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.
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 presentit 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services (CHIPS) staff works year-round to facilitate healing from physical, mental and emotional abuse and to provide prevention education.
Parents and caregivers should look for signs of abusive situations. The child who has endured abuse the longest typically has the longest healing process. The quicker an abusive situation is reported, the faster a child can be provided with medical care, therapy and counseling to heal. “Abuse is not the child’s whole story,” Debra Schneider, director of the CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama said. “There is hope when intervention occurs.”
Children who are being abused might:
• Have new onset fears • Have a vocabulary too advanced regarding sexual activity • Be withdrawn from friends and family • Have nightmares • Experience a drop in their grades • Change in appearance (wearing clothes that don’t align with the weather) • Not want to go home • Start using drugs • Bully others • Be sad or depressed • Have stories to explain injuries that don’t make sense or keep changing • Not want to be with the abuser • Act out at school
Signs to watch out for in abusers:
Abusers usually walk the victim through a grooming process. Schneider said it is important to remember that the child is usually not abused 24/7. The relationship often consists of a more positive bond. The abuser knows what the child likes, is curious about and afraid of, and they use it to their advantage. Some sort of ‘relationship’ is formed, and a trust is established between them. That way, when harm enters the picture, the child is less likely to question their character and actions. Other signs include spending more time with the child than is appropriate, giving extraordinary gifts to the child more than what’s normal, using excuses to be alone with the child and implementing gaslighting techniques.
Most children think abuse comes from a stranger, but abusers are usually someone a child knows. Schneider suggests teaching about “stranger danger;” however, build off that concept to make them aware that abusers can be someone they know. Schneider states most children are taught about stranger danger, but children need to be taught that most sexual abuse happens with someone a child knows.
What adults, parents or caregivers can do:
Children in an abusive situation need a trusted adult to confide in – parents, grandparents, a teacher, friend’s parent/caregiver or guidance counselor. School prevention education programs encourage a child to tell three adults: two inside and one outside their family. That trusted adult can clearly communicate to the child, “I am here for you if anything is going on. I am not here to judge.”
Adults who suspect abuse should approach the child gently. If the adult asks too many questions, the child may feel in trouble. Adults should never make promises to not tell anyone, since that is a key action to be taken when stopping abusive situations. Remind the child that abuse is NEVER their fault.
Since conversations about abuse can be very difficult to bring up, Schneider suggests bringing up an incident from the news as a segue into a conversation about the abusive situation. In addition, having these conversations in the car creates a more relaxed, noninvasive environment.
If you suspect an abusive situation, report it immediately. Anyone can provide a report of suspected abuse to the local department of human resources or a child protective services agency. All it takes is a suspicion of abuse; the caller doesn’t have to have specific evidence. You can also contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). You don’t have to give your name. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
The CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama:
CHIPS staff is a team of specially trained counselors, doctors, social workers and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners (PSANE). The staff works with law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources and child advocacy center representatives to provide the best possible care for children and families affected by child maltreatment. Services provided include forensic medical evaluations, social work assessments, play therapy, counseling, care coordination, prevention education, court support, expert court testimony and specialized support for victims of human trafficking. In 2022, the Sunrise Clinic held within the CHIPS Center received the inaugural “Outstanding Victim Protection in Countering Human Trafficking” award from the Center for Countering Human Trafficking within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
For more information on the CHIPS Center, call 205-638-2751 or visit childrensal.org/CHIPS.
Children’s of Alabama is here today because, more than a century ago, a group of dedicated women saw the growing need for quality health care for children. In those early days at Children’s, an all-female group of volunteers did whatever was needed to operate the charity hospital, from scrubbing floors to sitting with sick children. The hospital’s first trustees were all women.
Today, women are involved throughout our hospital – from the board room to bedside. The women featured here all have very different roles at Children’s, but all are key to fulfilling the promise of the hospital’s original founders.
The Women of the Children’s of alabama Executive team
At Children’s of Alabama, 86 percent of our workforce is female. And you’ll see that reflected in hospital leadership as well.
This group of women has nearly 200 combined years of service at Children’s. Their leadership stretches from patient care, nursing and operations to finance, risk management and development.
Pictured left to right: Chandler Bibb, Chief Development Officer; Heather Hargis, Vice President, Operations; Dawn Walton, Chief Financial Officer; Sandy Thurmond, Vice President, Primary Care Services; Vickie Atkins, Vice President, Risk Management; Jamie Dabal, Vice President, Operations; Heather Baty, Vice President, Ambulatory Operations; Delicia Mason, Vice President, Nursing Operations and Chief Nursing Officer.
Laura Thompson, Recruitment Manager, 18 Years of Service
What led you to a career in healthcare? I had the opportunity to join Children’s of Alabama as a Summer Intern, and I was immediately hooked. Healthcare had not been on my radar before then. Seeing this large organization work together to achieve our mission left an indelible mark on me early on and continues to be a driving factor for why I chose Children’s every day. There is no other organization I would rather recruit for.
Who are some women who have impacted your life? Women from various walks of life have influenced and impacted my journey in numerous ways. My peers have had the most significant impact on my life. Their resilience, wisdom, and determination have collectively shaped my perspective and contributed to my growth. I am continually inspired to strive for excellence and embrace the diversity of every experience.
What message do you have for women trying to make their mark on the world? To women striving to make their mark on the world, I say: Embrace your uniqueness, trust in your abilities and never underestimate the power of your voice. That doesn’t mean you have to be the loudest voice in the room. It means to make your voice clear, impactful and knowledgeable.
Alemma Raphaela James, Registered Nurse PICU, 6 months of service
What led you to a career in healthcare? At age 11, my younger brother, who was 6 at the time, went into diabetic ketoacidosis and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes here at Children’s of Alabama. My mother had sickle cell and suffered from sickle cell crises all throughout my childhood, so I grew up in healthcare. It’s become my passion to serve and care for others.
Who are some women who have impacted your life? My mom, Bridget Jenkins has impacted my life. She was a single parent to three kids in poverty, and through every adversity, she would still say God is good. She was a kind-hearted, selfless woman and taught her kids how to persevere.
What message do you have for women trying to make their mark on the world? Keep the faith, and don’t lose hope. There is power in being a woman.
Erica Reynolds, Director of Social Services, 21.5 years of service
What led you to a career in healthcare? Healthcare found me. I was a young social worker at DHR trying to save the world and looking for my passion. I had a child on my caseload at Children’s that was in the PICU due to a non-accidental trauma. I had never been to Children’s as a child or DHR worker, so I didn’t know what to expect. From the moment I walked in the door and stepped into this magical place, my heart and mind were forever changed. This was where I was supposed to be. The care, concern, attention, passion and teamwork that was shown was something that I had not experienced at a job before, and I wanted to be part of that. The rest is history.
Who are some women who have impacted your life? My “Granny” was the #1 woman that impacted my life. She was my real life role model that not only taught and instilled in me honorable values and qualities, but she demonstrated them daily.
What message do you have for women trying to make their mark on the world? To make a mark on the world, you must first know who you are. Be curious about yourself and how others see you. Be open to new ideas, and know that your view or perception of the world is not the same for everyone. Be intentional about choosing happiness every day. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, believe in yourself, and do something bigger than you could imagine. You might just surprise yourself!
Daniela Martinez-Rodriguez, Nurse at Pediatrics east Deerfoot, 2 years of Service
What led you to a career in healthcare? I always liked helping people. Growing up, I noticed many people in my community struggled with healthcare due to the language barriers. I speak, read and write fluently in Spanish, and I felt I could really help my community overcome this barrier. People feel better when they know their needs are understood. I am grateful God put me in a position to help others.
Who are some women who have impacted your life? My mom has had the biggest impact on my life. She is hardworking, kind, and an amazing mom. She managed to have a full-time job while always being present for her children. She taught me to always be kind and help wherever and whoever I can.
What message do you have for women trying to make their mark on the world? Follow your dreams! It may be difficult, but it’s definitely worth it.
