May 2006: Health Briefs from Baylor Health Care System

Don't Let Your Child Over-Do It This Sports Season

With soccer and baseball season upon us, many parents will not only stock up on sports equipment, but ice packs, heating pads and muscle creams as well to soothe aches and pains in their little athletes.

According to Marcus Roux, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, sports injuries in young children are prevalent this time of year, usually from the overuse of their muscles and joints.

"Now days kids are playing two sometimes three sports at a time so their muscles and joints never get a break," says Dr. Roux. "Especially in a growing child, the growth plates and joints are already under a lot of stress so not allowing time for rest can result in fatigue, pain, discomfort and sometimes injury."

Dr. Roux cautions that parents should pay close attention to their child's pitch count (if they are a baseball or softball player) as well as how many sports they are playing in a given season. Overuse of a child or adolescent's muscles and joints can not only be painful, but lead to further complications later in life.

"A child or adolescent's body is not made to see that kind of stress and overuse year round," adds Dr. Roux.

Dr. Roux offers the following advice to help prevent overuse injuries so your little leaguers can be at the top of their game this season.

• Make sure your child receives adequate rest between games or seasons. "Playing basketball and soccer and then going straight into baseball can be stressful on a child's body, so make sure they are getting enough time to recuperate between seasons or games," says Dr. Roux. Dr. Roux also says that the amount of rest depends on the sport and the age of the child as well as what position they are playing. "If adequate rest doesn't take care of the problem then medical attention should be sought."
• Pay attention to your child's aches and pains. "Always listen when they complain of pain or discomfort," says Dr. Roux. "Monitor what parts of their body are in pain and keep a close eye on any swelling." Dr. Roux adds that parents should pay attention to any limping, soreness or difficulty moving around that lasts longer than a few days after extreme exertion. "Normal physical activity should not cause any severe or persistent discomfort."
• Limit weight lifting. "If your young child is lifting weights make sure they are using light weight with higher repetitions," explains Dr. Roux. "Seemingly trivial exercises like stretches are also a good idea to help minimize any muscle injuries."

For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, call 1-800-4BAYLOR.

Hot Tubs, Spas can Pose Drowning Risks for Children

Summertime means fun in the backyard pool for scores of youngsters. Parents receive warnings to install pool fences and pool alarms to prevent an accidental drowning in the pool. But what about the backyard hot tub or spa? Has it been child-proofed for safety? Because a hot tub or spa is smaller, parents may not consider the dangerous hazards these can pose.

Whether in a pool or a hot tub, kids love to play games such as "hold your breath the longest." In a hot tub, long hair can become entangled in a drain cover, causing an accidental drowning.

"Never permit a child to play in a way that could cause the child's hair to come near the drain cover," cautions Jane Sadler, M.D., family practice specialist at Baylor Medical Center at Garland. "Check the hot tub to make sure the newer type of drain covers that help reduce this problem," continues Dr. Sadler. And, call a pool or spa professional to check the drain covers if you're unsure about the type of covers needed.

Install a safety cover that can be locked when the spa is not in use. In spite of parents' efforts, naturally curious children can quickly move out of sight to explore. The locked safety cover eliminates a potentially dangerous situation.

The hot tub water temperatures also can pose a risk for pregnant women and children. The hot water can raise body temperatures, leading to heat stroke and death. Make sure the water temperature never exceeds 104 degrees. "Hot temperatures also can cause drowsiness and unconsciousness, resulting in an accidental drowning," says Dr. Sadler.

Additional safety tips to consider:

• Know the location of the hot tub pump cut-off switch so you can turn it off in an emergency.
• Consuming alcohol while using the spa could lead to an accidental drowning.
• Check drain covers through the year; have a professional check them once a year.
• Newer spas have safety devices that should prevent body entrapment.
• Spa owners should be certain there are at least two outlets for each hot tub/spa pump and should request at least two drains for the spa.

For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Garland, call 1-800-4BAYLOR.

Risk of Melanoma Can Increase with Age, Especially Among Men

A history of severe sunburn, especially sunburns in childhood, can increase a person's risk for skin cancer. Growing older can increase a person's risk for melanoma, too.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, older adults have the greatest risk of developing melanoma. And, of that group, men have the most risk because of their reluctance to perform monthly skin self-examinations or regularly visit a dermatologist to detect melanoma in its early and most curable stages.

Melanoma is a type of malignant skin cancer that begins in the melanocyte cells that make skin pigment. While melanoma makes up about 4 percent of all skin cancer cases, it causes most of the skin cancer-related deaths.

Everyone should examine their skin from head to toe once a month. Melanoma seems to most often appear in men between the shoulders and hips or on the head and neck, while in women it develops frequently on the lower legs. Melanoma can also appear under the fingernails, toenails, and on the palms or soles.

Prevention is the best protection for melanoma or other skin cancers.

• Seek shade during the sun's peak hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear sun screen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Wear a broad-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, long sleeves and pants or long skirt.
• Avoid tanning and especially do not burn. Remember: one blistering sunburn doubles risk of melanoma.
• Children under age six months should not be exposed to the sun.
• African Americans can get melanoma, too. Just like Caucasians, African Americans should ask dermatologists about any dark asymmetrical mole or a mole, which changes in size, shape or color.

If you think a tanning bed is a safe option, think again! "Do not use tanning beds," says Angela Bowers, M.D., dermatologist on the medical staff, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. "Any UV exposure will increase your risk of skin cancer. Getting a tan before you go to the beach does not decrease your risk of skin cancer."

For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, call 1-800-4BAYLOR.