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Children's

Summer Food Safety: Barbeques, Grilling and More

Hosting a BBQ is a great way to gather with friends and family to enjoy the summertime. Whether you are hosting 10 or 100 people, it is very important to keep food and grilling safety in mind. It’s easy to forget the importance of cooking food thoroughly, practicing fire safety and storing food in the refrigerator or in a cool space before and after eating.

Becky Devore, a Nurse Educator for the Alabama Poison Information Center, shares several tips for summer food safety. “We don’t want to invite food poisoning to the BBQ!” shared Devore. “Most food poisonings are going to be preventable.”

The most important food safety technique you can practice is washing your hands before, during and after preparing meals. It’s important to clean cutting boards, countertops and utensils while preparing food as well, preventing the spread of juices from uncooked meat onto foods like tomatoes. Remember to separate raw meat from cooked meat in the refrigerator before preparing.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not advised to wash meat before cooking. “We do not recommend washing chicken or poultry. That can spread the bacteria throughout your kitchen,” said Devore. Do not thaw meat on the counter or outdoors in the sun, but rather in the refrigerator. And always make sure your food is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Additionally, fire safety is extremely important when you are grilling and hosting big groups with young children. Keep kids and pets away from the grill and keep a fire extinguisher and water source nearby while grilling. Stay away from brushes with steel or metal bristles, and choose a nylon brush instead.

Food should be stored in coolers or ice chests to transport to and from BBQs or gatherings, ensuring it does not begin to spoil before it can be eaten. If your BBQ is outside, always keep food in the shade and do not leave it out for over two hours. If it is 90 degrees or above, food should be thrown out after one hour. “When in doubt, throw it out,” Devore said.

If you have questions, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. They are available for all ages, not just children.

July 25, 2024 by
Health and Safety

Fireworks Safety Tips for Parents

Fourth of July: a holiday for celebration, fun and, of course, fireworks. However, for too many families, this day becomes something other than a celebration. When not careful or properly supervised, kids of all ages are at risk of serious injuries from fireworks, which reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees. It’s important to stay aware and informed to ensure a fun and accident-free night for your kids.

Lighting fireworks at home is common, but it’s always best to leave this task to professionals. However, if you choose to do a fireworks show of your own, the first step is to be cognizant of the fireworks you buy and never try to make fireworks at home.

Fireworks:

  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children.
  • When handling fireworks, keep them pointed away from people, and don’t put them in your pockets.
  • Leave the handling and lighting to adults while kids watch from a safe distance.
  • To prevent fires, aim fireworks away from trees, houses and people, and wear eye protection.
  • It might be tempting to light up the sky with multiple fireworks at once, but while beautiful, this is also very dangerous. Light one firework at a time, and do not relight a dud.
  • In case of an accident, keep a bucket of water close by, and soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away. 
  • Lastly, keep children away from fireworks even after they are lit, don’t let them pick up loose pieces, as they can still be ignited.  

Sparklers:

Sparklers may appear to be harmless, yet they have the potential to be even more dangerous.

  • Remain extra aware and cautious with sparklers around children.
  • Ensure sparklers are out of reach of a child’s hair and clothes.
  • Wear proper eye protection.

Firework-related injuries:

Despite precautions, injuries may still occur, the most common being eye injuries or burns. If this happens, remain calm and act quickly by calling your doctor or going to the nearest emergency department. Dr. Alicia Webb, pediatric emergency medicine, says, “Fireworks can cause serious burns when the sparks or flame touch a child’s skin or eyes, but many fireworks also have an explosive component which can cause even more severe injuries. Glow sticks can be a great alternative for your child to light up the night sky while keeping them injury free!”

Remember, safety always comes first. Though fun and colorful, fireworks are explosives that can cause serious harm, especially to children. Injuries happen more often than they should. Keep these tips in mind and have a safe Fourth of July.

July 3, 2024 by
Health and Safety

Heat Illness

Summer in Alabama can bring high temperatures and an oppressive heat index. Kids are at risk for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke if they play outside or have athletic practices in this hot, humid weather. It’s important for parents and coaches to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat illness.

Signs and Symptoms

Of heat exhaustion:

  • increased thirst
  • weakness and extreme tiredness
  • fainting
  • muscle cramps
  • nausea and vomiting
  • irritability
  • headache
  • increased sweating
  • cool, clammy skin
  • body temperature rises, but to less than 105°F (40.5°C)

Of heat stroke:

  • severe headache
  • weakness, dizziness
  • confusion
  • fast breathing and heartbeat
  • loss of consciousness (passing out)
  • seizures
  • little or no sweating
  • flushed, hot, dry skin
  • body temperature rises to 105°F (40.5°C) or higher

What to Do

If your child has symptoms of heat stroke, get emergency medical care immediately.

For cases of heat exhaustion or while awaiting help for a child with possible heat stroke:

  • Bring the child indoors or into the shade immediately.
  • Undress the child.
  • Have the child lie down; raise the feet slightly.
  • If the child is alert, place in a lukewarm bath or spray with lukewarm water.
  • If the child is alert and coherent, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids.
  • If the child is vomiting, turn onto his or her side to prevent choking.

To help protect kids from heat illness

  • Kids should take breaks while out in direct sun every 20 minutes for shade and hydration on days with a high heat index, with the goal of 4-8oz of fluid intake per break. 
  • Teach kids to always drink plenty of liquids before and during activity in hot, sunny weather — even if they’re not thirsty.
  • Kids should wear light-colored, loose clothing on hot days and use sunscreen when outdoors.
  • On hot or humid days, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Teach kids to come indoors, rest and hydrate right away whenever they feel overheated
July 1, 2024 by
Children's

National CPR and AED Awareness Week

National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7, and highlights how lives can be saved with greater education around CPR and AEDs. According to the American Heart Association, around 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. Every parent should know how and when to administer CPR. When done correctly, CPR can save a child’s life by restoring breathing and circulation until medical personnel arrive. Keep reading to learn more about what to do in a cardiac arrest situation, how to administer CPR and more.

Cardiac Arrest Education

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping suddenly and it is usually caused by an electrical problem within the heart. Although cardiac arrest and heart attack sound similar, they are completely different conditions, so it’s important to understand the differences. A heart attack is caused by blockage of blood flow to the muscles of the heart, and usually causes many symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, among others. Both conditions can lead to fainting or passing out, but when there is no pulse present it is likely to be cardiac arrest and time to start CPR.

What to Do in a Cardiac Arrest Emergency

Cardiac arrest must be treated right away because every minute counts. CPR and use of an AED gives the person the best chance of survival. 

Remember to CALL. PUSH. SHOCK.

  • CALL 911 for emergency medical services.
  • PUSH on the chest of the patient fast and hard.
    • (100-120 times per minute; to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”) 
  • SHOCK – If an AED unit is nearby, apply it to the patient and follow directions.

Common Myths about CPR and AEDs

I’m not certified or trained to do CPR, so I can’t do CPR: MYTH

  • CPR certification or training is not required to provide CPR.
  • Any bystander who witnesses cardiac arrest can start the steps of CPR.
  • Remember: Call. Push. Shock.

Only medical professionals can use AEDs: MYTH

You do not have to be a medical professional to use an AED; anyone can use an AED. AEDs are kept in many public places, including schools and sports facilities. They are made to be easy for bystanders to use because quick medical care makes a person more likely to survive cardiac arrest. When you open an AED, the device will give you clear directions on how to use it safely.

I might hurt someone by performing CPR or using an AED: MYTH 

While CPR can cause minor injury to the chest wall, the lifesaving benefits of CPR are ultimately more important. Also, an AED will not let you shock someone who does not need it.

Visit the American Heart Association to learn more: https://cpr.heart.org/en/training-programs/cpr-and-aed-awareness.

June 6, 2024 by
Children's

Every Ride, Every Time: Car Safety Rules for Kids

Even when kids no longer need to ride in a car seat, there are still important safety rules to follow.

To protect kids in cars:

  • Kids should use booster seats if they haven’t reached the age or height requirement for a regular seatbelt.
  • Adults, older kids, and teens should always wear seatbelts.
  • Take precautions so kids can’t get in cars by themselves and so they don’t accidentally get trapped in a car. 
  • Practice good defensive driving habits.
  • Never drive a car or operate any vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Kids also play a role when it comes to staying safe in a car. Most are in these vehicles every day and so they should know some simple travel rules to help keep them safe. Explain to your kids that they must follow these rules every time, no matter who is driving or how short the ride might be.

Rules for the Car

  • Wear a seatbelt or use a booster seat during every car trip. Fasten the seatbelt before the car is even in motion and leave it on until the end of the trip.
  • Use all parts of the seatbelt. Most cars have lap and shoulder belts that buckle as a unit. But some have two separate belts, one lap and one shoulder, and others have a lap belt only. Teach your kids to look for and secure every part of the belt. Also teach them not to tuck the belt under their armpit, even if they think it is more comfortable that way. Doing so makes the belt less effective in a crash.
  • Never share seatbelts. Two kids should never buckle up as a pair.
  • Sit in the back seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 13 years old always ride in the back seat. This protects them from getting seriously injured if an air bag opens. Explain to your child that air bags are made to protect a person with a much bigger body.
  • Play it cool. Kids should understand the importance of staying calm and low-key in the back seat. If they jump around or yell, it can distract the driver and put all the passengers at risk.
  • Play elsewhere. Explain to kids that cars aren’t for play, especially hide-and-seek. They could become trapped, which could be dangerous. If younger children want a toy that’s in a car, tell them to ask an adult. And if kids ever get stuck in a car, they should honk the horn to get someone’s attention.
  • Follow the rules in every car. Kids need to follow the rules when they’re in a friend’s or relative’s car, even if other passengers don’t follow the rules. If asked to sit in the front seat of someone else’s car, your child should politely tell the driver that they prefer to sit in the back seat.
May 17, 2024 by
Children's, Development, Health and Safety

Communication Begins at Birth: 1-3 Months

Once a child is born, he or she starts gaining crucial skills for proper development. The basic building blocks for typical and healthy child development includes the development of speech and hearing communication. It is important for parents to be aware of developmental milestones because communication begins at birth.

Through a four-part series of blog posts, we will be highlighting important communication milestones for babies between the ages of one to 24 months. This series will help parents know what to expect as their baby develops. Note that every child is different, and some reach these milestones sooner or later than others. If your child is not achieving these developmental milestones, consider contacting your pediatrician or family health physician.

One to three months is an exciting time for parents because babies make a lot of progress in communicating. Your baby’s personality will start to show through as you have two-way “conversations,” exchanging smiles and oohs and aahs.

Listed below are some typical milestones and enhancement activities for your baby’s hearing and speech development at this age as well as when to seek professional evaluation.

Typical Development:

  • Pays attention to faces and surroundings
  • Smiles at the sound of a parent or caregiver’s voice
  • Calms to caregiver’s voice
  • Smiles with social contact
  • Coos and makes sounds when talked to
  • Imitates some sounds and facial expressions

Activities:

  • Smile at baby
  • Talk, babble, coo to baby
  • Sing to baby

When to Refer or Seek Evaluation:

  • Does not respond to a sound
  • Does not look at face

Babies main form of communication at this age is crying. They may cry to let their parents know that they need something or because they are overwhelmed by all of the sights and sounds of the world. Sometimes they cry for no clear reason, so as long as your baby is not sick or hurt, try not to be upset if your baby is crying and you can’t console him or her right away.

For more, visit the Children’s of Alabama Hearing and Speech Center’s webpage: https://www.childrensal.org/hearing-and-speech 

May 13, 2024 by
Children's, Development, Health and Safety

Communication Begins at Birth: 4-8 Months

During these months, your baby is learning to talk with lots of babbling and laughing. They are discovering a new range of sounds as well as imitating some of those sounds. They will also start to understand different tones of voice and respond accordingly.

Having a “conversation” with your baby is as important as ever during this time. Surprisingly, babies comprehend words long before they can say them, so it is encouraged to model real words rather than using “baby talk.”

Listed below are some typical milestones and enhancement activities for your baby’s hearing and speech development at this age, as well as when to seek professional evaluation. If your child is not achieving these developmental milestones, consider contacting your pediatrician or family health physician.

Typical Development:

  • Turns head to locate sounds beyond what able to see
  • Notices toys make sounds
  • Shows interest and pleasure when spoken to
  • Responds to different tones and sounds but not upset
  • Calms by favorite sounds
  • Begins to repeat sounds (such as “ooh,” “ahh,” and “ba-ba”)
  • Responds to name when called
  • Makes sounds to get attention
  • Shouts to gain attention
  • Understands “no-no” and “bye-bye”

Activities:

  • Call baby by name
  • Play vocal and simple games like peek-a-boo
  • Talk about activities during play
  • Make play sounds and wait for response: taking turns
  • Name body parts while playing and dressing
  • Read to your baby

When to Refer or Seek Evaluation:

  • Does not laugh or smile
  • Makes little noise
  • Does not respond to sound or responds only to loud sounds
  • Does not interact vocally by making sounds or makes sounds only in monotones

By the end of eight months, you can expect a lot of progression in your baby’s ability to listen and talk. They will respond to their names, respond to sounds by making their own, babble repetitive consonants, imitate sounds and even associate words with familiar objects. Reinforce this progress by introducing your baby to simple words that apply to everyday life. They understand more that you think!

Children’s of Alabama Hearing and Speech: https://www.childrensal.org/services/hearing-and-speech

May 13, 2024 by
Children's

Communication Begins at Birth: 9-12 Months

These months can be a cornerstone period for your baby’s communication development. During this period, your baby might say “mama” or “dada” for the first time, and will mostly communicate using body language, like pointing and shaking his or her head. Your baby will pay even more attention to words and gestures and will try to imitate you and various sounds from his or her environment.

Listed below are some typical milestones and enhancement activities for your baby’s hearing and speech development at this age, as well as when to seek professional evaluation. Note that every child is different, and some reach these milestones sooner or later than others. If your child is not developing in accordance with these guidelines, consider contacting your pediatrician or family health physician. 

Typical Development:

  • Continues to point his/her finger to communicate desires
  • Uses jargon that sounds like speech
  • Can clearly say 1-2 words (i.e.: mama, dada, uh oh, bye)
  • Imitates play-based sounds such as animals noises (i.e., moo, baa, oink), and action sounds for cars and trains (i.e., beep-beep, vroom, choo-choo)
  • Looks at or points to familiar objects or pictures when they are named 
  • Responds to his/her own name, phone ringing or someone’s voice, even when not loud

Activities:

  • Point to pictures to identify people, objects and toys
  • Talk to your baby throughout the day. Mix in adult tones of speech, not just baby talk
  • Identify and imitate environmental sounds such as birds and planes

When to Refer or Seek Evaluation:

  • Uses few or no speech sounds 
  • Does not use gestures to communicate: waving, high fives
  • Does not show understanding of any words

There are many activities that parents can do to ensure that their baby is getting the information he or she needs for proper development of speech and hearing. Though your baby may only be saying a few words, naming familiar objects will help your baby learn what they are called and store this information before they can use words.  Labeling objects during the course of the day reinforces the message that everything has its own name. Make learning a whole-body experience: touch your baby’s toe when you say the word “toe.” Or point out your own ear and say, “Mommy’s ear.” Face your baby when you speak to let him or her see your facial expression and lip movements.

Children’s of Alabama Hearing and Speech Center: https://www.childrensal.org/hearing-and-speech 

May 13, 2024 by
Children's, Development, Health and Safety

Communication Begins at Birth: 12-24 Months

This year-long period is when language development truly takes off. Your child’s understanding of the world around them, especially for language and sounds, is much more developed than before. Most kids typically say their first words around their first birthday, but a toddler who is actively learning to walk will commonly postpone their speech development. By two years old, most toddlers will say 50-100 words or more and be able to put together two-word phrases.

Listed below are some typical milestones and enhancement activities for your baby’s hearing and speech development at this age, as well as when to seek professional evaluation. Note that every child is different, and some reach these milestones sooner or later than others. If your child is not developing in accordance with these guidelines, consider contacting your pediatrician or family health physician. 

Typical Development: 

  • Uses several words with a variety of speech sounds, slowly developing into 200-300 word expressive vocabulary
  • Enjoys simple songs and rhymes
  • Understands two step directions (i.e.: “Get your shoes and come here”)
  • Can make simple needs known through speech
  • Asks simple questions
  • Knows and points to body parts

Activities: 

  • Praise and encourage efforts in all areas: moving, playing, talking, singing
  • Avoid over-correcting your child’s efforts to speak
  • Always fully listen when your child speaks to you
  • Ask your child questions that stimulate thought and check understanding

When to Refer or Seek Evaluation:

  • Uses only vowel sounds to speak
  • Cannot follow simple commands
  • Does not respond to sounds or responds only to loud sounds
  • Points or grunts to make needs known

Your little one is listening to everything you say and storing it away at an incredible rate. Instead of using “baby” words, start using the correct names for people, places and things. Speak slowly and clearly, and keep it simple. Your child’s vocabulary will grow quickly, but pronunciation isn’t likely to keep pace. By 2 years of age, most kids are understandable only about half the time, so emphasize the correct pronunciations in your responses.

Gestures are an important part of language development. Make the connection between the gestures your child makes and language by using a running commentary such as, “Do you want a drink?” (when your child points to the refrigerator), then wait for a response. Then say, “What do you want? Milk? OK, let’s get some milk.” Such behavior encourages kids to respond and participate in conversations

Children’s of Alabama Hearing and Speech: https://www.childrensal.org/hearing-and-speech 

May 13, 2024 by
Children's

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor our employees and their histories, cultures and contributions to our communities. At Children’s of Alabama, we are united in our mission and dedication to providing the finest pediatric healthcare to all children. The employees featured here contribute to our core values of trust, teamwork, compassion, innovation and commitment. We thank them for sharing their stories of inspiration and impact.

Mahek Virani
Clinical Outcomes Coordinator, 1.5 Years of Service

What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I was drawn to Children’s of Alabama by its mission to provide exceptional pediatric healthcare and make a positive impact in the community.

What do you do at Children’s of Alabama?

As a Clinical Outcomes Coordinator, responsible for improvement projects across divisions. I also manage our participation in the US News survey, working on improvements based on our responses. Additionally, I collaborate with UAB’s Poise office to initiate and execute projects from inception to completion.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
What brings me joy about my heritage and culture is the sense of togetherness and celebration of diversity it fosters.

What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?

I hope to have a positive impact by using my skills to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services and ultimately make a difference in the lives of children and families. I aim to inspire others by demonstrating the importance of data-driven decision-making and the value it brings to our community.

Peily Soong, M.D.
Pediatrician at Pediatrics East, 20 Years of Service

What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I did my medical school training at University of Alabama School of Medicine (now known as UAB Heersink School of Medicine) and did my pediatric residency at UAB. After finishing residency, I was so fortunate that Pediatrics East had a job opening as their founding pediatrician, Dr. Vincent Carnaggio, was retiring the year I graduated from residency. Pediatrics East has been my ideal work home for the last 20 years. The doctors and staff that I work with on a day to day basis have helped me grow as a pediatrician. 

What do you do at Children’s of Alabama?

I’m one of the general pediatricians at Pediatrics East, one of the many Children’s of Alabama pediatric practices. I also frequently do media spots on television and other media such as “Ask the Doctor” on Good Day Alabama.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
Asian food gives me great joy especially my mother’s cooking. My mother hands down makes the best egg rolls and wontons. No restaurant has ever come close to how she makes them. She also makes a fabulous sticky rice dish. Of course, all of the traditional Asian foods that you can get around town are wonderful, but my mother’s dishes just can’t be matched.

What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?

I hope that I can inspire others, especially my two children, to be kind to others and treat each other like they want themselves to be treated. While I think we all have inherent biases, we should all aspire to do our best and treat one another equally without biases to race, religion, sexuality or gender. Leading by example, we can all be inspirations to each other.

Evelyn Velardi, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse on the special Care Unit, 2 Years of Service

What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
During nursing school, I had the opportunity to complete my preceptorship at Children’s. Everyone I met was welcoming, patient and inspiring. I wanted to be part of an organization that was making a difference.

What do you do at Children’s of Alabama?

As a nurse on the special care unit, I work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers as part of my patient’s care team. I provide safe and quality medical care, educate patients and their families on treatment and plan of care, and provide emotional support. 

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
When I was a baby, I was adopted from China. Growing up, I was aware of my heritage but did not fully explore it until I was older. In high school, I was presented with the opportunity to travel back to China and volunteer with other Chinese adoptees at an orphanage. This teen-led service trip focused on caring for orphans of all ages and some with complex medical conditions. While in China, I gained a profound understanding of my Chinese heritage. Volunteering at the orphanage not only inspired me to pursue a career in nursing and care for children but also taught me cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness for all people.

What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?

As a nurse, I strive to provide compassionate care, reassurance, a calming presence, an ear to listen, and a voice to advocate for my patients and families. I hope to have a positive and lasting impact on those I meet.

May 9, 2024 by