Concussions can result in the loss of consciousness, even for a brief period of time.  However, according to Karen Johnston, a neurosurgeon and director of the concussion program at the McGill University Sports Medicine Centre in Montreal, ”In most concussions — four out of five — the person is not knocked out,”.  Okay, so, our daughter was not knocked out, but her head is what broke her fall on the ice tonight.  What other signs do parents need to look for after a head injury?  Below is a brief outline of concussions and what you as a parent can look for in your child.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is an injury to your child’s brain. It can be caused by a bump or blow to the head from a fall, a sports injury, a car accident, etc.

What are symptoms that I need to watch out for?

• a bit dazed or glassy-eyed expression, blurred vision
• disoriented or unaware of what’s going on
• confused speech
• vomiting, nausea, stomach ache
• ringing in the ears
• sleepy
• poor balance or coordination

However, not every kid will show these signs and they may be very subtle and difficult for you to recognize. Your child may also not want to tell you how they’re feeling, especially if they want to keep playing! Keep asking your child about these symptoms and know that sometimes symptoms don’t show up for 24 to 48 hours — so your child should take it easy for a day or two after a hard hit to the head, even if they seem OK.

What can I do to determine if my child has a concussion?

Definitely ask them some easy questions to to see if they’re experiencing any memory loss. Maybe ask them what happened right before they hit their head or what happened hours earlier such as what they ate for breakfast.  There is a questionnaire called SCAT (Sidelines Concussion Assessment Tool) that can be helpful too: Athletes score their symptoms on a scale of zero to six. You can download a copy from www.thinkfirst.ca.

IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A CONCUSSION, SEE A DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

If the diagnoses is a concussion, do I wake my child up every 2 hours?

According to experts, this tradition is dying out. The concussed patient needs sleep, but they should be checked overnight for unusual breathing (shorter or faster), vomiting or moaning. This is done to check whether a head injury is more serious than it first appeared. More often than not if a child has been diagnosed with a concussion, many doctors will keep the child under observation in the hospital for several hours even if there’s a slight chance that any problems could occur. If your child is at home resting and when you check on them in the night you have concern over they’re breathing or they’re making noises in their sleep, wake them up.

How is a concussion treated?

Rest.  Follow your doctor’s orders.  They will outline your child’s return to regular activities for you.  I cannot stress more that this is a time to follow your doctor’s orders!

Now lastly, you may be wondering what I did for my daughter tonight.  Well, after some initial questioning we have her icing her head to keep the swelling down. Over the next 24-48 hours we will be looking for any of the above signs that I listed above.  I did give her homeopathic Arnica and will continue to do so three times daily for the next 2 days to decrease bruising and aching. On another note, I am so thankful that she wears a helmet!

And of course, she’s still smiling!

The immune system is the body’s chief defense system, designed to protect the body against germs, viruses, bacteria, and other invaders.  A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to virtually every type of illness and disease, especially when you move between climates, countries and time zones.  The shift from late summer to autumn is always marked in the health calendar by the arrival of a new generation of viruses accompanied by widespread coughs and colds.

Bacteria for Babies? Yes – Probiotics!
These “friendly bacteria” help keep your digestive tract healthy and help boost immunity.  They are vital for a healthy gastrointestinal system and can help alleviate diarrhea and lactose intolerance. Probiotics alter the balance of microflora in the gut by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and favouring those that aid digestion and help fight infection. Research supports the use of probiotics for reducing the symptoms and duration of the common cold. In children, regular use of probiotics may help the body’s natural immunity especially important at a time when kids are playing, touching, and tasting everything in the world around them.

Probiotics are also frequently used to repopulate the digestive tract after a course of antibiotics has upset this balance. Reports show that probiotics can prevent up to 50% of infections that are common after antibiotic use. Antibiotics are often to blame for throwing off the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. If your child has been on antibiotics, it is extremely important to replenish beneficial bacteria by giving them a probiotic supplement. These are available in powder, liquid, tablet and capsule forms. Look for specific strains which enhance microflora in infants and toddlers: B. infantis, B. bifidum, and B. breve.

Potential benefits of giving probiotics to kids:

• Helps replenish beneficial bacteria.
• Boosts your child’s immune system to help strengthen their resistance.
• Protects and promotes your child’s healthy digestive tract.

Fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that can bolster your immune system and prevent low-grade inflammation. So, before you reach for your next “fun size” treat, make sure you’ve eaten some healthy produce first!

Remember that moderation is key to a happy sweet tooth and a healthy immune system. Have a safe and fun night trick-or-treating!

Lunchtime can be exciting if you mix things up a bit.  Younger children respond to and enjoy brightly coloured, bite-sized pieces of fruit and vegetables, sandwiches cut into recognizable shapes using a cookie cutter, or foods they can stack, dip or roll.  Improve on the average sandwich by mixing and matching different breads to create a unique sandwich and instead of potato chips introduce yummy flavoured rice crackers.  And don’t forget to add a bit of cheer to your child’s day – include a short note in their lunch bag once in a while!

It is also important to be aware of packing foods that can trigger an allergic response, such as peanuts and seafood.  According to Health Canada, the number of children with life-threatening food allergies is increasing.  Contact your child’s school directly to find out what restrictions they have in place.  Even trace amounts of allergens are enough to cause a life-threatening allergic response in children with allergies.  Read your food labels and avoid foods that may contain allergens or have been in contact with them.

One of the things that I work with parents of my children patients is that good nutrition for children is critical for growth and development, and it also should come as no surprise that it can impact their behaviour, mental function and performance in the classroom.  Ensuring that your child has healthy snacks and a nutrient-dense lunch should provide them with enough energy to stay active and help them concentrate throughout the day.

Starting the day off right
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Parents can jump start their children’s day with a well-balanced breakfast, including fruit juice, toast, fruit, yogurt, cereal or eggs.  A well-balanced breakfast will provide the energy to make it through the day.

Choose whole-grain cereals and steer clear of super-sugary brands that offer little nutritional value.  Supermarkets carry a wide variety of organic options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.  Aim for a serving of fruit for vitamins and antioxidants, a slice of whole-grain bread for slow-release energy, and protein, such as an egg or nut butter, to prevent mid-morning hunger pangs.  By implementing these simple guidelines, you will give your child the tools to start their day right!

Good nutrition for children is critical for growth and development, and it also should come as no surprise that it can impact their behaviour, mental function and performance in the classroom.  Ensuring that your child has healthy snacks and a nutrient-dense lunch should provide them with enough energy to stay active and help them concentrate throughout the day.

Starting the day off right
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Parents can jump start their children’s day with a well-balanced breakfast, including fruit juice, toast, fruit, yogurt, cereal or eggs.  A well-balanced breakfast will provide the energy to make it through the day.

Choose whole-grain cereals and steer clear of super-sugary brands that offer little nutritional value.  Supermarkets carry a wide variety of organic options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.  Aim for a serving of fruit for vitamins and antioxidants, a slice of whole-grain bread for slow-release energy, and protein, such as an egg or nut butter, to prevent midmorning hunger pangs.  By implementing these simple guidelines, you will give your child the tools to start their day right!

Packing a healthy lunch
Preparing healthy lunches for your child does not have to be overwhelming.  Simple guidelines such as including two servings of fruits and veggies, a whole grain, a protein, and a milk or calcium-fortified alternative.  If your child has a favorite treat, add it in moderation to their lunch box once a week.  Eating healthy at lunchtime will keep your child’s mind sharp and ready to learn all afternoon.

Lunchtime can be exciting if you mix things up a bit.  Younger children respond to and enjoy brightly coloured, bite-sized pieces of fruit and vegetables, sandwiches cut into recognizable shapes using a cookie cutter, or foods they can stack, dip or roll.  Improve on the average sandwich by mixing and matching different breads to create a unique sandwich and instead of potato chips introduce yummy flavoured rice crackers.  And don’t forget to add a bit of cheer to your child’s day – include a short note in their lunch bag once in a while!

It is also important to be aware of packing foods that can trigger an allergic response, such as peanuts and seafood.  According to Health Canada, the number of children with life-threatening food allergies is increasing.  Contact your child’s school directly to find out what restrictions they have in place.  Even trace amounts of allergens are enough to cause a life-threatening allergic response in children with allergies.  Read your food labels and avoid foods that may contain allergens or have been in contact with them.

Lunch Box Tips:

• Be prepared!  Peel and chop enough fruits and vegetables to last the whole week (prevent fruit from turning brown by sprinkling with lemon juice).
• Be proactive!  Keep your house stocked with healthy foods that your child likes.
• Pack early (or late)!  Pack lunches the night before to eliminate the morning rush.
• Get involved!  Children are less likely to throw away a meal they helped create.
• Be creative!  Choose a variety of breads like cinnamon, raisin or French in different shapes, like pitas, wraps, English muffins, and even crackers.
• Keep it hot!  Consider hot foods for variety.  As a child, my favourite lunch was a warm soup that my mom had carefully packed in a Thermos for me.  What a wonderful way this was to get warm on a cold, fall or winter day.
• Keep them guessing!  Make your child different packed lunches every day.  If the lunchbox get boring for them, it won’t take long for the trading and tossing to begin.

Boosting the brain and building a healthy immune system
A healthy immune system and good brain function will ensure success for your child in their schoolwork, translating into a better year for the whole family.  There are many natural products that are safe and effective to help fight brain cell damage, improve cognition, and fight germs and infections.  We cannot put our children in plastic bubbles to keep them ‘safe’, but we can protect them naturally.

The basics of a healthy brain and immune system starts with good nutrition.  Encourage your child to drink orange juice, spring water, tea and eat fish, broccoli, green peas, green beans, apples, whole grain brad products and other healthy foods.  Choose organic as much as possible and explain to them how fast foods, soda and candy can make them ill.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from flaxseed oil, nuts, and seeds may enhance brain activities in children.  In 2005 study, researchers at Oxford University gave omega-3 fatty acid supplements to British children with behavioral disorders.  Approximately half of the children taking the supplements showed increased attention spans and improved reading skills.

Simple ways to supplement your child’s diet with EFAs include Omega-3 softchews and capsules, flavoured omega-3 oil and flaxseed oil.  Oils can be easily disguised in foods like peanut butter, or you can substitute flaxseed oil in salad dressing or baking recipes.  Chia seeds are another good EFA source and taste great sprinkled on salads, added to baking recipes, or oatmeal.

Supplements can provide your child with vitamins and minerals important for good health.  Choose a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement that is free from sweeteners, fillers, and artificial colours.  A multi-vitamin/mineral ensures a baseline level of nutrition, which is important when you can’t watch what your children are eating during the day.  Additional calcium/magnesium supplements may be needed to build strong bones and teeth.  I would also suggest a probiotic such as yogurt or acidophilus, containing healthy bacteria to aid digestion and boost the immune system.  In addition, Ester C, a non-acidic form of vitamin C that is better absorbed. also benefits the immune system.

Herbal products to fight infections

Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates and enhances the body’s natural immune responses.  It works very well and is safe for children. A recent study through Motherisk supports what herbalists have observed for centuries. This study found no significant difference between the group of pregnant women using Echinacea and the control group.  These findings supports that Echinacea use during pregnancy is not associated with increased risks for birth defects.

Propolis
Researchers studied the use of echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in preventing respiratory tract infections in children.  Children treated with the herbal formula experienced a 55% reduction in frequency of illness compared with the placebo group.  They also found that the average number of days each child suffered from a fever was reduced by 62% in the treatment group.  Lastly, the number of sick days was significantly lower in children taking the herbal formula.  As a caution, if your child is allergic to bee stings, they should not use propolis.

Zinc
Taken on a daily basis zinc can help prevent infections and improve the action of the immune enzymes.  Zinc has a direct anti-bacterial effect in the throat. Children can take zinc as a lozenge, along with echinacea and Ester C to reduce throat soreness, coughing, and hoarseness.

A study in Lancet, found that treating young children with zinc in addition to standard antibiotics significantly reduced the duration of severe pneumonia.  Zinc-treated children had a reduction in the duration of severe pneumonia signs and symptoms than in placebo-treated children.  Also, children using zinc were less likely to need to change the antibiotic they were using.

After School Snacks
Although you have prepared a fantastic breakfast and healthy lunch, a nutritious after-school snack refuels your child’s body before play or study time.  A handful of nuts or an apple is perfect, or perhaps a snack tray of cut vegetables and hummus.  Stay clear of junk foods like chips, sodas, pastries and candy; it is in your child’s best interest that these are not even in the house.  As a study done in Oxford shows, foods that are high glycemic and sugary make children hungrier.

The Final Grade
Focusing on creating healthy school lunches is a great opportunity to teach your child the importance of proper nutrition.  By starting young, your child will grow up appreciating good health, developing healthy eating habits and improved general health.  Children who eat healthy foods will be more likely to make better food and nutrition choices as adults.

It has been a busy time at our house lately. We have been getting our house ready, our lives ready, and trying to get mentally ready for our third child. But really, are you ever ready? Being organized is something that I live for, but after already having two beautiful daughters, I realize that often being organized happens on accident!

Last Sunday, July 29th, 2012 our newest princess arrived safely and swiftly at home.  Sophie Jacqueline Amelia Johnson greeted us at around 2:18pm after a very quick labour (1 hour or so). She weighed in at 8 lbs and 19 1/4″ long. Sophie was delivered by our midwives and both her and I were healthy and had a quick recovery.

A week later, she is gaining weight, sleeping well and loved very much by her big sisters! She is snoozing in her swing as I write this and it is safe to say that the frequency of my blog posts will depend on the type of sleeper she grows up to be!

Well, look at the time… yup, feeding time again and Sophie is letting me know!

Have a healthy day,
Dr. Joyce

Antioxidants – key to anti-aging
Anti-aging antioxidants are molecules that slow or prevent oxidation. Antioxidants can slow down the process of aging in the body and can reduce the number of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are natural by-products of many cellular processes, but excess free radicals can damage body cells and accelerate aging.

Free radicals are created in the body as part of natural body processes and due to lifestyle and living factors such as smoking, pollution, diet, and sun exposure. They can begin a chain reaction that ends with the damage of your cells. Antioxidants will stop the chain reaction, remove the free radicals, and inhibit further oxidization. Studies have shown that antioxidants can also slow aging by attacking free radicals that weaken your immune system and make your body susceptible to degeneration and disease.

Antioxidants are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and green tea. A Statistics Canada poll reported that about half of Canadian adults do not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, the minimum recommendation from Health Canada.

Anti-Aging Antioxidants

Green Tea Extract
Green tea antioxidants are called catechins and flavonols.  Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin that is 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E.  One cup of green tea may provide 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) regulates oxidation of fats and sugars into energy. As we age, our CoQ10 levels drop an average of 50 percent. CoQ10 is an ingredient in many skincare creams to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and protect the skin from aging.

Vitamin E
Here is a potent antioxidant that protects certain cell membranes from free radical attacks. Vitamin E can be used as an anti-aging supplement as well as in moisturizing creams and lotions, designed to support younger looking skin.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant vital for healthy, youthful-looking skin as well as immunity. It helps repair cells and produce collagen, supporting all the connective tissue in the body.

Selenium
Selenium is a mineral antioxidant that boosts immunity, reduces anxiety and depression and maintains healthy hair and nails.

Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo offers antioxidant protection for both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system from the negative effects of aging, specifically age-related mental deterioration.

Final Thoughts
What makes us look and feel young? Or old?  Weight, skin condition, heart health, joint flexibility and mobility—these are some of the keys to a long and healthy life. It is refreshing to know that we can minimize negative effects of aging, and emphasize the positive, with the help of exercise, nutritious foods and quality supplements. Here’s to turning back the clock and living a long, happy and healthy life!