Peninsula Pediatrics

Author: Splash Creative

Substance Abuse Prevention in Kids

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Substance abuse can be a challenging topic for parents, but it’s important to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol to prevent harmful consequences for their health and safety. As kids navigate their adolescent years and are looking to explore new things, peer pressure, curiosity, and stress can lead them to experiment with drugs and alcohol. As a parent, understanding the risks, having open communication, and taking preventive steps can make all the difference.

Kids turn to drugs and alcohol for various reasons, including stress and anxiety, which could result from academic pressures, conflicts with family or friends, and other life challenges. Peer pressure and watching friends use drugs and alcohol can also encourage them. Other contributing factors are curiosity and seeing drugs and alcohol glamorized in movies, TV shows, social media, and music. 

Research shows that establishing clear boundaries and providing parental support reduces the risk of teens turning to substance use. Start by creating a safe environment that encourages your teen to discuss their struggles and issues. This will give you the opportunity to provide them guidance on developing healthy coping mechanisms to handle stress and regulate their emotions. By showing compassion and understanding, you can help make your child feel they have an adult to turn to for support. While it’s essential to regularly talk to your kids about substance use, you’ll want to avoid lectures and instead have an open conversation with your kids that allows them to share their thoughts. Be clear, however, of your expectations and set boundaries for their health and safety. 

Kids are more likely to follow your guidance if you emphasize the risks and dangers of substance use. Many teens believe marijuana is harmless, especially as it’s becoming legal in more states. However, marijuana can impair memory, judgment, and motor skills. The risk is higher in children and adolescents as their brains are developing. Edible marijuana products are even more dangerous since their effects can take longer to appear and lead to users consuming more than they may have intended. A high dose of marijuana can cause severe intoxication, panic attacks, and hospitalization. 

Additionally, smoking tobacco can damage the lungs and increase the risk of cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Alcohol is also dangerous for kids and teens whose brains are not fully developed yet. It can cause memory issues and risky behaviors and lead to long-term problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and potentially cancer. Make sure your kids understand the consequences of using these substances so that they can make healthy choices. 

Help your teens resist peer pressure by instilling self-confidence in them and empowering them to say no. Teach them firm ways of expressing disinterest and share strategies for redirecting the conversation. For example, they could say, “No, I don’t drink,” and then change the subject. 

If you suspect or discover that your child is using drugs or alcohol or smoking tobacco, it’s important to approach the situation with concern instead of anger. Start the conversation in a non-judgmental way to understand why they’re using substances. You can then work with them to develop solutions to get them to stop their use. In some cases, professional intervention might be necessary, especially if your child has an addiction or a substance abuse problem. An effective drug treatment program will have a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with expertise in associated medical, emotional, or behavioral issues, family therapy services, peer support groups guided by a professional facilitator, and an abstinence-only policy. If the center treats both minors and adults, the adolescent unit should be kept separate.  

For further guidance on choosing the right drug treatment program or any concerns related to substance abuse, please call our office. Our pediatrician is here to help your family and provide the resources you need. 



Keeping Kids Safe from Small Batteries, High-Powered Magnetic Toys, and Water Beads

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December is National Toy Safety Month and it is also the holiday season when children often receive toys as gifts. Toys are very beneficial for children’s growth and development and they also make exciting items to receive as holiday presents. However, many toys contain small batteries and high-powered magnets, which can pose significant dangers to children if ingested or mishandled. It’s important to be aware of the safety risks and take preventative measures to protect your kids from potential harm. 

Small batteries, such as button batteries and lithium coin batteries, are tiny, round, and shiny, which makes them particularly appealing to young children. In addition to toys, these batteries are found in remote controls, flashing shoes, and even jewelry. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal injuries. When these batteries come into contact with bodily fluids, they create an electrical current that produces sodium hydroxide. This substance can cause a burn, which is extremely harmful and can even lead to death. 

Symptoms of ingestion are often subtle and mimic common illnesses, such as a sore throat or infection, which can lead to delays in treatment. Additionally, if batteries get placed in a child’s nose or ear, they can cause infections or significant tissue damage. To protect children, parents should ensure that battery compartments on toys and household devices are tightly secured and taped shut. Old batteries should be immediately wrapped in tape and disposed of properly in an outdoor trash can or recycling center, as even “dead” batteries retain enough charge to cause harm. If a child swallows a button battery, it is critical to act immediately and take them to the emergency room. While en route, it is recommended to give your child two teaspoons of honey every ten minutes and up to six doses, if they are over the age of one.

High-powered magnets can also cause catastrophic injuries if swallowed. They can also get stuck in the nose and cause serious injuries to your child’s nasal respiratory tract. Products such as magnetic sculpture sets or reusable water balloons with magnetic seals are particularly risky. Symptoms of ingestion may include abdominal pain, vomiting, or a fever. Parents can reduce the risk of ingestion by avoiding magnetic toy sets altogether or storing them in locked or out-of-reach containers when not in use. It is also important to regularly inspect toys for loose magnets or cracks. 

If your child swallows a magnet, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Delays can lead to severe injuries, infections, or potentially death. In some cases, children may require surgery. If a child is injured by a magnetic toy or small battery, report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov. Doing so helps identify hazardous products and prevent future injuries.

In addition to small batteries and high-powered magnets, water beads, which are sold as sensory toys, can also be dangerous to children. These are sometimes used as play tools for children with autism and other developmental conditions. However, they are sometimes mistaken as candy by young children and can be accidentally swallowed or inhaled as a result. Once inside the body, they can absorb fluids and grow, which can lead to blockages and life-threatening damage. Water beads are also choking hazards, particularly for children under the age of three. Symptoms of ingestion may include loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, wheezing, abdominal pain, or constipation. If you suspect that your child has swallowed water beads, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. It is recommended not to have water beads in households with young children. 

By staying informed, inspecting toys and household items, and taking proactive measures, you can ensure a safe environment for your children to play in. If you have any questions or concerns about toy safety, please call our office.




Cold and Flu Season

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The sick season is here, and we’ve seen an increase in the number of patients with the common cold and flu. These respiratory infections often spread through close contact with sick individuals or by touching your face after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Fortunately, there are steps to take to protect your family and reduce the risk of illness this season. 

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we highly encourage families to vaccinate their children against the flu. Babies and younger children are particularly at risk of developing severe complications from the flu, which may require hospitalization. Since a baby’s immune system is still developing, it is more challenging for their body to fight infections. The flu vaccine strengthens your child’s immune system and helps protect them from the virus. Children should receive their first flu vaccine at six months of age. If your child is under eight years old and receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or has only received one dose previously, they will need two doses four weeks apart for full protection.

In addition to the flu vaccine, there are several preventive measures you can follow to keep your kids safe from getting sick. Remind your children to practice good hygiene such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching their face. It’s also important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Make sure to wipe down toys, tables, doorknobs, and other areas your kids come into regular contact with. Keep your kids away from anyone who is ill, including other family members in the household. Extra care should be taken when visiting crowded public spaces, such as airports, where germs are more likely to spread.

Even though there is no cure for the common cold or the flu, there are ways to help ease your child’s symptoms and make them feel more comfortable if they do become sick. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids is essential. For congestion, you can use a nasal spray to loosen and help get rid of mucus. A cool mist humidifier or a warm bath can also be effective for relieving congestion. If your child has a sore throat, you can provide them with herbal tea mixed with honey. However, this should be only for children over one year of age. Honey is NOT safe for babies under the age of one. The recommended amount of honey for children between one and five is half a teaspoon. Kids ages six to eleven can have one teaspoon, and for children over twelve, they can have two. If this isn’t sufficient in soothing their throat, you can give your older child a cough drop, but make sure to follow the product instructions. 

If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But it’s important to follow the correct dosage based on your child’s age. We recommend following these guides for the right dosage: acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If your child’s fever is above 104°F or you have an infant under 3 months with a fever, seek medical care. 

In most cases, the cold and the flu will improve with home care. If your child’s symptoms persist or get worse, please call our office. We also advise calling the pediatrician if your child is under 3 months or if they have chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, that put them at a higher risk of complications.