Last updated 5 months ago
Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health for kids. Browse the information in these links to learn more about why healthy eating matters so much for children, and advice on what to do when they do get sick.
For excellent pediatric care in Independence, Kansas, turn to Dr. Nanette Nuessle. You can schedule an appointment for your child by calling (913) 948-3323.
Last updated 5 months ago
Flu season is once again upon us. It hit early this year. Many people have still not received their flu shot. The good news is it's never too late.
Influenza comes in several subtypes http://buff.ly/UvLeQ9. The current flu vaccine protects against 2 subtypes of type A (one of which is H1N1, or swine flu) and one of type B. One year I was unfortunate enough to miss my flu shot, and I contracted swine flu, type A and type B. I don't want that to happen to you or your children. If you have already had flu this season, you should still get the flu vaccine. Contracting influenza only protects you from that one subtype. You can still get the other 2 subtypes of flu. I urge you to get yourself and your children protected.
There are few real reasons not to get vaccinated against influenza. The flu shot does not cause the flu. The flu shot contains no live virus. Therefore, it is impossible to get flu from the flu vaccine. Most people who are allergic to eggs can still receive the flu vaccine. If you get hives or some other rash from eggs, it is still safe to get the flu shot. Furthermore, the vaccine does not need to be split into multiple doses. If you get anaphylaxis from eggs, that is a different story and you should discuss your risk with your physician. If you've had Guillain-Barre syndrome, you should speak with your physician about your risk. Guillain-Barre is a rare neurologic disorder, and if you've had it, then you know. Once you are immunized, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to produce an immune response.
Flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months to 18 years. Yet, we have very poor success getting this group immunized. H1N1 seems to produce more severe illness in children. This is particularly true if they have congenital heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or just about any other chronic illness. If you have such children living in your household, please get them immunized against influenza today.
~Dr Nan N~
Last updated 5 months ago
Saying thank you is an incredibly important skill. Now, at the holidays, is a wonderful time to teach it to your children. Most of our children have just received presents for Christmas, Hannukkah, Kwanza or a similar celebration. Please, take the time to help them write thank you notes. Supply them with cards, stationary, markers, crayons, star stickers and glitter. Saying thank you should be fun. If you take the time to do this with your children, it emphasizes the importance of gratitude. They know your time is valuable and you wouldn't throw it away on a senseless activity. Then, years later, when you receive a thank you card from your adult child, you will be grateful you did.
:)
~Dr Nan N~
Last updated 5 months ago
Ask any pediatrician, and they will tell you that the winter months mean more than holidays and cozy sweaters. Winter is also the peak time of year for colds and flu. Children are particularly susceptible to these illnesses. They’ve had less time to build up immunity, and they spend their days in the close confines of school, where hand washing habits can be lax. Your pediatrician can step in with prescription medicines when your child needs it, but keep these items around the house to help him or her feel better if your child comes down with a cold or the flu:
Soup The notion that chicken soup is good medicine actually has some merit. Chicken soup will help your child feel better in two ways: First, it helps control inflammation, which causes the aches and pains the come along with colds and flu. Second, it helps speed up mucus expulsion, which eases congestion and may even help the virus leave the body sooner.
Tissues Tissues are a must when your child has a cold or the flu. Encourage your child to blow his or her nose frequently to help clear out his or her nasal passages. Choose soft tissues to discourage irritation around the nose. If irritation does appear, ask your pediatrician about using Vaseline or a moisturizer to relieve it.
Cough Drops Medicated cough drops can help control a nagging cough temporarily. Cough drops also help soothe throat tissue that has been inflamed by constant coughing. Drops can contain a variety of medications and natural supplements, from zinc to benzocaine.
Talk to your pediatrician about giving cough drops to very young children, as they could be a choking hazard. Also check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure which cough drop formulas are safest for kids.
Pediatrician Dr. Nanette Nuessle is always available for advice when your little one comes down with the flu or a cold. She offers general pediatric medicine, including telemedicine, house calls and online video visits. Call (913) 753-9345 to make an appointment.
Last updated 6 months ago
Kids get at least 25 percent of their daily calories from snacks. As a parent, it’s up to you to decide if that 25 percent is going to be spent on empty calories or nutritious foods that help keep kids healthy. By teaching your kids at an early age that snacking doesn’t have to mean junk food, you’ll be helping them battle obesity well into adulthood.
This video offers tips for making snack time healthy at home. Start by controlling which foods come through the door. If you limit the food options at home to healthy ones, your kids won’t have any choice but to develop a habit of snacking on good foods. They’re also watching the food decisions you make, so lead them to healthy living by example.
If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, pediatrician Dr. Nan Nuessle in Independence, Kansas can help. Make an appointment today by calling (913) 948-3323.
