| In this issue... | |
News
Testimonials
Sleep Needs By Age
After-School Snacks
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Your Child's Bedtime Routine
Playing It Safe On Halloween
Is It The Cold Or The Flu?
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| Sleep Needs By Age |
Sleep Needs By Age
There's no one-size-fits-all answer regarding how much daytime sleep kids need. It all depends on the age, the child, and the sleep total during a 24-hour period. For example, one toddler may sleep 13 hours at night with only some daytime catnapping, while another gets 9 hours at night but takes a solid 2-hour nap each afternoon. Though sleep needs are highly individual, these age-by-age guidelines give an idea of average daily sleep requirements:
Birth to 6 months: Infants require about 16 to 20 total hours of sleep per day. Younger infants tend to sleep on and off around the clock, waking every 2 or 3 hours to eat. As they approach 4 months of age, sleep rhythms become more established. Most babies sleep 10 to 12 hours at night, usually with an interruption for feeding, and average 3 to 5 hours of sleep during the day (usually grouped into two or three naps).
6 to 12 months: Babies this age usually sleep about 11 hours at night, plus two daytime naps totaling 3 to 4 hours. At this age, most infants do not need to wake at night to feed, but may begin to experience separation anxiety, which can contribute to sleep disturbances.
Toddlers (1 to 3 years): Toddlers generally require 10 to 13 hours of sleep, including an afternoon nap of 1 to 3 hours. Young toddlers might still be taking two naps, but naps should not occur too close to bedtime, as they may make it harder for toddlers to fall asleep at night.
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): Preschoolers average about 10 to 12 hours at night, plus an afternoon nap. Most give up this nap by 5 years of age.
School-age (5 to 12 years): School-age kids need about 10 to 12 hours at night. Some 5-year-olds might still need a nap, and if a regular nap isn't possible, they might need an earlier bedtime.
For more info click here, KidsHealth. 
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After-School Snacks |
It's a scene that plays out daily in homes everywhere. Kids come in from school and head straight to the kitchen looking for something to eat. How can you can make sure your child gets nourished but still has room for a healthy dinner? Read on.
Though kids need less frequent snacks as they get older, it's not surprising that most are hungry after school. Many kids eat lunch early - 11:30 or even before - and then have an afternoon of classes and maybe even an after-school activity before their next chance to eat. It's no wonder the snack food vending machine looks so appealing at the end of the day.
Depending on your child's age and after-school routine, you may not always be able to control what he or she eats in the late afternoon. But don't throw in the towel just yet. Take these steps to guide your child to good after-school snacks that will be satisfying and still leave room for a nutritious dinner.
Figure Out The Timing
Put yourself in your kids' shoes and consider their eating schedules on a normal weekday. Some younger kids may have a mid-morning snack, but most older school-age kids won't. Get the answers to these questions: When is lunchtime? What and how much do they eat at lunch? Do they ever skip lunch? Does the after-school program serve snacks? This will help you figure out how hungry kids will be when they get home.
You'll also want to think about what time you normally serve dinner. A child who gets home famished at 3 and eats a large snack probably won't be hungry if dinner is at 5:30. Likewise, it may not reasonable to expect a child whose parents work late to go until 7:30 with nothing to eat since lunch. Think about your kids' schedules and plan accordingly.
Create A List Of Healthy Options
Next, talk about which snacks kids would like to have at snack time. Come up with a list of healthy options together and be sure to include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. While a slice of cake or some potato chips shouldn't be forbidden foods, such low-nutrient snacks shouldn't be on the everyday after-school menu.
If you can, take your kids along to the grocery store and spend some time reading the nutrition facts labels and comparing products. Pay attention to the amounts of protein, fiber, calcium, and other important nutrients, and don't miss the chance to talk about portion sizes. Together, choose snacks that are low in sugar, fat, and salt. Being involved in the process makes it more likely that kids will learn to make healthy food choices.
Making Healthy Snacks An Easy Choice
Don't expect kids - even teens - to cut up their own veggie sticks. It's just too much bother, especially when they're hungry. Kids are more inclined to eat what's handy. That's where you come in. Make healthy snacks easily available by packing them in their lunchboxes or backpacks or by having them visible and ready-to-eat at home.
If you're at home after school, your youngster might enjoy helping you make a creative snack like ants on a log (celery topped with peanut butter and raisin "ants"), egg boats (hard-boiled egg wedges topped with a cheese sail), or fruit kabobs. Older kids may enjoy a fruit smoothie, mini-pitas with hummus dip, or whole-grain crackers topped with cheese and pear slices. Older kids often like making their own snacks, so provide the ingredients and a few simple instructions. If dinner is just around the corner, consider allowing a "first course," such as a small salad or side vegetable while you finish preparing the family meal. For those nights when dinner is hours away, you could opt for a more substantial snack such as half a sandwich or a quesadilla made with a whole-wheat tortilla, low-fat cheese, and salsa warmed in the microwave. Nothing too complicated, though. A good snack should take more time to eat than it does to prepare!
If your child goes to an after-school program or to a caregiver's house, find out if snacks are served. If so, what's typically offered? If you don't like what you hear, suggest alternatives or just pack an extra snack your child can eat after school. Easy-to-pack snack options include trail mix, nuts, low-sugar whole grain cereal, whole-grain pretzels or crackers, fresh or dried fruit, and cut-up vegetables.
What if your child comes home to an empty house? Again, the best strategy is to leave something healthy front and center on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator. A hungry child, like a hungry adult, is likely to take the path of least resistance.
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Playing It Safe On Halloween |
Halloween is so much fun because it's not like other nights of the year. Have fun and stay safe by following these tips:
See And Be Seen
After dark, kids aren't usually swarming the neighborhood. But on Halloween night, they are. That's why kids need to watch out for cars and other traffic. Be sure that your mask or costume doesn't cover your eyes or make it tough for you to see where you're going. You might think about wearing makeup instead of a mask. If you do wear a mask, make sure the eye holes are big enough that you can see.
Kids also need to be seen on Halloween, so it's a good idea to wear or carry something that glows in the dark. You might choose a glowing necklace, a glow-in-the-dark treat bag, or a flashlight. Your parents also can apply reflective tape to your costume.
Don't Trip!
You want your costume to look cool, but there's nothing cool about tripping and stumbling all Halloween night. Make your costume trip-proof by:
- making sure it's not too long
- wearing shoes that fit
- avoiding swords, canes, and other props that can get in your way
Don't Go It Alone
It's best to trick-or-treat with family members or friends. And it's also a good idea to have a grownup with you. A cell phone can be another handy item to have along. That way, you can check in with a parent or call for help, if needed. Talk it over with your mom or dad when you're deciding where to trick-or-treat. Sticking close to home is great because then you'll know many of the people and you won't get lost in unfamiliar neighborhoods. And people who already know you just might throw an extra treat in your bag!
When trick-or-treating, avoid going inside a stranger's home. Sometimes a person might invite you in for a treat, but you can just say that your mom or dad asked you not to go inside anyone's house. (Likewise, never go up to or into a stranger's car even if the person offers you a Halloween treat.) And if you're wondering about whether to go to a certain house, check if the porch light is on. If not, that's usually a sign that they aren't home or they don't want any trick-or-treaters.
Let's Talk Treats!
Before you start eating the treats in your bag, you'll want to get a good look at them. When you get home, dump everything out and let your mom or dad see what you have. They can help you get rid of stuff you shouldn't eat. For instance, you don't want to eat anything that's loose or not in a wrapper. Anything unwrapped, including fresh fruit, should be thrown away. Without a wrapper, it's hard to tell if food is clean and safe to eat. Once you've looked over your treats, you'll probably wonder just how much you can eat. Well, it's best not to overdo it. If you don't eat too much on Halloween, you'll have leftovers to enjoy in the days and weeks to come. In other words, you can make Halloween a little sweeter by making it last a little longer!
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Many Americans Plan To Skip Flu Shot This Year
Although vaccination against influenza can protect people from illness and help prevent the spread of flu, many Americans say they and their children won't be getting a shot this coming season, new surveys reveal....click here, Medline Plus to read more.
Pediatricians Issue New Iron Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a report that outlines new guidelines concerning the iron needs of infants and children...click here, Medline Plus to read more. 
1 in 4 U.S. Teens and Young Adults Binge Drink: CDC More than one in four U.S. teens and young adults admit they are binge drinkers, health officials said Tuesday...click here, Medline Plus to read more. 
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Rhabdomyosarcoma | |
What Is Rhabdomyosarcoma ?
Rhabdomyosarcoma: A malignant tumor that starts in muscle. Rhabdomyosarcoma is primarily a childhood tumor and occurs most often in children under 5 years of age. Over 60% of cases show up before age 10. On rare occasions, rhabdomyosarcoma affects adults. Rhabdomyosarcoma can begin anywhere there is muscle including (in order of frequency) the head and neck, arms and legs, genitourinary tract, and the trunk. Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma may involve surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Usually two or three of these modalities of treatment are employed. For example, a surgeon may first try to remove as much tumor as possible. Then the patient may undergo several weeks of chemotherapy, possibly followed by radiation therapy, and then more chemotherapy. The prognosis (outcome) with rhabdomyosarcoma depends on the location of the cancer, how far it has spread, the type of rhabdomyosarcoma, how much can be surgically removed, and the type of treatment received.
For more information,visit emedicinehealth.com
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Testimonials
Dear Children's Cancer Fund of America, Thank you so much for your letter to let us know of the financial assistance. What a blessing that will be! Abigail Grace is number 6 of 7 children. She was born with Down Syndrome and a serious heart defect (surgery at 4 months). And at age 2 ½ was diagnosed with leukemia. Each day is filled with heart break and joy - each day is a precious gift. Abby Grace is a sweet, gentle child who brings unspeakable joy to our home. We thank God daily for her and for all he allows in our lives to make us better & share his love with others. We consider even cancer a gift. Abigail spent 21 days in the hospital after her diagnosis in January. Since then, we've been in and out of the hospital. When Abby's sad, we're all sad. When Abby smiles, our hearts are filled with joy. Thanks for your wonderful organization. You are another "gift" in our journey. May God bless you! Sincerely, Rebecca Davis 
Dear CCFOA, First, thank you! About Danielle, she has been very brave. Going through chemo since April 24, 2009, that's the day we found out the news. We were hoping for just infection but they told us different after waiting 2 weeks. I took her to the emergency room thinking she injured her leg. She just started limping. But instead we went on the longest, scariest coaster ride ever. She's an honor roll student, a big fan of Hannah Montana, little petshop, and video games. She is 10 going on 15 (yikes). Danielle has had one surgery and now the leg has locked up. Now she has to have another. Pray for her. Ronale Hartzell
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Your Child's Bedtime Routine
Bedtime routines are important for children. Regardless of age, regular schedules and bedtime rituals greatly impact our ability to obtain sound sleep and function at our best. When it comes to children, this is especially true. Establishing and maintaining good sleep habits helps your child fall asleep, stay asleep, and awake rested and refreshed. It may also prevent future sleep problems. Good sleep habits can not only take the stress out of bedtime, but can help make it the special time it should be for you and your child.
There are no hard-and-fast rules for bedtime, and as always, there is individual variation. Your child is unique. If your routine is working, then it is probably best for you. That said, some approaches work better than others, and the following guidelines have been shown to be effective.
1. Make sleep a family priority. Determine how much sleep each family member needs and ensure that they get it. Discuss any sleep problems with your child's doctor. Most are easily treated.
2. Learn to recognize sleep problems in your child. Signs of sleep problems include difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, snoring, stalling and resisting going to bed, having trouble breathing during sleep, and loud or heavy breathing while sleeping. Sleep problems can be evident in daytime behavior as well. If your child seems overtired, sleepy, or cranky during the day, tell your child's doctor.
3. Consistency. As in all aspects of parenting, consistency and follow-through are key ingredients for success. Without them, you just can't expect your child to learn or change behavior.
4. Teamwork. If you are co-parenting, it is important to discuss your strategy beforehand and work as a team. If you are beginning a nighttime program, explain your new expectations to your child if he or she is old enough to understand.
5. Set a regular bedtime and wake time. This sets and aligns expectations for both you and your child and allows you to plan the bedtime routine accordingly.
6. Routine, routine, routine. Kids love it, they thrive on it, and it works. Routines set expectations and help train behavior; a nightly bedtime routine helps your child learn to be sleepy, just like reading in bed may put some of us adults to sleep (even when we're out of bed). The structure of bedtime routines also associates the bedroom with good feelings and provides a sense of security and control. Routines can take the stress out of bedtime and help make it a special time, especially if you have more than one child.
7. Dress and room temperature. Again, there are no absolutes here, but a rule of thumb is to dress your child basically as you dress yourself, keeping in mind that younger children often kick off the covers at night and are unable to cover themselves. People generally sleep better in a cooler (but not cold) rather than warmer room.
8. Transitional object. Bedtime means separation, and that can be made easier with a transitional object, like a doll, teddy bear, blanket, or other comfort item. This kind of object can provide a sense of security and control that comforts and reassures your child.
9. Dark and quiet. Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet and the noise level in the house is low. If your child does not like a totally dark room, turn on a small night light or leave the hall light on and the door to the bedroom open.
10. One last thing. Kids will always have that one last thing -- kisses, hugs, a drink of water, using the bathroom. They can be quite inventive. Do your best to anticipate all this and get it done before getting in bed. And let your child know that once they are in bed, they have to stay in bed.
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Is It A Cold Or The Flu?
Your child is sent home from school with a sore throat, cough, and high fever - could it be the flu that's been going around? Or just a common cold?
Although the flu (or influenza) usually causes symptoms that make someone feel worse than symptoms associated with a common cold, it's not always easy to tell the difference between the two.
Symptoms Guide
The answers to these questions can help determine whether a child is fighting the flu or combating a cold:
Flu vs. Colds: A Guide to Symptoms
Questions Flu Cold
| Was the onset of illness ... | sudden? | slow? | | Does your child have a ... | high fever? | no (or mild) fever? | | Is your child's exhaustion level ... | severe? | mild? | | Is your child's head ... | achy? | headache-free? | | Is your child's appetite ... | decreased? | normal? | | Are your child's muscles ... | achy? | fine? | | Does your child have ... | chills? | no chills? |
If most of your answers fell into the first category, chances are that your child has the flu. If your answers were usually in the second category, it's most likely a cold.
But don't be too quick to brush off your child's illness as just another cold. The important thing to remember is that flu symptoms can vary from child to child (and they can change as the illness progresses), so if you suspect the flu, call the doctor. Even doctors often need a test to tell them for sure if a person has the flu or not since the symptoms can be so similar!
Some bacterial diseases, like strep throat or pneumonia, also can look like the flu or a cold. It's important to get medical attention immediately if your child seems to be getting worse, is having any trouble breathing, has a high fever, has a bad headache, has a sore throat, or seems confused.
While even healthy kids can have complications of the flu, kids with certain medical conditions are at more of a risk. If you think your child might have the flu, contact your doctor.
Treatment
Some kids with chronic medical conditions may become sicker with the flu and need to be hospitalized, and flu in an infant also can be dangerous. For severely ill kids or those with other special circumstances, doctors may prescribe an antiviral medicine that can ease flu symptoms, but only if it's given within 48 hours of the onset of the flu.
Most of the time, you can care for your child by offering plenty of fluids, rest, and extra comfort.
And if the doctor says it's not the flu? Ask whether your child should get a flu shot.
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9 Tips to Treat Colds and Flu the 'Natural' Way
No. 1: Blow Your Nose Often -- and the Right Way
It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.
No. 2: Stay Rested
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket.
No. 3: Gargle
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey, popular in folk medicine. Steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. Honey should never be given to children less than 1 year old.
No. 4: Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, and can soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
No. 5: Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.
No. 6: Use a Salve Under Your Nose
A small dab of mentholated salve under your nose can open breathing passages and help soothe the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.
No. 7: Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore. Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's right for you.) Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.
No. 8: Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
This will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
No. 9: Don't Fly Unless Necessary
There's no point adding stress to your already stressed-out upper respiratory system, and that's what the change in air pressure will do. Flying with cold or flu congestion can hurt your eardrums as a result of pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If you must fly, use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure.
For more info, click here, WebMD
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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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