Each year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in school age children and is most often Type 1. Type 1 diabetes requires the child to take insulin, most commonly through injection or pump.

Recognizing the symptoms for Type I is very important. Symptoms include:

• increased thirst

• increased urination

• extreme fatigue

• blurry vision

• weight loss despite extreme hunger

• extreme irritability

• weakness

• nausea

• vomiting

Type 2 develops when the body is not producing enough insulin or is not using it properly; usually this type is managed with oral medications and a strict diet. The symptoms for Type 2 are much the same as Type 1 and the difference can be a fuzzy area. The symptoms are not always as severe as Type 1 and can often go undetected for years.

Diagnosis and control of diabetes are extremely important because this disease can cause additional health complications.

• It can affect vision and is the leading cause of blindness in 20 to 74-year-olds.

• It can cause kidney damage and problems.

• It can cause damage to, and hardening of, the arteries.

• It can cause damage to the nerves in the extremities. Children's Diabetes Foundation

• Diabetics can develop Ketoacidosis which is a condition where acids build up in the blood and urine because the body does not have enough insulin; it can lead to coma or death.

Proper management will help to minimize the damage that diabetes can do. Management of Type 1 usually includes insulin, exercise, diet, and blood testing. Exercise is very important to control. It helps to maintain a healthy weight; it also decreases the risk of heart problems and can decrease blood sugars. Moderate exercise will decrease blood sugar; however, prolonged vigorous exercise is thought to increase blood sugar. Talk with your doctor about the type of exercise he wants your child to pursue.

In addition to the exercise, your child's diet will need to be monitored. Children should drink plenty of water, especially when involved in physical activity. Meals and snacks should be eaten around the same time every day and should be the same types of food. This consistency helps to maintain blood sugar.

You are not alone in diagnosing and managing your child's diabetes. His doctor can help you maintain his health. The doctor will prescribe an insulin dosage, give you a diet to follow and help you decide what exercises are best for your child. In addition to all of this help, parents must remember that even with their compliance with diet and exercise, it may take several months to see results.

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What parent wouldn't love to have the key to their child's concentration, performance on tests, behavior problems, and tardiness? Nutrition plays an important role in all of these areas, but as a child grows it can become difficult to ensure they are getting the nutrients that they need. Many times, parents are left wondering how they can help their child succeed in the game of health and nutrition. Rather than limiting calories as a way to encourage good health, focus on good, overall nutrition and food choices. Focus on these food choices when planning meals. Build your meals around whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose lean meats, then broil or grill meat instead of frying. Remember that eggs and nuts are also good sources of protein.

Make sure you offer 5 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Give children water or milk instead of sugary drinks or soda which can be full of sugar and empty calories. Let the kids help pick out food, plan meals, and cook. Children who are invested in the meal are more likely to eat and enjoy it. Having regular meals is important, and meals that are shared with other members of the family are more likely to be nutritious.

Despite your efforts, your child may still not want to eat healthy foods. Children may need to be introduced to a food several times before he will even taste it. Once he tastes it, it may be several more times before he likes it. However, don't force your child to try foods; just continue to offer a variety of food choices. Avoid fights over food. Children are less likely to eat healthy if they are in a battle over food. Don't use food to reward or punish your child, and make sure your child is hungry.

Snacks also play a role in a child's nutrition. Snacks should be limited so they don't interfere with nutritious meals. Remember, if it is available a child will eat it. Some healthy snacks to have available are low fat yogurt, fresh fruits, nuts, reduced fat cheese, pretzels, low fat cottage cheese, fresh vegetables and dried fruit. If a child's snack is interfering with his meal, then the snack must be changed or eliminated. Remember, the child will be eating a nutritious meal so it will be fine if they don't have a snack.

As parents, we are not only responsible for nutrition but for troubleshooting nutrition for our kids. Here are some tips.

• Limit fast or convenience foods; use fresh or prepared from scratch.

• Send a homepacked lunch if your child is not choosing healthy food at school.

• Cut up fruit and vegetables and place in containers.

• Keep cold water in the fridge.

One of the most important factors in our battle for good nutrition is example. Your child will eat the way that you eat, so make sure your eating habits reflect the importance that nutrition has in your life.

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Teenagers need between 8.5 and 10 hours of sleep. As children age, their sleep patterns shift to later times. Unfortunately, society does not shift schedules to later times so teenagers must adjust. Only about 15 percent of teenagers are getting 8.5 hours of sleep (National Sleep Foundation, 2011) and 10 percent of children are falling asleep in school (Michigan, 2010). Irregular sleep patterns disturb the internal clock which affects the amount and quality of sleep.

The consequences of sleep deprivation can be serious. It can have a physical, emotional and mental effect on them. Some physical effects can include dark circles under their eyes, skin that lacks color, appearance that is older than their actual age, a look that is not as vibrant. Also their glucose metabolism is altered or less effective which can lead to Diabetes. It affects their food consumption leading to unhealthy eating and increased caffeine usage. Foods high in sugar, caffeinated beverages, and energy drinks are commonly used to combat fatigue but negatively affect your teens' health. The body reacts to a lack of sleep the same way it reacts to an infection because it is not getting the restoration that it needs to stay healthy.

Sleep loss can have an emotional impact on teens as well. It can manifest itself in mood swings and aggressive behavior. Mentally, teens will experience difficulty concentrating, difficulty focusing, and difficulty with problem solving. A brain that is deprived of sleep will eventually force you to fall asleep. This may result in falling asleep in school or behind the wheel. Falling asleep at the wheel is responsible for 100,000 crashes every year. In extreme cases, people have been known to hallucinate due to lack of sleep. (National Sleep Foundation, 2011)

As parents, how can we help our child recover from the deficit? The National Sleep Foundation suggests:

• Make the sleep environment cool, dark and quiet

• Make sleep a priority

• Avoid caffeine late in the day and avoid food and exercise right before bedtime

• Avoid TV, video games, social media, computers, or phone for an hour before bedtime

• Keep a notebook beside the bed to write down thoughts or things to remember

• Stay caught up on sleep; lack of sleep can keep your teens up at night

• Maintain a consistent sleep/wake cycle

People can have short periods of insomnia. When they have it for long periods of time, it becomes a problem. If he is getting enough sleep but still feeling very tired, then he should be evaluated to look for other causes of the fatigue.

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The need for exercise in children goes beyond just trimming waistlines.

According to the American Heart Association, children who exercise regularly:

• Have stronger muscles and bone

• Have less risk of type II diabetes

• Have a better outlook on life

• Have higher self-esteem

• Are less likely to be depressed

• Have a lower risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol

• Are less likely to develop asthma or other breathing problems

• Are less likely to have sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea

• Have a lower risk of hormone imbalances

• Are less likely to be the victim of bullying

• Are less likely to have academic and behavior problems

Does all exercise have to be formally planned and followed? The answer is no. According to Kidshealth.org, " ... for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active."� This broad view of exercise makes it easier for children to get the three elements of fitness.

The first element of fitness is endurance, and it can be achieved through aerobic-type activities that get the heart pumping.

The second element of fitness is flexibility, and it can be formal stretching exercises or can be informal activities such as reaching for things or bending down to get things.

The third element of exercise is strength, and it can be increased through callisthenic exercises such as pull-ups and sit-ups. However, it can also be increased through activities such as climbing or rough and tumble play.

The recommended time needed to accomplish good health is 1½ hours for toddlers, two hours for preschoolers, and one hour for school age children and adolescents.

Getting children to exercise does not have to be a daunting task. Exercise together; you are both more likely to enjoy yourselves. Find creative ways to exercise and change what you are doing so it does not become boring. Remember that it does not have to be a formal routine.

Health Discoveryreminds us that children have a short attention span for physical activity; so you may have to take breaks periodically. Children become overheated, dehydrated, and tire faster than adults; so watch for warning signs. Be a good role model for your child; help him form habits that will last throughout his life. Make it enjoyable so that he will want to participate.

Some suggested activities are:

• Hiking

• Biking

• Skiing

• Running

• Roller skating

• Skateboarding

• Push-ups

• Sit-ups

• Tag

• Jumping rope

• Tennis

• Hockey

• Basketball

• Soccer

• Martial arts

• Gymnastics

• Swimming

• Duck-duck-goose

You have a busy life providing for your child's needs. You can provide for her need of exercise as well. Break exercise down to the basics. Find activities that you already do or enjoy doing and include those as part of your exercise. Remember that exercise does not have to be hours of cardiovascular activity. Keep workouts short, even 15 minutes of exercise will help.

Finding the time can seem like a difficult task, but just be creative about how you use your time. Have one child running around the playground while waiting for another to finish soccer practice. Last of all, remember that you do not have to be perfect. Know that trying and stumbling is still better than not trying at all.

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The cold virus is passed through droplets, in the air, which are released when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. One can inhale the droplets directly or come in contact with a surface that they are on. The cold virus can last for three hours on a surface.

Being out in the cold does not cause a cold. However, cold temperatures can dry out the nasal lining and make it easier for the nose to become infected. People with allergies that affect the nose and throat are at a higher risk of infection. People who exercise regularly are less likely to become infected. The first symptoms will appear two or three days after infection.

Once infected, the nose will start to run as a way to wash the germs out. Drainage will change to yellow or white as the immune system starts to work. It can then change to a green color; however, this does not mean that it needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Because a cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics are of little use. As symptoms progress someone who has a cold might experience the following:

• Sore throat

• Scratchy/itchy throat

• Sinus swelling or pain

• Coughing

• Headache

• Sneezing low grade fever

• Mucus buildup in nose

• Difficulty breathing through the nose (can be problematic in infants who breathe through their nose)

• Watery eyes

• Body aches

If your child is experiences any of these symptoms, it's likely a cold. However, if your child is sick, it's important to watch for flu-like symptoms. The following symptoms commonly occur with the flu:

• High fever for longer than three days (100° F in newborns, 102° F in children 6 weeks to 2 years, 103° F in children older than 2 years)

• A productive cough (that lasts longer than 2 weeks)

• Unusual sleepiness

• Severe headache (usually sinus pain)

• Difficulty breathing

• Not taking in enough fluids

• Severe ear pain

Should your child become ill with the common cold, have him or her get plenty of rest. Ensure he or she is drinking plenty of fluids. Use a vaporizer or humidifier. Try a nasal spray or wash. If needed, use a pain reliever/ fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. A throat lozenge, salt water gargle, or throat spray can be used to relieve the sore and itchy throat. Cold medicine is not recommended for children under the age of 4 years old.

The best treatment is prevention. Some practical methods for prevention are:

• Wash hands frequently

• Keep hands away from the face

• Use the elbow to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing

• Stay away from people that are ill

• Keep him or her at home if sick with any of the previously mentioned symptoms

• Use disinfectant to clean high traffic surfaces

Even though you try your best to prevent your children from catching the common cold, they more than likely will still experience it. Therefore, as a parent you need to monitor your child's illness to make sure it is not something more severe than just a cold.

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What is Gestational Diabetes?

Just like regular diabetes, Gestational Diabetes causes elevated blood sugars that need to be controlled. However, symptoms of Gestational Diabetes are not always as easy-to-recognize. It is not a lasting condition. Blood sugar levels return to normal shortly after the baby's birth.

Gestational Diabetes is thought to be caused, in part, by hormones released in pregnancy. These hormones make it difficult for the mother's body to make or use enough insulin. It occurs in women who have never had diabetes but have elevated blood sugars during pregnancy. This condition affects approximately 18 percent of all pregnancies. It can not only affect mom's health but the baby's health as well.

How does it affect baby?

Because Gestational Diabetes affects mom late in the pregnancy, it does not cause the birth defects that a mother who had diabetes prior to pregnancy risks. The large amounts of blood sugar that mom can pass along to the baby can cause the baby to get more energy than its body needs. This extra energy is stored as body fat and can make the baby large at birth. These babies can experience face and shoulder injuries during birth, preterm birth, respiratory problems, low blood sugars due to their high levels of insulin production, jaundice, an increased risk of childhood obesity and an increased risk of Type II Diabetes later in life.

Risk factors

While anyone can develop Gestational Diabetes, there are some risk factors that increase that chance. Women who have increased risk factors are older than 25 years old, have personal or family history of any type of diabetes, have babies over nine pounds, have had an unexplained stillbirth, are severely overweight or are of a non-white race (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Some of the consequences for mom include an increased risk of high blood pressure during the pregnancy, an increased risk of Gestational Diabetes in subsequent pregnancies and an increased risk of developing Type II Diabetes.

Treatment

Control of Gestational Diabetes is usually diet and exercise. A doctor or educator can help mom come up with meal plans that will help keep blood sugar lower. A schedule of planned physical activity can also be created to help mom keep levels low. Daily glucose testing is usually required with the aim being blood sugar levels that are equivalent to a pregnant person without Gestational Diabetes. In some cases, the doctor will also prescribe insulin to help control blood sugar. It should only be used according to the doctor's orders. Once you have had Gestational Diabetes, it is a good idea to check your blood sugar periodically since you are at an increased risk of developing Type II Diabetes.

The best way to approach Gestational Diabetes is with a proactive attitude. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and be evaluated. Follow up as the doctor recommends. If diagnosed, then follow the prescribed treatment and medication plans to ensure the best outcome for you and the baby.

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Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection. If caught early it can be treated with antibiotics to help speed the recovery process. Unfortunately, most cases are not caught until it is too late to treat with antibiotics. It starts out like a common cold. As it progresses, the cough starts. This combination of cough and cold can last for weeks. Over-the-counter cough syrups are of little use and, according to the Mayo Clinic, are not recommended for people with Whooping Cough.

What are the symptoms? Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, red watery eyes, mild fever, dry cough, fits of coughing which can be followed by a high-pitched "whoop"� sound, Apnea, or pauses in breathing, blue skin or coloring indicating a lack of oxygen.

While the infection affects all ages, infants and young children have more severe complications. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control show that 23 percent suffer from pneumonia while only 2 percent of teens and adults get it. Sixty-seven percent of infants and children will have apnea (pauses in breathing) and 1-2 percent will die from Pertussis. Other common complications in adults are weight loss, loss of bladder control, and rib fractures from coughing. These terrible complications, combined with the fact that as of November 2012 the CDC stated that 49 states and Washington DC are reporting an increase in cases compared to last year, make it important to know about, treat, and prevent Whooping Cough.

The best protection is immunization, including follow-up boosters every 10 years. It is important for children and adults because they can pass the infection to children with whom they come in contact. In an age where parents are a partner in the medical care of their children, they must fully understand the vaccines and the reasons for them. The vaccine is usually the DTaP and includes Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria. Parents with additional questions or concerns can conduct research or talk with their doctor. Some resources available are the Center for

Disease Control, the Mayo Clinic, the National Library of Medicinee, and local health departments.

If you do find yourself, or family members, with Whooping Cough, the Mayo Clinic has some recommendations to help the symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Rest

• Eat smaller more frequent meals to prevent vomiting while coughing

• Use a vaporizer

• Cover your mouth when coughing and wear a mask to prevent passing the infection

• Wash hands or use sanitizer frequently

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Head injuries in children have become a topic that more people are aware of and concerned about. As a parent of a child with head injuries, I found it best to gather a variety of information to help me understand the injury.

My son received a concussion after hitting his head on the ground while playing with friends. At the time I suspected a concussion but didn't take him in to a doctor because he seemed to be OK. The following week he hit his head again but this time he began to be dizzy, nauseated and fade in and out of consciousness. I had questions about how head injuries are sustained, what type of damage they do, how they are treated and the future of my child after a head injury.

How head injuries are sustained

There are two classes of head injury. The first is an external injury and it usually involves the scalp. Most often falls or blows injure the scalp and are known to bleed profusely. Many of us have seen a child get a cut on the forehead and all the blood makes them look like something from a horror movie. Aside from injuries requiring stitches and injuries to an infant's head, most external injuries are treatable at home. Treatment can include a cold pack to the head for short periods of time (20 minutes or less) every three to four hours.

Symptoms of serious injury

If it is time for your child to go to sleep, and it is shortly after an injury, make sure to check her once or twice. When checking on her, look for unusual coloring or breathing and fitful sleep. Internal head injuries can knock the brain into the side of the skull, can cause brain damage or can damage vessels in the head.

The most severe of head injuries can cause a person to go unconscious for more than a few minutes.

Some other symptoms of severe injuries are abnormal breathing, bleeding from the mouth, nose or ears, changes in speech or vision, seizures, neck pain, pupils that are unequal in size and extreme weakness or paralysis.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or by anything that makes the head move back and forth rapidly. Less than 10 percent of children with concussions actually lose consciousness.

Athletics are a common source of concussions. Football accounts for 60 percent of sports-related concussions in children (Brainline, 2012). Other common causes of concussions are car accidents, bicycle accidents, skateboard accidents, ATV accidents, playground accidents and fights.

Symptoms of a concussion include: "seeing stars"� or dazed, light headed or dizzy, unable to remember events just before or just after the accident, slurred speech or saying things that really don't make sense, blurry vision, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, difficulty thinking or making decisions, lack of coordination and balance, being anxious and irritable (Kidshealth, 2013).

Her symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, hours later or even days later.

How to treat concussions

Children should be seen by a doctor who can prescribe a treatment plan. The concussion requires a period of absolute rest from physical activity and rest from mental activity as well. Never let a child return to sports until she has been cleared by a doctor.

Care must be taken to allow complete healing because if a second concussion occurs before the first is resolved, it can result in second impact syndrome. Second impact syndrome can result in brain swelling and it can be fatal. Multiple concussions build upon each other over time and they can do permanent damage to the child.

One of the best ways to prevent concussions is to have a child wear proper sporting equipment. Things like bike helmets and football helmets are made to minimize the impact to the head and to help prevent concussions.

If your child is unfortunate enough to sustain a head injury, then you must be diligent in helping them to recover completely.

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Vitamins are needed for proper growth and development. They are made by plants and animals. In general, food is the best place to get the vitamins and minerals that a child needs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, important

vitamins and their food sources are:

• Vitamin A: yellow veggies, dairy products, liver

• B Vitamins: meats (liver, poultry, fish), soy beans, milk, eggs, whole grains, enriched breads and cereals

• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli

• Vitamin D: fortified dairy, fish oils, fortified margarine, egg yolks, sunlight (which triggers the body to produce its own vitamin D)

• Vitamin E: spinach, greens, almonds, papaya, kiwi fruit, red bell peppers, broccoli, olive oil, wheat

• Vitamin K: greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green onions, cabbage, asparagus, peas, okra, plums

Parents often do not realize how many nutrients their children receive from fortified foods. There are some conditions and diets for which a doctor will prescribe a multivitamin. Often, exclusively breastfed babies are given vitamin D supplements because they are not getting it through formula or milk.

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that older children who take a multivitamin have a higher intake of most food groups but eat lower saturated fats. These children are more likely to be physically active, and they are less likely to be overweight. They also are less likely to smoke and less likely to watch more than one hour of television a day.

Vitamins in a child's diet are important for overall health. However, what are the benefits of each individual vitamin? Understanding how the vitamins affect the body will help parents make educated decisions about supplementing their child's diet or about altering the diet to boost vitamin intake. Kidshealth suggests these vitamins as being some of the most important.

• Vitamin A: eye health, immune system, cell growth, healthy skin

• Vitamin B: nerve cell function, making red blood cells, brain function, converting carbohydrates to energy, heart, vision, muscle function and making DNA

• Vitamin C: healthy bones, teeth, gums, blood vessels, brain function, wound healing

• Vitamin D: strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium

• Vitamin E: healthy red blood cells, protects cells from damage

• Vitamin K: helps blood to clot

Even though vitamins help the body to grow and to function and help the cells and organs to do their jobs, vitamin supplements should not take the place of a healthy diet. Vitamins are usually safe to use but they are a drug. When they are given in too large a quantity, they can be toxic. As a parent, educate yourself about health needs and requirements, dietary needs and supplements. Armed with your new knowledge you can make a decision that you feel is best for you and your child.

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Symptoms

Allergies seem to trigger the eczema, and it is thought to be a reaction of the immune system. It is not contagious, but one out of 10 people will be affected by it at some point in life. Eczema often appears in the bends of elbows and knees, on the face and on the neck. These patches may feel hot and itchy at first and then will become irritated after scratching. Symptoms vary from person to person, but are often seen as:

• Dry, scaly or leathery skin

• Sensitive skin

• Intense itching

• Red, inflamed skin or recurring rash

• Skin that oozes or is crusty

• Dark colored patches of skin

• Areas of swelling

These symptoms do not have to be constant. Many people experience symptomatic periods and clear periods. Often eczema clears up by the age of 25.

Contributing factors

Some contributing factors to eczema are soaps and cleansers. It is best to use nondrying soaps and soaps that are not heavily perfumed. If you notice a flare-up after changing soap, then make sure it isn't the new soap causing the reaction. Use warm water when bathing because hot water dries the skin.

Sweating or overheating can contribute to Eczema. Keep areas clean from sweat, and keep as cool as possible. When using a towel, pat the skin dry. Rubbing the skin with a towel can irritate the skin. Choose smooth, soft fabrics to help protect the skin. Use gloves when cleaning to avoid contact with cleaning products. Stress can also trigger breakouts. Try to avoid scratching as this damages the skin and can cause the outbreak to become worse.

Treatments

Treatments can vary from simple to more complex.

• Use ointments and creams, not lotions.

• Avoid using creams or lotions with alcohol in them.

• Moisturize immediately after bathing.

• Apply a wet, cool compress to the affected area.

• Use a humidifier.

• Wear cool, smooth textured clothes.

• Apply anti-itch or calamine lotion.

• Sprinkle baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal into a bath. Salt water baths are also thought to help.

• Take an antihistamine to help stop itching.

• Bleach baths help people who have problems with skin infections.

• Phototherapy (exposing the skin to controlled amounts of sunlight) helps but has some risk involved due to exposure to the sun.

• Antibiotics are used for people that develop skin infections.

• Corticosteroids can help relieve itching and scaling but have some side effects from long-term use.

• Immunomodulators work on the immune system to help regulate skin and are used when other treatments have failed.

Your doctor can help you decide which of the treatments are best for you. He may also send you to a Dermatologist, a doctor whose specialty is the skin. If after treatment it still does not clear up, then other allergies may be looked at as the cause.

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