Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we're talking about health issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While adults may like to stay informed about the rescue and clean-up efforts and the plight of the victims, news coverage of the hurricane may be alarming for children. They're seeing stories about other kids who have lost their homes, toys and pets, and that may make them afraid about their own lives.
Dr. Thomas Van Hoose, a psychologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says you should let children ask questions and address their fears honestly. You may need to discuss the possibility of being affected by a hurricane and talk about how you would prepare.
Avoiding the issue and not letting kids discuss their feelings may lead to irrational fears or nightmares for children.
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September 2005
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