PEDIATRIC HEALTH ASSOCIATES

With the sweltering temps the past week, we’d like to remind parents that children should not be left alone in a car even for a minute.    Temperatures inside a closed automobile rise quickly and can go well over 100 degrees. So far this year fifteen children who were left in a hot car have died.    If you see a child left unattended in a vehicle, no matter what the temperature, you should call 911.   Children playing hide ‘n seek see cars as good places to hide so remember to keep your car locked, even in the driveway and garage to ensure that children cannot get inside on their own.   Pets also should also not be left in a hot car.    They are just as susceptible to the heat, maybe even more so since they do not sweat.   Cracking the window an inch does not sufficiently control the temperature inside the car. During hot weather, children and adults need to keep hydrated.   Water is best to drink.   Electrolyte drinks while...

Last week you may have heard on the news about arsenic in apple juice.   Arsenic is a substance that occurs naturally in the environment but also from things like pesticides and fertilizers that were used in past decades.    For over 20 years the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested fruit juices such as apple juice for arsenic.   Testing has shown low amounts present (approximately 3 parts per billion).   In contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows maximum arsenic levels of 10 parts per billion in our drinking water.  Image Courtesy of FoodClipArt.com The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long recommended limiting consumption of all sweet beverages, including juice to no more than 4-6 ounces/day for children 1-6 years of age; 8-12 ounces for children 7 years and up.     For better nutrition, the AAP recommends eating whole fruit rather than juice. Pediatric Health doesn’t recommend juice for infants or toddlers a...

Thanks for your patience while we experienced some computer diffculties this past week.