Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 19

THE MIGHTY SCREEN

H

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.

While we all know that limiting children's screen time to two hours a day is best,
it's easier said than done. Nowadays, toddlers have their own iPads and school-age
kids are doing homework on tablets. And TVs are still everywhere.
What is a parent to do?
"It's really tricky," says Jean Song, MD, a pediatrician with Mason Pediatrics. To
help make screen time more productive, she offers a few tips.
1. Focus on quality. Make TV watching purposeful. "It's best to actively choose
what you want to view," says Dr. Song. Once the show is over, turn off the TV.
"This way you'll avoid channel flipping."
2. TV time should be active. Instead of just sitting on the couch while watching
your favorite show, try getting up during commercial breaks. "Or even better, trade
in your couch for a stability ball," says Dr. Song.
3. Model the lifestyle you want to encourage. That might mean no screens at
the dinner table, no smartphones on the nightstand and keeping phones turned off
until after breakfast, for example.

I

J

K
L

M
N

O
P

Q

W

R

X

S

Y

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.

T

U

V

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

Z

WEBSITE

Expert Care
From injuries to allergies,
the physicians of Gwinnett
Medical Group can help. Visit
gwinnettmedicalgroup.com/
physicians.

SUMME R 2017

19


http://www.loveisrespect.org http://www.gwinnettmedicalgroup.com/physicians

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Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - Cover3
Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2020fall-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2020summer-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2020spring-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2019winter-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2019fall-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2018winter-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2018fall-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2017winter-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/manifest/vimvigor_2016winter-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015winter-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013winter-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012winter-gmc
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012summer-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012spring-gmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011winter-gmc
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https://www.nxtbookmedia.com