When children need physical therapy

Physical therapy isn’t just for adults! OCH pediatric therapist Jennifer Garner, DPT shares five diagnoses in which kids can benefit from professional therapy involvement [BLOG POST]: “When children need physical therapy.”

The Multivitamin Dilemma

Reblogged from Pediatrics at OCH:

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Are multivitamins essential to a child's development? What about infants? How important is Vitamin D to my child’s health? Find out what OCH pediatric nurse practitioner Leta Barnes has to say: 

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate vitamins (for infants & children). There is also very limited scientific data available regarding supplements for infants in children. However, here are my recommendations regarding vitamin intake for children and infants:

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OCH pediatric provider Leta Barnes, PNP shares her thoughts on multivitamins for kids.

Holiday Gifts Could Cause a Kiddo Catastrophe

Christmas is days away; don’t let the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping deter your from considering these essential safety tips. OCH Pediatrician Dr. Christopher Spinelli shares a few holiday hazards caused by common Christmas gifts and gadgets this season.

With Christmas around the corner, everyone is busy buying presents for friends and family.  Before purchasing, don’t forget to consider the small children in your home. In 2010, an estimated 181,500 toy-related injuries (in children under age 14 years old) were treated in hospital emergency rooms in the United States.  

BUTTON BATTERIES

• It’s very easy for children to choke on small toys and their parts.  Even button batteries used to power gifts given to teenagers or adults could be of danger; these can cause serious damage if swallowed. If you do think your child has swallowed a button battery, don’t wait around! Take your child immediately to the ER for evaluation.

CELLOPHANE

• Choking on cellophane is also a danger to watch out for; make sure to monitor what happens to the wrappers on CD’s and DVD cases. 

FALLING & TRIPPING HAZARDS

• Children can also fall off riding toys.  If any of the toys have wheels and they are playing with them in the house, make sure children are clear of the stairs.  Using indoor gates will help prevent children from harm. 

Christmas morning is a time of excitement and wonder, simple precautions such as these will ensure your family’s holiday morning is both magical and safe for everyone involved. Merry Christmas! 

Christopher Spinelli DO, FAAP, is a pediatrician at the OCH Northside Clinic in Springfield, MO. Dr. Spinelli is also currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. After completing an undergraduate degree from Truman State University, Dr. Spinelli graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Pediatric residency at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, MS.

Behavioral Health Focus: What are Neuropsychological Evaluations?

Neuropsychological testing is conducted to determine an individual’s cognitive performance in certain environments. OCH psychologist Annie Powers, PsyD breaks down circumstances in which this type of evaluation is used and shares how each can assist with the following diagnoses:

Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD)

Neuropsychological testing is conducted to determine whether or not a diagnosis exists (in order to guide and direct treatment for the individual). Per testing results, specific recommendations can be made to the child or adult’s school or employer in order to assist in harnessing attention and concentration. Testing may also be used to determine whether or not the individual will be efficient and effective in his or her current environment.

Individuals diagnosed with ADHD may also have a learning disability which could impact their ability to learn new information. Neuropsych testing can determine whether or not an individual meets the American Disability Act standards. Additionally, during neurospcyh testing, emotional components are also addressed (as communication and relationship issues may exist).   

Diagnosis: Dementia

Testing is conducted with individuals to determine whether or not there is a loss in cognitive processes, short-term and long-term memory, visual and auditory memory, and the individual’s ability to learn new information. Testing is also conducted to help determine a more specific diagnosis (verify whether or not an individual’s pattern fits a known pattern for a specific type of dementia such as Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia).

Diagnosis: Learning Disability

This type of testing is conducted to determine specific areas that a patient may be impaired (auditory or visual processing). It evaluates basic educational skills (reading, math, and spelling) as well as traditional intellectual functioning. Individuals with a learning disability may also have ADHD which will impact their ability to learn new information. As a result, recommendations can then be made to employers, schools, colleges, or for individuals who are pursuing vocational retraining.

Diagnosis: Cognitive Testing

This testing is conducted when there is a question regarding a patient’s  disability or ability to manage their own affairs, make appropriate decisions, remain gainfully employed, determine appropriateness of appointing a guardian, etc.      

Annie Powers, PsyD works at Ozarks Community Hospital in Springfield. She received her education from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology and completed her residency at Burrell Behavioral Health. To contact Dr. Powers, call(417) 875-4682 – Specialty Office.

Testing listed above is available at Ozarks Community Hospital with Dr. Thomas Blansett, Dr. Stephen Belk and Dr. Jason Glass.  

Ask Beverly: Hot Topic Women’s Health Questions

Let’s face it: visiting the gynecologist isn’t nearly as fun as shopping for a new pair of shoes. But, it is important. All women should make a point to stay on top of their reproductive health, regardless of their age or life stage. Don’t just take our word for it; OCH Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Beverly Gann helps answer questions you may not know (or want) to ask about you (and your daughter’s) health:

When should I go for my first mammogram? Females should look to schedule their first mammogram around age 40. However, it is important to discuss your family history of breast cancer with your provider, as this may change when you should receive your first mammogram. 

What is the best and safest birth control method for teenagers? The best birth control method is the one your teenager will actually use! From my experience, it seems as if long acting types (birth controls that are not user-controlled) are very popular with young women. Ask your women’s health provider what options are available.

What is the difference between a pap smear and a pelvic exam? A pap smear is a test for cervical cancer. It is sometimes performed during a pelvic exam. A pelvic exam is the internal exam of female organs done for STD testing, menstrual problems, pregnancy and other concerns.

 What do I need to know about STIs? Anyone is able to get a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Using condoms consistently will decrease the possibility of contracting an STI during any sexual act.

 What is peri-menopause? Peri-menopause is “the change.” It is the time it takes for the ovaries to stop ovulating (menstruation cycles eventually stop so that a woman can no longer get pregnant). Main symptoms include: irregular periods, problems sleeping, hot flashes, mood changes and low libido.

Normally, peri-menopause occurs in women between the ages of 45 to 55 years. Women are considered “in menopause” or “menopausal” if they have not had a menstrual cycle for 12 continuous months. There are other reasons cycles can stop, so it’s advisable to discuss your cycle with your provider.

How can I prepare my daughter for a women’s health exam? Take her to your annual exam (as soon as you feel she’s old enough to be involved in ‘girl talk’). Bringing her along can help calm her fears. Depending on her or your comfort level, your daughter can step out during the actual exam or remain seated by your head.

 What are the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy? The pros and cons mostly relate to dose and length of use.  It’s important to discuss your concerns with your provider. Remember, not everyone needs hormone replacement and the general rule is lowest dose for the shortest time.

Beverly Gann, WHNP is certified in women’s health and has worked at OCH since 2002. She has more than 16 years experience working in women’s health. Beverly received her education from the St. John’s School of Nursing and the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Barnes School of Nursing. In 2011, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Springfield Business Journal named her as a local Health Care Champion honoree.

Questions? Contact the Women’s Health Department at Ozarks Community Hospital (417) 837-4079.

 

Trick or Treat, Safe and Neat

Halloween brings a holiday filled with candy, costumes and chaos. It can also bring a variety of safety hazards for the unprepared. Before embarking on your evening of adventure, review these safety tips from OCH pediatrician Christopher Spinelli, DO, FAAP. With a little preparation, you can guarantee your family’s favorite spooky holiday goes off without a hitch:

With Halloween coming up, it’s important to remember a few safety tips for your children when trick-or-treating or consuming their treasure chest of candy post-trip:

1. Costume Fit & Safety: When choosing a costume, make sure the costume fits your child well enough so he or she can see out of any masks. It is also important to make sure the costume is short enough to prevent tripping and to double check that the item is non-flammable.  Please make sure that there is some sort of reflective or other visible device so your child can be seen by cars at nighttime.

2. Parental Supervision: Always have an adult with your child. As an added bonus, it is good to have some sort of communication device such as a cell phone or walkie-talkie so you can get help if needed.

3. Watch Out for Food Allergies: If your child does have food allergies, inspect the candy prior to consumption in order to avoid any adverse reactions.  If your child has anaphylaxis to certain foods such as peanuts, it may be wise to carry an EpiPen with you during trick-or-treating.  If any candy packages are already opened,  discard prior to consumption.

4. Hidden Choking Hazards: Avoid hard candies, suckers, or other choking hazards for smaller children.  Remember, not all candy is created equal from a dental standpoint!  Gummies and caramel can stick between the teeth and cause increased risk for cavities.  Receiving and distributing packages of pretzels (or other less sugary items) is also better for teeth.

5. Overconsumption of Candy: Consuming too much candy can cause a stomach-ache.  Parents may consider regulating how much candy children to consume or freeze the rest for later use. Families may also donate to local groups which can distribute the candy to less fortunate children.  

The Halloween Industry Association does have some additional safety tips listed online, to view click the following link:  http://www.hiaonline.org/index.php?module=Pagesetter&func=printpub&tid=3&pid=3

From all of us at Ozarks Community Hospital, we hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!

Christopher Spinelli DO, FAAP, is a pediatrician at the OCH Northside Clinic in Springfield, MO. Dr. Spinelli is also currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. After completing an undergraduate degree from Truman State University, Dr. Spinelli graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Pediatric residency at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, MS.

Asthma Rises as Fall Begins

As we transition into fall and the temperatures start dropping, asthma always seems to start flaring up again.  The kids are back-to-school and now are exposed to allergens that they may have been free from during the summer months, viruses start being shared at school, and with all the pressures of getting everyone together sometimes maintenance medications may be missed or forgotten.

September is classically one of the worst months for asthmatics based on all of these factors, so it is even more important at this time that you make sure you have visited your doctor for your child’s routine asthma visit to go over your plan for the fall and winter parts of the school year.

• Don’t forget to take your maintenance medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and allergy medications, and make sure you have enough refills on your albuterol inhalers.
• Have up-to-date albuterol inhalers in as many places as possible so when they are needed, children don’t have to go searching for them.
• Make sure that when possible you can use your spacer with your inhaler as this enhances delivery of the medication into the lung.

Also this season don’t forget to get your flu vaccine for your asthmatics and their families.  Everyone getting vaccinated for the flu is a vital part to keeping our asthmatic children healthy.

Remember that of all things in life breathing is the first thing we have to do so let’s make sure our children with asthma are not restricted in this basic function.

Chris Spinelli D.O., FAAP

Dr. Spinelli is a pediatrician at the OCH Northside Clinic in Springfield, MO.  Spinelli is also currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. After completing an undergraduate degree from Truman State University, Dr. Spinelli graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Pediatric residency at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, MS.