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Did you know that approximately half of all children will eventually suffer from a fracture or serious orthopedic injury? It's no surprise to Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital (www.orthohospital.org), a world leader in pediatric orthopedic treatment, research and education for nearly a century. Each year, their doctors treat more than 13,000 children with fractures, half of these occurring during summer months and the first part of the school year.

"Children grow rapidly and have open growth plates, which increases their potential for fractures," says Dr. Mauricio Silva, associate medical director for the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Center, one of a team of specially trained pediatric orthopedists available to treat children in need of fracture care. "To help avoid potential accidents and broken bones, parents and caregivers need to be responsible for the necessary safety precautions, maintenance and repair of any play equipment and involve their child in the process of learning the safety requirements of participating in a particular activity."

Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital pediatric orthopaedic experts offer these top five tips for keeping kids bones safe:

Provide proper adult supervision at home. For example, use non-slip rugs, appropriate stools or ladders with non-skid legs, child safety locks on cupboard doors and drawers so children cannot climb up them.

Cushion playground areas. Use playground equipment with a protective soft surface surrounding it, along with close adult supervision.

Practice bike safety. Keep children's bicycles in good working order and make sure they adhere to the rules of the road, such as using helmets, reflectors/light at dusk and hand signals.

Use protective gear for outdoor sports. This includes wrist guards and helmets, braces and kneepads during activities.

Avoid or use extreme caution during high-risk activities. This includes trampoline use in the home and riding all-terrain vehicles.

"For many children, rapid access to pediatric orthopaedic specialists makes the difference between a childhood accident or a debilitating injury with lifetime consequences," says Dr. Silva. "Because children's bones heal fast and should be treated differently than an adult's, a fracture not seen within days of occurring will start to heal, aligned or not, which can cause problems including deformity, pain, and arthritis down the road. But if a fracture is treated promptly and correctly, many complications can be avoided and the child is more likely to have a healthy recovery."

The most common types of fractures seen in children at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital are elbow, ankle and forearm. If a child falls or has an accident, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital doctors recommend the following:

Look for areas of swelling and/or deformity.

Elevate the extremity, apply ice and seek medical attention if there is swelling and/or deformity.

Cleanse deep abrasions with soap and water.

Seek medical attention for deep abrasions/lacerations or if the surrounding skin becomes red and warm.

Seek medical attention if the child cannot stand or walk on an injured extremity.

Take any symptoms of headache seriously and seek medical attention.

(8-18-09)

Little data exists on a possible association between autism and gastrointestinal disorders, although the suggestion of such a connection has widespread popularity, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Children with autism may, however, be more likely to have feeding and food selectivity issues that can lead to constipation, according to the study "Incidence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children With Autism: A Population-Based Study," published in the journal Pediatrics.

Researchers studied 124 children with a diagnosis of autism from birth to age 18. They looked at the incidence of five groups of gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, abdominal bloating/discomfort, reflux or vomiting, and feeding issues/food selectivity. No significant difference was found in overall incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms between the children with autism and the control group of children without autism. There was no evidence of increased incidence of malabsorption or inflammation in the digestive tract.

Feeding issues and constipation were more common in the children with autism, which the authors concluded may be due to neurobehavioral factors associated with autism, such as need for routine and insistence on sameness in the diet. Some medications used to treat children with autism also can lead to appetite suppression and constipation. According to the authors, children with autism should not be treated indiscriminately with restrictive diets or dietary supplements, which should only be used for specific gastrointestinal disorders.

(8-11-09)

Physical education (PE) in schools is one of the main tools used to increase physical activity and to prevent childhood obesity, and PE-related injuries are on the rise. Although increasing physical activity may reduce obesity, it may also increase the risk of injury. While recognizing that PE classes and physical activity are important components in combating obesity, parents and school administrators should remain vigilant for injuries. A recent study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, found that the number of PE-related injuries to elementary, middle and high school students in the United States increased 150 percent between 1997 and 2007.

According to the study, published in the online issue of Pediatrics, the most common PE-related injuries were lower-extremity sprains and strains (23 percent), followed by upper extremity sprains and strains (14 percent) and fractures (14 percent). Middle school-aged children (11-14 years of age) accounted for the majority of PE-related injuries (52 percent). Elementary school-aged children (5-10 years of age) had almost double the odds of a head injury, compared with other injuries.

Nearly 70 percent of PE-related injuries occurred while children were participating in six activities (running, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics). Injuries were caused by contact with another person, playing surface, equipment, stationary structures, pulled muscles, overuse and activity-related illnesses such as heat stroke.

"The 150 percent increase in PE-related injuries presenting to emergency departments was consistent across gender and age groups. It is unlikely that this increase was attributable to an increase in PE participation," explained study author Dr. Lara McKenzie, principal investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital and faculty member of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. "Identifying patterns of PE-related injuries is the first step toward preventing them. Injury prevention education should be made a priority for all PE activities, especially for those activities with the highest injury rates."

This is the first published study to examine PE-related injuries on a national level. Data for this study were collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The NEISS dataset provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments across the country.

For more information, visit www.injurycenter.org.

(8-11-09)

Physical activity is a key component of health, and many schools are increasing physical education (PE) requirements to help prevent child obesity, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. In a study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. During the 11-year study period, 405,305 children and adolescents were treated in emergency departments for PE-related injuries. The annual number of cases increased 150 percent during the study period. Nearly 70 percent of the injuries occurred during six activities: running, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics.

Researchers noted differences in the types of injuries suffered by boys and girls. Boys, for example, were more likely to be injured on the head, during collisions with other people, and during group activities. Girls tended to suffer strains and sprains to the lower extremities, and to be injured during individual activities. Middle school-aged children accounted for the majority (52 percent) of injuries. Given the increasing recognition of the importance of physical activity, the authors suggest more research is needed to develop injury-prevention strategies.

(8-11-09)

Using sparklers on our nation's birthday is as traditional as cookouts and swimming and is equally safe if a few commonsense rules are followed. But according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. These are injuries that would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced:

Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.

Always remain standing while using sparklers.

Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.

Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.

Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.

Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.

Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.

Never throw sparklers.

Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.

Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to be Sparkler Smart this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations. For more information, visit www.fireworkssafety.org.

(6-30-09)

Using a lawnmower can be as routine as bike riding or barbeques during spring and summer. But often, people find themselves in terrifying situations with these seemingly safe household machines. In fact, 200,000 people – 16,000 of them children – are injured in lawn-mower-related accidents each year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

However, lawn mowers don't "attack" on their own. Most injuries – such as severed fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken bones, burns and eye injuries – are caused by careless use and can be prevented by following a few simple safety tips.

The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have teamed up to prevent injuries and educate adults and children about the importance of lawnmower safety during National Safety Month, June 2009.

"In 19 years of practice as a plastic surgeon and microsurgeon, some of the most devastating and disabling injuries I've treated are from lawnmower accidents," says ASRM President Dr. William Zamboni. "It's especially concerning when children are injured since most of these injuries are preventable."

Many lawnmower-related injuries require a team of physicians from various specialties – plastic surgery, microsurgery, maxillofacial surgery, pediatrics and orthopedics – to properly repair them. Often, patients must endure painful reconstructive operations for months, sometimes years, to restore form and function.

"Power lawnmowers are dangerous adult tools, but many children, and sometimes adults unfortunately, see them as toys," says ASPS President Dr. John Canady. "Lawn mowing can be dangerous to the operator as well as those nearby if proper safety precautions aren't taken. Physicians in this coalition often repair these heart wrenching injuries, and we feel it's our duty to help people avoid these accidents in the first place."

The ASRM, ASPS, ASMS, AAP and AAOS offer the following tips to help prevent lawnmower-related injuries:

Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawnmower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.

Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.

Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing – not sandals.

Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.

Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.

Always wear eye and hearing protection.

Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.

Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.

Start and refuel mowers outdoors – not in a garage. Refuel with the motor turned off and cool.

Blade settings should be set by an adult only.

Wait for blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute or crossing gravel roads. (As a safety feature, some newer models have a blade/brake clutch that stops the blade each time the operator releases the handle.)

"We are pleased to be part of this lawn mower injury prevention coalition," says ASMS President Dr. Kevin Kelly. "Maxillofacial plastic surgeons treat numerous facial injuries caused by lawnmowers, particularly to children, and the effects can be devastating. Very often, we see patients who suffer significant facial injuries by items thrown out of mowers like sticks and stones."

Photos of injured patients and a PSA video titled "When Lawn Mowers Attack" are available for download on ASPS' Web site at www.plasticsurgery.org/x8086.xml.

(6-30-09)

The most inclusive, family-friendly cruise gets even better with two more great reasons to sail with Disney Cruise Line this summer – a value-added offer and new talent for eight special "Disney Channel Summer at Sea" sailings.

Families looking for a fun-filled getaway can set sail this summer on the most magical ships at sea and receive $100 per day onboard spending credit with a verandah stateroom booking. This special offer is available on most Disney Cruise Line itineraries, including three-, four- and seven-night sailings to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

For example, a guest who selects a verandah stateroom would receive a $700 onboard spending credit when booking a seven-night cruise, a $400 credit when booking a four-night cruise or a $300 credit when booking a three-night cruise.

Guests may use the onboard spending credit to treat themselves and their family members to special indulgences, including rejuvenating spa treatments at the Vista Spa and Salon, shore excursions at ports of call, shopping onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay and purchasing keepsake photos at Shutters.

Offer valid on most sailings:

Seven-night cruises: June 20 to August 8, 2009

Four-night cruises: June 28 to August 9, 2009

Three-night cruises: June 25 to August 6, 2009

In a Disney exclusive, Disney Channel stars will set sail this summer, joining thousands of Disney Cruise Line guests aboard the Disney Wonder for eight special sailings during the first-ever "Disney Channel Summer at Sea," presented by Kodak.

During the special sailings – three- and four-night Bahamian cruises taking place July 9 through August 2 – Disney Channel stars will participate in onboard deck parties, join guests for Q&A and autograph sessions, preview screenings of Disney Channel programming and participate in live musical performances.

Disney Channel stars newly added to the summer's exciting lineup of talent include Roshon Fegan from Camp Rock (July 9-12, July 12-16); Chelsea Staub from Camp Rock (July 23-26, July 26-30); Oleysa Rulin from High School Musical (July 16-19, July 19-23); and musical act KSM (July 30-August 2).

Just some of the other top stars scheduled to participate include Mitchel Musso from Hannah Montana (July 19-23); Jason Earles from Hannah Montana (July 16-19, July 19-23); Tiffany Thornton from Sonny with a Chance (July 9-12, July 12-16); Alyson Stoner from Camp Rock (August 2-6); and Debby Ryan from The Suite Life on Deck (July 30-August 2).

For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com.

(6-23-09)

The first-ever national estimate among a nationally representative sample of U.S. children reveals that 3 out of every 1,000 children between the age of 6 and 17 in the United States have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS), according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The study, "Prevalence of Diagnosed Tourette Syndrome in Children in the United States, 2007," found that a TS diagnosis is three times more common in boys than in girls, and approximately twice as common in children between 12 to 17 years as those aged 6 to 12 years. Among children with TS, 27 percent were reported as having moderate or severe TS, and 79 percent of children had also been diagnosed with at least one additional mental health or neurodevelopmental condition.

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that typically begins during early childhood, with symptoms being most severe between the ages of 10 and 12 years. TS is characterized by recurring multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic. Tics are involuntary, repetitive, stereotyped, usually sudden and rapid movements or vocalizations that may be suppressed for short periods of time.

"TS and tic disorders have been linked to higher rates of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and impairments associated with these conditions, such as learning disabilities and problems with peer relations," says Dr. Rebecca Bitsko, Health Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Given the high number of children diagnosed with TS who have another mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, it is necessary to further study the relation between these conditions."

Further, the data show that non-Hispanic white children are more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic black children or Hispanic children to have a parent-reported TS diagnosis.

"Having an estimate of the number of U.S. children who are diagnosed with TS is a first step toward understanding the overall impact of this condition in the population," says Dr. Bitsko. "Further research must examine differences in access to health care for children with TS in different population groups, the impact of TS on the quality of life, long term outcomes for children with TS, and strategies for reducing the impact of conditions associated with TS."

For more information about Tourette Syndrome and other birth defects, call toll free 1-800 CDC-INFO.

(6-16-09)

The U.S. Surgeon General issued a call to action on underage drinking in 2007, with the goals of bringing more attention to the issue, increasing research and improving prevention efforts, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In response, the study "Estimated Blood Alcohol Concentrations for Child and Adolescent Drinking and Their Implications for Screening Instruments," has re-examined the number of standard drinks that constitute binge drinking in tweens and teens. Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter of blood within two hours. However, children weigh less than adults and can therefore achieve a higher BAC than adults after consuming the same number of drinks.

The study estimated that in a two-hour period, three or more drinks for 9- to 13-year-old children would theoretically result in a legally drunk BAC of .08. The same BAC level would be reached with four or more drinks for boys and three or more drinks for girls 14 or 15 years of age, and with five or more drinks for boys and three or more drinks for girls 16 or 17 years of age.

This information is important because it suggests that fewer drinks can result in hazardous levels of alcohol impairment in teens, especially girls, a message that is even more important at this time of year when proms and graduation celebrations begin taking place.

(6-09-09)

To celebrate the newly opened "American Idol Experience" attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Kris Allen shouted the famous words "I'm Going to Disney World!" immediately after being crowned the newest "American Idol" in the show's star-studded season finale on Wednesday night, May 20, in Los Angeles.

Camera crews captured Allen's celebratory pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage mere moments after American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced the champion's name to millions of viewers watching worldwide. Not only did the newly crowned Idol shout "I'm Going to Disney World!" at the spot's conclusion, his voice also was featured throughout the ad as he performed the iconic song, "When You Wish Upon a Star."

And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest "I'm Going to Disney World!" commercial aired on television within hours of the "American Idol" finale. Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars – including Super Bowl heroes and World Series champs – Kris Allen is the second singer to ever star in the Disney commercial in its 20+-year history. (The 2008 American Idol champion, David Cook, was the first.)

Allen's role in the newest "I'm Going to Disney World" commercial celebrates "The American Idol Experience," the new American Idol-themed attraction that had a February 2009 grand opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

"The American Idol Experience" – the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series – was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd. In the attraction, Disney guests are able to experience the glitz and glamour of the American Idol television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite performance from their audience seats.

Attraction performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening's grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives "The American Idol Experience" Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the American Idol television show.

For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/idol.

(5-26-09)