Your Grandchild's Health Care
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-12-04 00:00:00-05:00
Your Grandchild's Health Care
We sure have surprises in store when we first become grandparents. Basic health care for infants and children has changed significantly since we raised our own children.
Two examples: Doctors prescribe antibiotics sparingly for young children. They now know that overuse of these drugs causes more dangerous strains of bacteria. Cleaning children's teeth from infancy is also a new practice for some of us. Dentists warn that adult teeth are affected by careful attention to "baby" teeth. With early dental care, our grandchildren may grow up with great smiles that show off their beautiful, healthy teeth!
Grandparents of the twenty-first century are fortunate. New and improved vaccines protect our grandchildren against many dangerous diseases. Children who get their shots at the right times avoid many of the illnesses that caused death, or brain damage, heart problems, crippling, deafness and blindness, and learning disabilities in past times. Immunizations against certain kinds of pneumonia and hepatitis B are recent additions that young children should have. The introduction of Hib Disease Vaccine protects against meningitis. That used to strike one in 200 children before age five. One of every four of these children suffered permanent brain damage. One of twenty died. Another new vaccine prevents both meningitis and serious blood diseases. Older children require booster shots for tetanus and other diseases.
The Vaccines Given Before Two
These are the vaccines all children should have before they are two:
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- DTaP Vaccine - Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis)
- Hib Vaccine - Meningitis, pneumonia and infections in various parts of the body.
- MMR Vaccine - Measles, mumps, and German measles (rubella)
- Varicella - Chickenpox
- Pneumococcal vaccine - Infection of the bloodstream and meningitis
- Influenza vaccine - Now recommended as early as six months old, especially for infants and toddlers who have health problems such as chronic pulmonary and cardiac diseases and others
- Hepatitis A vaccine - Given in certain states
On Backs or Stomachs?
Another major change has occurred since many of us were parents of newborns. We were told to place our babies on their stomachs in their cribs. New parents are now told by doctors and nurses to put babies on their backs for sleep. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is sometimes called "crib death". It is defined as the sudden death (usually occurring during sleep) of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. It strikes about 6,000 babies yearly in the U.S. Infants who sleep on their backs or sides are at lower risk of SIDS than infants who sleep on their stomachs.
Regular Checkups
Some health care has not changed much over the decades. Babies and older children still need to have regular medical check-ups to make sure they are healthy, to screen for hearing and vision problems, and to check for diseases such as TB. For infants up to 18 months, frequent "well-baby check-up" visits are recommended. All children 18 months or older need to visit the doctor at least once a year. Regular visits to the dentist assist the development of strong and healthy teeth.
Our Grandmothers Were Right!
They told us to wash our hands often, especially after using the bathroom. This advice is just as true in the twenty-first century. The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) tells us the "most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands." The CDC says we should wet our hands and apply soap, rub our hands together and scrub for 15 - 20 seconds, and rinse and dry hands. Of course we should wash a baby's hands the same way and frequently. And young children should be taught as soon as possible to wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom. When someone is ill at home, it's also important to wash hands often. Hand wipes are helpful when water and soap are not available.
Parental Consent for Medical Care
You may care for your grandchildren while their parents are away. If so, you should make sure that you have parental consent to get routine medical care for your grandchildren. The child's parents may need to sign a consent document. These laws vary from state to state. Ask your doctor, lawyer, local clinic, social services agency or the Bar Association about the laws are in your state and how they apply to your situation.
You will also need the names of the doctors who care for your grandchildren. If your grandchildren are visiting you from any distance, you will need the name of a physician who can care for your grandchildren in your own community if a health problem arises.
Poison Control Center
We all know that small children can and do get into everything. It's essential that we child-proof our homes and watch them every moment. It's a good idea to post the 1-800-222-1222 number for the Poison Control Center near every phone. In case of possible poisoning, don't use syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's not proven to be effective. Most emergency rooms now use activated charcoal. Always call 911 if a child has convulsions, stops breathing or is unconscious.
Taking care of our grandchildren is a serious matter. And it can be a wonderful time. Have fun!
AARP Resources
Grandparent Message Boards
Talk to other grandparents through the AARP Grandparent message boards
Additional Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics
A wealth of information from doctors who work directly with children.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Caring for children's teeth, including a dental checklist for infants and toddlers.
KidsHealth
Information on children's growth and development, nutrition and fitness, infections, behavior and emotions, positive parenting, medical care and the health care system, and growing up healthy.
SAFEKIDS Campaign
Fact sheets, frequently asked safety questions about such issues as car seats, and a family safety checklist.
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