| In this issue... |
News Sun Safety
Testimonials
Heat Related Illnesses
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Testimonials
Pool Hazards for Children
Spa Hazards for Children
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| Sun Safety |
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We all need some sun exposure; it's our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn't take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and even cancer. Even people in their twenties can develop skin cancer.
Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child's chance of developing skin cancer
Facts About Sun Exposure
The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage.
Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
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UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.
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UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.
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UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.
What's important is to protect your family from exposure to UVA and UVB, the rays that cause skin damage.
Melanin: The Body's First Line of Defense
UV rays react with a chemical called melanin that's found in most people's skin. Melanin is the first defense against the sun because it absorbs dangerous UV rays before they do serious skin damage. Melanin is found in different concentrations and colors, resulting in different skin colors. The lighter a person's natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV and protect itself. The darker a person's natural skin color, the more melanin it has to protect itself. (But both dark- and light-skinned kids need protection from UV rays because any tanning or burning causes skin damage.)
Also, anyone with a fair complexion - lighter skin and eye color - is more likely to have freckles because there's less melanin in the skin. Although freckles are harmless, being outside in the sun may help cause them or make them darker. As the melanin increases in response to sun exposure, the skin tans. But even that "healthy" tan may be a sign of sun damage. The risk of damage increases with the amount and intensity of exposure. Those who are chronically exposed to the sun, such as farmers, boaters, and sunbathers, are at much greater risk. A sunburn develops when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what can be protected against by the skin's melanin.
Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for kids with:
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moles on their skin (or whose parents have a tendency to develop moles)
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very fair skin and hair
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a family history of skin cancer, including melanoma
You should be especially careful about sun protection if your child has one or more of these high-risk characteristics.
Also, not all sunlight is "equal" in UV concentration. The intensity of the sun's rays depends upon the time of year, as well as the altitude and latitude of your location. UV rays are strongest during summer. Remember that the timing of this season varies by location; if you travel to a foreign country during its summer season, you'll need to pack the strongest sun protection you can find.
Extra protection is also required near the equator, where the sun is strongest, and at high altitudes, where the air and cloud cover are thinner, allowing more damaging UV rays to get through the atmosphere. Even during winter months, if your family goes skiing in the mountains, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen; UV rays reflect off both snow and water, increasing the probability of sunburn.
With the right precautions, kids can safely play in the sun. Here are the most effective strategies:
Avoid the Strongest Rays of the Day
First, avoid being in the sun for prolonged times when it's highest overhead and therefore the strongest (normally from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM in the northern hemisphere). If kids are in the sun between these hours, be sure to apply protective sunscreen - even if they're just playing in the backyard. Most sun damage occurs as a result of incidental exposure during day-to-day activities, not at the beach.
Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and even concrete. Clouds and pollution don't filter out UV rays, and they can give a false sense of protection. This "invisible sun" can cause unexpected sunburn and skin damage. Often, kids are unaware that they're developing a sunburn on cooler or windy days because the temperature or breeze keeps skin feeling cool on the surface.
Cover Up
One of the best ways to protect your family from the sun is to cover up and shield skin from UV rays. Ensure that clothes will screen out harmful UV rays by placing your hand inside the garments and making sure you can't see it through them. Because infants have thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, their skin burns more easily than that of older kids. But sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age, so they absolutely must be kept out of the sun whenever possible. If your infant must be in the sun, dress him or her in clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face. Use an umbrella to create shade. Even older kids need to escape the sun. Long exposure can make them feel tired and irritable. For all-day outdoor affairs, bring along a wide umbrella or a pop-up tent to play in. If it's not too hot outside and won't make your child even more uncomfortable, you can have him or her wear a light long-sleeved shirt and/or long pants. Before heading to the beach or park, call ahead to find out if certain areas offer rentals of umbrellas, tents, and other sun-protective gear.
Use Sunscreen Consistently
Lots of good sunscreens are available for kids, including formulations for sensitive skin, brands with fun scents like watermelon, long-lasting waterproof and sweat-proof versions, and easy-application varieties in spray bottles. What matters most in a sunscreen is the degree of protection from UV rays it provides. When faced with the overwhelming sea of sunscreen choices at drugstores, concentrate on the SPF (sun protection factor) numbers on the labels.
For kids age 6 months and older, select an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Choose a sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as "broad-spectrum" sunscreen). To avoid possible skin allergy, avoid sunscreens with PABA, and if your child has sensitive skin, look for a product with the active ingredient titanium dioxide (a chemical-free block).
For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. Be sure to:
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Apply sunscreen whenever your child will be in the sun.
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Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before kids go outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don't forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as a child moves).
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Don't try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen; apply it generously.
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Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply after a child is sweating or swimming.
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Apply a waterproof sunscreen if kids will be around water or swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun's rays, so kids need protection that lasts. Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat- and rub-proof. But regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water.
Keep in mind that every child needs extra sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all children - regardless of their skin tone - wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, remember that tanning is also a sign of sun damage. Dark-skinned children can also develop painful sunburns.
Use Protective Eyewear for Kids
Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin. Even 1 day in the sun can result in a burned cornea (the outermost, clear membrane layer of the eye). Cumulative exposure can lead to cataracts later in life (clouding of the eye lens, which results in blindness). The best way to protect eyes is to wear sunglasses.
Not all sunglasses provide the same level of ultraviolet protection; darkened plastic or glass lenses without special UV filters just trick the eyes into a false sense of safety. Purchase sunglasses with labels ensuring that they provide 100% UV protection. But not all kids enjoy wearing sunglasses, especially the first few times. To encourage them to wear them, let kids select a style they like - many manufacturers make fun, multicolored frames or ones embossed with cartoon characters. And don't forget that kids want to be like grown-ups. If you wear sunglasses regularly, your kids may be willing to follow your example.
Double-Check Medications
Some medications increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. As a result, even kids with skin that tends not to burn easily can develop a severe sunburn in just minutes when taking certain medications. Fair-skinned kids, of course, are even more vulnerable. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any prescription (especially antibiotics and acne medications) and over-the-counter medications your child is taking can increase sun sensitivity. If so, always take extra sun precautions. The best protection is simply covering up or staying indoors; even sunscreen can't always protect skin from sun sensitivity caused by medications.
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 Spa Hazards for Children |
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Hot Tub and Spa Safety
Follow these precautions in keeping your hot tub or spa safe:
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Always supervise. Do not allow anyone -- of any age -- use a spa or hot tub without supervision. Never allow children to use a spa or hot tub unsupervised - even for a moment. Make sure you can see what they're doing.
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Prohibit drinking. Do not drink alcohol before - or while - soaking in a spa or hot tub. Alcohol increases the risk of passing out, heart attack, or injury from passing out and falling.
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Be careful with medicine. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines sometimes cause drowsiness or other side effects. Check with your doctor about taking these medicines while using a spa or hot tub.
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Respect drains. Long hair and even body parts can get pulled into a drain, causing serious injury and even death. Make sure your guests know about this danger.
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Talk to children about dangers. Never allow a child to play in a way that would permit hair to come near a drain cover. They should not stick fingers, toes, or body parts into drains. They should not play the "hold your breath underwater" game.
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Require good behavior from kids. This means:
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No playful screaming for help (false alarms) that might mask a real emergency.
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No running or pushing near the spa or hot tub.
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No diving or jumping into a spa or hot tub.
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No playing on top of the hot tub cover. They do not support a child's weight.
Respect storms. Never use the hot tub or spa before, during, or after a thunderstorm. There is a real danger of electrocution from lightning hitting the water.
Prepare for emergency. Know where all electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to turn them off in an emergency. Learn how to perform CPR. Keep a First Aid kit close by.
Spa & Hot Tub Maintenance
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Update drain covers. Make sure your spa or hot tub has newer, safer drain covers that help prevent this from happening. If a drain cover is missing or broken, shut down the hot tub until it is replaced. Call a spa or hot tub professional if you are uncertain about this.
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Get inspected. Have your hot tub and spa inspected for electrical hazards, and upgrade all systems according to local codes and the National Electrical Code.
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Respect electricity. Use battery-operated appliances instead of cord-connected appliances in and around the pool.
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Prevent infections. Change hot tub water frequently to prevent "hot tub lung" and other bacterial lung infections. Also, shower before getting into a hot tub to help keep water clean.
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Keep water safe. Keep the water temperature at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Keep water clean, properly disinfected, and clear of debris.
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Use spa covers. They protect children from danger, save energy, and keep debris out of the spa.
For more information, Webmd
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Article Headline |
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Many Overweight Kids Not Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Children with chubby bellies are more likely to have sleep-disordered breathing, a condition that's associated with behavioral problems, hyperactivity and difficulty staying awake at school, new research shows... click here to read more.
Want to Stop Cancer? You Can, Experts Say
Although some believe that certain people are destined to get cancer and nothing can be done to change their fate, that's just not the case, experts say. Even people who have genes that predispose them to certain types of cancer might be able to reduce their risk by living a healthy lifestyle, they say. "Between 27 and 49 percent of people think preventing cancer is impossible or highly unlikely," said Karen Collins, a registered dietitian and a nutrition adviser for the American Institute for Cancer Research...click here to read more.
Too Much Media May Be Tough on Kids' Health
Easy access to a wide variety of media increases a child's risk for numerous health issues, such as obesity, eating disorders, drug use and early sexual activity, according to a U.S. expert. On average, American children and teens spend more than six hours a day with media such as TV, computers, Internet, video games and VCR or DVD players -- more time than they spend per day receiving formal classroom instruction, says Dr. Victor C. Strasburger of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque... click here to read more.
Many Childhood Cancer Survivors Not Checking for Second Malignancies
Many childhood cancer survivors aren't following recommended guidelines on screenings for second cancers as they reach adulthood. And some survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder years after beating their disease, two new studies show...click here to read more.
Risks Remain for Childhood Cancer Survivors
People who survived cancer as children face a high lifelong risk for developing another cancer, a new study has found. A study that appears online May 26 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute went further than earlier studies by following people from birth through age 79. The researchers analyzed data on more than 47,000 people who had been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20. The incidence of new cancers found by the analysis was higher than expected, the researchers said. They found that 1,180 second primary cancers were diagnosed in 1,088 of the people who'd survived a childhood cancer. The brain was the most common site for second primary cancers... click here to read more.  |
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Rhabdomyosarcoma |
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What Is Rhabdomyosarcoma?
Sarcomas are cancers that develop from connective tissues in the body, such as muscles, fat, membranes that line the joints, or blood vessels. There are many types of sarcomas. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles of the body. The body contains 3 main types of muscles:
- Skeletal (voluntary) muscles are muscles that we control to move parts of our body.
- Cardiac muscle powers the heart's pumping action.
- Smooth muscle is present in internal organs. For example, smooth muscle in the intestines pushes food along as it is digested. We do not control this movement.
Skeletal muscles begin to form in embryos about 7 weeks into early embryonic development. At that time, rhabdomyoblasts (cells that will eventually form muscles) begin to form. It is these cells that can develop into the cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Because this is a cancer of embryonal cells, it is much more common in children, although it does occur in adults occasionally.
Although most of our skeletal muscles are in our limbs and trunk, these cancers most often are found elsewhere in the body. Common sites include:
- head and neck (near the eye, inside the nasal sinuses or throat, or near the spine in the neck)
- urinary and reproductive organs (bladder, prostate gland, or any of the female organs)
- arms and legs
- trunk (chest and abdomen)
But these cancers can occur anywhere in the body, including sites that don't normally have skeletal muscle.
Types of rhabdomyosarcoma
There are 2 main types of rhabdomyosarcomas:
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is the most common type of rhabdomyosarcoma. It tends to occur in the head and neck area, bladder, vagina, and in or around the prostate and testes. ERMS usually affects infants and young children. The cells of ERMS look like the developing muscle cells of a 6- to 8-week-old fetus.
Two types of ERMS, botryoid and spindle cell rhabdomyosarcomas, tend to have a better prognosis (outlook) than the more common forms.
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) occurs more often in large muscles of the trunk, arms, and legs and typically affects older children or teenagers. ARMS cells look like the normal muscle cells seen in a 10-week-old fetus.
Undifferentiated sarcoma
Some doctors group these uncommon cancers with the rhabdomyosarcomas. Although they are sarcomas, the cells don't have any features that help classify them further.
For more information, cancer.org
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Testimonials
In April of 2008 my husband and I were giving our then 4 year old a bath when we noticed a lump in his right testicle. We became very concerned and carried him to the doctor who asked us to return in a week, as it might not be serious and should reduce after a week. We watched for a few days and returned him to the doctor as, in our opinion, it was actually getting bigger. We scheduled an appointment with the urologist but had to rush him to the Emergency Room one night as he could hardly walk because of the pain and discomfort he was feeling as well as a high fever. Several hospital visits and scans later we ended up at Schneider Children's Hospital where we were told that our youngest child, the life of the family, was suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (this diagnosis was changed to Burkitt's Lymphoma after two months of unsuccessful treatment). We were totally unprepared for this devastation in our family. My husband who has never cried in the 16 years I have known him, wept like a baby. Our lives have not been the same since then; it has been a tough journey.
My name is Caroline. I am 4 ½ years old. I have neurofribromotosis. I also have tumors on my optic nerves. These are causing me to have trouble seeing. I just started chemotherapy. I love my doctor and all my nurses. My favorite part is seeing Rosey the therapy dog each week. I love school.
Caroline
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If Your Child Gets a Sunburn
A sunburn can sneak up on kids, especially after a long day at the beach or park. Often, they seem fine during the day but then gradually develop an "after-burn" later that evening that can be painful and hot and even make them feel sick.
When kids get sunburned, they usually experience pain and a sensation of heat - symptoms that tend to become more severe several hours after sun exposure. Some also develop chills. Because the sun has dried their skin, it can become itchy and tight. Burned skin begins to peel about a week after the sunburn. Encourage your child not to scratch or peel off loose skin because skin underneath the sunburn is vulnerable to infection.
If your child does get a sunburn, these tips may help:
- Keep your child in the shade until the sunburn is healed. Any additional sun exposure will only increase the severity of the burn and increase pain.
- Have your child take a cool (not cold) bath, or gently apply cool, wet compresses to the skin to help alleviate pain and heat.
- Apply pure aloe vera gel (available in most pharmacies or taken directly from within the leaves of the plant) to any sunburned areas. It's excellent for relieving sunburn pain and helping skin heal quicker.
- Give your child a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and spray on over-the-counter "after-sun" pain relievers. (Do not, however, give aspirin to children or teens.)
- Apply topical moisturizing cream to rehydrate the skin and help reduce swelling. For the most severely burned areas, apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream. (Do not use petroleum-based products, because they prevent excess heat and sweat from escaping. Also, avoid first-aid products that contain benzocaine, which may cause skin irritation or allergy.)
If the sunburn is severe and blisters develop, call your doctor. Until you can see your doctor, tell your child not to scratch, pop, or squeeze the blisters, which can become easily infected and can result in scarring.
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| Heat Related Illnesses |
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Heat-related illnesses such as heat syncope (fainting from heat), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are far more serious than a sunburn. These conditions occur when kids become overheated and dehydrated, and in many cases, are accompanied by sunburn.
Call the doctor if:
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your child has an unexplained fever higher than 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius)
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the sunburned skin looks infected
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your child has trouble looking at light (this may indicate a sunburn of the eye's cornea)
Contact your doctor for immediate assistance if your child has:
Be Sun Safe Yourself
Being a good role model by wearing sunscreen and limiting your time in the sun not only reduces your risk of sun damage, but teaches your kids good sun sense.
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Pool Hazards for Children
Every home pool, spa, or hot tub needs "house rules" that cover supervision, behavior, dangers, maintenance, use of electrical appliances, and handling of chemicals. These house rules -- for children and adults alike -- must be established immediately, written in simple language, and posted where they are easy to see. The home owner has the bottom-line responsibility for safety while entertaining. Use good judgment to help protect yourself, your family, and your guests.
Here are some simple precautions to ensure that your good times are safe times.
Pool Safety for Children
- Always supervise children. Never leave a child out of eye contact - not even for a second. Never assume a child is water-safe, regardless of swimming lessons or experience.
- Talk to children about dangers. Make sure children get swimming and water safety lessons. Never allow a child to play in a way that would permit hair to come near a drain cover. They should not stick fingers, toes, or body parts into drains. They should not play the "hold your breath underwater" game.
- Require good behavior from kids. This means:
- No playful screaming for help (false alarms) that might mask a real emergency.
- No running or pushing near the pool.
- No toys like tricycles near the pool; they can lead to accidental falls into water.
- Establish rules on diving. That means:
- Don't allow diving if your pool is less than five feet deep.
- Teach children to dive with their hands in front of their faces.
- Teach them to swim immediately toward the surface after diving.
- Respect storms. Never swim before, during, or after a thunderstorm.
- Limit alcohol. No under-age drinking is allowed. Adults should limit drinking near the pool. Just two or three drinks can affect a person's judgment, even though they may not feel or appear to be drunk. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow reflexes - especially if you are tired or taking medication like cold/ allergy drugs or prescriptions.
Pool Maintenance and Child Safety
Keep the pool child-safe. That means:
- Fences or walls at least four feet high completely around the pool.
- Gates that are self-closing and self-latching, with latches out of reach of children.
- Installing alarms on doors leading to the pool area, or alarms on the pool.
- Using a cover for the pool when it is not in use.
- Making sure drains are covered to prevent hair from being sucked into the drain, which could lead to a person's head being held under water.
- Keep rescue equipment close by. This should include a sturdy, lightweight pole at least 10-12 feet long, a ring buoy with line, and a portable or mobile telephone. Steps and ladders for aboveground pools should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
- Get inspected. Have your pool inspected for electrical hazards, and upgrade all systems according to local codes and the National Electrical Code. Also, any diving board, rock, platform, or slide should be inspected before they are used.
- Respect electricity. Use battery-operated appliances instead of cord-connected appliances in and around the pool.
- Prepare for emergency. Know where all electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to turn them off in an emergency. Learn how to perform CPR. Keep a First Aid kit close by.
For more information, Webmd
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7714 Conner Rd.
Suite 108
Powell, Tn 37849
Phone Number: 1-888-418-6062
The Children's Cancer Fund of America, Inc. is a national 501 c(3) organization dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance.
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