Hospital Open Visitation: A Necessary Invitation for Family and Friends

This healthy post is provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about nutrition, visit us online. >>

—

“Perhaps the question to be answered is who is visiting whom?” This quote from Dr. Donald M. Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, strikes a chord with any family member or friend who has to leave the side of a loved one as hospital visiting hours come to a close.

Who is the visitor in this situation?

The hospital is the guest, the true visitor in any family-patient relationship.

Patient visitation has been a hot health care topic in recent years because of one question – how does the presence of family and loved ones affect care? The Chester County Hospital is embracing Open Visitation and the concept of family-centered care. Based on evidence and research, the change will be made in order to treat patients and their loved ones as a whole. Having support from family and loved ones in an environment of health and safety is important to patient healing and overall well-being.

What do patients think about Open Visitation?

“The presence of family and loved ones provides an opportunity to improve recovery and healing for our patients,” shares Tina Maher, Director of Telemetry/PINU/CCS at The Chester County Hospital. “It is fundamental to a patient-centered approach to our care.”

Your family and loved ones know you best, after all. They know what you like to eat, how to make you most comfortable and can keep you company – what’s not to like?

When can I visit?

Open Visitation is the response to so many questions asked by both patients and family members.

“I have to work all day. When can I visit my father?”

“I really wish my daughter could have breakfast with me.”

“We take care of mom at home. Why can’t we help while she’s in the hospital?”

The ability to come and go freely is a choice family members and loved ones now have, with the understanding that rest has a significant impact on the healing process. Together, families and medical staff can continue to provide the compassionate and quality care each patient deserves. Click here for full guidelines on Open Visitation at The Chester County Hospital.

—

Join us on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest, or visit us online at ChesterCountyHospital.org.

The Heart of the Matter: Signs of Heart Attack & Stroke

This heart-healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System.  To learn more about early signs of heart attack and stroke, visit us online.

—

In honor of Heart Month, we’re sharing what you need to know to identify a heart attack or stroke.  Knowing what to do at the onset of symptoms can save a life – whether it’s yours or someone else’s.  Let’s begin by defining these serious situations and looking into their causes.

 

What is a heart attack? A heart attack occurs when your heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.  Arteries can become blocked over time by a buildup of cholesterol, making them hard and narrow.  Blood is trying to squeeze through your arteries to provide your heart with the oxygen it needs – during a heart attack, plaque can rupture and form a clot.  This clot blocks the blood flow to the heart, damaging the heart muscle.

A red flag for a heart attack is chest pain, so look out for chest pressure or a tight, “full” feeling in the center of your chest.  Pain can also be felt in one or both arms, your back or your jaw.  Other “something’s wrong” symptoms include sweating, nausea, fainting and shortness of breath.

Women are reporting different signs of heart attacks that include unusual fatigue according to American Heart Association.  It’s normal for us all to feel a little exhausted now and again, but listen to your body.  If you feel that something’s not right, act right away.  Other female-focused symptoms are clamminess, heartburn-like feeling, abdominal pain and lightheadedness.

Okay, well what is a stroke? A stroke mimics a heart attack in that blood supply is still limited.  This time, though, the brain is not receiving the oxygen it needs, not your heart.  When the brain doesn’t have oxygen, cells begin to die.  Having prompt treatment for a stroke can help to reduce the amount of damage the brain sustains.

Signs of a stroke are different than those of a heart attack.  A person may have trouble walking, feel dizzy or stumble.  Other problems show in a person’s speech and comprehension; confusion, word-slurring and trouble understanding others are common symptoms.  Numbness or paralysis of the face, one arm or one leg as well as vision disruptions can all point to a stroke.

What do I do if I think I’m having a heart attack or stroke?  Whether it’s you or someone else experiencing symptoms, pick up the phone, not the keys.  You should never drive yourself to the hospital, and, even for a loved one, a ride in an ambulance is the way to go.  Here’s why calling 9-1-1 is a smart thing to do:

·         Driving while experiencing these symptoms is dangerous.  If you were to become unconscious, you’d risk further harm to you and others on the road.

·         Having the ambulance come to you is the fastest way to receive proper care.  The Chester County Hospital is given your information wirelessly while you’re on your way – this means a team is ready for you as soon as you arrive.

·         The sooner you receive care, the less damage is done to your body.  Emergency medical technicians can administer life-saving care at your door rather than waiting to get to the Emergency Department.  Minutes count with the onset of symptoms, so don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 even if your symptoms seem to have subsided.

Celebrate Heart Month by sharing these signs of heart attack and stroke with the ones you love to keep happy and healthy!  To learn more about a heart healthy lifestyle, join us on February 28 for some guidance on how to reduce your risk factors and how to get started.  Enjoy a light dinner while you learn some healthful habits!  Here are the details:

Turn Your Health Around with a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

Presenters: Kim Knipe, Registered Dietitian & Susan Pizzi, Registered Nurse

Date + Time: February 28, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: The Chester County Hospital, Conference Rooms A&B

Fee: $15 for dinner and materials

Register: Call 610.431.5644 or visit ChesterCountyHospital.org/wellness

—

Join us on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest, or visit us online at ChesterCountyHospital.org

Don’t Let All Those Electronic Gadgets Get in the Way of Your Child’s Sleep

This healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Visit us online to learn more about the CHOP Care Network.

—

In the aftermath of the holiday season, it is very likely your child received a new gadget or two with which to become completely consumed. Local pediatrician, Dr. Gregory Lawton, a member of the Medical Staff at The Chester County Hospital, guest wrote this post to stress the importance of parents making sure their children are still getting a good night’s sleep, despite the bings, bells and buzzes that can keep them up too late at night.

He writes…

I am going to go out on a limb and state three “facts” about sleep and its relative importance for our children’s health, learning and well-being.

1. No one ever improved their grades by putting off sleep to play video games.
2. No one ever performed better at their sport by staving off sleep to update their status or text their friends.
3. No one on an airplane would feel comfortable if they knew that the pilot had only gotten three hours of sleep the night before because he had been watching the Godfather trilogy.

Up until the preschool period, parents control the sleep schedule for their children. Then, according to surveys, one-third of parents do something that complicates their child’s sleep patterns. They put a television in their child’s room. They permit the Xbox to encroach on their child’s sleep environment. They acquiesce to a smartphone next to the bed “as an alarm clock.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 7 out of 10 kids/teenagers have a television in their room. The numbers are even higher if you consider other electronic gadgets. There are plenty of studies that cite a relationship between the presence of a television in the room and hours of television watched with sleep and academic troubles. So, I won’t bore you with the details.

Rather, when I am speaking with parents, one-on-one in the examination room, I appeal to their common (and hopefully better) sense. 

“Tell me, how does having a television in their room improve their school work?”

“Are they better at their sport because they can put off sleep in favor of playing a computer game or updating their Facebook account”?

The answers, of course, are no.  But are the questions too simple? After all, eating ice cream in moderation doesn’t help with math grades or speed on the soccer field either, but I don’t rail against Moosetracks.

My questions are meant to prompt thoughts about priorities and goals. If we all know that sleep is so important, why are we so inclined to disregard that which we know for that which is convenient or easy? 

It is certainly easier to avoid the battle for the remote or an argument about “why can’t I watch this…” if the option exists for the child to simply view things in their own space (and not your space). “My family room and my TV show; their room and their TV show” might go the thought process.

For others, it is easy to use the television or a show on a tablet to “help” her fall asleep.  It sure beats all those requests for another drink or other delaying tactics.

However, the reality is television images impair the normal process of sleep, especially the process of initiating or falling asleep. The rapidly changing images stimulate the brain and excite it, raising the threshold of “boredom” that needs to be overcome to fall asleep. Television programs are designed to entertain. If they are successful, then they will entertain our children right out of a good night sleep.

Video games, computers, tablets, cell phones, smart phones, and iPods are no different. Each item serves a purpose in our daily lives, but can also inhibit us from refueling at night so that we can be well-rested and more likely successful in our daily lives.

As parents, we need to be good models of healthy behavior to our children as well as provide guidance and parameters on what is and is not healthy for our children. My advice (and my kids will readily acknowledge that this is true in the draconian Lawton home) is to keep all electronics out of a child’s bedroom. Sleep is paramount to success, either in the classroom or on the field. 

Take a stand, be the parent, and just say no.

Dr. Gregory Lawton is a pediatrician at CHOPCare West Chester.  He writes for Medscape at A Musing Pediatrician.

—

To find a doctor, visit us online or call 610.738.2300. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter  (@cchosp) and Pinterest!

Targeting Tummy Troubles in Children

The healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about our CHOP Pediatric Care affiliation, please visit our website.

—

Any school nurse can tell you that bellyaches are common in children, but what causes the discomfort? More often than not, these tummy issues just take a little investigating to determine a common factor that induces repeat pain.

Check out some likely sources of stomach pain, tips to ease the discomfort, and key clues that may prompt you to visit your pediatrician.

Likely Causes

Stress & Worrying

Most of the time, your child is probably upset about something and may not know how to share that with you – whether they really have a bellyache or not. Stress and worrying can cause real upset stomachs, so try to see if pain pops up around the same set of circumstances – like getting ready for school in the morning or heading to soccer practice.

This may point you in the right direction of what is causing so much worry, and you can ease your child’s anxiety once you know what is causing the stress. Make an appointment with your pediatrician if you can’t pinpoint the problem.

Bowel Habits

Irregular bowel movements serve as another culprit for stomach pain. Children can have anywhere from three bowel movements a day to three each week, so it is important to familiarize yourself with your child’s pattern. The size, consistency and frequency of stools will help determine if constipation is causing the discomfort. Constipation is especially common if you are introducing new foods or potty training. Try to gradually incorporate more fiber-rich foods into your child’s diet, like whole wheat and fresh fruit.

Diet

It’s difficult to constantly monitor what your child is eating, but making sure your child has regular eating habits is important. Overeating is a major cause of bellyaches, so encourage your child to eat slowly and to stop when full. Limiting chewing gum and carbonated drinks may be another good idea if you notice that these things cause pain for your little one. Swallowing air can cause pain and swelling in the abdomen.

Food Allergies

Besides bringing on scary rashes and tight throats, food allergies can cause upset stomachs, too. Try to determine if pain occurs after eating certain foods. Keep the food out of your child’s diet for a few days, and give it in small doses next time. Monitor your child’s reaction, and if a bellyache is not far behind, talk to your pediatrician about the suspected allergy.

How to Help

So if your child complains of a bellyache, what can you do? Here are some ideas to ease the discomfort:

• Have your child rest; most symptoms will disappear within 30 minutes
• Encourage sipping clear fluids, such as broth, tea or diluted fruit juice
• Give a foot massage or scratch your child’s back to put distract from the pain
• Try to have your child pass a stool

If that doesn’t work, remember these tips:

• Give small meals throughout the day instead of a big lunch and dinner.
• Have your child try rice, dry toast or crackers.
• Do not give spicy foods or drinks with caffeine or carbonation; these will make the pain worse.
• Always talk to your doctor before giving medication.

What Makes Stomach Pain “Serious?”

Dr. Wendy Wallace, a pediatrician at CHOP Care Network North Hills in West Chester, offers these signs that stomach pain needs medical attention:

• Pain persists for 24 hours
• Pain is localized to one area or moves around distinctly
• Belly looks swollen or feels hard
• Fever or chills
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Skin rash with pain

Most moms can agree that complaints of stomach aches accompany times of fear or anxiety, but it is important to recognize the signs of severe pain. Remember to talk to your child’s doctor about any recurring problems. By monitoring usual patterns, you will be able to better decipher a true emergency from just not wanting to go to soccer practice.

—

To find a doctor, visit us online or call 610.738.2300. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest!

Helpful Support to Quit Smoking: Great American Smokeout

This healthy post has been provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. It’s never too late to quit smoking. We have the resources to help. Visit us online.

—

Are you a smoker or know someone who is? If you’re looking to quit, take part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout for some inspiration. Every year in mid-November, smokers across the nation use this event to make a plan to quit. November 15 is this year’s date for the 37th Annual Great American Smokeout, and with a little motivation, this can be the day that will change your habits – for good!

What is the Smokeout?

About 35 years ago, nearly 1 million smokers in California quit for one day in November.  This marked the first Smokeout, and it began nationwide the following year. Because of this initiative, “there have been dramatic changes in the way society views tobacco use,” as noted by the American Cancer Society. Laws and advertising, too, have changed as a result of the Smokeout, and many communities and organizations embrace the initiative by offering special programs in November to help smokers quit.

Why Quit?



Source: http://www.stopthesmokes.com/what-happens-when-you-quit-smoking

Whether you’re a smoker or not, you can probably rattle off some harmful effects of cigarettes without too much thought. In reality, most smokers know more than nonsmokers about why they should quit.

The decision to quit smoking is different for everyone, and they say a time comes when you know you need to quit. If you are thinking that now is your time – or know a smoker who may be ready – use this health snapshot as an extra incentive to quit smoking.

• 18% of women smoke – not as many as you thought, right?
• Smokers die an average of 13 years earlier than nonsmokers
• Smoking is responsible for 1 in 5 US deaths – and is also the most preventable cause of death
• Smoking can increase the risk of heart problems, lung damage, and cancer
• Millions of people successfully quit smoking every year

Lung Cancer & Early Detection

The risk of lung cancer shows staggering statistics: 80% of lung cancer in women is caused by cigarettes. Toxins become trapped in your lungs, and because there are few symptoms in the early stages, the majority of lung cancers are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease.

This is why screening is the most important thing you can do (besides quitting) for your health. Susan Pizzi, Director of Community Health Education at The Chester County Hospital, recognizes the importance of screenings. “Targeting lung cancer at an earlier stage is critical in the treatment and survival of the disease.” 

Local Happenings at The Chester County Hospital (BTW – These are all FREE)

• In honor of the Great American Smokeout, The Chester County Hospital is giving out free “Quit Kits” complete with different devices to help deal with the urges to smoke like gum, lollipops, memo pads, and more. These kits will be given out at all local libraries in Chester County beginning November 12.
• The Chester County Hospital’s free Blood Pressure Screening Program is being held November 15 from 11 am-1 pm in the Hospital’s Conference Room A.
• Stop Smoking Now! is a free program offered at the Hospital for those who have decided to quit. The next scheduled class is January 16 at 7 pm. Call 610.738.2300 to register.

Words of Wisdom

If you’re ready to quit and are looking for support, visit The Chester County Hospital’s Pinterest page for inspiring quotes and motivational tips. Check out this awesome tool from “Determined to Quit” that we repinned – you can use it to set a quit date, track your smoking habits, and work towards your goal of becoming smoke-free!

We hope you will use the 37th Great American Smokeout on November 15 to develop a plan to quit. Even though it may not be easy, you will be taking a giant step toward a healthier life, cutting your cancer risk, and protecting your heart and lungs. And, who wouldn’t want that?

Information has been adapted from the American Cancer Society.

—

To find a doctor, visit us online or call 610.738.2300. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest!

The Tricks and Treats for a BOO-BOO-free Halloween

This healthy Halloween post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System, whose Emergency Department is open 24-7.

—

There’s a little more than one week to go before the kids get dressed up in their costumes, the pumpkins get carved, and the candy gets eaten.  Here are a few recommendations to make the day fun and safe:

If going trick or treating:

• Avoid going alone. Go in groups or with a trusted adult. Little kids should never go alone. Wear reflective tape and carry a flashlight so drivers can see you. Do not go inside homes unless you are with a trusted adult.

• Costume accessories can be dangerous. For kids, make sure accessories such as swords and knives are soft and flexible. Do not wear decorative contact lenses as these may cause serious eye injuries. Be sure to remove decorative make-up before going to bed to avoid skin and eye irritation.

• Wear well-fitting costumes and masks to avoid trips and falls. 

• Consume only factory-wrapped treats.  Do not eat homemade treats unless you know the person well.

If staying home to give out candy:

• Be sure walking areas and steps/stairs around your home are well-lit and free of obstacles.

• Keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Never leave them unattended.

If you are out driving on Halloween night:

• Drive slowly, avoid distractions, watch out for trick-or-treaters, and don’t drink and drive.

From the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, here are some recommendations when carving pumpkins:

1)      Carve in a clean, dry and well-lit area.  Make sure carving tools are thoroughly dry to avoid slipping.

2)      Leave the carving to adults. Kids may participate by drawing a pattern on the pumpkin and cleaning out the seeds. When carving the pumpkin, cut away from you and in small, controlled strokes.

3)      Pick utensils carefully. Larger and sharper knives may get wedged in the thicker part of pumpkins, requiring more force to dislodge the knife. Injuries can occur if the hand is in the wrong place when the knife becomes dislodged. Hands may also be injured if the knife accidentally goes through the other side and hits the hand steadying the pumpkin.

4)      Consider using a Pumpkin Carving Kit as pumpkin carving saws require less force than serrated or plain kitchen knives (Alexander M. Martin MD., 2004). Injuries can still occur with carving kits so care should still be taken with any carving tool.

5)      The safest option is painting or decorating the pumpkin with items that can be glued or attached to the pumpkin.

If an injury does occur to the hand, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure doesn’t slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes OR if sensation, color, or function of the injured area is affected, you should go to your local emergency department for further evaluation and management.

References:

www.cdc.gov

www.assh.org

—

To find a doctor, visit us online or call 610.738.2300. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest!

Breast Health beyond Cancer Awareness Month

This healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Visit us online to learn more about Breast Health.

—

If you’re like most moms, I’m sure you’ll agree that there isn’t a second to worry about yourself until you’ve taken care of your family.  Putting ourselves last is something we all do, but it’s not too late to make some small changes.  We’re celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging all moms to take time every day to monitor their breast health.

In this post, we’re sharing the simple steps you can work into your everyday routine to minimize your risk of breast cancer.  You’ll hear a lot this month about breast health, but what are the main things you should know throughout the entire year?

Every woman should understand her risk, adopt healthy-lifestyle changes that can be started today, and perform the ABC’s of early detection.  Use this month to educate not only yourself, but also your mother, sisters, or daughters about the importance of breast health.

Understanding Your Risk

The most significant risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and getting older, two things we cannot control.  One in eight women will develop breast cancer over her lifetime.

Here is how the risk looks broken down by age:

• Women in their 30s…1 in 233
• Women in their 40s…1 in 69
• Women in their 50s…1 in 38
• Women in their 60s…1 in 27

Other uncontrollable risk factors include:

• Genetic risk factors
• Older age of giving birth or never having children
• Late menopause
• Family history of breast cancer
• Treatment with radiation to the chest
• Earlier abnormal breast biopsy
• Race

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

The best thing you can do to minimize your risk is to look at your current lifestyle and see how you can tweak it to fit these guidelines – the best defense is an early offense.

• Maintain a healthy diet…low fat/increased folic acid
• Alcohol consumption…less than one drink per day
• Exercise regularly…30 minutes at least 5 days per week
• Maintain a healthy weight…body mass index (BMI) less than 25
• Know your family (and your own) health history

ABC’S of Early Detection

Early detection is still the best defense against breast cancer – make these practices part of your routine.

Annual Mammograms

• Start at age 40 unless you have a family history of a first-degree relative
• Mammograms can detect about 85% of all breast cancers

Breast Awareness

• Report any noted changes to your healthcare provider right away
• Normal no dularity vs. unusual changes (keep a record of your normal pattern for your breasts)

Clinical Breast Exams

• Every 3 years while in your 20s-30s
• Every year over 40 years of age

Self-Breast Exams

• Perform monthly and develop a routine
• Perform lying down and standing in front of a mirror
• Report any changes to your healthcare provider right away

Contacts & Support

If you have questions about breast health or are interested in programs offered by The Chester County Hospital, check out these local resources.

Free Screening Program

The Chester County Hospital offers a free screening program twice a year to women over 40 who do not have health insurance.  The screening includes a mammogram and a clinical breast exam.

Radiology and Women’s Imaging Center

Fern Hill Medical Campus

915 Old Fern Hill Road, Building D; Suite 400

West Chester, PA 19380

Call 610.431.5130 to register

Cancer Risk Evaluation Program

This program offered by The Chester County Hospital is specifically designed for women who want information about their personal potential risk for breast (and ovarian) cancer. 

The Women’s Specialty Center

Fern Hill Medical Campus

915 Old Fern Hill Road, Building D; Suite 503

West Chester, PA 19380

Call 610.423.4556 for more information

—

To find a doctor, visit us online or call 610.738.2300. 

Packed School Lunch Makeover

This healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Follow the Hospital on Facebook, Twitter (@cchosp) and Pinterest!

—

Now that the kids have been back in school for a few weeks, you might be scrambling to get packed lunches together right before they head out the door.  It’s easy to get stuck in a lunch-packing rut, by sending your kids off with the same thing day after day, because it’s what you know they’ll eat.  (Or, if your teen is among the YouTube generation creatively protesting the new school lunch policy.) Packed lunches are a good place to introduce different foods to your picky eaters, because if they’re hungry, they’ll eat!

Kim Knipe, Coordinator for Community Nutrition and Outreach at The Chester County Hospital and Health System, emphasizes the importance of healthy lunches for school-aged children.  “Healthy eating habits begin early.  Involve your children when packing lunches so that they begin to understand how healthy choices affect them.”  Kim adds, “Explain to your kids that choosing foods with lean protein and whole grains will keep them full throughout the day.”

To get you started on your packed-lunch transformation, this post will suggest supplies to help make packing easier, guidelines for healthy foods, and new munchies that your kids will love. 



Source: 100daysofrealfood.com



Simple Supplies

Having the right equipment makes packing so much easier.  Gear up with these common items to get rid of the lunch-packing headache – some of these may even score you “cool mom” status.

Divided Containers

With a place for each food, it’s easy for you to plan out what goes in each section and keeps one food from touching another – ew!

Cupcake Liners

If you don’t have divided containers, make your own by placing cupcake liners in an old container.  Use all those leftover liners you have hiding in your cupboards or try out the silicone versions that can be reused.  Holiday prints, birthday designs – oh, the possibilities!

Insulated Lunch Bag

Keep lunches cold and choose one big enough to fit your container.  There are even certain designs that are lined with freezer packs and can be placed entirely in the freezer for quick packing (and extra-cold lunches).

Ice Packs

Flexible packs are best, so stuff as many as you can in the lunch bag to prevent food from spoiling.  You can buy sheets of small, individual packs and cut them to whatever size you need.

Thermos Jars

These jars open a whole new window of opportunity for lunches.  Heat up soups or leftovers in the morning, and they will stay warm in the thermos until lunchtime.

Fun Toothpicks

Spear sandwiches or fruits with neat toothpicks – your kids won’t be able to resist their cheese cubes with cute toothpicks inviting them to chow down!

Packing Essentials

Choose something to pack from each section below – each food can go in a separate segment of that nifty divided container you have.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are staples for a reason – they’re convenient, easy to make, and so yummy!  Switch it up by using whole wheat bread, wraps, or pitas, and be sure to use ice packs when including meats, dairy products, or eggs.  Always include a source of protein in each sandwich, and then fill it up with healthy toppings.



Source: MadiganMade.com



Snacks

Skip the boring chips and add a colorful fruit salad or veggies with dip.  Cheese sticks are a good source of calcium and go great with sandwiches, too.  Leftover cold salads are usually better the next day, so sending some extra pasta salad may be a treat for your little one.  Another side that kids love is yogurt – all the flavors out there make it impossible for your son or daughter not to have a favorite!

Hot Foods or Sweet Treats

If you invest in a thermos jar, your child can enjoy warm soup, lasagna, mac and cheese, or sautéed vegetables for a soothing lunch during colder months.  If you’re packing for a sweet tooth, include a cornbread muffin or small whole wheat pancakes as a special treat.

Brilliant Bites

Even the best sandwich accompanied by a handwritten note can get boring sometimes.  Make lunchtime exciting for your kids by trying some of these clever ideas.

Kabobs

Cut a wooden skewer to fit inside your container and load it up with cheese cubes, fruit, chunks of bread, and veggies.  Everything tastes better on a stick!

Banana Tortilla

Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and wrap it up with a banana in the center.  Serve it whole or cut into bite-sized pieces and secure with toothpicks for “sushi.”



Source: WholeFoodMarkets.com



Apple Sandwiches

Core an apple and cut it horizontally to make “slices” for your sandwich.  Pick a spread and topping that your kid loves – like peanut butter and a little cinnamon – and put it between two apple slices. (Check to see if your child’s school is nut free before sending peanut butter.)

Meat & Cheese Rollup

Lay out two pieces of lunch meat and top it with a slice of cheese.  Roll it up and secure with a toothpick for a breadless alternative.

Tattooed Banana

Write your little guy or girl a message on the skin of a banana – the ink won’t affect the fruit!  Draw a funny picture or leave a note by using a pen directly on the skin.  The message will darken by lunchtime for a fun surprise.

These ideas can help give lunches a complete makeover – and may even make lunch-packing enjoyable for you, too.  Involve your little chefs while packing as a new after-dinner activity each night.  This way, your kids are excited to chow down on whatever they created, and you’re not throwing something together while they’re on their way out to the bus. 

Pictures and instructions of ideas in this post can be found on our Pinterest page (plus other ideas for advanced lunch-packers).  With a little preparation, school lunches can stop being such a chore, and your kids may even look forward to seeing the surprises you snuck into their lunch sacks.

—

Visit us online to Find a Doctor, to find Medical Services and to find Wellness Programs.

Chester County Day House Tour: Experience the Beauty of Autumn

Enjoy country estates, manor homes, and rolling hills on this year’s tour of Chester County’s Southwest quadrant.  On October 6, Chester County Day will celebrate the area’s unique history, architecture, and landscapes.  For 72 years, the first Saturday in October has been reserved for the Country’s oldest house tour.

Begin your day in East Bradford Township to see some of the oldest homes and barns in this section of Pennsylvania.  Learn about the Abiah Taylor family and their lives as millers in the 18^th century; the history of the “ice industry” unfolds as you tour a restored 1834 barn.

Continue into Pocopson Township to visit “Spring Brook Farm” – this circa 1870 stone home is sure to delight.  Stop by Locust Grove School House to step back in time and to have a look inside this one room schoolhouse.  On to Unionville, the London Grove Friends Meeting provides a tour of this historic Quaker meeting.  Don’t forget to look for the “William Penn Oak Tree” on the grounds of the meetinghouse!

The Chester County Day tour moves into the Chadds Ford area to visit a home that was once the Fairville School, built in 1866.  Just around the corner is another home thought to be a girl’s boarding school, rebuilt circa 1868.  Enjoy the exhibit of needlepoint samples from the Brandywine Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America on display in this coach home.  The “John Hope House” has the best of both worlds – a historic main home built in 1720, added onto in 1820 and then completed with a spacious addition in 2006 that features a magnificent gourmet kitchen, family room, and master bedroom suite.

Tom Gavin, Director of Events and Volunteer Fundraising at The Chester County Hospital, describes the house tour as a fun, relaxed day where people are happy to get a chance to enjoy Chester County.  “People come for all different things – beautiful gardens, appreciation of the art and architecture, and some just like to see how people live.”  Experience the beauty of autumn in Chester County while supporting another local treasure – The Chester County Hospital.

WHEN:                  Saturday, October 6, 2012 @ 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHERE:                Southwest Quadrant Of Chester County

TICKETS:               $40 (purchased via WEB, phone or in person)

                $100 (VIP Tickets in advance)

CONTACT:           610.431.5301

MORE INFO:       Visit us online at Chester County Day

Time to Buckle Up – Safely!

This healthy post has been provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System, which has a clinical affiliation with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for both pediatric and newborn care.

—

Child Passenger Safety Week takes place September 16-22, and to celebrate, we’re investigating the real – and often changing – rules behind safe buckling.  Check to be sure that your car seats and booster seats are correctly installed and that your child is secured in the appropriate seat for his or her age and size.  Don’t forget to have your child’s caregiver check seats, too.

It’s hard to keep the ever-changing guidelines straight for where your child is safest in the car.  Check out the four seats your child will go through, and remember these things when searching for a new car seat:

• Always check the manufacturer’s height and weight guidelines; age is not always the best way to decide on a car seat
• Choose a seat that fits well in your vehicle and use it every time
• Read the manual to insure proper installation
• Children under 13 should never ride in the front seat

 1) Rear-Facing

Children younger than 1 should always ride in a rear-facing seat.  Children under age 2 should be in this seat, as well, unless they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat.  Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat with an active passenger side air bag.

2) Forward-Facing

Once children over age 2 outgrow their rear-facing seat, they should ride in a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat.

3) Belt-Positioning Booster Seat

After a forward-facing seat, children should be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder belt fits properly.  This is usually when the child is about 4’9” and 8-12 years old.

4) Seat Belt

When the booster seat is outgrown, they are ready for regular seat belts.  Be sure that the lap and shoulder belts fit properly – the lap belt lays low and snug across the hips/upper thighs, and the shoulder belt fits across the center of the chest and shoulder.  Children under age 13 should never sit in the front seat.

Effectiveness of Child Safety Seats

Crashes are the leading cause of death for children 1-12 years old, so it is imperative that your child is buckled in the right safety seat.  From 1975-2010, child restraints in vehicles saved an estimated 303 lives of children age 4 and younger.

“Remember that you need to buckle up, too” explains Susan Pizzi, Coordinator of Community Health Education at The Chester County Hospital.  “Children are twice as likely to wear their seat belts if you are belted.”  Only half of all children wear their seat belts if the driver is not buckled. 

Resources on Child Passenger Safety

To be sure that your seat is right for your child, check out these local places that will inspect it – for free!  Remember that these places are not allowed to install your seat for you.  All resources below require appointments – spots fill up quickly!

Chester County Sheriff

201 West Market Street, Suite 120, West Chester, PA 19380

610.344.6139

Contact: Sergeant Matthew Tocydlowski

Francis Automotive Services

1317 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

610.692.0913

Contact: John L. Francis

Goshen Fire Company

1320 Park Avenue, West Chester, PA 19380

484.888.3162

Contact: A.J. Pizzi

Need a different location?  Check out National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for inspection stations by ZIP code.

For more information on safety seats or inspection stations, contact Lori Aguilera at the Chester County Safe Kids Coalition by calling 610.344.5557.

Information has been adapted from the Traffic Injury Prevention Project of Pennsylvania.

—

Visit ChesterCountyHospital.org for more information on local health services or to Find a Doctor online.