4 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • MAY 2, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com health s Bringing home baby: When to call the doctor Most new parents are anxious when their infant has a fever, or is fussy, stuffy and simply not acting right. But how do you decide to call the pediatrician or to wait - especially in the middle of the night? “We understand the uncertainty that comes with bringing home a newborn, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry,” says Linda Ciampa, a registered nurse in the labor and delivery department of a Boston-area hospital. “Even at 2 a.m., most doctors’ offi ces are on call to give you assurance and advice. We would much rather have you call than be up all night worrying - or possibly overlook something important,” adds Ciampa. Ciampa encourages all fi rst-time parents to take advantage of the postpartum care, newborn CPR and safety classes offered at many hospitals and community centers. Knowledge and information can reduce stress when your baby isn’t feeling well. She offers the following tips on what to look for when you suspect your baby may be sick: Fever Fever helps the body fi ght infection and doesn’t always need to be treated. But sometimes, fever in a newborn can be serious. A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher in a baby under the age of 2 months should be reported. Your doctor will likely ask whether the baby is feeding, urinating and sleeping adequately. Never give medicines or other home remedies to a baby without fi rst consulting with a pediatrician. Historically, the most accurate way to determine a baby’s core-body temperature was with a rectal thermometer. Now, however, many doctors’ offi ces and hospitals use a forehead scanner. One swipe provides a fast and accurate reading in just two seconds. Studies show that temporal artery thermometers are just as accurate as the more invasive methods of temperature taking, such as rectal. They take the stress out of taking a baby’s temperature - and work on grownups too. Seek immediate medical attention and call 9-1-1 if your infant is struggling to breathe or turns a shade of blue. Don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician if: • Your baby’s skin appears yellow or you suspect jaundice • The newborn’s stools appear red, white or black (aside from the fi rst black meconium bowel movements) • Your little one has a persistent cold, cough or is vomiting (more than spitting up) • Your baby is unusually fussy, lethargic or not waking up for feeds Health care providers are there to offer advice and reassurance whenever you are unsure about any health issue concerning your newborn. Health care providers want your baby to be healthy - and you to feel confi dent - so you can enjoy this special time with your precious, new arrival. Courtesy BPT Multi Specialty Physical Rehabilitation Center COMMIT TO BE FIT ONE-ON-ONE PERSONAL TRAINING GROUP CLASSES AVAILABLE ALL AGES. ALL FITNESS LEVELS. ALL ABILITIES. THE FITNESS CONSULTANT Celebrating Our 24th Anniversary! 208-52 Cross Island Pkwy • Bayside 718.352.9075 2011 st www.tfc-gym.com FREE TRAINING SESSION CALL TODAY of the THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place SPINAL & SPORTS INJURIES, ARTHRITIS, POST SURGICAL & MORE! • Pain Management • Internal Medicine • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Physical Therapy We accept most types of Insurance & Workers Compensation Please call to make an appointment: 516-218-2222 40 East Merrick Road, Suite #104 · Valley Stream, NY 11580 ST. MARY’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN 9th ANNUAL WALK FOR ST. MARY’S KIDS Sunday, May 19, 2013 Belmont Park, Elmont, NY Registration: 9am Walk: 10am Walk for St. Mary’s Kids and support vital programs and services for children with special needs and medically complex conditions. Do it for the Kids! Sign up to be a Walker, Team Captain, or Sponsor! Go to http://events.stmaryskids.org/walk2013 or call 718-281-8890 for more information. Presented by http://events.stmaryskids.org/walk2013
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