Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Community Healthcare - 19

AN EARLY JUMP ON
SCHOOL PHYSICALS

YPERACTIVITY. If your child
is persistently hyperactive, particularly aggressive or is experiencing
academic or social challenges, talk to
your family's pediatrician.
NFECTIONS. Viral infections (like
the flu) can't be cured with antibiotics, so don't be surprised if you leave
the doctor's office without a prescription. The illness should run its course
in about seven to 10 days.
UICE. "Juice is just childhood
soda," says Natasha Burgert, MD,
a spokeswoman for the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Stick
to water.
ISSING. Adolescence is often a
time of sexual exploration. Learn
what's happening with your children's
bodies and hormones and what they're
experiencing emotionally so you can
best help them navigate this time.
IFESTYLE HABITS. Your own
choices-like eating healthy foods,
exercising and not smoking-have an
impact on your child's choices.
EDIA. The AAP advises limiting
entertainment-based media to
two hours a day. "There are changes
that happen-specifically, an increase
in aggression, an increase in obesity,
an increase in sleep disorders-when
recreational screen time [regularly]
exceeds that," Burgert says.
URSING. The AAP recommends
breastfeeding exclusively for the
first six months of a baby's life, then
breastfeeding combined with introducing foods until at least a year.
Breastfeeding can continue for as long
as both baby and mom are on board.
BESITY. Childhood obesity in
the U.S. has tripled over the past
30 years. About one-third of kids are
overweight or obese. A healthy diet
and exercise are the keys to prevention, of course, and your child's doctor
might be able to help.
HYSICAL ACTIVITY. A good rule
of thumb, Burgert says, is 60 minutes a day of physical activity.

During the summer months, many parents may not be thinking about school. Yet
this may be the best time to beat the rush for kids and young athletes who need
vaccines or an annual physical in time for the start of school or the sports season.
Our Community Care Network pediatricians and family doctors, with offices and
outpatient centers throughout Northwest Indiana, can help you and your family get
up-to-date immunization records, an exam for any new or recurring health issues
or medical attention for conditions from A to Z.
Community Care Network physicians are affiliated with the hospitals of the
Community Healthcare System: Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine
Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. These physicians,
nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other allied health professionals in
Lake and Porter counties bring you the same quality care you have come to expect
from the hospitals of Community Healthcare System.
Our associates can link you to the support and expertise you need to help get
your family off to a healthy start for the school year.

K
L

M
N

O
P

UESTIONS. Kids have lots of
questions. Answer what you
can-truthfully. And don't be afraid
to say you don't know. Take the time
to research the right answer.
ELATIONSHIPS. Help kids understand the importance of good communication, respect and give-and-take
in a relationship. You can direct teens
to loveisrespect.org.
UGAR. "Americans in general consume too much," Burgert says. And
research shows that excess sugar intake
can increase your risk of dying of heart
disease even if you aren't overweight.
Start kids on a healthy path now.
ODDLER TANTRUMS. Young
children can have temper tantrums
for lots of reasons-hunger, sleepiness,
frustration. Try to stay as calm as possible so you can be a soothing influence.
V RAYS. Kids' skin is sensitive and should be protected,
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention advises. Shade is best,
and don't forget about sunscreen (for
babies younger than 6 months, talk
to your doctor), hats, sunglasses and
protective clothing.
ACCINES. "Science and research
has never presented vaccination as
controversial or dangerous in any way,"
Burgert says.

ELL VISITS. Even when vaccines are done, well visits remain
important. "If we catch a small issue on
a physical exam, we're able to potentially prevent really big problems later,"
Burgert says.
-RAYS. Many parents worry about
X-rays and kids. If your child needs
an imaging test, you can seek out facilities that offer lower-dose options.
EAH! Positive reinforcement can
be a powerful tool in your parenting toolkit. Let your child know you're
behind him or her as much as possible.
ZZS. With more and better sleep,
kids have stronger immune systems, greater focus and better performance in school. They should aim for
eight to 10 hours a night for teens, and
even more sleep for younger children. n

CALL

Free Referrals
We can help your child get
up-to-date vaccines or a physical. For a physician referral, call
219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477.
Visit www.comhs.org.

SUMME R 2017

http://www.loveisrespect.org http://www.comhs.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Community Healthcare