Note to media: To reach the media contacts for any of these health news tips, call the Office of News and Publications at 214-648-3404.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NEWS TIPS

Adjust morning wake-up schedule as school year approaches

Summer is a time for staying up late and sleeping in, but those lazy summer habits can make it hard for children to adjust to a school schedule. Experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center have some tips to make school mornings a bit more tolerable.

“Making children go to bed early is not the answer. If children are not ready to go to sleep, they’ll just lie awake,” says Dr. John Herman, a UT Southwestern sleep specialist.

Instead, Dr. Herman suggests waking children up earlier as summer comes to an end and getting them into bright light as soon as feasible, such as playing outside. Once kids start getting up, they’ll have an easier time getting to sleep earlier at night. They may be tired for a couple of days, but they will adjust, and within a week or so, they’ll be on the new schedule.

Children should have a consistent sleep schedule seven days a week. Those who are consistently well rested tend to do better academically and emotionally.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/sleep to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in sleep and breathing disorders.

Media Contact: Erin Prather Stafford
 

Make sure children’s vaccinations are up to date

A new school year means an increased risk of children catching serious illnesses and spreading those illnesses to others. Getting your children needed vaccinations can help keep them and others healthy, says Dr. Doug Hardy, infectious disease specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Check with your doctor for the recommended vaccination schedule, as several changes have been made to the schedule and make sure your children are up to date before they go back to school, Dr. Hardy says.

For younger children, proper vaccinations can help prevent polio, measles, mumps, chicken pox, pneumonia, meningitis, diarrhea and pertussis. For teens and young adults headed to college, vaccinations that also can help prevent disease include tetanus-diptheria-pertussis; meningococcal; HPV; and hepatitis A and B.

Children and young adults entering another school year also are at risk of spreading the flu virus – forgetting to wash their hands and often being in close contact with others – so a flu shot is recommended.

“If getting your children to the doctor for their vaccinations and shots seems like a hassle, think of the time you’ll save if they don’t get sick – they’ll miss less time at school, and you’ll miss less time at work,” Dr. Hardy says. “Most importantly, they’ll avoid the potentially life-threatening complications and permanent after-effects of some of these diseases.”

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/infectiousdiseases to learn more about
UT Southwestern’s clinical services in infectious diseases.

Media Contact: Erin Prather Stafford
 

Kids’ backpacks should not be nerve-damaging burden

A backpack bulging with books and school supplies may be a sign of a good student, but doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say it can also cause back strain and even nerve damage.

A condition called Rucksack Paralysis is caused by the strain on shoulders and arms. Symptoms include pain and tingling in the hands and arms. The problem could become permanent if kids continue to sport packs that are too heavy.

“If the child is straining or slouching, that is a sign the pack’s too heavy,” says UT Southwestern orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Gill, co-director of the Spine Center at the medical center. “You can often lighten the load by ensuring that kids don't carry anything in their packs that isn't necessary.”

In addition, Dr. Gill recommends avoiding slinging a backpack over just one shoulder.

“Use a pack with a waistband and carry it with both straps to distribute the load,” says Dr. Gill. “Or you may want to consider a rolling backpack or luggage cart.”

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/spine to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in spine.

Media contact: Russell Rian
 

Filling the lunch box with food for thought

With childhood obesity a continuing concern, nutrition experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center say what you put in your child’s lunch box is more important than ever.

Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern, says a healthy lunch is good for the body and the brain. Kids who eat a good lunch do better in school. Look for protein from lean lunch meats, low-fat cheese or peanut butter on whole-grain bread. Other good lunch box items include fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit cups, yogurt in a tube, single serving containers of cottage cheese and pudding cups made from skim milk.

 “A healthy lunch not only keeps the body going but also the brain,” says Ms. Sandon. “Kids who eat regular healthy meals often do better in school.”

If your kids insist on chips and candy, use baked chips and offer fun-sized candy bars instead of full-sized bars.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.

Media Contact: Erin Prather Stafford

When school sports begin it’s time for some quality H2O

For many children, back to school means back to sports. During the time off, many young athletes tend to forget the importance of drinking plenty of fluids during hot, long practices, says Dr. Luis Palacios, an expert in sports medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

He recommends sports participants drink 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes if they have been working out for an hour or less, including warm-up sessions. For workouts longer than an hour, athletes should reach for the sports drinks to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that are lost through sweating.

“Hydration is very important because heat stress and heat stroke are such a concern among physicians caring for athletes,” Dr. Palacios says. “Besides, dehydration impairs performance.”

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/orthopedics to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in orthopedics.

Media Contact: Katherine Morales

Eating on the run? Healthier fast-food meals now an option

Are after-school activities making menu choices for you? Rather than super-size that next fast-food selection, think about ways to include healthier options in those typically high-calorie, high-fat meals, says Dr. Jo Ann Carson, a clinical nutritionist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

“Be proactive, focused and selective when dining out, even at fast-food restaurants,” she says.

Several fast-food chains now offer fruits, vegetables and side salads (easy on the dressing) as an alternative to french fries. In addition, more fast-food companies are providing orange juice and low-fat milk as optional beverage choices. While low in fat, bean-laden chili can provide plenty of fiber. Also, a small fruit yogurt parfait can be a snack or dessert that counts toward your daily servings of dairy and fruit.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.

Media Contact: Katherine Morales

AUGUST NEWS TIPS

Does a sundae really cool you off on a hot day?

Eating ice cream can make you feel temporarily cooled off as temperatures soar, but the tasty treat really can’t change your body’s temperature enough to truly cool it down, says Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Body temperature is impacted by how well your body is hydrated and how much water you have in your muscles, blood and cells.

If you don’t drink enough fluid, your body water levels will be low and your body will have a harder time staying at normal temperature, Ms. Sandon says.

“Ice cream melts once it hits your mouth and becomes fluid, so it does count some toward your daily fluid needs, but I would recommend an icy cold glass of water along with it to truly cool down,” she says. “Drinking plenty of fluids will help keep you cool.”

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.

Media Contact: Cliff Despres


Cancer threat often goes unidentified in women

Ovarian cancer, which has a reputation as a silent killer, will claim thousands of lives this year. For many women, the trouble is that the symptoms are often mistaken for other problems.

“Patients are often symptomatic for several months before the diagnosis, even with early-stage disease,” says Dr. John Schorge, a gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, of the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in women. “The difficulty is distinguishing these symptoms from those that normally occur in women.”

The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms, such as urgency or frequency

These symptoms are relatively common and can occur with any number of other conditions. That’s why Dr. Schorge says it’s important to pay attention to the symptoms and consult a gynecologist if they persist daily for more than a few weeks.

In 2007, health-care experts predict about 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer for women in the U.S., and more than 15,000 deaths.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/cancercenter to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in cancer.

Media Contact: Connie Piloto


Intervention key to preventing leading cause of injury death for elderly

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries among the elderly. But with care and foresight, many of these accidents can be avoided.

“Both the incidence of falling and the severity of fall-related complications rise steadily after age 60,” says Dr. Craig Rubin, chairman of geriatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Many falls can be avoided by relatively simple interventions.”

Tips to prevent falling include:

• Tell your physician if you are feeling “off balance” or have fallen. Describe the circumstances leading up to any fall(s).
• Participate in an exercise program that includes balance training.
• Correct any hazards in your home that could contribute to falling, such as loose carpets or poor lighting.
• Seek treatment for any cardiovascular disorders, such as heart rhythm abnormalities and low blood pressure.
• Have your vision examined periodically.
• Inform your physician about any medications you are taking. This includes “over-the-counter” and herbal remedies.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/geriatrics to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in geriatrics.

Media Contact: Erin Prather Stafford


Cooling off the effects of prickly heat

The hot, moist weather many areas of the country are experiencing from the combination of rain and heat can lead to a skin rash commonly referred to as heat rash or prickly heat.

Prickly heat occurs when sweat glands clog and sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin. It typically results in a patch of little red bumps, usually arising on the neck, upper chest, elbows, groin, under arms or under breasts, where skin folds touch. It can occur at any age, but is more often found on the elderly and on babies, whose parents may overdress them and as a result they have trouble cooling off.

“Heat rashes aren’t serious, but they can be annoying,” says Dr. Amit Pandya, professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, who says medical treatment isn’t usually needed. “A heat rash should go away on its own after moving to a cooler environment and exposing the affected area to more air.”

Loosen clothing around the affected area or wash the area with a cold cloth, then let it air dry. Try calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching, but Dr. Pandya says avoid lotions, which can further clog the skin. To help avoid heat rash, try drying the area after a shower and using powders such as baby or talcum powder.

Occasionally, a yeast infection may occur in affected body folds, which appears as more intense redness and small bumps. This is especially common in people with diabetes. An over-the-counter medicated cream or powder designed to treat yeast and fungus may be used for such infections. If you are uncertain as to the cause of the rash, consult a physician.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/dermatology to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in dermatology.

Media Contact: Russell Rian

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