Seizures, although rare, are one of the most frightening effects that a fever can have on a child. A febrile seizure usually happens during the first few hours of a fever, often when a child's temperature is rapidly rising. The child may look strange for a few moments, then stiffen, twitch, and roll his eyes. He will be unresponsive for a short time, his breathing will be disturbed, and his skin may appear a little duskier than usual. After the seizure, the child quickly returns to normal. Febrile seizures are usually very brief and do not cause any permanent damage.

Although the seizure itself will not cause damage, a child can be injured while having a seizure. If your child has a seizure, you must act immediately to prevent injury. Place her on the floor or bed away from any hard or sharp objects and turn her head to the side so that any saliva or vomit can drain from her mouth. It is not possible to "swallow your tongue" while having a seizure. Do not put anything into her mouth because a child might bite it, break it, or swallow whatever you put in there. Most febrile seizures are very brief (less than 1 minute) but occasionally will last up to 15 minutes. If your child has a seizure that lasts longer than 1 minute call 911 to get help.

 

When the seizure ends on its own, and most will, call Performance Pediatrics. Your child will need to be examined to make sure that the seizure was just a simple febrile seizure and not a sign of a more serious infection like meningitis. If you cannot reach Dr. McAllister, the best thing to do is take your child to a local emergency room for an evaluation; don't wait as your child needs to be seen right away.

 

A simple letter, email or phone call to your state legislators will go a long way to fighting childhood obesity.

 

Massachusetts is experiencing an epidemic of childhood obesity. Between 25-30 percent of the state's 10-17-year olds are overweight or obese. These children face serious health consequences, including higher risk of developing diabetes, asthma, heart disease, depression, and low self esteem.

 

The time to prevent obesity is childhood, and schools are excellent place to start. "An Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition" (H. 4376), sponsored by Representative Peter Koutoujian, requires healthy standards for drinks and snacks sold in public schools. The bill has been approved by two legislative committees, Public Health and Health Care Financing, and is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.

 

MPHA has garnered over 90 organizational endorsements for the School Nutrition Bill, generated hundreds of letters-to-the-editor, editorials, and news stories, and mobilized thousands of people to contact their legislators in support of the bill. Please join us in helping pass this important legislation!

 

To learn more about this bill and how you can support it, click here.