10 Year Anniversary of TLC

This ad was posted in the Journal as TLC celebrates it's 10th year of providing quality and compassionate care to the children of the Hudson valley. We look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence in the coming years.

Do Toys in Pediatric Waiting Rooms Transmit Viruses?

An interesting study came out recently regarding the potential transmission of respiratory viruses (such as influenza and RSV) from pediatric waiting rooms. In this study, researchers found up to 30% of toys in waiting rooms (both well and sick) were infected with certain respiratory viruses. Interestingly enough, however, when they checked to see if the virus was transferred to the researcher's fingers, it was not!

FDA Suspends Use of Rotarix Vaccine

In a move that will have no effect on our patients, the FDA temporarily suspended the use of GSK's Rotarix vaccine last week because of contamination from another virus. The virus found in the vaccine is of no danger to humans, but it is unknown how it turned up in the product. TLC uses Rotateq vaccine, manufactured by Merck, which was not involved in the suspension.

Many Babies Vitamin D Deficient

As has been mentioned on the blog here before, vitamin D is increasingly shown to be very essential in the health and well-being of both children and adults. A recent article in the journal Pediatrics pointed out that as few as 1 in 5 formula fed infants and 1 in 20 breast-fed infants are getting the required amount of vitamin D (400 International Units daily). What does this mean for your infant? Well, if your baby is formula fed and consuming less than 32 ounces a day (most infants under 6 months do not consume that much), he should receive a vitamin D supplement. Similarly, if your baby takes both breast and bottle, the consumption of forumula will certainly be less than 32 ounces per day, so he should also receive the supplement. Lastly, all breastfed babies should be on a vitamin D supplement starting somewhere between birth and 2 months of age (the opinion varies on this). In terms of supplements, there are several products on the market, including D-vi-sol and Tri-vi-sol which are widely available in drug stores. A newer product which seems promising is called "Ddrops". This is available in stores only in Canada, but can be purchased online. The appealing aspect of this product is that it is only one drop, and the vitamin can be placed directly on the mother's nipple prior to nursing, making administration very simple. Read more about it at : http://www.ddrops.ca/baby-ddrops400ic.php.

Daily Routines That May Prevent Childhood Obesity

An interesting study that recently came out of Ohio State looked at rates of obesity in children exposed to several daily routines. The study involved preschool-aged children and found a 40% lower prevalence of obesity in children who did all of the following:

1.) Had family dinners at least 6 dinners per week

2.) Slept 10.5 hours or more each weeknight

3.) Watched less than two hours of television or movies each weekday

Basically, in this study, children who were exposed to all three routines had a 14% prevalence of obesity. Children exposed to none of the routines had a 25% prevalence of obesity.

Now that is definitely some food for thought!