- Written by Bruce Eisenberg, MD
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Dr. Eisenbergs’s words: WHAT FEVER MEANS IN CHILDREN AND WHAT TO DO WITH IT:
Fever is a symptom of an illness and often frightens parents d What is fever? Most people have normal temps between 97 F and 99.4 F degrees although most people run 98.6 degrees. Kids though tend to run slightly warmer than adults. If they have been running around, drinking hot fluids, overwrapped, or in a warm room the temps can also be affected. The late afternoons tend to have higher temps and early morning the lowest temps. Fever is only one indicator of the illness so don’t just rely on the fever to see what is happening with your child. Kids less than 8 and especially with infants , the fever is not an accurate indicator of how severe the illness is in your child. An infant can actually be very ill with subnormal temps ie less than 97 or a 6 year old with a 104 and running around and active can be with just a mild illness. I always ask my parents to see how they are acting , eating and what their activity level is. If that is out of the ordinary for them then it is recommended to call us. What causes fever? Infections from bacteria, viruses and parasites are the most common causes of fevers. But, there are many causes of fevers besides from an infection. Other possibilities include allergies, JRA(arthritis), vaccines, medications, dehydration, cancer and tumors and teething. During an infection, the organisms cause the body to release white blood cells which then secrete endogenous pyrogens into the bloodstream. The pyrogens then stimulate the hypothalamus in the brain to re-set the thermostat of the body to higher temperatures. The body begins to shiver and increase its metabolism to heat up the body. The fever also gets the child to finally rest by making them fatigues so again the body can use the rest to help healing. To prevent heat loss the pores and capillaries on the skin’s surface shut down causing a cold pale surface. Why fevers ? The body needs the higher temperatures in order to help fight off the infection. The body uses the fever to increase the White blood cell release and a natural anti-viral and anti-cancer substance called interferon. The fever in itself also helps to keep the number of viruses and bacteria down by interfering with their replication. What to do now ?? First , don’t panic !! Remember that a moderate fever is there to help your child. Suppressing the mild fevers with drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen will be actually making it harder for your child’s body to fight off the infections by it’s natural mechanism of fever. As long as it is mild and last less than 4-5 days and your child is looking well and active with a good appetite and urinating well then push fluids and rest. Call our practice to speak to the nurse or doctor if you are unsure what to do but I will explain more below. Remember that the fever reducing drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin may make the infections worse by weakening the fever. But, at times the child is listless and complains of symptoms like a headache and you may want to give the child some relief. Initially , I will try a home or natural approach with bathing, pushing fluids by mouth and rest. Put the child in a tepid (warm) bath for 5-10 minutes. The warm bath will help the pores and blood vessels of the skin to open and allow the warmth out to lower the temp. This will help the temp even out and make the child more comfortable. Do not use ice or cold baths. This only will further close the capillaries of the skin and bring the bodies core or central temp higher while making your child even more uncomfortable. Also push fluids frequently. The smaller the sips the most frequently to give because the fevers will often cause the child to refuse fluids. They need fluids though so they don’t get dehydrated. If your child is not hungry for food then don’t worry because the body mostly just needs plenty of fluids. If your child complains of being too hot then let them dress lightly and throw off the sheets and covers. If they are cold with the chills , give warm fluids and bundle with breathable blankets. Again , let them be the judge of the number of layers over them. Over the counter remedies ? If your child has mild to moderate fevers and appears well hydrated and active then you may try over the counter or OTC medications on the form of herbs , homeopathics or drugs. We still recommend the bathing and fluids first but if the fever is interfering with the sleep, feedings or activity you may try OTC’s first before calling your pediatrician. The child can get herbal or homeopathic supplements at the health food store or prescribed by our practitioners after your child has been seen. Other initial options are OTC antipyretics. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. They are found over the counter at most pharmacies. The dosage is indicated on the bottles. We do not recommend any Aspirin for any children or teenagers though. The acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help to bring down the temps in order for your child to feel better and drink or sleep. Your child will then need to be followed up soon by a medical practitioner depending on the severity o I always recommend these above home options first for mild to moderate fevers and the children look well. Some fevers can do harm. During high or prolonged fevers, the body loses water and sweat along with burning up of Vitamins such as Vitamin C. Your child is prone towards dehydration and vitamin loss. If the temp goes up or down too quickly a febrile seizure can occur. Fevers over 106 can be harmful to the tissues of the brain or heart if prolonged. If the child’s temp still does not come down or is over 104 and the child is irritable or won’t drink or sleep or has a headache then more aggressive therapy and medical intervention may be needed. If your child is less than 3 months with any temp over 100 degrees or less than 97 degrees then seek immediate medical help. This could be a sign of a severe medical illness such as sepsis or meningitis. I always recommend these above home options first for mild to moderate fevers and the children look well. Some fevers can do harm. During high or prolonged fevers, the body loses water and sweat along with burning up of Vitamins such as Vitamin C . Your child is prone towards dehydration and vitamin loss. If the temp goes up or down too quickly a febrile seizure can occur. Fevers over 106 can be harmful to the tissues of the brain or heart if prolonged. If the child’s temp still does not come down or is over 104 and the child is irritable or won’t drink or sleep or has a headache then more aggressive therapy and medical intervention may be needed. If your child is less than 3 months with any temp over 100 degrees or less than 97 degrees then seek immediate medical help. This could be a sign of a severe medical illness such as sepsis or meningitis. So, Fever is good and usually can be treated with mild means: Observe your children well. If they are active, playful , drinking well and urinating at least every 6-8 hours then that is a good sign. If they can be consoled when irritable then good too. If they deviate from this after getting the fever down and still don’t look good then notify your pediatrician. When home remedies won’t cut it- I always recommend these above home options first for mild to moderate fevers and the children look well. Some fevers can do harm or be a sign of a more serious illness. During high or prolonged fevers, the body loses water and sweat along with burning up of Vitamins such as Vitamin C . Your child is prone towards dehydration and vitamin loss. If the temp goes up or down too quickly a febrile seizure can occur. Fevers over 106 can be harmful to the tissues of the brain or heart if prolonged. If the child’s temp still does not come down or is over 104 and the child is irritable or won’t drink or sleep or has a headache then more aggressive therapy and medical intervention may be needed. If your child is less than 3 months with any temp over 100 degrees or less than 97 degrees then seek immediate medical help. This could be a sign of a severe medical illness such as sepsis or meningitis. Whenever the fevers are prolonged over 5 days , associated with any aged child with symptoms such as severe headaches, stiff neck, severe abdominal pains, vomiting, poor intake of fluids or output of urine, irritability that can’t be consoled or severe weakness and fatique then immediately consult your pediatrician. This explanation is meant to summarize but not treat your child’s fevers. Please feel free to consult us with any questions. |
ue to misconceptions and controversy surrounding it. The anxiety is also heightened when parents are unsure about what to do with it. In this article, I will try to allay any fears and straighten out what fever is and what to do about it in as simple of a way as possible.|
Dr. Perlman’s words: Staying well is a complicated process. Rest, nutrition, environment and emotion are among the numerous variables that can
impact one's health. Balancing and configuring all these elements can be overwhelming and frustrating. In this wonderful time of
the year, full of travel, visitors and hectic celebration, we can easily take our family's health for granted. Time spent exhaustively frolicking can unfortunately end in illness for the whole family. What can be done to help curb such outcomes!?
In a perfect world, we would eat and rest prudently and quarantine ill family members. However, in the real world, we can only try to take some basic precautions. Here are some suggestions for this holiday season:
1) REST. What does that translate to in our hectic lives? If you are traveling or being visited, carve out time - perhaps
in the afternoon between lunch and dinner - when everyone can just spend some time winding down. While it is wonderful to be together with those we love, there is no need to overdo it and wear down our immune systems.
2) EAT CAREFULLY. Again, in enthusiasm for joyous celebration, our appetites tend to join in. What that often means is overeating to the "nth" degree. While partaking in some fun sweets and starches is of the essence, overdoing it is taxing to an already stressed system. Digesting all the food that we may not usually eat in larger-than-normal quantities can contribute to increased mucous and lowered defenses. Sorry for the graphicness of these descriptions, but just trying to be gently discouraging - little tastes are well tolerated and will help preserve the bodies balance. Also, lean towards
salads, soups, fruits. It doesn't hurt to give the body some support too!
3) WASH THYSELF. At the risk of seeming dramatic, there is a good chance that people you are celebrating with and the planes/trains/ships/automobiles you are traveling in are infected. Our largest and most effective immune system is our skin and mucosa. So, wash often and thoroughly - wash your hands, carry and use simply saline nasal spray frequently, and bathe well. I'm not trying to exacerbate anyone's OCD tendencies, but this is not the time of year to get sloppy.
4) TAKE A DEEP "BELLY" BREATH. Yes, I'm referring to the double edged sword called the holidays. From the hectic frenzy of travel to the responsibilities involved in hosting visitors, there is barely time to breathe. Unfortunately, shallow breathing causes decreased oxygen to the brain, which, in turn, causes stress. Stress makes our bodies an open target to
whatever bug passes our way. So, put things in perspective. Plan out your time carefully. You don't have to visit every single
tourist attraction and you don't have to have every speck of dust picked up or every single dish perfect. Let the trip unfold and allow for family time to gently pass in the wonderful quietness of being together. I'm taking a belly breath right now at that very thought because it is really not that easy - but it is necessary for your health.
Thank you to all the wonderful families of Miami Beach Pediatrics who have been so welcoming to my family and me.
It has been a joy to meet all of you and thank you for sharing your lives with our practice.
I hope these thoughts help to make this holiday season a productive and illness free time of year for you and your family.
Varisa Perlman, MD
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how to stay healthy and prevent the over-use of antibiotics and other prescription drugs.
an what a woman is used to. Pains and discomfort sometime are part of the pregnancy and in some cases after birth as well. Massage Therapy offers a natural way
- Written by Rachael Richardson, RD, LD/N
We all have a unique biochemical make up; it's based on our genes, on the nutritional status of our mother upon our birth, and on our diet and lifestyle throughout our lives. This includes potential exposure to toxins, viruses, fungus & bacteria, our stress levels, our water & air quality, our personal life emotional health, and other factors.
As we progress through our lifecycle, our nutritional needs shift. Pregnancy, increased physical labor, sports impact and injuries, infections, toxic exposure (including to food/alcohol) hospitalizations, travel, and aging all place additional nutritional demand on our bodies. From birth until death, our nutritional needs change hundreds of times; it's possible they are different each day. Getting in tune with your own body's needs, and adapting a flexible nutritional regime can help you prevent disease, offset illnesses and gain energy and wellbeing.
I keep a wide variety of nutritional supplements in my home to help keep myself and my family balanced and healthy. My nutritional program changes regularly based on what I feel is needed to balance mood, energy, nutrient voids or additional toxins I may have ingested (aka. a medication or alcohol). I don't take the identical regime every day. Instead I keep a cupboard of supplements which I believe in, and I use them according to what else is happening in my life. Below you can see which nutrients I stock in my nutritional cupboard, and why I take them.
Strawberry Paleomeal- an excellent and delicious whey protein powder from grass fed cows, contains added nutrients (minerals, omega-3s, fiber)
Vanilla Whey Cool- a pure whey protein from the same healthy cows as what's found in Paleomeal, without added nutrients
Paleomeal Packets- convenient on-the-go travel protein packs
Paleocleanse Detox Powder- my favorite cellular cleansing product. This is best used when you are also planning to limit toxins and take a few days to "cleanse". I recommend you take probiotics first to clear your digestive track, and that when taking Paleocleanse, you also pair it with LV-GB and an antioxidant formula and/or lots of colorful fruits and vegetables
Paleogreens- an excellent primarily organic greens powder, great for those who need more greens than they can consume each day. Greens protect us from cancer and heart disease, balance pH, and help with energy and detoxification. I drink a tablespoon of this every day with water and a squeeze of fresh lime
Paleoreds- a primarily organic blend of the beautiful red and purple foods. Delicious, a great juice replacement, and mega-healthy for your body!
C+ BioFizz- this vitamin C powder is delicious! It tastes like the old "Tang" drink, though there's no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Complete Multi Caps- A good solid multi- far superior to Centrum or another over-the-counter multi. It's in capsule form, so better absorbed than a tablet.
Magnesium Glycinate- This is my choice nutrient for relaxation and improved sleep. It has also benefitted my patients with high blood pressure. Magnesium acts to relax the muscles and nervous system and helps maintain healthy heart rythym. Most people are deficient in magnesium due to soil depletion of this mineral.
Zinc Supreme- zinc is used in more chemical reactions in the human body than any other nutrient. Therefore a deficiency can show up in many ways. In particular zinc is used to improve immune function, skin, appetite, sweet cravings, and brain issues.
B-Supreme B Complex- I think we all need a little extra B-complex due to hectic and stressful lives. B-complex is crucial in glucose/energy metabolism as well as in managing stress.
Glutamine Powder or Caps- I've seen this amino acid work magic in people trying to build lean tissue. It also is super helpful for digestive problems and healing the gut.
Endotrim- I've had a lot of clients who've felt this has helped them in weight loss. It has a blend of nutrients and herbs which act on various levels to help with weight loss. It works on various types of metabolism and cravings.
Brain Power Sours- if noone told you, you would probably guess that these little sours were bad-for-you candy. Yes, that's how delicious they are. And they support brain function with specialized brain nutrients. I ask people to use them when they have cravings, especially good for kids with candy/sweet cravings.
Inflammatone- There's research and beliefs that inflammation underlies all disease. This herbal and nutrient blend helps to reduce inflammation and is suitable for those dealing with pain or other inflammatory conditions. Consult your physician if taking medications.
Allicin- This blend of garlic and cinnamon bark is potent and effective. It helps kill yeast in the intestines, an ever growing problem people are dealing with which may manifest in irritable bowel issues, skin issues, or vaginal yeast issues.
Berry Frutol- This is an omega-3 fish oil disguised through emulsification with a delicious berry blend. My oldest niece has always loved it!
Finest Pure Fish Oils- This is just pure omega-3 fish oil with a hint of essential oil of orange. Definitely one of my favorite fish oils!
HLC Intensive- An excellent and effective probiotic, I cannot say enough good things about the HLC Probiotic line. This is FOS free.
HLC High Potency Powder- A delicious tasting form of HLC Probiotics. This contains FOS and apricot.
HLC Mindlinx- Just like the Intensive form, but with 2 added strains to help breakdown gluten and casein, and a small amount of glutamine.
Trace Minerals by Pharmax- a good trace mineral blend
Vitalzym X by World Nutrition- a systemic enzyme useful in reducing inflammation and fibrinogenic conditions.
Theanine by Metabolic Maintenance- Did someone say they needed to relax? Theanine can help you do that more effectively.
L-Lysine by Metabolic Maintenance- Reverses viral overgrowth. The truth? Most people have one or more virus in their body. You may never eradicate it, though you can limit it's growth, and lysine may be the best non-pharmaceutical to do that.
200 Mg of Zen by Allergy Research- This is a combination of theanine and GABA. Take it before meditating, or to result in a similar Zen like feeling
Oreganol by North Amercian Herb and Spice- This is a powerful plant anti-biotic. It acts as an anti-viral, fungal, and baterial.
Xylitol Gum- I love gum, but I hate aspartame and sucralose. This gum has neither, just xylitol.
Organic Coconut Oil by Nutiva- Coconut Oil is delicious, tolerates a medium amount of heat in cooking, and contains monolaurin, a well known anti-fungal compound.
Biogenesis Ultra Lean Gluco Support Bars: Crispy Rice, Spice Bars, Chocolate Mint & Peanut Butter Crunch- gluten free, blood sugar balancing bars. There's no better available on the market!
All of these supplements can be purchased through Miami Beach Pediatrics in house supplement program. If you need help deciding which supplements to stock, you can consult with Rachael Richardson. She's a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist who has been studying and using many of these supplements in her daily practice for 10 years. If you're not sure if your health goals or conditions can be addressed through nutritional supplementation, you can receive a complimentary 5-minute phone evaluation with Rachael. You can do this by contacting our office at 305-672-7337 and asking for your complimentary phone evaluation with Rachael. If you'd prefer to schedule a complete consultation with Rachael, you can do this too, here at Miami Beach Pediatrics.
- Written by Rachael Richardson, RD, LD/N
with Kelly Jones, Dietetics Student, FIU, Nutrolution
With the new school year approaching fast, children and parents across the globe are flooding stores to buy school supplies and clothes.
Most parents are always on the look-out to save a buck here or there. If you don’t already, a great way to save money and increase your child’s nutrition is to pack their lunch. If you don’t have much experience packing your child a lunch, here is a simple guide to get you started!
1. Pack foods that your child will eat.
It’s great if you fill your child’s lunch with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and other healthy foods. But if your child swaps their apple for a friend’s pudding cup, your efforts are useless. If your child does not like many healthy foods, start introducing new foods. Integrate new foods into their after school snack or dinner which you prepare for your child. This way, if your child does not like the new food, he or she will not be hungry because they can grab something else.
2. Be creative
Some kids steer away from eating plain raw fruit and vegetables. Here are a few suggestions to make eating raw fruits and vegetables delicious and fun:
- Apple slices, banana slices, celery, or carrots with real peanut, almond or macadamia nut butter
- Fruits such as peach slices or strawberries with organic yogurt for dipping
- Raw vegetables with an olive oil based salad dressing, guacomole or hummus for dipping
- Fruit salad with all different shapes and sizes of fruit
- Veggie salads such as Cesar, Israeli Cucumber, or a Greek Salad
- Dried unsweetened mangos or cherries
Almond butter, olive oil based dressing, and hummus all have healthy fats in them, particularly monounsaturated fats. Not only is dietary fat essential for energy and a healthy brain, but it also helps kids absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from fruits and vegetables.
- Written by Rachael Richardson, RD, LD/N
Why are so many of us tired, medicated, overweight and generally dissatisfied with our bodies? What is missing from our lives?
Over the past 30+ years, we’ve seen an explosion of processed foods. There’s a growing concern for nutrition and disease-prevention extending to kids. On processed foods, kids’ bodies are developing with more toxins than nutrients. The problem is kids have few role models for healthy lifestyles. When they start to develop health problems or obesity, they have nowhere to turn for solutions.
- Written by Anita K. Hale,LMT
Cranio Sacral Therapy is a most effective therapy for enhancing the function of the nervous system. It is a gentle ‘hands on’ therapy using massage and Cranio Sacral Therapy techniques which is done while fully clothed. Cranial therapists are taught to find the restrictions throughout the body including restrictions in the intracranial membranes by monitoring the motion of the cranial rhythm - a result of the production and movement and re-absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid through out the cranial system. The cranial rhythm is felt in all parts of the body and has certain characteristics that are observed by therapists during evaluation of the overall health of a person and to find restrictions causing and contributes to many different dysfunctions in new born babies, children, and adults of all ages.
Read more: Cranio Sacral TherapyTouch – the origin of medicine
