Wednesday Wellness: Staying Safe in the Sun all Summer

This healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Learn more about The Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.

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As we welcome the summer solstice and its long sunny days bring hot, humid weather, here are some safety ideas to be aware of as you and your family spend more time outside exposed to the sun.

Sun Exposure
The sun is important as it is our primary source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium which is essential for strong and healthy bones. Too much sun exposure; however, can cause skin and eye damage, suppress our immune system, and result in skin cancer.

Sunlight comes in three ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, UVC. UVA passes through the ozone layer so a majority of our exposure is to UVA rays. Many UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer but we are still exposed to some UVB rays. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. UVC rays are the most dangerous but are blocked by the ozone layer.

It is estimated that most kids are exposed to 50% – 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. High-risk people include those that have moles on their skin, have fair skin and hair, or have a family history of skin cancer. Darker-toned people too can suffer skin damage. Therefore, it is important to start educating and protecting kids when they are young:

• For babies under 6 months, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure and to dress infants in lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts and the wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face and neck. Sunscreen for babies under 6 months is not recommended.
• For young children, an SPF of at least 30 that protects against UVA and UVB rays (“broad spectrum”) is recommended.
• For older children/adults, the best protection against the sun is to cover up: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and cotton clothing with a tight weave (make sure you can’t see your hand through it). Try to stay in the shade as much as possible and limit sun exposure during the most intense times of the day (10 am – 4 pm). Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Be careful around water and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in quicker sunburns.
• Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going outside to form a good layer of protection. Use generous amounts to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t forget about the lips, ears, and behind the neck.
• Remember that people can still get sunburns on cool, cloudy days. Clouds offer no protection against UV rays.
• Wear sunglasses to avoid sun damage to the cornea.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any medications you or your child is taking may increase sun sensitivity (i.e. antibiotics and acne medications).

Heat-related Injuries
Intense activities of at least 15 minutes should be reduced in high heat and high humidity conditions. Allow for acclimatization to the heat. Ensure adequate hydration with either water or sports drinks both BEFORE and DURING (5 oz. for a child under 90 pounds and 9 oz. for an adolescent weighing 130 pounds every 20 minutes); even if the child does not feel thirsty. Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight; one layer only to facilitate evaporation of sweat.

Two serious heat-related injuries are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Commons symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, fainting. Treating heat exhaustion centers around cooling the person: move to a cool/shady area, push cool non-alcoholic beverages, remove excess clothing, and, if available, apply ice to the neck, armpit and groin areas to help decrease core body temperature.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can result in heat stroke, which is a true medical emergency and can prove fatal if not treated promptly and properly. If someone is experience heat stroke, do not delay to call 9-1-1. Key differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion are that heat stroke signs include: the absence of sweating with hot red or flushed dry skin, difficulty breathing and strange behavior: agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and/or disorientation.

By following these steps, we hope that you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable season in the sun.

Sources:The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009: AAP Summer Safety Tip Sheet
KidsHealth.org. Sun Safety
MedicineNet.com

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Visit ChesterCountyHospital.org to learn more about healthcare services offered at The Chester County Hospital. Call 610.738.2300 to Find a Doctor.

Wednesday Wellness: Lifestyle Changes that can Decrease Your Cancer Risk

This healthy post has been provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about our Cancer Program, visit us online at www.chestercountyhospital.org.

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Every woman is at risk for breast or ovarian cancer, but for some the risk is greater than for others. The level of each individual’s risk depends on many factors. There is family history, genetics, environmental influences, age, lifestyle, and reproductive history. Thanks to recent advances in medical research, it is now possible to find out what your personal risk is for these diseases and what you can do to lessen that risk.

The Cancer Risk Evaluation Program of the University of Pennsylvania (offered by The Women’s Specialty Center at The Chester County Hospital) is specifically designed for women who want information about their likelihood for breast and ovarian cancers. The program offers individualized counseling and evaluation of personal and family risk, along with a full explanation of genetic testing and whether it is a reasonable option to pursue. [LEARN MORE]

While family history plays a big part in the development of cancer, your lifestyle can be just as critical. You can reduce your risk of developing cancer, as well as several other diseases, by taking the following steps:

Stop Smoking and/or Chewing Tobacco
Not only will this benefit you, it will help those who live with you. Talk with your doctor about options to help you quit. Or enroll in a smoking cessation class to get the support and tools you need to accomplish what may seem like a daunting – but NOT impossible – task.

Exercising
Fitting in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily also can help reduce your risk of cancer, while providing other significant health risks. While the options are plentiful, an activity as simple as walking can make a big difference.

Eating Right
A low-fat diet rich in fruits, whole grains and vegetables can help prevent cancers – especially if there is a family history of the disease. It is never too late to start eating right. Arming yourself with the information you need to make the right food choices is half the battle. Then, we recommend that you introduce small changes into your diet, instead of trying to do them all at once.

If you are having trouble knowing what steps to take or to decipher the loads of nutritional information published, then nutritional counseling can help. A registered dietitian can help you develop an individualized nutrition program, which includes strategic meal planning, snack suggestions, shopping guidelines, cooking tips, dining out ideas, and more.

Maintaining Ideal Body Weight
Being overweight can increase your risk of cancer as well as a host of other medical conditions. In an age of “super size,” it’s easy to put on extra pounds without much effort. By adding in exercise and watching the amount of high-fat foods you consume, you can take off those unwanted pounds. Again, we recommend that you begin slowly, taking one step at a time. If tackling a weight problem seems more than you can do on your own, talk with your doctor about options or consider an organized program that offers counseling, compassion and support.

Protecting Your Skin All Year
Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during midday is the best protection against skin cancer. With so many outdoor activities that families enjoy, avoiding the sun altogether can be difficult and unrealistic. We recommend a two-fold approach: dress properly and apply sunscreen liberally. Wear as much clothing as is comfortable, add a wide-brim hat to shade your face, and top your outfit off with a cool pair of sunglasses with UV protection. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher often, especially when swimming or enjoying other water sports. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day – sunscreen is still needed to protect yourself from the UV rays that can damage your skin.

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The Chester County Hospital and Health System offers the Cancer Risk Evaluation Program, as well as courses for smoking cessation, nutrition counseling and weight management. To learn more visit the Programs and Support section at  www.chestercountyhospital.org or call 610.738.2300 for program information.

Wednesday Wellness: Hand Sanitizer – The Facts, the Myths and What Your Teenager Might Be Doing with It

This healthy post has been provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Learn more about CHOP Pediatric Care at The Chester County Hospital.

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For years, Poison Control has been receiving calls from parents inquiring what they should when their small child ingests hand sanitizer. Many parents fear that their child would become intoxicated after licking hands. The truth is that the amount that would cause a child to become intoxicated is much more than would ever be used to treat hands. While the likelihood that a child could become intoxicated from licking hands after use is small, there still is a danger present.

It turns out, like drinking cold medicine, there is a trend of teenagers purposefully ingesting hand sanitizer to get drunk. Within the past month, there have been as many as six California teenagers hospitalized due to alcohol poisoning. This trend is on the rise, as many teenagers from all over the country broadcast their drunken results on YouTube.
    

Hand sanitizer contains 62 to 65 percent of ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, which is also the main ingredient in many alcoholic beverages. This makes the sanitizer 120 proof (vodka is 80-proof). Clearly, it takes only a few swallows for the person to get intoxicated.

What’s worse is that many teenagers are creating videos showing hand sanitizer distilling methods to make the dose even more powerful. One common distilling method is salt, which breaks up the alcohol from the sanitizer. The videos show how to distill, in addition to laughing and carrying on to fulfill a dare.

It is a difficult problem to solve because of the ease of access to the hand sanitizer—they are literally at every door/entrance way and are sold in pocket-sized containers. Maintaining a constant monitor on them is virtually impossible. Also, getting rid of them in all public places presents a problem as well, because hand sanitizer plays an important role in preventing the spread of illness and infection.

One way to combat the problem of abuse is to opt for foam hand sanitizer, as it is said to be a safer than the gel version. The foam version still presents a risk for alcohol poisoning, as it contains 62 percent ethyl alcohol. It is important to treat hand sanitizers like any other medication or household cleaners—out of reach from children, and to ask permission before use.

If you suspect a teen or child has consumed hand sanitizer and is experiencing alcohol-poisoning symptoms – confusion, vomiting, seizures, unconsciousness or other – please call Poison Control or 9-1-1. (Chester County Poison Control can be reached at 215.386.2100 and the National Poison Control Hotline is 1.800.222.1222.)

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The Chester County Hospital is affiliated with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), ranked consistently by Child magazine as the best pediatric hospital in the United States. CHOP Pediatric Care at The Chester County Hospital is a joint pediatric service of CHOP and The Chester County Hospital. The program offers high-level inpatient and outpatient pediatric care by board-certified CHOP pediatricians.

The Way to Wellness: The Chester County Hospital’s Annual Women’s Health Event

Dinner… a glass of wine…and, a road map to find your way to wellness

How does that sound? The Chester County Hospital is hosting a special evening focused on providing women with a number of ways to achieve and maintain a healthy and happy life. Take to heart recommendations on how to keep your heart beating strong. Hear from a gynecologist and primary care physician what steps every woman should be taking on the way to wellness, and learn what specific lifestyle choices are most important to good health in the future.

Explore the variety of services and organizations taking part in our “expo area.” Taste a healthy sampling, have your blood pressure checked, be pampered and learn how to access some of our area’s ample healthy resources. Be sure to stop by our da Vinci table to see our Gynecologist discuss the latest advancements in Minimally Invasive Robotic Gynecological Surgery at The Chester County Hospital.

Bring your friends and join the fun!

REGISTER ONLINE:

Presenters:

• Melissa Delaney, DO, Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Christine Meyer, MD, Internal Medicine

Date: April 25
Registration and Pre-Dinner Activities: 5:30-6:15 pm
(Includes Interactive Health Displays, Pampering and BP Screenings)
Dinner and Physician Presentation: 6:15-8:30 pm
Fee: $20
Location: The Desmond Great Valley Hotel and Conference Center (www.desmondgv.com)

Donations of professional-style accessories such as jewelry, gently used handbags, scarves or belts will be collected at the event for “Wings For Success,” a local not-for-profit organization that provides work-appropriate clothing to women facing the challenge of finding sustainable income. They work to prepare women for interviews and the workplace, giving them hope and confidence for the future. www.wingsforsuccess.org

Wednesday Wellness: 10 Tips to Help Allergy Sufferers

This healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for additional health information.

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An estimated 36 million Americans are using their tissue boxes early this year as the warm weather has resulted in higher than normal tree pollen for this time of year. Spring’s budding trees and blooming flowers mark another battle against sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion for allergy sufferers.

Allergies are triggered by substances called allergens, such as pollen or mold spores. Many trees, grasses and weeds contain small and light pollen that are easily carried by the wind, causing allergy symptoms to flare up in the spring.

“One of the best ways to help prevent allergy attacks is to use the medication prescribed by your allergist when the allergy season begins,” says allergist/immunologist Andrew Murphy, MD, FAAAAI. “With continued use of medication and avoidance of potential triggers, allergic symptoms can be minimized.” For those with more persistent allergy symptoms, allergy vaccine therapy may be the solution.

In addition to timing medications, Dr. Murphy (on twitter @paallergy) offers the following tips to help allergy sufferers find some relief this spring:

1. Do a thorough spring cleaning. Throughout the winter, windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust and mold that can provoke allergy symptoms.
2. Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Visit the National Allergy Bureau at www.aaaai.org/nab for pollen levels in your area.
3. Take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity. Consult an allergist/immunologist to ensure medications are helping you, and always report when reactions to medications occur.
4. Shut windows in your house on days pollen counts are high. Avoid using windows or fans that may draw pollen inside.
5. Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
6. Dry laundry indoors. Sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy target for blowing pollen.
7. Shower and wash your hair before bed. Pollen can collect on your hair and skin.
8. Keep pets off of the furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to the dog or cat after being outside.
9. Keep car windows closed during peak season. Use air conditioning and point vents away from face.
10. When mowing the lawn or gardening wear a filter mask.

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Dr. Andrew Murphy is Allergy Chief at The Chester County Hospital and Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology of Chester County.

Wednesday Wellness: 25 Twitterific Nutrition Tips

This healthy post about nutrition was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about the Hospital’s Nutrition and Weight Management Programs, visit us online at ChesterCountyHospital.org.

These tips have also been featured by The Chester County Hospital on Twitter trending as #NutritionMonth. Share your own nutrition tips with us on Twitter : @cchosp.

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When you think of a “celebration,” you naturally think of the food and treats and goodies you will prepare. Celebrations are such joyous occasions, and a time when we typically relax our healthy eating “rules.” With food as a central feature of our lives … how do you celebrate “Nutrition Month,” which is all about food and treats and goodies, but not necessarily about over-indulging in them?

March is National Nutrition Month! According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it is “designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.”

So, we present to you a celebration of ideas about food and treats and goodies! Here are 25 ways (written in Twitter’s signature 140 characters or less style) to incorporate healthier eating into your routine.

1. Most fad diets focus on initial weight loss, providing little ideas on extended weight maintenance, which is more important.
2. While healthy good choices are key, it’s also important to eat the right amount of food. (Source: Everydayhealth.com)
3. Can the Soda! Soda, sweetened teas, juice and other drinks can easily add 1000+ calories per day and impact body weight.
4. Experts now believe that a lifetime of overeating sugar can make skill dull and wrinkled. (Source: Prevention Magazine)
5. To lose weight you need to eat less calories. Decreasing by 500-1000 calories/day could result in a loss of 1-2 lbs/week.
6. No time for a sit-down b-fast? Grab a whole-wheat mini-bagel w/peanut butter, hard-boiled egg, or a serving of cereal TO GO.
7. A fruit smoothie made with fresh or frozen fruit and fat-free yogurt is a great snack alternative.
8. Breakfast eaters have higher test scores, more creativity, greater attention spans & better problem solving than skippers!
9. Read the labels before you buy. Avoid foods that have some form of sugar or sweetener listed in the top three ingredients.
10. Serve the proper portion and don’t go back for seconds so quickly. Wait several minutes to decide if you are really hungry.
11. Avoid diet traps! Pass on bread, drink water, get a to-go bag first & eat healthy portions.
12. Treat treats as treats! Nothing wrong with eating dessert on special occasions. Every day is not a special occasion.
13. Save time + calories for snacks! Pre-portion your favorite fruits in snack bags at the start of the week. Just grab and go!
14. Do all your eating at a table, so you pay attention to what you are eating and how much you consume.
15. Keep it simple! Avoid eating food products containing ingredients that third graders cannot pronounce!
16. Going to the grocery store can be stressful on your healthy-eating plan. To make it easier, make a shopping list and stick to it.
17. At the food store, avoid impulse purchases. Start shopping at the outside aisle to avoid costly pre-packaged and processed foods.
18. Don’t food shop when you’re hungry. Check nutrition labels to choose items containing the lowest amounts of fat and sodium.
19. Healthy eating may budget friendly. Fruits/veggies can be less $ than some sweet/salty snacks. More nutrients for less $.
20. “Breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper!” Front-load your meals in the AM can result in less calories thru the day.
21. Avoid saturated fat! Food labels can tell you how much saturated fat is in a product. The recommended level is < 3 grams/serving.
22. Studies show that eating breakfast within 1-2 hours of waking up actually increases the rate at which you burn calories throughout the day.
23. Spend as much time enjoying your meal as it took to prepare it. Honor the Cook for the care put into the meal by slowing down to savor it.
24. Chinese Proverb: “Eating what stands on 1 leg is better than eating what stands on 2 legs, which is better than eating what stands on 4 legs.”
25. _________________________________________________

Give us tip #25! Leave a comment on the blog, the Hospital’s Facebook page or its Twitter feed to share nutrition tips that you’ve adopted into your life.

Wednesday Wellness: Parents Beware of Trending Food Challenges

This healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System.

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Food challenges, like the Cinnamon Challenge, the Flour Challenge, the Chili Challenge, the Gallon Challenge are others are all the rage on YouTube and other internet sites. Whether you’ve heard of them or not, they are gaining popularity among high school-aged and even the younger, junior high-aged crowd.

Though these food challenges seem innocent – creating laughter as the participants “fail” at completing them – there are risky consequences for which every parent should be aware. We’ll explore the Cinnamon Challenge here, but if you do a search on YouTube, you’ll quickly see what other double-dog dares the teens are trying and uploading.

Cinnamon Challenge

The Cinnamon Challenge dares someone to eat a teaspoon of ground cinnamon without a drink in less than a minute. Even though this might sound and appear to be easy, video-taped reactions of the act appear to be potent as participants cough, choke, gag, cry and even vomit trying to get the cinnamon down or out.

So why does cinnamon cause these severe reactions? Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, an organic compound which gives it its signature “spicy” flavor. Cinnamaldehyde is also used as an organic fungicide and pesticide. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that this component, if ingested in large quantities, can cause acute dermal toxicity (poisonous effect of a substance on the body through the skin), acute oral toxicity, skin and eye irritation.

The type of cinnamon used can also factor into the effects it can have on those attempting the Cinnamon Challenge. Ceylon cinnamon, for the most part, is safer than its counterpart, Cassia cinnamon. Cassia contains substantial amounts of an ingredient (coumarin) that is known to prevent blood from clotting. It is powerful because it can also alter blood sugar levels in those with diabetes in addition to causing or worsening liver disease for those who are sensitive to that condition.

Parents are advised to be aware of these trending food challenges and keep cinnamon and other spices out of reach of curious children. Ingesting a significant quantity of cinnamon can cause severe burning in the mouth and throat which will require immediate medical attention. The burning may get to a point where it swells in the back of the throat, blocking access to air.

Often, the coughing is so severe that the person taking on the Cinnamon Challenge has difficulty catching their breath. Or they expel a cloud of fine cinnamon particles and inevitably inhale them into their lungs, which can cause severe chest pain. So, this is a serious threat to anyone who has asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A cinnamon allergy does exist (although it may not be diagnosed), and obviously this type of extreme challenge can cause a wide range of allergic reactions, including swelling, dermititis, skin inflammation or anaphylactic shock.

Bottomline: Food pranks can be dangerous and can pose a threat to anyone who participates. These challenges are not worth the few cheap laughs or web virality, and even though there have not been any reported deaths, it seems that its only a matter of time until a food challenge ultimately prevails against a risktaker who didn’t consider the serious health effects.

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Sources: www.mnn.com; www.webmd.com; www.hcplive.com

Wednesday Wellness: Would You Recognize the Signs of a Heart Attack?




Scary but true … heart disease is America’s #1 killer. The Chester County Hospital and Health System wants you to keep your heart strong and healthy. We encourage everyone to take some time to become familiar with the signs of a heart attack, so that you would recognize them if you saw them, and so that you don’t ignore them if you feel them yourself. If you believe you or someone around you is having a heart attack, it is critical to call 9-1-1 immediately. We cannot emphasis that point enough.

Prescription for a Healthy Heart

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a balanced diet with reasonable portion sizes.
• Keep body mass index (BMI) as close to 25 as possible. (Weight in pounds x 704.5 / height in inches)
• Don’t smoke.
• Check blood pressure regularly per your doctor and maintain an optimal level. (normal 120-140/80)
• If you have diabetes (high blood sugar) use diet, exercise, weight control, and perhaps medication, to keep blood sugar within desired range (100-150).
• Have cholesterol (including different types) checked and control different levels with diet, exercise and medication as directed by your doctor.
• See your doctor regularly to discuss management of all risk factors (as well as the care and treatment of any other condition you may have).

To help people identify their own heart health risks, The Chester County Hospital offers a free online assessment, called Heart Tracks Cardiac Risk Assessment(TM). An in-person version of Heart Tracks is also available.

(This video shares heart health education featuring many nurses, doctors and employees at The Chester County Hospital.)

Heart Attack Symptoms

A heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) does not feel the same for every person. In fact, women may experience different symptoms than men.

Potential Signs of a Heart Attack in Men

• Chest pain
• Feeling of pressure or heaviness on the chest
• Chest tightness
• Pain extending to the neck, jaw, shoulders or down the arm
• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, tightness or burning sensation under the breastbone

These signs for men may be accompanied by…

• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Shortness of Breath

Potential Signs of a Heart Attack in Women
Women may experience these less common heart attack symptoms:

• Abnormal chest pain
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Nausea or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Unexplained anxiety
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Palpitations
• Diffuse anxiety

If you have no known history of heart disease and experience any of the above symptoms, you should:
1. Stop activity and sit or lie down.
2. Call 9-1-1 if pain continues for more than five minutes.

If you have heart disease and develop any of the above symptoms, you should:
1. Stop activity and sit or lie down.
2. Take nitroglycerin under your tongue – one tablet every five minutes for a maximum of three tablets until the symptoms are gone.
3. Call 9-1-1 if the symptoms continue.

We cannot stress enough the importance of calling 9-1-1. If you believe you or someone you love is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. DO NOT DRIVE yourself and DO NOT ALLOW anyone else to drive you to the hospital! Treatment begins as soon as the emergency personnel arrive. This can make a difference since early treatment of a heart problem improves your chances of a successful outcome.

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This heart healthy post was provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. Learn more about The CardioVascular Center.

This information is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used for diagnosis, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare provider. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Wednesday Wellness: Whooping Cough / Pertussis

This healthy post has been provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System.

ABOUT WHOOPING COUGH
Also known as Pertussis, this highly contagious respiratory tract infection is understandably at front of mind for many in Chester County. Most commonly spread through the air when a person sneezes or coughs, Pertussis begins with regular cold symptoms and progresses to “coughing fits” that can make a “whooping” noise, hence the name. Coughing is many times worse at night. Older children and adults may not experience the “whooping” noise when coughing.

Other symptoms include vomiting, turning blue, and difficulty catching breath. Although symptoms may be severe, deaths are rare, especially in those over the age of one.

For more information about Pertussis, visit the Chester County Health Department.

THERE ARE TWO VACCINES THAT PROTECT AGAINST PERTUSSIS
DTaP is the vaccine given to children 6 years old and younger. The first dose is not given until the child is 2 months old. It is part of the routine immunizations usually given to children by their healthcare provider at well child check-ups. This vaccine protects children against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis. Until 2005, there was no additional vaccine for pertussis that was approved for use in anyone over 6 years old.

Tdap is a vaccine just licensed in 2005 for the protection of adolescents and adults. It protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. As we get older, the immunizations most of us received as children become less effective. Tdap was developed as a way to boost, or recreate, the immunity we had as children.

Another related vaccine, Td, refers to the vaccine that is commonly called a “tetanus shot.” It protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis. It is often given as a result of a “dirty” injury, like stepping on a nail, to prevent tetanus (also known as lockjaw). This vaccine can be given to anyone 7 years old or older. People should be revaccinated with Td at least every 10 years.

Here is some information that may help if you have questions about immunizations you may have received here at The Chester County Hospital. [Please note: Other hospitals may have different processes.]:

• The Chester County Hospital does not administer DTaP to children of any age in Pediatrics or the Nursery. It is not indicated for infants under 2 months old or if a child is acutely ill. The only exception would be if your newborn was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for more than 2 months. DTap may have been given in this case. You should check your child’s medical record in this situation.

• The Chester County Hospital does not offer DTaP or Tdap in our Emergency Department. If you received a vaccine in our Emergency Department, it was a regular tetanus shot which provides no protection from pertussis.

• Tdap was not available until 2005. Adolescents and adults would not have been immunized for pertussis in any setting prior to 2005.

• Until recently (in the past month), Tdap was only approved to be given AFTER delivery. The Chester County Hospital began offering it to post-partum mothers in 2009. You would not have received Tdap during your pregnancy. Also, you would not have received Tdap if you delivered a baby at The Chester County Hospital prior to 2009.

• There are other circumstances, like allergic reactions to previous vaccines or having gotten a tetanus shot in the last 2 years, that can prevent you from receiving these vaccines even when they are indicated.

• Finally, please remember that immunizations do not act immediately. It generally takes 10 days to 2 weeks after you receive vaccine to develop protective immunity.

Wednesday Wellness: Newborn Knowledge for New Nana’s … and Gramp’s too!

This healthy post was brought to you by The Chester County Hospital and Health System.

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Congratulations! You are going to be a Grandma! Well, maybe not yet … but someday you could get the great news that your family is growing. Are you ready for the challenge?

In today’s family structure, grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren. On any given day, Mommom’s are called upon to be baby sitter, chef, chauffeur, concierge, sleep-rocker, rule-setter, storyteller, playmate, cheerleader and moral supporter.

According to grandparents.com, 72% of grandparents take care of their grandchildren on a regular basis and 13% are primary caregivers. Another fact: 6.2 million homes (5.3% of all US households) are now multigenerational, and that number has been increasing. (Source: US Census Bureau 2010).

But as excited as Grammy is to “help out” with the little one, it is important to recognize that a lot of rules have changed in the 20, 30, or 40 years since she raised a child. It is critical for anyone caring for a baby to know the most current child-raising information.

Parenting Examples: Then and Now

• Then – Parents were told to put babies to sleep on their tummies.
• Now – For better breathing, always put babies to sleep on their backs. Also, no bumpers, blankets, pillows or other loose items should be in the crib.

• Then – Doctors felt formula feeding is best for the baby.
• Now – Because of its nutritional benefits, breastfeeding is strongly encouraged.

Parenting is a whole new ballgame when it comes to car seats, feeding, home safety and much more. But here’s the good news for grandparents-to-be! The Chester County Hospital is now inviting grandparents to sign up for its Newborn Care Class too. All Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, Mommom’s and Poppop’s, Nana’s and Pappy’s welcome!

In the class, you will learn about these modern and other concepts, and other do’s and don’ts of grandparenting. And just think how impressed your son or daughter will be with your modern knowledge. You can then effectively help your son or daughter in their new role as parent, just as you supported them through every step of their own childhood. After all, they’ll always be your ‘baby,’ no matter how old they are.

Newborn Care Class

The 2½-hour class for parents, and now grandparents, covers up-to-date information about caring for the new baby. The program includes infant safety, bathing, diapering, dressing and the needs of the newborn. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on practice. Grandparents can register at the discounted rate of $10.00 per person. All grandmothers and grandfathers are welcome to sign up for the class, even if their grandchild will live outside the Chester County area.

For information or to register, call The Chester County Hospital Wellness Line at 610.738.2300.

Share your experience. What can you remember your parents doing when you were a child that would break the rules today?

Source: http://www.grandparents.com/gp/content/opinions/from-the-editors/article/surprising-facts-about-grandparents.html