GALVESTON, TX – The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has been recertified as a Level I Trauma Center by the Verification Review Committee of the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes UTMB’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.   UTMB is one of only 19 Level I trauma centers in the state and one of four in the Houston-Galveston region. UTMB is also the only Level I trauma center in a nine-county East Texas service region.   “UTMB has a long history of taking care of patients after catastrophic disasters,” said Dr. William... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – A multidisciplinary team from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has uncovered the mechanisms that the Zika virus uses to alter brain development. These findings are detailed in Stem Cell Reports. There are currently 70 countries and territories reporting active Zika transmission, according to the World Health Organization. While a Zika infection typically results in mild or symptom-free infections in healthy adults and children, the risk of microcephaly in the developing fetus is an alarming consequence that has created a worldwide health threat. Babies with microcephaly can have a wide array of... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Research from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has shed new light on what causes the permanent vision loss sometimes seen in the wake of a head injury. The findings are detained in The American Journal of Pathology. When someone suffers a head trauma, sometimes there is damage to the optic nerve that is responsible for passing information between the eyes and the brain. When the optic nerve is injured, there are tears and swelling in the affected area that causes the nerve cells to die. This type of injury is called traumatic optic neuropathy, or TON, and results in irreversible vision loss. At... more »

 UTMB, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas launch new affiliation   GALVESTON, Texas –  The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas have signed a clinical affiliation agreement. This affiliation, effective Jan. 1, will build on the strengths of both organizations to provide the most advanced patient care for adult and pediatric patients in the Beaumont area and the surrounding region. Physicians, medical staff and executives from Baptist Hospitals and UTMB Health will work closely to increase quality and access to care for patients in need of multiple medical special... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center, have developed a new detection test for Zika that is faster and more accurate than currently available tests. The new test can detect Zika in a very small sample of blood in less than four hours. The new test is detailed in EBioMedicine. One of the obstacles to stemming the tide of the recent Zika outbreak has been the lack of a rapid, accurate test that can quickly determine whether someone has been infected with the Zika virus or not. While there is a... more »

 Will help fight diseases caused by Zika, West Nile and others GALVESTON, Texas – To help stop the spread of diseases carried by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $10 million to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston to establish the Western Gulf Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases. The Center’s work will protect public health in the region, the nation and beyond. “With UTMB’s unparalleled expertise in arthropod-borne diseases, we along with our partners, are uniquely positioned to improve lives all across the... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed the first vaccine for chikungunya fever made from an insect-specific virus that doesn’t have any effect on people, making the vaccine safe and effective. The newly developed vaccine quickly produces a strong immune defense and completely protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus. The findings are detailed in Nature Medicine. “This vaccine offers efficient, safe and affordable protection against chikungunya and builds the foundation for using viruses that only infect insects to... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a vaccine against salmonella poisoning designed to be taken by mouth. The findings are detailed in an article published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. In earlier studies, the UTMB researchers developed potential vaccines from three genetically mutated versions of the salmonella bacteria, that is Salmonella Typhimurium, that were shown to protect mice against a lethal dose of salmonella. In these studies, the vaccines were given as an injection. However, oral vaccination is simplest and least invasive way to... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – The National Institutes of Health has awarded The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston a $3.07 million grant to evaluate a program designed to help teenagers to learn ways to resolve conflicts, better ways to deal with peer pressure and prevent violence. Jeff Temple, a psychologist at UTMB, will lead the study that will be conducted in Houston-area middle schools. The study calls for a rigorous evaluation of a new and enhanced version of “Fourth R,” a program previously shown to be effective in reducing risky behaviors among high school students. “Middle school is a critically... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Many teens experience physical or sexual abuse within their romantic relationships and now dating violence can also be perpetrated digitally by harassing, stalking or controlling a romantic partner via technology and social media. School nurses are often some of the first to identify such problems and play an active role in preventing them from happening in the first place. They are also in a natural position to act as first responders for victims of an abusive romantic relationship. Information on how school nurses can help these teens experiencing cyber abuse is described in a recent article in NASN School... more »

A nearly $1.5 million grant will support a unique opportunity for young moms to get anti-cancer vaccine at baby’s appointments GALVESTON, Texas – In the first months of baby’s life, parents usually concentrate on their newborn’s health. But the postpartum period is also a good time for mom to catch up on an important vaccination for herself. The many doctor’s visits needed for a newborn present a convenient way for mom to get all three shots of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Many young women are missing out on the HPV vaccine, which can prevent several kinds of cancer, including cervical cancer and t... more »

By DR. VICTOR S. SIERPINA When someone is constantly complaining, somebody else may finally have to say, “stop your bellyaching.” Well, if your belly aches, you might feel fretful and complain a lot, or you might just give someone else a bellyache or a headache. Maybe it’s contagious. When I was a medical student, ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, non-ulcer dyspepsia and other bellyaches were considered largely to be due to stress. Large bottles of Maalox and Valium were consumed, often to little effect. Surgery to cut nerves and reduce acid in the overactive stomach and to open drainage was a common procedure, the... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – In what would be considered good news for many parents a new study from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston finds the rates of ear infections during a baby’s first year have declined; the investigators suggested that higher rates of breastfeeding, use of vaccinations and lower rates of smoking may be the major contributors. The study was recently published in Pediatrics. The new study, led by Tasnee Chonmaitree, professor in the department of pediatrics, found that rates of ear infection have dropped significantly since similar studies were conducted in the late 1980s and 1990s. The rates of... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Higher concentrations of the common plastics chemical and environmental pollutant Bisphenol A, or BPA, in a pregnant mother’s blood may be a contributing factor in preterm births, according to a new study from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The new study, led by Ramkumar Menon, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UTMB, in collaboration with Winthrop University Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Southern California, found that pregnant women with higher levels of BPA in their blood were more likely to deliver their babies early compared with women with lower le... more »

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston’s Dr. Courtney M. Townsend Jr., the Robertson-Poth Distinguished Chair in General Surgery, was named the president-elect of the American College of Surgeons at its recent 2015 clinical conference in Chicago. “Being selected by my colleagues in the American College of Surgeons to serve as president-elect is one of the highest honors I could receive,” said Townsend. “I look forward to leading the organization and representing all its members.”  “We’re extraordinarily proud of Dr. Townsend and this well-deserved honor,” said Dr. David... more »

 Uninsured Galveston County women between 40-64 are eligible to receive free mammograms at local churches GALVESTON, Texas – In an effort to reach uninsured women in Galveston County, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and The Ruth Kempner Endowment for Breast Cancer Screening are collaborating to provide free screening mammograms in Galveston. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has reported that a significant number of uninsured women in Galveston County do not receive annual screening mammograms. To reach those women, UTMB will be taking the mobile mammography van to churches in Galveston... more »

MakerNurse and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston today unveiled The MakerHealth™ Space at UTMB, the first makerspace in the country for health care providers. Supported in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the MakerHealth™ Space in John Sealy Hospital will empower nurses and other medical staff to bring their ideas for improving health care to life and spread their innovations throughout the health care system. more »

GALVESTON, TX – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston a $1.05 million grant to study the implementation of a school-based healthy relationship program for teens. The study to be conducted in Houston-area high schools will allow researchers to implement “Fourth R,” a program shown to be successful in reducing risky behaviors. Principal Investigator Jeff Temple, who is an associate professor in UTMB’s department of obstetrics and gynecology and vice president of the Galveston ISD school board, said the program would help teenagers deal with pressu... more »

Dr. Victor S. Sierpina Today, I describe an antidote to loss of empathy during medical school, an all too common casualty of medical education. One study showed that up to 70 percent of graduating medical students entering internship met clinical criteria for “burn out.” This results in depersonalization, loss of human connection, and decreases in motivation, compassion, and empathy. It is a catastrophic, unhealthy cascade. Medical educators strive to prevent such a negative outcome while still being charged with producing highly skilled, qualified, and competent medical graduates. One approach that is now in its third... more »

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have signed a first-ever clinical collaboration agreement, which today was approved by The University of Texas System Board of Regents. The agreement includes MD Anderson leasing land to construct an outpatient cancer center on the UTMB League City campus. This new construction will become part of MD Anderson’s Houston-area network, which includes four clinical care centers and currently serves nearly 16,000 patients each year. The agreement marks the first time local UT System sister institutions have joined to provide clinical... more »

The Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation, administered by Frost Bank, is providing $3 million toward a student center in the new Jennie Sealy Hospital at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston The center will encompass the hospital’s fifth floor and will have a wide array of resources for UTMB students and medical residents. The floor will include a large classroom exclusively for residents and students, workstations for individual and collaborative learning and on-call rooms for residents. The fifth-floor student center will be named the Seibel Student Center. “This transformational gift from the Seibel Foundation... more »

People get yearly checkups so why not your small business? Just like going in for a physical at a doctor’s office, it can be a good idea to review the policies and insurance coverage of a small business. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce are working together to bring a wide range of experts to meet with small business owners about the health of their businesses at the first Small Business Health Symposium on Sept. 8. Topics will range from health coverage to legal representation, budgeting, and educational and staff development opportunities, said Craig Kovacevich, asso... more »

By Dr. Selwyn O. Rogers When I moved to Galveston last year, I was overweight and out of shape. An annual visit to the doctor diagnosed me with hypertension and an abnormal glucose level. I was anything but a model for wellness. And I was about to become the Chief Medical Officer at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Confession is good for the soul and hard on the ego, but if I can grab control of my life, anybody can. It wasn't long before I copied the behavior of healthy islanders and began jogging on the beach and cycling on the sea wall. The result for me is better controlled blood pressure and glucose and I lost 10 percent of... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – Three degree programs at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Nursing have been reaccredited for 10 years, the maximum time granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of nursing education programs. “UTMB’s School of Nursing is committed to continuous pursuit of academic excellence by providing the best in professional nurses at... more »

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease program by demonstrating continuous compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. UTMB received the commission’s seal after enduring a rigorous on-site review earlier this month. The commission's advanced certification for COPD, developed in conjunction with the American Lung Association, provides standards for outpatient and ambulatory care settings including staff education requirements, use of spirometry, smoking cessation, r... more »

GALVESTON, Texas: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute as an organization to develop benchmark procedures in the area of health care administration. Accreditation gives UTMB the responsibility to oversee the development and documentation of ANSI's proposed American National Standards. As an accredited standards developer, UTMB will recruit volunteer experts from across the country to participate in monthly virtual meetings where the panel will draft technical reports and standards for public review and approval. Once completed, UTMB anticipates these standards... more »

GALVESTON, Texas – The University of Texas Medical Branch’s new Texas City Primary and Specialty Care Clinic is opening Monday, March 30. The 35,000-square-foot facility, with 61 exam rooms, is designed to better serve patients. The clinic combines services previously provided at other UTMB Health clinics in the area into one convenient location. Services that will be provided at the new clinic include: Audiology Cardiology Ear, Nose and Throat Family Medicine/Internal Medicine Pediatric Primary Care Urology Ophthalmology will also be provided in the new clinic beginning in... more »

For the second year in a row, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received the American Heart Association’s highest recognition, the Gold Quality Achievement Award, for continuing to achieve resuscitation standards set under the AHA’s Get with the Guidelines program. Last year, UTMB was the first hospital in Texas to receive this award. The award signifies that UTMB has reached an aggressive goal in using guidelines-based care to improve outcomes for patients who suffer cardiac arrests in the hospital. The Get with the Guidelines — Resuscitation program was developed with the goal of saving the lives... more »

Five University of Texas Medical Branch primary care clinics were recently recognized for having the highest level of patient-centered care. The National Committee for Quality Assurance gave them Level Three Patient-Centered Medical Home certification — its highest level of achievement. The UTMB Community-Based Clinics provide the most common outpatient services, including health and wellness visits, with the goal of making access to care easier for community residents. The recognized clinics are: Pediatric and Adult Primary Care Clinic, Alvin Pediatric and Adult Primary Care Clinic, League City Pediatric ... more »

Gynecologist awarded $1.4 million to implement project that will increase the number of adolescents receiving the HPV vaccine more »

In 2008, the University of Texas Medical Branch developed the successful MultiShare Plan, a program designed to help small businesses in Galveston County provide health benefits to employees. The Texas Department of Insurance recently increased the program’s funding that will reduce costs for participants and expand benefits to family members. “This increase will allow us to help more people,” said Craig Kovacevich, associate vice president of health care transformation at UTMB. “It is also recognition from the state that UTMB has a solid, sustaining program. “ The MultiShare Plan will now offer enrollment ... more »

The UTMB Orthopedic Residency was officially accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. This prestigious accreditation began on October 31 and will continue for five years. more »

American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma re-verified UTMB’s Blocker Burn Unit for its commitment to providing quality burn care to its patients. more »

UTMB has taken a giant step towards improving the health of newborns and infants by earning the Texas Ten Step Program facility designation from the Texas Department of State Health Services. more »

UTMB was recognized as a Level 3 Epilepsy Monitoring Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, in validation of its commitment to improving the lives of patients with epilepsy. A Level 3 certified center provides the basic range of medical, neuro psychological, psychosocial and treatment services needed to treat patients with refractory epilepsy. Third-level centers do not perform resective epilepsy surgery - the most common form of treatment for uncontrolled seizures - but do provide services such as noninvasive evaluations and implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator, a pacemaker-like device that helps regulate electrical... more »

  GALVESTON, Texas — The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is the first hospital in Texas* to receive the Get With The Guidelines — Resuscitation Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The award signifies that UTMB has reached an aggressive goal in using guidelines-based care to improve outcomes for patients who suffer cardiac arrests in the hospital.   Last year, UTMB was the first hospital in Texas to receive the program’s silver award.   The Get With The Guidelines — Resuscitation program was developed with the goal to save lives of those who experience... more »

UTMB Level 1 trauma center status renewed The Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons has reverified the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston as a Level 1 Trauma Center, the highest level of trauma care available. The Level 1 Trauma Center at UTMB is one of three centers for adults in the greater Houston area and is the lead trauma center for a nine-county region of Southeast Texas.    “We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that our staff put forth every single day to make sure that we are always prepared to provide the highest level of trauma care,”  said Donna Sollen... more »

Three years ago, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch began a journey toward a new model of primary health care delivery known as the Patient-Centered Medical Home. In early December, after passing a rigorous battery of performance reviews, UTMB Family Medicine received the highest level of certification for its new patient-centered efforts from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. All three UTMB Family Medicine clinics — Island East Family Medicine, Island West Family Medicine and Dickinson Family Medicine — are now official NCQA Level-Three Certified Patient-Centered Family... more »

National award recognizes exceptional patient care and healthy work environments The surgical intensive care unit treats the most complicated cases in health care, whether through trauma or disease; a place where lives hang in the balance, literally, on any given day. The SICU at John Sealy Hospital at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has been recognized recently for its exceptional care with a gold Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. “The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based... more »

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is the first hospital in Texas to receive the Get With The Guidelines — Resuscitation Silver Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The award signifies that UTMB has reached an aggressive goal in using guidelines-based care to improve patient outcomes from in-hospital cardiac arrest. The AHA program aims to help hospital teams save more lives threatened by cardiopulmonary emergencies. Participating hospitals follow the most up-to-date scientific guidelines for treating patients who suffer a cardiac arrest in the hospital. “Shortening the time to... more »

The University of Texas Medical Branch is one of only four hospitals in Texas to receive the Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology designation, signifying the highest level of laparoscopic gynecological expertise. The AAGL — the world’s premier professional society dedicated to minimally invasive surgery in gynecology — has designated only 44 Centers of Excellence in the United States. “Earning the Center of Excellence designation signifies our ability to consistently deliver the safest, highest-quality care to our patients,” said Donna Sollenberger, executive vice president and chief executive... more »

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston achieved a milestone in nursing Tuesday that puts it among the nation’s elite hospitals. After a lengthy application and review process, the hospital received Magnet Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Nurses Association. Only 395 hospitals in the United States have earned this recognition. UTMB joins 30 hospitals in Texas, including six in the Texas Medical Center, to achieve this elite status. The announcement came via a conference call from Craig Luzinski, director of the  Magnet Recognition Program, who said it was his “honor and... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly What are chores and why is it important for children to have to do chores? Chores are simple tasks that help build planning skills and teach basic life skills. These skills will help your child for the rest of his life with such tasks as cleaning, cooking, doing laundry and household maintenance. The better parents are able to teach these skills while the child is young, the more capable the child will be to do more complicated tasks later in life. It’s important for the parent to spend time teaching how to do a chore, such as making a bed. However, it’s also important the... more »

Your Health By Michael Warren Donating blood isn’t anywhere near as much fun as a candlelight dinner for two, but it’s a whole lot more rewarding and a lot less expensive.  Blood is one of the world’s most precious commodities; it is perishable and its only source is another human being. The number of people willing to be donors limits its supply, and no amount of money in the world can buy it if a donor is not available.  So why don’t people stand in line to replenish the blood bank’s supply? After all, transfusion technology is highly sophisticated and safe. All donations, even yours, are... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly  As children lament the end of summer, now is the time for parents to prepare to keep children safe as they return to school.  The beginning of a new school year is a great time to get annual physicals. Texas mandates that all children entering public schools have current immunizations and vaccinations.  This year, there are new requirements for immunizations affecting mostly kindergartners and seventh-graders. Visit with your children’s heath care provider for these important shots.  Also, keep in mind that classrooms can be rife with germs, so make room for h... more »

Your Health By Michael Warren  For many people, an emergency room is their introduction to a hospital. Imagine: You are in pain or feel ill; you’ve been waiting for two hours; you wish the crying kids would shut up; you wish your spouse would shut up; you’d just like to take a nap; but, most of all, you wish someone would come to take care of you and make the hurt go away.  Knowing what is going on and why these people are scurrying around looking frazzled won’t make the hurt (or kids) go away; but it could make your situation a whole lot less frustrating.  The first person you see should be a medical... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly A new school year is about to begin. As you prepare your child for his or her time in the classroom, remember there is more to getting ready for school than just buying supplies.  If your child will be walking or riding a bicycle to school:  • Make sure he wears a helmet that meets safety standards.  • Map out her route to school before the first day.  • Teach your child to obey all traffic signals and signs and to look left, then right, and then left again for moving vehicles before he crosses the street; to cross at an intersection; and to never dart... more »

Your Health By Michael Warren  I have a confession. I’m scared of needles. It’s not an uncommon fear. Most people don’t like having sharp objects stuck into them, regardless of the payoff.  As they say, no one promised us that life would be a rose garden, so maybe we have to think of the occasional needle as the thorn in our side.  As with so many other areas of medicine, it may help alleviate some of your fears if you understand just what needles can do for you.  Doctors do not enjoy giving shots to patients, but the information and results that can be gained through their use are invaluable.... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Hot summer days on the beach provide a number of ways to get hurt.  Fortunately, the crop of jellyfish seems to have landed earlier in the year, but occasional stings have been reported. Not all species sting, but the sea nettle and the Portuguese man-of-war cause pain when they sting.  A new sunscreen — Safe Sea — is reported to repel jellyfish. Short of that, watch for warning systems at beaches that notify beachgoers when jellyfish are in the water. Galveston beaches use a blue flag to warn of jellyfish. Treatment for jellyfish stings isn’t part of the usual... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Most people know the average, normal human body temperature is about 98.6 degrees. The body is comfortable and wants to stay at this temperature.  When the weather gets above 100 degrees, the only way for the body to cool itself and stay at 98.6 degrees is to sweat. Sweating is effective in keeping the body at its normal temperature, but the body has to have plenty of water to produce sweat. When your body runs out of water, you can overheat quickly.  Your body produces about half a gallon of sweat every hour in a hot environment, and unless you’re drinking water at the same ra... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly  Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet radiation exposure. Ultraviolet rays can cause invisible damage to the skin, which can lead to premature aging of the skin, as well as skin cancer.  Most of the damage the sun causes to our skin happens when we’re children. Even a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s chance of getting skin cancer.  Unprotected skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes outdoors and tanned skin is damaged skin. Most sun damage usually occurs during daily activities, rather than just during trips to the pool or the... more »

Your health By Michael Warren  A teenager loses control of his bike, falls and cuts his arm severely. Someone calls for help. But the young man could actually bleed to death before an ambulance arrives if no one nearby is qualified to apply even the simplest first aid to stem the flow of blood from an injured artery.  You do not have to be a doctor or nurse to understand how to apply pressure to an arm to stop bleeding or how to help a child who’s fallen into a backyard pool. Indeed, first-aid classes are available in most towns and usually at a very reasonable cost. Such an investment is particularly worthwhile when... more »

Your health By Sally Robinson and Keith Bly  Drowning is second only to accidental injuries when it comes to causes of death for children younger than 14. Drowning can happen very quickly, in some cases, in less than two minutes after a person’s head goes under water. Drowning occurs when a person gets too much water in their lungs, and when that happens, the lungs can’t get enough oxygen to the brain or the rest of the body. Many drownings occur when children accidentally fall into a swimming pool, but they can happen anywhere there is water.  Point out depth markers on swimming pools to your child. Children may... more »

The Your Health column is written by health and medical experts at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The column focuses on topical health issues that we believe are of interest to your readers. It is e-mailed every Tuesday.  Your health By Michael Warren  A victim of the recession, you have no job and no health insurance. One evening, very late, you think you’re having a heart attack. You go to the nearest emergency room, worried you cannot pay for treatment. What can you do?  The first person you should see when entering an emergency room is a medical person, the so-called “triage” nurs... more »

The Your Health column is written by health and medical experts at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The column focuses on topical health issues that we believe are of interest to your readers. It is e-mailed every Tuesday.  Your health By Michael Warren  Cancer is one word that strikes fear into the hearts of almost everyone. But we must accept its existence and deal with its effects.  Cancer is one of the major causes of death each year. There are many kinds, ranging from the easily treated (if caught early enough), such as some types of skin cancer, to the devastating, harder-to-treat tumors, such as... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Accidents happen when you least expect them. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14. In 2002, approximately six children ages 14 and under were killed every day in automobile accidents. Child safety seats can reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 69 percent in infants under 12 months and by 47 percent in children ages 1 to 4 years. Child passenger safety seat inspection stations across the country have determined that 81 percent of safety restraints are used incorrectly and one-third of children under age 14 are riding in the wrong type of restraint for their age... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly In last week's column, we presented information and statistics about the human papillomaviruses infection. As promised, you will find some frequently asked questions that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided on its Web site about the safety of this vaccine below: How long does vaccine protection last? Will a booster shot be needed? The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have followed women for five years and found that women are still protected. More research is being done to find out how long... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly When most of today's middle-aged adults were children, we averaged seven vaccine injections during our formative years. Today's youngsters will receive approximately 36 vaccine shots in the course of their childhood. And we are being told that now there is available another vaccine for our female children to guard against the human papillomaviruses infection. As parents and concerned adults, we naturally have a lot of concerns and questions about this virus, the vaccine and the protection it will have for our daughters or other young women in our lives. First, let's discuss some of the facts that are... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Teaching your child to eat healthy at home is important, especially when it comes time during school days. School cafeterias have made an effort to improve the standards of the types of food they serve, and now many offer a variety of healthy foods - but your child can still choose an unhealthy mix of food. Look over the school lunch menu with your children and emphasize the healthy options on the menu, such as fruit, milk, vegetables, lean meats and foods made with whole grain. Encourage your children to stay away from fried items on the menu. Find out whether items such as chips, soda and ice cream... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many children get the occasional nosebleed. When it happens, it can be disturbing for both the parent and the child, because it seems as if a lot of blood has been lost. But if your child gets a nosebleed, it is important that you remain calm and try to keep your child calm. The amount of blood lost is usually minimal, and nosebleeds are not very serious. The nasal membrane, or lining of the nose, keeps dust and other particles from going through the nose into the body. Nosebleeds occur when small blood vessels in the nasal membrane break. Unexpected nosebleeds can happen when the nasal membrane has... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Hearing loss in infants and children is not a common occurrence, but the effects, when it occurs, may devastate parents. Repeated temporary interruptions in hearing during the intense period of development in the six months after birth can have permanent effects on language facility later in life. Infants need to receive auditory feedback if they are to learn the speech motor skills involved in talking. Some signals that a child may have hearing difficulties are: If he or she has a speech or language delay. Uses gestures to communicate instead of speech. Watches you closely when you... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Teaching your child how and when to call 9-1-1 can be one of the easiest and most important lessons that she will ever learn. Because time is important during an emergency, your child should be prepared beforehand so that she will know what to do. Children need to know exactly what constitutes an emergency. Ask your child what he thinks an emergency is and what he should do in an emergency situation. Questions like, "What would you do if someone tried to break into the house?" or "What would you do if there was a fire?" will give you a chance to talk about the child's role in these... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Good communication is important in any relationship, but it's especially important for your relationship with your child. Building a communicative relationship with your child can help her develop a healthy personality, as well as good relationships with you and others. Healthy communication helps your child: · Know that you care for and love him. · Realize and believe that she is important to you. · Learn to tell you directly what he feels or needs. · Learn to manage her feelings safely. Here are some tips for building good communication with your child: · Let yo... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus has been on the rise. In 2004, there were 2,539 diagnoses and 100 deaths; in 2005, 3,000 diagnoses and 119 deaths; in 2006, 4,269 diagnoses and 177 deaths. Texas, which has about twice the population of the Midwestern states, suffered 354 reported cases of West Nile disease and 32 deaths in 2006. While only one person in a group of 194,000 people in Illinois died of West Nile disease, only one in a group of 1.7 million people in Texas died. We accept dangers much greater than this every day. Although the family is in much great... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Some plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can cause an allergic reaction in the form of a rash or swelling. An allergic reaction to these plants is caused by a substance called urushiol, which is a colorless, odorless oil that is contained in the plant's leaves. Mild rashes from poisonous plants can be treated at home. These rashes cause discomfort due to itching, burning and blistering, but severe rashes that cover most of the body, require medical treatment. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a poisonous plant include an itchy or burning rash that appears within 2 to 3 days. The... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Hot and humid days have come early to Texas this year. Along the Gulf Coast, perceived temperatures - what it feels like when heat and humidity are combined - run more than 100 degrees. Hot weather is also the time for picnics, backyard barbecues, dips and cold, dressed salads. In other words, it is the season of rapidly spoiling food and food-borne illnesses. In the past seven years, according to Dr. Dawn Norton, an epidemic intelligence service officer for the Food-born and Diarrheal Diseases Branch of the Centers for Disease Control, bacterial food-borne illnesses have dropped about 23 percent. Much... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many kids will need stitches at some time in their lives. The most common places for children to get cuts that require stitches are the hands, feet, chin and forehead. Cuts that require stitches are usually one-quarter inch deep, have jagged edges, are large and gaping, and are on the face, eyelids, lips, and the palm of the hand or fingers. For deep cuts or scrapes that are bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth, paper towel or bandage to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop within 10 minutes and appears to need stitches, take your child to the doctor. Getting the cut stitched... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 10,000 children are treated each year for injuries related to lawn mowers. Many of these injuries occur in older children and teens. However, small children are at risk of injury also. Lawn mowers have the potential to cause serious injuries. The blades are sharp enough to slice and even amputate, and objects that get caught in the blades fly out with great force. Though doing yard work together may be a fun family activity, children should not be around when you are mowing. Some tips to prevent lawn mower-related injuries include: ... more »

Galveston County Daily News, June 27, 2007 Column by Sally Robinson and Keith Bly GALVESTON -- Here comes summer and many parents are faced with the decision of what to do with their children for summer vacation. Day camps, babysitters, or day care works for younger children, but older children may not be interested in going to camp and may feel that they are too old for a babysitter. How can you tell if your child is ready to stay home alone? Ask yourself the following questions to determine if your child is ready to stay home alone. Read more . . . more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Glaciers are now melting and retreating. In the past decade, Texas and rest of the United States have experienced some of the warmest annual temperatures ever recorded. In Galveston County, it’s already humid and beginning to feel sticky and hot. Soon the temperature may rise enough to be truly dangerous. You don’t necessarily have to exercise or work outdoors to be threatened by the heat. Too often, older people die in homes or apartments that don’t have air-conditioning. Or they may have air-conditioning but don’t have the money to pay for the electricity to use it. On hot, sun... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Two of the most common types of parasitic infections that occur during the summer months are giardiasis and pinworms. Giardia lamblia is a common microscopic parasite that attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines. It interferes with the body's ability to absorb fats and carbohydrates from digested food. Kiddy pools are often a source of giardia, which is normally associated with food-borne outbreaks or fresh water, such as springs or creeks. Even kiddy pools that are treated and maintained with chemicals may be a source of this parasite, because chorine degrades in sunlight, and it... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly If someone asked you about your first defense against getting sick and spreading illness, what would you say? A survey showed that most parents feel that diet and exercise, regular check-ups and immunizations are the best way. But the fact is that hand washing is the most effective way to keep germs from spreading. Bacteria and viruses can be transmitted through contaminated water and food, droplets released through a cough or a sneeze, dirty hands, contaminated surfaces and a sick person's body fluids. Germs can also lurk in many places that you wouldn't suspect, such as on toys, pens, pencils and... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Between the ages of 3 and 5, many children begin to have pains in their limbs, mainly in their legs, at night for no apparent reason. These pains, known as ‘growing pains,' affect about one in 10 children. Boys and girls experience them equally. Growing pains are not caused by bone growth, as many people think and the pain may come and go for many years, but will normally end during the teen years. Though the exact cause of growth pains is unknown, it may be linked to several things, including tiredness in the muscles, poor posture, or stress, though each of these suspected causes is not present... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly An allergic reaction is the greatest risk that can occur with an insect sting. The second and more common risk is an infection at the sting site. Here are some sensible tips to avoid being stung: • Stay away from stinging insects such as wasps and bees and avoid their hives and nests. The hive views this as a threat and will attack. • If the hive needs to be sprayed with insecticide, wait until dark when the insects are less active and keep children away from the area. • Be cautious when choosing the clothing you or your children wear outdoors. Insects are attracted to... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly A cry jolts the air from across the field. You rise from the bleachers, heart in your throat as you realize your child has been injured. More than 3.5 million children ages 15 and younger are treated for sports-related injuries each year in the United States. Children are more susceptible to sports injuries because they are still developing and growing, and most of these injuries occur during practice rather than during an actual game. Many elements contribute to sports injuries in children. Some of those elements include equipment that is ill-fitting or too large for the child; the child not stretching... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Bullying is not new in public and private schools. Arriving students have always suffered a temporary pariah status upon entering a different school. Big kids have long insulted, abused and in other ways lord it over the smallest students. The clique that runs the school uses various forms of verbal abuse to ridicule those who are different. Recent studies, though - one in Maine and another by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - found that there is a strong association between bullying or being bullied and four violence-related behaviors - carrying a weapon, carrying a weapon in school,... more »

Leukemia and lymphoma are most common childhood cancers By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Two similar and common types of childhood cancer that affect entire systems of the body are leukemia and lymphoma. Leukemia is cancer that affects bone marrow, which is the spongy center of the bones where blood cells are made. It is the most common type of childhood cancer - 35 percent of all children diagnosed with cancer have leukemia. It is most common in children under age 10. Blood consists of three main types of cells: white blood cells (also called leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes) and platelets. Leukocytes protect the body agains... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Sports Medicine and Fitness, between 1982 and 2001, 50 percent of the catastrophic injuries to female athletes were in cheerleading. The increasingly competitive nature of the sport has lead to ever more dangerous stunts like tosses and pyramids. If your daughter participates in cheerleading, athletic dance or ballet, she may be more exposed to a group of conditions caused by intense competition - eating disorders, amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation), and resulting decreased bone mineral density. Delayed menstruation in teenage girls is mos... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly It's officially springtime - the weather is getting warmer, birds are singing, flowers are blooming. And if your child has springtime allergies, her nose is more than likely beginning to run.   Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is common in infants and children, but the condition is inherited from their parents: if one parent has allergies, a child has a one in four chance of having allergies. If both parents have allergies, the chances increase to three out of four. Seasonal allergies usually develop around age 5. Asthma is an early sign of developing allergies and is usually diagnosed between... more »

By Kathryn Cunningham and Eliza Quigley Why does one person use drugs and become addicted while another doesn't? Why do addicts have trouble stopping drug use and staying clean and sober? The answers to these questions are lodged in the brain. The brain sets the stage for an individual's sensitivity to the euphoric first effects of an abused drug and then it adapts with repeated exposure to that drug. The chronic, relapsing nature of addiction is caused by the brain changes that occur during this disease process. The challenge of science and medicine - and a focus for the Center for Addiction Research at the University of Texas Medical Br... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Backpacks are great to help kids to carry items back and forth from school to home, but you should know that backpacks weighing more than 15 percent of your child's weight may cause health problems. Neck, shoulder and back pain may develop from carrying a heavy backpack every day. The spine is made of 33 bones called vertebrae that have disks in between them that act as natural shock absorbers. A child carrying an unusually heavy backpack leans his head and chest forward to compensate for the weight on her back, which puts stress on the back and neck. If your child uses only one strap to carry her backpa... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly It's important for dad and mom to remember that not all poisons are in the garage or basement. A number of poisons can be found throughout the house. Small children are both curious and fast, so parents have to exercise special care not to leave dangerous products open or within their reach. Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24, is a good time to review the safety of your home. Take a tour of your house or apartment to see if some of the following dangerous conditions exist: · In the kitchen, check that all detergents, bleaches, cleaners and especially drain cleaners, as well as soaps and bug... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a thick, sticky liquid that has a very important job - to trap anything that flies, crawls or is blown into the ear canal, such as dirt, pollen, tiny insects and bacteria, and to keep it from going further into the ear where it can cause damage. Earwax also contains special chemicals that maintain the ear canal's acid balance and fight infections inside the ear canal. So earwax is not a bad thing - its job is actually to keep your ears clean. Earwax isn't really "wax" like paraffin in a candle. It is actually closer in composition to the oil produced by glands... more »

By Jon D. Thompson Treating that winter cough, runny nose or sinus headache without a doctor's prescription has never been easier. But with the growing availability of more powerful over-the-counter drugs, consumers need to be even more diligent about reading labels this year. "Over-the-counter" does not mean "absolutely safe." Indeed, pain relievers and cough-and-cold preparations are among the top substances involved in human poison exposures. Here is some advice for people treating this season's cold or flu symptoms at home: · Beware of doubling up on combination products: Many of the most popular OTC cold... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Parents consider their home safe for their children, but evidence indicates that unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children under age 14, and half of these injuries occur at home. Parents can avoid, or at least minimize, such accidents by taking the following preventative steps and giving children basic safety guidelines beginning in their preschool years. For safety indoors: · Teach your child the difference between indoor and outdoor toys. For example, learning that your furniture is not playground equipment will not only help your furniture last longer, but your... more »

United Press International, Newstrack-Science, Feb. 15, 2007 GALVESTON, Texas, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists say they have discovered a technique that might lead to prevention of a fatal, virus-caused immune system failure. When a virus infects a person, it triggers a series of biochemical reactions in immune-system cells that usually result in the elimination of the virus and the infected person's recovery. But in the case of some of the world's deadliest pathogens -- including the 1918 influenza, Ebola, Marburg and Lassa fever viruses -- a sudden immune overreaction sends the infected person into a shock-like state from which he ... more »

By Gwenn Brehm If restrictive dieting has become a top priority for you, you are not alone. According to a recent survey by the Calorie Control Council, 33 percent of Americans - 71 million people - are trying to lose weight, the highest number of dieters in the last 15 years. And with news that an estimated 65 percent of Americans are overweight, the dieting trend is unlikely to slow. Before rushing off to that next aerobics class, it may be wise to assess the impact your dieting lifestyle could be having on your children. Children whose parents are overweight, or those whose parents obsess about their diet, are more likely to develop an... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Bites or scratches from animals can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body very easily, even if the cut does not look infected. Any animal, even your own pet, can carry diseases. Because they bite more than 4 million people (mostly children under 13) in the United States every year, we will focus on dogs. Teaching children how to be safe around dogs, - whether they are family pets or strange dogs - can help prevent these injuries. Teach your child the following tips to avoid getting bitten by animals:   · Never approach strange animals, especially dogs that are on... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly The skin is a wonderful covering to have for our bodies. It's soft to the touch and sensitive to a range of emotions through touch. It allows easy and complicated movement. If you cut it, it immediately starts to heal. If you get an infection, cells come swarming to neutralize the invader. It protects us against infections caused by bacteria and viruses, and its pigments protect us against the sun's ultraviolet rays. It keeps the body cool by allowing sweat to evaporate from its surface. It keeps the body warm by closing the pores. Skin mediates between the ideal environment inside and the conditions in... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly The appendix is a small, finger-shaped structure attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of the abdomen. The appendix does not serve any purpose in the body. The appendix can become infected when it is blocked by something, such as a piece of food that was being digested, or if a person has had an intestinal infection. This infection is known as appendicitis. There is no way to prevent appendicitis, and the only way to treat it is to remove the organ surgically. If an infected appendix is not removed, a life-threatening situation occurs, because it may burst and spread its infection... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Electric shocks cause about 1,000 deaths in the United States each year. These injuries may occur when electricity passes through the body from a mechanical source or from lightning. Lightning accounts for about one-fifth of all deaths from electrical shock. Only about 3 percent to 15 percent of people who suffer electrical injuries will die, though many of them may suffer amputation or may be disfigured by burns resulting from the electrical shock. Children, especially toddlers, may be electrocuted when they bite into electrical cords, poke metal objects into unprotected outlets or appliances or use el... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly If you have been watching TV or reading newspapers, you know that the flu season has come to Texas. Office mates, teachers, neighbors and relatives have started sneezing. The tissue boxes you finally find are usually empty just when you are holding back a gigantic sneeze. Worried parents are swamping doctor’s waiting rooms and emergency rooms with feverish children. Many of these children will be diagnosed with the flu. Often the most significant impact is on harried parents who must schedule doctor visits while juggling work and other activities. Of course, parents who are worried about their chi... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Iron is a mineral that the body uses to make hemoglobin, which is a pigment in the blood that carries oxygen to every part of the body. If the body does not get enough iron, then hemoglobin production decreases and this affects the production of red blood cells. A less-than-normal amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the bloodstream is known as anemia. Children are at a higher risk for anemia during rapid growth periods, such as infancy and adolescence, as well as during the toddler years — between ages 1 and 3 — because toddlers stop drinking formula and eating infant cereal, which ar... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly When we think of New Year’s resolutions, we’re more likely to think of how soon we’ll break them than to imagine we’ll keep them throughout the year. In fact, we hardly hear of such resolutions for more than a week at the turn of the year. But we want to offer some resolutions for 2007 that parents need to think seriously about keeping, because families who adopt these habits over the course of many weeks will improve overall physical, social, emotional and mental health of the whole family. Resolve to: · Agree on sensible sleep practices for the family. Remember to... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly In the past 20 to 30 years, the number of overweight children has doubled. Almost one child in five is considered overweight. Obesity can lead to risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, liver disease, asthma, as well as low self-esteem and depression. The likely cause of the increase in the number of overweight children is the same as that for the rise in adult obesity: overeating and lack of physical activity. Here are suggestions to help your family start a program to improve eating habits and increase physical activity. &bull... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Coughing is the body’s way to clear air passages. It is a symptom of illness, not a disease. Therefore, the illness that is causing your child to have a cough may require treatment. Coughing can be caused by many things, such as the common cold, inhaling small particles from the air, smoking, asthma, bacterial or viral infections that affect the lungs, or severe illness, such as pneumonia. Older children and adults can usually tell whether their cough is caused by inhaling dust or smoke particles or by an infection. But when your younger child coughs, you might not be able to tell whether your... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was created in 1973 to develop safety regulations for all consumer products. The CPSC spends more than half of its budget every year testing children’s toys, as well as other items on the market for children. When buying presents for your child, choose toys that are appropriate for his age. No matter how mature you think your child is, he should not play with toys that are meant for an older age group. Age-appropriate levels for toys are determined by safety factors rather than by intellectual and developmental factors. When choosing toys for infants,... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many adults know what it’s like to have headaches, but children also get them. In fact, by the age of 5, 25 percent of children have had at least one headache, and by the age of 15, 75 percent have experienced a headache. Even though a headache may feel as if the pain is coming from the brain, what usually causes the pain comes from outside the skull, in the nerves, blood vessels and muscles that cover the head and neck, or from increased pressure in the blood vessels inside the skull. The muscles and blood vessels can swell or tighten and put pressure on surrounding nerves. Children can develop... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Most children get sick at some point during the school year. In fact, the average school-age child gets from six to nine common colds per year. Coping with these frequent illnesses is not easy. Sometimes it is difficult for parents to tell if their child is too sick to go to school. And even if the illness is obvious, it can be hard for parents to take off from work, especially in single-parent households or those in which both parents work. As a result, many parents sometimes send their children to school sick, increasing the chances that other children will catch what they have. But it is extremely... more »

By Tia McCurdy If you don’t have an elder in your life, it’s easy not to pay attention to this segment of the population. My Mom is a focus in my life but — as an aging baby boomer — I’m also paying very close attention to this business of aging, looking down the road and wondering what life will be like. I have the pleasure of being around seniors in my work, and what’s clear to me is that the older I get the younger old looks. I can clearly see that I have much to learn about growing older with humor, grace and a robust portion of gratitude. You’ve heard the expressions “attitude of... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many common household items that wouldn’t normally be considered dangerous can pose serious strangulation or entrapment risks for young children. Please keep the following suggestions in mind when childproofing your home. · Remove drawstrings from hoods, jackets and waistbands of your child’s clothing. The strings can get caught on furniture or playground equipment. If your child has mittens that are attached with a string, cut the string. · Don’t put necklaces or headbands on your baby. · Never leave a child alone in a stroller, as small children may slide down... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many common household items that wouldn’t normally be considered dangerous can pose serious strangulation or entrapment risks for young children. Please keep the following suggestions in mind when childproofing your home. · Remove drawstrings from hoods, jackets and waistbands of your child’s clothing. The strings can get caught on furniture or playground equipment. If your child has mittens that are attached with a string, cut the string. · Don’t put necklaces or headbands on your baby. · Never leave a child alone in a stroller, as small children may slide down... more »

By Lynn Maarouf Statistics tell us that the “average” American gains about seven pounds over the holidays. Texans, with access to tortilla chips and salsa, fried turkey, jalapeno cornbread and pecan pie might gain even more! People who have diabetes, in addition to having to worry about weight gain, also have to think about blood sugars and how high they go after a meal with rolls, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes and a piece of lemon pie for dessert. Holidays can be a catastrophic time for blood sugars. During the holidays, people are under more pressure to eat high-fat, high-calorie foods they might not usually choose. In... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Perhaps nothing is more terrifying to a parent than to think that one day their child may be abducted. Unfortunately, almost daily we hear reports of missing children or near abductions. Though not every parent has to face the experience of having a child go missing, it is important to teach your child to be cautious without causing her to become too afraid or anxious According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Justice, 90 percent of all missing children have misunderstood directions, miscommunicated their plans, gotten lost or run away. Of the 10 percent of missing children that are abducted, th... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Escherichia coli, more commonly referred to as E. coli, is a common bacteria, and one of the many types of bacteria that lives and works within a person’s digestive system. Most species of E. coli do not pose any threat to humans; however, some can cause serious disease, such as those heard about recently in the news. These dangerous strains of E. coli are a major cause of diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe. E. coli, since it is common in stool, can end up in food or water that has been contaminated with it. Undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, raw fruits and vegetables, and... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Turning off the TV gives families a chance to think, read, create and do things together. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that kids watch an average of five hours of television every day. Children who watch too much television spend less time playing, reading and interacting with others, and they are more likely to be overweight and aggressive. According to the American Academy if Pediatrics, children under age 2 should not watch any television and children over age 2 should be limited to two hours per day. Parents should also be aware of what their children are watching. The age-group... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve too much in the wrong direction, affects approximately 6 million people in the United States. The condition develops gradually and often is not detected until a child is between 10 and 14 years old. No one knows what causes the most common type of scoliosis, idiopathic (meaning “unknown cause”). It is not caused by poor posture, diet, exercise or the use of backpacks. It is thought to be hereditary, so other family members may have it. Though it occurs equally in girls and boys, girls are more likely to develop more severe cases. A spine... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Most parents don’t think of the dangers their child may face from something as ordinary as a shopping cart. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 24,000 children in the United States were treated in emergency rooms for shopping cart-related injuries. Some of these injuries were severe and even resulted in death. The most common shopping cart injuries involve falls, carts tipping over, falling off a cart while riding on the outside, becoming trapped in a cart and being hit or run over by a cart. More than 74 percent of shopping cart-related injuries affect the head or... more »

By Colleen Stegman Bruce is 83 years old and lives life to the fullest. He likes to travel and enjoys eating out with his family. He’s active in church, has a great sense of humor and feels energetic and happy most of the time. Ken is 75 years old. Most mornings he has no energy and doesn’t want to get out of bed. He often feels isolated and hopeless, and spends much of his day worrying about his failing health. Ken is married and feels his wife nags him too much about his poor diet and lack of exercise. Both Bruce and Ken share something in common, a chronic disease called diabetes. Yet they manage their disease and control... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Good communication is important in any relationship, but it’s especially important for your relationship with your child. Building a communicative relationship with your child can help her develop a healthy personality, as well as good relationships with you and others. Healthy communication helps your child: · Know that you care for and love him. · Realize and believe that she is important to you. · Learn to tell you directly what he feels and/or needs. · Learn to manage her feelings safely. Here are some tips for building good communication with your... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Every summer we hear warnings that West Nile virus has popped up in our area. West Nile virus, first discovered in 1937 in Africa, is suspected to have entered the United States around 1999. The disease is passed from an infected mosquito to humans, but not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will get the virus. West Nile is not passed from human to human and it is spread by a specific species of mosquito, the Culex. The severity of West Nile virus depends on who acquires it. A child with a normal immune system may get mild ‘flu-like’ symptoms and not feel ill, while people over age 50... more »

By Dr. Russell LaForte So, you've bought your kids school supplies and crammed their bags full of books, but are you ready for them to go back to school? As your child returns to school this month, you may be wondering, how can I keep my child eating right this next year at school. First, recognize that nutrition begins at home. Setting a good example yourself is an important step. Showing your child how to eat healthy will lead to better choices in the school cafeteria, as well. If you make your children’s lunches, have them participate. The younger they start forming good habits, the better. Complex carbohydrates such as breads,... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly One of the best ways to cool off during those hot summer days is to play in water. Children love to play in the water, whether they are at the beach, on a boat, swimming in a pool or wading pool, or at a water park. However, while water can be an enjoyable source of exercise for children, it can also be extremely dangerous. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children between 1 and 14 years of age. Drowning can occur in many different situations, including while boating or swimming — or even in the bathtub — and it can happen in as little as one inch of water. A... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly When people think of risks associated with swimming they usually think of sunburns or drowning. Most swimmers don’t realize that the water itself can make them sick. Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are spread by swallowing, breathing or coming in contact with water that has been contaminated in swimming pools or hot tubs, and at water parks, lakes, rivers or oceans.  Symptoms of RWIs include skin, ear, respiratory, eye and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea, which is caused by germs such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shingella, and E. coli. If contaminated water i... more »

By Elizabeth Reifsnider National Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7, offers a great opportunity to remind ourselves that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish infants and provide them with a head start in life. Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics: • Breastfeeding protects babies from illness. • Breastfed babies have fewer allergies. • Breastfed babies have fewer dental cavities. • It is thought that breastfeeding may protect babies from becoming obese as young children. Some research has also shown that breastfed babies have a higher... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Every year there are new reports of children dying after being left in cars for hours in hot weather. In fact, every year an average of 25 children die after being left or getting trapped in hot vehicles. The inside of a car can heat up very quickly – even when the temperature outdoors is mild. On an especially hot day, the interior of a car can heat up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 20 minutes, and within 40 minutes, it can get so hot that a child left inside a car for that length of time can die. Even leaving the window of the car open slightly does not do enough to keep the temperature... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear and skin in the ear canal. It is different from an inner ear infection (otitis media), which is usually accompanied by cold symptoms, such as a runny nose or congestion. Swimmer’s ear occurs when water gets stuck in the ear canal after swimming or bathing. Water can irritate the skin in the ear canal and bacteria or fungus can invade and cause an infection. This infection is similar to an infection that can occur on the skin from a cut or bite, and it is not contagious. To prevent swimmer’s ear, you can buy... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Hurricanes can be especially frightening for children because they don’t know exactly what is happening. Preparing for a hurricane often involves a lot of work for adults, and children are left feeling helpless and afraid. Keeping them informed of what is happening and making them part of the preparation can help to ease their fears. Preparing your family for a hurricane is extremely important. If you develop a plan that each member of your family knows, then it will reduce stress for both you and your child. Contact the local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter for information on how... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Apnea is a brief pause in a person’s breathing pattern, usually for about 20 seconds or longer. Everyone experiences these pauses from time to time; however, sometimes these pauses in breathing can cause problems. There are several causes for apnea, including: ·        enlarged tonsils or adenoids (glands located in the neck) ·        being overweight ·        congenital abnormalities of the face, neck or throat ·       ... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Bedwetting is more common than most people think. In the United States, about 5 million children over the age of six wet their beds at night. Though it can be frustrating for parents and children alike, enuresis (bedwetting) is not a disease but a common symptom. Bedwetting is rarely a sign of a kidney or bladder problem; instead, it is usually a reaction to stress, or it is associated with a sleep disorder or slower than normal development of bladder control. It is also believed to be hereditary, meaning that a family member may have wet the bed as a child. Bedwetting can be embarrassing for a child,... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. UV rays can cause invisible damage to the skin, which can lead to premature aging of the skin, as well as to skin cancer. Most of the damage that the sun causes to our skin happens when we are children. Even a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s chance of getting skin cancer. Unprotected skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes outdoors, and even if skin does not turn red, it may still be burned; tanned skin is damaged skin. Most sun damage occurs during daily activities, rather than just during trips to the poo... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Nothing is more important to success than learning to read. Those who can’t read have fewer advantages than those that can. Reading is just as important for babies as it is for adults. Early exposure to reading increases the chances of success in school, and children who share books with their caregivers at an early age have less difficulty mastering reading once they enter school. Sharing books with children at an early age helps them to develop their vocabulary, communication skills and imagination. The U.S. Department of Education suggests that you begin reading to your baby at 6 weeks of age... more »

By Gerald Cleveland, M.A. If it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. Together they are a one-two punch that can send even the most dedicated fitness buff in Southeast Texas running for cover. However, your exercise plans don’t have to go down for the count just because of the weather.  According to fitness experts, you don’t have to forgo exercise or the beautiful outdoors. You just have to exercise caution — heat stroke is not part of a sensible fitness regimen. It’s good to know the basic guidelines if you want to be active outside. A great place to start is with the heat index. Developed by the... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Fifth disease is a common viral infection that normally appears in school-age children in late winter and early spring. It is caused by parvovirus B19, which is a human virus and not the same parvovirus that affects pets. Humans cannot pass parvovirus B19 to pets, and pets cannot pass the virus to humans. It is named “fifth disease” because it was the fifth rash-related infection identified. Fifth disease begins with a low-grade fever, headache and mild cold-like symptoms. These symptoms disappear in a few days and then a distinctive red rash appears on the face that makes a child appear as... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many parents don’t realize that their child may not be getting enough sleep every night. Most people feel that eight hours a night is plenty of sleep for a school-aged child. However, children aged 5 to 12 years need about nine to 12 hours of sleep every night. Sleep is important for children because it has an effect on their mental and physical well-being, and the hormone that stimulates growth is released while a child sleeps. Symptoms of sleep deprivation in children include: Moodiness and irritability Tendency to “explode” or throw tantrums Over-activity or hyperac... more »

By Steven R. Shelton Pandemic flu is an issue everybody is talking about these days, and with good reason. Reports of avian flu transmitting from bird-to-bird and bird-to-human have received international coverage. The H5N1 avian virus has spread through three continents faster than any infection in our lifetime. World health and agriculture officials are concerned, governments are mobilizing, health agencies are issuing guidelines and checklists for planning and preparedness. It’s little wonder that many people may be in a quandary about what is going to happen and what they can do about it. Here’s the good news: there are... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Diaper rash is a common problem for infants. In fact, most babies get at least one diaper rash at some point; some get them frequently. Diaper rash is an inflamed area of skin that appears in the diaper region, around the buttocks, thighs and genitals. It is red and puffy and may be slightly warmer than other areas and can cause discomfort. There are several reasons that diaper rash may appear, including: Skin contact with urine or feces Sensitive skin Bacterial or yeast infection Introduction of new foods or drinks (citrus fruits and juices can cause rashes in children sensitive... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Spring is here, and with it comes warm weather, more daylight — and bugs. Many insects have bites or stings that can cause problems, but the key to treating the problems is in understanding the difference between a bite and a sting. Venomous insects inject painful, toxic venom through their stingers. The stings are painful and red, and can cause swelling up to 12 inches from the site of the sting. This is called a local reaction. A person who is allergic to the venom of the insect may have a systemic, or “whole body,” reaction. Redness, hives and swelling may occur, and this type of rea... more »

By Dr. Karen Szauter When former NBC Today Show co-host Katy Couric lost her first husband to colorectal cancer in 1998, Americans mourned her loss. But when Couric used her sadness and celebrity status to spread awareness of the taboo subject throughout the United States and beyond, we realized something very powerful was coming from something very tragic. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. In 2001 it was estimated that 135,400 people would be diagnosed and 56,700 people would die from this preventable disease. If we catch something early we can make such a difference. If a patient skips (a... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly It’s normal for brothers and sisters to argue and compete for their parents’ attention. Sibling rivalry teaches kids to manage conflicts, share, cooperate and express their ideas and feelings. Children can learn how to deal effectively with conflict through their interactions with brothers and sisters. When they argue, they are learning that they are not always going to get along with everyone, even those with whom they are closest. Telling your children that sometimes people feel angry, sad and frustrated with those around them will give them a healthy view of reality. Teaching your... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly You’ve probably heard of “mono” or mononucleosis. It is an infection that produces flu-like symptoms and usually goes away on its own in a few weeks. The Epstein-Barr virus, a common virus that most children encounter at some point, usually causes mono. Other organisms, including cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, HIV, toxoplasma, rubella and hepatitis, can occasionally cause mono. Infants and young children infected with Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, usually have mild symptoms, if any. Older children, teens and young adults, exposed to EBV often develop mono. Mono is spread through kissing,... more »

By Drs. Tuenchit Khamapirad and Morton Leonard Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women today. The International Agency for Research on Cancer reports that more than one million women develop breast cancer every year worldwide. The highest risk factors for breast cancer are gender, age and a family history of breast cancer. No one is immune to this disease, but the most effective way for women to protect themselves is early detection of tumors through methods such as self-examination and mammograms. The best mode of defense against breast cancer is awareness. Know whether breast cancer runs in your family. Know... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly When a fire starts in a home, there are often only minutes to escape. That’s why it is important that you keep your home fire-safe and devise a plan of action for your family in the event of a fire. The first step to making your home fire-safe is to install smoke alarms. Alarms dramatically increase the fire survival rate of every member of the family — two-thirds of home fires that kill children under age 5 occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. Parents should install an alarm on each level of the home and outside bedrooms or other sleeping areas. Remember to test alarms monthly and... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly About 25 percent of all newborns cry inconsolably for hours at a time, several times a day, even when healthy and well fed. This condition, known as colic, usually begins at about 2 to 3 weeks of age, intensifies around 6 weeks of age and improves by about 3 to 4 months. Babies with colic will often scream and cry for two to three hours at a time and often seem as if they are in pain. The causes of colic are not known, but it is not thought to be from abdominal pain, food allergies, iron in infant formula, or gas, even though most babies with colic will pass a lot of gas and draw their legs up while... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Nothing is more important to success than learning to read. Those who can’t read have fewer advantages than those that can. Reading is just as important for babies as it is for adults. Early exposure to reading increases the chances of success in school, and children who share books with their caregivers at an early age have less difficulty mastering reading once they enter school. Sharing books with children at an early age helps them to develop their vocabulary, communication skills and imagination. The U.S. Department of Education suggests that you begin reading to your baby at 6 weeks of age... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Most children put non-food items in their mouths at some point. For example, a child may put dirt from a sandbox in her mouth. This is a normal exploration of their environment. However, some children may develop pica, an eating disorder characterized by persistent and compulsive cravings to eat items other than food. The word “pica” comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known to eat almost anything. Pica is most common in children between age 2 and 3, and in those with developmental disabilities, such as autism and mental retardation. Children with pica may crave and eat non-food... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Nearly 50 percent of children get a wart at some point. Warts are passed from person to person by a virus known as the human papillomavirus, and not from touching frogs or toads. They can occur on any area of the body, but they are usually found on fingers, hands and feet. Warts are skin lesions caused by a virus and are contagious. However, touching a wart doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get one. There is no way to prevent warts, but good hand washing can decrease the chance that a wart will form if your child has been exposed to someone with warts, especially in areas where your child... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly The Internet can be a valuable resource for both adults and children, but there are potential dangers for children that must be considered. A child may come across material that is sexual, hateful, violent or otherwise inappropriate. In addition, some Web sites ask visitors to enter personal information. Parents should not allow their children to enter personal information without first reviewing the site's privacy policy, which Web sites are required to provide to visitors if they ask for personal information. Here are some basic Internet guidelines for you and your child: 1. Make online rules for... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 25 percent of children in the U.S. live in homes or apartments that have significant amounts of lead in contaminated paint, dust, soil or plumbing. High levels of lead in a child’s blood can cause a variety of problems with both physical and cognitive development (the ability to learn and understand). Early symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, abdominal pain, irritability, anemia, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation, decreased activity, poor attention span, noticeable learning difficulty, slowed speech development and... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many common household items that wouldn’t normally be considered dangerous may pose serious strangulation or entrapment risks for young children. Please keep the following suggestions in mind when childproofing your home: • Remove drawstrings from hoods, jackets and waistbands of your child’s clothing. The strings can get caught on furniture or playground equipment. If your child has mittens that are attached with a string, cut the string. • Don’t put necklaces or headbands on your baby. • Never leave a child in a stroller alone, because small children can slide down... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Many injuries are not threatening and do not require medical attention, but having a well-stocked first aid kit can be important in an emergency. Knowing how to treat minor injuries and having the following basic supplies can make a difference. Some pre-packaged first aid kits do not contain all that your family may need, so consider creating your own. Here’s what you will need: • a container, such as a fishing tackle box or art supply box • first aid manual (you may want to consider taking a first aid class as well) • sterile gauze • adhesive tape • band-aids (in... more »

By Deborah L. Carlson, Ph.D. Many people have questions regarding speech and hearing problems: • What are the most common hearing and speech problems? • Who treats them? • What are the signs of hearing and speech problems? First, let’s look at hearing problems. Over 30 million Americans have a hearing loss and for 80 percent of them, the loss is permanent. More than two-thirds of individuals with hearing loss are over 45 years of age. Hearing loss may be related to injury, illness or exposure to loud noise, or may result from the normal process of aging. A sudden or gradual onset may occur, depending on the cause.... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children in the United States, with more than 3 million cases each year and 55,000 hospitalizations of children under age 5 for dehydration resulting from the infection. Rotavirus infections occur most often during the winter months. Almost all children contract the virus before age 5. Typically, the older the child the milder the infection, but even adults can contract the virus. A rotavirus infection is most dangerous for infants, because their smaller body weight makes them more susceptible to dehydration. Signs of a rotavirus infection... more »

By Drs. Sally Robinson and Keith Bly   Periodically, we feel we should update you with facts about the state of children in America. We will give you information, numbers and statistics compiled by the Children’s Defense Fund. The stated mission of the Children’s Defense Fund is “to leave no child behind and to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start and a moral start in life, and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.” Did you know the following?   • A child is abused or neglected every 35 seconds — 906,000 a year... more »

By The Rev Helen W. Appelberg, D.Min. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “positive aging?” Some might ask, “Do you want me to get excited about living longer to have a whole new set of choices thrown at me about how and where to live my life?” Others would question, “How can you use the word ‘positive’ when living longer means that my opportunities are shrinking?” How do you feel, do you consider an extended life a gift, or a burden and a time of decline? In the book “Aging as a Spiritual Journey,” author Eugene Bianchi talks about the very nature of aging as a time of spi... more »