Browsing Category

Health and Safety

Children's, Health and Safety

World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day (March 3) is a global observance of the World Health Organization (WHO) that is championed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

In 2022, the theme for World Hearing Day is “To hear for life, listen with care.” Hearing loss is among the most common chronic health conditions that American adults experience. Although not all hearing loss is preventable, noise-induced hearing loss is—simply by reducing exposure to excessively loud noise. This is true for people of all ages.

Here’s how you and your loved ones can avoid noise-induced hearing loss:

  • For Infants and Toddlers — Parents and caregivers should pay attention to how loud toys are—especially because young children tend to hold their toys very close to their faces. Many popular products on the market exceed safe noise levels. Make them safer by taking the batteries out or putting tape over the speaker to dampen the sound. Parents should also put well-fitting earmuffs on kids when they will be in a noisy environment such as a sporting event or a fireworks display.
  • For Older Children and Adolescents — Wearing earmuffs or earplugs in noisy environments remains very important, given that WHO says 40% of teens and young adults ages 12–35 are at risk for hearing loss from loud leisure activities. Children at these ages also should be taught to listen safely to their personal technology devices, especially when used with earbuds or headphones. This means keeping the volume to half and taking listening breaks every hour.
  • For Adults — Certain professions—such as jobs in the airline, restaurant, or landscaping and construction industries—pose added risks to hearing, as do many everyday activities such as loud fitness classes, noisy coffee shops, and noisy hobbies. Adults should wear hearing protection in loud environments, limit exposure to noise, and see a certified audiologist if they are experiencing any symptoms of hearing damage.

Signs to pay attention to include experiencing ringing, buzzing, or pain in the ear; having difficulty following a conversation when more than one person is talking; having trouble hearing in noisy places like a restaurant or on the phone; noticing that sounds frequently seem muffled—or people often sound like they’re mumbling.

Hearing loss is far from being just a nuisance: Left untreated, it is associated with a variety of serious health conditions in adults—including cognitive decline, falls, and social isolation and depression. Hearing loss also can impact career success, mental health, and quality of life. In children, untreated hearing loss can lead to academic, social, and behavioral problems. For infants and toddlers, if hearing loss is unaddressed, it can affect their speech and language development—so it’s always important to pay attention and to get a hearing evaluation from a certified audiologist if you have concerns.

What’s a great way to observe World Hearing Day? Anyone with concerns about their hearing (or a loved one’s) should seek a hearing evaluation from a certified audiologist. Evaluations are generally covered by insurance. A searchable database of these hearing professionals can be found at http://www.asha.org/profind or by calling the ASHA consumer line: 800-638-8255.

The Charity League Hearing and Speech Center at Children’s of Alabama provides diagnostic and rehabilitative speech-language and audiology services to the pediatric population in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Our goal is to maximize your child’s communicative potential so that the individual may better adapt to home, school, and social environments. Visit https://www.childrensal.org/hearing-and-speech to learn more.

March 1, 2022 by
Health and Safety, News

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Feb. 21-27, 2022

An estimated 28.8 million Americans experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The Eating Disorders Clinic at the Adolescent Health Center at Children’s of Alabama offers specialized medical, psychological and nutritional care for young people with eating disorders. The National Eating Disorders Association’s NEDAwareness Week (Feb. 21-27, 2022) is an annual campaign to educate the public about eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to those affected. If your child has signs of an eating disorder or needs further management, visit childrensal.org/adolescent-health-center or call at 205-638-9231.

The majority of those with eating disorders – 95 percent – are between the ages 12 and 25.

Eating disorders are complex illnesses that may lead to severe medical and mental health complications due to inadequate nutritional intake. For children and adolescents, this could significantly impact their performance in school and recreational activities.

Eating disorders are more common than most people realize.

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, races, genders, and body sizes. Signs and symptoms can appear as physical, mental and behavioral changes. Talk with your child’s provider if you notice any changes in eating habits or other concerning behaviors.

The optimal period to develop strong bones is in the teenage years.

Nearly 100 percent of bone density is acquired in adolescence. Teenagers require four cups of dairy each day, which can be challenging. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is important for all individuals, especially those with concerning eating habits.

Families are essential to the recovery process of patients with eating disorders.

Preparing and eating meals together is a great way to foster healthy nutritional habits. For more tips on how to support your child’s recovery visit www.feast-ed.org.

February 21, 2022 by
Children's, Health and Safety, News

Answers for Parents about the COVID Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

The recent news approving Pfizer’s vaccine for emergency use authorization for children ages 5-11 by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may leave you with a lot of questions about what is best for your child.

Children’s of Alabama pediatricians Dr. Peily Soong and Dr. Gigi Youngblood have provided information that may help.  We asked the questions, and they provided these answers.

Why do we need to vaccinate children ages 5-11, and why is it so important to make sure they are vaccinated?

Dr. Youngblood: It’s definitely important to vaccinate children in this young age group. First and foremost, receiving vaccines are how we end this pandemic. They’re crucially important for everyone affected by the pandemic. We’re losing kids. There’s a significant portion of pediatric COVID deaths that were in the 5-11 age group. We’re also seeing long term issues with these young children, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), which is a really potentially dangerous inflammatory condition that happens after someone has had COVID. Different body parts can become inflamed, and it often includes inflammation of the heart muscle or myocarditis. We feel children deserve protection from these things just as much as everyone else.

How is this vaccine different from the vaccine that may be offered to people 12 years of age and older?

Dr. Soong: It is different because it is a smaller vaccine dose, about a 1/3 of the dose given to the 12-year-old to adult group. The 12-year-old to adult dosage is 30-microgram. The smaller dose for children 5-11 years old is 10-microgram. Although it is a smaller dose, it has been shown to be just as effective in terms of antibody titers, which measures the antibodies in the blood. They compared the studies for the children in this younger age group to the older group, and the antibody levels were about the same in each. Researchers felt the dose should be just as effective at preventing COVID, and a very effective vaccine for all involved.

What are the potential side effects of the vaccine, and what should we know about them?

Dr. Youngblood: Clinical trials show that the vaccine is well tolerated in children. The potential side effects for younger children were fever, fatigue, headaches, and pain at the site of the injection as well as redness and swelling. These side effects are very similar to what we are seeing in adults, but probably even better tolerated in this young age group. We have also seen that the lower the vaccine dose, the lower the side effects, and about half as many children were getting side effects to the vaccine. It seems parents are most concerned about the side effect of getting myocarditis, which keeps making the news. Keep in mind that the only vaccine that’s going to be available for children 5-11 years old is the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine, and there has not really been an increased risk with that particular vaccine. The main thing to remember about any age group and post vaccination is even though people seem to be concerned about such things as clotting risk and myocarditis, people are at a significantly lower risk of these conditions than if they were to get the virus itself. Your child may feel a little under the weather for a day or two after the vaccine, but in terms of scary things, the vaccine there is less of a risk of developing long term side effects than taking a chance with getting COVID itself.

What is some good information for parents when making the decision to vaccinate their children, and staying healthy as we approach the holiday season?

Dr. Soong: We’re anticipating that there could be another surge of the Coronavirus as a result of holiday gatherings. Last year after holiday gatherings and through the winter months, we started seeing peaks in the spread of the virus. Children can easily spread COVID, and so it’s important to get them vaccinated to help protect, not only themselves, but others with weak immune system, the elderly, and those who are not vaccinated.

Getting the vaccine is of course a very important way of protecting your child against COVID-19, but as you’re going through the process of getting vaccinated, do parents need to take other measures, at least to a certain point in time?

Dr. Youngblood: Absolutely. When your child receives the vaccine, there are two doses of 10 micrograms given 21 days apart. It is obvious that those vaccinated do not have magical protection as soon as they receive the shots. You’re not going to reach the most effectiveness until you are fully vaccinated. The body has to build protection against the virus somewhere between one to two weeks after your child receives the second dose. This is why it’s so important that children begin the series as soon as possible before the holidays to prevent another pandemic peak. Until your child has reached that maximum effectiveness, they should continue to use a mask in social settings, and wash their hands constantly. We hope that all of us have developed the habit of washing hands as a result of this pandemic and that frequent hand washing will stay with us anyway. Also, if you or your child is not feeling well or family members are not feeling well, make sure you give full disclosure to those you love, and stay away from others until you know more about what’s going on with your child or with that loved one.

Where can people go for vaccinations?  As it becomes known that Children’s of Alabama and UAB are offering the vaccine to the 5-11 age group, are there also other places you would recommend for parents to take their children to receive the vaccine?

Dr. Soong: We are always the ones that you can trust, and we take care of your children. We are very knowledgeable and a viable resource to what has been going on through this whole pandemic. Keep in mind that a good choice is also your family pediatrician. Your pediatrician sees your child on a regular basis and offers other vaccinations as well, so it is always good to ask their opinion. They may also refer you to one of the nationwide pharmacies that will be offering it to children as well.

For the more information about COVID-19, visit childrensal.org.

November 24, 2021 by
Children's, Health and Safety

Is it the Flu or COVID-19?

The past year and a half has brought a lot of uncertainty during a global pandemic with fears of COVID-19. Now, as we enter cold and flu season, medical professionals are even more concerned. Delphene Noland is the manager of Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s of Alabama. She’s concerned that families, already fatigued from the pandemic, may let their guard down this flu season. “I think my biggest concern is that people become lax and forget that the flu is a real threat to our community,” she said.

There’s hope that the measures already being taken to respond to COVID-19 may help mitigate the flu. Masks, social distancing and hand washing are all helpful in limiting the spread of both coronavirus and the flu. But the increase in positive COVID-19 cases statewide shows those efforts are not enough to stop transmission entirely. That’s why Noland says it’s critical to get the flu shot this year. “It is of the utmost importance to get your flu shot,” she said. “They are available now. Make it a family event and get everyone vaccinated for the flu.”

How can parents recognize the difference between the flu and coronavirus? What complicates matters is that their symptoms are so similar. “Loss of taste and smell is hallmark COVID-19,” Noland says. “Shortness of breath, is usually seen later in the flu process if the patient gets pneumonia as a complication. But shortness of breath can be seen early on in patients with COVID-19.”

Symptoms Unique to COVID-19:

–             Loss of taste and smell

–             Shortness of breath in early stages

 Symptoms of Both COVID-19 and the Flu:

–             Cough

–             Runny nose

–             Sore throat

–             Fatigue

–             Fever

–             Nausea, Vomiting

And if your child is sick, seek guidance from your pediatrician or primary care provider. “Your pediatrician is your source of truth,” Noland said. 

September 29, 2021 by
Health and Safety

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite. If left untreated it can lead to problems with the skin, heart, brain and joints. Tori Gennaro, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s of Alabama, says it’s important for parents to be on the lookout for ticks and the symptoms of Lyme disease in their child.

The good news is, not all tick bites cause Lyme disease, and it’s more common in the Northeastern part of the United States. It’s spread from the deer or black legged tick, usually in the summer months.

Fortunately, in most cases, Lyme disease is easily treatable. “It’s usually treated with a 10–21-day course of antibiotics,” Gennaro say. “Once they’re treated with antibiotics the recovery is fairly quick and complete. It can take a few weeks or longer.”

Usually, because ticks are so small, a parent or child may not even see one or know the child was bitten until there are symptoms.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

  • Red, circular rash that looks like a bullseye
  • Flu like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain

“Prevention is key,” Gennaro says. “We recommend using a good insect repellent that has DEET.” She also advises to wear long sleeves and pants when walking in the woods, stay on trails and avoid tall brush, shower immediately after being in the woods and check daily for ticks. “Make sure you’re checking armpits, in your hair and groin as those are the areas where ticks tend to hide,” Gennaro says. If you believe your child has suffered a tick bite and is demonstrating the symptoms of Lyme disease, contact your pediatrician.

August 30, 2021 by
Children's, Health and Safety

Fireworks Displays Can Be Dangerous When Not Left to Professionals

Fireworks are synonymous with the 4th of July holiday. With some communities across the country canceling their professional displays this year because of social distancing concerns, there could be an increase in the personal use of fireworks, along with a potential for increased injuries.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to urge families not to buy fireworks for their own or their children’s use, as thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured each year while using consumer fireworks.

Sue Rowe, a charge nurse in the Burn Center at Children’s of Alabama, has advice for those who choose to use their own fireworks this 4th of July.

Her number one fireworks safety rule? “Never leave children unattended around fireworks.”

If you are using fireworks on your own, only use them with adult supervision. Keep children at a safe distance from lit fireworks. She also suggests keeping a bucket of water nearby. Store fireworks in a safe place, outside the main living area, such as in a garage or storage area, out of a child’s sight and reach.

And while sparklers may seem like a safe alternative to large, showy displays, they can be just as dangerous. “The tip of a sparkler produces a significant amount of intense heat,” Rowe said. The AAP reports that sparklers can reach above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt some metals.

However, accidents do happen, and Rowe offers tips if your child is burned with a firework. “The first thing is to immediately apply cool water to the burn site.” She cautions against ice packs, though. For home care, “apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area.” If the burn is significant, a trip to the closest emergency department is advised.

Each year, more than 300 children are admitted to the Burn Center at Children’s of Alabama, the only designated pediatric burn center in the state and one of the largest in the southeast. A specially trained team of pediatric surgeons, registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, child life therapists, teachers, pastoral care staff, nutritionists and burn technicians work together to form a cohesive team of professionals dedicated to treating children with burn injuries. The Children’s of Alabama Burn Center is a six-bed specialty unit designed to care for the needs of burn patients ages birth to teenagers. On an outpatient basis, the Burn Clinic treats more than 900 patients every year. For more information, visit www.childrensal.org/BurnCenter.

July 1, 2021 by
Children's, Health and Safety

Vaping

Vaping is on the rise among American teens. A recent study by “The Truth Initiative” found that 27.5% of American high school students use vape products. Susan Walley is a pediatrician at Children’s of Alabama. She says it’s very important for parents to understand the dangers of vaping and to be able to recognize e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices that have cartridges filled with a liquid that contains nicotine, chemicals and flavoring.

Walley says oftentimes teachers and parents do not even recognize the cartridges when they see them. “Juul is one of the most common e-cigarettes,” Walley says. “The device is very small and can be hidden in backpacks and pockets. It looks like a USB charger, so oftentimes when we show teachers and parents the products they say, I saw those but didn’t recognize them!” Walley adds that the nicotine in those small, liquid cartridges can be the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes.

Health experts are reporting serious lung damage in people who vape, including some deaths. Walley warns, “The facts are e-cigarettes are dangerous, particularly for youth. Thousands of people have been hospitalized with e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury, also known as EVALI. These products have toxins in them that are very dangerous,” she adds.

In addition to the lung damage, nicotine is highly addictive and can slow brain development in kids and teens and affects areas like memory, concentration, self-control, and mood. It also increases the risk of other types of addiction. Many e-cigarette products appeal directly to young children through the use of fruit flavors, and even branding that can appear cartoon-like. Walley warns parents to be on the lookout beginning at an early age for signs of e-cigarette use. It is recommended that parents talk with their children and teens about the dangers of vaping. And if you believe your child has already started, look for programs to help them quit. It is important for parents to be engaged and tune into what their children are doing to help them stay safe.

May 10, 2021 by
Health and Safety

Bicycle Safety

Biking is a beneficial summer activity for children because it provides an opportunity to exercise, get outside, play and interact with other children. However, parents should consider these tips as their child engages in bike riding this summer. Children should be efficient in their bike-riding skills and proficient in the rules of the road before embarking on their own biking adventures. Parents should ride alongside their child until they are confident that they can ride on their own.

When riding a bike, always remember to do the following:

  • Wear a securely-fitted helmet and fasten the chin strap
  • Follow traffic signs and signals
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic
  • Stay in the bike lane whenever possible
  • Look left, right and left again before entering street or crossing intersection
  • Use the sidewalk appropriately and be alert of other pedestrians
  • Never use electronics while riding
  • Use hand signals when changing directions
  • Make sure you ride in a straight line and do not swerve around cars – be predictable as you ride
  • Use lights on your bike and wear bright-colored clothing

State Chapter Director of Division of SAFE Kids Alabama, Julie Farmer, said, “Parents should model good behavior and always wear a helmet when riding a bike.” Parents should teach their child how to ride a bike in a safe area, such as an unused parking lot or empty athletic track. Children need to be taught the rules of the road and safety hand signals. A good resource to teach hand signals  is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at  www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/8009-handsignals.pdf

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “A majority of the 80,000 cycling-related head injuries treated in emergency rooms each year are brain injuries.”

According to Safe Kids, “Properly-fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45% – yet less than half of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet.” The Alabama law for bike helmets states that children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. In cases of violation, the child’s parent or guardian may receive up to a $50 citation.

Parents should always make sure their child has the right size helmet. Your child’s helmet should align with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards and have a certification stamp on the side – either Ansi or Snell. The fit and certification of a helmet is more important than the cost of the helmet itself. In addition, parents should make sure their child knows how to correctly put on the helmet to ensure their head is protected.

“A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled, but not too tightly,” said Farmer.

In addition to helmet fit, proper bike fit is extremely important to ensure a safe ride. If possible, parents should bring their child along with them to the store when shopping for a bike. Be sure your child’s feet can touch the ground when they sit on the bike.

Before your child leaves on a bike ride, make sure:

  • The reflectors are stable
  • Brakes work efficiently
  • Gears shift easily
  • Tires are properly secured and inflated
  • Helmet is secured
  • Your child is not wearing long, loose clothing, flip-flops or sandals

Children should be at least 10 years old before riding a bike without a parent present. There are many factors that contribute to the decision, such as traffic, sidewalks available or where someone lives, but 10 years old is a good choice. At this age, children have the cognitive ability to determine how close the sound or sight of cars are in relation to their current location. To learn more about this or other safety topics, visit our website at childrensal.org.

May 5, 2021 by
Children's, Health and Safety, News

Patient Noah Stewart Remembers the 2011 Tornado Outbreak and His Care Team at Children’s

Ten years ago, on April 27, 2011, Noah Stewart – then an 8-year-old living in Pleasant Grove – was one of more than 60 children treated in our Emergency Department as part of a widespread outbreak of tornadoes throughout Alabama.

Noah Stewart shelters in the closet just 15 minutes before an April 2011 tornado demolished his house. Wearing the helmet may have saved his life, one doctor says.

Now 18, Noah is a freshman at Troy University and is a member of the Sound of the South marching band drumline. We caught up with Noah about his experience that day. Experts said one of the reasons he survived a tornado striking his home was because he was wearing a baseball helmet. At the time, that was a novel concept. Today it’s a standard part of severe weather preparation.

“The first thing I remember about April 27, 2011, is there being a tornado warning and my mom telling me to put on my baseball helmet,” he remembered. “At that point, I got a little worried, grabbed the stuffed animal my girlfriend had given me and went to our designated safe place, my parents’ walk-in closet. My dad got home from work and we, my parents, my sister Haley and I, all took shelter literally minutes before the tornado hit.

“I remember losing power, the whistle of the wind and then a very, very low rumble. It sounded like a train, getting louder and louder the closer it came. In an instant, the house exploded, and we were all sucked out by the tornado. The experience was like being swallowed by a huge wave in the ocean; I couldn’t tell up from down or right from left – I was lost. It was over as quickly as it began except that I was about 50 yards from where I was only seconds before, now laying in a field of debris against the twisted remains of a tree stump.  My parents and sister landed in different locations, but they all crawled to me. There was an immediate calm after the storm, but we soon noticed everything we owned was gone. In that moment it didn’t matter because we all survived and so did our dogs, Jack and Cody. My mom and Haley were taken by ambulance directly to the hospital. I was placed on the remains of a broken door. My dad and I were carried in the back of a pickup truck to a triage location several blocks away. Dad and I were separated when he was transported by ambulance. Several hours later, I was sent to Children’s. I was wet, cold and alone without my family but the doctors, nurses and staff were amazing. They made me feel safe and comforted me as they stitched and bandaged my cuts and bruises.”

Noah was treated that night by Drs. Mark Baker and Michele Nichols and a host of other staff.

“I wish I knew the names of each person that helped me that night,” he said. “Children’s befriended me and allowed me to be a part of several events like the Regions Classic and the dedication of the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children. This gave me an opportunity to tell my story and about the importance of protecting your head by wearing a helmet during a storm. I had a reunion with the ER doctors, nurses and staff on the one-year anniversary of the tornado. I am unable to visit on this anniversary as I will be in Troy but my admiration and appreciation for the doctors, nurses and staff of Children’s is as strong today as it was on April 27, 2011.

“Thank you all so much for what you did for me that night and what you continue to do for the children of Alabama and throughout the world. Just as I told you on the one-year anniversary visit, you guys are my angels and I will always appreciate the care and support you gave me. You are truly heroes! Because of Dr. Bakers’ research on the use of helmets as protection during tornadoes, many lives have been saved and the use of helmets during emergency weather events is widely practiced and encouraged by life safety professionals throughout the United States.”

Noah Stewart currently attends Troy University

Is your family prepared for severe weather? The 2021 tornado season is off to a deadly start. Already this year, twisters are blamed for the deaths of more than 200 people in the US.

“Children are at risk during tornadoes because of their relatively large heads,” Dr. Baker said. “Noah’s helmet helped protect him after he was thrown high in the air. We also found two more children who were protected by infant carriers when the tornado hit their homes. Helmet use and getting in a safe place can make a big difference when violent weather strikes.”

Have your safe place planned as part of a disaster plan. During a tornado, the best bet is to lay low. The basement is the best tornado safety shelter if available; if not, have an alternate place to seek shelter quickly when necessary. If you’re outside when a tornado hits, seek cover in a safe building or in a ditch, using your hands to protect your head and neck. Families who live in a mobile home should talk to neighbors or the park owner about tornado safety options.

  • Have a portable radio (with new batteries) on hand as part of your tornado safety plan. In the event of an emergency, someone needs to listen and be aware of the two types of reports given when weather conditions are right for a tornado: A “tornado watch” means that a tornado is possible. A “tornado warning” means that a tornado has been sighted; people who are in its path should go to their tornado safety shelter immediately. A local or state map will help you visually follow the path of the tornado when listening to radio reports.
  • Have a helmet designated for each member of your family in your safe place. The most common injury related to tornados is head injury, and doctors believe helmets can prevent the majority of head trauma during severe weather. Baseball, bicycle and football helmets are all good examples of protective head gear and should have a well-fitted chin strap to keep the helmet secure.
  • Put together an emergency supplies kit. The emergency kit should include everything that might be needed during or in the aftermath of a tornado, especially if power is lost or water sources are affected. Bottled water, flashlights, batteries, prescription medicine, a first aid kit, and snacks or non-perishable food for the family are essential components of the supplies kit. Make sure the kit is easily accessible in the event it’s needed. Include notepad and pen in your kit if you are worried that your child might be anxious or frightened while executing your disaster plan. Having him or her write a journal entry on the experience of preparing for a tornado or inclement weather helps your child overcome feelings of helplessness and will also provide an interesting record of events for the future. Also, based on your child’s age, you may be able to assign him a task or two to help him or her feel more in charge of the situation. Something that doesn’t require much supervision is ideal; tasks such as testing all the flashlights and replacing batteries as needed, putting together snack bags for family members, or even occupying younger children while you are working on preparations. Giving your child some responsibility will make them feel more secure and help reduce their anxiety about the chaotic nature of the storm.
  • Moving lawn furniture and trash cans out of the storm’s path and removing dead limbs from trees in the yard can be a life-saving tornado safety precaution. Even small items can become dangerous when propelled by high winds. Make sure to move these items several hours before the storm arrives.
  • Set up a disaster plan with extended members of your family. Tornados typically strike during late afternoon and early evening, but they have been known to touch down in the middle of the night. Families should decide ahead of time which family members are responsible for calling the rest of the family to warn them and to provide them with updates as part of the tornado safety checklist.
  • If tornado sirens are sounded, it usually indicates that a tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather Service and you need to get to your “safe place.” If you happen to be outside and the sirens go off, do not panic. Find a culvert pipe, a ditch, or a low-lying area. Lie flat, cover your head and get to safety as soon as the storm has passed. In the event of severe weather, the sirens will sound when there has been damage equal to that is similar to that of a small tornado. This damage may include downed trees, power lines and property damage.

For more information on this and other children’s health and safety issues, please visit childrensal.org.

April 26, 2021 by
Children's, Health and Safety

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

One in four children experience some sort of neglect or abuse in their lives and one in seven have experienced abuse or neglect in the last year (American Academy of Pediatrics). In over 90% of abusive situations, a child is abused – sexually or physically – by someone they know. Abuse is often carried out by the child’s caregiver.

The current health and economic crisis induced by COVID-19 intensified several challenges for children. Loss of jobs and resources, health concerns, and isolation have led to high stress among families. Director of the Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services (CHIPS) Center, Debra Schneider, said, “Increased stress levels among parents is often a major predictor of physical abuse and neglect of children.” Stressed guardians may be more likely to respond to their child’s behavior in an aggressive way. The support systems that many at-risk parents rely on, such as extended family, childcare, schools, religious groups and other community organizations, were no longer available in many areas due to the stay-at-home orders. Child protection agencies also experienced strained resources with fewer workers available, making them unable to conduct home visits in areas with stay-at-home orders.

Schneider, said, “There has been more suspected physical abuse cases seen by the CHIPS Center in the last six months directly relating to the pandemic compared to before.” Kids are at home more under the supervision of their caregivers. Caregivers aren’t getting as much of a break because the kids are not in school.

Vulnerable situations and disasters such as the tornadoes that recently plagued central Alabama can also lead to misplaced and unsupervised children, which can then result in abusive situations.

Lack of understanding regarding child development can also lead to abuse. In instances of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, Schneider said the child is often left in the care of a family member or significant other. That person may not understand the process of child development and expects a child to do a task they cannot yet fulfill – such as walking, feeding themselves or being potty-trained. They may take out their anger on the child through a form of abuse if they cannot fulfill the task.

Signs to watch out for in victims of abuse and abusers:

There are many signs that may indicate a child is being abused. 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

There are also signs to watch out for in abusers themselves. They 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. Gaslighting is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “presenting false information to the victim with the intent of making them doubt their own memory and perception.”

Most kids think abuse comes from a stranger, but abusers are usually someone a child knows. Schneider suggests teaching kids “stranger danger;” however, build off that concept to make them aware that abusers can be someone they know.

Steps for parents to take to prevent or stop abuse:

Parents should be aware of abusive situations and know the signs to look out for in children when they are victims of abuse. 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 will be removed from the situation and be provided with medical care, therapy and counseling to heal.

If an adult suspects an abusive situation, they should report it immediately. Anyone can provide an anonymous report of abuse and NOT have to prove it.

Children in an abusive situation need a trusted adult to confide in – whether that is a teacher, friend’s caregiver or guidance counselor. Schools 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.” In some instances, the trusted adult’s child may be present for the conversation if it creates a comfortable atmosphere for the child experiencing abuse.

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, adults should consider this advice when approaching a suspected victim of abuse. 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.

The next step for adults would be to report to the local department of human resources or a child protective services agency. 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.

 “Abuse is not the child’s whole story,” Schneider said. “There is hope when intervention occurs.”

April 19, 2021 by