I came across this link by way of one of the Pediatric Intensivists in our unit. He thought this website would be a great reference for our families. I agree! This website is associated with the American Academy of Pediatrics. While looking through it today, I was able to link to articles on car safety and vaccinations, videos on how to use spacer, and information on new parent reference books. Give it a look and let me know how you like it.

Healthy Children website:

www.HealthyChildren.org

Take Care,
Cindy, RN

·       Contact:  Cynthia Sedillo RN, BSN

·       Office Location:  North Central Baptist Hospital Madison Oaks entrance 2^nd floor, across from the PICU waiting room

·       Office Phone Number:  210-297-4308

·       Office Email:  CASEDILL@baptisthealthsystem.com

* Programs:  Pediatric Tracheostomy, Pedi Puffers Asthma Classes, High Risk CPR for Neonatal and Pediatrics 

While your child is hospitalized, your doctor, nurse, and other bedside staff will be a wealth of information on the condition of your son/daughter.  If you would like more information, please contact me using the information listed above.  Your child’s nurse can also assist you in contacting me.

Take care,
Cindy, RN

For children with special healthcare needs, keeping track of their ever changing issues can be a difficult task. Parents of special needs children are usually at the child's side when they come through the ER, but what if they are not there during an emergency? Others may be watching him/her while you are out. He/she may be at school, or the whole family may be injured in an accident at the same time. It is good to have an emergency information sheet for your special needs child. I found this easy to use template on the link below.

Try it out and see what you think.

The American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage the use of the Emergency Information Form (EIF), which can be downloaded from the link below:

http://www3.acep.org/practres.aspx?id=26276 

Cindy, RN

Summertime Fun Time!

Join North Central Baptist Hospital for the 5th Annual Summer Celebration. 

Your kids will love the fun activities, and you'll enjoy informative exhibits.

- FREE t-shirt for the first 200 attendees who donate back-to-school supplies
- Great giveaway items from area businesses
- FREE food and refreshments
- Local physicians with FREE family health and wellness information
- Asthma education
- Learn about the Spirit of Women program
- Games, crafts and much, much more!

When:  Saturday, August 7th

Time:  9 am to noon

Location:  North Central Baptist Hospital's Atrium Lobby
                    520 Madison Oak Drive
                    San Antonio, TX  78258

For more information, please call (210) 297-7005

Did you know that over 800 children die each year due to drownings?

Near-drowning victims can still suffer serious injuries. An estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to near-drownings each year. About 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.  [excerpt from Safe Kids Org]

1.)  Supervise around any water (pool, tub, bucket, etc.)

·        Be an active watcher.  If you are reading or doing other activities, children can silently go under while you are distracted.

·        If there are many adults at a pool party with children, take turns being the designated watcher.  If you leave it up to “everyone” to watch the children, many times nobody ends up watching and there can be gaps in supervision.

2.)  Have Barriers to separate children from open bodies of water.

·        Children are quick and crafty.  They may not be able to slide the door open one day, and manage to get outside the next.

·        Be even more alert around visitors and their young children.  I’ve seen many tragedies occur due to children visiting friends and family without pool barriers.

3.)  Know CPR

·        The first few minutes of CPR after a child stops breathing can be a matter of life or death. 

·        Keep a phone near pool area.

·        Call your area YMCA, American Heart Association, or Red Cross to sign up for a course.

·        Anytime CPR (course in a box) is also available online via the AHA.

4.)  Teach children how to swim.

·        Enroll your child in swimming lessons.

·        To find swimming lessons, contact your local parks and recreation department, aquatics center, or visit the YMCA Web site to find a YMCA near you.

5.)  Use life jackets.

·        Even experience swimmers have drowned when thrown from a boat.  The life jacket can keep a person’s nose and mouth above the water if they become unconscious.

·        Try to find the most comfortable life jacket you can afford.  The life jacket only works well when it fits well.  Kids will be more apt to wear the jacket if it is comfortable and if you make it the rule.  No life jacket, no boat ride!

For more information, please go to the following websites:

5 Truths about water safety - http://www.safekids.org/assets/docs/safety-basics/safety-tips-by-risk-area/5-truths-about-water-safety.pdf                   

Water Safety for Parents - http://kidshealth.org/parent/fitness/safety/water_safety.html

Anytime CPR at Home Program - http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3033740

Take Care, 
Cindy, RN