Safe iPod Use

Families want their holidays to be happy for everyone, especially the children. Many parents do not realize that the holiday season can be a time of hustle, bustle and a never-ending whirlwind of stress for their children.

It is important to remember that children (and parents) need to find time to relax and enjoy a wonderful time of the year. How can children relax when they see their parents running around frantically shopping, baking, decorating and becoming stressed at the thought of blowing the holiday budget after one trip to the mall?

 

 

 

Remember routines - For parents of small children, this is especially good advice. During the holidays, children will find their routines disrupted. They are often dragged along on shopping trips or taken to special events. They stay up past bedtime and eat too many holiday goodies. When a routine is broken, stress can result.
Say "No" - You don't have to accept every invitation to cookie swaps, parties and gift exchanges that you receive.
Nutrition - Have you ever noticed the lines at fast food restaurants as the holidays approach? The lines are getting longer because people are often too busy to go home and cook a nutritious meal. Add all of those sugary holiday treats, and you end up with a stressed out, hungry family. Plan at least one healthy meal for the family every day. Take the time to talk and enjoy being together as a family.
Family traditions - Many don't realize how important traditions are to themselves and their children. Family traditions offer great comfort and security for children. What are your family traditions? Perhaps your family would enjoy creating a holiday calendar or baking cookies together.
Attitude check - Both children and their parents need to have an attitude check before the holiday season begins. Take a deep breath, and have everyone in the family pledge to make the holiday season a time of joy and peace. The less holiday stress you feel, the more relaxed your children will be.
Rest and relaxation - Everyone, especially a child, needs to take a "time out" over the holiday season to rest and relax. A well-rested child will be much happier on a trip to the mall than one who is in need of a nap. Schedule some rest and relaxation time for everyone in the family.
Favorite things - If you are traveling for the holidays, bring your child's favorite blanket or stuffed animal. A bit of home will help your child feel more comfortable.
Laugh - Laughter is still the best way to beat stress and change everyone's mood from bad to good. Lighten the mood with funny movies, sledding or cozy chats over cups of hot chocolate (don't forget the marshmallows).

There is much concern among hearing specialists about the effects of iPods and other MP3 players because hearing loss is related to the volume and duration of sound. With these devices, music is sent directly into the ears, the volume is often high, and the devices hold thousands of songs that are listened to for long periods of time. Researchers studying cassette players and portable compact disc players have found an increased risk of hearing loss among people who listen to loud music through headphones for an extended period of time. 

How can iPods be used safely?
To protect your hearing when using an iPod:
1. Set the volume while at home or in a quiet place
2. Set the volume so you can still hear sound around you and so that you can carry on a conversation
3. When you go into the street DO NOT MAKE IT LOUDER
4. OR buy noise canceling earphones that will block out street noise so you do not have to turn up the volume to hear the music comfortably. Two possible sources of noise-canceling ear phones are Bose and Etymotic
5. Limit the amount of time spent listening to music when the volume is questionable

How can I protect my child from hearing damage from iPods?
In March 2006 Apple released a software update for iPods that allows parents to use a combination lock to set the maximum decibel level for children. Apple posted information online at www.apple.com/sound on how to use this new feature and other strategies to limit long-term hearing damage.

Come join us for a fun-filled, educational session in our office on Wednesday, October 17th at 6:00pm.    

We have now had two meetings of our healthy living groups.   A wonderful job was done by nurse Ruth, who presented families with recipe suggestions for health eating and tips for staying active.

 

Stay tuned for our next session dates.   They will be announced on our Facebook page.

We currently have the flu vaccine available in three forms:

1. Flumist (live virus nasal spray) - approved for 2 years and older in healthy patients

2. Flu shot (preservative free) - for children 6 months to 3 years

3. Flu shot (preservative free) - for children 3 years and older

Call now for your appointment.

Questions about the flu vaccine?   Check here for FAQ from the CDC.

 

 

If your child has asthma, make sure that he or she benefits from our yearly Asthma Review at your well visit.

 

 

     At Williamsville Pediatrics, we are proud to be designated as a "Patient Centered Medical Home" and are NCQA certified.  

     Our team of highly regarded Board-Certified Pediatricians and Nurse Practitioners are committed to providing exceptional health care for your children.    Pediatrics is our passion - come grow with us!   Located in Williamsville, a suburb of  Buffalo, New York, Williamsville Pediatrics serves the Western New York pediatric needs of the communities of Williamsville, Clarence, East Amherst, Amherst, Depew, Lackawanna and beyond.    It has  been our pleasure to deliver acute and preventive pediatric care at the highest level since 1989.

 

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