News Room Family Health and Safety

Study: Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents Improves Obesity-related Diseases Within First Two Years

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Today, about one in five children in the United States are obese. That means that in just one generation alone the number of obese kids in this country has quadrupled.

Doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who perform weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) on adolescents took a look at their patient population in a retrospective study published in the January 2012 print edition of Pediatric Blood & Cancer. They found that their patients had experienced a significant loss of excess body weight and showed improvement in many obesity-related diseases within the first one to two years following surgery.

Investigators performed a retrospective analysis of 15 morbidly obese adolescents (10 females and five males) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 2004 and 2009. They compared baseline clinical and demographic data with the same data collected one and two years after surgery.

Results showed that the adolescents experienced significant loss of excess body weight and improved or resolved several common obesity-related diseases during this time period. Four of five patients who were being treated for high blood pressure before surgery resolved their high blood pressure two years after the operation.

“We do not yet know whether the improvements of these patients will correspond to long-term resolution of weight-related diseases or reduce their risk for future weight-related diseases,” said the study’s author Marc Michalsky, MD, surgical director of Bariatric Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Although our findings suggest that the most significant metabolic impact occurred within the first post-operative year, findings may differ in studies involving more patients who are followed longer-term.”

Dr. Michalsky, who also chairs the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Pediatric Committee’s best practice guidelines, says that weight loss surgery should be a last resort for teenagers, but can be a very effective intervention.

“The argument is quite compelling that we really do need to be doing it this young to avoid the chronic burden of disease these patients will suffer from if nothing is done,” said Dr. Michalsky.

In the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Michalsky’s patients first go through several months of evaluation to see if patients are even candidates for weight loss surgery. This includes an introductory information session attended by the adolescent and parent, and assessments of the potential candidate by a number of staff in the Center including dieticians, bariatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, physical therapists and surgeons. Candidates for weight loss surgery are those that have gone through several failed attempts at diet and exercise regiments. These teenagers have significant organ damage and their quality of life is poor, Dr. Michalsky said.

“Bariatric surgery in adolescents is never a cosmetic procedure,” explained Dr. Michalsky who is also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “These teens are very sick, they are suffering and they can benefit from weight loss surgery. Our study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of weight reduction surgery in morbidly obese adolescents.”

Nationwide Children’s is one of a few centers in the country involved in long-term clinical research of adolescent bariatric surgery, looking not only at what happens in the short-term post-surgery, but long-term as well.

Megan Muncy, 16, has lost more than 130 pounds since her gastric bypass surgery in 2009.

Teenagers that are suffering from severe obesity, actually have some very significant organ damage.

Dr. Jonathan Thackeray Appointed Leadership Roles Supporting Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Jonathan Thackeray, MD, has been named medical director of The Center for Family Safety and Healing and chief of the Division of Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Thackeray has served as a physician at The Center for Family Safety and Healing, formerly known as the Center for Child and Family Advocacy, at Nationwide Children’s since 2005. Prior to his recent appointment, Dr. Thackeray was the clinical director of the Child Assessment Center in The Center for Family Safety and Healing, which provides responsive and timely medical assessment and treatment along with interviews of children and family members for those who may have experienced child abuse. In 2011, he was named Interim Medical Director of The Center for Family Safety and Healing.

In his role as Medical Director of The Center for Family Safety and Healing, Dr. Thackeray will continue to integrate the work of the Center and the work of Nationwide Children’s while providing clinical leadership and ensuring high-quality, evidence-based and family-centered care for the clinical services offered at the Center. He will focus on strengthening the collaboration between the Center and community partners to ultimately strengthen the community response to family violence. Dr. Thackeray will also contribute to the training missions of the multidisciplinary specialty areas working in the field of family violence.

As Chief of the Division of Child and Family Advocacy, Dr. Thackeray will lead and manage a team of physicians within The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics dedicated to clinical care, education, training and research in the field of child abuse, neglect and family violence while ensuring quality and safety of clinical care provided to patients and their families. He will also help develop a research agenda for faculty incorporating multiple medical disciplines including Obstetrics/Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Psychiatry and Pediatrics.

During his tenure, Dr. Thackeray, also assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, has published numerous studies on child abuse, neglect and family violence. He has also received thousands of dollars in grant funding and has presented on child and family violence on a local and national level. His professional interests include intimate partner violence and resident education.

Dr. Thackeray graduated with his medical degree from Medical College of Ohio. He went on to complete his residency at Indiana University and a fellowship in child abuse pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. He is active in the American Academy of Pediatrics' Section on Child Abuse and Neglect and serves as editor of the section's newsletter. He recently completed a two-year term as president of the Ohio Chapter of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and is a Member of the Ray E. Helfer Society and a member of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association. He is Co-Editor of Chadwick’s Child Maltreatment, one of the premier textbooks in the field of child maltreatment. He is board certified in general pediatrics, internal medicine and child abuse pediatrics

The Center for Family Safety and Healing represents an unparalleled opportunity to make a powerful statement that ending child abuse and family violence is a community-wide priority. Through a combination of public and private resources, the Center is the first facility in the country to fully integrate child abuse and domestic violence services offering a continuum of services and expertise for victims from prevention through long-term therapy and support.

The Division of Child and Family Advocacy is housed at The Center for Family Safety and Healing, which offers clinical social services, law enforcement, behavioral health services, child protective services, domestic violence advocates and home visitation programs. These services provide a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all aspects of family violence.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Dr. Thackeray resides in Upper Arlington (43220).

Dr. Jonathan Thackeray, medical director of The Center for Family Safety and Healing and chief of the Division of Child and Family Advocacy

Dental Health Experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Remind Parents About Scheduling Infants for Dental Visits

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0500

While infants under 12 months old may only have a few teeth, experts say they should been seen by a dentist within the first year of life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s revised guidelines on infant oral health recommend infants 6 to 12 months old should to be seen by a dentist. More than 40 percent of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. In order to help prevent tooth decay, dental experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are reminding parents to schedule dental appointments for their infants.

Studies have shown that if children experience tooth decay in their baby teeth, they are more likely to develop tooth decay in their permanent teeth. By bringing their child to a dentist at an early age, parents learn about the structure of the child’s mouth, preventative information on infant oral health and introduce their toddlers to the act of brushing their teeth.

“Infant oral health is the foundation for preventing future tooth decay,” said Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS, chief of Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “If a child experiences tooth decay at an early age, it is a very difficult process to stop. The purpose of this initial visit is not only to introduce these infants and toddlers to visiting the dentist, but also to provide preventative information to prevent tooth decay.”

The Dental Clinic at Nationwide Children’s sees about 35,000 patients and many of these patients under the age of 3. Dr. Casamassimo and his team formed a Baby Dental Clinic in the early 90s for toddlers from birth to 3-years-old. As one of the first baby dental clinics in the country, this clinic has proven to be successful in helping educate families on infant oral health.

“By establishing the relationship between family and dentist, parents learn early on how to take care of their toddler’s teeth,” said Dr. Casamassimo, also professor of Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. “Taking a proactive approach to infant oral care can make a difference that will last a life time.”

For parents of a toddler, here are a few tips for taking care of a toddler’s teeth:

Move your toddler off the bottle as soon as possible. By no later than one year, infants should be drinking liquids from some form of a cup
When your toddler’s teeth start coming in, start brushing their teeth to get them used to the idea of brushing
Confine sugar intake to mealtime. Experts suggest sugared-sweetened beverages should not be consumed throughout the day

During a toddler’s first dental visit, parents can expect to meet with a dental hygienist and a dentist. Normally seated in a parent-assisted position (knee-to-knee), the hygienist or dentist will do a brief examination of the toddler’s mouth; they are examining the oral structure of the mouth while also introducing the toddler to the feeling of a toothbrush. After the examination, parents will learn about dental and oral development, fluoride adequacy, teething, non-nutritive habits, injury prevention, dietary information and oral hygiene instructions. The hygienist or dentist will also explain future age-specific needs and dental milestones including scheduling the next appointment.

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By establishing the relationship between family and dentist, parents like Jane learn early on how to take care of their toddler’s teeth.

Experts suggest when your toddler’s teeth start coming in, start brushing their teeth to get them used to the idea of brushing.

Robbie watches as his sister, Ellie brushes her teeth while Mom starts brushing the teeth that have already come in.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Reminds Parents to Stay Alert During Holidays

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 -0500

Holiday visits to homes of family and friends can be fun for children, but they also may be potentially unsafe. Remember others’ homes may not be “childproof.” Keep an eye out for breakable items, medications, uncovered electrical outlets and other potential dangers within your child’s reach. Also, your childproof home might become more dangerous for a few hours, if a visitor leaves her purse and its contents in easy reach of children. There is a potential danger when a guest leaves medicine, an alcoholic beverage or cigarettes within reach. When having guests at your house, lock up your medications. This protects toddlers from getting into any medicines that can be dangerous to their health and protects others from taking your medications.

Avoid the temptation to wait until the next day to clean up after a holiday party. Just one or two ounces of alcohol left in the bottom of a glass can be fatal to a curious, early-rising toddler, and bits of food left on plates can be choking hazards or even cause food poisoning.

Plants typically used for holiday decorating including holly, mistletoe, evergreens and poinsettias can be poisonous depending on the quantities ingested. Eating holly berries, mistletoe berries or evergreens can make children sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or skin rash, and higher doses can be even more dangerous. Poinsettias are minimally toxic but can cause an upset stomach if ingested in large amounts. Keep dangerous holiday plants out of a child’s reach. Pick up fallen leaves and needles, and wrap mistletoe in netting to protect children from fallen berries.

Perfume, cologne, wine and electronics with batteries make great gifts for adults but are dangerous if swallowed by children. Never leave these Hanukkah or Christmas gifts in reach of children.

You might easily forget about little dangers such as the tiny batteries used in cameras, calculators and other popular gifts, but these “button” batteries can cause serious health problems for children if swallowed. Store all batteries in a safe place. If a child accidentally swallows a small battery, the first step is to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the child is having trouble breathing, the poison specialist will recommend an ambulance ride to the hospital. Magnets also carry a risk. Swallowing a magnet carries special risks if any other metal, including another magnet, has been swallowed. Keep these out of reach of children and if one is swallowed, call your local poison control center or your doctor as an x-ray may be needed.

Holiday baking is a tradition in many families, but young chefs need careful supervision. Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so they won’t tip, and remind children that cookie sheets are hot when they come out of the oven.

Ornaments, tinsel and other decorations fascinate children but can be hazardous. Many are choking hazards, and broken ornaments can cause painful cuts.

Lights and candles are fire hazards. If you use electric lights, look for frayed or exposed wires, and make sure no wires are pinched by furniture and no cords run under rugs. Don’t use the same extension cord for more than three strands of lights and turn off all lights before going to bed. When lighting candles, remove flammable materials from the area and never leave a burning candle unattended. The liquid in bubble lights and oil lamps can cause death if ingested by a child. Immediately throw away a bubble light if it is cracked or broken. If you suspect that a child might have swallowed this liquid, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Instructions for new toys should always be read to make sure toys are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities. Some toys may pose a choking hazard to children younger than 3 years of age. Toys that are too advanced or too simple can be misused and lead to injuries. Protect young eyes by avoiding toys that shoot objects into the air.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a toy’s size. Parents can determine if a toy or toy part is a choking hazard for children younger than 3 years of age by placing it in a small parts test device available at many children’s toy stores and through mail order companies. Because small balls or ball-shaped toys pose an even more serious choking hazard, these should pass the more rigorous test of not being able to pass through a toilet paper tube that is 1 ¾ inches in diameter. A child’s doctor also can provide advice about what kinds of toys are appropriate if parents are unsure.

Adolescents also can be injured by toys. Avoid gifts such as hobby kits and chemistry sets for children younger than 12 years and always supervise children ages 12 to 15. Toys with arrows or darts should have blunt tips made from rubber or flexible plastic.

Your attention is the best holiday gift you can give to your child. Involve children in holiday preparation as much as possible.

Sitters should be selected carefully when children can’t tag along to holiday parties. Be sure your babysitter knows whom to call in an emergency – including the numbers where you, fire and police departments, the local poison control center, your child’s doctor and other trusted adults can be reached. Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers babysitting classes which would make a great gift for adolescents.

To check whether the gifts you are giving or receiving have been recalled, visit www.recalls.gov.

For more information regarding child safety and injury prevention, please call the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital at (614) 722-2400, e-mail cirp.info@nationwidechildrens.org.

Contact the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital at 1-800-222-1222 24 hours a day to talk with a specially-trained pharmacist or nurse about a suspected poisoning. For general poison information and assistance in “poison-proofing” your home, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s during normal business hours.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Unveils First Mobile Application

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0500

According to a recent Pew Internet & American Life Project survey, more than 80 percent of American adults own a cell phone, and about half of these users have used their cell phone at least once to get information they needed right away. So, as consumers begin to rely more and more on their mobile devices, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has created a mobile application called “Locator” to help consumers find the nearest facilities.

This free, easy-to-use application provides users with turn-by-turn directions to Nationwide Children’s facilities. With more than 50 locations extending out across Ohio and beyond, this app will help users locate our facilities with just a few clicks of a button. The “Locator” app features:

Locating the nearest Urgent Care
Locating the Emergency Department on the hospital’s main campus
Locating a Close To Home Center
Locating the nearest Nationwide Children’s location by name or facility type

This app is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and provides access and directions to the main campus, located at 700 Children’s Drive, and all of Nationwide Children’s offsite locations.

“Our main goal is to help families when they need us,” said Jack Clark, senior vice president at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “By creating this application, we now have a presence in a space where so many consumers are looking to for quick, accurate information. ‘Locator’ is just the first of many applications we are planning to develop as we open our new 12-story main hospital.”

To download “Locator,” visit the iTunes App Store. For more information on the ‘Locator’ app, visit www.nationwidechildrens.org/mobile-applications.

Ohio Healthy Weight Outcomes Coalition Part of Elite Group Participating in National Program

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0500

With obesity levels in the United States at all-time highs, healthcare leaders are working together to address local concerns through “Collaborate for Healthy Weight,” a nationwide initiative led by the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The Ohio Healthy Weight Outcomes (OHWO) coalition is one of 10 teams from across the country participating in this ground-breaking program that will bring solutions to the local community and share strategies on a broader scale through innovative partnerships between primary care, public health and community organizations.

OHWO is a public-private, multi-sector coalition established in 2009 by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus City Schools, Columbus Public Health, Children’s Hunger Alliance, Action for Children and The Ohio State University Prevention Research Center. OHWO was formed to direct a coordinated and comprehensive effort to decrease the prevalence and consequences of childhood obesity. OHWO’s mission is to optimize the health of the pediatric population by ensuring all children achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle and reach their full potential.

OHWO members joined a select group of teams from coast-to-coast for the project’s first Learning Session in Washington, DC, in September. The meeting featured a keynote speech from Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH, Assistant Secretary of Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, Administrator of the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), also delivered opening remarks.

“We are thrilled to have been selected by NICHQ to participate in this initiative based on our solid commitment to achieving healthy weight and health equity in Columbus,” said Ihuoma Eneli, MD, Medical Director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a member of OHWO. “Our goal is to create ways to promote healthy weight for families and children, particularly in disadvantaged areas. We look forward to sharing what we learn in this project with communities in other areas of the county. We are thankful to NICHQ and HRSA for giving us the opportunity to get involved in this important work.”

The other teams participating in “Collaborate for Healthy Weight” represent communities in Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New York, Virginia and Washington.

“Health doesn’t begin and end in the doctor’s office,” said Dr. Koh in his keynote speech. “It starts where people live, labor, learn, play and pray – in short, it happens in communities. I am very excited about this program, one of the first attempts to improve public health quality with respect to obesity.”

Dr. Wakefield also addressed participants and called obesity “a serious threat to America’s health.” She added, “You are engaged in a pioneering effort to expand prevention and treatment in your communities.”

The participating teams have met with national experts, exchanged ideas, and created plans for becoming best practice models for other communities to follow. OHWO is initially working on implementing a replicable multi-level demonstration obesity prevention and treatment project in the low-income area surrounding Nationwide Children’s Hospital through the hospital’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families project.

OHWO and the other teams will reconvene early in January 2012 for the second Leaning Session to discuss innovative strategies and to review results. Soon after that, NICHQ will select an additional 40 teams to join the project.

Charles Homer, MD, MPH, is NICHQ’s President and CEO. He said, “We are so proud of these teams that are laying the ground work to tackle this serious public health issue. As the project expands, OHWO and the other teams will make a huge difference in the lives of children and their families across the nation. NICHQ looks forward to supporting their collective efforts.” Founded in 1999, NICHQ is an independent, not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve child health by improving the systems responsible for the delivery of children’s healthcare.

The Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is engaged in wide-ranging childhood obesity initiatives including participation in the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions’ obesity focus group which published a supplement in the September journal Pediatrics representing the first comprehensive look at how children’s hospitals are addressing childhood obesity. The Center offers a comprehensive approach to weight management with programs for prevention and treatment of overweight children, ranging from community-based intervention and physician private practices to intensive multidisciplinary lifestyle programs, medical assessment clinics and bariatric surgery. In addition, Nationwide Children’s has collaborated with Columbus Public Health on an “ACHIEVE” grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enhance local communities’ abilities to develop and implement policy, systems and environment change strategies to prevent or manage health-risk factors focusing on pregnancy through birth to five years. The hospital was also one of the first businesses in the state to be awarded the Healthy Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award by the Ohio Department of Health in September.

For more information, visit www.collaborateforhealthyweight.org or www.nichq.org.

Physicians at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Warn Consumers of the Dangers of Button Batteries

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:00:00 -0500

With the increasing production of electronic products in the consumer market, more button batteries are found in the home setting. From remote controls and watches to musical greeting cards and toys, these small, shiny objects are the perfect size for a curious child to swallow or even push into their nasal cavity or ear canal. It is important for parents to be aware of the dangers that button batteries pose to young children and the damage that these batteries can cause.

The incidence of button battery ingestion is rising. Between 2007 and 2009, more than 3,400 cases annually were reported to U.S. poison centers. The clinical challenge for physicians who may evaluate children who ingest button batteries is that they can be asymptomatic or present with non-specific symptoms such as irritability, fever, cough, poor oral intake and/or vomiting similar to those of a common viral infection. This, combined with the likelihood of an unwitnessed ingestion event, is the recipe for disaster, leading to a delay in the diagnosis and more severe injury.

“The clock is ticking when a button battery is placed in the body,” said Kris Jatana, MD, a pediatric head and neck surgeon at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “In as little as two hours, these button batteries can cause severe injury.”

Button batteries, small and large, are dangerous in the hands of a child. While the smaller batteries, such as those found in hearing aids, will typically pass through the gastrointestinal system on their own, the larger batteries can get stuck, causing the most significant injury when swallowed by young children. Some complications from button battery ingestions include eroding through the esophageal wall or into the adjacent airway, damage to the nearby nerves which supply the vocal cords, or even more serious – eroding into a major blood vessel such as the aorta which has always been fatal.

“I have seen many otherwise healthy children suffer serious injury from button batteries,” said Dr. Jatana, also an assistant professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “While educating parents about the dangers of these batteries is important, it is equally important for physicians to be aware of the increasing frequency of button battery ingestions when evaluating children in the primary care or emergency room setting. An x-ray can be done to confirm the diagnosis.” If a child is suspected of swallowing or pushing a button battery into their nasal cavity or ear canal, the child needs to be taken to an emergency room immediately. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a two view x-ray, which from a distance, may be mistaken for a commonly ingested foreign body in children – a coin. The key to differentiating a button battery from a coin is to magnify or zoom into the image to look for the double ring or halo seen around the button battery. In addition, on the side view x-ray, one can often see a small step-off or notch with most batteries. “Identifying a metallic foreign body as a button battery is critical as the battery creates an electrical current around the outside of the battery generating hydroxide, an alkaline chemical, causing the rapid tissue injury,” said Dr. Jatana.

The treatment for a button battery lodged within the body is emergent removal. When swallowed, these batteries can get lodged in the esophagus which requires general anesthesia for removal in an operating room. When pushed into the ear canal or nasal cavity, the removal can usually take place in an emergency room setting.

On March 17, 2011, Dr. Jatana presented with a panel of experts from across the country to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in Bethesda, on the hazards of button batteries. Later on that month, the CPSC released a public warning statement emphasizing the dangers of button batteries to consumers. In June, two U.S. senators, Senator John D. Rockefeller and Senator Mark Pryor, introduced new legislation entitled the “Button Cell Battery Safety Act of 2011.” If this legislation passes through Congress, the CPSC would be able to regulate electronic devices that contain these batteries to make them safer for children. “The initiation of this legislative process shows the true commitment of members of U.S. Congress and the CPSC to the safety of children,” said Dr. Jatana.

“Parents need to be aware of this potential household risk to ensure that button batteries themselves, and any electronic devices that do not contain them in a properly secured compartment, are kept out of the reach of young children,” said Dr. Jatana.

The key to differentiating a button battery from a coin is to magnify or zoom into the image looking for a double ring or halo. This x-ray shows a small ridge on the object that this toddler has swallowed – a button battery.

While coins and button batteries look very similar and are of equal size, button batteries can cause severe damage if not removed quickly after it is ingested.

Mark and Susan never thought their son, Max would be capable of opening a remote and swallowing a button battery.

Dr. Kris Jatana presented with a panel of experts to the Consumer Product Safety Commission on the hazards of button batteries.

The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:45:00 -0500

The Family Violence Coalition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has a new name. Effective immediately, it will be known as The Center for Family Safety and Healing.

In April 2011, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Board of Directors Chair Abigail Wexner announced the merger of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) at Nationwide Children’s with the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (CCAFV). The combined new organization was called The Family Violence Coalition at Nationwide Children’s, formed to bring together the strengths of two well-established programs, both combating the impact of family violence.

After thoughtful consideration and feedback from patients, families and staff, it was decided that The Center for Family Safety and Healing better reflects the work of the organization and will help raise community awareness and change attitudes about child abuse and family violence.

The name change does not affect operations and the center will continue to operate out of the current location at 655 East Livingston Avenue in Columbus. Karen S. Days is President of The Center for Family Safety and Healing, which remains a service of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Reminds Parents of Asthmatic Children to be Proactive This Flu and Allergy Season

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:00:00 -0400

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, and allergy season already upon us, doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital remind parents to take simple action steps that will protect their asthmatic children from having severe flare-ups. Parents may not realize it, but even something as simple as the common cold, when combined with asthma, can be dangerous for children with asthma.

“All it takes is one trigger – a common cold, a change in the weather, allergens that kids are exposed to, cigarette smoke – any of those things might trigger already-irritated airways to become even more agitated,” said Beth Allen, MD, a physician in Pulmonary Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Actually, colds are the number one thing that land kids with asthma in the hospital. They’ll come down with a cold, start having a cough on day two, and by day three, they’re pretty sick and can experience a severe asthma flare-up.”

That’s why, like clockwork during this time of year, Nationwide Children’s sees a spike in the number of asthma cases that present to the emergency department, urgent care centers and hospital admissions.

“We suspect that this spike is due to a variety of factors,” said Dr. Allen, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “During the summer, asthma tends to be less severe, and some families may not always regularly use controller therapies for their children. But with allergens that come into play during the fall, the weather changing, and kids catching more colds as they’re back in the classroom, it all combines for a perfect storm of asthma flare-ups.”

In fact, Dr. Allen says that 30 percent of the kids who are admitted to the hospital with the flu also have asthma. So these children are at an increased risk, if they get flu, to get quite ill not only with their asthma but also with pneumonia.

Doctors at Nationwide Children’s remind parents of important steps to take this fall to protect their asthmatic children from experiencing severe flare-ups:

Have your child get a flu shot. This will give the child’s immune system a head start in battling any viruses they might encounter this fall. That is extremely important to get a flu shot, given how much time kids spend indoors and around other children who might be ill at school.
Take your child in for a fall asthma check-up. Since asthma attacks tend to spike for many patients in the fall, it’s a good idea to get the child checked out, just so parents know the status of their child’s condition during the most challenging time of year. If your child is prescribed a daily asthma controller medication, make sure they keep taking it, even if they feel well.
Work with your child’s doctor to develop a written action plan. Children with asthma already have an immune system that is dealing with one disease, so even a simple cold can turn into a serious issue in a matter of days. How prepared parents are to deal with different scenarios could make a big difference in the health of the child.

“Parents should be able to recognize the symptoms, know which medicines to use if they develop, and know when to call the doctor if that medicine is failing,” said Dr. Allen, who is also director of the fellowship-training program in pediatric pulmonology at Nationwide Children’s. “Ideally, they should walk away from a doctor’s visit with this all written down in what we call an asthma action plan.”

During the fall months, Nationwide Children’s sees a spike in the number of asthma cases that present to our facilities.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Receives Award for Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:15:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the first businesses in the state to be awarded the Healthy Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

“Companies like Nationwide Children’s realize that supporting breastfeeding is an excellent way to improve the health of our community’s littlest members,” said ODH Director, Ted E. Wymyslo, M.D. “Children who are breastfed have a reduced risk of many health problems including diabetes, asthma, childhood cancer and obesity.”

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital breastfeeding initiatives give mothers the support, confidence and skills to successfully breastfeed their baby," said Ihuoma Eneli, MD, medical director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital. "We encourage exclusive breastfeeding for six months to reduce the risk for infections especially in the first year of life and for optimal nutrition for the baby. Also, breast milk contains essential nutrients for eye and brain development. We are also excited about the opportunities to retain and encourage valuable employees through these programs that promote healthy families.”

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, low rates of breastfeeding add $2.2 billion a year to medical costs. Babies who are formula-fed instead of breast-fed tend to require more doctor visits, hospitalizations and prescriptions,” said Dr. Wymyslo. “These costs are significant enough that a 2010 study published in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the country would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months.”

Dr. Wymyslo also noted that supporting breastfeeding makes good business sense. Studies have found that breastfeeding reduces absenteeism rates on the part of new mothers and increases their productivity.

Ohio is committed to promoting and protecting a mother’s right to breastfeed her child for as long as she chooses, whether or not she returns to work. Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth for the optimal health of a mother and her child.

The Ohio Department of Health, with the assistance of the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association and other breastfeeding advocates around the state, developed the Healthy Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award to acknowledge employers who establish and maintain comprehensive, high-quality breastfeeding support programs for their employees.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of 18 businesses in Ohio to be honored and one of 9 to receive the Silver award from the Ohio Department of Health.

The Healthy Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award will be awarded annually and 2012 applications will be available online in the summer of 2012. For more information about the award and other ways ODH supports healthy behavior, please visit www.healthyohioprogram.org, or contact Kristen Marschner at Kristen.marschner@odh.ohio.gov or (614) 466-2248.

New Study Examines Window Fall-Related Injuries Among Youth

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:01:00 -0400

Windows are a part of everyday life for children in the United States. While many parents know that windows can be a hazard for their child, they may not be aware just how often things can take a turn for the worse.

A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that approximately 5,200 children and adolescents 17years of age and younger were treated in U.S. emergency departments each year from 1990 through 2008 for injuries sustained due to falls from windows. This translates to approximately 14 children being injured as the result of a window fall every day in the U.S.

The study, being released online August 22, 2011 and appearing in the September 2011 print issue of Pediatrics, found that children 0 to 4 years of age were especially vulnerable, not only accounting for a majority (65 percent) of the injures, but also having a higher rate of serious injury resulting in hospitalization or death. Children who fell from a height of 3 stories or above or who landed on a hard surface, such as concrete or brick, were also at increased risk for serious injury. Overall, the most common injuries were to the head and face region (49 percent), and the most frequent injury diagnoses were soft tissue injury (41 percent) and brain/head injury (26 percent).

“Window fall injuries are serious. In fact, one out of every four children in our study was hospitalized as a result of their injury,” said the study’s senior author Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “We know from successful programs in New York City and Boston [community education programs re: window fall prevention] that child injuries due to falls from windows can be prevented. We need to do a better job of protecting our children from these types of serious injuries.”

In this study, more than190 children fell from windows each year after gaining access to the window by climbing on furniture placed near the window. Therefore, furniture should be moved away from windows to help keep young children safe.

“In addition, it is important for parents to understand that window screens will not prevent a child from falling out of a window,” said Dr. Smith, also a professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “There were many children in our study who pushed a screen out of a window and then fell from the window.”

To prevent injuries from window falls:

Install window guards on all second-story or higher windows in places where young children live or visit.
Remember that screens will NOT prevent a child from falling out of a window.
If windows are open, use window stops to prevent the window from opening more than 4 inches.
Move all furniture away from windows.
Remember that fire escapes, roofs and balconies are not safe places for children to play.
Educate older children on the dangers of climbing out of or jumping from windows.
Consider planting bushes or locating flower beds under windows to soften the landing surface, which may reduce the severity of injury in the event of a fall.

This is the first study to use a nationally representative sample to examine injuries associated with window falls that were treated in U.S. emergency departments. Data for this study were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The NEISS dataset provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments across the country.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Research Institute at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disabilities. With innovative research as its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, policy and advances in clinical care. For related injury prevention materials or to learn more about CIRP visit http://www.injurycenter.org.

Install window guards on all second-story or higher windows in places where young children live or visit

If windows are open, use window stops to prevent the window from opening more than 4 inches

New Program Educates Teachers about Working with Students Post-Concussion

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:00:00 -0400

According to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, concussions among middle and high school students are skyrocketing sending more than 100,000 adolescents and children a year to the emergency room. The Sports Medicine team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital recently introduced an extensive awareness program – called “Concussions in the Classroom” – in which they educate high school teachers about how to work with students who have suffered concussions.

A concussion is a traumatic injury to tissues of the body such as the brain. It is a result of a violent blow, shaking or spinning. Common symptoms include irritability, sadness, nervousness, being more emotional than usual, inability to concentrate, headache and sensitivity to light.

“Students who suffer from concussions may not be able to concentrate in class, and their work may really suffer,” said Steven Cuff, MD, a Sports Medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “A student who used to receive A’s may all of a sudden be getting C’s and D’s on tests and quizzes. Teachers should be aware of the symptoms students may face following a concussion in order for the student to recover properly.”

No two concussions are exactly the same. Developing brains are constantly changing, and one student’s symptoms may be completely different from another’s even if they sustain the same type of injury. Some students take longer to recover from a concussion for various reasons, so individualized treatment is necessary.

“You can’t treat every concussion the same,” said Thomas Pommering, DO, director of Sports Medicine at Nationwide Children’s, and also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “While most kids will recover within a week or two, there are plenty of kids who struggle for weeks, months and occasionally even years.”

Treatment for concussions needs to not only occur within the classroom, but at home as well to ensure a full recovery. Abstaining from tasks that can be mentally straining will help the child in the healing process.

“At home, we want parents to make sure that the child isn’t doing other things that are detrimental to the healing process such as texting, using the computer and playing video games,” said Dr. Cuff, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “All of those things are actually making their symptoms worse.”

Through “Concussions in the Classroom: Awareness and Management Strategies for Teachers”, Nationwide Children’s hopes to educate the public about the dangers of adolescents suffering a concussion. Experts say that the program is one of the most extensive of its kind, and they hope to see it take hold in schools across the country.

If a child suffers a concussion, doctors recommend that the parent or caregiver contact their child’s school and let them know of the child’s diagnosis. It is important for parents to discuss and develop a plan with their child’s teachers and counselors in order to help the child heal properly.

Other tips for working with students who suffer a concussion:

Teachers should keep in mind that the child’s physician may recommend half-day attendance or absence from school.
Students who have suffered a concussion should avoid extensive computer use, texting, video games, television, loud music and music through headphones.
Students who have suffered a concussion should not participate in physical activity until cleared by their physician (this includes gym class and sports activities).
The key to a speedy recovery is both physical and mental rest.

Additional information on concussions and other sports-related health and wellness topics can be found at www.NationwideChildrens.org/Concussions-in-the-Classroom.

After suffering five concussions, Lucy still had lingering effects from her injury. Now, with the help of a new program, teachers will learn how to work with students who have suffered concussions.

Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine experts visit local high schools to educate teachers about a new innovative program that helps them know what to look for with students who have suffered concussions.

Merger Creates New Family Violence Coalition

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:30:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Board of Directors Chair Abigail Wexner announced today the merger of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) with the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (CCAFV). The combined new organization is now called the Family Violence Coalition at Nationwide Children’s, bringing together the strengths of two well-established programs, both combating the impact of family violence.

“For nearly a decade, the Center for Child and Family Advocacy and the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence have shared a vision and commitment to ending the cycle of family violence in Central Ohio,” Mrs. Wexner said. “The new Family Violence Coalition will strengthen this commitment through enhanced leadership, maximized resources and an integrated approach toward providing assistance and comfort to families and children.”

The CCFA and CCAFV Boards undertook a robust merger planning process to develop this new coalition with the goal of developing an entity which can take the work of both organizations to the next level and create the ideal violence-free community. The new coalition will combine the strengths of both former organizations into an integrated team approach to breaking the cycle of family violence and child abuse by:

strengthening the missions of CCFA and CCAFV
integrating comprehensive services to break the cycle of domestic violence and child abuse, addressing the full age continuum
breaking down barriers to anyone wanting access to treatment
providing a new level of leadership to support interdisciplinary collaboration and the sharing of resources, ideas and funding among community providers
a one-stop, coordinated approach for families, enhanced through the resources of partner organizations including CHOICES, the Columbus Police Special Victims Unit, Franklin County Children Services and the Office of the Franklin County Prosecutor

The merger will not have any effect on current services offered by CCFA and CCAFV and will be a seamless experience for families and agency partners.

Karen S. Days has been appointed president of the Family Violence Coalition at Nationwide Children’s. Days has served as president of the CCAFV since 1999 and for the past year as interim president of the CCFA. Prior to joining the CCAFV staff, she spent 10 years working in the criminal justice field with organizations including the Office of Criminal Justice Services of Ohio, the Columbus City Prosecutor’s Office, the Alliance for Cooperative Justice and United Way of Central Ohio. Days holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.

“Karen Days is an immensely talented and visionary leader, dedicated to improving the lives of the victims of family violence. Under her leadership, the new Family Violence Coalition will continue to serve as a national model of excellence in service and expertise,” added Mrs. Wexner.

“The success of both organizations to date and the creation of this new coalition is a credit to Abigail Wexner’s leadership and unwavering vision for a violence-free Central Ohio,” said Steve Allen, MD, Nationwide Children’s CEO. “Our commitment continues to be working toward a culture that does not tolerate child abuse and family violence.”

The CCFA was established in 2001 as a joint partnership between Nationwide Children's Hospital and the CCAFV. Additional partners continue to include CHOICES, the Columbus Police Special Victims Unit, Franklin County Children Services and the office of the Franklin County Prosecutor.

Recognizing the need to address and end the cycle of violence in our community, Abigail Wexner founded The CCAFV in 1998. Under her leadership, the Coalition has coalesced into an organization designed to foster change within local institutions.

The new coalition will continue to operate out of the current location for CCFA and CCAFV at 655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

New National Study Finds Increase in Football-Related Injuries Among Youth

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 06:00:00 -0400

A new study conducted by researchers in the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that an estimated 5.25 million football-related injuries among children and adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age were treated in U.S. emergency departments between 1990 and 2007. The annual number of football-related injuries increased 27 percent during the 18-year study period, jumping from 274,094 in 1990 to 346,772 in 2007.

“We found that nearly 2,000 pediatric and adolescent football-related injuries were treated every day in emergency departments during football season,” said Lara McKenzie, PhD, study co-author and principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “We need to do a better job of preventing football-related injuries among our young athletes.”

According to the study, published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, the most common injuries were sprains and strains (31 percent), fractures and dislocations (28 percent) and soft tissue injuries (24 percent). In addition, concussions accounted for 8,631 injuries each year. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old suffered a greater proportion of the injuries (78 percent), and were more likely to sustain a concussion or be injured at school when compared to younger players. Children aged 6 to 11 years old were more likely to sustain lacerations, and were often injured at home.

“Prevention and treatment of concussions are the focus of many discussions at every level of play – from the junior level all the way up to the National Football League. Our data shows that young athletes are at risk for concussions,” said Dr. McKenzie, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Every day during football season, an average of fifty-seven 6 to 17 year olds are treated in U.S. emergency departments for football-related concussions. The potential long-term consequences of this type of injury make this an unacceptably high number.”

Data for this study were collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The NEISS dataset provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments across the country.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disabilities. With innovative research at its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, advocacy and advances in clinical care. For related injury prevention materials, or to learn more about the Center for Injury Research and Policy, go to http://www.injurycenter.org. While visiting our website, sign up for the RSS feed in the What’s New section of our media center to receive e-mail updates of our latest news.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Enlists Medical Animatics to Launch Innovative Child Safety Game

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:44:00 -0400

Medical Animatics, a 3D animation company, was asked by Ohio based Nationwide Children’s Hospital to provide the technology component expertise for the hospital’s “Play It Safe” innovative educational flash game for youth. The media rich program enables children ages 6-12 to create an avatar to guide them through the various learning modules designed as games that teach safety information.

This innovative approach towards educating youth can be seen on a mobile kiosk at the hospital. The avatar navigates the child learner through exercises that demonstrate safety in places such as “My House, My Neighborhood, My School, and My Park.” This innovative multimedia approach enables youth to assume a character within the game environment as they embrace key learning objectives.

“At Nationwide Children’s Hospital we are continually investigating new educational strategies to impact child and family health. The content created by the pediatric experts at Nationwide Children’s combined with the technological talent at Medical Animatics made for a winning combination. The data we collect through the game will give us insight into effective learning and retention strategies.” said Marcie Rehmar, Director, Community Education at Nationwide Children’s.

“We are honored to be a part of this innovative approach towards educating youth about safety. The animated avatar and various other characters and crazy-zany graphical depiction of the safety adventure provides an incredible learning experience for youth, regardless of age or learning style,” said Harlon J. Wilson, Medical Animatics president and CEO. “The combination of this interactive learning game installed on a kiosk in a hospital environment provides an exceptional example of how new media technologies can impact learning just about anywhere.”

The safety education program is one of many innovative educational programs launched by Nationwide Children’s. The project was funded through an educational grant provided by Kohls Department Stores with a focus on creativity in safety education “This project required a unique combination of high end media production skills, top notch creativity, and demonstrated expertise in building custom learning applications. Medical Animatics delivered. We were excited to collaborate with Medical Animatics to bring safety education to life.” Rehmar added.

About Medical Animatics
Medical Animatics simplifies complex medical and life science concepts with new and innovative multimedia solutions. Medical Animatics specializes in 3D animation, video, interactive learning applications and web design and hosting services. The company provides end-to-end solutions for life science companies, health care providers, educational institutions, museums, and informal learning organizations. Medical Animatics’ most notable product, MyInformedChoice®, is a subscription based patient education and informed consent program that helps nationally recognized hospitals, surgery centers, and health care providers to reduce administrative costs while improving outcomes. The online applications’ state-of-the-art three dimensional animation and innovative self-paced learning environment teaches patients to about surgical treatment options, in the comfort of their own home. For more info visit www.medicalanimatics.com or write to info@medicalanimatics.com.

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Ranked in U.S.News & World Report’s 2010 “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” and Parents magazine’s 2009 top 10 “Best Children’s Hospitals” lists, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit freestanding pediatric healthcare networks providing wellness, preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative care for infants, children, adolescents and adult patients with congenital disease. A medical staff of 980 and a hospital staff of 7,200 provide state-of-the-art pediatric care for more than 930,000 patient visits annually. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded freestanding pediatric research facilities. Nationwide Children’s remains true to the original mission since its founding in 1892 of providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. More information is available at NationwideChildrens.org.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Celebrates Quality Improvement Efforts, Patient Safety Results with Ohio Hospitals

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:00:00 -0400

An effort to improve quality and make Ohio the safest state in the nation for health care has garnered national attention.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited Nationwide Children’s Hospital today to celebrate the achievements of Solutions for Patient Safety, a unique collaboration involving Ohio business leaders and health care providers that is working to improve quality and eliminate certain avoidable medical errors.

“Today, the Department of Health and Human Services released its first-ever National Quality Strategy, a ground-breaking roadmap for improving quality and safety nationwide, built on best practices from around the nation,” said Secretary Sebelius. “Over the last two years, I’ve visited neighborhoods that are improving health by serving healthier school lunches, met with employers who are bringing down health costs with onsite health clinics, and toured hospitals that are showing that it’s possible to improve patient outcomes. That’s why I came to Columbus: to recognize Solutions for Patient Safety for their success, to learn how they’ve done it, and to help their best ideas spread.”

The Solutions for Patient Safety initiative, launched in January 2009 and funded with a $1.5 million investment from the Cardinal Health Foundation, is a partnership among the Cardinal Health Foundation, the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Central Ohio Hospital Council, the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and 25 hospitals throughout the state. By focusing on reducing infections and adverse drug events, the hospitals collectively achieved nearly $13 million in health care savings, more than 900 fewer patient days spent in the hospital and nearly 3,600 fewer adverse drug events and infections in children.

The state’s eight children’s hospitals will be building upon the foundation of success realized through Solutions for Patient Safety, in their next effort – eliminating Serious Safety Events (SSEs) in Ohio’s children’s hospitals and developing a patient harm index. The Cardinal Health Foundation has committed an additional $1 million to support the next phase of this initiative, and Solutions for Patient Safety is also working to engage other businesses and organizations at the state and national level to support the continued expansion of this public-private partnership.

The 17 central Ohio hospitals have expanded their work from Solutions for Patient Safety by continuing infection-prevention through monitored hand hygiene with student nurse observers, sharing an iPad compliance application developed by the Quality Institute of OHA with other hospitals statewide and rolling their blood-stream infection prevention efforts into a statewide initiative.

“These efforts to save lives and reduce costs align closely with Governor Kasich’s principles for health and economic vitality and the Medicaid modernization strategies that are included in the Executive Budget,” said Greg Moody, director of the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation. “By eliminating avoidable errors, we not only improve the quality of care, we can reduce costs and save money for individuals, taxpayers and employers. It is a win-win for everyone involved.”

“Programs like this promote patient safety, reduce costs, and improve our health care system overall,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said. “Solutions for Patient Safety has developed a national best practice model on data collection, hand sanitation, and cross-hospital collaboration. With this kind of leadership and collaboration, we can drive down health costs and improve patient outcomes."

A final report of the Solutions for Patient Safety results and more information about the collaboration’s accomplishments are available at www.solutionsforpatientsafety.com.

CONTACTS:
Angela Krile, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, 740-974-3948 (cell), angela@krilecommunications.com
Tiffany Himmelreich, Ohio Hospital Association, 614-221-7614 ext. 128, tiffanyh@ohanet.org
Pam Barber, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 614-355-0498 pam.barber@nationwidechildrens.org
Tara Schumacher, Cardinal Health, 614-757-6250, tara.schumacher@cardinalhealth.com

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Provides Recommendations for Return-to-Play After Sustaining a Concussion

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:00:00 -0500

The number of kids who participate in youth sports has grown exponentially over the last 10 years, which gives way to the importance of athletic trainers who care for injuries that may occur. March is National Athletic Training Month and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), including athletic trainers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, are further explaining to parents, coaches and children that ‘not all athletes wear jerseys’ and injuries, especially concussions, should be taken seriously.

In January 2011, the Ohio High School Athletic Association updated their guidelines on concussions by ruling that only a physician or an athletic trainer may clear in injured athlete -- by written consent -- for return to play after sustaining a concussion.

“Less than 50 percent of high school athletes report their concussions,” said Thomas L. Pommering, DO, medical director of Sports Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “So, it is important to help make them understand the need to seek careful evaluation and management of any sport-related concussion.”

Athletes need to seek medical attention when feeling the symptoms of a concussion. Symptoms include, but are not limited to headaches, dizziness, nausea, vision disturbances and difficulty concentrating. Subsequent concussions can be easier to sustain and sometimes require less force. If a second concussion happens prior to the resolution of the first concussion, an individual may risk Second Impact Syndrome. This syndrome is lethal 50 percent of the time and is only seen in young athletes.

An athlete who has sustained a concussion should be removed from play immediately to allow the brain to rest. It is important to limit screen time such as watching television, playing on the computer, texting, etc., while also discouraging long periods of reading and loud music as the brain tries to heal. Parents need to pay attention to subtle changes in their child’s personality, attention levels and any irregular behavior. Before the athlete returns to play, consult an experienced physician and/or athletic trainer for proper evaluation and return to play management.

“Athletic trainers are an integral part of our Sports Medicine team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said Dr. Pommering. “On the playing field or court, athletic trainers act as our ‘eyes and ears’ keeping the athletes safe and healthy. They see these kids on a daily basis, know their personalities and the situation surrounding the injury and are in the best position to objectively progress them back to sport post injury.”

As part of the concussion management team, the athletic trainer is often the first person to recognize, evaluate and manage concussions in high school athletes. Their job is to ensure a complete and safe return to competition after an injury has resolved.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hosts Information Session on Weight Loss Surgery for Adolescents

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:00:00 -0500

On Monday, March 28, 2011, Nationwide Children’s Hospital will host a Bariatric Surgery Information Session to discuss weight loss surgery options available for teens to combat obesity. The session begins at 5 p.m. in the Ann Isaly Wolfe Education Center located at Nationwide Children’s – 575 S. 18th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205.

The session is led by surgeon Marc Michalsky, MD, and Ihuoma Eneli, MD, both of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s, and features a former bariatric surgery patient talking about their experience. Discussions will center on the criteria for adolescent bariatric surgery, lifestyle interventions, financing, surgical weight management process, and the benefits and risks of the three types of bariatric surgery offered at Nationwide Children’s – gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery and gastric sleeve surgery.

The session is free and is open to all teens, their families and supporters seeking more information about adolescent weight loss surgery. Underage participants are encouraged to come accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Parking is available in the visitors parking garage located at the corner of S. 18th Street and Mooberry Dr. Once parked in the garage, enter the Outpatient Care Center lobby and ask to be directed to the Bariatric Surgery Information Session in room 131 of the Education Center.

Other upcoming bariatric surgery information sessions are scheduled for April 26, May 10 and June 21 all at the hospital.

For more information about this session and other upcoming sessions, and to register, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/Bariatric-Surgery, or call (614) 355-0662.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Pilots GetWellNetwork

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:00:00 -0500

GetWellNetwork, Inc., today announced that Nationwide Children’s Hospital, ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News and World Report, agreed to pilot GetWell Town as its possible bedside solution. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one the largest and most comprehensive pediatric hospital and research institutes in the U.S. By implementing GetWell Town, young patients and families of Nationwide Children’s Hospital will gain access to exclusive patient education content from KidsHealth® and interactive tools that improve patient safety and the overall care experience.

The GetWell Town solution uses animations, multimedia and other engaging tools to help children learn about their health, diagnosis, and personalized care plans right from their bedside. In addition to encouraging young patients to get actively involved in their care, GetWell Town also entertains patients with the latest movies and games and helps them stay connected with friends using familiar tools like email, instant messaging and social media sites – all of which are password-protected with parental control.

“We’re honored to be selected by Nationwide Children’s Hospital as a pilot program in their unwavering commitment to provide children and their families with the optimal patient care experience,” said Shannon O’Neil, Director of Pediatric Product Line, GetWellNetwork, Inc. “We are excited to begin working together to determine if we can drive key outcomes by leveraging fun and innovative patient tools that engage patients and families throughout the continuum of care.”

About GetWell Town
GetWell Town was developed in collaboration with GetWellNetwork’s National Children’s Hospital Task Force, comprised of 15 pediatric facilities across the U.S. as well as direct input from pediatric patients and their families. GetWell Town is designed to complement the kid-friendly spaces that children’s hospitals have worked hard to create and features exclusive content in partnership with KidsHealth® from Nemours.

About GetWellNetwork
GetWellNetwork, Inc. uses the bedside TV to entertain, educate and empower hospital patients and caregivers to be more actively engaged in their care. This patient-centered approach improves both satisfaction and outcomes for patients and hospitals. GetWellNetwork is the leader in interactive patient care solutions and exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association. More information about GetWellNetwork can be found at www.GetWellNetwork.com.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Eliminates Sugared-Sweetened Beverages from Campus

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:00 -0500

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sweetened drinks are the primary source of added sugar in the daily diet of children. Each 12-ounce serving of a carbonated, sweetened soft drink contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. A child who consumes one can of regular soda needs to walk 45 minutes just to burn it off.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital commits to addressing the epidemic of childhood obesity, and promotes the value of health and well-being for patients, families and staff members. On January 3, 2011, Nationwide Children’s will join just a handful of other healthcare institutions by eliminating all sugared-sweetened drinks from its campus. This new policy applies to the hospital’s cafeterias, gift shops, vending machines, patient room service and on-site catering service.

“Based on Nationwide Children’s regular soda sales alone, patients, staff and visitors were consuming nearly 43,000 pounds of excess sugar in these drinks each year – that’s equivalent to the weight of 21 Volkswagen Beetles,” said Kelly Kelleher, MD, MPH, director of the Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice and vice president of Health Services Research at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “That is just unacceptable, and if we wanted to walk the walk, we needed to do something about it.”

Waters, low-fat milk, pure fruit juices and diet sodas are all healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened drinks. Nationwide Children’s is expanding its selection of these healthier drink options, and in addition, will decrease the cost of bottled water for sale in its cafeteria and food court.

The hospital has always been at the forefront in the fight to combat pediatric obesity. Nationwide Children’s has shown this through many clinical and educational programs, and just recently, by championing the landmark Healthy Choices for Healthy Children anti-obesity legislation in Ohio earlier this year.

During the last few years, the hospital has made other healthy changes to its campus including:

Eliminating deep-fat fryers from room service food preparation and offering healthier, baked versions of items like French fries and chicken nuggets (e.g. by baking French fries instead of frying them, it saves 240 calories).
Reworking the ingredients of popular food items like spaghetti with meat sauce to make them healthier (e.g. making chicken salad with light mayonnaise saves 190 calories and not adding butter to cooked vegetables saves 123 calories).
Offering a “Healthier Selection” on the cafeteria menu which contains less than 600 calories, less than 30 percent of calories from fat and less than 600 mg of sodium.
Posting nutrition information in the cafeteria, food court, gift shops and on the hospital’s Intranet.
Reducing the size of many snacks and drinks sold in the hospital’s gift shops, expanding the healthier snack options like trail mix and having educational signage and handouts on how to save calories and make healthy choices.

Not only are sweetened beverages not so good for a child’s diet, but they also have an effect on the health of their teeth.

“At Nationwide Children’s, we have one of country’s largest pediatric dentistry programs, and oral health is severely affected by the acids and sugars in many of these beverages,” said Dr. Kelleher, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Cutting back or eliminating sugared drinks from a child’s diet will greatly improve the health of their teeth.”

Sugar-free doesn’t mean caffeine-free and there will still be caffeinated drink options at the hospital. Staff and patient families will still be able to bring in their own sugar-sweetened beverages however they will not be able to purchase them on campus. Physicians, residents and nurses will have the option to order sugar-sweetened drinks for patients (e.g. dehydration, GI tube cleaning, increase calories in patient’s diet, etc.) in special circumstances.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Community Partners Unveil 2010-11 Full Potential Collaborative Children’s Health Report

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:00:00 -0500

Today during a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Public Health Department and more than a dozen other local organizations came together to, once again, spark a community-wide conversation about the state of pediatric health in Franklin County, and unveil the 2010-11 Full Potential Collaborative Children’s Health Report – a comprehensive follow-up to the original report first introduced in May 2008.

New this year is a progress report card that evaluates the community’s performance in addressing the 10 leading health indicators identified in the initial report as key barometers of children’s health – asthma, teen smoking, teen pregnancy, unintentional injuries, adolescent suicide, adolescent homicide, access to health care, infant mortality/preterm birth, immunization and obesity.

“I want to congratulate Columbus Public Health and the many local organizations for their shared commitment with Nationwide Children’s Hospital in addressing these public health concerns during the last two years,” continued Abigail Wexner, Chair of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Board of Directors. “It is vital to the health and well being of our community’s children that we continue to partner, build upon existing resources and look at new ways to ensure their future is bright.”

The 2010-11 report gives a snapshot of the strides made to date, examines current challenges the community faces and shows how Franklin County compares to the rest of Ohio and to the United States. It examines current data, gains fresh insights from local experts, provides updates on some of the children and families featured in the very first report and introduces new faces to some of these vital issues.

Since the launch of the 2008 report, new community initiatives have been established to address the issues of obesity and preterm births, and action is being taken around all 10 health indicators.

“Much of the progress made to date is a result of people and organizations that took a firm stand on one of the health indicators and pledged to make a difference,” said Steve Allen, MD, chief executive officer of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “There is still much more work to do, and by coming together as a community and taking a stand on these public health concerns, we can help all children reach their full potential.”

Teresa C. Long, MD, MPH, Columbus Public Health Commissioner, added, “This report looks at issues that are critical to the health of our children – and represents an important measure of the health of our community. We must continue to work together to assure our kids have the opportunities to achieve their optimum health.”

Most notably in the 2010-11 report, pediatric obesity remains a local emergency, with BMI screenings revealing that 47 percent of fifth graders in Columbus City Schools are overweight or obese. The good news is that the community is taking action. In 2010, with the support of many Full Potential partners, the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children act was passed in the state of Ohio. This landmark legislation will increase fitness and nutrition in schools throughout the state.

Also, preterm birth remains the number one cause of infant deaths in our community, and infant mortality rates are still higher in Franklin County than Ohio or the U.S. However, the collaborative Ohio Better Birth Outcomes initiative is tackling the issue through a series of proven interventions with high risk pregnant women which are already starting to improve prematurity numbers.

There is still a wide disparity in immunization rates between the urban and suburban areas of Franklin County. To help address this, Columbus Public Health, Nationwide Children’s and Columbus City Schools are holding seasonal flu vaccination clinics at every school in the district this year.

To read more about how Franklin County fares in all 10 health indicators, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/full-potential-report to view the 2010-11 Full Potential Collaborative Children’s Health Report.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Reminds Parents to Stay Alert during Holidays

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:00:00 -0400

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of year as parents race to finish the shopping, decorating and baking. As the number of days left in the calendar year winds down, be sure to allow plenty of time in that hectic schedule for playing with your child and sharing holiday traditions as a family. Nationwide Children’s Hospital reminds parents to keep alert to various holiday dangers.

Holiday visits to homes of family and friends can be fun for children, but they also may be potentially unsafe. Remember others’ homes may not be “childproof.” Keep an eye out for breakable items, medications, uncovered electrical outlets and other potential dangers within your child’s reach. Also, your childproof home might become more dangerous for a few hours, if a visitor leaves her purse and its contents in easy reach of children. There is a potential danger when a guest leaves medicine, an alcoholic beverage or cigarettes within reach.

Avoid the temptation to wait until the next day to clean up after a holiday party. Just one or two ounces of alcohol left in the bottom of a glass can be fatal to a curious, early-rising toddler, and bits of food left on plates can be choking hazards or even cause food poisoning.

Plants typically used for holiday decorating including holly, mistletoe, evergreens and poinsettias can be poisonous depending on the quantities ingested. Eating holly berries, mistletoe berries or evergreens can make children sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or skin rash, and higher doses can be even more dangerous. Poinsettias are minimally toxic but can cause an upset stomach if ingested in large amounts. Keep dangerous holiday plants out of a child’s reach. Pick up fallen leaves and needles, and wrap mistletoe in netting to protect children from fallen berries.

Perfume, cologne, wine and electronics with batteries make great gifts for adults but are dangerous if swallowed by children. Never leave these Hanukkah or Christmas gifts in reach of children.

You might easily forget about little dangers such as the tiny batteries used in cameras, calculators and other popular gifts, but these “button” batteries can cause serious health problems for children if swallowed. Store all batteries in a safe place. If a child accidentally swallows a small battery, the first step is to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the child is having trouble breathing, the poison specialist will recommend an ambulance ride to the hospital.

Holiday baking is a tradition in many families, but young chefs need careful supervision. Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so they won’t tip, and remind children that cookie sheets are hot when they come out of the oven.

Ornaments, tinsel and other decorations fascinate children but can be hazardous. Many are choking hazards, and broken ornaments can cause painful cuts.

Lights and candles are fire hazards. If you use electric lights, look for frayed or exposed wires, and make sure no wires are pinched by furniture and no cords run under rugs. Don’t use the same extension cord for more than three strands of lights and turn off all lights before going to bed. When lighting candles, remove flammable materials from the area and never leave a burning candle unattended. The liquid in bubble lights and oil lamps can cause death if ingested by a child. Immediately throw away a bubble light if it is cracked or broken. If you suspect that a child might have swallowed this liquid, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Instructions for new toys should always be read to make sure toys are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities. Some toys may pose a choking hazard to children younger than 3 years of age. Toys that are too advanced or too simple can be misused and lead to injuries. Protect young eyes by avoiding toys that shoot objects into the air.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a toy’s size. Parents can determine if a toy or toy part is a choking hazard for children younger than 3 years of age by placing it in a small parts test device available at many children’s toy stores and through mail order companies. Because small balls or ball-shaped toys pose an even more serious choking hazard, these should pass the more rigorous test of not being able to pass through a toilet paper tube that is 1 ¾ inches in diameter. A child’s doctor also can provide advice about what kinds of toys are appropriate if parents are unsure.

Adolescents also can be injured by toys. Avoid gifts such as hobby kits and chemistry sets for children younger than 12 years and always supervise children ages 12 to 15. Toys with arrows or darts should have blunt tips made from rubber or flexible plastic.

Your attention is the best holiday gift you can give to your child. Involve children in holiday preparation as much as possible.

Sitters should be selected carefully when children can’t tag along to holiday parties. Be sure your babysitter knows whom to call in an emergency – including the numbers where you, fire and police departments, the local poison control center, your child’s doctor and other trusted adults can be reached.

To check whether the gifts you are giving or receiving have been recalled, visit www.recalls.gov.

For more information regarding child safety and injury prevention, please call the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital at (614) 722-2400, e-mail cirp.info@nationwidechildrens.org or visit www.injurycenter.org.

Contact the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital at 1-800-222-1222 24-hours a day to talk with a specially-trained pharmacist or nurse about a suspected poisoning. For general poison information and assistance in “poison-proofing” your home, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s during normal business hours.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hosts Pill Disposal Day; November 13

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 06:00:00 -0400

To help keep our community safe from prescription drug abuse, misuse and potential poisonings, the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital is hosting Pill Disposal Day on November 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Outpatient Care Center loop (555 S. 18th St.).

This event is open to the community and allows participants the chance to bring their expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter pills to the hospital. Law enforcement officers will dispose of them in a safe, legal and environmentally conscious manner.

According to the Ohio Department of Health and the Drug Enforcement Administration, 63 percent of teenagers believe that prescription drugs are easy to get from friends’ and family’s medicine cabinets. Not only do teenagers believe these drugs are easier to get their hands on, roughly 2,500 teenagers use a prescription drug to get high for the first time everyday.

Participants can only bring pills. We do not accept liquids, liquid-filled capsules, patches or syringes.

For more information, visit www.americanmedicinechest.com.

The Central Ohio Poison Center is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and staffed with pharmacists and nurses specially-trained in poison treatment. Call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital at 1-800-222-1222 if your child swallows something suspicious or potentially harmful.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Children’s Practicing Pediatricians Launch Referral Website

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:00:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Children’s Practicing Pediatricians (CPP) have partnered to provide a valuable resource for parents, children and health care officials to access quality, local information about numerous community resources. CAP4Kids is a free, online referral source connecting youth and families with resources in the community.

The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Project of Columbus (CAP4Kids) is to help bridge the gap between families in need and the many social services agencies offering valuable programs and services. Originally starting in Philadelphia, CAP4Kids has expanded to 14 cities, and is now affiliated with many large pediatric institutions nationwide.

“By posting local resources and information on a central website, we can educate and empower parents while giving pediatricians, other health care professionals and child advocates an effective reference tool to connect parents with the services they need,” said Emily Decker, MD, pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Within the site, users will find a comprehensive listing of many social service agencies that exist to improve the lives of families in need. The CAP4Kids website is arranged into the categories listed below and form the nearly two dozen parent handouts that users can print directly from the site.

After School Programs & Camps
Child Abuse
Childcare
Early Intervention Services
Education
Employment
Food & Nutrition
Health Insurance
Housing
Immigration & Refugee Services
Legal Services
Literacy
Mental Health
Parenting Resources
Physical Health
Pregnancy Resources & Infants
Safety
Shelters
Special Needs
Teen Resources

The site also features program descriptions, childhood safety tips, links to regional and national child advocacy organizations and sample letters for parents or child advocates to request evaluations and hearings. In addition, users have the opportunity to receive e-mail updates from CAP4Kids Columbus about new community service programs and important child advocacy issues. The site is updated frequently to add resources and ensure accuracy.

The idea of CAP4Kids Columbus started with review of an article in Pediatrics in Review in 2007 about how Daniel Taylor, MD, a pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, creatively used technology to link children and families to social service resources. The Child Advocacy Project of Philadelphia website currently receives upwards of one million hits a year just six years after its launching.

“We are excited for families, caregivers and health care professionals to begin using this resource,” said Darryl Robbins, MD, president of Children’s Practicing Pediatricians. “It has great potential to empower all users and ultimately improve the health of children in our community.”

For more information, visit www.cap4kids.org/columbus.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 06:00:00 -0400

On a night full of costumes and candy, parents should not have to live in fear for the safety of their children. To help ensure little witches and goblins enjoy a safe Halloween, Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers a few quick safety tips.

SAFETY MEASURES

Be sure your child’s costume is large enough to be worn over warm clothes but is not so long he/she could trip. Bright, colorful costumes that reflect light and can be seen easily by drivers are best. Choose costume accessories and/or props keeping in mind that all items should be flame resistant. Shoes should be comfortable and safe for walking.
Stick with make-up or face paint for finishing touches to a costume; wigs and masks could interfere with your child’s vision.
Trick-or-treat with your child and visit homes that you know well. Remind him/her to walk, stay on sidewalks and cross streets at crosswalks or well-lighted intersections. Try to finish trick-or-treating before dark and have a flashlight handy just in case.
Remember, pedestrian safety is a much more important safety issue than candy tampering on Halloween.
Monitor how much candy children eat; their bellies could haunt them later.
Be sure children eat before going out trick-or-treating, and take along a few healthy treats in a separate bag for snacking.

POISON PREVENTION

Check your child’s treats and throw away anything that is not securely wrapped. Do not allow your child to eat any candy until you or another adult in your household has checked it for tampering. The wrapper should be intact on all candy and fruit should be undamaged, washed and cut before eating.
Do not permit children to eat homemade treats unless you know and trust the person who made them.
Young children should not have gum, nuts, hard candies, seeds or other choking hazards such as toys with small parts.
Call the police if you suspect tampering – tasting is not a safe way to test.
Call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (1-800-222-1222) if your child swallows something suspicious or potentially harmful. The Poison Center is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and staffed with pharmacists and nurses specially-trained in poison treatment.
Consider hosting a Halloween party instead of sending kids trick-or-treating.

FOR HOMEOWNERS

Paint your pumpkins. Carving knives are dangerous and the candles used inside carved pumpkins are fire hazards. If you light a jack-o-lantern this year, keep it away from your front door or porch so little costumes do not catch fire. Never leave a lighted pumpkin unattended. Another option for lighting your pumpkin is to use flameless candles.
Leave on both your indoor and outdoor lights if you want visits from trick-or-treaters.
Clear the walkway to your door of decorations, hoses, toys, wet leaves or other items that could injure hurrying children.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Expands ‘Ounce of Prevention’ Program to Combat Against Childhood Obesity

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:00 -0400

The rise in childhood obesity has led to many national initiatives including the first lady’s Let’s Move! campaign and most recently, the launch of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month during the month of September. On a local level, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has implemented numerous programs to help fight childhood obesity and has recently expanded its An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound program to children of all ages.

Ounce of Prevention, designed by a collaborative of physicians and dietitians, including members of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s, is a program that calls for parents to establish better eating habits for their children from the moment they were born. Originally intended for children at infancy through six years of age, this program has been expanded to include children six years through adolescence in response to rising rates of obesity in older children.

“This program has proved to be an extremely valuable resource for parents,” said Robert Murray, MD, director of The Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition and a professor in the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Now parents who have grown accustomed to using the program for their infant or toddler will have the opportunity to continue using it as a guide for their older children as they grow and develop new eating and activity habits.”

In the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups putting children at an early risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood. In fact, studies show more than 23 million children and teenagers in the U.S. ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight. For many health care providers, addressing the growing epidemic of obesity is a top priority. Physicians who regularly monitor growth and provide anticipatory guidance related to parenting, eating and physical activity can perform an important intervention in a child’s life.

Ounce of Prevention provides physicians, clinicians and physician office staff with informational tool kits which include evidence-based messages recommended by the Expert Committee within the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ) and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The kits include materials designed to help physicians and parents prevent childhood obesity throughout all well-child visits, starting from infancy. Since the program’s introduction in 2007, these toolkits have been sent out to more than 80 sites around Ohio and physicians have identified obesity more effectively, leading to greater parental interest in their child’s physical activity and nutrition advice.

Ounce of Prevention is a collaboration of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Ohio Chapter; Ohio Department of Health; Ohio Dietetic Association; Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition; and American Dairy Association Mideast.

For more information, please contact Amy Sternstein, MD, coordinator of the Ounce of Prevention program at Nationwide Children's Hospital at (614) 722-4824 or Ann Weidenbenner, MS, RD, LD, Program Director at the Ohio Department of Health at (614) 644-7035. Additional information is available online at www.NationwideChildrens.org/HealthyWeight.

Doctors See Trend in Summer Injuries Among Children

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:00:00 -0400

It is a time most families look forward to every year – summertime. For parents, the warm summer months are often filled with family vacations and cookouts. For kids, it is a chance to play outdoors and enjoy a few months without homework. However, doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have recently noticed a trend in injuries that occur in children during the summer months that are both predictable and preventable.

With the long school days in the past, most kids become more active during the summer and often have more free time. Kathy Nuss, MD, associate medical director of Trauma Services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and a team of doctors, have narrowed down a list of the most common mechanisms of injuries that cause children to end up in hospitals during the summer months.

Falls – Falls are constantly topping the list of summer injuries. While objects such as trampolines have proven to be dangerous, many injuries arise from things that parents may assume are much safer. “We see a lot of kids falling from playground equipment during the summer months,” said Dr. Nuss, also operations medical director for Emergency Services at Nationwide Children’s. “If possible, find playgrounds that are spread with mulch or shredded tire; these surfaces add more cushion versus concrete or blacktop.”
Bicycle injuries – According to The Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, nearly 400,000 children younger than 19 years-old are treated in emergency rooms across the country every year for bicycle-related injuries. While the arms and legs are injured the most, head injuries are the most serious. Dr. Nuss says that wearing a bicycle helmet is critical. In addition to wearing a helmet, it’s important to use hand signals, walk the bicycle across busy streets and intersections and make sure the seat and handlebars fit the child.
Burns – Burns differ by age group. Doctors typically see older kids come in with ‘flash burns’ which result from direct contact with fire, such as injuries from camp sites or fireworks. On the other hand, younger kids often suffer from ‘scald burns’ which result from contact with heat such as pulling hot food off the counter or water burns. To help prevent these injuries, older kids should be supervised when using fireworks or around a campsite and parents should keep hot foods/water away from the edges of tables or countertops.
Motorized vehicles – From ATVs and scooters to cars and golf carts, children are finding their way onto many different types of motorized vehicles. While kids, both young and old, have little control over these accidents, parental supervision is the key to preventing an injury.
Drowning – While drownings are not one of the top five summer injuries, near-drownings are a serious problem this time of year. These accidents often occur in backyard pools and landscape pools, but can also happen in just inches of water. Experts say that parents should always practice touch supervision – be close enough to reach out to the child at any time, be certified in CPR and make sure the child is wearing an approved flotation device such as a life vest.

“While it may be difficult to avoid these common summer injuries, it’s important for parents to keep a close eye on their kids this summer,” said Dr. Nuss, also an associate professor of Pediatrics at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Nationwide Children's Hospital Urgent Care Moves to New Site in Dublin

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:01:00 -0400

Effective June 23, 2010, the new Nationwide Children’s Hospital Dublin Close To Home^SM Center on Hospital Drive will open with Urgent Care, ChildLab (laboratory) and Radiology services at 7450 Hospital Drive, in the Medical Office Building of Dublin Methodist Hospital. These services moved from the current Dublin Close To Home^SM Center on Venture Drive to accommodate growth. All other services remain on Venture Drive.

Nationwide Children’s debuted its first Close To Home^SM Center 11 years ago with the Dublin Close To Home^SM Center on Venture Drive. Today, 13 Nationwide Children’s Close To Home^SM Centers offer a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for newborns, children and young adults.

The two other Close To Home^SM Centers in Dublin will continue to offer the following services:

Dublin Close To Home^SM Center on Venture Dr. (includes Medical Office Building)
5675 and 5665 Venture Dr.

Adolescent Health
Adolescent Hematology Clinic
Audiology
Cardiology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Genetics
Interdisciplinary Feeding Clinic
Neurology
Nutrition
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT)
Pulmonary Medicine
Speech and Language Pathology
Sports Medicine
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Clinic

Dublin Close To Home^SM Center on Perimeter Dr.
5700 Perimeter Drive, Suite A

Behavioral Health
Developmental, Occupational and Physical Therapy
Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy

For information about the new Dublin Close To Home^SM Center on Hospital Drive or any of our Dublin locations, visit http://www.NationwideChildrens.org/Dublin.

Doctors See Increase in Incidence of Melanoma Cases Especially Among Teens

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

With the family beach vacation right around the corner, keeping children’s skin safe under the hot, summer sun should be top of mind for every parent.

Recently, doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have seen an increase in the incidence of skin cancer cases among children ages 5-16-years-old, and particularly among teenagers. In fact, melanoma – cancer of the skin’s pigment elements – is now responsible for approximately one out of 10 cancer cases in adolescents ages 15-19-years-old.

“Increased use of tanning beds and sun exposure is likely one of the major causes in the increased melanoma incidence in teenagers,” said Jennifer Aldrink, MD, a pediatric surgeon at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “However, there are a host of other factors that we do not fully understand yet that also may contribute. The bottom line is sun exposure dramatically increases risk of skin-related cancers, particularly melanoma in children and teenagers.”

While melanoma is a sun-based skin cancer, doctors say it is difficult to confirm with certainty that exposure to sun is the only cause in children. Some claim there is not enough cumulative sun-exposure in children and teenagers to account for increased cases of melanoma.

“There is much about the immunology of melanoma that we still do not fully understand,” explained Mark Ranalli, MD, pediatric oncologist in Hematology/Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “How our immune system responds to these cancer cells and the manner in which our skin cells respond to excessive sun exposure may play an even more important role in childhood melanoma that we currently are able to explain.”

Drs. Aldrink and Ranalli, both faculty members at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, say parents can start to educate their children at a very young age about the importance of sunscreen and applying it at all times when children are out in the sun.

“Melanoma is the most common cancer encountered by women in their late 20’s,” said Dr. Ranalli. “Good skin protection practices at a young age may reduce the chances of developing melanoma in adulthood.”

Patricia Witman, MD, chief of Dermatology at Nationwide Children's Hospital, offers summer skin safety tips to help keep children safe during the hot summer months.

-Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage. In general, an SPF of at least 30 is preferred but check the ingredient list. The best sunscreens have one of the following three ingredients – avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

-Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours thereafter while in the sun. Also, remember to reapply after leaving the water and toweling dry.

-Just because it’s a cloudy day, still apply sunscreen just as you would on a clear, sunny day.

-Seek the shade as much as possible. Keep the kids under a beach umbrella when taking a break from the ocean, playing in the sand or taking a nap.

-Use sun-protective clothing. Select swimwear such as rashguard shirts with long sleeves to give extra protection. A wide-brimmed hat or a hat with flaps that covers the back of the neck gives more coverage than a typical baseball cap.

-Try to avoid peak hours of sun exposure (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Choose activities where children can be in the shade or inside at these times. Hit the beach or outdoor pool either early or late in the day when the sun is less intense.

-Wear sun glasses to help protect eyes from damaging UV rays.

-Even long after the family vacation, watch for moles or freckles that are changing in character over a short period of time – color, size changes, border becomes irregular, etc.

New National Study Finds Table Saw-Related Injuries Have Remained Consistently High

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:00:00 -0500

New technology to prevent injuries needs to be available and affordable

Woodworking is a popular hobby, with table saws being owned and used by an estimated 6 million to 10 million people in the United States. Although table saws are associated with more injuries than any other woodworking tool, there have been no previously published national studies of table saw-related injuries. A recent study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that from 1990-2007, an estimated 565,670 non-occupational table saw-related injuries were treated in US hospital emergency departments, averaging 31,500 injuries per year. Although a 27 percent increase in the number of injuries was found over the 18-year study period, there was no change in the rate of injuries per 10,000 US population.

According to the study, available online as a Publication Ahead-of-Print for the Journal of Trauma, lacerations (66 percent) were the most common type of injury while amputations (10 percent) were the most serious. The majority of injuries (86 percent) were to the fingers or thumb. Males (97 percent) and adults (97 percent) accounted for the majority of table saw-related injuries. In comparison to adults, children were more likely to injure their heads, faces and necks and to be injured at school.

“While the majority of the children who were injured were between the ages of 14 and 17 years, children as young as 6 years were found to be injured while operating a table saw,” said study author Brenda Shields, MS, research coordinator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “More research is needed to determine appropriate age restrictions.”

Most of the table saw-related injuries resulted from contact with the blade of the saw. In cases when the mechanism of injury was documented, kickback was the most common mechanism (72 percent), followed by debris being thrown by the saw (10 percent), lifting or moving the saw (6 percent), or getting a glove or clothing caught in the blade (4 percent).

A new technology that could prevent some of these injuries is the SawStop, which can detect contact between a person and a saw blade and then instantly react to stop and retract the blade. “Although this technology could be beneficial in preventing serious injuries, it is currently too expensive for the average home woodworker to afford,” said Shields. “We recommend that all table saws be equipped with such technology and be made available at an affordable price.”

Other recommendations to prevent table saw-related injuries include keeping table saws in an area that is not accessible to children, protecting the blade with a rigid cover when not in use, reading the owner’s manual carefully for safety rules, and completing a table saw-specific safety course before operating the saw.

This is the first published study to describe the epidemiology of non-occupational table saw-related injuries using a nationally representative sample. Data for this study were collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The NEISS dataset provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments across the country.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disabilities. With innovative research as its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, policy and advances in clinical care. Learn more about CIRP at http://www.injurycenter.org.

Child Abuse, Neglect Cases Up; Stress, Economy May Be to Blame

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:00:00 -0500

The holidays are over and the tree is down. For millions of families reality is setting in. Between the bills that will come due in January, the struggling economy and the stress that comes with it, it can be a very dangerous time for children. Experts say many parents who are overwhelmed often take out their anxieties and frustrations on their kids.

Child abuse and neglect can increase when families are under stress, in the middle of a crisis or at the “end of the rope.” In the last two years, physicians at the Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, say that child abuse and neglect cases at the hospital are up 40 percent. In 2008 alone, they provided more inpatient consultations for suspected abuse and neglect than any year since the hospital has been compiling data.

In order to create and sustain safe homes for children, the CCFA at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides a nurse home visitation program in which nurses visit the homes of first-time, low-income mothers every week for two and a half years, all free of charge. The nurses are partnered with these women no later then their 28th week of pregnancy through their child’s second birthday. The nurses help mom focus on prenatal care and nutrition, and once the baby is born, education and support for caring for their child. The idea is to assist moms in being the best parent they can be by focusing on their child’s needs and the importance mom making healthy choices in order to provide for her child in a safe environment. One of the focuses for the nurses is mom’s future once the baby is born. The nurse works with mom to reenroll in school or employment.

“When the stress of economic realities clashes with the challenges of raising a child, even parents who have the best intentions can harm or neglect their children,” said Yvette McGee Brown, president of the CCFA at Nationwide Children’s. “The best way to prevent child abuse and neglect is to provide parents with the support, skills and resources they need to be effective caregivers, particularly during this difficult time.”

There is no specific test that can determine if a child is at risk. However, when parents lose employment, worry about paying the rent or feeding their children, they often feel isolated and frustrated. Without support, some parents reach the breaking point and lash out at their children.

It is essential for all of us to be mindful of the risks of child maltreatment within our immediate surroundings and community.

“If you know of families or friends who are experiencing high levels of stress, look for ways to help alleviate the tension,” continued McGee Brown. “Offer to watch their children for a few hours, invite them over for dinner or stop by for a visit to give them support.”

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Offers These Tips:
Help ease tension in a public place

If a parent is having difficulties with their child, strike up a conversation with the adult to divert attention away from the child.
Try to get the child’s attention by talking to him/her.
Avoid negative remarks or looks. These can increase the parent’s anger and make matters worse.
Praise the child and parent at the first opportunity.
If a child is left unattended, stand by the child until the parent returns or contact an employee.
If you suspect abuse, call your local Children’s Services agency.
If the situation is violent or the child is in danger, call 911.

How to cool down in a moment of anger

Take a few deep breaths. Remember, you are the adult.
Close your eyes and imagine what your child is about to hear.
Press your lips together and count to 10.
Put some space between you and your child.
Turn on some music, and sing along.
Drink a glass of cold water.
Call a friend.

The Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is the first facility of its kind in the United States to bring together a comprehensive range of programs and services that are directed toward the intervention and prevention of child abuse and family violence.

Commissioners Award $7 Million to Nationwide Children's Colloborative to Fight Premature Births

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Saving the lives of children is the goal of a $7 million announcement today by Franklin County Commissioners Paula Brooks, Marilyn Brown and John O’Grady. During a press conference this morning, Commissioners announced their intention to provide $7 million over 5-years to fund clinical research and community outreach efforts to prevent premature births, the leading cause of death for newborns in Franklin County.

The funding will support a new community prevention initiative – Ohio Better Birth Outcomes (OBBO) – which is a collaborative effort between the county’s health systems, government and community organizations.

According to a report released today by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, preterm birth (the birth of infants before 37 weeks gestational age) is the largest contributor to infant mortality, accounting for almost one-third of infant deaths. Franklin County, like the other large metropolitan areas in the state, has high preterm birth rates that have increased substantially since 1980.

- The county’s preterm birth rate of 13 percent is almost double the U.S. public health goal of 6.9 percent and higher than the state overall, costing businesses, government and families emotionally and financially.
- In high risk populations in Franklin County, the preterm birth rate is as high as 20 percent.

“Premature birth is costing the lives of our children and causing family grief and tragedy we cannot measure,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “We can measure the millions of dollars it is costing families and taxpayers – up to $2 million for care over the life of a premature child. The premature birth rate of one in five for high risk mothers is one of the most serious health care challenges our county is facing. This is unacceptable.”

“Through OBBO, we are partnering with Nationwide Children’s and its network of collaborators to make a difference in preventing premature child delivery in our community,” Commissioner Brooks said. “We will improve the well-being of our youngest, most vulnerable citizens and their families.”

OBBO was launched earlier this year bringing together local partners using the latest research to improve outcomes for high risk pregnant women and their children in Franklin County. Leading the effort are physicians and researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University Medical Center, OhioHealth and Mount Carmel Health System, along with city and government agencies, education and not-for-profit groups. The partnership of all the health systems in a single community the size of Franklin County is an unprecedented level of collaboration for an effort of this kind.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital CEO Dr. Steve Allen was joined by OhioHealth’s CEO Dave Blom and Claus Von Zychlin, CEO of Mount Carmel Health System at today’s announcement.

“Columbus is unique in our shared commitment to the best possible outcomes for children and families, nowhere else in the country is there such comprehensive and collaborative effort underway to reduce prematurity,” said Steve Allen, MD, CEO of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “This would not be possible without the commitment and support of our County Commissioners and our other partners. Together, we will redefine what is possible in reducing preterm births and their consequences."

OBBO is focused on specific interventions for high risk pregnant women and new mothers that have strong empirical data suggesting they may reduce preterm morbidity and mortality. Early results include doubling the number of women receiving 17P, a hormone therapy that can reduce recurrent preterm births in women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery. Nurse-Family Partnership, another component of OBBO, has reduced preterm birth rates among participants by 8.4 percent compared to a control group. The financial impact of this is substantial, given that the costs of an infant admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Franklin County ranges from an average $66,000 up to more than $2 million.

A portion of the funding from the Board of Commissioners will support the work of OBBO with $500,000 in 2010 and a total of up to $3 million over five years. This will enable OBBO to reach 1,100 high risk pregnant women and new mothers in Franklin County.

“The fact that preterm birth is the largest contributor to infant mortality, accounting for almost one-third of infant deaths in Franklin County is staggering,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “We must, as a community, work together to address the immediate and long-term health, developmental and economic consequences of premature births so that we can lessen the financial and emotional burden on our youngest residents, their families, local governments and non-profits.”

We’re committed to strengthening Franklin County’s families,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. “Funding from the County will address this complex issue in a collaborative manner to ensure the well-being of pregnant women and babies and, at the same time, support the employment of thousands of employees in the medical field.”

The remaining $4 million commitment will support an enhanced focus on prematurity research. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital identified prematurity as a key part of its strategic plan and funding will support a comprehensive study of prematurity including basic and clinical research studying its causes and complications.

To view a copy of the new Ohio Better Birth Outcomes report, visit www.nationwidechildrens.org and keyword search OBBO.

New Adolescent Hematology Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Unrecognized bleeding disorders are more common in adolescents, especially females, than many parents think. Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s new Adolescent Hematology Clinic, located at the Dublin Close To HomeSM Center and the only one of its kind in Ohio, offers both hematology and adolescent reproductive health expertise in a single clinic to diagnose and treat bleeding disorders and the heavy menstrual cycles that often accompany them.

Early diagnosis of bleeding disorders is crucial to help prevent complications later in life after injuries, and especially during childbirth or surgery. Diagnosed bleeding disorders can be controlled with proper treatment, enhancing safety and quality of the patient’s life.

“Of the new patients we see in our clinic, approximately 40 percent of the girls have turned out to have an underlying bleeding disorder,” said Sarah O’Brien, MD, MSc, a physician with Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Nationwide Children’s. “Parents and their daughters appreciate our all-female staff and are often comforted by the fact that an examination does not necessarily include a pelvic exam. Since many of our patients are young adolescents who are not sexually active, this gives them the opportunity to seek care without seeing a gynecologist, something they might not quite feel ready for.”

The Adolescent Hematology Clinic at Nationwide Children’s has an all-female hematology and adolescent medicine team, led by Dr. O’Brien, also an assistant professor with The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, and Cynthia Holland-Hall, MD, MPH, a physician in Adolescent Health at Nationwide Children’s and an associate professor at OSU College of Medicine. Drs. O’Brien and Holland-Hall and their staff help adolescent girls with excessive menstrual bleeding and can determine if there is a more serious bleeding issue that needs to be treated.

One thing parents can do to make sure their adolescent daughter is healthy is encourage her to be open and honest about her menstrual cycles with her doctor. Menorrhagia – excessively heavy or long periods – can be genetic. Mothers may tell their daughters that having a period for more than seven days is normal because the moms themselves actually suffer or have suffered from the same condition without even realizing it.

The most frequent cause of menorrhagia is an imbalance between the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which causes the lining of the uterus to keep building up over time. Because many adolescents have slight hormone imbalances during puberty, menorrhagia isn't uncommon in teens. But in some cases, heavy menstrual bleeding can be one of the first indicators of a more serious bleeding disorder. Other possible indicators of a bleeding disorder include easy bruising or large bruises from minor bumps or injuries; frequent or prolonged nosebleeds; mouth and gum bleeding; excessive bleeding after injury, surgery or at the immunization site; iron deficiency and/or anemia; and family history of easy bruising or bleeding.

The Adolescent Hematology Clinic takes place one day a month and takes calls during normal business hours. For more information, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 722-5867.

Should Kids Taking Immunosuppressant Medication Receive the H1N1 Vaccine?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have classified all children, 6-months to 24-years, one of the high risk groups for contracting the H1N1 (swine) flu, and recommend this population receive the H1N1 vaccine for immunity against the disease. But what about the millions of children who are already battling other diseases – chronic diseases including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, irritable bowel disease (IBD) and other digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease? Is it safe for these kids to receive the H1N1 vaccine when already taking an immunosuppressant – medication that weakens the immune system but controls their disease? Will mixing the H1N1 vaccine with these powerful medications put the patient at an even greater risk?

Doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio have been tackling this question from not just a few parents, but from a number of concerned parents. During the past five years there has been an explosion of new immunosuppressant medications, and it’s estimated that nearly 5 million children are currently taking these prescriptions to control their chronic conditions.

“It is extremely important that they [patients on immunosuppressant medication] get the H1N1 vaccine and receive it in the form of a shot, rather than in the form of a mist,” explained Dennis Cunningham, MD, an infectious disease physician and medical director of Epidemiology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “The reason we recommend the shot is because the mist is a live virus, and we do not want kids whose immune system is already weak to receive a live virus. Immunity to the H1N1 flu, among other diseases, is very important for kids with chronic conditions.”

Dr. Cunningham, who is leading the H1N1 efforts at Nationwide Children’s, says that it’s not an 100 percent guarantee these patients battling chronic conditions will not contract the H1N1 virus just by receiving immunization. He also suggests additional protection through what’s called ring vaccination. The idea is to make sure there is a barrier of protection for all family members that are in direct and frequent contact with children taking immunosuppressant medication.

“It’s also important for parents to put another layer of protection around their child and do so by making sure parents themselves and other children in the home receive the vaccine,” said Dr. Cunningham, also on the faculty at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

The caveat is that there is no assurance others outside the home will be vaccinated. Important measures like washing your hands, covering your cough and sneeze with your elbow, getting adequate amounts of sleep and plenty of fluids, and staying home from work or school when sick, are stressed and should be followed. Parents should always consult their child’s pediatrician or primary care physician first for any and all questions about what’s right for the child’s health care needs.

PSA: Lawn Mower Safety

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

:30 sec.
'Tis the season for the tragedy of lawn mower injuries.
Each year children are needlessly injured by walk-behind and riding gas-powered lawnmowers.
These injuries often require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation and the long-term effects are life-changing.
Lawnmowers are not toys.
Keep children and pets INSIDE while operating a mower!
Protect children from these devastating injuries and yourself from the emotionally devastating guilt.

:15 sec.
Children and lawn mowers don't mix!
No one ever thinks a devastating lawn mower injury will happen to a child they
love, but it does......every year.
Protect the children you love by keeping them inside while mowing the lawn.

Nationwide Children’s Decision Support Service Offers Assistance in Diagnosing Pediatric Mental Health Issues

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

It is estimated that one out of five children in the United States is suffering from a treatable mental condition. However, with only eight child and adolescent psychiatrics for every 100,000 children in the country, there is growing concern that kids suffering from mental health conditions are not receiving the good care they deserve. To address this problem, doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are partnering with pediatricians and family doctors to make sure kids suffering from anxiety, depression and other mental disorders are receiving the care they need – and quickly.

According to a survey conducted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 85 percent of primary care doctors are uncomfortable diagnosing and treating anxiety in children, with another 54 percent uncomfortable diagnosing depression. Primary care doctors are typically the first to recognize potential mental problems in their patients but since they treat a wide range of conditions, both physical and mental, the opinion of a pediatric psychiatrist can prove invaluable when it comes to diagnosing and treating mental conditions. In addition, researchers and care providers alike agree that much of this discomfort stems from recent controversies surrounding prescribing antidepressant medications that display black box warnings about potential side effects for their use in children.

To help empower pediatricians and family doctors, pediatric psychiatrists and mental health specialists at Nationwide Children’s have developed a program called the Telephone Decision Support Service which provides primary care doctors with a second opinion for diagnosing and managing mental health problems in children.

When presented with a patient whom general practice doctors feel may be suffering from a mental condition and could benefit from prescription medications, the doctor can contact an on-call psychiatrist or advanced practice nurse at Nationwide Children’s to discuss the case. After hearing the doctor’s findings and opinion, the decision support professionals offer insight as to course of treatment.

“We want to identify those kids who are most severely ill first and provide them the level of care that they need. If they need to be seen in a specialty care setting, we want to get them there right away,” said John Campo, MD, medical director of Behavioral Health Services and chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a driving force behind the Telephone Decision Support Service.

By using this program, primary care doctors are able to serve as the first line of defense to treat kids with common mental conditions like general anxiety and depression. By taking care of this group of patients, more appointments become free with mental health providers at Nationwide Children’s for those patients needing more specialized mental health care. This stepped-collaborative care approach quickens the treatment for both groups of patients while ensuring those who need immediate psychiatric treatment get appointments sooner and those with general conditions don’t suffer any longer.

“Not only might it improve quality of care that can be delivered and improve access to care, but it has the potential actually to either postpone or prevent specialty visits,” said Dr. Campo, also a professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

In the near future, doctors at Nationwide Children’s hope to incorporate telemedicine and video conferencing to the Telephone Decision Support Service to better assist doctors in rural areas and those families without readily available access to specialized mental health care.

Five Tips to Help Families Eat Right on a Budget in 2009

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

With a new year often comes a new resolution to eat better and make healthier choices. But as the economy continues to struggle, many parents are left wondering how to provide healthy food options while shopping on a budget. Although nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are often more costly than less healthful options, there are ways families can pull the purse strings tighter without compromising on nutrition.

“Even though many families will be shopping on a budget in the new year, nutrition doesn’t necessarily have to come in second place to price,” said Robert Murray, MD, director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital. “Parents need to look at what they’re paying for and determine if there are less costly ways to achieve the same nutritional benefits.”

According to Dr. Murray, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, there are five food fads to be aware of in 2009 so that parents can make smart food – and money – choices.

The fresh versus frozen debate
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, don’t assume fresh is best. Buying food in bulk, either frozen or canned, can save a lot of money. In recent years, preservation and freezing methods have dramatically improved, thus preserving the nutritional quality of the frozen fruits and vegetables. Regardless of how they are consumed – frozen or otherwise – fruits and vegetables provide many nutritional benefits.

Dr. Murray suggests taking advantage of grocery store sales and stocking up on frozen goods. Parents can also consider freezing their own fruits and vegetables when they are in-season and plentiful.

What’s “organic” worth?
When a food item is certified organic, it refers to the methods used to grow or produce the food. Contrary to the beliefs of many, organic foods offer no additional nutritional benefit compared to their non-organic counterparts, but do cost more.

“Concerns about hormones, antibiotics or pesticides have driven many to choose organic foods,” explained Dr. Murray. “But don’t be fooled into thinking that because something is labeled organic that it is any healthier.”

Designer fruits and vegetables
In recent years, exotic and often heavily-marketed fruits, like pomegranate and açai berries, have become increasingly popular. While these fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, they also come with a hefty price tag.

“These fruits do have many health benefits, but many of the same benefits can be found in other more common fruits for a much cheaper price,” said Dr. Murray.

Instead of paying high prices for these fad foods, Dr. Murray recommends other dark, ruby-skinned fruits like blueberries, plums or blackberries that are easier on the wallet.

Fortified beverages
Be careful of drinks that are fortified with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Not only do they cost more, they often have more calories than you think. Some pack as many calories as a regular soda, and from a nutrition standpoint, it makes more sense to eat foods that are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals.

Sports drinks, rich in electrolytes, may be a good choice for serious athletes who participate in intense physical activity for extended periods of time, but for most children and adults, these drinks are also unnecessary.

Paying for prepackaged
Prepackaged, grab-and-go options offer convenience and portion control but can cost more. For some busy families, the time saved by purchasing these items, especially prepackaged fruits and vegetables, may be worth the additional expense. This is particularly true if the convenience of these items encourages families to make more nutritious choices.

For families looking for a cheaper option, Dr. Murray suggests purchasing bulk items and individually packaging them at home for an easy, on-the-go grab. Plan snacks ahead of time and be sure to combine food groups to maximize nutritional value. For example, combine whole grain crackers and low-fat cheese in plastic storage bags; or peel and cut carrots into snack-sized pieces and place in containers with a couple tablespoons of peanut butter. Be sure to pay attention to portion size in order to avoid serving up too much of a good thing.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Reminds Parents to Stay Alert During Holidays

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of year as parents race to finish shopping, decorating and baking. As the number of days left in the calendar year winds down, be sure to allow plenty of time in the hectic schedule for playtime with your child and sharing holiday traditions as a family. Nationwide Children’s Hospital reminds parents to keep alert to various holiday dangers.

Holiday visits to homes of family and friends can be fun for children but they also may be potentially unsafe. Remember others’ homes may not be “childproof.” Keep an eye out for breakable items, medications, uncovered electrical outlets and other potential dangers within your child’s reach. Also, your childproof home might become more dangerous for a few hours, if a visitor leaves her purse and its contents in easy reach of children. There is a potential danger when a guest leaves medicine, an alcoholic beverage or cigarettes within reach.

Avoid the temptation to wait until the next day to clean up after a holiday party. Just one or two ounces of alcohol left in the bottom of a glass can be fatal to a curious, early-rising toddler, and bits of food left on plates can be choking hazards or even cause food poisoning.

Plants typically used for holiday decorating including holly, mistletoe, evergreens and poinsettias can be poisonous depending on the quantities ingested. Eating holly berries, mistletoe berries or evergreens can make children sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or skin rash, and higher doses can be even more dangerous. Poinsettias are minimally toxic but can cause an upset stomach if ingested in large amounts. Keep dangerous holiday plants out of a child’s reach. Pick up fallen leaves and needles, and wrap mistletoe in netting to protect children from fallen berries.

Perfume, cologne, wine and electronics with batteries make great gifts for adults but are dangerous if swallowed by children. Never leave these Hanukkah or Christmas gifts in reach of children.

You might easily forget about little dangers such as the tiny batteries used in cameras, calculators and other popular gifts, but these “button” batteries can cause serious health problems for children if swallowed. Store all batteries in a safe place. If a child accidentally swallows a small battery, the first step is to call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital 1-800-222-1222. If the child is having trouble breathing, the poison specialist will recommend an ambulance ride to the hospital.

Holiday baking is a tradition in many families, but young chefs need careful supervision. Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so they won’t tip, and remind children that cookie sheets are hot when they come out of the oven.

Ornaments, tinsel and other decorations fascinate children but can be hazardous. Many are choking hazards, and broken ornaments can cause painful cuts.

Lights and candles are fire hazards. If you use electric lights, look for frayed or exposed wires, make sure no wires are pinched by furniture and no cords run under rugs. Don’t use the same extension cord for more than three strands of lights and turn all lights off before going to bed. When lighting candles, remove flammable materials from the area and never leave a candle burning unattended. The liquid in bubble lights and oil lamps can cause death if ingested by a child. Immediately throw away a bubble light if it is cracked or broken. If you suspect that a child might have swallowed this liquid, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s 1-800-222-1222.

Instructions for new toys should always be read to make sure toys are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities. Some toys may pose a choking hazard to children younger than 3 years. Toys that are too advanced or too simple can be misused and lead to injuries. Protect young eyes by avoiding toys that shoot objects into the air.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a toy’s size. Parents can determine if a toy or toy part is a choking hazard for children younger than 3 years of age by placing it in a small parts test device available at many children’s toy stores and through mail order companies. Because small balls or ball-shaped toys pose an even more serious choking hazard, these should pass the more rigorous test of not being able to pass through a toilet paper tube that is 1 ¾ inches in diameter. A child’s doctor also can provide advice about what kinds of toys are appropriate if parents are unsure.

Adolescents also can be injured by toys. Avoid gifts such as hobby kits and chemistry sets for children younger than 12 years and always supervise children ages 12 to 15. Toys with arrows or darts should have blunt tips made from rubber or flexible plastic.

Your attention is the best holiday gift you can give to your child. Involve children in holiday preparation as much as possible.

Sitters should be selected carefully when children can’t tag along to holiday parties. Be sure your babysitter knows whom to call in an emergency – including the numbers where you, fire and police departments, the local poison control center, your child’s doctor and other trusted adults can be reached.

To check whether the gifts you are giving or receiving have been recalled, visit www.recalls.gov.

For more information regarding child safety and injury prevention, please call the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s at (614) 722-2400, e-mail cirp.info@nationwidechildrens.org or visit www.injurycenter.org.

Contact the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s 1-800-222-1222 24 hours a day to talk with a specially trained pharmacist or nurse about a suspected poisoning. For general poison information and assistance in “poison-proofing” your home, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center during normal business hours.

October Recognized As Fire Prevention Month

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Fires in the home can start in an instant and spread in seconds, leaving families with as little as two minutes to escape from a residential fire. However, with smoke alarms, escape plans and good fire safety practices, two minutes is enough time for families to evacuate unharmed. October serves as national fire prevention month to remind everyone about the importance of fire safety and prevention.

Although burns are among the most painful injuries a person can live through, the most common cause of fire-related deaths is smoke inhalation. Cooking is the most frequent cause of house fires and almost two-thirds of all house fire-related deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

“Working smoke alarms can decrease an individual’s risk of dying in a house fire by nearly half,” said Nichole Hodges, MPH, CHES, home safety program coordinator, Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Most houses do have at least one smoke alarm, but many do not work because the batteries are missing or dead. Most children who die or are injured in a house fire live in a home without working smoke alarms.”

Not only should smoke alarms be tested monthly, but batteries should be replaced once a year, unless the smoke alarm has a longer-lasting lithium battery. Also, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

“Smoke alarms need to be installed on every level of your home, even in the basement,” said Hodges. “There should be a smoke alarm outside of each sleeping area, and, for better protection, a smoke alarm inside each bedroom as well.”

Along with smoke alarms, Hodges encourages all families to develop and practice a fire escape plan. Fires spread much more quickly today than they did 20 to 30 years ago because of the synthetic materials in homes. Escape plans are especially vital for children younger than 5-years-old and adults older than 70-years-old because they are at higher risk of dying in a house fire and often need assistance to escape.

“Fire escape plans should be practiced until they are second nature,” said Fire Chief Ned Pettus, Jr., City of Columbus, Ohio, Department of Public Safety. “Once your family gathers at your safe meeting place, you can call the fire department."

Chief Pettus also stressed the need for businesses to practice fire safety. Compliance with fire code requirements should be maintained, fire drills conducted, and emergency action plans and exit route maps must be posted and distributed to all employees. He suggested businesses to choose leaders for emergency evacuations and decide how to help disabled co-workers to safety.

The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disabilities. With innovative research as its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, advocacy and advances in clinical care. In recognition of CIRP's valuable research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently named the Center for Injury Research and Policy as one of only 13 centers in the United States to be designated as an Injury Control Research Center. Learn more about The Center for Injury Research and Policy at http://www.injurycenter.org.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On a night known for its mischief, parents should not have to live in fear for the safety of their children. To help ensure little witches and warlocks enjoy a safe Halloween, Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers a few quick safety tips.

SAFETY MEASURES
• Be sure your child’s costume is large enough to be worn over warm clothes but is not so long he/she could trip. Bright, colorful costumes that reflect light and can be seen easily by drivers are best. Choose costume accessories and/or props keeping in mind that all items should be flame resistant. Shoes should be comfortable and safe for walking.
• Stick with make-up or face paint for finishing touches to a costume. Wigs and masks could interfere with your child’s vision.
• Trick-or-treat with your child and visit homes that you know well. Remind him/her to walk, stay on sidewalks and cross streets at crosswalks or well-lighted intersections. Try to finish trick-or-treating before dark but have a flashlight handy just in case.
• Remember, pedestrian safety is a much more important safety issue than candy tampering on Halloween.

POISON PREVENTION
• Check your child’s treats and throw away anything that is not securely wrapped. Do not allow your child to eat any candy until you or another adult in your household has checked it for tampering. The wrapper should be intact on all candy and fruit should be undamaged, washed and cut before eating.
• Do not permit children to eat homemade treats unless you know and trust the person who made them.
• To help kids endure trick-or-treating and the wait until they can dig into their goodie bag at home, feed them before going out and take along a few healthy treats in a separate bag for snacking.
• Young children should not have gum, nuts, hard candies, seeds or other choking hazards such as toys with small parts.
• Call the police if you suspect tampering – tasting is not a safe way to test.
• Call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (1-800-222-1222) if your child swallows something suspicious or potentially harmful. The Poison Center is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and staffed with pharmacists and nurses specially trained in poison treatment.
• Consider hosting a Halloween party instead of sending kids trick-or-treating.
• Monitor how much candy children eat or their bellies may haunt them later.

FOR HOMEOWNERS
• Paint your pumpkins. Carving knives are dangerous and the candles used inside carved pumpkins are fire hazards. If you light a jack-o-lantern this year, keep it away from your front door or porch so little costumes do not catch fire. Never leave a lighted pumpkin unattended. Another option for lighting your pumpkin is to use flameless candles.
• Leave on both your indoor and outdoor lights if you want visits from trick-or-treaters.
• Clear the walkway to your door of decorations, hoses, toys, wet leaves or other items that could injure hurrying children.
• Do not hand out homemade items as Halloween treats.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Snackwise® Program Announces Annual Top 10 Snack List

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Snackwise Program announces its annual top 10 “Best Choice” snacks found in vending machines and cafeteria a la carte lines across the country. The top 10 snacks* are:

1. NutriPals Fruit Bars (Strawberry)
2. CLIF Kid Organic Z Bar (Peanut Butter)
3. Quaker Oatmeal To Go for Kids (Apple Cinnamon)
4. NutriPals Snack Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate)
5. Herbalife Protein Bar (Chocolate Fudge)
6. Power Bar Pria Complete Nutrition Bar (Chocolate Peanut Butter Crisp)
7. VitaMuffin VitaTops (all flavors)
8. Solo Nutrition Bar (Chocolate Charger and Mint Mania)
9. South Beach Living Cereal Bars (Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Raisin, Cranberry Almond, Maple Nut, Chocolate)
10. South Beach Living Snack Bar Delights (Chocolate Raspberry)

For the first time, the complete snack list (750 rated snacks) is available FREE for a limited time through www.Snackwise.org.

The Snackwise Nutrition Rating System, developed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Center for Healthy Weight & Nutrition, measures a snack’s nutrient density. A snack food receives a “Best Choice” rating when high amounts of protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber offset the snack’s less desirable elements (calories, sugar, fat and sodium).

Nutritionists with Snackwise always recommend fresh fruits and vegetables over vended snacks. However, when none are available, the Snackwise rating system educates consumers about the snacks they encounter in a vending machine.

Snackwise is a non-profit, independent rating system. Online resources, including a free online rating calculator, are available for parents, students, schools and businesses at www.Snackwise.org.

For additional information and graphics for reporters and editors, visit www.snackwise.org/news.cfm.

*Ranking is based on the existing Snackwise database.

Study Finds Premature Infants Benefit from Diets Rich in Protein

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

More than 12 percent of babies are born prematurely, up more than 20 percent from 1990*, and as premature birth rates continue to climb, neonatologists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are focusing their attention on the nutrition provided to premature infants during their first few days of life.

Preliminary findings of a newly concluded study out of Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that preterm infants, when provided amino acids immediately after birth, showed significantly improved weight at discharge compared to preterm infants receiving amino acids later in their care.

One of the most common complications in premature infants is slow growth after delivery that has been attributed to lack of early nutrition support. Amino acids are the building blocks for protein, which is essential for growth.

“Many of our premature infants are born before the last trimester, when significant nutrition accumulation occurs, as well as a lot of growth,” said the study’s lead author, Christina Valentine, MD, MS, RD, medical director for neonatal nutrition services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a fellow at The Ohio State University Medical Center. “Our findings suggest that the first 24 hours of life is a crucial time for the administration of nutrition.”

The study was conducted in four neonatal intensive care units (NICU) contracted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and included 440 preterm infants born between 2004 and 2006, weighing less than 1500 grams at birth and surviving the first two weeks after delivery. Three hundred eight infants born in 2005 and 2006 were administered amino acids intravenously within the first 24 hours after delivery, and their results were compared with those of 132 preterm infants from 2004, who did not receive the early amino acid diet. Infants born in 2005 and 2006 weighed significantly more at discharge, with a mean weight of 2,342 grams, than those born in 2004, with a mean weight of 2,242 grams – despite statistically smaller birth weights among those born in 2005 and 2006, as compared to 2004.

“Preterm infants often face acute diseases immediately upon entering the world, so in years past, their nutrition has typically gone on the back burner,” said Stephen Welty, MD, chief of neonatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “The more we learn, the more we are realizing that nutrition should probably go on the front burner, because the evidence suggests nutrition may play a vital role in improving their overall health, even in the first few days of life.”

Neonatologists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have developed a collaborative approach to providing early, aggressive nutrition for premature infants. The neonatal nutrition team, directed by Valentine, is comprised of neonatal dieticians, lactation consultants, peer counselors, pharmacists and a diet technician. The team assesses infants on an individual basis to determine their unique nutritional needs and prescribe individualized action plans, aimed at increasing weight and warding off diseases commonly associated with preterm birth.

*Births: Final Data for 2005, National Vital Statistics Reports; vol 56 no 6. National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 2007

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Offers Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is offering an all-day training Saturday, April 26 focused on providing strategies to parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum disorders to assist with the education process.

“Education and Your Child with Autism” will consist of topic-specific breakout sessions covering Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, guidelines for special education services, inclusion and the rights of a child with autism. In addition to parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum disorders, teachers, school counselors, nurses, psychologists and administrators are also welcomed and encouraged to attend the program.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. with the program running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Dr. in Columbus.

Cost is $30 per person. Fees include educational materials, instruction, coffee, lunch and certificates of attendance.

For program information and registration, call Nationwide Children’s Hospital Education at (614) 355-0662 or visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/edu.

Healthy Lifestyles Weight Management Program Offered for Parents and Children

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the YMCA of Central Ohio are offering a four-week educational program, “Healthy Lifestyles Weight Management.” This clinical program, which begins April 1, is designed for children ages 8-12 who struggle with their weight, and for parents who are concerned about their child’s weight, eating habits and physical activity.

Both parents and children attend these classes at the same time, but participate in different activities. Some of the program topics for parents include recipe makeovers; self-esteem workshops; and learning about portion control, food labels, foods to purchase and healthy options when eating out. The children will participate in fun and fitness activities under the supervision of the YMCA.

The program is held every Tuesday evening 6:30-7:30 p.m. for four weeks as follows: April 1, 8, 15 and 22. The final class on April 22 will be extended 6:30-8 p.m. Classes are held at the Gahanna YMCA, 555 YMCA Place, in Gahanna.

Cost is $25 per adult and $25 per child for the four-week session. Children may only attend if an adult registers. Fees include the four educational sessions and monthly newsletters mailed to the home for six months after course completion.

For program information and registration, call Nationwide Children’s Hospital Education at (614) 355-0662 or visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/edu.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Offers Kenpo Personal Defense Program

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is offering a self-defense program “Kenpo Personal Defense” for children age 12-years or older. This interactive program teaches the basics of personal protection. Some of the program topics include the basics of self-defense grabs, vacation and travel personal protection, and ATM streetwise and personal protection. Parents are encouraged and welcomed to attend with their child.

Instructor Greg Daniels, a security officer at Nationwide Children’s, is State certified as a defensive tactics instructor, is a SIFU Blackbelt-certified Chinese Kenpo instructor and is a self-defense instructor for women. Daniels has an associate degree in criminal justice.

2008 program dates:
Saturday, April 26 – Dublin
Thursday, May 8 – main campus
Saturday, June 21 – main campus
Thursday, July 10 – Dublin
Saturday, August 2 – main campus
Thursday, October 16 – main campus
Saturday, November 1 - Dublin

Saturday workshops are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Thursday workshops are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nationwide Children’s Hospital main campus is located at 700 Children’s Dr. in Columbus, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Dublin Close To HomeSM Center medical office building is located at 5665 Venture Dr. in Dublin.

Cost is $20 per person or $25 for two people who sign up together. Fees include educational materials, instruction and certificates of completion. Early registration is recommended as class size is limited. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For program information and registration, call Nationwide Children’s Hospital Education at (614) 355-0662 or visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/edu.

Program Assists Brothers and Sisters of Kids with Autism

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Home to one of the largest intensive intervention and diagnostic centers for autism, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has long been recognized as a leader in autism intervention efforts. Now the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is also setting the standard for the care of brothers and sisters of children with autism.

It’s estimated that as many as one out of 150 individuals in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder, a complex developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. While much time and attention is focused on the child with autism, brothers and sisters of autistic children may have feelings that are difficult to express: sadness that an autistic sibling can’t learn things that others take for granted, anger and frustration over recurring behavioral problems or pride when a sibling with autism learns a basic but important life skill.

As a result, in 2007 Nationwide Children’s began offering a program called Sibshops™, designed to teach coping skills and provide support for siblings of children who are physically ill or have special needs. Unlike most Sibshops™ programs, Nationwide Children’s has tailored its program specifically for brothers and sisters of autism patients.

“The strains autism places on families are very real and can be extremely difficult,” said Jacquie Wynn, PhD, director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children’s and a member of the faculty at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “By helping siblings cope with the effects of autism, we help heal and strengthen the entire family.”

Nationwide Children’s program is modeled from Sibshops™ curriculum provided by The Sibling Support Project™, the national effort dedicated to the lifelong concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental or mental health concerns. It uses games and activities to help kids explore feelings and share emotions and experiences. Participants also learn how to handle difficult or stressful situations, and they learn more about autism and their siblings’ special needs.

Nationwide Children’s Sibshops™ for Autism program is one of only a handful of such programs in the country and is one of several autism education efforts at Nationwide Children’s. Interactive parenting classes are also available to help caregivers manage the challenges of parenting a child with autism. Also, Nationwide Children’s Autism Academy provides general autism information, including intervention and medication options, funding sources, advocacy efforts and resources available within the community.

Online Nutrition ‘Calculator’ Takes Guesswork out of Choosing Healthy Snacks

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In an effort to help curb the growing childhood obesity epidemic, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is launching a new online tool aimed at helping parents and kids make healthy snack choices.

Nearly 34 percent of kids 2-19 years of age are overweight or obese, and it is estimated that approximately 30 percent of all calories consumed by kids come from snack foods and beverages. In response, Nationwide Children’s is introducing the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System online calculator, available free, over the internet, to parents and families looking for a fast, simple way to determine the nutritional value of the snacks they choose.

Developed by doctors and nutritionists at the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, this online tool uses a scientific formula based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, considering 11 weighted nutrition parameters, to measure the nutrient richness of snack foods straight out of the kitchen pantry or off of grocery shelves. Then, using an easy-to-understand, color-coded system, the calculator assigns the snack food one of three colors, indicating the nutritional quality of the snack:

Green: Best Choice
Yellow: Choose Occasionally
Red: Choose Rarely

In addition to overall calories, fat and sugar, Snackwise® also ensures “best choice” snack options are rich in desirable nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C, all of which are critical in a healthy diet.

“All too often, we see parents and kids make the common mistake of considering only calories, fat and sometimes sugar when making a decision about a snack food,” said Robert Murray, MD, director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s, and a professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “What’s unique about the Snackwise® online calculator is that it places a greater value on nutrient-rich foods, ensuring that kids are getting the nutrition they need, instead of filling up on empty calories.”

The Snackwise® online calculator not only eliminates the guesswork when choosing snacks, it’s easy to use. To access the calculator, parents simply log on to www.Snackwise.org. If a snack is already in the system, they can enter the UPC code found on the packaging. However, if the item is a new entry, parents will be prompted to key in some basic information from the nutrition label on the package. Once the correct information is entered into the calculator, the system evaluates the nutritional quality of the snack food and assigns a color.

“Children develop snacking habits early in life, and often, those habits follow them into adulthood,” said Jan Ritter, RD, LD, SNS, a dietitian with the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s. “If we can encourage smart choices now, we’re making an impact that will likely lead to better health for years to come.”

Nationwide Children’s first launched Snackwise® in 2005 in CD format, as a color-coded snack system for schools and vending machines. The program is currently in use by more than 300 schools, vending machine companies and other organizations.

To learn more about how Snackwise® promotes healthier snack choices and for a list of some popular green, yellow and red options, including the current top 10 healthy vending snacks, visit www.Snackwise.org.

Sibling Support Program Cares for Brothers and Sisters of Cancer Patients

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The physical and emotional strains placed on the family of a childhood cancer patient can be extremely difficult, especially for siblings. That’s why one of the nation’s largest pediatric cancer centers, located at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, created the Sibling Support Program. The comprehensive, family-focused course has been named one of the best in the country by SuperSibs, the national organization dedicated to supporting brothers and sisters of childhood cancer patients.

More than 12,000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer each year. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sibling Support Program was developed by medical experts who wanted to help comfort the brothers and sisters of their cancer patients who often feel confused, scared, angry and alone.

“Understandably, so much attention is focused on the ill child,” said Micah Skeens, PNP, Sibling Support Program Coordinator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “However, healthy kids struggle to understand their own emotions as well as the stress on their parents. This program helps the entire family cope and support each other.”

The 12-week program is designed to decrease anxiety, stress and guilt while increasing communication. Siblings participate in group discussions and workbook activities, sharing emotions and learning coping and communication techniques. The completion of the program is celebrated with a graduation ceremony titled “A Celebration of You.”

Funded by a donation from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, the Sibling Support Program serves as a national model because of the scope of care and support it provides to the entire family.

Nationwide Children’s offers the following tips to help siblings cope with illness:
-Be informed by learning about the illness and treatment.
-Talk about change and its effect on your family.
-Share feelings and talk openly with one another.
-Support each other during stressful times.
-Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to make time for rest, relaxation and fun.

Holiday Hazards

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of year as parents race to finish shopping, decorating and baking. As the number of days left in the year winds down, be sure to allow plenty of time in the hectic schedule for playtime with your child and sharing holiday traditions as a family. Nationwide Children’s Hospital reminds parents to keep alert to various holiday dangers.

Holiday visits to homes of family and friends can be fun for children but they also may be potentially unsafe. Remember others’ homes may not be “childproof.” Keep an eye out for breakable items, medications, uncovered electrical outlets and other potential dangers within your child’s reach. Also, your “childproof” home might become more dangerous for a few hours, if a visitor leaves her purse and its contents in easy reach of children. There is a potential danger when a guest leaves medicine, an alcoholic beverage or cigarettes within reach.

Avoid the temptation to wait until the next day to clean up after a holiday party. Just one or two ounces of alcohol left in the bottom of a glass can be fatal to a curious, early-rising toddler, and bits of food left on plates can be choking hazards or even cause food poisoning.

Plants typically used for holiday decorating including holly, mistletoe, evergreens and poinsettias can be poisonous depending on the quantities ingested. Eating holly berries, mistletoe berries or evergreens can make children sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or skin rash, and higher doses can be even more dangerous. Poinsettias are minimally toxic but can cause upset stomach if ingested in large amounts. Keep dangerous holiday plants out of a child’s reach—pick up fallen leaves and needles, and wrap mistletoe in netting to protect children from fallen berries.

Perfume, cologne, wine and electronics with batteries make great gifts for adults but are dangerous if swallowed by children. Never leave these Hanukkah or Christmas gifts in reach of children.

You might easily forget about little dangers such as the tiny batteries used in cameras, calculators and other popular gifts, but these “button” batteries can cause serious health problems for children if swallowed. Store all batteries in a safe place. If a child accidentally swallows a small battery, the first step is to call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital 1-800-222-1222. If the child is experiencing respiratory distress, the poison specialist will recommend an ambulance ride to the hospital.

Holiday baking is a tradition in many families, but young chefs need careful supervision. Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so they won’t tip, and remind children that cookie sheets are hot when they come out of the oven.

Ornaments, tinsel and other decorations fascinate children but can be hazardous. Many are choking hazards, and broken ornaments can cause painful cuts.

Lights and candles are fire hazards. If you use electric lights, look for frayed or exposed wires and make sure no wires are pinched by furniture and no cords run under rugs. Don’t use the same extension cord for more than three strands of lights and turn all lights off before going to bed. When lighting candles, remove flammable materials from the area and never leave them burning unattended. The liquid in bubble lights and oil lamps can cause death if ingested by a child. Immediately throw away a bubble light if it is cracked or broken. If you suspect that a child might have swallowed this liquid, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s 1-800-222-1222.

Instructions for new toys should always be read to make sure toys are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities. Some toys may pose a choking hazard to children younger than 3 years. Toys that are too advanced or too simple can be misused and lead to injuries. Protect young eyes by avoiding toys that shoot objects into the air.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a toy’s size. Parents can determine if a toy or toy part is a choking hazard for children younger than 3 years of age by placing it in a small parts test device available at many children’s toy stores and through mail order companies. Because small balls or ball-shaped toys pose an even more serious choking hazard, these should pass the more rigorous test of not being able to pass through a toilet paper tube that is 1 ¾ inches in diameter. A child’s doctor also can provide advice about what kinds of toys are appropriate if parents are unsure.

Adolescents also can be injured by toys. Avoid gifts such as hobby kits and chemistry sets for children younger than 12 years and always supervise children ages 12 to 15. Toys with arrows or darts should have blunt tips made from rubber or flexible plastic.

Your attention is the best holiday gift you can give to your child. Involve children in holiday preparation as much as possible.

Sitters should be selected carefully when children can’t tag along to holiday parties. Be sure your babysitter knows whom to call in an emergency – including the numbers where you, fire and police departments, the local poison control center, your child’s doctor and other trusted adults can be reached.

To check whether the gifts you are giving or receiving have been recalled, visit www.recalls.gov.

For more information regarding child safety and injury prevention, please call the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s (614) 722-2400, e-mail CIRPinformation@chi.osu.edu or visit www.injurycenter.org.

Contact the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s 1-800-222-1222 24 hours a day to talk with a specially trained pharmacist or nurse about a suspected poisoning. For general poison information and assistance in “poison-proofing” your home, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center during normal business hours.

Sugary Diets Blamed for Increase in Tooth Decay among Toddlers

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

With the holidays upon us and sugary snacks, candies and beverages around every corner, dentists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the country’s largest hospital-based pediatric dental clinics, are warning parents that high-sugar diets are likely to blame for a spike in cavities among young children.

A recent study by the National Center for Health Statistics found that tooth decay in the primary, or baby, teeth of children two to five years of age increased from 24 percent to 28 percent between 1988-1994 and 1999-2004. Dentists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital say the trend is the worst it has been in decades, with no signs of slowing.

“The same factors that have led to the obesity epidemic are likely contributing to the increase in tooth decay among young children,” said Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS, Chief of Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “High sugar diets, frequent snacking and the substitution of juice and soda for milk are all taking a toll on our children’s teeth.”

Casamassimo says that although children will eventually lose their baby teeth, cavities still pose a serious health risk. Severe tooth decay in these very young children can lead to infections, resulting in pain, permanent damage to the teeth and gums and even death, and the cost of treating severe tooth decay can be expensive and time-consuming for families.

Dentists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommend parents limit their children’s exposure to sugar in the diet, and they recommend replacing sugared drinks, including soda and juice, with milk or with tap water, which provides fluoride protection typically not found in bottled water. Children should brush their teeth at least twice per day and limit snacking between meals. Finally, dentists say parents should take their children to the dentist as soon as their first teeth begin to appear.