Christus Health: The Children's Hospital of San Antonio

Dangerous ATTRACTION When a 22-month-old active Mississippi toddler suddenly became sick with continual vomiting, his parents suspected stomach flu. After rushing him to the hospital, an X-ray revealed he had swallowed eight little magnets. The child recovered from the emergency surgery required to remove the magnets and repair damaged areas of the intestine. A study co-authored by Dr. Mark Gilger, pediatrician-in-chief at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio, and published in American Academy of Pediatrics News sheds light on the extreme dangers, including severe infection, bowel perforation, and even dead bowel, of swallowing magnets. "The magnets attract one another and stick together against the bowel wall," Children love the seemingly mysterious power of magnets, but they're not toys. New research reminds parents of the hazards magnets pose. Dr. Gilger says. "When these magnets stay connected, they can lead to bowel perforation, which must be surgically repaired." Dr. Gilger reminds parents to remove magnets from the home or store them well out of the reach of children. Even novelty items, such as fake ear, nose, or tongue piercings may contain magnets and pose a hazard. Dr. Mark Gilger specializes in pediatric hepatology, gastroenterology, and nutrition. To learn more about specialty services at Children's Hospital of San Antonio, visit chofsa.org/services. Making Winter Magic Dr. Mark Gilger You don't need snow to create that enchanting winter feeling for your kids. Every child dreams of walking in a winter wonderland. Parents may not be able to change the warm weather in South Central Texas, but they can still capture winter magic with a little creativity. Here are a few ideas to get started: Lace up. Jack Frost nips at noses down South, too. Local ice rinks recreate that winter chill all year-round. So pull out those wool sweaters and mittens and fill a thermos with hot cocoa for a rosy-cheeked skate on the ice. Forever First | Fall 2013 • To find a doctor, call 1.877.250.DOCS. Hop aboard. Instead of watching the movie The Polar Express, why not take a train ride yourself? Hop aboard the rails and find a train featuring holiday activities for kids, including caroling, cookie decorating, and visiting Santa. Flake out. Bring the snow to you with snowflake cutouts. Break out the construction paper and scissors to make and decorate paper snowflakes. String them around the house and make a little winter wonderland of your own. "Snowflaking" is also a great way to spend time together as a family. 3

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