ML Interest Tag: headache

Do Your Kids Get Migraines? Read This

By Sarah Daren

Photo: Snapwire via Pexels

Adults aren’t the only ones who get from migraines. Among parents who suffer from migraines—or had migraines previously—up to 70% of their children also experience migraine headaches, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

If you know how painful and debilitating a migraine can be, then it can be very difficult to see your child suffer in the same way. But what can you do to help? Migraines can be notoriously difficult to treat, but there are some ways to help your child cope. Here’s what you need to know about how kids experience migraines and what you can do to help.

The Differences Between Headaches and Migraines

People who don’t get migraines often lump them in with run-of-the-mill headaches. While it’s true that a migraine is a type of headache, it has unique characteristics that set it apart. Up to three-quarters of adults experienced a headache in the past year, but migraines are (fortunately) less common.

Migraines can last anywhere from four hours to three days, and the symptoms actually begin the day before the migraine, with mood changes and food cravings. Once they have set in, migraines will often start to cause flashes of light in the sufferer’s vision before throbbing pain sets in.

During the migraine headache phase, many people are sensitive to light and sound. In the aftermath, they may feel weak, confused, and exhausted. When compared to the head pain caused by a normal headache, migraines are much worse and can be debilitating, particularly if they are chronic.

Kids & Migraines

As with many health issues in children, migraines may present differently than they do in adults. This can make diagnosis difficult and can cause a child to suffer unnecessarily. Children also have trouble talking about their symptoms, and parents may dismiss classic signs of a migraine, such as dizziness, as something minor.

In children, migraines cause classic symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and dizziness. They are also prone to abdominal migraines, which result in nausea and vomiting. Even very young children can experience migraine symptoms, so it’s important to take these signs seriously and see a doctor if your child is experiencing them.

Helping Your Child Cope With a Migraine

The age of your child will make a difference in how you help them cope with a migraine. Older children and teens are often better at communicating their symptoms and may know not to push themselves as far as more active, younger children. It’s always a good idea to encourage teens who are suffering from migraines to rest. However, there are other interventions that may help.

Certain over-the-counter painkillers designed for children might provide some relief from migraine symptoms, but you should ask your doctor before treating symptoms with medication. If your child has frequent migraine attacks, your doctor might be able to prescribe something to help.

Create a soothing atmosphere for your child to rest. Tuck them into bed, turn off the light and encourage them to sleep. You can also use a cool compress while they are lying down. Migraines can be extremely painful and very scary, especially for very young children. Do your best to create a calm, quiet atmosphere that will help to ease their fears and make it easier for them to sleep through the symptoms.

If your child experiences frequent migraines, your doctor might want to examine possible triggers like stress, bright lights, changes in sleep, or even food. They might suggest changing your child’s routine to remove triggers or recommend coping techniques like breathing exercises to control stress and reduce the number of migraines your child experiences.

Managing the Aftermath

Unfortunately, migraines can still cause problems even after the worst of the patient’s head pain subsides. “Postdrome,” the final phase of a migraine, often causing a sort of “mental fog” and bringing symptoms like weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and body aches.

It’s difficult to treat postdrome, so the best strategy is to help your child prevent the problem in the first place. Ensure that they drink plenty of water during and after their migraine symptoms appear and consider avoiding electronics that may provoke light sensitivity. Try calming activities like reading to them or doing yoga together to reduce the effects of postdrome.

It’s never fun to see your child suffer. But remember, you’re not totally helpless—you can take steps to help them cope with this common, but very unpleasant health issue!

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

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Raising Boys: How to Encourage Emotional Expression

By Tyler Jacobson

I am a father of two boys and two girls and I’m constantly surprised at how different they are. One area that these differences are apparent is in how they express their emotions. My girls have no problem being open about their feelings and they’ve become better at articulating what they want the older they’ve become.

My sons seem firmly lodged on the other side of the scale. While they were more expressive when they were younger, nowadays they’ve become more and more reticent. It’s especially hard to get my eldest son to open up about whatever’s going on in his life.

As their dad, I know firsthand how hard it is for men and boys to talk about how they feel. Society has conditioned us to believe that experiencing and showing certain emotions is a sign of weakness and that’s not what “real men” do. As a result, boys end up bottling up their feelings and feel increasingly isolated from their families and the rest of society. They feel they have no one to talk to and that no one will understand what they’re going through. This then leads to increased incidences of teen depression, suicide and mental illness in adolescent boys and young men.

Interpreting My Sons’ Emotions

I decided to do things differently when raising my sons. However, before I could help them work through and express varying emotions, I first had to learn how to read and interpret them.

For instance, I noticed that my youngest son always had a physical complaint whenever he was faced with a new experience. He often had a headache or tummy ache on the first day of school or before a test. I gradually learned that this meant he was anxious or nervous.

My eldest son expresses nervousness or anxiety differently. He plays baseball and doesn’t like showing vulnerability of any kind. So to hide his feelings, he often gets defensive when I ask him how he feels about an upcoming game.

My sons both feel more comfortable expressing their feelings if we chat while doing something else. I’ve learned to have conversations with them while working on the car or doing some DIY projects together. This way they don’t feel pressured so they can relax and open up.

Helping My Boys To Express Themselves

After figuring out how to read their emotions, the next step was helping my boys learn to handle and express their feelings in healthy ways. Here are some of the things I’ve done:

1. Setting a good example. Kids always look to their parents for cues on how to behave and my sons are no different. With this in mind, I tried to set an example worth emulating. I started by getting comfortable talking about what I felt and becoming a more expressive person. Once my boys saw that I wasn’t afraid to share my feelings they started to open up a lot more.

2. Providing a safe environment at home. With society doing its best to convince my sons to bury their emotions, I knew they needed a place where they feel safe being themselves. At home, my boys know that they are free to explore and discover their varying emotions. I don’t tell them what they’re supposed to feel but I instead provide lots of opportunities for them to grow emotionally.

3. Listening to them. In addition to encouraging my sons to express their emotions, I have learned to listen to them even if I don’t agree with what they’re saying. I try not to judge or invalidate their feelings and instead offer support and room for them to vent.  

4. Setting boundaries. Although my boys are free to embrace and express all their feelings, I’ve made sure that they understand the difference between feelings and behavior. They know that they’re responsible for their actions and they can choose how to respond to their emotions. So while feeling angry and upset is okay, they know they’re not allowed to hit or lash out at others because of those feelings.

The outside world is trying its best to toughen up my sons. I hope that setting them a good example and showing them that it’s okay for a man to talk about and show emotions will, in turn, help them be more comfortable sharing and expressing their own feelings.

Tyler Jacobson is a happy husband, father of three, writer and outreach specialist with experience with organizations that help troubled teens and parents. His areas of focus include: parenting, social media, addiction, mental illness, and issues facing teenagers today.

 
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Simple Strategies to Get Your Reluctant Reader into Books

By Faith Goldstein

photo: Pexels

A few weeks ago, I was interviewed on Good Day Chicago Weekend to discuss my newly published picture book, Gorillas’ Night Out, as well as the role and importance of reading in a child’s education. Being a former Kindergarten teacher, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss this topic since teaching my students to read was my favorite part about being a teacher.

One of the questions asked during the interview was, “What can you do to encourage your child to read if he or she is a reluctant reader?” A reluctant reader is simply someone who does not like to read for entertainment purposes and would prefer to do anything but read.

It can be extremely frustrating when you are a parent of a reluctant reader; getting them to read can feel like you are pulling teeth! The battles and tantrums that can ensue are enough to cause a giant headache! And, when they finally do read, it feels like you have accomplished a gigantic feat. But, do not panic because there are things that you can do to rectify this issue. While preparing for the interview, I composed a list of strategies that you can employ to turn your reluctant reader into a not-so-reluctant reader.

1. Model reading for your child. Research shows that one of the most important things a parent can do to encourage their child to read is to model reading for them. When your child sees you laying on the couch, curled up with a good book, this sends a powerful message that reading is a fun and pleasurable activity. If she sees that you genuinely like to read for enjoyment and entertainment purposes, she will be more likely to partake in this activity as well since children take cues from adults.

2. Evaluate what your child is reading. Maybe your child does not enjoy reading simply because the books that he is choosing to read are too difficult and beyond his reading level. When a child is trying to read a book that is above their ability level, it can become incredibly frustrating to struggle and stumble over every word. He will begin to associate reading with negative feelings and will not find it to be a rewarding activity. But, if you help him select books that are at or even just slightly below his reading level, this will help to build his confidence in his reading ability, as well as enable him to feel successful and proud.

3. Find high-quality literature. There are a lot of books out there, but they are not necessarily all good books. It is important to find quality literature that will captivate your child’s imagination and draw her into the book. Providing her with high-quality, engaging literature will help foster an appreciation for reading for the sake of reading. Some notable picture books currently out are The Wall in the Middle of the Bookby Jon Agee, Wordy Birdyby Tammi Sauer and Almaby Juana Martinez-Neal.

4. Find books about your child’s interests. Your child will be more inclined and motivated to read if he is reading about something of interest to him, as well as capture his attention. For example, if he is really into dinosaurs, you will want to find books about dinosaurs.

5. It’s ok if your child is not into “traditional books”. Maybe traditional books don’t excite your child and that’s ok! Luckily, there are many alternatives, such as graphic novels and comic books. There’s also audio books, books on Kindle, ebooks, magazines, newspapers and more. The point is that it does not matter what your child is reading as long as they are reading! The more you read, the better the reader you become!

6. Take trips to libraries and bookstores. Spend time perusing the aisles with your child and explore books of all genres. Notice the books that excite and captivate her attention to determine her reading preferences. Have fun spending an afternoon poring over good books!

As grown-ups, we know the feelings of joy and exhilaration that comes from getting lost in a good book. My favorite time of day is just before I go to bed, when I pick up my book and escape my life of carpools, children and laundry to be transported to what feels like another world. But, it’s hard when our children don’t view reading in the same light that we do. However, if you help your child plant the seed, then continuously water and nurture it, eventually the seed will grow into a tall plant and just like the seed, your once reluctant reader will grow into an avid one.

My name is Faith Goldstein. I am a children's book author; my first book, Gorillas' Night Out, was recently published by Indigo River Publishing. I am a mother to two enegetic boys, ages five and ten. Prior to having children, I was a Kindergarten teacher for eight years. Shopping is my passion!

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This New FDA-Approved ADHD Treatment Is Drug-Free

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The number of American kids diagnosed with ADHD has grown 30 percent in less than ten years. For parents looking to treat ADHD without medication, here’s some groundbreaking news. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just approved the first non-drug treatment for ADHD.

The new treatment is a medical device designed for use among kids seven to 12 who are not currently taking any ADHD prescription medication. About the size of a cell phone, the device dubbed the Monarch System “delivers low-level electrical stimulation via an external conductive patch on the patient’s forehead to the branches of the trigeminal nerve, which sends therapeutic signals to the parts of the brain thought to be involved in ADHD.”

photo: PRNewswire

Neuroimaging studies have shown that the device increases activity in the brain regions that are known to be important in regulating attention, emotion and behavior. It’s used primarily while sleeping and feels like a tingling sensation on the skin while in use. A prescription is required and clinical trails show it could take up to four weeks to see the effects. The common side effects include drowsiness, an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, teeth clenching, headache and fatigue.

“This new device offers a safe, non-drug option for treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients through the use of mild nerve stimulation, a first of its kind,” said Carlos Peña, Ph.D., director of the Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Today’s action reflects our deep commitment to working with device manufacturers to advance the development of pediatric medical devices so that children have access to innovative, safe and effective medical devices that meet their unique needs.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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The Male Birth Control Pill Is Officially One Step Closer to Reality

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The world is now one step closer to gaining a male birth control pill. A potential male oral contraceptive has just passed human safety tests.

The study, conducted at LA BioMed and the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, included 40 healthy men, 10 of whom received a placebo pill while 30 men received the drug called 11-beta-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate, or 11-beta-MNTDC for 28 days.

photo: Ake via Rawpixel

The drug is a modified testosterone that has the combined actions of a male hormone (androgen) and a progesterone. Among the men receiving 11-beta-MNTDC, the average circulating testosterone level dropped as low as in androgen deficiency. According to the study, the participants did not experience any severe side effects. About four to six men experienced mild side effects, including fatigue, acne or headache. No participants had to stop taking the pill due to side effects and they all passed safety tests.

“Our results suggest that this pill, which combines two hormonal activities in one, will decrease sperm production while preserving libido,” the study’s co-senior investigator, Christina Wang said. Before you get too excited, more testing and studies are still needed to determine the drug’s effectiveness in the long-term. “Safe, reversible hormonal male contraception should be available in about 10 years,” Wang predicted.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Should Pets Be Allowed to Sit with Passengers on an Airplane?

By Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

We’re willing to bet that there has been at least one conversation about pets in your family. Whether you have a furry family member or not, we know that animals spark a lot of interest among kids, which is why we are sharing this interesting news article about pets in our Dinner Table Conversation series.

To kick off your family discussion, we have one simple question: Should pets be allowed in the main cabin of an airplane? With an increasing number of traveling pets, airlines and airports are having to address the controversial topic of comfort animals.

This topic provides a great opportunity for both kids and adults to discuss how rules are established, how they affect different parts of our lives and how a lack of rules can sometimes cause trouble.

When the holidays come around, many of us will be getting on airplanes to visit friends and family or to embark on a much-needed vacation. If you’re one such traveler, see if you can spot a new group of travelers growing in our midst. They often have four legs (though not always) and are an essential and important part of the traveling crew! Yep, we’re talking about pets, but not just any pets—we’re talking specifically about pets categorized as service animals. You’ve probably seen a few before helping disabled people navigate and function in the world, but did you know that service animals are also allowed on planes with their human companions?

In 2017 alone, an estimated 750,000 to 1,000,000 service animals traveled on planes in the United States, that’s significantly greater than the year before where the estimated number of service animals who traveled on planes was closer to 480,000. Why? More than three-quarters of these service animals are considered “comfort” animals or animals that are allowed to accompany passengers who need emotional or mental support when they travel.

But many passengers and airlines are calling out possible misuse of the rule that allows the service animals to travel in the main cabin in the first place. Service animals are trained to provide support to their disabled passengers, but emotional support animals don’t need to undergo any training. When a passenger claims an animal is an emotional support animal, the airline must categorize it as a service animal. This has recently created problems as claims of poorly behaved animals make their way into the news.

Airlines and passengers worry that dishonest people are using the rule to claim they need emotional support just so they can travel with their pets and avoid paying a fee. Moreover, these animals are not trained in any way to travel with their humans, so they could disrupt or disturb other passengers. Recent cases of animals attacking other passengers and even of a passenger trying to take a peacock on a flight have caused quite a bit of a headache to both passengers and airlines.

Congress recently asked the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to change its service animal rules in order to prevent these instances of fraud. However, the question remains: How can the department make a distinction between passengers who genuinely need service animals and those that are cheating the system? One idea is to use a similar rule you might find in a grocery store, shop or restaurant. Only trained service animals are allowed to enter many of these facilities and they should be able to help their humans navigate.

In 2019, DOT will be issuing its new rules, but we want to know what you think. How would you help DOT avoid people from taking advantage of the system? Should pets be allowed in the main cabin of an airplane with passengers?

Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation? 

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FDA Expands Recall of Infant Ibuprofen Sold at CVS, Walgreens & More Stores

by Erica Loop

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently expanded its infant ibuprofen recall. Tris Pharma issued a voluntary recall of its Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP (NSAID) 50 mg per 1.25 mL initially in December 2018. Representatives from Tris Pharma referred to its statement online about the recall when reached for comment.

The recall expansion, announced Jan. 30, 2019, includes three additional lots of Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL. The infant ibuprofen, sold by CVS, Family Dollar and Walmart, may contain up to 700 percent higher concentrations of ibuprofen than the recommended dose, posing a serious health risk. Potential adverse effects from taking this over-the-counter medication could include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache or ringing in the ears.

Recalled Infants’ Ibuprofen Description

The current recall includes three lots of  Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP (NSAID) 50 mg per 1.25 mL, packaged in 0.5 oz. bottles. Again, the affected products were sold at CVS, Family Dollar and Walmart stores. Visit the FDA’s website for a full list of the initially and currently recalled products, lot numbers and expiration dates here.

The brand names that the ibuprofen was sold under include Equate (at Walmart stores), CVS Health (at CVS) and Family Wellness (at Dollar General). You can also see the label and packaging scans below.

Photos: PRNewsfoto/Tris Pharma, Inc.

Why the Ibuprofen Was Recalled

The ibuprofen oral suspension may contain concentrations of the medication that are dangerous to infants. Along with GI symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding, the potentially dangerous concentration of ibuprofen may also cause headaches and ringing in the ears.

It’s also possible that infants who are more susceptible to the higher potency may experience permanent NSAID-associated renal injury. Currently, no illnesses or injuries have been reported.

How To Tell If Your Ibuprofen Is Part of the Recall

Review the lot number, expiration date, description and seller name at the FDA”s website here.

What Parents Can Do

If you have the affected product, don’t use it. Return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it responsibly. Never leave medication in an open trash can. This poses a safety to risk to your child, wildlife/pets and other people. Direct questions or concerns to Tris Customer Service at 732-940-0358, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Pacific.

Parents who have concerns about their children’s health should contact their pediatrician or other qualified healthcare provider immediately.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Colin Maynard via Unsplash

 

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Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Jan. 11, 2019

by Karly Wood

You made it! Winter break is over and the kids are back in school, and hopefully back into a routine. While everyone is adjusting to normal again, take a few minutes to see our collection of the funniest tweets on Twitter this week. You won’t be disappointed!

 

1. Picky eater probs.

2.  Sadly, you cannot.

3. A moment of silence.

https://twitter.com/ValeeGrrl/status/1082631417534795776

4. Those were the DAYS.

5. Hey, you never know…

https://twitter.com/DadBodMod/status/1081976468521967616

6. Totally counts as winning!

7. “Joy” means different things to different people.

8. We’ll get the keys.

9. Soulmates.

10. Same.

 

––Karly Wood

 

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Check Your Frozen Fruits & Vegetables, including O Organics, Trader Joe’s, Kirkland Signature

by Red Tricycle

 

Check your frozen foods! As a precaution, CRF Frozen Foods expanding its voluntary recall of frozen organic and traditional fruits and vegetables due to potential Listeria contamination. The organism can cause symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and in serious cases, weakened immune systems, miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The recall includes approximately 358 consumer products sold under 42 separate brands.

Some popular brands include:

  • Bybee’s
  • Columbia River Organics
  • Northwest Growers Select
  • Organic by Nature
  • Farmer’s Bounty
  • Parade
  • O Organic
  • Safeway Kitchens
  • Trader Joe’s
  • VIP
  • Wellsley Farms
  • Great Value
  • Kirkland Signature
  • Simply Nature
  • Wild Oats

To see a full list, click here or visit FDA.gov.

 

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Make Your Next Parent-Teacher Conference a Hit

by rtfrankiekatafias

Photo Courtesy: Reddit User martyz

We all know “that one kid” who gives us headache . . . and sometimes that kid is our own. When that’s the case, it’s best to come to your parent-teacher conferences prepared. That’s just what this couple did, with this custom-made bottle of wine: “Our child might be the reason you drink, so enjoy this bottle on us.” And really, that’s a better teacher gift than an apple any day.

What is the most creative teacher gift you’ve seen?

— Francesca Katafias

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