Sun and Summer Safety Tips – Part 2

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By Amit Jain, MD FAAP MBA | Pediatrician

Summer has arrived, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sun and water. Dive into these water safety tips for a fun and safe experience!

Water Safety Tips

Swimming is a great way to beat the summer heat here in Arizona and is a fun, healthy way to enjoy summer. However, water safety and drowning prevention are critical. Drowning is a very common cause of accidental, injury related deaths. Kids between 1 and 4 are at the highest risk.

General Pool Safety Tips

  • Never leave children alone – even for a moment – in or near pool areas or other bodies of water (lakes, beaches, and even bathtubs or buckets of water!)
  • If an unexperienced swimmer is near the pool, make sure there is a designated adult for supervision. This adult should not be under the influence of alcohol or anything else, should not have any distractions (cell phone turned off or handed to another adult), and preferably knows how to swim and perform CPR.

Home Pool Safety Tips

  • Talk to your pool operator to make sure your pool / spa and its drains are compliant with the pool and spa safety act.
  • Install a fence at least 4 feet tall around the pool, which should ideally surround the pool on all sides and completely separate the pool from your home and yard. It should not have any gaps that a small child could slip over, under, or through.
  • The gate should be a self-closing and self-latching gate that cannot be opened / reached by a small child.
  • Newer technology offers alarms, both for the gate and the pool that alerts you to anyone around the pool.
  • Keep rescue equipment such as a shepherd’s hook and a life preserver to reach / throw for rescues.
  • Avoid inflatable swim aids such as floaties, as they are not a substitution for proper life-preserving equipment such as life jackets.

Swimming Lessons

  • Start swimming lessons early! Consider lessons for your child around age 1, but definitely by age 4. It may reduce the risk of drowning. Some neighborhoods that have pools have frequent swim classes for all ages.
  • Infant swim lessons are not advised because there is no evidence that swim lessons reduce a child’s risk of drowning under age 1 year old.

 Lastly, your NOAH pediatric team wishes you a safe and relaxing remainder of your summer!

Sun and Summer Safety Tips – Part 1

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By Amit Jain, MD FAAP MBA | Pediatrician

Summer is here and many of us will be out with our kids to enjoy the sun. NOAH’s Pediatric team has a few summer safety tips for safe fun in the sun!

The sun brings many great things, but it also brings harmful UV (ultraviolet) light. UV light can cause melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer more common in people who have had bad sunburns when they were young. The sun can also cause other health risks and skin damage. Here are some precautions you can take to protect yourself all summer long.

Proper clothing and lots of shade

  • Limit your time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (the most intense time).
  • Take frequent shade breaks if staying in the sun for long periods of time.
  • Cotton clothing is best – it’s protective against the sun and keeps moisture low so you stay cool outside. Tightly woven fabrics are best.
  • Wear a hat: wide brimmed is best to protect your child’s entire face, including the nose, cheeks, chin, ears, and back of the neck.

UV protection

  • Kids sunglasses should have UV protection. They aren’t expensive and are sold everywhere, but make sure they’re labeled with UV protection.
  • Use SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen on any skin not protected by clothing. Don’t forget the ears, back of the neck, arms, and legs. Carefully apply around the eyes, avoiding eyelids.
  • Choose a sunscreen that has the words “Broad Spectrum” on it – that will cover both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Before applying sunscreen for the first time, test a small amount on your child’s back for an allergic reaction.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, because it takes this long to start working.
  • Reapply sunscreen at least every 1 hour.
  • If playing in the water, reapply sunscreen every half an hour, and use a waterproof sunscreen.

Babies under 6 months need more sun protection

  • Avoid direct sun exposure. Keep them in shade with a canopy or under a tree.
  • Use wide brimmed hats to cover their face, ears, and neck.
  • Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs.
  • If a young baby is in the sun, apply small amounts of sunscreen SPF 15 or more to your baby’s face, hands, and legs.
  • Don’t forget to use sun protection even on cloudy days, as the harmful UV rays come through clouds.

Looking for more summer sun safety tips? Talk with your NOAH pediatrician today.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

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By Cody Randel, PA-C | Psychiatric Provider

Disparities in access to healthcare exist across all specialties. This proves to be especially true when it comes to mental healthcare, and even more so among minority populations.

A number of barriers exist for patients seeking mental health services including healthcare worker shortage, disparity of access to appropriate medical insurance coverage, stigma of receiving mental healthcare and the fragmented relationship of medical and mental health services. Healthcare providers/organizations can take practical steps to improve patient access by:

  • Making mental health screenings a staple component of primary medical care.
  • Recognizing the social/cultural aspects of a patient population that may impact a patient’s medical and mental health.
  • Medical organizations can conduct community health needs assessments (CHNA) in their patient communities to identify specific needs and limitations among the minority populations that they serve. In identifying these needs of their communities’ organizations, individual medical providers can help to ensure that patients of minority populations receive quality and affordable mental health services.
  • Working towards a more collaborative approach between medical and mental health practices/providers to reduce barriers to care.

A patient’s care is often more than just medication. The greatest care cannot help unless a patient has support/resources in place to provide them with access to this care and fundamental life necessities. 

For more information on National Mental Health Awareness Month as well as information on general mental health visit the Nation Awareness on Mental Illness (NAMI) or schedule an appointment with a NOAH psychiatric provider here.

Trick Your Taste Buds

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Have you ever wondered why certain foods taste sweet, sour, salty, or bitter? The taste map of the tongue has been a fascinating topic of study for scientists, and understanding how our taste buds perceive flavors can be a journey. Let’s explore the science behind our tongue’s unique map!

The Basics of Taste:

Before we dive into the taste map, let’s review the basic tastes we experience:

  • Bitter
  • Sweet
  • Salty
  • Sour
  • Umami (savory)

While most people notice a distinction between these categories of tastes, not everyone tastes things in the same way. That’s because of how taste buds detect certain molecules varies from person to person. 

Debunking the “Taste Zones” Myth:

You may have heard about the idea of the tongue having different “zones” for each taste. However, scientific research has debunked this myth. Taste buds are scattered across the entire tongue, and each taste bud can detect all five basic tastes. The regions of the tongue may have slightly different sensitivities to different tastes, but there are no exclusive zones for specific flavors.

The Role of Taste Buds:

Taste buds play a crucial role in how we perceive flavors. Taste buds contain taste receptor cells, that can detect the chemicals in the foods we eat. So, when we consume something, molecules from the food bind to these receptors, triggering signals to the brain, which interprets the taste. Fun fact – Taste buds have a lifespan of about 10-14 days, new ones are constantly replacing the old ones!

Taste and the Brain:

The journey of taste doesn’t end with the tongue; it’s just the beginning. Once taste receptors on the tongue are activated, signals are sent to the brain’s gustatory cortex. Here, the brain processes and interprets the taste information, triggering emotional and physiological responses to the flavors we experience.

Taste and Genetics:

Each person’s taste preferences can be influenced by their genetic makeup, making certain tastes more appealing or less appealing. Some individuals might be more sensitive to bitter tastes, while others may have a heightened preference for sweet flavors. Check out this fun at-home experiment to test how your genetics might affect your taste.

Taste Bud Map Experiment:

  1. Draw the outline of a giant tongue on a piece of white paper with a red pencil. Set the paper aside.
  2. Set up four plastic cups, each on top of a piece of paper. Pour a little lemon juice (sour) into one cup, and a little tonic water (bitter) into another. Mix up sugar water (sweet) and salt water (salty) for the last two cups. Label each piece of paper with the name of the liquid in the cup—not with the taste.
  3. Using toothpicks, dip them in one of the cups. Place the stick on the tip of the tongue. Do you taste anything? What does it taste like?
  4. Dip again and repeat on the sides, flat surface, and back of the tongue. If experimenting with young ones, have them recognize the taste and where on their tongue the taste is the strongest, and then have them write the name of the taste—not the liquid—in the corresponding space on the drawing.
  5. Rinse mouth with some water and repeat this process with the rest of the liquids.
  6. Note: Help them fill in the “tongue map,” by writing in all the tastes. If they want to draw taste buds and color in the tongue, have them do that, too.

Remembers, our tongues play a vital role in our daily lives, from savoring delicious flavors to aiding in speech and communication. Taking care of our oral health, including our tongues, is crucial for overall well-being. Schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today to embark on the path to better tongue health!

Get a Sports Physical for School

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The beginning of the school year means new opportunities. If your child is starting a sport for the first time, changing sports, or deciding to try a new physical activity outside of class, then it’s time for them to have a sports physical so a medical professional can make sure they are healthy enough to play their new sport or activity safely.

What is a sports physical?

  • Screening for safe and healthy participation in sports and activities.
  • Checking that your child’s body is ready for the physical demands of the activity.

Does my child need a sports physical?

  • Yes. In Arizona it is state law that a student gets a sports physical if they are playing a team or club sport at school.
  • And where it isn’t required, it is highly recommended because almost all kids are active in some way! This exam looks at the physical and mental demands of their sport or activity and can address any concerns related to their health.
  • To make life easier and to have less appointments, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling a sports physical with your child’s next routine well-child visit.

What happens during the appointment?

  • Bring your child’s completed Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation form with you. Write down any important medical information like past surgeries, injuries, or illnesses, and any family history of heart disease should be reviewed. Write down any questions you may have to discuss with the doctor.
  • At the appointment, the doctor will check your child’s:
    • Vitals: height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure
    • Eyes: if your child may need corrective lenses or a new prescription
    • Medical history
    • Fitness: heart, lungs, abdomen, joints, flexibility, strength, and reflexes             
  • This is also a good time to talk with your child’s doctor about any concerns for your child’s new or ongoing activity or sport, such as:
    • Concussions
    • Special needs or disabilities       
  • Your NOAH provider may also request lab work for your child or refer them to a specialist for further evaluation. If needed, your NOAH Care Team will help set up the next steps for this, and most children are able to play after this extra clearance.

Safe and healthy participation in sports and physical activities is the goal, so get your child’s physical scheduled with your NOAH provider and enjoy watching them play and have fun.

10 Exercises You Can Do in the Pool

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By Alexander Clabourne, RDN | Dietitian

Looking for some exercises that does not involve waking up early in the morning to try and avoid the summer heat? Look no further with these ten pool exercises! Exercising in the pool is a great way to stay cool during the summer, while also improving strength and cardiovascular health. What’s awesome about these exercises is they all can be done with minimal equipment; you just need yourself and the pool, but it can be handy to have some goggles too! Check out the following exercises to learn more!

Remember: Unless using an indoor pool, use plenty of sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even when cloudy outside. Also, drink plenty of water while exercising to stay hydrated. You can still sweat in the pool!

1. Front Crawl

Also known as free style, front crawl is a type of swimming stroke. This is an advanced swimming technique, but once learned, this exercise can take your fitness routine to the next level!  Check out the video tutorial below to learn how to do the front crawl correctly.

2. Breaststroke

Similar to front crawl, breaststroke is another swim stroke that you might find easier to do. What’s unique about this exercise is that it can be easier to swim with your head above the water. Tune into the video below to learn how to do this exercise.

3. Walking

This exercise is great for beginners. It comes with similar health benefits to walking on land, while adding extra resistance and taking stress off your joints. To perform this movement, simply walk back and forth across the shallow end of the pool.    

4. Treading

This exercise involves staying in place, while keeping your head above the water. If you are new to this exercise, start in the shallow end of the pool first before moving to the deep end. There are many ways to do this exercise so do whatever is easiest for you! Check out the video below to learn how!

5. Jumping Jacks

Perform this exercise like you would on land. Don’t worry if you can’t do as many as you can do on land. It’s supposed to be harder!

6. Kicking

For this exercise, hold onto the side of the pool and do a flutter kick to keep yourself afloat and flat across the surface of the pool. You can also do this exercise with a breaststroke kick.

7. Wall Push Offs

This is a fun one! To start, hold on to the side of the pool while placing both feet on the wall so that you are hanging off the edge. Tuck your knees into your chest, and when you are ready, push off and glide on your back. Jog/walk back to the edge and repeat.

8. High Knees

To perform this exercise, alternate between pushing off the bottom of the pool with your foot bringing your knee up as high as you can. You can stay in place or do this exercise across the shallow end of the pool.

9. Dips/Pushups

This exercise is effective for building upper body strength. If you can’t do the dips, pushups in the pool can be an easier alternative. Start in the pool by placing both of your hands on the edge of the pool a little bit wider than shoulder width apart. While at an angle, lower your chest as far as you can and push back up. Watch the video below for step by step instructions.

10. Lateral Arm Raises

This exercise can help strengthen your shoulders. Start with your shoulders below the water with your hands placed at your side. Slowly raise your hands up out to the side until they reach the surface of the water like a cross. Slowly lower your arms back down to your sides to repeat the movement. You can also do this exercise with your arms bent at 90 degrees to make it easier.