Recent News

What happens when your kid doesn’t get enough sleep? Does he or she turn into Oscar the Grouch? Not a surprise, really. But moodiness isn’t the only downside of a lack of shuteye.

Sleep is critical for mental and physical development. In fact, a lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, injuries, diabetes, and obesity in kids, as well as depression in teens (and adults).

Sleep guidelines for kids. About a year ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with new sleep guidelines for kids. In case you missed it, here’s what they now recommend:

• Infants 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours (including naps)
• Kids 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours (including naps)
• Kids 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
• Kids 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
• Teens: 8 to 10 hours

Guidelines are more challenging to devise for infants younger than four months. That’s because there is so much variation among young infants as they begin to develop regular sleep-wake cycles.

Signs of sleeplessness. How can you tell if your child isn’t getting enough sleep? Here are some telltale signs. Your child may:

• Have trouble waking up and getting moving within 15 minutes.
• Sleep at least two hours longer during weekends or vacations than during the school week.
• Fall asleep during short car trips or at school.
• Have trouble remembering, paying attention, and learning.
• Be irritable or hyperactive.

About that hyperactivity—that’s counterintuitive and can really throw parents. When you’re tired, you probably slow down. But kids can really wind up when they haven’t gotten enough sleep, and will resist going bedtime, even if they’re bone-tired. This sign can look a lot like attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

What you can do. Yes, I know: Getting kids to bed at night is easier said than done. But it’s worth the effort, because quality sleep is not a luxury. You can make a difference in a number of ways.

For example, help your child learn how to prioritize and focus on the activities he or she really enjoys—maybe not three sports all at the same time! Limit your child’s access to caffeine—remember it’s in chocolate, too. Make sure the bedroom is cool and dark. Set a regular, relaxing nighttime routine. Most important, keep TV and computers out of the bedroom, and turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Whether it comes from a bulb or a smartphone, light promotes wakefulness.

If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it’s also important to rule out a sleep disorder or other medical condition. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea in kids, not just in adults. I’d be glad to talk over your concerns or maybe its time to make an appointment with the pediatrician.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

Did you know that skin cancer rates are on the rise in the U.S., where it is the most common type of cancer? It’s no wonder. Just in the past year alone, one-third of the adult population has been sunburned at least once. And that lobster-red look is a clear sign of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays—a known cause of skin cancer, which can impact any age, gender, or race.

Risks of tanning. But you’re not off the hook if you stop at tanning. That’s your body’s response to
sun injury. When you tan—either outdoors or indoors—you increase your risk of melanoma—the deadliest
form of skin cancer. You also increase your risk of:
• Premature skin aging—wrinkles and age spots
• Damaged skin texture
• Potentially blinding eye diseases

Here’s the silver lining in this gloomy cloud: Avoiding the sun’s UV rays is one of the best ways to
prevent skin cancer. General guidelines. You probably know the drill, but it bears repeating:
1. Seek shade and stay out of the sun, if you can, when UV rays are strongest—from 10 am to 4 pm.
2. Be extra careful at higher altitudes where skin burns faster.
3. Limit exposure to water, sand, snow, and concrete—surfaces that reflect light.
4. Use sun protection even on cloudy days, when certain types of UV rays can be stronger.
5. Rely on diet and supplements to get your vitamin D, not the sun.

Sunscreen. Don’t use a product that combines sunscreen and insect repellant. Reapplying it will expose you to too much of the repellent’s ingredients. Also, avoid spray tans and bronzers—they won’t protect your skin from UV rays.

Do choose sunscreens that:
• Block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Are labeled with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher.
• Are water resistant—they’re more protective when you sweat.
• Are products you will use consistently. Generally, creams are best for dry skin and the face, gels
work well for hairy areas, and sticks are easier to apply near eyes. Mineral-based sunscreens—such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—work well if you have sensitive skin.

Wear sunscreen every day, even if you plan to be outside a short time. For best results, apply it generously 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside to all exposed areas—don’t forget your feet and ears. (A lip balm works best for your lips.) Always reapply after swimming or sweating and about every two hours or as often as the package suggests.

Sun-protective clothing. In addition to sunscreen, wear clothing that can better protect you such as:
• A hat with a wide brim. This works better than a baseball cap or visor for shielding your whole face from the sun.
• Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Loose-fitting, unbleached, tightly woven fabrics.
• Special clothing that absorbs UV rays.

Don’t forget to protect those parts of your body that may be in constant sunlight— your nose, forehead, and eyes. Questions about sun-protection products or other ways to protect your family in the sun? Remember, your pharmacist is right here—your ready resource.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.