For my own girls, childhood has been marked by more than just a few visits to the local emergency room or urgent care clinic. Many times, when kids' injuries and illnesses disrupt our routines, the local doctor's office is closed. When this happens, most parents are left asking whether to steer the car in the direction of the local emergency room or an urgent care clinic.

Parents in New Berlin now have one more option - Children's Urgent Care-New Berlin. Opening Monday, July 5, this clinic will be located in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin building, 4855 S. Moorland Road.

Children's Urgent Care Clinics are for illnesses and injuries that your child normally would receive care for at his or her doctor's offices. Most often, Children's Urgent Care locations are open when regular doctor's offices are closed. In many cases, urgent care clinics will offer lower co-pays and shorter wait times than emergency rooms.

Your child may need urgent care for:

• Ear infections with pain or fever.
• Sore or strep throat.
• Cold or the flu.
• Mild asthma attacks.
• Vomiting and diarrhea, especially in babies and small children.
• Non-severe bleeding.
• Minor burns or cuts.
• Hives, rash or diaper rash.
• Bruises or sprains.
• Lice, scabies or ringworm.
• Drug reactions such as hives or rashes.

The emergency room is for more serious illnesses and injuries. Emergency rooms are equipped to care for all patients, from those with minor illnesses to those with life-threatening injuries. Because of this, patients with a less severe problem usually will have to wait - sometimes hours - until the more critically ill patients are treated. For appropriate cases, urgent care clinics have shorter wait times.

Your child may need emergency care for:

• Serious broken bones, such as the leg or arm.
• Severe or unusual bleeding that will not stop.
• Heart attack or severe chest pain.
• Suspected stroke.
• Sudden inability to see, move or speak.
• Choking or trouble breathing.
• Possible poisoning.
• Unconsciousness.
• Fainting or syncope.
• Convulsions or prolonged, repeated seizures.
• Drug overdose.
• Major injuries.
• Severe pain.

Unfortunately, some childhood injuries and illnesses may require more immediate care. In emergencies, always call 911 for the most immediate care.

While arming yourself with information is one of the best things you can do as a parent, remember to trust your instincts. You know your child best.

For more information about all Children's Urgent Care locations call (414) 266-4800. For more information about the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Emergency Department, call (414) 266-2000.

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It's nighttime and your son already has gone to bed. A few hours later, you see him wandering around the house. His eyes are open, but he looks confused. He's walking in his sleep.

Sleepwalking is a very common sleep behavior. Studies estimate that many children walk in their sleep at least once. The cause isn't known, but it seems to run in families. Sleepwalking can involve common activities like walking into another room in the house or more dangerous activities like turning on appliances in the kitchen or trying to walk outside. Kids usually have no memory of it the next day.

Sleepwalking can be caused by things like:

• Not enough sleep or changes in a child's sleep schedule.
• Sleeping in a noisy or different place.
• Stress.
• Illnesses or fever.
• Some medications.

So what can you do if your child sleepwalks?

1. Make sure your child keeps a regular sleep schedule and gets enough sleep each night. Try to limit beverages with caffeine because that can disrupt sleep.

2. Put safety measures in place.

• Remove clutter from the floor.
• Put away sharp or dangerous objects like knives or scissors.
• Keep the doors and windows locked.
• Add a simple alarm system, like a bell on the bedroom doorknob, to alert you that your child is sleepwalking.

3. During a sleepwalking episode, gently guide your child back to bed, but don't try to wake him or her up.

Kids generally grow out of sleepwalking as they become teenagers. If you're worried about your child's sleep habits, talk to your doctor. You also can make an appointment in the Sleep Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin by calling Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Open your windows, the warm weather has arrived! Wait a minute…look at all that dust and dirt that’s built up over the winter. Yuck! It’s time to wash windows and clean dust bunnies out from under the bed. But did you know that many cleaning supplies may trigger breathing problems for kids (and adults) with asthma?

Below are a few tips to keep your kids safe while you’re cleaning your home:
• Use a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth for dusting.
• Use a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency air filter, which is better at removing dust particles.
• When possible, choose simple, natural, fragrance-free cleaning products, like plain soap, water or vinegar.
• Never mix cleaning products, especially ammonia and bleach.
• Clean mini-blinds thoroughly or replace them with washable curtains.
• Keep your home well ventilated. Open the windows if temperatures allow.
• Have your air conditioner serviced every year.
• Keep your child out of the room you’re cleaning

If you’re concerned about your child’s asthma, make an appointment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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The school year is winding down and there’s an excited buzz among high school students. Summer vacation is coming, but with all the excitement comes added stress and too little sleep as students finish up school projects and study for final exams. Too many responsibilities and activities can put teens in a dangerous position: driving while sleepy.

More than 80 percent of all teens get less than the recommended nine hours of sleep each night. What’s even scarier is that less than half of these teens realize that being tired makes a difference in driving safely.

Check out these eye-opening statistics about sleepy driving:

• One night of no sleep has the same impact as driving drunk.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found teen drivers are four times more likely to be in a fatal car accident.

Parents can help their teen drivers stay safe. Talk with your teens about these safe-driving tips:

1. Limit the number of passengers in the car. More passengers mean more distractions.
2. Teens should not talk on cell phones or text when driving.
3. Teach teens to recognize signs of drowsy driving, like difficulty focusing or keeping his or her eyes open, drifting into other traffic lanes, missing road signs or forgetting the last few miles driven.
4. Discuss a back-up plan if teens find themselves driving drowsy. One option is to find a safe place to stop and take a quick 30-minute nap.

If you’re concerned about your teen’s sleep habits, talk to your pediatrician or one of our specialists. Children’s Hospital has Wisconsin’s only pediatric sleep center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

To make an appointment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Did you know that UV rays actually begin increasing in April, even though it’s not that warm outside yet? Many people think a suntan is a healthy glow, but parents need to understand that tanned skin actually is damaged skin.

Sun exposure can have serious consequences to our physical appearance and health, including skin cancer. Up to two-thirds of all cases of melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – can be linked to sun exposure.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 80 percent of the average person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, so it’s really important to make sure your kids are properly protected from the sun.

When your kids are outside, remember the ABCs of skin protection:

A = Away. Stay away from the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s damaging UV rays are most intense.

B = Block. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Sunscreens should block both UVA and UVB rays, or provide broad-spectrum UV coverage. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours while in the sun, or every 30 minutes when swimming or during high-intensity activities. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection your skin has.

C = Cover up. Wear a T-shirt, sunglasses and hat.

S = Speak out. Talk to your family and friends about sun protection.

Children younger than 6 months should not have prolonged exposure to the sun. If shade or protective clothing isn’t available, apply a small amount of sunscreen to the baby’s face and hands.

If your child does suffer a sunburn:

• Put him or her in a cool bath or use cool compresses on burned areas.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.
• Apply aloe gel or hydrocortisone cream to burned areas right away and reapply as needed for up to two days. Avoid benzocaine, Vaseline^® or moisturizers that can trap heat into the skin.
• If sunburn is combined with fever, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, get urgent medical attention because this may be a sign of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Prevention is the best tactic. Remember to examine your child’s skin each month for unusual growths. Sun exposure is only one cause of skin cancer. Ask your pediatrician if you are concerned about a growing or changing skin lesion.

If you’re concerned about sun exposure or skin damage, talk to your pediatrician or one of our specialists. To make an appointment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Kids with asthma used to be discouraged from playing sports. Now, we know that being active, working out and playing sports do more than help kids have fun and maintain a healthy weight. These activities actually strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and help your lungs work better.

If your child has asthma, a doctor may recommend exercise as part of his or her asthma action plan. If you have any doubts about whether sports and asthma mix, consider all the professional and Olympic athletes who have asthma!

Game on
Here are two important things to remember about asthma and sports participation:

1. Your child's asthma must be under control in order to play and enjoy sports.
2. When your child's asthma is well controlled, he or she can, and should, be active and play sports just like anyone else.

Some activities, like swimming and leisurely biking, are less likely to cause problems for kids with asthma. Sports that require short bursts of activity, like baseball, football, gymnastics, and shorter track and field events, also are good choices. Endurance sports, like long-distance running, soccer and basketball, require extended energy, and may be more challenging. But that doesn't mean your child can't participate in these sports if he or she really likes them. Many athletes with asthma have found that with proper training and medication, they can participate in any sport.

Gaining control
It takes time and energy to keep asthma well controlled, but it’s worth the effort! Help your child follow these tips:

• Take medicine as prescribed: Skipping controller medication can make symptoms worse
• Forgetting to take prescribed medication before exercise can lead to severe flare-ups or even a trip to the emergency room. Kids should always carry rescue medication.
• Keep triggers in mind. Depending on his or her triggers, you child may want to:
• Skip outdoor workouts and activities when pollen or mold counts are high.
• Make sure he or she always has time for a careful warm up and cool down.

These recommendations should be included in the asthma action plan you create with your child's doctor. Be sure that your child's coach knows he or she has asthma and has a copy of the plan. Most importantly, everyone needs to understand when it's time for a break from a practice or game so that flare-ups can be managed before they become emergencies.

If you’re concerned about your child’s asthma, talk to your pediatrician or one of our specialists. To make an appointment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

Learn more about our free parent education program.

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It’s after midnight and you can hardly keep your eyes open. Your teenager is in his or her bedroom watching TV and showing no signs of being sleepy. As a parent, it’s hard to understand how teenagers are so energetic at night when you have to drag them out of bed in the morning.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many teens stay up late and sleep even later. This change in sleep patterns is caused by a normal shift in the body’s internal clock that happens around the time of puberty. Most teens handle this normal shift without problems, andl they outgrow it in their late 20s. However, some teens may develop a sleep disorder called delayed sleep phase syndrome, an exaggerated response to the normal shift in sleep patterns.

Teens with delayed sleep phase syndrome usually can’t fall asleep until after midnight and then have problems waking up early for school. They often are falling asleep in school, especially during morning classes, and complain about feeling tired during the day. When the sun goes down, these teens get a second wind and can’t fall asleep at bedtime. On weekends, if these teens are allowed to sleep in, they will wake up refreshed after getting about nine hours of sleep. That means that they don’t roll out of bed until 10 a.m. or later.

So how can you help your teenager keep a regular sleep pattern? Here are a few tips:

1. Teens need an average of nine hours of sleep per night. The TV and other electronics need to be turned off 30 minutes before bedtime.
2. Limit “sleep stealers” like caffeine or daytime naps, especially after 4 p.m.
3. You can’t “catch up on sleep” by sleeping in on the weekends. It’s best to encourage your teen to keep a similar sleep schedule on the weekdays and weekends.
4. Exposure to bright, natural light in the mornings after waking will help reset the body’s internal clock.

If you’re concerned about your teen’s sleep habits, talk to your pediatrician or one of our specialists. Children’s Hospital has Wisconsin’s only pediatric sleep center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

To make an appointment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

Learn more about our free parent education program.

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It’s spring in Wisconsin. Kids are happy to be outside playing again. Even though it’s getting warmer, keep in mind cold and flu season runs through April.

Throughout the winter, your kids probably had a cold or two. But did one of those colds seem to hang on forever? Did you ever think it could be pneumonia?

What exactly is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that develops in the tiny air sacs of the lungs. A virus or bacteria can cause pneumonia. A child might feel like he or she has the flu with a cough, fever or headache. Pneumonia often causes chest discomfort too, and your child might have trouble breathing. Kids with chronic medical conditions like asthma may be more likely to develop pneumonia. 

How is pneumonia treated?
Your doctor will listen to your child’s chest with a stethoscope. A chest X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your child’s doctor may prescribe antibiotics. For viral pneumonia, only fever reducers and sometimes cough medicine will be suggested.

Preventing pneumonia
No matter which germ caused the pneumonia, getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids is always suggested. Follow these tips from Children’s Hospital’s Flu Fighters:

• Wash your hands.
• Cover your cough.
• Sneeze in your sleeve.
• Take the day off.

If you’re concerned your child may have pneumonia, make an appointment with your pediatrician. If he or she thinks your child may have pneumonia, remember Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin offers walk-in and scheduled laboratory and imaging (radiology) services, including X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI and CT scans. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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How much caffeine do your kids consume every day? Did you know the average cup of brewed coffee has about 100mg of caffeine? Energy drinks, soda and vitamin drinks also have a high level of caffeine.  Serving size also significantly affects caffeine content.

Too much caffeine can contribute to insomnia and sleep problems. Lack of sleep and irregular sleep schedules are linked to poor school and athletic performance in kids. This can create a vicious cycle of daytime sleepiness, poor performance and more caffeine consumption.

Check out the breakdown of caffeine in these beverages and snacks:

Makers of these products are not required by the Food and Drug Administration to disclose caffeine content. The United States also hasn’t developed official guidelines to monitor kids’ caffeine intake but recommends that it be kept to a minimum.

Tips for well-rested kids:

1. Maintain a normal bedtime. Based on age, kids need an average of 9-12 hours of sleep at night.
2. Avoid caffeine after 4 p.m. It takes about four hours to eliminate half the amount of caffeine you have consumed.
3. Teach your kids to avoid procrastination. It only increases the temptation to use caffeine or an energy drink to stay up late studying. To fight off hunger while studying, offer your kids a small, nutritious snack instead of a sugary or caffeinated one.
4. Kids should put the books away about an hour before bedtime. (Shut off the computer and TV too!) Create a relaxing routine before bed.

Children’s Hospital has Wisconsin’s only pediatric sleep center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Services also are available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Put the baby in the car seat and run errands. Put the baby in the bouncy seat and check e-mail. Put the baby in the swing and make dinner. Sound familiar?

All of this equipment is great, but many babies spend too much time on their backs in these “containers” and not enough awake time on their stomachs or being held. Tummy time takes pressure off the back of a baby’s head and helps him or her develop eye-hand coordination and muscles that are important for normal development.

As a physical therapy assistant, I’m seeing more and more babies with torticollis, which generally happens when a baby’s neck muscle is tight or shortened. It’s often caused by the way a baby is positioned in the uterus, or because he or she is spending too much time in containers.

Signs of torticollis include:

• Areas of the baby’s head or face appear flattened or unequal.
• The baby turns his or her head in one direction more than the other.

Babies with torticollis also may be at risk for vision problems and developmental delays.

By the time babies are 3 months old, they should spend an hour of awake time on their stomachs every day. This strengthens their neck and back muscles and prepares them for crawling. It also helps them get ready to push up, roll over, sit up and eventually stand.

Parents are an important part of tummy time. You can make it more fun by talking, playing and singing to your baby. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, don’t leave him or her unattended. Remember: Back to sleep, tummy to play.

These tips will help avoid torticollis:

• Tummy time is important, from the first day of life. Babies should spend 15 minutes, at least four times each day, on their tummies.
• Limit infant equipment, like car seats, swings and bouncy seats.
• Vary your baby’s position frequently.

If you have questions about torticollis, talk with your pediatrician.

Physical therapy services for children, age 2 and younger, who have been diagnosed with torticollis now are available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Did you know that about 13 out of every 100 school-age kids have some degree of hearing loss? Although there are many different causes of hearing loss, the increased popularity of MP3 players and iPods^® has been recognized as a major contributor to noise-induced hearing loss.

Portable music players have made ear buds really popular, but they actually can be more damaging to your hearing. Not only are ear buds placed directly into the ear, they also can increase the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels. That’s the difference between the sound made by a vacuum cleaner and the sound of a motorcycle engine.

Ear buds don’t block unwanted sound, so kids increase the volume to hear the music. Today’s portable music players also have a longer battery life and a capacity to hold and play lots of music. This encourages kids to listen longer, which also increases the risk for potential hearing loss.

Hearing damage
The inner ear contains thousands of tiny hair cells. Sound causes these hair cells to vibrate, which sends a signal to the brain so a child can understand what he or she hears. Noise-induced hearing loss happens when these tiny hair cells are damaged. Ear buds can contribute to hearing loss because they are very close to the inner ear.

Compare the hair cells in the ear to blades of grass and loud music to people stepping on the grass. If one person walks across the grass, the grass gets bent but quickly springs back up. If 50 people walk across the grass over and over, it doesn’t have time to recover and eventually becomes permanently damaged.

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it can be prevented if the volume is lowered. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association encourages everyone to enjoy MP3 players and iPods safely by taking these three basic steps:

• Lower the volume.
• Limit the time spent listening.
• Wear earphones that go around the ear to better isolate what you want to hear and block background noise. This will reduce the need to increase the volume.

How loud is too loud?
If you can hear the music coming from your child’s iPod or MP3 player, the volume is too loud, and he or she is at risk for permanent hearing loss. To make sure your child is using these devices safely, remember the 60 percent and 60 minute rule. Hearing specialists recommend listening to portable music players with ear buds at 60 percent of their maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.

Otolaryngology services are available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Heart murmurs sound scary, but don’t be alarmed if a doctor says your child has a heart murmur. There actually are many different types of heart murmurs, and the majority are normal or innocent. These innocent heart murmurs occur in about 60 percent of all school-age kids. Heart murmurs actually are the most common reason kids may see a pediatric cardiologist.

What is an innocent heart murmur?
A heart murmur simply is an extra noise the heart makes as blood moves through its different parts. Innocent heart murmurs are not caused by a heart defect, and different types of innocent heart murmurs may be heard at different ages. Innocent heart murmurs are sometimes called a functional murmur or physiologic murmur. An innocent heart murmur may become louder when your child has a fever, has been exercising, or is excited or fearful. This is normal.

The most common innocent murmur in kids is called a vibratory murmur or Still’s murmur. As the heart squeezes to pump blood, it sometimes causes a vibration, kind of like the sound a guitar string makes when it’s plucked. This vibration is the cause of the innocent, vibratory heart murmur. This type of murmur is often found when a child is between 2 and 6 years old.

How does an innocent heart murmur affect my child?
If your child has an innocent heart murmur, his or her heart is normal. He or she can play, be active and lead a healthy, normal life.

How is an innocent heart murmur treated?
If your child has a heart murmur, your doctor will refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist. A specialist often can diagnose an innocent heart murmur just by listening to your child’s heart with a stethoscope. Most of the time, no other tests, visits or medicines are needed. The murmur often goes away or gets quieter as your child gets older.

Cardiology services are available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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I remember having ear infections as kid. Sometimes they were so bad that it even hurt to lay my head on a pillow. Sound familiar?

Ear infections are a common health problem for kids. About 60 to 80 percent of kids have at least one ear infection before their first birthday, and 75 percent of kids will have had at least one ear infection by age 3.

So why do kids get so many ear infections? Mainly because they have shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which connect the inside of the ear to the back of the nose. The tubes allow fluid to drain, preventing buildup in the middle ear. An ear infection happens when Eustachian tubes can’t do their job. For instance, when your child has a cold and swelling in the nose blocks drainage. Shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes also make it easier for bacteria to get into the ear and cause an ear infection.

The good news is by age 4, kids’ Eustachian tubes become longer and more vertical. They typically begin to outgrow ear infections around this age.

Keep in mind, kids also may be at a higher risk for ear infections if they:
• Are around people who smoke.
• Have a family history of ear infections.
• Attend day care, since they are exposed to more germs and viruses.
Infants who are breast-fed may be at less risk for ear infections. This may be related to the protective effects of breast milk on the immune system and the position of a baby’s head during breast-feeding.

Ear infections generally will get better on their own in a few days or with antibiotics. If your child has frequent ear infections (three in six months or four in one year), or has fluid in his or her middle ear that won’t go away, consider making an appointment with a specialist. An otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) may talk to you about putting in ear tubes, which stay in place for six to 18 months to help drain fluid.

Otolaryngology services are available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280.

Learn more about our free parent education program.

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These days it’s almost impossible to watch TV without seeing at least one ad for cholesterol medication. Many of us probably know someone who has high cholesterol, but have you ever thought it could affect your kids?

High cholesterol can run in families, but now poor diet and lack of exercise are increasing childhood obesity and high cholesterol in kids. One out of 10 obese kids will have an abnormal cholesterol level. (In Wisconsin, 13.5 percent of children are obese.)

So why worry about high cholesterol and your child?

Cholesterol is a waxy fat that’s found in all of our bodies. It’s made naturally by our livers and also found in animal products like meat, eggs and dairy. Believe it or not, our bodies actually need cholesterol for important functions like helping make certain hormones and protecting our nerves.

We run into problems when we have too much cholesterol. It causes plaque to build up on artery walls and that narrows blood vessels and blocks blood flow. This process begins as early as preschool and puts your child at risk for heart disease or a stroke later in life.

Here’s what you can do to help your child:

• Know your child’s and your cholesterol level. It’s a simple blood test. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids should be screened for high cholesterol beginning at age 2 if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • A parent or grandparent has had a heart attack or stroke at age 55 or younger.
  • One parent has high cholesterol.
  • Family history is not known.
  • The child has other risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

If your child does have high cholesterol, then both parents and siblings should be checked. If the level is normal, your child should be rechecked in five years.

• Live a healthy lifestyle. Regardless of your child’s weight, this is the first step to prevent and treat high cholesterol. Make sure to set realistic goals for your family. All of our lives are very hectic, and it’s important to find lifestyle changes that you can achieve. Here are a few suggestions:
  • Kids need at least 60 minutes of intense exercise every day, but 30 minutes or even 15 minutes is better than no activity at all. The activity should make them sweat. Your child doesn’t have to be in an organized activity to be active. Take a family walk or go to the park. Take advantage of the snow, and go build a snowman. Whatever activity you choose, make it a family event!
  • Don’t feel guilty if you swing through the drive-thru after a busy day. The key to a heart-healthy diet is moderation. Special treats, like fast food, soda or sweets, are okay when they are reserved for special occasions and not served on a regular basis.
  • Make sure your child doesn’t skip meals and mainly drinks water throughout the day. After the age of two, he or she should be drinking low-fat milk.
  • Increase the amount of fiber your child eats. Make sure fresh fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals are part of your family’s diet.

If you’re concerned about your child’s risk for high cholesterol, talk with his or her doctor.

To make an appointment at the New Berlin clinic call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280.

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I recently watched an episode of “Bizarre Foods” on TV. The host was visiting Morocco and excited about trying poached calf brains. Apparently it’s a delicacy in Morocco. It turned my stomach, and I thought, “There is no way I would eat that.” Then I started to think that maybe that’s how kids feel about some foods. Broccoli may seem as strange to a kid as calf brains would be to an adult.

Many parents worry about their kids’ eating habits, but the most important thing to remember is that as a parent, you can control what, when and where food is provided. Your kids generally have control over how much and if the food is eaten.

Having a structured meal pattern or schedule is important. Offer a variety of healthy foods on a regular schedule and allow your kids to control what and how much they eat. Don’t always expect your child to eat all of his or her food. It’s not a realistic goal.

You can help your kids become more willing to try new foods by:

• Setting a good example. Your kids will be more willing to eat food they see you eating.
• Introducing a new food with a familiar, well-liked food. Only introduce one new food at a time.
• Avoiding pressure. If you force your child to eat something, it’s more likely to make him or her resist it even more.
• Involving your child. Allow your kids to help you with shopping and preparing food in any way you can.
• Making food fun. Try a picnic in the living room or a special meal theme to take the focus off the food.
• Avoiding the role of short-order cook. Remember, you are responsible for what, where and when food is served. Your child is responsible for what and how much to eat.
• Making all food equal. If you tell your kids they can’t have any ice cream until they eat their broccoli, then they learn that ice cream must be a more desirable food.
• Introducing a new food more than once. If your child refuses the food at first, continue to offer it in the future.

If you need help with your child’s picky eating habits or other nutrition issues, consider making a nutrition counseling appointment at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call (262) 432-7703.

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“I’m a vegetarian,” a teen patient recently said to me. “What does that mean?” I asked. “Well, I only eat green foods like broccoli, green grapes and lettuce,” she replied.

Vegetarianism is becoming increasingly popular among children and teens. They have different reasons for their choices, varying from animal rights, religious or cultural beliefs, to health and weight concerns. My concern about kids and a vegetarian diet isn’t IF they should do it but HOW they do it. Done right, a vegetarian diet can be very healthy. But a poor vegetarian diet can cause health problems, especially in teens or kids who already have bad eating habits.

A healthy vegetarian diet includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, seeds, nuts and legumes, like peas, beans, soy and peanuts. If your child is willing to include dairy products and eggs in his or her vegetarian diet, nutrition needs will be easier to meet.

Growing kids need a certain amount of calories and nutrients. If your child is talking about becoming a vegetarian, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Protein builds muscle and body tissue. Animal foods are the best sources of protein. Plant foods contain smaller amounts of protein, and different plants contain different proteins. It’s important to eat a wide variety of plant foods to meet nutritional needs. Bread and pasta are not enough. The diet must also include beans, nuts, nut butter, lentils, tofu and other soy products.

Iron is necessary for red blood cell production. Nonmeat foods high in iron include dried beans, spinach, prunes and iron-fortified cereals and bread.

Calcium and vitamin D are important for healthy bones and teeth. If dairy isn’t part of your child’s diet, he or she will need to eat more leafy greens, broccoli, tofu, beans and fortified soymilk, rice milk or juices. A supplement may also be needed.

Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause anemia, memory problems and weak muscles. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. Vegetarians may need to take a supplement.

If your child wants to be a vegetarian, talk with him or her to understand the reasons behind this choice and offer to help research the right way to eat.

If you need help, nutrition counseling services are now available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call (262) 432-7703.

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Less than six months ago, we opened the doors at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. Our goal was to provide a place for many of the same pediatric specialists who practice at Children’s Hospital to see patients closer to home.

I’m excited to tell you that we’re expanding our services this month. More than 14 different specialties are already available, and here’s four more:

Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management (NEW) Kids™ Program.

The NEW Kids Program focuses on children who are overweight and have related medical problems. Staff will review patients’ needs and refer them to a specialist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin if needed.

Nutrition counseling.

Nutrition counseling services help patients and families who have concerns and questions about diet, feedings or growth and healthy eating.

Physical therapy.

At this location, physical therapists offer evaluation and treatment of infants with torticollis. Torticollis is a tightening of the neck muscles that may cause the head to tilt or turn more in one direction. Flattening of the head (positional plagiocephaly) can develop if an infant keeps its head turned to one side more than the other. Staff will monitor positional plagiocephaly and make ongoing recommendations.

Urology.

Pediatric urologists, nurse practitioners and nurses treat urologic diseases and defects in children of all ages.

To make an appointment at the New Berlin clinic, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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The other night, my 2-year-old daughter said to me, “Mommy, how bout first we watch Grinch and then monkey George?” I was impressed by her ability to put this whole sentence together. (And, I like the Grinch better than Curious George, so I was a big fan of her plan.)

Kids can easily say single words at age 1, combine two words by age 2 and talk in full sentences by the age of 3. So it’s no surprise that most toddlers are pretty good at communicating their wants and needs. If only those needs and wants weren’t shared at the top of their lungs!

Kids who are born with language disorders are generally late talkers and miss these standard language milestones. Their brains struggle to make sense of words. To kids with language disorders, I often think we sound like the teachers from Charlie Brown (wha, wha, wha, wha, wha). I picture the pathways in their brains as freeways where words get stuck like cars in a traffic jam or lost in a confusing detour.

But just like you can work your way out of a traffic jam, and find your way around a detour, most kids with language disorders can also learn how to understand and use language. But they need help to do it.

Are you having trouble understanding your child? Do you think your child doesn’t understand what you’re saying? Here are some general red flags to look for in kids of all ages:

18 months to 2 years old
• Difficulty saying words.
• No response when his or her name is called.
• Unable to follow directions.
• Doesn’t answer questions.

Kindergarten and elementary school
• Child doesn’t understand what he or she reads.
• Speech is fine but what the child says doesn’t make sense.
• Problems coming up with the right words to say.
• Difficulty playing with friends and classmates.
• Poor grades in classes like science and social studies.

Middle and high school
• Poor test grades.
• Child struggles with homework, speeches, projects or writing essays.

If you’re worried about your child’s language skills, talk with his or her doctor, or make an appointment with a speech-language pathologist.

To make an appointment with a speech-language pathologist at the New Berlin clinic, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Most kids get a rash at some time or another, and eczema is a very common skin rash. Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. It may look red, dry, bumpy and swollen. It may come and go, but it often keeps coming back, and it’s very itchy. In fact, the itching often is so bad that it might keep your child awake at night.

We don’t know exactly what causes eczema, but many things can trigger it, including:

• Heat and sweat.
• Cold weather.
• Pet fur and dander.
• Grass.
• Wool and synthetic fabrics like nylon.
• Fabric dyes.
• Tobacco smoke.

There is no cure for eczema, but you can keep it under control. Below are a few tips:
 

• Moisturizers: Use moisturizers twice a day even if there is no rash. Put it on as quickly as possible after bathing, while the skin is still damp. Ointments such as petroleum jelly are good choices during the winter. Creams (usually white and thick) also are effective. Don’t use lotions because they tend to be thinner, and many contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin. Don’t use products with added ingredients, like vitamin E, witch hazel, menthol or acids.
• Stay away from fragrances:  Whether it’s moisturizer or laundry soap, fragrances can cause itching. Read the label. Even products advertised as “hypoallergenic,” “unscented,” “for sensitive skin” or “dermatologist-recommended” can contain fragrance.
• Bathing: Bathe your child daily in warm (not hot) water, but don’t let him or her sit in the water for more than 10 or 15 minutes. Use soap only in areas that get dirty, like the groin, under the neck and armpits. Pat your child’s skin gently with a towel.
• Laundry: Use laundry soaps that are fragrance- and dye-free. Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
• Clothing: Dress your child in clothing made of soft, natural fibers like cotton. Don’t dress your child in wool, nylon and fabrics that feel hard when you touch them.
• Scratching may lead to an infection, so keep your child’s fingernails cut short.

Sensitive skin can continue into adulthood, but eczema usually improves as a child gets older.

To make an appointment at the New Berlin clinic, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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Most people have probably had an X-ray, or even an MRI or CT scan. They can be pretty routine procedures, but when you’re treating a child, it’s anything but routine.

Children are more sensitive to X-rays, so finding the radiation level that allows us to make an accurate diagnosis and keep them safe can be tricky.

Imaging (radiology) helps guide our physicians as they diagnose and treat kids. I hope the following information will help you better understand some of the issues and questions about radiation and children.

What is an X-ray?
X-rays are invisible beams of radiation that pass through the body. X-rays help create 2-D images of many organs.

What is a CT scan?
CT scans use X-rays generated from equipment that is rotated around the patient to create 3-D pictures of the body. CT scans can provide critical information for the care of children, but getting the images results in more radiation exposure than a single X-ray.

How much radiation is used in exams?
We all are exposed to small amounts of radiation daily from soil, rocks, building materials, air and water. This is called naturally occurring background radiation. The radiation used in X-rays and CT scans has been compared to the background radiation we are exposed to every day.

For children, imaging is not a one-dose-fits-all solution. Increased radiation exposure to a child’s developing body could have unhealthy effects over time. The methods used on kids are not always tailored to their smaller bodies. This results in radiation exposure that is greater than needed.

What questions should I ask if my child needs medical radiation?
As with any medical procedure, the benefit of the exam should outweigh any risk. Ask your doctor or radiologist if there are optional exams that are appropriate for your child’s situation.

How can I be sure reduced radiation techniques are being used?
It is reasonable and within your rights to ask the person doing your child’s image if the facility uses low-dose methods to minimize radiation exposure. He or she should be able to give you information about how radiation doses are being reduced.

If I still have concerns about radiation exposure to my child, whom can I talk to?
You should first talk to the doctor who is requesting your child’s exam. Your doctor and the radiologist can work together to decide which exams are best. If you still have questions, ask to speak to the radiologist.
 

Image Gently
Children’s Hospital uses high quality and safe low-dose radiation in pediatric imaging. A new Image Gently campaign, sponsored by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, is designed to educate health care providers and parents, and minimize radiation doses in children.

The campaign promotes best possible scanning strategies to help reduce pediatric radiation exposure, including:

• Image when there is a clear medical benefit.
• Use the lowest amount of radiation needed based on the child’s size.
• Image only the targeted area.
• Avoid multiple scans.
• Use different diagnostic studies when possible, such as MRI or ultrasound. These imaging techniques do not use radiation.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin offers walk-in and scheduled imaging (radiology) services, including ultrasound, X-ray, fluoroscopy, MRI and CT. Radiology services are available 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays.

To make an appointment at the New Berlin clinic, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280.