CHILDREN'S HEALTH UPDATE

A Wash A Day Can Help Keep Spring And

Summer Allergens Away From Kids 

The cost can hit parents especially hard as some 40 percent of all children suffer from allergic rhinitis. To make matters worse, pediatric OTC nasal decongestants, which parents in the past have used to relieve symptoms, have been voluntarily withdrawn from shelves in light of warnings from the FDA against use of such products with children under 6.

However, a safe, natural, effective and low-cost alternative exists to minimize the severity of spring and summer allergy attacks in children and relieve the congestion and sinus pain associated with them.

Nasal irrigation or washing with a saline solution, practiced for hundreds of years, has been proven to provide safe and effective relief from allergies and reduce the need for expensive medication.

The traditional method of nasal irrigation is with a neti pot or squeeze bottle. But these can be impractical for children. For this spring and summer allergy season, SinuCleanse (www.sinucleanse. com), the leading manufacturer of neti pots in the U.S., has introduced Kids Mist™, a spray bottle producing an ultrafine mist that is easy to aim and that does not require touching the inside of the nose.

Kids Mist, specifically designed for use in infants and children, delivers a measured, precise dose of all-natural saline mist that is completely preservative free and that contains no benzalkonium chloride (BZCL). Preservatives such as BZCL, found in some brands of children's saline and nasal spray/drop solutions, have been shown to damage the sensitive lining of a child's nose. Kids Mist also features a proprietary anti-backwash valve that prevents recontamination.

According to the developer of Kids Mist, Diane G. Heatley, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, where she practices pediatric otolaryngology, nasal irrigation not only helps thin out mucus, allowing it to drain easily, but also washes out pollen in the nasal cavity and sinuses that can trigger allergy attacks.

Dr. Heatley recommends daily use of nasal irrigation for children during allergy season. Kids Mist is available nationwide at food, drug and mass outlets. Kids Mist has a suggested retail price of $14.99 and includes a three-week saline solution supply.

There is a safe, natural, effective and low-cost way to treat allergies in children.

POINTERS FOR PARENTS

Caring For A Child With Autism

However, a recent Easter Seals study found that parents of children with autism face a number of unique challenges. Nearly 80 percent are extremely or very concerned about their child's independence as an adult, compared to only 32 percent of parents of typically developing children. These parents also report they're "financially drowning," with 74 percent fearing their child will not have enough financial support when they die. Only 18 percent of parents with typically developing children share this same fear.

Fortunately, there are ways for parents of children with autism to ease their concerns. Easter Seals, the nation's largest nonprofit provider of autism services, offers these tips:

Find Programs

A basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention, the better. There are a range of options for people of all ages. Generally, the best programs build on the strengths of the individual with autism and provide a structured environment and plenty of support.

Plan Ahead

Ease fears about your child's financial future by taking steps today. It's never too early to speak with a financial advisor about special-needs trusts and other options that could help care for your son or daughter later in life.

Take Time For You

Families can find respite by having a professional or a trained volunteer come to their home to provide support or by enrolling their child in a day or weekend program. This allows the parents to enjoy recreational, social or other important activities with siblings or with each other.

Connect With Families

You can attend an Autism Community Forum hosted by Easter Seals and the sponser of its recent study-MassMutual. The event brings families, community service groups and support services together to learn from one another as they look at the care options available for people with autism in the area. The forums can be a good way to develop better support networks and ultimately improve care for people who have autism.

For more information and tips, visit www.easterseals.com.

Connecting with the right services can help parents care for children who have autism.

*Articles  and  information shared with readers is available as a source. Valley Special People strongly suggest that you consult with your family physician or a medical professional for any additional information related to the topic.