Parents Guide of Las Vegas

By Icia Reid-Sandulak

FAS can be a lifelong neurobehavioral birth defect caused by women consuming alcohol during pregnancy. This behavior is a negative consequence of alcohol consumption sometimes leading to developmental birth defects. Some children may only display partial effects of the syndrome, which would be considered (FAE) Alcohol Fetal Effects. Some children may also display some of the problems as full-blown FAS. All FAS/FAE determination must be diagnosed by a geneticist, a doctor who is trained in genetically-linked diseases.

Typically, physical characteristics of FAS/FAE may include the following: appear to be shorter in stature, have a small head, and are below percentile compared to national norms. They may present with dysmorphic facial features. Other distinct characteristics may involve a smooth area between the nose and mouth, a flatting between the mid-face, thin upper lip, short eye openings, and a shorter upturned nose.

Behaviors

There are many behavioral characteristics associated with FAS/FAE such as, clumsiness, toileting issues, poor memory, hygiene issues, irritability, destructiveness, failure in school, severe defiance, hyperactivity at times, loud with no concept of volume, low IQ, poor eye contact at times, lack of social skills showing lack of awareness in reading body language, and difficulty understanding and obeying laws. At times, FAS/FAE individuals thrive in potentially dangerous situations, display inappropriate behavior, have difficulty following directions, victimize and are cruel to animals, display manipulative behavior, and lie and steal. At times, FAS/FAE individuals find it difficult to pass on messages and fail to understand cause and effect. There is no cure for FAS/FAE, as this is a lifelong disorder. Don’t give up just yet, as there are skills that can be taught, but constant reminders will be needed to maintain the skills taught. If you are someone who is struggling with a child who has FAS/FAE or is suspected of having FAS/FAE, seek professional help.

Icia Reid-Sandulak is the Director of Apple Grove Foster Care Agency and is a Social Worker. Apple Grove specializes in therapeutic foster care and welcomes applications from future foster parents. She can be reached at 702-992-0576 .

By Claudine Mendoza, M.D.

The sun is shining, the weather is getting warmer, and summer is drawing near. Get ready to put on those swimsuits, sunglasses, and sunscreen and head to the pool or the beach. But before you go, here are some tips on sun safety to keep handy.

Sunscreen

A “broad spectrum” sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin against ultraviolet rays. Prolonged sun exposure without protection causes skin damage and skin cancers, so it is very important to protect yourself and your children. Always apply sunscreen on yourself and your little ones when you are exposed to the sun, even on overcast days. Sunscreen bottles labeled “broad spectrum” protects your skin from both harmful ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 and apply it at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, each time you get out of the water, or if you or your kids have been sweating. Choose a sunscreen that is PABA-free to avoid skin allergies. Sunscreen is not recommended for children less than 6 months of age so keep children 6 months and younger out of direct sunlight. Their skin is thinner and thus more prone to sunburns. Try to minimize exposure from the hours of 11am – 4pm when the sun’s rays are their strongest.

Protective clothing

You can protect your kids with clothes that block them from the sun. Make sure they are made of a tight weave so that less light can penetrate through it. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can’t see your hand if you place it inside your clothes.

Hats are not only a cute accessory but also a good way to protect children from the sun. Make sure the hat covers your child’s face.

Sunglasses are also a must for optimal sun protection. Choose sunglasses that are labeled with 100% UV protection for you and your little ones.

You can also use umbrellas or tents to cover your children from the sun.

What if my child gets sunburn?

Not all sunburns need medical attention. If your child gets sunburn, these are some steps you can take to help him: Apply cool, wet compresses to skin, which will help dissipate heat and reduce pain. Apply aloe vera to the skin as well as moisturizing cream.

If the skin starts to peel, make sure the skin stays clean and pat down the skin rather than rub it dry.

You can also give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. If itching occurs, you can give your child Benadryl.

If the skin starts to blister, seek help at your pediatrician’s office.

Summer is a perfect time for families to spend together under the sun, but make sure you and your family are protected against the sun’s rays. Teach your children the importance of protecting their skin against the sun and set a good example for them by wearing your sunscreen and protective clothing. With these tips, your family will now be ready to have some fun in the sun!

Claudine Mendoza MD is a pediatrician at Good Night Pediatrics which provides all-night urgent care for children every night of the year from 5p.m. to 5a.m.

Saving for higher education can be a challenge. According to College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2011, the average one-year cost of in-state tuition and fees alone in 2011 was $8,244 — and that number has increased 6.1% over the past decade. That’s why the sooner you can begin to save for college, the better.

An easy way to start saving is with the SSgA Upromise 529 Plan. It offers tax advantages, flexibility, and professional investment management. You can use your savings at any eligible 2- or 4-year college, vocational school, or technical institute.

To help you get a jumpstart on saving for higher education, the State of Nevada and the SSgA Upromise 529 Plan have joined forces to create the Silver State Matching Grant Program.*

The goal of the Program is to help qualifying families afford higher education. Families who qualify, and who contribute to an SSgA Upromise 529 Plan account, can get matching funds — either $1 for every $1 contributed or $1 for every $2 contributed (depending on household adjusted gross income) — up to $300 per year for five years.

You can apply for the Silver State ­Matching Grant Program if:

• You and your beneficiary are Nevada residents
• You are an SSgA Upromise 529 account holder
• Your beneficiary is age 13 or younger
• Your adjusted gross income is $61,950 or less

Applications are accepted from March 1 through June 30, so don’t wait if you think you might qualify.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to build up your college savings! For more information on the Silver State Matching Grant Program, administered by State Treasurer Kate Marshall, including application and guidelines, visit nevadas529.com.

For more information about the SSgA Upromise 529 Plan call 1-800-587-7305 or visit www.ssga.upromise529.com to obtain a Plan Description and Participation Agreement. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Plan Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Upromise Investments, Inc., Distributor.

*Matching grants are subject to availability of funds, and there is no guarantee of the continued operation of the Silver State Matching Grant Program.

If you are not a Nevada taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.

It takes a team effort to care for the approximately 15 million Americans, including 6 million children, in the U.S. with food allergies. During Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) May 13-19, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) acknowledges individuals who do so much to protect those with food allergies. One of the first to take the lead is the Nevada Governor, Brian Sandoval. Governor Sandoval has formally recognized FAAW this year by issuing a proclamation.

Food allergy is an often misunderstood, potentially life-threatening medical condition for which there is no cure. Spencer Peterson was just 12 months old when they found out he had food allergies to dairy, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, avocado, peanut, and tree nuts. “After Spencer’s Food Allergy diagnosis, we became hyper-vigilant about knowing what was in the foods we fed him. We nicknamed Spencer our “Bubble Boy” because his skin would also react to food allergens in his environment and he’d get hives and blisters from touching surfaces that had trace amounts of food allergens. We try to control Spencer’s environment as much as possible to reduce the chance of anaphylaxis. We carry epinephrine with us at all times and wipe down all surfaces.” says Alexandra Peterson.

Spencer is the 2012 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy in Las Vegas, Nevada Honorary Youth Chair.

This free to register family charity event will be on Saturday, October 6 at The District at Green Valley Ranch. “It is very important for our community to host a FAAN Walk Event”, says Dana Gordin the volunteer FAAN walk director of Nevada. “Because of the incredible success of the 2011 Las Vegas FAAN Walk, FAAN has awarded our community with some amazing grants.

FAAN staff is coming to Las Vegas to present training sessions at no financial expectation for Nevada. The event is called Educate Las Vegas, which will advance food allergy awareness for all CCSD schools, some local restaurants, and ER medical facilities.

In recognition of May as National Water Safety Month, the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Water Safety Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at Black Mountain Aquatic Complex, 599 Greenway Rd. The free event focuses on educating parents, guardians and day care providers about the importance of child safety in and around the water. Those attending the event are also invited to enjoy open swim immediately following.

The event is free for all ages, but registration is recommended as space is limited. Register online at cityofhenderson.com/parks (activity 136000-00) or in person at any City of Henderson recreation center or indoor pool.

The event provides features information on how to safeguard a home, prevent accidents and injuries, and properly respond to emergencies. Demonstrations will basic water rescue, CPR/first aid, and water safety techniques. Aquatics staff will also discuss the City of Henderson’s Learn-to-Swim program and aquatic courses available for children and adults.

“We want to stress the importance of being proactive,” said Angela Summers, Aquatics supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “It’s better to take the appropriate safety measures today than to go through the heartbreak of a tragedy tomorrow.”

A limited number of certificates valid for free swimming lessons for children up through age 4 will be available to registered participants. Some restrictions may apply. For additional information, call 702-267-2980 .