King's Daughters' Health

When kids are under the weather, everything suffers – concentration, energy and even mood. A few simple provisions can help your child stay happy and productive. Dave Pappenheim A COMBINATION OF awareness, patience and proper testing can get kids back in the game – and back to being active – with no lingering damage. • Learn the signs. Common symptoms of concussion include loss of consciousness, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, and confusion. Have your child evaluated whenever he or she experiences these after a fall or collision that involves the head. • Take a break. "The only treatment for concussion is rest," says Pat Stack, MD, pediatrician at King's Daughters' Health. "It is important that children not be put at risk of a second head injury before they are fully recovered, as doing so puts them at increased risk for serious complications from a repeat concussion." Luckily, most concussions heal within a week or two, so your child won't have to sit out for long. • Have an ImPACT. KDH offers ImPACT testing, a computer-based tool that measures brain function, to all area high-school athletic programs. Students who receive the testing do so before their freshman year, and it offers a baseline measure of brain function that then allows doctors to compare function before and after a concussion to measure recovery. "Athletes often minimize their symptoms when speaking with their doctors or coaches because they want to get back to sports," Dr. Stack says. "The ImPACT test is useful in giving us an objective measure of how well their brain is functioning." ■ Listen to Dr. Stack's podcast on concussions at www.kdhmadison.org. Look for the "To Your Health Radio Program" promo on our homepage. Vital Signs // a publication of King's Daughters' Health 7 What Every Parent Needs to Know About Concussions Head injuries can put a serious dent in the physical activity kids need to stay healthy. for a Healthy School Year "THE KEY TO staying healthy is balance," says Diamond Harris, MD, pediatrician at King's Daughters' Health. "Set priorities and put wellness at the top of the list." Keep your child well-supplied with these four staples all year long: 1. Nutrient-rich foods. A diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats will keep immune systems in fighting form. 2. Exercise. Another immune booster, regular exercise, whether riding a bike for an hour a day or joining a sports team, also helps kids manage stress and weight and sleep more soundly. 3. Clean hands. "Hand hygiene is absolutely critical to preventing the spread of germs," Dr. Harris says. "Soap and water are best, but hand sanitizer will work if you are away from a sink." 4. Lots of sleep. When kids don't get enough rest, they may get clumsy and cranky or have trouble learning and retaining information. Kids between ages 5 and 12 should average about 10 to 11 hours per night, while teenagers should aim for 8.5 to 9 hours. ■ To find a pediatrician, visit www.kdhmadison.org and choose "Find a Physician." Must-Haves Pat Stack, MD Diamond Harris, MD

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