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Doctor's In-box
As your primary care physicians, we are committed to your total health and well-being. Our physicians share some quick insights with you in this section called: Doctor's In-box.
Winter Wonderland Wisdom
Dr. Lock says: "
I grew up in Massachusetts (cold) and Minnesota (colder), so I spent many days defying the elements during marathon skating and sledding sessions. Now that I have a child of my own I finally understand why my mother didn’t appreciate my frozen toboggan ramp. Minor bumps and bruises are a part of life, and they teach children to be aware of potentially dangerous situations. However, the speeds associated with skiing, sledding, and ice skating have the potential to put children and adults at considerable risk.
Choice of safety equipment is critical to protect kids from injury. Skiers can attain very high speeds (often without intending to) so helmets are a must for beginners, and are strongly suggested even for experts. In addition to head protection, beginner ice skaters should wear stiff wrist guards (similar to those worn with inline roller skates) especially when skating on a rough surface like a frozen pond. Never skate outdoors alone or on ice less than 5 inches thick. The AAP also encourages helmets when sledding, so to save money, consider buying a multi-sport helmet to use year round. The great majority of consequential sledding injuries occur when a rider collides with a stationary object such as a tree or a patch of ice. Thus the choice of a clear run is of equal importance. If I could make a plug for some of the safer activities – snowshoeing and cross country skiing are comparatively safe and fun ways to get exercise and to enjoy the outdoors.
In addition to safety equipment, parents should be mindful of protection from the sun and cold. Even during the darkest months, sunblock is still essential to prevent burns to exposed areas. To prevent windburn, simple Vaseline jelly will do the trick. When dressing kids, use multiple lightweight breathable layers. Remember that wet kids are cold kids – have multiple pairs of dry mittens and hats on hand. Overdressing kids will lead to dampness from sweat as well. Frostbite is surprisingly common, even in our relatively temperate climate. Most often this comes from children who are having too much fun to come inside. Be sure to provide plenty of ‘warm up’ breaks during winter play. If kids do come home with numb fingers or toes, soak the area in a comfortably warm bathtub, or just apply a warm washcloth to noses, lips, or ears. Never rub. Call your pediatrician for any numbness that lasts more than 20 minutes.
Of course, not everyone enjoys the snow. When it is time to warm up by the fire, make sure you are prepared. Protect any open fireplace with a sturdy grill and keep toddlers well away at all times. Never use any form of outdoor grill when indoors, and keep fresh batteries in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can present as headaches, nausea, confusion, fatigue, and fainting. Should a family member display these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Exercise is easy when conditions are favorable. It may feel natural to become more sedentary during the winter months, but remember that physically active people suffer from fewer coughs and colds. Keep your family safe and strong year round by getting them off the couch and out of the house. Hopefully, taking these simple safety steps can help keep your winter months active and enjoyable.
HealthyChildren.org is an excellent website designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide parents with information about child health and safety. Check it out for more winter safety ideas.
"
Dr. Lock, MD, PhD, is a physician with Lexington Pediatrics and a biomedical engineer. During the winter months he enjoys pond hockey and snowshoeing with his family.
Useful Links and Resources
We know that there is an enormous amount of information available via the Internet regarding child-rearing, health, and medicine. It can be difficult to sift through this information and decide if it is trustworthy.
We have assembled some links to websites we believe will be of interest to many patients and families. On theses sites, you can find information on common illnesses and diseases, along with information on preventative medicine. Additionally, some identified sites may be fun and educational for children.
This website is not responsible for any information found on these or any other associated or linked websites. A link to another website does not imply an endorsement of the site's content or services.
Please use these sites for informational purposes only. If you have specific questions about illnesses please make an appointment to see us at our office.
Government Agencies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Vaccine Information
Consumer Product Safety Commission
The American Red Cross
National Library of Medicine
Mercury and Vaccines
Professional Associations
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
La Leche League: national breastfeeding support group
Food, Allergy and Nutrition
Healthy Eating
Kids and Snacks
Dieting vs Proper Eating Habit
Anorexia and Bulimia
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Asthma and allergy Foundation of America
WebMD Allergy
First Aid
Red Cross
A Proper First Aid Kit
Common Household Child Injuries
Protecting Your Medicine Cabinet
Diseases and Conditions
Animal Bites
Lyme Tick Disease
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Attention Deficit Disorder
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Lice Resources
Family Health & Safety
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KidsInDanger.org | : updates on recalled products, advocacy news, and other important information.
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cpsc.gov | : government website for Consumer Product Safety; excellent source for recall information and other safety news.
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Zero to Three
Just for Parents
Just for Teens
Just for Kids
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Mobilize | : online community for teens to volunteer, find a cause, or share a passion
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WebMD.com
Family TLC
AAP Press Room/Seasonal Safety Tips
AAP Car Seat Safety
Kids Health Car Safety
Cheap Car Insurance Safety Tips
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Fun Stuff For Kids
How Stuff Works
stonesoup.com: for young writers & artists
Kids National Geographic
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makezine.com | : for school-age kids and parents, a how-to magazine with cool projects
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familyfun.go.com
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readymademag.com | : comprehensive magazine with projects, instructions, and ideas...even for the non-crafty parents!
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Wild Animal Baby magazine | : from the National Wildlife Federation, a monthly subscription magazine for children ages 12 months to 4 years.
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Your Big Backyard magazine | : the NWF's magazine for toddlers. Features nature projects, stories, and fun facts about animals and nature.
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Books and Your Family
Family TLC Activities
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
National Center for Comp. & Alt. Medicine
herbmed.org
Toxicology Data Network
Local Hospitals
Children's Hospital Boston
Emerson Hospital
Winchester Hospital
Brigham and Women's Hosptial
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lahey Clinic Hospital
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SPOTLIGHT
The information in these website links is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only.
You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Please call us or seek other qualified medical advice for your medical concerns.
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KNOW MORE |
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Knowlege and information about all aspects of your health are key components of living a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
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