Newborn Screenings: What You Need to Know

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By Troy Nelson, MD, pediatrician and medical director, DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services

 

Did you know September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month?  Newborn screenings allow identification and treatment of a disease before symptoms even emerge.  A newborn may appear healthy, but still have a serious condition that cannot be seen.  If left untreated, these conditions can lead to slow growth, blindness and/or intellectual disability, and may be life threatening. Early detection and treatment can help prevent these serious problems, which is why newborn screening is critical.

Based on published research by Dr. Robert Guthrie in 1963, newborn screenings have evolved with newborns now being screened for more than 25 conditions within days of birth; newborn screenings involve just a few drops of blood.  According to the National Institute of Health, newborn screenings detect a treatable condition in about 1 in 300 babies born each year, a total of about 12,500 cases each year. In Arizona, approximately 100 babies annually are found to have a serious condition identified through newborn screenings.

Providers in Arizona are required by law to order newborn screenings for all newborns.  Arizona requires newborns to be screened twice to help ensure accuracy, as some conditions are easier to detect on a subsequent screen.  In addition, approximately 98 percent of all infants born in Arizona are screened for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge.  The first newborn screening sample will be taken before the baby leaves the hospital and the second will be taken between 5-10 days after birth, or at the first well-baby visit, whichever comes first. For those newborns born at home, the healthcare provider present at the birth will collect the first screen.

At DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS), we provide specialized treatment for newborns for which a condition was detected during screening.  Our goal is to provide most medical specialties and services in one location by physicians and staff that work exclusively with children from birth through age 18.  With early detection, intervention, and treatment, we can partner with you and your family to enable your baby to thrive to the maximum of his or her abilities.

Dr. Nick Tanner’s Three Tips for Parents of Children with Health, Developmental, and Behavioral Differences

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First: Never stop advocating

Doctor Nick Tanner

Dr. Nick Tanner

When parents have a kid with extra needs or differences, things may things get contentious between parents schools, healthcare providers, and government agencies.  Sometimes it can feel a little like it is “us vs. the world.”

As a psychologist, part of my job is encouraging my parents to engage with these complex systems of care, help them navigate the procedural challenges inherent to these systems, and facilitate collaboration with the goal of helping patients and families thrive.

Although it’s important to have realistic expectations, the old saying is true; squeaky wheels tend to get the grease.

Families and parents who are persistent tend to be more successful in getting more individualized and intensive treatment.

Though conflict can be uncomfortable, it’s important to be your child’s biggest cheerleader – never stop advocating.

Second: Think about the long-term big picture

Parents often and understandably get caught up in what their children’s limitations are, right now and in the present. They may lose sight of what’s important to them.

Part of my job at CRS is helping parents and families identify and connect to their values.  Most parents want their children to live vital and meaningful lives, and sometimes an extra need or illness can make it hard to see what’s important in the long run.

Think about the big picture, dare to dream, and focus on what is important.

Identifying values is one way to help figure out the big picture. Values can act as a compass, providing direction and assisting parents to move from a place of “My child can’t do this,” “What if they fail,” or “My child will never,” to a more productive place. A place where parents can begin to ask “What can my kid do now,” “What do I hope they’ll be able to do later,” and “How can we help them get to that place.”

Third: Take care of yourself

For a good reason, many parents do not consider themselves, or their wellbeing, a critical contributor to their child’s outcomes or a priority.

On top of the already hectic demands of parenting, families of children with extra needs also have additional requirements on financial resources and their time.

Many of the families I work with have to manage busy schedules that include juggling therapy appointments, doctors visits, school, and work.  However, there is reason flight attendants tell parents to put on their air masks before attempting to help others in an emergency – it’s impossible to help other people if you do not take care of yourself.

Research shows that socially isolated parents struggle to build fulfilling relationships with their children and are more likely to develop mental illnesses. It’s not “selfish” to take care of yourself.  Finding some time for yourself is essential.

So go ahead, make that therapy appointment for yourself, get a pedicure, or meet up with some supportive friends. It might be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your child.

Ask a Doc: Do your kids need sunscreen if they’re in the shade?

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kids and sunscreen

You should put sunscreen on your kids even if they’re playing outside in the shade. – Paul Bradbury, Getty Images

Mansi Sarihan, MD  |  Contributor
As originally published USAToday.com 9:20 p.m. June 18, 2018

Question: Do you need to wear sunscreen if you’re outside in the shade?

Answer: I receive this question often and every time I answer:

Definitely yes!

You may think you’ve got it made in the shade, but you can still be hit by harmful UV rays that bounce off the sand, sidewalk, pool or ocean. They can even bounce off grass!

Even under an umbrella or a shade structure, UV rays can slink through the fabric and cause skin damage.

Yes, shade is a blessing. But if you’re relying on it to protect your skin from sunburn, you may be very disappointed. That’s why you’ll want to apply sunscreen before you step outside, even if you’ll stay in the shade.

Here’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from direct and indirect UV rays:

  1. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 50 or higher, with full UV spectrum. Find a brand that you like – you’ll be more likely to use it. Reapply sunscreen every two hours you’re outside.
  2. Wear wide-brimmed hats (at least 3 inches of brim all around the head) and UV protective clothing.
  3. Avoiding the sun during peak hours is essential. From around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., try not to go outside. Or, stick to shaded areas such as swimming at times when the pool is out of the direct sun.
  4. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen. Daily application of sunscreen in the morning, regardless of your activities during the day (even just driving in the car), can yield healthier and happier skin.

Follow these rules and your skin will thank you.

Mansi Sarihan, MD, is chief of dermatology at Maricopa Integrated Health System and Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix.

As originally published USAToday.com 9:20 p.m. June 18, 2018