Tag Archives: Lori Nieboer

Talking to Children About Sex

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, , , ,

By Lori Nieboer, PA-C, MPH,Physician Assistant at Union High School Health Center

Parents dread “the talk.” Conversations about sex can feel uncomfortable, but remember… if your kids aren’t getting this information from you, they are likely getting bad information from friends, the TV or the internet. So, here are some tips for making sure you are prepared to discuss this hot topic with your kids at all ages:
  • It’s never too early to start. Find opportunities to talk to your kids to normalize these conversations.
  • Keep it simple; you don’t have to share it all at one time.
  • Use real names for private parts.
  • Keep your kid’s age in mind.
    • Young kids – talk about how boys and girls are different or name body parts.
    • Older kids – answer questions honestly and in small doses.
  • Look for teachable moments: a pregnant neighbor or a scene on TV can start a discussion.
  • Share with your children what your feelings and views are on sex.
  • Make yourself available; listen more than you talk.
  • Take time to explain what makes a relationship healthy.
  • Find a friend or family member you trust that your child can also go to with questions.
  • If you don’t know an answer to a question, be honest, look it up with your child and learn together.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

 

Concussion: My Kid Has a Head Injury!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, , , ,

By Lori Nieboer, PA-C, MPH, Physician Assistant at Union High School Health Center

 

Today’s injury focus is on the head (i.e. concussions or traumatic brain injuries). Concussions are important to know about, so we can prevent them and keep our kids safe from further harm if they do get injured. The sports we usually see the most head injuries are typically football, soccer, and basketball.

What is a concussion?

  • A type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain usually works. It can be caused by a hit, blow, bump, or any movement that causes the brain and head to move quickly back and forth.

What are the symptoms?

  • Headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Confusion
  • Not feeling “right”
  • Memory problems
  • Irritability/mood changes

What are concussion danger signs?

  • One pupil larger than the other
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Becomes increasingly confused, agitated, or drowsy
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  • Loses consciousness

What do I do if I think my child has a concussion?

  • Stop activity and seek medical attention
  • Rest is key:
    • Avoid all exercise, screen time, and mental activity (i.e. school, reading, homework)
    • Gradual return to mental and physical activity should take place over days and under the supervision of a health care provider
  • Inform your child’s school, so they can lighten coursework as needed upon your child’s return

Concussion myths:

I need to keep my child awake after a concussion.

MYTH! Rest is important to healing after a concussion. Seek emergency care if your child is overly drowsy or you are concerned they are acting odd.

 

I don’t have a concussion because the CT scan was normal.

MYTH! A CT scan will show any damage to the brain structures, but may not show a mild traumatic brain injury.

 

You can recover from a concussion in 24 hours.

MYTH! In fact, even if symptoms are gone, it typically takes the brain around seven days to fully recover from a concussion.

 

You can only diagnose a concussion if consciousness is lost.

MYTH! Many times, a person with a concussion does not lose consciousness; they still need to be monitored and returned to activity gradually.

 

For more information visit here.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.