A Seattle Children’s Publication | Spring 2014
Cold Water Shock Can Quickly Cause Drowning
Drowning is a leading cause
of injury death among kids
of all ages — second only to
motor vehicle crashes. Cold
water increases the chances
of drowning. Every year in
Washington State, children
die in our rivers, lakes
and salt water that are cold
year-round.
When someone who is
not wearing a life jacket is
suddenly immersed in cold
water, they can drown quickly,
even if they are a strong
swimmer. The reason is “cold water shock.”
Cold water shock starts with the gasp reflex.
Our body’s automatic, instant response in
very cold water is to gasp — a big, sudden
inhale. If the head is underwater, the gasp
pulls water into the lungs. This often triggers
choking, panic and hyperventilation — very
fast, shallow breathing. Death can occur in
just a few minutes. (Cold water shock causes
many more deaths than hypothermia, which
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happens when the body’s temperature is too
low for too long.)
This is why wearing a properly fitting life
jacket is so important for kids and adults. In
cases of sudden, unexpected entry into cold
water — such as falling overboard off a boat,
flipping a canoe or kayak, or slipping into
a river — a life jacket keeps the head up out
of the water.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, active
families may be at greater risk of cold water
shock. We enjoy the outdoors, and by spring,
we’re eager to be out in nature. But as the
mountain snowpack melts, rivers and lakes
are icy cold. In Washington State, May is the
most dangerous month for boating-related
drowning deaths.
Adults are important role models. If your
family adventures involve water — regardless
of its temperature — be sure everyone wears
a life jacket that is the right size and fit. And
be sure to keep life jackets snugly fastened.
Of course, drowning can happen anywhere,
at any time of year, indoors or outdoors.
Never leave a baby or toddler alone in the
bath for even a moment. Keep young children
within an arm’s length around water, and be
sure kids of all ages are closely supervised
when wading or swimming and that they
learn how to swim.
TO LEARN MORE:
Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/dp to learn
more about water safety, including low-cost
life jacket sales.
E-Cigs Are Addictive and Harmful
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are devices
that mimic tobacco smoking. While
there’s no smoke, e-cigs do deliver
nicotine in vapor form, in flavors like
vanilla and chocolate. E-cigs are meant for
adults, but kids can easily buy them online
and at mall kiosks. (Laws against selling
e-cigs to minors vary by location and may
not be enforced.) Children can quickly
become hooked on nicotine. In fact,
because one e-cig can contain as much
nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes,
they may even pose a poisoning risk. Since
e-cigs don’t create much odor, parents may
not be aware that kids are using them. Be
sure to talk with your child about the risks.
TO LEARN MORE:
Visit http://seattlemamadoc.seattle
childrens.org/e-cigarettes.
Bystanders Can Intervene to Stop Bullying
When bullying happens, it’s usually not
just the bully and the victim. Since bullies
seek attention, they often make sure they
have an audience. These bystanders may be
close and actively watching, or at a distance
yet aware of what’s going on. When
bystanders intervene, they can help stop
the bully — without putting themselves in
danger. They can alert a nearby adult or an
older student. If the bully is a friend of
theirs, they may feel comfortable asking
them to stop. Other times, bystanders can
also help the child who’s being bullied get
away by creating a distraction or saying
that an adult is on the way. Because bullying is a common problem, almost all
schools have anti-bullying programs —
including the actions they want young
bystanders to take. Learn about your
school’s anti-bullying plan, and be sure
your child knows what to do at school
and elsewhere. If all bystanders start taking
action, bullies will be out of business.
TO LEARN MORE:
Visit www.stopbullying.gov.
We Can All Do Simple Things to Strengthen Families
Our world needs strong, healthy families!
When families thrive, kids are happier and
better cared for, and they’re more likely to
grow into healthy adults. But parenting is a
very tough job, and all parents sometimes feel
overwhelmed and even lonely. So when we
reach out to support other families — even in
simple ways — it makes a big difference.
You might invite neighbors over for a
casual potluck or just to hang out in the back
yard. Or offer to take someone else’s kids for
an evening so they can enjoy a relaxing night
to themselves. You might start a small neighborhood walking group; the fresh air and
friendship will give everyone a boost. If you
know a parent who’s having a tough time, just
sharing a cup of coffee and offering a friendly
ear can be a powerful help.
Get to know the children in your neighborhood. If you can, volunteer at your child’s
school or your church or synagogue’s youth
program. Learn the kids’ names, ask them
about their interests, listen to them, and
encourage them. Show them they are special
and important. Your genuine warmth and
attention may have a profound impact on
their lives.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out for
help. Seek advice from a wise friend or counselor, gain new knowledge from a parent education class, or visit a respected website where
parents support one another by sharing practical advice and encouragement.
Remember: when it comes to creating
strong families, we’re all in this together!
TO LEARN MORE:
Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/goodgrowing.
Kid Bits
Pesky Lice Pose No Health Risk
Easy Tips for ‘Five a Day’
Ask About Guns
Has your school-age child ever had head lice?
If not, you might just be lucky so far. Lice are
everywhere, and are common in schools.
They spread easily from child to child, and
from one piece of clothing to another. The
good news is lice are not harmful, and having
them does not mean a child is uncared for or
that their home is unclean. You can remove
lice and their eggs (called nits) from your
child’s head yourself. It can be tough to get
them all, especially in thick hair, so you may
want to pay an expert for this service. Be sure
your child does not share hats or clothes, and
have them alert you right away if their head
feels itchy.
Help your family eat five servings of fruits
and vegetables each day. Offer them at every
meal and as snacks. Always keep your child’s
favorites on hand, and make a spot in the
fridge for produce that is cleaned, cut and
ready to eat. At the grocery store, let your
child choose a new fruit or vegetable to try.
Present foods in fun ways, like fruit chunks
on toothpicks or arranged as a smiley face on
the plate, or carrots peeled into curls. Pair
veggies with favorites like peanut butter or
cheese. Add a fresh crunch to sandwiches
with sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. For
school lunches, apple slices sprinkled with
lemon juice won’t brown, and the zingysweet taste is great!
About one-third of U.S. homes with kids
have guns — often left unlocked or loaded.
Thousands of kids are injured or killed
every year as a result. You ask about allergens,
pets, and screen time when your child goes
on a play date. So it’s OK to ask if guns are
in the home, if they are locked away, and if
ammunition is locked separately. You might
start with “Knowing how curious my child
is, I want to ask this question . . .” or “I hope
you don’t mind me asking if you have a
firearm in your home and if it is properly
stored.” If you have any doubts about safety
in another home, invite the kids to play at
your house instead.
TO LEARN MORE:
Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/pdf/CE191.pdf.
TO LEARN MORE:
TO LEARN MORE:
Visit www.lokitup.org.
Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/goodgrowing.
Quick Tip
Spring is a great time to check
Regional Clinics
Online Resources
Find us near you at one of our clinics in Bellevue,
Visit www.seattlechildrens.org for the following:
Everett, Federal Way, Mill Creek, Olympia, Tri-Cities,
• Child Health Advice
Wenatchee and at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic.
• my Good Growing e-mail newsletter
• Doctor Finder
that your sunscreen hasn't
expired, protects against UVA and
UVB rays, and has a sun protection
factor (SPF) of 15 to 30.
www.facebook.com/seattlechildrens
www.twitter.com/seattlechildren
www.youtube.com/seattlechildrens
• Seattle Mama Doc, Teenology 101 and Autism blogs
Main Hospital Numbers
• Medical condition information
206-987-2000
• Safety & wellness information
206-987-2280 (TTY)
• Ways to help Seattle Children’s
866-987-2000 (Toll-free)
• Research Institute
Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can find Good Growing in the January, April, July and October
issues of ParentMap and on our Web site www.seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any
resource or Web site does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon
information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2014 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.
Classes and Events
To register or view more information, please visit www.seattlechildrens.org/classes. A phone number is provided
for those without Internet access. No one will be denied admission if unable to pay the full amount. If you need
an interpreter, please let staff know when you register, and one will be provided. These classes are popular and
often fill up several months in advance, so register early.
Parenting Classes
Autism 101
Preteen and Teen Classes
Better Babysitters
WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
FEE: Free
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus,
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-987-8080
WHEN: Saturday, May 31,
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Children’s admin. building,
6901 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
For parents and caregivers of children recently
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who
wish to better understand this disorder. The class
is also available through Children’s video and
teleconferencing outreach program in various
locations throughout Washington, Alaska and
Oregon.
Autism 200 Series
FEE: Free
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus,
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-987-8080
For parents and caregivers of children with autism
who wish to better understand this disorder. These
classes are also available through Children’s video
and teleconferencing outreach program in various
locations throughout Washington, Alaska, Oregon
and Montana.
Autism 204: The Ins and Outs of ABA
WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Autism 205: Sensory Processing
WHEN: Thursday, May 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Autism 206: Executive Functioning Skills —
What Are They and Why Are They Important?
WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Babysafe
WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 5 to 9 p.m.
FEE: $50 per family
WHERE: Seattle Children’s admin. building,
6901 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-789-2306
For new and expectant parents and infant
caregivers. Topics include infant development,
baby safety, injury prevention and treatment.
Infant CPR is also demonstrated.
Heartsaver First Aid, CPR and AED
WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 2 to 5:30 p.m.
FEE: $50
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-987-9878
For parents and caregivers. Topics include how
to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock
and other first-aid emergencies. Also includes
infant, child and adult CPR and AED use.
3
locations
WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Overlake Medical Center,
1035 116th Ave NE, Bellevue
WHEN: Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Pavilion for Women and Children,
900 Pacific Ave, Everett
View more dates online
FEE: $40 per person
CALL: 206-987-9879 for all locations.
For youths ages 11 to 14. Topics for responsible
babysitting include basic child development,
infant care and safety, handling emergencies,
age-appropriate toys, business hints and parent
expectations.
CPR and First Aid for Babysitters
WHEN: Sunday, May 18th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FEE: $60 per person
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
For youths, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric
CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills.
Students receive a 2-year American Heart
Association completion card.
For Boys Only: The Joys and
Challenges of Growing Up
WHEN: Tuesdays, May 27 & June 3,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (view more dates online)
FEE: $70 per parent/son pair; $20 per extra child
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-789-2306
Two-part series for parents, guardians and sons
ages 10 to 12. Focuses on what each can expect
as boys begin adolescence. Class covers body
changes during puberty, popular myths about
growing up, behavior and attitude changes, girls
and how to communicate about the experience
of adolescence.
For Girls Only: A Heart-to-Heart
Talk on Growing Up
WHEN: Wednesdays, May 14 & 21, 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. (view more dates online)
FEE: $70 per parent/daughter pair;
$20 per extra child
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus,
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-789-2306
Two-part series for parents, guardians and
daughters ages 10 to 12. Focuses on the physical
changes of puberty and menstruation, what
girls need to know about boys, social issues and
sexuality. The sessions use lectures, videos, group
activities and humor to emphasize family values
and communication.
Events
Car Seat Check
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FEE: Free
WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus,
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
CALL: 206-987-5999
Come learn how to safely secure your child in
the car. Child passenger safety experts will check
your child in a car seat, booster seat or the seat
belt and answer any questions you may have.
First come, first served. No appointments needed.
Low-Cost Life Jacket Sales
WHEN: Saturdays, April 19, May 17, June 21,
July 19 & Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FEE: $20 for infant and youth sizes
(up to 90 lbs.); $30 for sizes teen to adult
WHERE: Evans Pool at Green Lake,
7201 E Green Lake Drive N, Seattle
CALL: 206-684-7440
Purchase properly fitted life jackets for children,
teens and adults. Wearer must be present to
purchase. Purchasers under age 18 must be
accompanied by a parent/guardian.