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Childhood Illness: Online Support

August 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Article by Alesia Shute

Dealing with Childhood Illness: How online support through social networking sites provides relief in the middle of the nightAccording to the National Cancer Institute, more than 10,000 children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with cancer in 2007, making it the deadliest disease among U.S. children in that age group.I was diagnosed with colon cancer at age seven and spent most of my childhood in and out of hospitals, enduring six major surgeries and several minor ones decades after the cancer was in remission. If you are reading this article because your child has been diagnosed with a similarly devastating disease, then you are aware of the startling statistics. Every day, you hope that doctors will find a cause and a cure. Caregiving has taken over your life and that of your family’s. And although you are not alone in your plight, you probably feel like you are.Caring for a child with a catastrophic illness is physically and emotionally exhausting. As a parent, you must stay strong for your sick child-and for the rest of the family, including your other children. You become stretched very thin trying to take care of everyone, and you probably feel hopeless at times. My parents were amazing. As I reflect back on the years when I was really sick, I don’t know how they got through each day. While my illness changed the dynamics of how our family functioned, they worked hard to continue living life as “normally” as they could. I’m sure many times they felt as if they were on an island and that no other parent could be experiencing what they were experiencing, both emotionally and physically. But in today’s world of the Internet, parents don’t have to feel that way. I am not an advocate of Internet diagnoses, but I am a big cheerleader for social networking and the doors these sites open for parents who are struggling each day with loving and caring for a sick child. On my Facebook page, I have met some amazing people-yet I don’t know any of them personally. I have connected with people from all over the world and listened to their stories. As they go for treatment, I and other “friends” rally around them as a group. We answer each other’s questions, provide support, and squelch fears. If my parents had this type of virtual support when I was a child, it would have provided much needed relief, especially at 3 a.m. when they couldn’t sleep.Facebook, MySpace, and Yahoo! Groups all have online support groups for different types of illnesses. Various organizations also have their own online networks, as well, where you can chat live or post to message boards. Support is such an important part of managing your child’s illness, yet friends and family who aren’t going through the same experiences may not truly grasp what you are dealing with. Search Google for a support group for your child’s illness, and you’ll be amazed at what you will find. There are parents out there just like you, needing the same support that you need. After you join, you may just read and “listen” for awhile, and that’s okay. As you grow more comfortable with the group, you can share your fears and tears, and the joys and milestones that you experience. Knowing that there are people living a life like yours can sometimes be comfort enough. And it can give you much needed hope.About the AuthorWhen Alesia Shute was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 7, her life was redirected as was that of her entire family. She would go on to survive six major surgeries that had never been tested on a child, several minor surgeries and countless hours of pain and months of hospitalization. Alesia had to grow up quickly and adjust to being sickly and different from others. Everything’s Okay is her story of survival that details not only her recovery, but also her struggles through school, boys, marriage, and pregnancy, with some hilarious tales of life and family to boot. Contact Alesia directly at Alesia@EverythingsOkayBook.com.

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Childhood Leukemia: The Good News

June 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Is Childhood Leukemia Really a Death Sentence?

If you were diagnosed with childhood leukemia in the 1950s, you were considered as good as dead.  Survival rates hovered around 4 percent. But since then, research and new methods of treatment have raised the rate of survival for many types of childhood cancer in the United States to 80 percent or better – a tremendous success story in medicine.

Leukemia is a cancer that attacks the blood-forming cells. It begins in the bone marrow but then spreads to the blood, hence to the brain and spinal cord, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, the testes or other organs. There are two types of leukemia: chronic (slow growing), and acute (quickly growing), but nearly all pediatric leukemia is of the acute type.

There are also two types of acute leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia), and acute myelogenous leukemia, (also known as acute myelocytic, acute myeloid, or acute non-lymphocytic leukemia). These classifications are determined by examining cells under a microscope. More tests may be needed to determine the child’s exact type. Finding the exact type is critical as the prognosis and treatment is different in each case.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the lymphoblasts, the cells that form lymphocyte. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the immature bone marrow cells, the myeloblasts, the monoblasts, megakaryoblasts or the erythroblasts, which become red blood cells. When examined under a microscope, some leukemias exhibit features of both ALL and AM. These are usually approached like ALL and generally respond like ALL to treatment.

Great progress has been made in understanding how bone marrow stem cells and lymphocytes grow to be leukemia cells through DNA changes. Understanding how genes change – translocate or produce extra chromosomes – shows us why such cells become cancerous instead of developing into normal cells. This knowledge helps doctors determine how the cancer may develop in children, and how intense their treatment should be.

The progress that has been made has already improved the tests that detect leukemia to make them much more sensitive. For example, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is now able to identify tiny numbers of leukemia cells, on the order of one in one million. These results can determine how effective treatment has been and if a relapse is likely to occur in future without further treatment. DNA microarray analysis, which looks at many gene changes in cancer cells at the same time, can help with a prognosis. It may also aid in future gene therapy, to restore controls on cell multiplication, by replacing abnormal DNA in cancer cells with normal DNA.

Good News: Information on Possible Causes

A new study, according to Reuters Health, has found that children who eat cured meats such as hot dogs and bacon have a higher risk of developing leukemia. Among the 515 Taiwanese children studied, those who consumed cured fish and meats more than once per week had a 74% higher risk of developing leukemia. Those who ate soy products and vegetables had half the risk of leukemia as those who did not. More study is needed to determine cause and effect, but one of the researchers, Dr. David C. Christiani, of the Harvard School of Public Health, recommended that children not be give cured meats and fish in large amounts.

Another study, funded by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) at the University of Leicester in the UK, is examining the possibility that caffeine intake during pregnancy may raise the risk of the baby’s developing leukemia later in life. This area of research is crucial, because mothers must be given the best information possible. It is also believed that a rare reaction to a common infection and/or radiation may trigger leukemia. Past studies have found a connection between DNA alterations, sometimes present in newborns, to consumption of caffeine. Since caffeine easily passes from mother to baby through the placenta, the baby is exposed as the mother is exposed.

Good News: Treatments

Another bit of good news is that new and alternative treatments are being adopted, under the banner of “Whatever helps is good.” The Leukemia Foundation has a program called Martial Arts Therapy, aimed at combining the mind-body approach to modern medicine with the wisdom of the martial arts. In classes martial arts skills are taught to change the thinking of young cancer patients, so that instead of thinking of themselves as victims, they think of themselves as Ninja Fighters. Patients are also taught how to cope with their fear and pain, building self-esteem and self-confidence.

In these one-hour group sessions, children learn meditation, karate moves, visualization and proper breathing techniques. Meditation helps children become more empowered; it helps them focus on positive outcomes. Visualization and breathing techniques aid in overcoming negative emotions and pain. Developing karate skills improves balance and coordination. Psychological benefits are also seen as spirits are lifted. Throughout the classes, the participants also have fun with peers and/or siblings.

The Leukemia Foundation sponsors a program called “Make a Dream Come True.” Under this program, the foundation seeks to make dreams come true for young leukemia patients. They may visit television studios and movie sets, visit Disneyland or Disney World, meet celebrities, or see other dreams come true. This program also gives parents a break from hospital visits, and a chance to see their child happy once again.

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Criminal Behavior And Good Early Childhood Education Impact On A Child

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Article by Pluto Beck

When the words “early childhood education” are used, many things come to mind. Some think of the early grades in elementary school. Others with young children view early childhood education to possibly include everything pre-kindergarten and under. The government refers to early childhood education as 0 to 5 years.

Two departments, Human Services and the Education Department began working in sync to offer both child care and health services. These components worked well together to meet the needs of childcare. Both children and parents across the US improved the outlook for the academic experience according to the National Academy of Sciences publications. It had an impact on the entire family when the caregivers followed through with the parents at home.

A change will be happening as the first graders will be groomed in cognitive and social readiness when they enter the first grade of school. This move is prompted by calls to the White House to act upon some research studies done that indicate the positive impact of Head start programs and other early childhood education studies. Program evaluations found early child care and education made an impression upon the cognitive skills, health and behavior status of children through graduation.

Kindergarten programs in the study were the Head start programs, the early training programs for mothers and infants as well as the State Pre-K projects in schools. All aspects of childhood care and education focused on bringing the child to a highly prepared level as they entered first grade. The education included parents to make them aware of the importance of their child’s early development. The best student results we paired with a family support system as well as early childhood education before entering the first grade.

The same children who started out in childcare programs decades ago were tracked and the results show reductions in criminal behavior resulted. There are also indications that the dropout rate was decreased because issues that began for children were addressed before they ever entered the first grade. Researchers in childcare discovered that those who drop out of school must be attended to before their third grade class in school.

Reports of positive early childhood education indicated dropout rates were lowered along with the problems in criminal behavior. IQ’s were improved and this gave children confidence in their early childhood education years. These documented results prompted phone calls to the White House from the American people to continue funding early childhood education projects.

The achievements that prompted legislature to continue to fund the early childhood projects were also based on the financial improvements in long term results. When children were influenced to graduate and remain good citizens in their communities, the country found they saved .00 to every single dollar spent on the education of preschoolers. These positive findings impressed the government and US citizens to continue their focus on early childhood education.

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The Cold Hard Facts About Childhood Obesity

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

While childhood obesity is certainly a recognized issue in today’s society, when one takes a look at some of the cold hard facts associated with childhood obesity it is difficult not to be outwardly shocked. One of the most shocking statistics can be identified in how many children are overweight today; in the United States today, it is estimated that the number of children that are between the ages of six and eleven that are obese has tripled in the past thirty years. Per information shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than fifteen percent of all children ages six to nineteen are presently overweight. The prevalence of obesity has also doubled in children of preschool age.

Statistics pertaining to childhood obesity differ depending upon the source. Some researchers presently estimate that there are roughly 9 million obese children in the US, all of which face obesity health related issues and complications.  According to the International Obesity TaskForce the numbers of obese children is far higher; the IOTF is a group that estimates the number of obese children to be at 155 million school-age children. The prevalence of type II Diabetes in children has increased more than 75 percent in the last twenty years, and eighty-five percent of all type II Diabetes cases are attributed to the onset of obesity. What’s more, eighty-five percent of all coronary disease is brought on by issues related to obesity. Further, as of this date, thirty percent of all Caucasian children are dealing with obesity, while thirty-five percent of Hispanic and African-American children are dealing with obesity.

As revealed in the journal Institute of Medicine in an article entitled “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance”, hospital costs for children that are obesity related have actually tripled in the past twenty years and have cost more than 5 million. Researchers are further attributing issues with obesity with a decrease in physical activity along with the incorporation of poor eating practices. The intake of fast food is cited as one of the significant problems in the nation which contribute to the obesity related issue; in an article appearing in the journal Pediatrics entitled “Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Energy Intake and Diet Quality Among Children in a National Household Survey,” researchers assert that one third of American children are consuming fast food on a daily basis.

The diseases that overweight children are prone to developing later in life include cancers like endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, abnormal menses, infertility, hypertension, liver disease, gallbladder disease, and osteoarthritis. Other issues obese children can develop include issues with respiratory functioning, sleep apnea, stroke, and type 2 Diabetes. Psychosocial risks also exist for children facing issues with obesity; overweight children are at higher risk for developing esteem issues and a lack of self esteem can lead to serious socialization issues. In addition, obesity can cause a child to suffer not only socially but academically, too.

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Eradicate Childhood Obesity

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

In the present era of computers and internet, children are loosing interest in physical outdoor games because of various tempting computer games. And as a result, due to physical inactiveness they soon become the patient of obesity. The childhood obesity is one of diseases that need serious attention because of its silent rapid growth in all over the world. In maximum cases it has been noticed that parents are not too serious about the overgrown figure of their child as they take it as healthy growth but the fact is that it is unhealthy and may cause killer diseases such as heart diseases, cancer etc. Thus parents need to pay serious attention to it and to ensure proper steps have been initiated to eliminate it.  

A little discussion about the possible harms of the disease will help us to realize the importance of proper and timely treatment against the disease. At very basic level, It may have some ill effect on the development of personality and self confidence.If your child is overgrown in figure, then his school friends may take up the issue to poke him hard and if your child can’t take it easily and if it happens for long while then it may cause serious damages in his personality and self confidence and for that he will have to pay heavy price later as confidence and personality are keys for successful life. Once a person gets overweight then he will have a permanent tendency to become fat easily, when he comes out of a strictly low calorie diet. Every parent want their children to be smart and active but obesity may make them outsmart and docile. Thus it is important to come out from traditional outdated baseless thinking and to take smart steps from very beginning to ensure a better future for your child.

As children are growing thus reducing overweight is not so tough during child hood. Regular physical exercises may help a lot in burning extra fat and thus you can admit your child to nearby yoga centre. It is important to have a strict routine for eating and resist him from eating excessively or from taking unnecessary foods. If your child is too much overgrown then it is better to consult a dietician to get a proper low calorie diet chart and beside of it is recommended to consult an experienced

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How To Stop Childhood Obesity

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many people believe obesity in children is due to bad nutrition and this is partly to blame but even the most well balanced diet can lead to an obese child if they are not burning off the calories they take in each day. Researchers believe adding structure to a child’s life by limiting the amount of TV they watch, ensuring they get enough sleep and having a family dinner will help reduce the amount of childhood obesity. Below are the steps you can take to help reduce the risk of childhood obesity in your family.

Instructions

Step 1

 

Family Dinner Time

It is believed that eating dinner in a family setting at least five times a week will help lower childhood obesity. With many people programmed in the fast food high sugar diets it is believed that having a family dinner at least five nights a week will help eliminate the fast food high sugar diet. When a family plans a dinner there is usually more nutritious foods served like fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Unlike fast food menu’s that are primarily deep fried foods. There is also the added benefit of much needed family time and structure in your family life.

Step 2

 

Enough Sleep

Researchers also suggest children sleep at least 10.5 hours each night. This allows their body to refresh and recharge. It will help you ensure your children are healthier also.

Step 3

 

Limited TV time

Limited TV time gives children time to get out and play. This is necessary for the children to burn off the calories they have consumed throughout the day. Most researchers believe 2 hours of TV on weekdays is more than enough TV for a child. This also included computer time since this activity is also just sitting watching a screen. Children should use the extra time they now have to play and be creative or just do something that takes energy. Not only will this help keep our kids healthy it will also ensure they are tired enough to enjoy the 10.5 hours of sleep that is suggested.

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Common Childhood Illnesses

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Common childhood illnesses are difficult to prevent because they are usually very contagious. Children are more susceptible to common illnesses, like the cold, chicken pox, and more because of the time they spend in close proximity to other children throughout the school year. One way to help prevent the spread of common illnesses is good hygiene, which should be encouraged in and outside of the home. Simple steps like using hand sanitizer throughout the day can go a long way to making sure children don’t lose any school days to sickness. Below are some of the most common illnesses and their usual symptoms. As always, be sure to consult a licensed medical professional with any questions regarding the health of a child.

Chicken Pox:
This highly contagious illness is one of the most common to affect children. It is spread through airborne pathogens and is considered most contagious approximately two days before symptoms appear. The lack of symptoms offers a large window for the affected child to spread chicken pox to their friends and other children. Chicken pox is characterized by a fever followed by an itchy rash that can cover a majority of the body. The rash will appear to be blister like and generally can be seen around the area of the head and chest before spreading to other parts of the body. While there is no individual treatment for chicken pox, parents are encouraged to keep an eye on the rash to ensure it does not become infected, which is possible if children are allowed to constantly scratch. Historically, chicken pox is less severe when caught by a child. The fact that the human body builds an immunity to chicken pox once inflicted with the sickness has prompted many parents to purposefully expose their children to chicken pox in order to allow an immunity to build. While this tactic of prevention has worked for many children, parents are reminded to consult with their child’s pediatrician before attempting to purposefully induce sickness.

Measles:
Also spread through airborne pathogens, measles can also be contracted by direct or indirect contact with the nose or mouth of an infected person. Measles can spread through sneezing, coughing, kissing, etc. In some cases, it can take up to two weeks before symptoms show. A person with measles can infect a healthy person for up to five days after symptoms have appeared. Fever, runny nose, red eyes, and an itchy rash of red dots are all symptoms of the measles. Rashes caused by measles tend to start on the head and spread downward. The rash will usually turn brown before fading from the skin.

Whooping Cough:
Before a vaccine was created, whooping cough had a fatal reputation. Today, any person who has not received proper immunizations is at risk of contracting whooping cough, named so because of the “whooping” sound made when an infected person inhales after a coughing spell. Symptoms of whooping cough are known to present themselves in two stages. The first stage of symptoms includes mild fever, sneezing, runny nose, and a slight cough. The second stage of symptoms will only manifest if sickness is not treated properly during the first stage. Dry coughs and coughing spells marks the second stage. Some children who have experienced the second stage of symptoms have been reported to turn red or purple. Vomiting between coughing spells is also common. Antibiotics will help cure whooping cough, but it is possible for a person to remain infected for up to six weeks.

Chicken pox, measles, and whooping cough are three common illnesses that affect children, but they are only a few in a long list. Each illness may affect each child differently, but a pediatrician will be able to provide further guidance on what may be causing a child to show certain symptoms. One way to help prevent common illnesses is through a regular immunization cycle. In many cases, immunizations only need to be administered once a year to remain effective. Contact a health professional for more information on common types of childhood illnesses and possible prevention and treatment options.

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