Our kids are headed back to school where they’ll be thrown into a sea of germs. It’s the perfect time to bust some of those health myths I commonly hear from parents so you can weather the return of school with peace of mind.
Here are some of the questions I often get asked at The Urgency Room.
Should kids be required to clean their plates?
Kids are really good at knowing how much their bodies need to eat. It’s important to offer healthy food choices and a variety of foods. If kids are reluctant to eat healthy food at mealtimes, cut down on snacks near mealtime so your child is truly hungry at mealtime. You’ll probably notice your child’s appetite varies depending on how much they’re growing or their activity level.
Is the 5-second rule for real?
If your child snatches up food they’ve dropped on the floor with five seconds and eats it, that doesn’t mean they’re safe from ingesting bacteria that’s on the floor. While picking the food up faster is certainly better, there’s no amount of time food can be on the floor without picking up some bacteria.
Will drinking coffee stunt my child’s growth?
No. Coffee doesn’t stunt growth. However, coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can cause mild appetite suppression in your child.
Will the gum my child swallowed stay in her stomach for seven years?
No. Swallowing small amounts of gum is typically harmless. Gum will move through the digestive tract and excreted when your child goes to the bathroom. If your child swallows a large amount of gum or many pieces close together, the gum can form a ball and block the intestines. This is extremely rare, but if this happened, your child would need to get serious care at The Urgency Room immediately.
Can a high fever cause brain damage?
Yes. Extremely high body temperatures can cause seizure and brain damage, but it’s incredibly rare and is typically due to your child suffering from heatstroke or a rare medication reaction. The fever caused by typical illnesses is not usually dangerous. However, it’s important to pay attention to symptoms that accompany the fever and seek care to determine the underlying cause of the fever. If your child’s fever is accompanied by confusion, seizure, dehydration, or excessive sleepiness, bring them to The Urgency Room right away or call 911 if you feel like it’s an emergency.
The Urgency Room (UR) is a state-of-the-art medical facility specializing in the treatment of acute injuries and illnesses in adults, children, and infants. Staffed with board-certified emergency physicians, the UR is prepared to handle it all. If you need immediate medical attention and don’t need an ambulance come to The Urgency Room.
