Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 - (Page 8)

3 fever Advice: “We often see infants in the ED who are having their first fever and whose parents aren’t sure what to do,” LeBlanc says. “A fever is the natural response of the body to an infection, so our focus is on finding the source of the problem,” Erling explains. “By itself, a fever does not necessarily require emergency evaluation nor result in serious consequences. In fact, the ‘fever-phobia’ of the 20th century has been thoroughly disproven. Even a simple febrile [fever-related] seizure in a child is not inherently dangerous, and does not result in neurologic damage. “Whatever our age, however, high fevers do make us feel awful, result in poor sleep, and dehydrate us rapidly. Treating them with acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen—and again, never aspirin for kids—can help a great deal.” 5 dehydration Advice: The vomiting and diarrhea that come with many winter viruses can upset the body’s natural fluid balance, leading to dehydration. Small children are particularly susceptible. “Rarely do we find anything that needs an antibiotic,” Erling says. “We work to get the symptoms under control— to ‘refill the tank.’” Action: Discuss fever-relief treatment with your physician or your pediatrician in advance and keep recommended medications on hand. Action: “Gatorade-type 4 winter trauma Advice: “Injuries due to falls is the leading cause of trauma admissions at St. Anthony North,” LeBlanc says. “The average age of the patients we see is 71.” “Falls are a particular problem in winter,” Erling says. “Slippery sidewalks are eagerly waiting to break hips and wrists—especially those belonging to the 65-plus crowd. For older adults, broken wrists are a major inconvenience, but broken hips are life-shortening events. “Severe winter weather also contributes to an increase in trauma,” he says. “If the road conditions are bad, only drive if you are very comfortable with winter driving—and wear your seat belt!” Action: St. Anthony Hospital Trauma Services is an active partner in the Fall Prevention Network, a statewide initiative of The Colorado Trust. For free information, call 303-846-6252. drinks can help with rehydration because they contain the water, sugar and salt that helps restore electrolyte balance,” Erling says. “Parents often tell us their children prefer the taste of a Sprite-type drink, but that’s best diluted with water. “With young children, particularly, milk and formula can lead to further vomiting. It’s OK to hold off on those for a couple of days while a child is sick, as long as they’re well-hydrated. For kids and adults, the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast—is often well-tolerated when other foods are not.” Erling’s final point of advice includes a brief physiology lesson: “Often when people have watery diarrhea, they stop drinking water because they think that’s adding to the problem. Not so,” Erling says. “The diarrhea is a problem of the lower intestine and colon, and active fluid secretion there. It’s not the water one drinks that’s the culprit, so stay hydrated.” 8 vim & vigor • winte r 2 008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 Contents Friendly Faces For Your Health 'Tis the Season to be Safe Eat Your Veggies Joint Effort Fresh Beginnings Decades of Opportunity Keeping Score Your Big Give Roll Up Your Sleeve Tidings of Comfort and Health Blueprint for Safety The Smoke-Free Mom-to-Be Childbirth Trends Moms Choosing Midwives Community Sections Dollars & Sense Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

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