Author: Anderson Hills Pediatrics

Hand sanitizers containing 60% alcohol are an important weapon against the fight of Covid-19. However, not all alcohols are created equal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that methanol should not be used in hand sanitizers due to its toxic effects.

Reports of poisoning due to methanol have been issued following repeated use and absorption through the skin or ingestion by mouth. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision or blindness, seizures, coma, and death. Young children who accidentally swallow these products or older children and adults who intentionally swallow them are at highest risk.

It is important to check the labels on your hand sanitizers for the active ingredients and if methanol is listed, please dispose of the products in hazardous waste containers. According to the FDA they should not be flushed or poured down a drain. For a complete list of manufacturers and product names containing methanol follow this link on the FDA website

Washing hands with soap and water is the preferred method of keeping your and your children’s hands clean. However, if soap and water are not available, please supervise children ages 5 and younger while using hand sanitizer and store these products out of your children’s reach.

Please stay safe and healthy!

Petra Hackenberg-Bauer, MD

Pediatrician

Anderson Hills Pediatrics, Inc.

513-232-8100

The return of sports and outdoor summer play unfortunately may come with the return of injuries such as sprains and muscle strains.  Many new injuries will respond to R-I-C-E treatment.

REST the injured extremity, avoiding activity that causes pain.

ICE the injury for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days.

COMPRESSION with an ACE wrap to help immobilize the injury and reduce swelling.  The wrap should be snug but not overly tight. Start the wrap beyond the injured area and continue to wrap back to and above the injury.  The wrap can also be used to hold an ice pack in place.

ELEVATE the injured area above the level of your heart as much as possible until the swelling improves.

Seek medical care if the pain and swelling are severe or if not improving with initial supportive care.

Currently at Anderson Hills Pediatrics we are giving away ice packs to patients coming in for Sports Physicals with their well care.  We hope that your child stays healthy and won’t need to use the ice pack but if they do find themselves injured, we are here to help!

What to know before you go….

Summer is in full swing, which generally means it is time for vacations. As the cases of COVID-19 grow around the country, we want to help you in making the most informed decision prior to loading up the car or booking your next trip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created guidance for considerations for travel. Before you go, a few considerations are:

• Are you heading to a “hot spot?” Traveling to areas with increased COVID-19 can increase your risk of infection. There also may be increased travel restrictions due to the viral spread. It is encouraged that you check state or local health departments for more information before you travel.
• Will you be able to socially distance while traveling? Being less than 6 feet from others can increase your chance of infecting others or becoming infected.
• Are you at an increased risk of infection? If you or those you or those you are planning to travel with are at an increased risk of illness, it is recommended that travel be limited.
• Will you need to quarantine after traveling? Some states, work-sites, and schools may require a 14-day quarantine after traveling.
• Are you sick or have you been in contact with someone that has COVID-19? Travel is not recommended for anyone that is sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
• How will you travel? Traveling by airplane, bus, train or even stopping at rest stops can lead to virus exposure. Choosing a way to travel that allows you to avoid close contact with others is the most ideal.

Should you choose to travel during this time, we recommend that you continue to follow the CDC recommendations for COVID-19:

• Wear your mask or face covering.
• Clean your hands often and when soiled by washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with others by staying 6 feet apart as much as possible.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Limit your exposure to others as often as possible.

To ensure you and your child’s safety, we are continuing to offer telehealth visits, curbside appointments, and are separating ill and healthy appointments. Our team also continues to take extra precautions with cleaning and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, etc.  Going forward, we will also require that all patients over the age of two wear a mask for face covering while inside our offices.

All patients coming in for appointments will continue to be screened for travel, symptoms, and possible exposure to COVID-19 prior to the visit. However, we do ask that all patients that have traveled within 14 days prior to any check-up appointment contact our office to determine if an alternative appointment type or rescheduling is necessary.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can answer any of your questions or concerns. We also continue to update our website.  Facebook page and Instagram account with new information frequently.

Thank you for trusting us for your care needs!

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html

We are excited to be offering a few virtual education classes to you in the month of July. These physician led classes are FREE, and a great way to acclimate to some of the new normal of COVID-19.

Caring for a Newborn During COVID-19

Dr. Grubert will be presenting a class to all soon to be or new parents on what expectations you should have after delivering your newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic. She will address information to keep your newborn safe, discuss visitor guidelines, and more.

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Time: 7:00PM

Acclimating Back to Daycare During the Pandemic

Dr. Brady will be hosting a class focused on what your pediatrician wants you to know about sending your child back to daycare during the pandemic. She will outline tips and ways to keep your child and family healthy as your childcare routines are adjusted.

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Time: 7:00PM

These classes are available for any parent that is looking to know more about caring for their child/children at this time. You may register online for one or both of these classes by clicking here

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy – but in the time of COVID 19, it’s not as easy as it used to be.  One thing that has not changed is the need to wear sunscreen.

Children 6 months and older should wear sunscreen whenever they are going outside, even on cloudy days.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen that is SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide.  You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen on your child that is one with UVA and UVB protection.  Apply the sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside.  Be generous in your application, covering all sun exposed areas including the face, nose, ears, and neck.  Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the feet, hands, and the backs of the knees.  You should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

You may also wish to buy clothing labeled with an ultraviolet protective factor (UPF).  The AAP also recommends sunglasses with 99% UV protection.

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of the sun.  Babies should be kept in the shade, under a tree, or an umbrella.  They should be dressed in long sleeved, light weight clothing.  If there is no way to avoid the sun, you may apply sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, to small areas of sun exposed skin.

So, as you head out for summer family fun, don’t forget your mask, hand sanitizer, water bottle and SUNSCREEN.  Have a great time!

Dr. Meri Schrader

As with so many things in 2020, school athletics were put on hold this spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Many are wondering what sports will look like in the future and how we can continue to keep children and adolescents safe while still maintaining their physical and mental health.  Currently in the state of Ohio, some of the restrictions on non-contact sports and skills training for contact sports have been lifted, allowing a partial return to activity.  While these recommendations are a bit of a moving target and may be altered based on the trajectory of ongoing Covid-19 cases, school and club athletics are starting up again.

In anticipation of fall sports, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Joint Advisory Committee on Sports Medicine has made final recommendations regarding the Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE), also referred to as the annual Sports Form.   Students in grades 7-12 will continue to be required to have an up-to-date PPE annually.  Mass physicals for sports screening are strongly discouraged this year due to concerns for students’ health and spread of Covid-19.  Instead, OHSAA is strongly recommending that the physical exam is performed in a medical home, such as Anderson Hills Pediatrics.  This allows the health care provider who knows your child best and has access to past medical records to do a comprehensive history and exam, provide anticipatory guidance, give necessary immunizations as indicated, and follow up on any issues that may arise.

If your child is considering participating in sports this coming year, we encourage you to call or access the Portal to schedule a well care visit at this time so that your Sports forms are ready when needed.   We look forward to seeing your child and keeping them active and healthy!

Pamela Lachniet, MD

Did you know that the Smithsonian Science Education Center has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Inter Academy Partnership to help children between the ages of 8 to 17 years learn more on the science and social sciences associated with COVID-19? This resource was also created to help children investigate the virus, discuss how others feel about COVID-19, and learn tools to keep themselves and our communities safe.

How Can I Protect Myself and Others – Click Here to Access: https://ssec.si.edu/covid-19

Resources: https://www.healio.com/pediatrics/emerging-diseases/news/online/%7B4d33f367-1e61-4280-9a1a-a8ea075cbae0%7D/smithsonian-who-launch-interactive-covid-19-guide-for-kids?utm_source=selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pediatrics%20news&m_bt=38453052754

How Can I Protect Myself and Others

As the stay at home orders are changing, many of us – adults and kids alike – are ready to leave our nests. But is it safe?

Here in Ohio we have successfully flattened the curve. However, as Stay at Home Orders are lifted, Covid-19 continues to spread. Thus, as we venture out, our personal risk of infection increases. That risk is based on two major factors: (1) the number of viral particles we are exposed to and (2) the duration of time of such exposure. We should base our decisions on that risk and our own personal situation. Do you have a member in your household with a chronic medical condition? Someone 65 years or older? Other risk factors?

There is no one right answer for all, but with a better understanding we can make the best decision for our own family.

What about play dates?

Outside is better than inside. When we are outside, viral particles are quickly swept away by any breeze, limiting the viral load and the time of exposure, thus decreasing the risk of infection.

Physical distance still matters. We don’t know for sure how children spread the virus, but we know there are asymptomatic carriers, people that can infect others while not having symptoms themselves. We don’t know how many kids fall into this category. However, here in Ohio we have proven that physical distancing slows the spread of the virus.

Make it small groups. Everyone talks about groups of 10 or less. There is nothing magic about the number 10. Having fewer people in a group makes it less likely that one person is infected and thus spreads the virus. For your kids’ play dates I recommend that you keep it to members of a few households that have similar quarantining habits as your family.

Keep the activity short. This obviously decreases the exposure and let’s face it, as play dates progress children will be less likely to follow all the rules including the rule to keep their distance.

Choose the activity wisely. It is easier to physically distance if you are going on a walk or ride bikes together. Sitting and chatting, having a picnic lunch “together” with each family bringing their own lunch and sitting on their own blanket or towel. Don’t share food or snacks. Maybe kick a ball, play tennis or golf. Supervision will be needed because we all have been cooped up and are social animals. The younger your children, clearly, the more supervision is needed. But keep in mind, adolescents often feel invincible and then common sense goes out the window. No sleepovers yet.

Make sure your child is well.  I have seen more strep throat during quarantine than I ever imagined. So if your child shows any sign of illness, postpone. There is always another day.

Should kids wear masks? Masks are only needed when social distancing is not possible – you just have to make it possible. Kids do not need to wear masks if they are playing outside and socially distancing. Of course, kids under age 2 should never wear a mask.

Wash  your hands.If hand washing is not an option before, during, and after the activity, bring hand sanitizer and wash your and your children’s hands as soon as you get home.

Timing is everything. We know it takes 3-14 days to develop symptoms.  You should not have play dates with different groups of friends too frequently. You just increase the number of exposures and thus, increase everyone’s risk. Slowly increase your circle of contacts and allow time between visits.

Rules will change. Please follow recommendations of our local public health officials. As we loosen stay at home orders, the number of Covid-19 cases will most likely increase. Our health officials will monitor the situation closely and we should all follow their recommendations. That leads me to one more.

Make sure to keep your children well. Childhood vaccinations are your best bet to keep your children well. If your child is behind in immunizations or if you are not sure, please contact us right now. If you have questions pertaining to your specific situation, we will gladly discuss these with you. We want what is best for your child and family.

We are available for your needs 24×7 by phone at 513-232-8100. You may also continue to schedule appointments online by clicking HERE

    Petra Hackenberg-Bauer, MD

If you were watching the WLWT news On Monday, May 18, 2020, you might have seen our very own Dr. Gordley interviewed on antibody testing for COVID and Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome! If you missed the newscast, you may watch it by clicking here. Parents asking about COVID-19 antibody test.

Also, Dr. Hackenberg and Dr. Gordley have gone into much more detail on these topics recently. Check out a few of our other relevant posts related to this topic:

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome

COVID Testing 101

COVID Testing Part 1

COVID Testing Part 2

PMIS with Dr. Hackenberg – click to listen

The majority of Covid-19 cases in children are mild.

Few children are hospitalized with the highest hospitalization rates in children younger than 1 year and those with underlying chronic conditions.

There is a possible association between Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) and Covid-19.

Some patients presenting with PMIS are found to have positive SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) PCR tests or are found to have antibodies to the virus. These cases are very infrequent.

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome presents with:

• A persistent fever (100.4 F or above)
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
• Rash or changes in skin color
• Trouble breathing
• Listlessness/lethargy or confusion

While PMIS sounds frightening, please be aware that this condition is very rare.

What should you do?

• Continue practicing social distancing
• Wash your hands frequently and encourage your children to do so as well
• When social distancing cannot be avoided, wear a face-mask and have your children do the same, if they are 2 years or older and can do so safely
• Call our office when your child is ill, particularly with a fever

Petra Hackenberg-Bauer, MD