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June, 2008

School's out! Unfortunately, parents don't always greet the summer with the same enthusiasm that kids do. How do you keep your kids busy and safe until school starts again? We have some ideas!

General Health

News - Lyme Disease Case Reports Have Doubled in Past 15 Years In 1991, when doctors nationwide started reporting Lyme disease cases to the CDC, there were fewer than 10,000. Now, the CDC is informed of about 20,000 cases each year - and kids account for 61% of those.

Finding the Right Bike
As kids grow, there are a variety of options for bicycling, from trailers to child seats to independent riding. With a bike that's safe and fits well, kids can learn to love cycling!

Going to the Emergency Room
Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful for you and your child.

Elementary Schoolers

Emotions and Behavior

Body Dysmorphic Disorder
For teens, concerns about appearances often take center stage. But if these concerns are all-consuming, cause extreme distress, and keep them from doing and thinking about other things, it may be a sign of a condition called body dysmorphic disorder.

News - Most Kids With ADHD Aren't Getting the Treatment They Need ADHD can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed. Yet researchers found that many of the estimated 2.4 million kids with ADHD who need help aren't getting it.

Helping Kids Handle Worry
It's natural for all kids to worry at times, and because of personality and temperament differences, some may worry more than others. Luckily, parents can help kids manage worry and tackle everyday problems with ease.

Allergies and Asthma

Nut and Peanut Allergy
If your child is allergic to nuts or peanuts, it's essential to learn what foods might contain them and how to avoid them.

Inhaler or Nebulizer: Which One Should My Child Use?
Some babies or children who need asthma medicine start out using a nebulizer. Others are given an inhaler with a spacer and face mask. Some older kids use only an inhaler, with no spacer attached. But which is the best way to deliver asthma medicine to the lungs?

Traveling and Asthma
Your child's asthma shouldn't stop you from planning a family vacation, sending your child to stay with friends for a week, or signing your child up for sleepover camp. With some careful preparation and communication, you and your child should be able to enjoy all the benefits of life away from home.

Diabetes

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes
Talking or thinking about the long-term complications associated with diabetes can be scary for parents and kids. But being aware of diabetes complications can help you and your child anticipate and avoid them.

For Kids: Sports, Exercise, and Diabetes Like anyone else, people with diabetes are healthier if they get plenty of exercise.
They also have the same chances of excelling at sports. Whether your kids want to go for the gold or just go hiking in your hometown, their diabetes won't hold them back.

Diabetes Facts and Myths
If your child has diabetes, it's important to educate yourself so you can help manage it. This means arming yourself with the right information.

See You Next Month!

We hope you enjoyed this month's Growing Great Girls newsletter. Please forward it on to your friends and family who are raising healthy and strong girls.

Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Content last updated August 15, 2008

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