August 2009 Health Tips from Riley Hospital

08/06/09

INDIANAPOLIS  

At what age should children begin swimming lessons?

"Water acclimation is great beginning at about six months of age, although a child that young doesn't have the ability to swim," says Riley Hospital for Children pediatrician Michael McKenna, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine assistant professor of clinical pediatrics. "While swimming lessons are a good idea beginning after age two, even kids as old as four year old haven't yet developed good body control or a sense of risk. The bottom line is that children need to be closely watched in the water."

Are products that combine sunscreen and insect repellent the answer to a mother's prayer?

No, says Riley Hospital for Children pediatric dermatologist Patricia Treadwell, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine professor of pediatrics. While the chemical DEET is an effective way to keep bugs away from your children, DEET may make the sun protection factor (SPF) less effective.  And combination products may overexpose your child to DEET since the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.

Is your child an insect magnet?

When you know children will be exposed to insects, Riley Hospital pediatric dermatologist Patricia Treadwell, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine professor of pediatrics, encourages dressing them in long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, socks and closed-toe shoes. A broad-brimmed hat helps keep insects away from the face and mosquito netting over the baby's stroller is effective.  When dressing like a 19th century explorer doesn't work with your child's lifestyle, she counsels avoiding dressing in bright or flowery patterned clothing, as they attract bugs.  She also advises against scented soaps, perfumes, body or hair sprays since they also may attract insects.

Kids don't have to sit out of the pool after eating.

"If kids feel comfortable in the pool after eating, it's fine for them to get back in the water," says Riley Hospital for Children pediatrician Michael McKenna, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine assistant professor of clinical pediatrics, who adds that light rather than heavy food is best when at the beach or pool.  "Parents should keep a close watch on children in the water and make sure that those under six remain in the shallow end or out of big waves."

About Riley Hospital for Children -- As one of the nation's leading pediatric hospitals and Indiana's first and only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital for Children, a part of Clarian Health, has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families for 85 years. Each year, Riley Hospital and Riley Hospital at Clarian North serve over 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Riley Hospital's partnership with Clarian Health, and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine, makes it the only comprehensive clinical resource for Indiana's children and the premiere source for health-related information for their parents. From simple care associated with the health and wellness of children and less complex specialty care to the most critically-ill and medically complex cases, Riley Hospital for Children is a national leader.  Clarian Health operates the Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children campuses as a single hospital under Indiana law. For more information visit Riley Hospital for Children's Web site.