Category Archives: Child health

Allergies, Child health, Doctors, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Pediatrics

The National Center for Health Statistics reported recently that the number of children diagnosed with food allergies has spiked eighteen percent in the last ten years

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, explains that the best way for parents to keep track of their child’s changing health needs is to keep up with regular appointments with the pediatrician and to log any sudden changes in temperament or physical condition following a meal.

“Pediatricians use these regular visits as a way of establishing a baseline for your child’s state of health,” says Dr. Ketch, as he is called by his patients. “It’s important that parents show up to these appointments and notify the pediatrician of any unusual activity.”

Dr. Ketch added that laboratory tests can verify most allergies but that pediatricians are also a good resource because they are trained to notice any differences in physical health that should raise a red flag. Symptoms associated with an allergic reaction include:

-hives
-wheezing and other lower respiratory problems
-vomiting
-nausea
-stomach cramps

In his book, Dr. Ketch advises that most allergic reactions will express themselves in anywhere from the first minute following a meal to a few hours afterward. He recommends that parents set an appointment with their child’s pediatrician following these incidents, especially if the reaction was severe enough to warrant a hospital visit.

Will It Hurt? helps educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy-to-read resource that will give you, your child and your family the help and reassurance you need to make the surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has also worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

(Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; soft cover book with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

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Acupressure, Child health, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Society, Surgeons, Surgery

An Ancient Chinese Practice Is Proving As Effective As Pre-Surgery Sedatives In Reducing Stress Levels In Child Patients Undergoing Anesthesia

During recent tests, doctors placed small plastic acupressure beads, encased in an adhesive pad, on the Extra-1 acupoint between the eyebrows of a test group of children prior to surgery. The effects were dramatic, lowering stress and allowing the patients to avoid the nausea and prolonged effects from anesthesia that the sedatives can cause.

The patients whose beads were placed on the Extra-1 point showed a significant decrease in stress levels as compared to no noticeable difference in a control group that had the beads placed on a spot above the left eyebrow, not known as an acupressure spot.

The successful use of the beads to reduce stress is in keeping with the kind of treatment that one anesthesiologist says can help to make recovery times shorter.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will it Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that pre-surgery anxiety has a negative effect on a child’s body and how it recovers from the stresses of surgery.

“It’s been shown that children that have lower stress levels prior to surgery have better outcomes,” says Dr. Ketch, as his patients call him. “It’s absolutely critical that parents contribute to this process by finding ways put their kids at ease.”

In his book, Dr. Ketch emphasizes the use of soothing words and honest communication as part of the overall effort to keep children calm. Efforts that can include acupressure beads or regular sedatives.

“One of the most important factors is the parent. If the parents are stressed, the child is going to mirror that,” says Dr. Ketch. “Parents can do their child a great service by learning what they can about the surgery so that their own fears are alleviated.”

Dr. Ketch hopes that his book will contribute to increased attempts by surgeons and other caretakers to reduce stress in pre-surgical patients. His advice includes:

¤ Accompany your child into the operating room if allowed
¤ Taking advantage of any specially designed waiting room that has a fish tank or toys for your child
¤ Making sure your child is well rested and has followed the surgeon’s pre-surgery instructions to the letter
¤ Bringing games or stuffed animals to the hospital to help your child feel more at home

“Children are better off the more relaxed they are. Anything that can be done to help them relax is a step in the right direction, and I encourage parents to ask their doctors about the day of the surgery and what can be done to provide for their child’s state of mind,” says Dr. Ketch.

Will it Hurt? helps educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy-to-read resource that will give you, your child and your family the help and reassurance you need to make the surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has also worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

(Will It Hurt? Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; soft cover book with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

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Child health, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Obesity, Pediatrics, Society, Surgeons, Surgery, Weight loss

As More And More Adults Turn To Various Forms Of Surgery To Deal With Their Obesity, The Question Arises Whether Or Not The Same Medical Procedures Are Suitable For Overweight Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over nine million children in the United States are now considered overweight or obese. But as more and more adults turn to various forms of surgery to deal with their obesity, the question arises whether or not the same medical procedures are suitable for children.

Weight-loss surgery can be an effective option for some severely obese adults who have been unable to lose weight using conventional weight-loss methods. However, as with any type of surgery, there are risks and potential long-term complications.

Perhaps more importantly, the long-term effects of weight-loss surgery on a child’s future growth and development are largely unknown.

Some parents are convinced that weight-loss surgery may be the only solution for their child’s obesity. However, there is no guarantee that your child will get down to a normal healthy weight or keep off the weight in the long run.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, cautions against this radical approach when it comes to pediatric dieting and weight loss. 

“I don’t believe that this kind of surgery is necessary or practical for children,” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “I think that proper diet and behavioral modification are much more appropriate in this case. Teaching your child to follow a healthy lifestyle makes a lot more sense.”

Here are some tips Dr. Ketch recommends for parents who want to help their children lose weight and become healthier:
• Make sure the child is physically active every day
• Have the child plan and cook healthy meals with the parents
• Avoid trips to fast-food restaurants
• Stock the pantry with healthy snacks
• Avoid buying and keeping junk food in the house 

Dr. Ketch’s book, Will It Hurt?, is intended to educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy-to-read resource that will give parents, their children and their families the help and reassurance they need to make any surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse. 

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

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Child health, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Society, Surgery

A Breakthrough Surgery Is Offering Hope To Children That Suffer Nerve Damage In Their Arms And Hands

Just five years ago, a child that suffered damage to brachial plexus nerves, the nerves that pass signals between the brain, hand and arm, would have been hard pressed to recover fully because surgical techniques couldn’t provide a fix without pulling nerves from another part of the body, leaving a numb spot. 

Now a new surgery pioneered at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital is offering hope to these kids through a revolutionary process that cuts the ends off the damaged nerves and attaches them to healthy but lightly taxed nerves allowing a child to recover some, if not all, movement.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will it Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that parents of children in need of surgery are often drawn to new surgical techniques in the hope of finding a way to help their child. He recommends parents find trusted sources of information and ask the advice of their child’s doctor prior to making a major decision about treatment. 

“Surgeons are able to do wonderful things to help children heal,” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “But parents should understand that new surgeries are but one option that they need to explore when their child has been injured.”

In his book, Dr. Ketch recommends that parents interested in finding a new surgeon or exploring a new surgical technique follow a simple guidelines first, including:

• Visit the medical facility where a prospective surgeon works to see if it is child friendly

• Find trusted medical journals that may have information about a new procedure

• Ask other parents whose children have undergone the same surgery

• Find any support group that may have information for parents whose children have a specific birth defect or injury

“The more parents know the better off they’ll be,” says Dr. Ketch. “New technologies and procedures are being developed all the time, so parents have a lot to learn in a short amount of time following a child’s injury.”

Unfortunately parents are often the ones managing a child’s medical portfolio and scouting for new treatments, according to Dr. Ketch, who says, ““Unfortunately, because of the hectic pace and complexity of the modern healthcare landscape, parents are sometimes in a better position to keep track of their child’s treatment and care better than physicians.”

Will it Hurt? helps educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy-to-read resource that will give you, your child and your family the help and reassurance you need to make the surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has also worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse. 

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

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Alternative medicine, Child health, Healthcare, Healthcare Solutions, Medicine, Society, Therapies

Continued testing in rural Southern Africa shows promiseful results for those with HIV/AIDS

AIDS Research Assistance Institute, a non-profit organization, has been monitoring hundreds of people with AIDS/HIV when they add the immunity boosting food supplement, ‘concentrated Flax Hull Lignans’ (FHL) to their diets. The results are better than expected and may hold a key for future researchers as they try to find solutions to the AIDS pandemic worldwide.

Boasting a 92% success rate, A.R.A.I. has been involved with rural Southern African grass roots organization leaders who have been giving FHL to people suffering from the AIDS/HIV virus. Typically when an HIV infected person adds 1.5 tsp of the FHL to their daily diet, their viral loads drop significantly (around 35% of them drop to non-detectable within the first 6 weeks!) and their CD-4 counts (measurement of immunity) raise in great numbers. A malnourished child will also typically start growing in height and weight once introducing the FHL into their diets. Many children have grown between 6-11 cm in a three month period!

Researchers can only speculate as to the exact function of the FHL that is causing the success. Many studies have been done in the U.S. by doctors that show lignans boost immunity. The FDA has reported that flax seed lignans have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungus properties.* Tests have shown that FHL’s ORAC values (measurement of anti-oxidants) are very high. Kale, the super anti-oxidant dark leafy green vegetable, has an ORAC value of 1770, while FHL’s equivalent ORAC value is 19,600. FHL has typically been researched for it’s effects against cancer but now hundreds of people with AIDS/HIV are feeling better, going back to work, and are causing researchers to take a serious look at the possibilities of using a simple, all natural food supplement to help fight AIDS/HIV.

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Alternative medicine, Child health, Consultations, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Medicine, Society, Surgeons, Surgery

A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery

Nearly 5 million children underwent surgery in the United States in 2008 and according to one prominent anesthesiologist, many of those surgeries were made more difficult by parents who refused to follow their doctor’s orders. Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that parents often ignore doctors’ directions and requests for pre-surgery testing and preparation.

Considering the stakes, the reasons parents give for not complying with their doctor often seem, well, unreasonable: Scheduled tests may interfere with family vacation plans or because parents, in their own opinion, feel that the requested tests or diets aren’t important.

“I’ve seen parents who felt that the rules didn’t apply to them,” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “They assume that doctor’s will understand if certain tests are not done or if certain consultations are missed.”

Missed appointments and tests cause unnecessary delays in the preparation for surgery according to Dr. Ketch, who says that medical professionals order the tests for a reason.

“We in the medical profession are held to a higher standard and so we can’t take anything for granted,” says Dr. Ketch. “We need the fullest cooperation of parents to provide the best care possible.”

Will it Hurt? is a guide for parents whose children need surgery and a big part of the book’s message is the importance of the preparations that contribute to a successful surgery. Dr. Ketch says he believes that informed parents make the experience easy for everyone, including their child. And that can pay big dividends after the surgery.

According to Dr. Ketch, “Children who are less anxious need less anesthesia during surgery and less recovery time after the surgery. Parents can ensure their children are more relaxed by being informed and by not putting any undue stress on the process.”

Will It Hurt? helps educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy to-read resource will give you, your child and your family the help and reassurance you need to make the surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has also worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm. (Will It Hurt? Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; soft cover book with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

 

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Anesthesiology, Child health, Healthcare, Society, Surgery

Study Says That Young Children Exposed To Anesthesia May Be More Prone To Developing Behavioral And Developmental Disorders Than Their Peers

A study released this week by Columbia University researchers found that young children exposed to anesthesia may be more prone to developing behavioral and developmental disorders than their peers, though researchers said the study was limited.

One prominent anesthesiologist says he believes that parents can help alleviate their fears about anesthesia by forming a solid relationship with their child’s surgeon.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that parents are often in the dark about what their child will experience while under general anesthesia and what risks may be associated with the drugs used during surgery.

“The risks to children undergoing surgery with general anesthesia are slightly higher than they are in adults” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “Children have smaller windpipes than adults and that makes the procedures a little more complex. It’s important for parents to talk to their child’s doctors to better understand what the procedure involves and what their child may experience.”

Research into the link between anesthesia and developmental disorders was first established using rats, and the anesthesiology community has been conducting further research since then on a recommendation from the FDA.

“We in the medical profession are held to a higher standard and so we can’t take anything for granted,” says Dr. Ketch.

Dr. Ketch’s book is a guide for parents whose children need surgery and a big part of the book’s message is the importance of education for parents. “Education,” says Dr. Ketch, “is a great way to help dispel myths and help parents make more informed decisions.”

Will It Hurt? is an easy-to-read resource that will give parents, their children and their families the help and reassurance they need to make any surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

(Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; softcover with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

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Child health, Healthcare, Healthcare Solutions, Society, Vaccine

Boots Is Joining The Pampers And UNICEF Tetanus Vaccine Initiative For One Month During The Forthcoming Campaign

Boots has announced that it is joining the Pampers and UNICEF tetanus vaccine initiative for one month during the forthcoming campaign.

Each year maternal and newborn tetanus kills approximately 30,000 mothers and 140,000 babies around the world. This is equivalent to one baby dying from tetanus every three minutes. In 2007 Pampers created a campaign to support UNICEF by supplying funding for tetanus vaccines in developing countries through the sale of its nappies.

Boots has pledged to join this year’s campaign for 4 weeks of the three month campaign. During this time Boots will match the donation made by Pampers on the sale of Pampers nappies sold through Boots stores. This means that for every specially marked Pampers pack sold in Boots stores, the funding for two vaccines will be donated to UNICEF, rather than one.

Caroline Gardner, Boots Buyer for Baby said; “Maternal and newborn tetanus was eliminated in the developed world almost 50 years ago and it is shocking that this disease can turn the joy of having a baby into tragedy in more than 40 countries still today. The Pampers project with UNICEF can transform lives and Boots is delighted to be joining this initiative and hopefully help to make a real difference to families’ lives.”

Last year Pampers provided UNICEF with the funding for over 15 million tetanus vaccines. This year, with support from companies such as Boots, Pampers is hoping to provide the funding for 32 million vaccines to help UNICEF support countries in eliminating maternal and newborn tetanus by 2012*.

The Pampers and UNICEF campaign runs from October to December 2008 and Boots joins the campaign for four weeks from late October **.

Pampers Brand Manager, Usama AlQassab, commented, “The Pampers-UNICEF campaign is now in its third year in the UK, and year-on-year we have increased the target of the number of vaccines we want to raise. Matched contributions, such as the campaign Boots are committing to, are a critical factor for us to reach this year’s target of 32 million vaccines”.

UNICEF UK spokesperson Mayaz Rahman said: “It is unacceptable that maternal and newborn tetanus still claim approximately 170,000 lives every year, even though they are easily preventable diseases. Our partnership with Pampers is invaluable in helping us to support countries in eliminating maternal and newborn tetanus by 2012, and we are delighted that Boots will be adding its support to the initiative for four weeks.”

UNICEF UK – registered charity number 1072612 – is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

About Boots
Boots is the UK’s leading retailer of beauty and health products, including baby products, with thousands of products from prestigious brands.

Boots Pharmacy Superintendent is responsible for healthcare advice provided within the Boots Pharmacy pages of Boots.com. Boots.com is the trading name of Boots UK Limited (reg. 928555) an Alliance Boots company. All other information and advice on boots.com is the responsibility of Boots UK Limited.

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Child health, Healthcare, Reproductive Medicine, Society

A New Survey From Bounty Has Revealed That Pregnant Women Will Seek Advice From Their Mum Before Anybody Else

A new survey from Bounty, a leading UK parenting club, has revealed that pregnant women prefer to seek advice and support from their own mother before consulting a baby guru.

The survey from Bounty polled mums on which baby guru is their favourite and whose pregnancy advice they trust most. “My mum” topped the poll with 37% of the vote while”Supernanny” Jo Frost came in second, winning a quarter of the votes cast.

While there’s no denying the amazing success and popularity of baby gurus and the value of their work which gives many mothers and mums-to-be easy access to a pregnancy guide (“Supernanny” alone regularly enjoys up to 3 million viewers in the UK and between 8 and 9 million in the US), most pregnant women find advice from their own mother the most comfort to them during their pregnancy.

Commenting on the research, Bounty.com editor, Dorothy Thomas said, “It’s great that a mother’s advice is so valued by women when they’re pregnant. The saying that ‘mum knows best’ can so often be true, though, as lots may have changed since the mums of today’s mothers-to-be had them, it’s good to know that there are complimentary sources of pregnancy information, such as Bounty.”

Mrs Thomas continued, “Bounty has almost 50 years experience in delivering pregnancy and parenting information, and understands how pregnancy and childcare advice has changed over the years. All our information conforms to the latest best practice guidelines and we’re proud to be a valuable source of advice for our members.”

About Bounty:
Bounty is the UK’s favourite parenting club, providing information, support and products for young families throughout the four key-life stages: pre-birth, birth, toddlers and pre-school and has been supporting mums since 1959 by providing trusted information, advice and product samples.

With 2.5 million members and over 50,000 new members joining every month, Bounty has approximately 95% market coverage of the estimated 750,000 annual births in the UK.

Bounty reaches over 96% of new and expectant mothers and distributes 3.2 million reward bags containing over 60 million product samples. The award winning Bounty website, bounty.com, is an active online community with 666,000 mums meeting regularly online and joining discussion in the pregnancy forums and enjoying pregnancy podcasts.

Bounty is a Kaboose company. Kaboose is one of the largest family-focused new media companies in the world and one of the top-five most visited family destinations online.

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