A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e Wa k e M e d C h i l d r e n’s C e n t e r
SUMMER
07
Summer Safety
TURNING TEN
Children’s Emergency Department
celebrates tenth anniversary
OFF TO OVERNIGHT CAMP
what’s a tonsillectomy?
A PUBLICATION OF THE WAKEMED CHILDREN’S CENTER
3
o
SAFE KIDS
CORNER
S U M M E RT I M E I S A G R E AT T I M E TO FO C U S O N WAT E R
not only around pools and lakes, but in your own home year ‘round.
Here are some startling statistics from Safe Kids Worldwide, an international
non-profit organization dedicated solely to preventing unintentional
childhood injuries:
SAFETY,
Summertime pool
environments, where
More than half of drownings among infants
(under age 1) occur in bathtubs.
adults get caught up in
conversation, are
particularly risky for small
children. Even in shallow
water, children can
More than half of drownings among
children ages 1 to 4 are pool-related.
Children ages 5 to 14 most often
drown at open-water sites, like rivers,
lakes and oceans.
become disoriented and
drown without making a
sound. Others just walk
into deeper water or jump
Keep your children safe around water...
in and fail to surface.
Start swimming lessons
at age 4.
Don’t rely fully on
lifeguards because they
often can’t tell if a child is
playing on the bottom of
the pool or drowning.
Remind older kids to swim
WHEN PLAYING
> Never leave children alone in the water.
> Teach children to swim at age 4.
> Tell children never to run, push or jump on others.
> Learn infant and child CPR.
> Make children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
> Make sure children swim within designated swimming areas of rivers, lakes and
oceans.
> Don’t allow children to wear bathing suits with long strings that can become
entangled in a pool ladder. Long hair should also be secured.
with buddies and never
dive into water where
they are not sure
of the depth.
AT HOME
> Keep toilet lids down.
> Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
> Keep children in baby bath rings within arm’s reach.
For more information about how to keep your child safe, visit www.safekids.org.
2
WARN YOUR
HOT TUBS AND POOLS: THE DANGER LURKING BELOW
CHILDREN ABOUT
Pools and hot tubs are so much fun, but you can’t always see what’s lurking down below. Did you know
THE DANGERS OF
that if older pools or tubs have not been voluntarily fitted with a protective drain cover, someone could
ENTANGLEMENT
become entrapped? The powerful suction of the filtration system can cause hair, clothing and body parts
AND ENTRAPMENT,
to attach to a drain, trapping the victim below the water’s surface.
AND TEACH THEM
Your local pool supply store will carry drain covers. If you notice that your swimming facility’s drain cover is
TO STAY AWAY
missing or broken, shut it down immediately.
FROM THE DRAIN.
For more information, go to http://www.usa.safekids.org/water/pool.html.
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
6
MILLION KIDS GO TO THE
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EACH YEAR.
SOURCE: SAFE KIDS USA
Recognizing Serious Head Injuries
Serious head trauma may be signaled by loss of consciousness, even
if it’s only for a brief period. Other signs include persistent nausea
or vomiting, confusion or amnesia, and severe headache. Don’t
rely on pupil size, since this is not an early sign. By the time one is
larger than the other, the child would be unconscious.
If any of these symptoms are present, seek
medical attention. With milder injuries, the
child may have some initial sleepiness (they
were usually very active just before the
accident) and one or two episodes of
vomiting. These children should be evaluated
periodically by quizzing them on immediate
memories and other easy tasks, such as
picking out a toy, making sure they are
oriented and easily awakened, and do not
have significant headaches.
A PU B L I C AT I O N O F T H E WA K E M E D C H I L D R E N ’ S C E NT E R
3
o
SAFE
KIDS
CORNER
Tips for an Injury Free Summer
C A R S + C A R S E AT S
A quick trip to the neighborhood pool without restraint may
seem harmless, but if you have to slam on the brakes, a child
could be ejected and sustain a serious head or neck injury.
Heat exhaustion from being left in a car or allowed to play in
one can be a problem, too, as children can suffer brain
damage or die. Even in cool weather, children should not be
left alone in the car or allowed to play in one. They can find
a host of trouble — from choking hazards on the floor to seat
belts that can strangle. They can also get out of the car and
walk into traffic.
There’s nothing like warm weather to get children active.
Those fun summer days, however, provide the greatest
opportunity to wind up in the emergency department.
According to Safe Kids USA, half of all unintentional
injuries and deaths of children occur from May to August.
You can help avoid summer injuries by providing constant
supervision, enforcing safety rules, and using proper
equipment.
Safe Kids does not recommend having trampolines at home,
and suggests they be used only as part of a supervised athletic
training program.
While most trampoline injuries are muscle or bone related,
head and neck injuries are also seen. More than half of
trampoline injuries involve colliding with another jumper.
RIDING TOYS
FIRE, GRILLING, FOOD AND FIREWORKS
Helmet use is the number one way to avoid head injuries
associated with riding toys. Safe Kids USA tells us that a bike
helmet that fits snugly and is used properly can reduce the
risk of bike-related brain injury by 88 percent and fatal
injuries by 75 percent.
Opportunities for burns are everywhere, with fire pits,
campfires, fireworks and grills. In our haste to put a meal on
the table, we can turn too quickly with a pot of boiling water
and possibly inflict a third-degree burn on a child.
Helmets that fit properly are pulled level to the forehead
and strapped low on the chin to allow the child’s mouth to
open comfortably.
Supervision is also important. Studies show that children
under the age of 10 are not capable of making quick
decisions regarding their safety and should be monitored
while riding anything that moves faster than they can walk.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) should be completely avoided.
The chance of rollover is too great, and nothing can protect a
small child from its crushing weight. Even when riding with
an adult, children can still be ejected and seriously injured.
4
TRAMPOLINES
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
To avoid accidents, put someone in charge of the kids while
adults are cooking, and provide constant supervision around
fires or fireworks.
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Children heat up quickly while playing outside. Make sure
they drink water every 20 minutes for hydration.
Small children are particularly vulnerable to injuries
associated with playing in the yard. Teach children not to
swing ball bats, sticks, tennis racquets, golf clubs, etc. near
their friends to avoid injuries.
H O W T O P R E V E N T A N D T R E AT P O I S O N
I V Y, O A K A N D S U M A C
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are a fact of North
Carolina life.
{
Every part of these plants—the root, stem, vines and leaves—carry
an extremely sticky resin called urushiol, which is as sticky as tar
and very difficult to remove from your body and your clothes.
Moreover, it causes a highly irritating rash and itching that can last
for days and weeks.
Here are some ways to avoid the plant as well as steps you can take
to make yourself more comfortable should you become infected.
A N AT U R A L W AY
TO KILL POISON IVY
To kill the actual root of poison ivy (or any
plant), pour a large pot of boiling water on
the root source, not just the running vine.
You may have to do this two or three times
over the course of a couple of days to
ensure the root is dead. Use protective
PREVENTION
clothing when pulling up the dead root and
> Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when in locations where
you might find these plants.
> Apply Ivy Block lotion before exposure to plants to reduce the
risk of a rash.
> Learn to recognize the plants and avoid them. Teach your
children the rhyme, “Leaves of three, leave them be.”
> Be aware of resins carried by pets. It can get on their fur and
transfer to people
vine, as the poison remains active.
For more information about Poison Ivy, visit
www.wakemed.org. Click on Good Health,
then Caring for your Condition, and select
the Allergy option.
IF EXPOSED
> Wash off with soap and warm water as soon as exposure is
suspected, preferably within 30 minutes. Two products, Tecnu
and Zanfel, can help remove much of the resins that cause
itching. They are available at camping stores and some
pharmacies.
> Scrub under fingernails with a brush.
> Bathe animals to remove oils from fur.
> Use calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching
and blistering. Bathe in lukewarm water with an oatmeal bath
product, such as Aveeno colloidal oatmeal (available in
drugstores). Aluminum acetate (Domeboro solution) soaks can
also help dry the rash and reduce itching.
> If itching persists, try antihistamines.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF…
> itching is severe.
> the rash affects any part of the face or genitals.
> you see signs of infection, such as pus, odor or increased
tenderness.
CALL 911 OR GO TO AN EMERGENCY
D E PA R T M E N T I F …
> an allergic reaction occurs, such as swelling, breathing
difficulties, or if there’s been an allergic reaction in the past.
> someone has been exposed to smoke from a burning
poisonous plant.
A PUBLICATION OF THE WAKEMED CHILDREN’S CENTER
5
u
A TRIP TO
T H E H O S P I TA L
TÄN(T)-SI-’LEK-TOE-ME
H
: the surgical removal of the tonsils
i, my name is Wyatt, and today I’m having my tonsils taken out
at WakeMed. Tonsils grow in the back of your throat, and
sometimes they grow too big.
z My doctor said I sound like
Darth Vader when I breathe. Even though it’s cool to me, the
doctor said it’s not cool to have big tonsils. I’ve been getting
sick a lot, too. The doctor said that taking them out will make me better. I’m a
little scared, but this nice lady met me in the front lobby with a funny dog
puppet named Wrinkles. Maybe this won’t be so bad….
w I changed into
hospital clothes, and the lady with the puppet showed me how I could draw on
the bed sheets with markers. Whoo hoo! Her name was Jennifer Kreimer and
she is called a child life specialist, and she’s really helping me not to be so
V She told me all about my surgery and helped me decorate my
scared.
medicine mask with stickers. She said that when I put it over my mouth, I would
breathe some good smelling stuff that will make me sleep and not feel anything
while the doctor is taking my tonsils out.
Y My sister and I played in the
special play area that had all kinds of fun toys and a big castle painted on the
wall until it was my turn for surgery. Then, one last hug for mom, and it’s time
to go. I am such a brave boy.
Y The lady with the puppet was right! I don’t
remember anything from my surgery, but I woke up with mom and sis next to
me. My throat was pretty sore, but a yummy green Popsicle made it feel better.
Sis got one, too.
R Soon it was time to go home. I got to ride in a wheelchair
all the way to the car! Having my tonsils taken out wasn’t so bad after all.
–
Shown left to right:
Jennifer Kreimer with
Elayne and Wyatt Courts.
6
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
ton·sil
TÄN(T)-SIL
1 : either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between two folds of soft
tissue that bound the fauces; 2 : any of various masses of lymphoid tissue (as the adenoids) that are similar to tonsils
Q&A
W H AT A R E T O N S I L S A N D W H Y M U S T T H E Y B E
REMOVED SOMETIMES?
Tonsils help us by trapping and destroying viruses and bacteria. But
they can be a problem if they grow too big. They can cause heavy
breathing or snoring. If you are prone to infections, they can cause
ear infections and sore throats. Taking them out can help make things
better.
WHERE ARE MY TONSILS?
A lot of people think the thing hanging down in the back of your
throat is your tonsils—but it’s not. That’s your uvula (pronounced U
view la). Your tonsils grow along the sides of your throat. When
removed, they look a little like big wads of bubble gum.
IF MY TONSILS TRAP AND DESTROY VIRUSES,
W H AT W I L L H A P P E N I F T H E Y A R E TA K E N O U T ?
Nothing. Your body has other ways of fighting infections, and if your
tonsils are making you sick, taking them out will keep you well more
often.
HOW WILL THE DOCTOR GET THEM OUT?
The doctor is an expert at taking out tonsils. Once you are asleep, the
doctor will open your mouth and gently remove the tonsils with a
special tonsil-removing tool. And there’s hardly any bleeding.
DOES IT HURT?
The surgery doesn't hurt because you will be asleep. But after waking
up, your throat might hurt — kind of like a bad sore throat. The nurse
is there with medicine and Popsicles, though, to make it feel better.
A mommy or daddy close by usually makes things better, too.
I F Y O U H A V E Y O U R T O N S I L S O U T, W I L L Y O U B E
A B L E T O TA L K ?
Of course! The tonsils are located way above the vocal chords, so
there’s nothing to worry about… although you might not feel like
talking much right after surgery, with that sore throat and all.
W H AT I F T H E D O C T O R M I S S E S A N D TA K E S O U T
SOMETHING ELSE, LIKE MY TONGUE OR BRAIN?
There’s no need to worry. The doctor takes out tonsils all the time.
Doctors are experts at knowing exactly what to do and won’t remove
anything that’s supposed to stay.
A PUBLICATION OF THE WAKEMED CHILDREN’S CENTER
7
KIDS
FIRST
Can you
color
Twinkle?
Summer is a fun time to play, so follow safety rules every day!
> Look both ways before crossing the street
> Wear your helmet when riding anything that moves
faster than you can walk
> Don’t play in a hot car
> Swim with a buddy
> Dive only in designated diving areas
8
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
W O R D S E A R C H Have fun while you look for these words relating to summer.
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barbecue
baseball
bike
birdwatch
boating
canoe
climb
dive
fish
frisbee
garden
hike
hopscotch
jumprope
picnic
rollerblade
rollerskate
seesaw
skateboard
slide
snorkel
surf
swim
swing
vacation
volleyball
wade
waterski
o
t
department
a…
RN, BSN
be
meet tiffany young,
Children’s Emergency Department
years in nursing
8 years
education
Bachelor of science in nursing from
UNC-Chapel Hill
why I chose nursing
a…
some d
ay I’ d l
i
nurse
my most amazing experience as a nurse
to be a…
favorite part of my work day
Knowing I have impacted the life of another –
knowing that I am truly making a difference
in the lives of other people!
be
ke
From a young age, I had an interest in math and
science and also a deep desire to help others.
to
ke
someday I’d li
title
Clinical Educator/Supervisor
I had the opportunity to work in Zimbabwe,
Africa for two years as a nurse,
helping people infected with HIV/AIDS.
my advice for kids thinking
about a nursing career
Go for it!
A PUBLICATION OF THE WAKEMED CHILDREN’S CENTER
9
FEATURE
l i t t l e m o n ke y s
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WAKEMED CHILDREN’S ED
CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF CARE
W
hether your little monkey fell off the bed, stuck a bean up his nose, caught the
virus that’s “been going around,” or worse, the WakeMed Children’s
Emergency Department is there to care for your little one. And that’s what it
has been doing for the past 10 years since it opened its doors in June 1997.
The Children’s Emergency Department (ED) was the state’s first freestanding ED dedicated to children
and is the only one in Wake County. It currently sees more than 42,000 patients each year ranging in
ages from birth to 18. And with that many patients, the ED staff, comprised of doctors, nurses and
technicians trained in both emergency medicine and pediatrics, treats a little bit of everything.
“Our doctors and nurses can get pretty creative when they need to,” adds Laurie Cook, manager of the
Children’s ED. “Like the time a toddler came in with a tub drain hanging from her fingers. The
curious child explained that she was ‘chasing the water’ down the drain with her fingers and got them
stuck. The EMTs physically sawed the drain out of the tub, but couldn’t get the child’s fingers out of
the drain. They brought her here with the drain hanging on her little fingers, and we tried everything
from lubricants to surgical tools. Then we ‘borrowed’ the hospital’s maintenance tools to saw that drain
off her swollen fingers. It worked and she was fine.”
The ED was designed with children in mind. It is cheerful and comforting with bright murals,
children’s art and child-size furnishings, and has child-sized instruments and equipment. The
private treatment rooms, and the breathing treatment room for asthma patients, include a television
and videos.
While no parent wants to see their child sick or hurt, the Children’s ED is the place to come in an
emergency. Join us as we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Children’s ED. See page 14 for details.
10
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
P E D I AT R I C S U R G I C A L S E R V I C E S
W
hile the Children’s ED is there for
emergency care, the WakeMed
Children’s Center has other services
just for children. So let’s learn more
below about the Children’s Center.
P E D I AT R I C U N I T
WakeMed has several dedicated pediatric surgeons and
anesthesiologists who specialize in a variety of sub-specialty
areas. They work with more than 4,000 patients and their
families each year. We have a separate pediatric pre-op area
and child-friendly operating rooms, such as the Winnie the
Pooh room. You can also come in for a pre-op tour.
WakeMed has the only inpatient unit in Wake County
dedicated solely to pediatrics. The 25-bed unit features a
sunny playroom with a life-sized castle mural, salt-water
aquarium, and an outdoor roof-top play area. For teens,
there’s a teen lounge with PlayStations, Gameboys and
DVDs. Each cheerfully decorated hospital room is private
and equipped with a VCR, comfortable sleeping recliner,
and small refrigerator.
“We offer an atmosphere that’s comforting and cheerful with
bright murals, children’s wall art, and child-sized
furnishings and equipment,” explains Wanda Bowman,
manager of the Pediatric Unit. “Even the X-ray machines are
sized for children — and when the room grows dark, a huge
glow-in-the-dark aquatic or solar system mural appears,
helping to refocus a child’s mind on something other than
the fact that he is in the hospital. We even offer 3-D glasses.”
P E D I AT R I C M E D I C A L S TA F F
P E D I AT R I C I N T E N S I V E C A R E U N I T ( P I C U )
Children are not just small adults when it comes to healthcare.
That’s why all pediatric medical staff must attend additional
pediatric training before working with the children. They also
participate in ongoing training at least once a year.
The PICU offers specialized care for critically ill children
from birth through age 18. Our full-time pediatric
intensivists—physicians who specialize in the care of critically
ill children—are also faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill, and our
nurses are highly trained in pediatric critical care.
WakeMed also has pediatric intensivists and hospitalists, who
are specialists in the care of hospitalized patients.
CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS
WakeMed is the only hospital in the Raleigh area to offer
child life specialists. Located in the Children’s ED, Peds
Unit and Surgical Services, they help children manage their
fears and anxieties, and educate them about what will
happen. They help children use coping strategies, such as
breathing, guided imagery and an I Spy book for cognitive
distraction during painful or “scary” moments. Child Life
Specialists also act as advocates for the child and family.
Jennifer Kreimer, child life specialist who’s worked with
children for more than 14 years, explains, “Depending on
the child’s age, we use a medical doll or stuffed animal, along
with real and pretend medical equipment and photos, to
explain and/or role play the child’s upcoming procedure.
Involving children in role play allows them to understand
what will happen, express their fears, and rehearse coping
strategies. This helps alleviate some of the ‘fear of the
unknown’ and gives children a sense of control.”
INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY
WakeMed offers extraordinary care for critically ill
newborns. Our Level IV Intensive Care Nursery is the most
technologically advanced in Wake County and serves as a
regional referral center. Our Mother’s Milk Bank is one of
only nine human milk donation programs in the country
and the only one in the Southeast.
P E D I AT R I C A S T H M A P R O G R A M
The Peds Asthma Program is offered free to children ages 3
through 17 and their families. It focuses on improving
asthma management through comprehensive education.
P E D I AT R I C D I A B E T E S P R O G R A M
Offered to children through age 18, our Pediatric Diabetes
Program provides support and education that integrates the
family, medical provider, school and diabetes programs to
optimize management of diabetes. Programs focus on
managing type 1 diabetes and preventing type 2 diabetes.
A PUBLICATION OF THE WAKEMED CHILDREN’S CENTER
11
taming a bully
N AV I G AT I N G T H E P U S H A N D P U L L O F A D O L E S C E N T S O C I A L R E L AT I O N S H I P S
ew parents are ever prepared to hear that their
child may be a bully. After all, kids rarely come
home and talk about being mean to another
child. The news usually comes from a school
counselor or the parent of the victim.
F
The first reaction of most parents, says WakeMed Clinical
Psychologist Melissa Johnson, PhD, is “Not my child!”
Dr. Johnson advises parents to not become defensive, and
instead, learn more about the situation. “Bullying is
rather complex, and each situation is different,” she says.
“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to bullying, but
listening and gathering facts yields insight into the
problem’s source and often a path to rectify it.”
Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but it is growing.
According to a 2004 KidsHealth Kids Poll, 86 percent of
more than 1,200 9- to 13-year-old children polled said
they've seen someone else being bullied; 48 percent said
they've been bullied, and 42 percent admitted to bullying
other kids occasionally. The Internet has created a whole
new world of opportunities for kids to bully each other.
The tendency to bully can stem from many things. Often
it’s either unusually low self-esteem – where the child feels
a need to pick on someone to feel more powerful – or
excessive preoccupation with personal needs, sometimes at
the expense of others.
14
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
“If your child is physically hurting another child, address
the situation directly and set limits,” says Dr. Johnson. In
all other cases, parents can use the following guidelines:
> Be sensitive to your child’s feelings, but stress that the
behavior is unacceptable.
> Encourage your child to develop his/her own way to
rectify the situation or repair the damage. Enlist a
counselor, if necessary.
> Help your child express anger in healthy ways, such as
writing, exercising, coloring/drawing or talking with a
trusted adult. Encourage him/her to come to you when
feeling emotionally conflicted.
> Nurture your child's sense of self-worth, but emphasize
that others have self worth, too.
> Model the values you wish to teach. A child who
experiences excessive anger at home often emulates it
elsewhere.
> Provide healthy, non-violent entertainment.
> Expose your child to opportunities to work as a team
and appreciate the value each person’s contribution.
“As parents, we must help children learn to deal with a
wide variety of people and situations,” says Dr. Johnson.
“Handling bullying in a sensitive, positive way can help all
involved to grow into well-adjusted adults.”
ending your children to summer camp can offer much more than
kayaking and archery lessons. It’s an opportunity to explore the complex
world of self responsibility, make new friends, and develop new social
skills. Most importantly, it’s a chance for parents and kids to practice
letting go.
S
happy
camper!
P R E PA R E K I D S F O R
I N V O LV E K I D S I N D E C I S I O N S
Prepare early by involving your child in selecting the camp. Talk about their
interests, research various camps together and visit them if possible. If you feel
your child is mature enough, allow him/her to make the final decision.
OVERNIGHT CAMP
Involve your child in packing for camp. If they need to bring a week’s
worth of sweatshirts, shorts, socks, let them choose – keeping climate,
practicality and function in mind. If you need to buy new flashlights or a
backpack, let your child help pick them.
“When children are involved early on, they tend to have less anxiety the
day they leave for camp,” says Dr. John Rusher, a pediatrician with
Raleigh Pediatric Associates and a camp physician at Camp Sea Gull. A
little anxiety is normal—as is homesickness, Dr. Rusher explains. “Talk with
your children beforehand about what to expect. They may be afraid to share
bathroom facilities, or sleep in a bunkhouse with 15 other little boys or girls
they’ve never met. They may be afraid they will not make friends at camp.
Help them develop a plan to overcome that anxiety.”
WRITE LETTERS – OFTEN
Have a letter or care package waiting at camp when they arrive. When you write,
make sure to ask specific questions—so you’ll get specific responses. And it’s a good
idea to include self-addressed, stamped envelopes so you’ll get a letter in return.
Also, leave little notes, comics or cards in the pockets of their packed clothes.
IF THEY GET HOMESICK
… don’t panic. And don’t make light of the situation. Share positive feedback
about their ability to adapt. Use examples of previous situations they’ve worked
through in the past. Encourage them to talk to camp counselors about how they
are feeling.
If your child remains homesick, make sure camp personnel are aware of it, and
solicit feedback from them. If your child can’t sleep or isn’t eating due to
homesickness, by all means, let him/her come home.
Visit www.acacamps.org for additional tips on how to prepare your summer
camper.
A D V I S O RY PA N E L
Published by the WakeMed Public
Relations Department. Call 350-8120
with comments or suggestions.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
3000 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27610
Jerry Bernstein, M.D., Raleigh Pediatric Associates, PA
Janice Frohman, R.N., Administrative Director, WakeMed Emergency Services
Melissa Johnson, Ph.D., Pediatric Psychologist, WakeMed Faculty Physicians, Pediatrics/Neonatology
Kathleen Privette, R.N., Vice President - Operations and Chief Nursing Officer - Cary Hospital
Courtney Mann, M.D., Medical Director, WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department
Debra Z. Laughery, Vice President of Public Relations
Michele Jonczak, Editor
© WakeMed, 2007
Leesa Brinkley, Design
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E W A K E M E D C H I L D R E N Children’s
’ S C E N TCenter
ER
3
YOU’LL NEED
Z
> Blender
> Fresh or frozen fruit – assortment of colors
> About a cup of 100% fruit juice (apple, white
TYKE
BITES
grape, fresh lemonade sweetened with honey or
maple syrup). Juice should be relatively clear.
Q U I C K + H E A LT H Y P O P S I C L E S
> Plastic popsicle molds and food-grade popsicle
sticks, if not provided
Make these fresh fruit popsicles in 15 minutes. They offer all the benefits of
eating fresh fruit: you get the natural vitamins and minerals as well as
TO MAKE
important enzymes for healthy cell development and digestion.
> Pour about 1/2 cup juice into blender.
> Yellow: Add a few pieces of yellow fruit, such as
Notes: Experiment to get the colors and tastes your child likes. The more times
you make them, you’ll begin to see how the colors tend to differ depending
on which fruits you use; of course, that is the fun part… especially for kids.
You can even make an art project out of this exercise to teach how to blend
primary colors to make the secondary colors (red + yellow = orange; red +
pineapple, peaches, mango, apple, pear, white
grapes, lemon. Blend until smooth and pour into
two or three popsicle molds, leaving some yellow in
the blender.
> Orange: Add to the yellow a few slices of orange
blue = purple; blue + yellow = green).
fruit – mango, oranges, tangerines, papaya, and
Green popsicles need to be made separately; you
depending on the orange color you want, just a bit
cannot pour other colors (except yellow) into
of red fruit, such as strawberries, cherries,
cranberries, red grapes, pomegranate juice. Blend
green or you’ll get muddy colors. Consider using
(adding a bit more juice, if necessary) and pour,
a base of fresh apple juice and/or fresh lemonade
leaving some of the orange in the blender.
and pineapple pieces; add about 2 Tablespoons of
> Pinks/reds: Add more red fruits from above for a
fresh cilantro (not dried) and some lime juice. For
richer color. Blend (adding a bit more juice, if
a darker color you can try a bit of frozen fresh
necessary) and pour.
spinach. You cannot taste the spinach – honest!
> Purple: Add more reds (if needed) and some
If you use kiwi fruit, the little black seeds will
blueberries. Blend and pour.
make an ugly green (but it tastes great).
u
H E A LT H Y
BITS
> Enjoy when frozen.
K E E P I NG YO U R K I D S H Y D R AT E D
Our bodies are made up of mostly water. When
> Try flavoring water with thin slices of citrus
you exercise and sweat, your body loses water
fruits or green apples. Try wafer-thin cucumber
and potassium, among other things, causing
slices for a very refreshing change of pace!
dehydration.
Foods high in potassium include:
Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion,
> Fresh fruits: bananas, strawberries,
constipation and muscle weakness and cramps.
Here are some ways to get your child to drink
plenty of water throughout the day:
> Keep small Dixie-type cups next to their
toothbrushes. Get them in the habit of
drinking a cupful after brushing every morning.
> Offer water during swimming pool breaks, or
at least every 20 minutes.
> Serve water with snacks, instead of sugary
juice drinks or sodas.
12
F A M I L I E S
F I R S T
s u m m e r 07
watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges
> Dried fruits: raisins, prunes, apricots, dates
> Fresh veggies: beets, greens, spinach, peas,
tomatoes, mushrooms, lima beans
> Dried veggies: beans, peas
> Fresh meats: turkey, fish, beef
> Fresh juices: orange
> Canned juices: grapefruit, prune, apricot
PARENT
PICKS
p
REVIEWS
A grandfatherly looking gentleman approaches your
Danger Rangers Poison Patrol features two
child in a crowded arcade and says, “Hi! Aren’t you in
new items: a coloring + activity book, and story
Jake’s class at school? What’s your name?” Would your
book (above). Produced in association with Safe
child know how to swiftly and safely handle this
Kids Worldwide, these books can help you teach
situation? He would after watching the Stranger
your children what to do and what not to do
Safety DVD, created by Julie Clark (of Baby Einstein
when exposed to poisons, medicines, toxins and
fame) and John Walsh, host of America’s Most Wanted.
the fumes from mixing these products. It’s a fun,
This Emmy Award-winning video features the laugh-
memorable activity kids can understand and
out-loud antics of Safe Side Super Chick, as she empowers kids to avoid
relate to. Available at the Lowes Supermarkets.
dangerous situations with people they “don’t know” and those they “kinda
www.dangerRangers.com
know.” Optional viewing in Spanish and closed caption. www.thesafeside.com
D O YOU H AV E A QU E S T I O N F O R T H E D O C ?
Kids, we would love to hear from you so we can answer your questions. Please submit
questions to [email protected] or 3000 New Bern Ave. ATTN: Public Relations Raleigh, NC
LET’S
ASK THE
DOCTOR
27610. Please include your name, hometown and age.
Does the sun make
my hair grow?
Hairs on the head grow up to 3
millimeters (1/8 inch) each week. But
this varies. Hairs grow faster in warm,
sunny weather than in cold, dull
weather. They grow faster on young
people than on older people. And
thicker hairs generally grow faster than
thinner or lighter hairs.
Why do I sweat?
If your body gets too hot, drops of
sweat ooze from tiny parts in the skin
called sweat glands onto the surface of
the skin. As the drops dry, they take
heat from the body and cool it down.
That’s why it’s important to keep your
body filled up with water, especially on
a hot day or when you are running,
playing or swimming. Your body needs
plenty of water to not only keep itself
cool, but to keep your body working
properly, too. Drink up!
A
Why do I have to
scratch an itch?
Even the cleanest air has bits of floating
dust and dirt that land on you.
Sometimes, too, a small pest such as a
mosquito or flea might try to bite you.
Your skin can feel all these tiny
touches. Just in case it is in danger, you
can scratch your skin so that the bug
will not hurt you.
Source: “Ask Me Why: The Human Body”; The Southwestern Company - Nashville, TN, www.southwestern.com
A PUBLICATION OF THE WAKEMED CHILDREN’S CENTER
13
A
07
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
WEEKENDS
J U LY 4
Horse + Carriage Rides
Downtown Raleigh
Capitol’s Independence Day
Celebration
N.C. Capitol Grounds
Downtown Raleigh
Fridays 6–10 pm; Saturdays, noon to
10 pm; Sundays, noon to 8 pm. Fares
range from $5 to $25 per person.
Call J&L Carriage at 915-0378.
SUMMER
T H I R D T H U R S D AY S
Kids Club Sponsored by WakeMed
Cary Hospital
Cary Towne Center, Cary
10:30 am. Free.
May 17, Safari Sam
June 21, Gabardine Sisters
July 19, Magic In Motion
Enjoy monthly activities, giveaways
and store discounts. Sign up at the
Customer Service Center located in
Center Court.
11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
Enjoy a family-oriented
Independence Day celebration with a
patriotic concert and picnic. Wander
over to the Capitol’s “Old Fashioned
4th” area and see how people in
North Carolina celebrated the 4th
back in the “olden days.” Musical
performances, food and historic
demonstrations round out this
patriotic day of fun.
SEPTEMBER 9
Dish it Up Raleigh
Triangle Town Center, Raleigh
Noon–6 pm.
M AY 1 2
Exploring the Arts of Japan
North Carolina Museum of Arts,
Raleigh
11 am and 1 pm
$3 (Free for Family-level members
and above).
Experience the grace, strength and
humor of Japanese theatre, dance,
music and culture. Sponsored by
WakeMed. For more information,
go to www.ncartmuseum.org.
Enjoy live music from Sleeping
Booty and Soul Kitchen, a free
family festival, and $5 plates from
some of the area’s premier restaurants.
Proceeds to benefit the WakeMed
Children’s Center. For information,
go to www.wakemed.org.
C E L E B R AT E T H E C H I L D R E N ’ S E D 1 0 Y E A R A N N I V E R S A RY !
JUNE 7
School’s Out for Summer!
Koka Booth Amphitheater at Regency Park, Cary
5 – 10 pm
Fun activities, entertainment, crafts, food and an
appearance by Twinkle, WakeMed Children’s Center mascot
plus other local area mascots. At dusk we will show the movie
Happy Feet. Kids 12 and under are free; Adults $3. A portion
of ticket sales will benefit the WakeMed Children’s Center.
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e Wa k e M e d C h i l d r e n’s C e n t e r
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Raleigh, NC
Permit NO. 1307
Wa ke M e d 3 0 0 0 N e w B e r n A v e n u e R a l e i g h NC 2 7 610
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Families First is a quarterly newsletter
for parents and kids (under age 10)
who belong to the WakeMed Families
First Club. If you haven’t
already joined, call 350-STAR.
If your family has outgrown the
information provided by this newsletter
or you no longer wish to receive it,
please call us at 350-STAR.