Archive for July, 2009

How many times are you out and about and every teenager you see seems to be texting? If you’re the parent of a teen you don’t even have to leave home to see this. Teens are texting while driving, riding their bike, walking from here to there and making sure they keep their cell phones on at night so they don’t miss a beat.

According to the National Sleep Foundation school-age children and adolescents need at least nine hours of sleep every night. With cell phones attached to their hips, not to mention all the other technology at their finger tips (PC, iPod, wii, etc.) are today’s teenagers getting the amount of sleep they need or is there some sleep deprivation going on?

The effects of sleep deprivation can range from headaches and/or migraines, impaired concentration, weakened immune system, crankiness, increase in use of nicotine or caffeine, hyperactivity behavior (AKA slap happy) – all unarguably not so great.

Aside from taking away your teenager’s cell phone or trusting that when you say they can’t use it between certain times they won’t what else can you do? Is it too far out there to hope that cell phones one day feature parental controls like TV sets do?  Are teens aware of what sleep deprivation can do to their health?

Source: newsday.com

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Summer is in full effect and many of us are taking advantage of the great temperatures. No matter what age you are it’s important to protect yourself from direct sunlight and hot environments while you’re working or playing outdoors.

Being in a high temperature and humid environment makes you susceptible to heat-induced illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even a heat stroke. It’s imperative that you take proper to precautions (such as drinking enough water, reducing physical activity, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and take regular breaks in a nice cool area) to reduce your chances of illness or death. While we’re talking about precautions don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen about 20 minutes before heading outside as well.

If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat related illness here’s a summary of what you can do to help them:

Heat cramps: Rest, drink water or an electrolyte solution (AKA sports drink such as Gatorade) – stretching or applying direct pressure on the muscles may help relieve cramping.

Heat exhaustion: Lie down and rest in a cool, shady location, elevating feet about 12 inches above the head – drink water or an electrolyte solution, IV fluids may be administered if available. Untreated heat exhaustion could lead to a heat stroke.

Heat stroke: Rapid cooling is necessary – place ice in the armpits and groin area, dampen with a water spray, wet sponges or wet towels as well as use a fan to blow air on the victim. Cool IV fluids should be infused if available. It is not recommended to cover or immerse the victim in ice. Remember that heat stroke is a medical emergency and a life-threatening condition – every attempt should be made to get the victim to an emergency department ASAP.

Sources: EHSToday.com, WebMD.com

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It’s been decades since the national drinking age was set at 21 and in that time research has shown a significant reduction when it comes to binge drinking. Of course, with the exception of one demographic: college students.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis analyzed data gathered between 1979 and 2006 by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The rate of binge drinking, defined as having five or more drinks, among college-age males has remained steady. However, college-age females are heading in a different direction. For college women ages 21 to 23 binge drinking increased 30 percent from 1979.

Are these young ladies binge drinking in an attempt to keep up with the boys? Do they just really enjoy the taste of alcohol? Is it peer pressure? Is it used as a temporary escape from the stress of school? Have they been conditioned to believe this is just what people in college do?

Whatever the reasoning for their actions have they taken the time to think about the harmful effects of alcohol? All of our organs are important but the effect on the brain and the lack of judgment that ensues so quickly is scary. Are these girls getting behind the wheel of a car and drunk driving? Having unprotected sex? Are they passing out and having no idea what’s being done around or to them?

Of course there are the mental ramifications which can be just as troubling. Chances are if you had five too many drinks you’re going to regret something you said or did. Its one thing to not want to show your face for a day or two but it’s another when you need counseling because of your actions.

Let’s not even get started on the “proud ones” who post the ridiculous pictures on Facebook and MySpace giving the play by plays of how they got drunk. That’s a whole different blog.

Sources: Chron.com, ScienceDaily.com

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This fall high school students in Texas may not be required to take health class. Texas is now one of the few states in the country with no required health education however individual school districts still can require students to take health classes.

This recent decision, announced by Education Commissioner Robert Scott, has caused some worry that students will be left by the wayside when it comes to important educational topics such as alcohol awareness, sex education and basic nutrition.

“It runs the gamut, from tobacco use…substance use and abuse, nutrition and physical activity levels, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, injuries…being informed health consumers, knowing when to use medicines or over-the-counter products, properly using the health care system…” explained Susan Woolley, executive director of the Ohio-based American School Health Association.

Scott eliminated the state requirement to comply with a new law that increases the number of electives needed to graduate. This fall students will need to take six electives instead of the current three and a half. The state’s recommended high school program will still require most students to complete 26 credits.

“It’s a major statement about where we’re going,” commented Diana Everett, executive director of the Texas Association for Health Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance commented. “We’ve been trying to address the issue of childhood obesity, but we seem to be losing ground every time the Legislature meets.”

To the relief of some, the decision came too late for many school districts and students to adjust their schedules and health class will be taught as if it was required during this fall. However, next spring a choice will have to be made as to whether or not health class will be required.

If individual school districts choose not to make health class a graduation requirement do you feel it could contribute to students possibly making poor or uneducated choices regarding their health? If a student had a health question do you think they would they go to the school nurse, their parents, peers, WebMD, or maybe just let their question go unanswered?

Source: Chron.com

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Fire safety is a broad category. Did you know that in a typical year more U.S. fires are reported on July 4th than on any other day, and that fireworks are the cause for more than half those fires? With our nation’s 233rd birthday right around the corner and fireworks already in full swing let’s take a look at some facts:

• 30,100 – Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year
• 11 – Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2007
• 9,800 – Estimated number of fireworks related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2007
• 49% of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions and lacerations
• Two of five people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15
• Children ages 5-14 are 2 ½ times more likely to suffer a fireworks injury than that of the general population
• Sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 56% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007

How are these injuries happening? Bottle rockets can fly into peoples’ faces and cause eye injuries. The tip of a sparkle burns at a temperature of more than 1200 degrees, hot enough to cause third degree burns and ignite clothing. Firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range. It comes down to being too close, lack of coordination, curiosity, and experimentation. It can be all these things combined or just one of them but all it takes is a misguided or faulty firework and you can have problems.

With the exception of your pets, who may be a little freaked out by the sound of fireworks, play it safe and leave the fireworks demonstrations to the professionals. While you’re at it, pick up some earplugs and protect those eardrums!

 Fireworks Safety Poster

Source: usfa.dhs.gov

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