Category: Family Health

What Is Trauma?

A trauma is any event that’s deeply upsetting, scary, or harmful. It can cause you to fear for your life or safety. Things like abuse, violence, sexual violence, accidents, or natural disasters can be traumas. So can becoming homeless, losing a parent, or having a serious illness.

Here’s how to help handle the stress, get support, and find ways to cope.

How Can Trauma Affect People?

Trauma can affect your sense of safety and trust. After a trauma, people can still feel tense, scared, alone, sad, angry, or guilty. They may think they’re to blame for what happened. Some people have low self-esteem or deep grief.

Trauma also can affect mood, behavior, and sleep. Some people act grumpy and can become depressed. They may get in trouble more often or do worse in school. They also may have new fears or trouble sleeping. Some people have upsetting memories called flashbacks. Often, people avoid things that remind them of what they’ve been through.

After a trauma, some people share how they feel. But others keep things to themselves. They may try to hide their emotion or push it out of their minds. They may think others expect them to “get over it.” Some people just don’t have words for their feelings.

What Are the Long-Term Effects?

The emotional effects of a trauma can last a long time. Sometimes people react in ways that cause more stress or self-harm, like cutting, running away, or abusing drugs and alcohol. It can be hard to move on.

For some people, trauma can lead to a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a type of stress that’s so intense it overwhelms the ability to cope.

How Can I Get Help After a Trauma?

If you’ve been through a trauma, here are things you can do:

• Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t ignore a big problem, hoping it will go away. Reach out to someone who will listen and care, like a parent, school counselor, therapist, religious leader, teacher, or coach. Tell the person what you’ve been through.
• Get treatment for trauma. Ask an adult or your doctor to recommend a therapist. Going to therapy can help you cope with what you’ve experienced. It can also help you discover strengths you never knew you had.
• Take things step by step. Make small goals (“I’ll get a little fresh air today and go on a short walk.”). And break big goals down into manageable chunks (“I want to pass this class even though I missed a lot of assignments. I’ll turn in two and ask my teacher how to move forward.”). You’re less likely to feel overwhelmed, and taking charge of small things can help you feel better. Don’t give up.
• Practice ways to relax. Look for things you can do to ease tension and feel less stressed. You may have to try a few to see what works for you. Here are some examples:
  • Breathing exercises. Make time every day to take a few slow breaths. If you can, make the exhale just a bit longer than the inhale. Try this: Breathe in while you count to 3. Breathe out while you count to 5. Take 3 or 4 breaths like this. It seems so simple, but it has a powerful benefit: calming your body, which can make it easier to quiet scared or worried thoughts. The benefit adds up, so practice it often.
  • Mindfulness. Learn to train your brain to pay attention to everyday things like eating and walking. This can help you feel less tension and concentrate better on stuff like homework. Also, try focusing on items in the room to help distract you from negative thoughts or memories of the trauma. Find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
  • Yoga. Yoga can help you relax your muscles and feel less tense. Yoga poses also allow you to focus on your breathing and increase your confidence as you see your balance and flexibility improving. 
  • Meditation. Meditating for just a few minutes a day can help you feel centered, balanced, and more in control — even during the times when you’re not actually meditating. You can find many meditation exercises online. You can also find a quiet place, put on some peaceful music, close your eyes, and listen to your breathing or count down slowly from 50 to 1.
• Do things that you enjoy. Trauma can make it harder to feel the positive emotions that naturally help you recharge. Try to play (reach out to a friend), laugh (watch some funny videos), enjoy nature, make music or art, or cook. These activities can reduce stress and build your resilience (being able to bounce back from tough times).
• Help others. To focus on something other than what you’ve been through, consider volunteering. Helping someone else can make you feel good. Check out places like animal shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and community gardens. Or offer to help neighbors cut their grass or walk their dog.
• Know that you can do this. Believe in yourself. Everyone has the ability to adapt and grow, even with difficult challenges. It takes patience and effort, and there are people who will help you.

When Should I Get Help Right Away?

It’s normal to feel sad or depressed after a trauma. Get help right away if you think you might hurt yourself or someone else. You can go to the ER, call 911, call your doctor’s emergency line, or reach out to a confidential helpline:

What are Serious Mental Illnesses?

With early and consistent treatment, people with serious mental illnesses can manage their conditions, overcome challenges, and lead meaningful, productive lives.

Mental illnesses are disorders that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior —and they can range from mild to severe. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness.

A mental illness that interferes with a person’s life and ability to function is called a serious mental illness (SMI). With the right treatment, people with SMI can live productive and enjoyable lives.

There are many kinds of serious mental illnesses. Common ones include

• Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes intense shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People have manic episodes in which they feel extremely happy or euphoric, and energized. Usually , they also have depressive episodes in which they feel deeply sad and have low energy.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, pessimism, irritability, worthlessness, and fatigue. These symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy their life.
• Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that causes people to interpret reality abnormally. People may experience hallucinations, delusions, extremely disordered thinking and a reduced ability to function in their daily life.

Despite common misperceptions, having an SMI is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It is not something that just “passes” or can be “snapped out of” with willpower. The specific causes are unknown, but various factors can increase someone’s risk for mental illness including, family history, brain chemistry, and significant life events such as experiencing a trauma or death of a loved one.

Also called: Chikungunya Fever, Chikungunya Virus Disease

What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is an infection that causes a sudden fever along with joint and muscle pain and swelling.

Chikungunya (chik-en-GUNE-yuh) spreads when a mosquito that has the chikungunya virus bites someone. (This is the same kind of mosquito that spreads the infections dengue fever and Zika.)

Most cases of chikungunya get better on their own, but the illness can be serious in babies and people with certain conditions, like diabetes.

There’s a chikungunya vaccine for adults but not children. So preventing mosquito bites is an important way to protect your family from infection.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Chikungunya?

Someone with chikungunya may first notice symptoms 2–10 days after a mosquito bite, such as:

• a sudden fever
• joint pain and swelling
• muscle pain
• nausea (feel sick to the stomach)
• headache
• rash
• tiredness
• red eyes

Symptoms tend to ease in about 1–2 weeks. In some cases, muscle or joint pain can be long-lasting. Sometimes the infection causes nerve, heart, or eye problems.

Chikungunya can be more serious in newborns and people with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

How Do People Get Chikungunya?

Chikungunya usually spreads through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites a person who has chikungunya, the mosquito becomes infected with it. The mosquito can then spread chikungunya to other people by biting them.

Rarely, a pregnant woman with chikungunya can pass it to the baby in the second trimester (weeks 13 through 26). The infection also can pass to the baby during birth, which can be serious.

Chikungunya isn’t likely to spread through breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding and have the infection or live in an area with cases of chikungunya, talk with your doctor.

How Is Chikungunya Diagnosed?

To diagnose chikungunya, doctors ask about symptoms and order a blood test. They’ll also want to know if the person lives in or has traveled to an area where infected mosquitoes have been found, such as:

• some areas of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe
• islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans

They’ll also consider the season because mosquitoes are more active in warm weather.

How Is Chikungunya Treated?

Most chikungunya infections get better on their own. Resting and drinking lots of liquids can help. Acetaminophen can ease fever and mild aches.

Avoid ibuprofen unless your doctor says it’s OK. Kids and teens should not take aspirin unless their doctor recommends it because such use is linked to a serious illness called Reye syndrome.

If muscle or joint pain lasts, talk with your doctor.

What Can Help Prevent Chikungunya?

A vaccine for chikungunya, called IXCHIQ, is available for people older than age 18. It’s usually given if someone plans to travel to an area where chikungunya is common.

In areas known to have chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases, placing mosquito netting over beds can help prevent bites.

Other ways to prevent mosquito bites:

• Keep mosquitos out of your home. Use screens on doors and windows, and fix broken screens right away. Keep unscreened doors and windows shut.
• Cover skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outdoors.
• Use an insect repellent with DEET or picaridin that’s approved by the EPA. Their search tool can help you choose the right one for your family.
• Limit time outside around sunrise and sunset. That’s when mosquitoes are most active.
• Don’t give mosquitoes places to breed. They lay their eggs in water, so get rid of standing water in things like buckets, empty flowerpots, trash cans, gutters, and discarded tires. Empty and clean birdbaths, dog bowls, and flower vases often.

What Else Should I Know?

Talk with your doctor if you and your family plan to travel to an area with an outbreak of chikungunya. The CDC’s website posts updates. Think about getting the chikungunya vaccine if you’re likely to be exposed to the virus or if an infection could be serious for you.

What Is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects muscle movement and control. People with CP have it for life.

There are different types of cerebral palsy. Kids with hypotonic (hi-po-TAHN-ik) CP have muscles that are loose and weak. Other kinds of CP can lead to stiff muscles (spastic CP), sudden twisting movements (dyskinetic CP), or problems with balance and walking (ataxic CP). Some kids have more than one kind of CP, also called “mixed pattern CP.” And sometimes, the kind of CP a child has can change over time.

Hypotonic CP is rarer than other types of CP.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

The cause of CP isn’t always known. But often it happens when a child’s brain is still developing, such as before birth or in early infancy. This may be due to:

• infections or other medical problems during the mother’s pregnancy
• a stroke either in the womb or after birth
• untreated jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)
• genetic disorders
• lead poisoning
• bacterial meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain)
• poor blood flow to the brain
• being shaken as an infant (shaken baby syndrome)
• an injury from an accident (like a car accident)

In rare cases, CP happens after a problem during childbirth.

Premature babies (babies born early) are at higher risk for CP than full-term babies. So are other low-birthweight babies and those in multiple births, like twins and triplets.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

Kids with hypotonic CP may have:

• poor muscle tone, so their muscles seem “floppy,” and trouble controlling head movements
• very flexible joints and muscles, and slowed reflexes
• balance problems and walking with legs spread apart
• trouble with fine motor skills (little motions made with fingers, hands, toes, and feet — like picking up objects with fingers)
• a hard time chewing, swallowing, and breathing
• developmental delays (not having skills, like speaking or walking, at expected ages)
• pain from muscle spasms or issues with their bones and joints

Hypotonic CP can be mild or severe, depending on how much of the brain is affected.

Brain damage that causes CP also can affect other brain functions and lead to problems with vision, hearing, speech, behavior, and learning. Some kids have seizures.

How Is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Most children with hypotonic CP are diagnosed by age 2. Doctors look for signs of CP if a baby is born early or has another health problem that’s linked to CP.

No single test can diagnose hypotonic CP. So doctors look at many things, like a child’s development, growth, reflexes, movement, and muscle tone.

Testing may include a brain MRI, an ultrasound, or a CT scan. Blood tests and urine tests check for other medical conditions, like genetic ones. An EEG can check electrical activity in the brain and an EMG can look for muscle weakness. Doctors will also see how the child walks and moves. They may do speech, hearing, and vision testing too.

How Is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy Treated?

There’s no cure for CP. But resources and therapies can help kids grow and do their best. The treatment plan may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Devices such as leg braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs can help kids move. Doctors may suggest medicine for movement problems and pain, and special nutrition to help with growth. In some cases, surgery can improve motion in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists, and arms.

What Else Should I Know?

Kids with CP often need to see many different medical specialists for care. That team may include doctors and surgeons, other providers like physical assistants, nurses, therapists, psychologists, educators, and social workers.

Even if many medical specialists are needed, it’s still important to have a primary care provider or a medical home. This provider will take care of your child’s routine health care and help you coordinate care with other doctors.

Where Can Caregivers Get Help?

Taking care of a child with cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming at times. Kids with CP need a lot of attention at home, and need to go to many medical visits and therapies. Don’t be afraid to say yes when someone asks, “Can I help?” Your family and friends really do want to be there for you.

To feel less alone and to connect with others who are facing the same challenges, find a local or online support group. You also can get information and support from CP organizations, such as:

Staying strong is not only good for you, but also for your child and your whole family.

Looking Ahead

Life with cerebral palsy is different for every child. To help your child do as well as possible, work closely with your care team to develop a treatment plan. Then, as your child grows and their needs change, adjust the plan as needed.

These guides can help as you plan for each stage of childhood and early adulthood:

 

---

Source:

• Allow enough time in the morning to get to the airport on time without worry. When traveling to and from your destination, bring an extra bag with a change of clothes in the event that your luggage is lost.
• Carry a “survival kit” with you. Choose something you are comfortable with, such as a computer bag, briefcase, large purse, or backpack. Throughout your trip, always have a change of clothes with you, and bring a small supply of tissue in case there’s none available when you are out.
• Traveling by plane can be difficult for those who suffer from bowel symptoms. Ask to sit as close to the restroom as possible. Also, sit on an aisle for easy and fast access so you will not have to ask others to move.
• When planning your trip, consider driving if possible. Some people may feel more comfortable traveling by car because they can stop when necessary to use a restroom or take a break. There is a greater sense of control when traveling by car, as you don’t have to be on someone else’s schedule or timetable.
• If you are making a long drive to get to and from your destination, know how much distance there is between rest areas or highway exits with available restrooms. Map your walking and driving routes ahead of time and determine how to get from point A to point B as quickly and directly as possible. Some people may avoid buses, boats, and other transportation that do not have accessible restrooms.
• Avoid lodging where multiple rooms share a single restroom. To help ensure access to a restroom, if you know you will be arriving before check-in time, ask for early check-in; if you need to check out later, don’t hesitate to ask. Most hotels will accommodate your needs.
• Avoid foods and beverages that you know can aggravate your symptoms. Meals that are large or high in fat, fried foods, coffee, caffeine, or alcohol may provoke or worsen symptoms of abdominal cramps and diarrhea. This is not the time to experiment. Eating in restaurants may be challenging – stick with foods with which you are comfortable.
• If you are traveling outside your home country, know how to ask where the restroom is in the local language, and always have change for pay toilets. Public restrooms are usually available and accessible in the United States, but may not be in other countries.
• Know what documentation may be necessary to refill prescriptions at your destination.
• Divide your medication(s) into two containers; keep one in your hotel room and one with you at all times.
• Bring your physician’s contact information with you. If you are traveling internationally, consider bringing an international cell phone or purchasing an international calling card so that you can reach your physician if necessary.

IBS presents daily challenges or obstacles to deal with. Having your own personal management plan can help you enjoy your vacation time and manage your travel experience. Some plans may need to be changed at the last minute. Discuss this ahead of time with your family or travel companions. Try to be flexible – tomorrow may well be a better day.

 

Adapted from IFFGD Publication #188 Travel Tips to Help IBS Sufferers and Others with Bowel Disorders Enjoy Their Vacations by IFFGD

All drug use comes with risk. Know the facts before letting drugs take their toll on you and your family.

Drug use—including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, as well as prescription drug misuse and illicit opioids—among adults is on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased drug use.

Different drugs pose different dangers. Drug use can lead to dependence and addiction, injury and accidents, health problems, sleep issues, and more. Drug use affects you and those close to you. Know there is help. Do you or someone you know hide their drugs?

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that affects the way the brain works and can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and confusion. Symptoms usually go away within a few days to a month with rest and a gradual return to school and regular activities. Sometimes, the symptoms last longer.

 

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion?

Symptoms of a concussion might happen right after the head injury or develop over hours to days. They can include:

• headache
• confusion
• dizziness
• vision changes
• nausea and/or vomiting
• trouble walking and talking
• not remembering the injury
• not remembering before or after the injury
• feeling sluggish

Someone with a concussion also might have focus or learning problems, sleep problems, anxiety, or sadness.

Concussions can follow being knocked out (losing consciousness) from a head injury, but they can happen without a person being knocked out.

What Happens in a Concussion?

A concussion happens when the brain is injured. This can happen when the head is hit — for example, from a fall. But concussions also can happen without a blow to the head — for example, in a car accident when the head snaps forcefully forward and back. The strong movement causes chemical and blood flow changes in the brain. These changes lead to concussion symptoms.

How Do Kids and Teens Get Concussions?

Most concussions in kids and teens happen while playing sports. The risk is highest for cheerleaders and kids who play football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey. 

Kids also can get a concussion from a car or bike accident, fall, fight, or anything that leads to a head injury.

How Are Concussions Diagnosed?

A child who has a head injury needs to be checked by a health care provider (such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant). To diagnose a concussion, the health care provider will:

• ask about how and when the head injury happened
• ask about symptoms
• test memory and concentration
• do an exam and test balance, coordination, and reflexes

Concussions do not show up on a CAT scan or MRI. Those tests might be done to look for other problems if someone:

• was knocked out
• keeps vomiting
• has a severe headache or a headache that gets worse
• was injured in a serious accident, such as from a car crash or very high fall

How Are Concussions Treated?

Healing from a mild concussion involves a gradual return to activities that finds a balance between doing too much and too little.

For the first day or two, your child should cut back on physical activities and those that take a lot of concentration (such as schoolwork). Have them relax at home. They can sleep if they feel tired. Calm activities such as talking to family and friends, reading, drawing, coloring, or playing a quiet game are OK. They should avoid all screen time (including TVs, computers, and smartphones) for the first 2 days after the concussion.

Usually within a day or so, they can start adding more activities, such as going for a walk. They should continue to avoid sports and any activity that could lead to another concussion. Symptoms don’t have to be completely gone for your child to add activities. But if symptoms get worse with an activity, they need to take a break from it. They can try it again later that day or the next day, or try a less intense version of it.

Keep your child out of all sports and any activities that could lead to head injury (like rough play, or riding a bike or skateboard) until their symptoms are completely gone and they’re cleared by a health care provider. It’s important to prevent another concussion because repeated concussions can have long-lasting, serious effects on the brain.

After a few days, your child should feel well enough to return to school. Work with your health care provider and a school team to create a plan for returning to school. Your child may need to start with a shorter day or a lighter workload.

Don’t let your teen drive until your health care provider says it’s OK.

Other things that can help:

• When your child goes back to doing screen time, help them limit how much time they spend on it. Video games, , texting, watching TV, and using social media are likely to cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. They should:
  • Keep regular sleep and wake times.
  • Avoid screen time or listening to loud music before bed.
  • Avoid caffeine.
• For the first few days after the injury, if your child has a headache, they can take acetaminophen (Tylenol or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call your health care provider if your child:

• is not back in school by 5 days after the concussion
• isn’t doing their usual level of schoolwork after being back to school for 2 weeks
• still needs medicine for headache a week or more after the injury
• has symptoms (such as headache, vomiting, confusion, or dizziness) that aren’t getting better or get worse
• still has symptoms 4 weeks after the concussion
• passes out

Go to the ER or call 911 if your child can’t be woken up or has a seizure.

What Else Should I Know?

Your child needs your support as they heal from the concussion. Help them add reasonable activities but also recognize when the body and brain need more time to heal. Never tell your child to “tough it out” if they have trouble with an activity. This can slow their recovery and may make the concussion symptoms worse.

Don’t let your child go back to sports before they’re cleared to do so by a health care provider. Getting another head injury before the concussion is healed can be very dangerous.

The symptoms can be different with each concussion. Repeated concussions may even lead to permanent brain changes. Not all concussions can be prevented, but you can take steps to make another one less likely.

If your child does get another head injury, they need to stop the sport or activity and tell you, a coach, teacher, or trusted adult right away. Then call your health care provider, who might want to see your child.

Learn more about concussions online at: