • Feeding of human milk
  • Keep soft objects such as pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, fur-like materials, and loose bedding such as blankets and nonfitted sheets away from the infant’s sleep area
  • Infants sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least their first 6 months 

Although there are additional recommendations in the updated report, the message for parents and caregivers is supine (back) sleeping continues to be the safest sleeping position for infants.

Author: Heather Reister, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County, reister.6@osu.edu

Reviewer: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Franklin County

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome: Data and statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/sids/data.htm

Charlie’s Story: Turning a tragic loss into a catalyst for change, (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://charlieskids.org/our-story/

Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment. Publications.aap.org. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022 from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected&_ga=2.254117454.774970786.1658929277-1670574471.1657804696

Sudden infant death syndrome, (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800