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Health and Wellness Advice From AAMC
KIDS’ VACCINES
Q
Who should get
an HPV vaccine?
A
Today, there is a strong weapon to
prevent several types of cancer in
our kids: the HPV vaccine.
HPV
is short
for
human papillomavirus
, a common virus.
In the U.S. each year, about 17,000 women
and 9,000 men have HPV-related cancers.
Vaccination could prevent many of these
cancers, and it can also help prevent warts
that can be caused by the viral strains
covered by this vaccine.
HPV vaccination is recommended for
preteen girls and boys at ages 11 or 12.
e vaccine is also recommended for girls
ages 13 through 26 years and for boys
ages 13 through 21 years who have not
yet been vaccinated. Talk to their doctor
about getting it for them.
Protection before it’s needed.
HPV
vaccines o er the best protection to girls
and boys who receive all three vaccine
doses and have time to develop an immune
response before they begin sexual activity
with another person. is is not to say that
your preteen is ready to have sex. In fact,
it’s just the opposite—it’s important to get
your child protected before you or your
child has to think about this issue. e
immune response to this vaccine is better
in preteens, and this could mean better
protection for your child.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
STAYING ACTIVE
Q
How can I help my child
be active?
A
A prescription for healthy kids
could include something like this:
Be active for at least 60 minutes every
day, play hard and have fun.
ese tips can help you get your
kids moving:
›
Encourage them to join a team sport,
such as community baseball or soccer.
›
Take them to places where other kids
are playing, such as swimming pools or
public parks.
›
Keep sports equipment handy. If you
have a jump rope, some tennis rackets,
or a softball and glove in the closet,
your kids can easily grab them and go.
›
If it’s a safe route, encourage your child
to walk or bike to school. Make sure
your biker wears a helmet, and don’t
forget the sunscreen.
›
Have kids help around the house.
Washing the car, gardening,
vacuuming—they’re all good habits
that double as exercise.
›
Limit screen time, including video
games, to one to two hours a day or
less. You may choose to restrict access
even further on school nights.
You can give your child a head start on
an active lifestyle if you make it part of
your family’s routine. Add a family walk or
bike ride to your evenings and weekends.
Helping your child be active can have
a few important side e ects. You might
nd yourself being healthier and more
active—and having some fun.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Q
What are some guidelines for kids
and mobile devices?
A
e next time you go to a
restaurant, playground or other
public place, look around and you’ll
probably see some parents absorbed in
their smartphones or tablets instead of
interacting with their children.
Mobile devices could have both
positive and negative impacts on family
interactions. ey can be used for family
entertainment, social support, or access
to educational materials for children.
However, mobile devices can also
distract parents from face-to-face
interactions with their children, which
are crucial for cognitive, language and
emotional development.
Devices also provide instant access
to videos and games, increasing the
likelihood that screen time will replace
other enriching child activities or
be used as a “paci er” to keep the
child occupied.
e best thing you can do is set a
good example:
›
Don’t use technology to lash out
at people.
›
Don’t text and drive.
›
Be aware of how much time you’re
spending on your mobile device while
your children are around.
If you want your kids to use technology
responsibly, role model the behavior you
want to see.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Sam Libber, MD
,
is a pediatrician
and pediatric
endocrinologist with
Annapolis Pediatrics.
410-263-6363
.
Stephen Hansman, MD,
is a family physician
with Pasadena Primary
Care, a practice of
Anne Arundel Medical
Group.
443-270-8600
.
Deon Edgerson-
George, MD
, is a
pediatrician and internist
with Eastern Shore
Primary Care, a practice
of Anne Arundel Medical
Group.
410-643-4524
.
