kids first Summer 2009 a publication of schneider children’s hospital + INSIDE: Saving Lives in the NICU I Trauma Center I Truth or Fiction? saving lives Just as They Begin O ne-year-old Emily Polevikov is an active, healthy little girl. But her life could have turned out very differently. Lack of oxygen during a difficult delivery left Emily in a semiconscious state at birth and at serious risk for brain damage. She was rushed to Schneider Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). There, she received a unique and complex therapy called selective brain cooling to reduce her chance of brain damage. The result? A normal life. Emily’s situation was rare. But the pain and fear her parents felt during that time is shared by the hundreds of families whose babies require care from Schneider Children’s Hospital’s NICU each year. Thankfully, the NICU is one of the largest and most advanced programs in the United States. It holds the highest designation by the state to care for the sickest and most premature babies. “The NICU’s primary mission is to provide outstanding, state-of-the-art, compassionate care to our patients,” explained Dennis Davidson, MD, director of neonatal services. “Schneider Children’s Hospital provides all the advanced therapies a baby could need.” Emily with her parents, Sergei Polevikov and Maryna Arystava, and her big sister, Britanny Polevikov. special heart/lung bypass machine for babies, providing lifesaving breathing assistance when other options have failed; ◾ cardiac surgery; ◾ selective brain cooling — a process of bringing down a baby’s body temperature to prevent brain damage; and ◾ high-frequency transport ventilation — advanced breathing assistance for babies with critical The NICU recently expanded its capacity lung problems who need transport to with a new, state-of-the-art, 24-bed unit. Schneider Children’s Hospital’s NICU for With this new unit, the NICU can now care specialized services such as ECMO. for close to 68 babies at one time. “Our experience was very hard to live “The new unit focuses on family-centered through. We didn’t know what was going to care. It’s designed to increase the comfort happen to our daughter,” explained Sergei and meet the needs of our patients and Polevikov, Emily’s father. “At those their families,” said Betty May, RN, nurse moments, there’s nothing you can do but manager of the NICU. “But it also allows just trust in the professionalism and care of the staff to maximize care and safety. The your doctors. Today, no one would know entire NICU staff works together as a team what Emily went through.” ° for the best patient outcomes.” Some advanced services provided by the NICU include: Looking for a pediatrician? ◾ ECMO (extracorporeal membrane Please call 1 (888) 321-DOCS or check out oxygenation) — a technique that uses a www.SchneiderChildrensHospital.org. Under the Sea — But Not Soaked! Kids love “swimming” with colorful magnetic fish in the underwater world found in Schneider Children’s Hospital’s hematology/oncology waiting room. The custom-designed mural brings a touch of summer year-round, thanks to the Discover the Smile Foundation, which focuses on transforming pediatric healthcare facilities into lively, child-friendly surroundings. “We chose the aquarium theme for its relaxing qualities,” said Lisa Martin, president and founder of Discover the Smile. The motif is carried over into the hematology/oncology inpatient unit. 2 kids first I Summer 2009 ca inc. kids’ wellness The Skinny on Childhood Obesity Real men FACT: Young males — fathers and mom’s boyfriends — account for 67 percent of shaken baby syndrome have a soft touch! Never Shake a Baby! This message is sponsored by Schneider Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Cares for Kids For more information go to www.SchneiderChildrensHospital.org Free Wireless Service Patients and visitors at North ShoreLIJ Health System facilities can As your children grow out of the toddler years, excess weight can become a serious concern — perhaps putting them at risk for some very grown-up health problems. Consider these facts and figures: • Over the past three decades, the childhood obesity rate has more than tripled. • Today, nearly one-third of children and teens are overweight and about 16 percent are obese. • Children with a high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to have enlarged hearts, putting them at risk for heart disease. • According to one study, 60 percent of obese children have at least one heart disease risk factor. • Type 2 diabetes, previously seen mostly in adults, is now common among children. Experts believe childhood obesity is the cause. Eating Right Focus on providing nutritious meals and snacks and teaching healthy food choices. That means: • cutting out snacks with little nutritional value, like potato chips and sweets; • offering whole-grain crackers, low-fat cheese, yogurt, fruit and vegetables; and • limiting soda and sugary fruit drinks and serving skim milk or water instead. Get Them Moving Doctors recommend children exercise 60 minutes a day most days of the week. e-mail loved ones or surf the Net for free, thanks to the new Guest Wireless Program. Wireless Web access is available for mobile devices like laptop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). For tips on healthy eating, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestives and Kidney Disease Web site at www.win.niddk.nih.gov and search for Helping Your Overweight Child. www.SchneiderChildrensHospital.org 3 sch welcomes new leadership F ew individuals have had a greater impact on pediatrics in the New York area than Philip Lanzkowsky, MD. After heading Schneider Children’s Hospital (SCH) for 25 years, Dr. Lanzkowsky recently retired as the hospital’s executive director and chief of staff. He now serves as a consultant to lay the groundwork for the expansion of the children’s hospital and the creation of the Hofstra School of Medicine in partnership with the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Succeeding Dr. Lanzkowsky is Arthur Klein, MD. As senior vice president of children’s services and chief of staff at SCH, Dr. Klein is responsible for the quality and growth of the children’s services line, including all pediatric programs and services, both inpatient and ambulatory. Dr. Klein comes to North Shore-LIJ after serving as senior vice president and chief physician officer at Lifespan Corporation of Providence, RI. Well known among New York’s leaders in pediatric medicine, Dr. Klein served at New York Presbyterian Hospital as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the New York Presbyterian Healthcare System. As SCH’s new executive director, Chantal Weinhold oversees day-to-day operations. Ms. Weinhold brings many years of leadership experience to SCH that will complement and enhance its future growth. Most recently the executive director of The Zucker Hillside Hospital, she was instrumental in developing that hospital’s strategic plan, focused on further enhancing clinical service delivery. Her administrative career has also included roles as associate director for business program management at SCH, director of ambulatory care services at North Shore University Hospital, assistant vice president for ambulatory services at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan and On left: Arthur Klein, MD, senior vice president of corporate compliance officer children’s services and chief of staff for the North Shore-LIJ On right: Chantal Weinhold, executive director Health System. ° SCH Aids Nationwide Pediatric Care Efforts Schneider Children’s Hospital is working under the radar to improve patient care in its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) — and critical care for kids nationwide. Under the direction of Peter Silver, MD, associate chair of critical care, the hospital has joined the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions’ Bloodstream Infection Collaborative to reduce PICU infections. The effort is “exceptionally effective at improving care,” according to the American Board of Pediatrics. We’re Here for You! Need immediate help for your child? Go to Schneider Children’s Hospital’s walk-in UrgiCenter Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and weekends 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please call (516/718) 470-3800. www.SchneiderChildrensHospital.org 4 When the Unexpected Happens: sch can turn trauma into triumph W hen 15-year-old Gabriel Aquilar went skateboarding with his friends one day last October, he didn’t know that it could be his last. Gabriel, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, was hit by a car and rushed to a local hospital. Swelling in his brain prevented him from breathing on his own and his leg was fractured. Due to the severity of his injuries, Gabriel was transferred to Schneider Children’s Hospital (SCH) for care. The Regional Trauma Center at Schneider Children’s Hospital is the busiest pediatric trauma center on Long Island. It was created to provide immediate and expert care for children involved in traumatic accidents. When a call comes in that an injured child — like Gabriel — is arriving, the in-house pediatric trauma team springs into action immediately. “As a designated, regional pediatric trauma center, we have dedicated resources and specific processes in place to quickly care for children with traumatic injuries,” explained George Berry, PA-C, pediatric trauma coordinator. “It’s like a well-oiled machine.” safe kids at sch As a pediatric trauma center, Schneider Children’s Hospital not only treats traumatic injuries, but works to prevent them. The hospital is a member of the Queens and Nassau Safe Kids Coalitions, led by the North Shore-LIJ Health System. This group is dedicated to preventing accidental childhood injuries. One goal of Safe Kids is to educate children and parents about the importance of wearing a helmet while bike riding, skateboarding or roller skating. Studies show that wearing a helmet during wheeled sports can reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. To get tips on preventing injuries, visit www.SafeKids.org. 5 kids first I Summer 2009 Around-the-Clock Readiness All members of the trauma team are in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are ready at a moment’s notice to care for an injured child. They include a pediatric-focused: ◾ surgeon; ◾ anesthesiologist; ◾ respiratory therapist; ◾ critical care doctor; ◾ emergency medicine doctor; and ◾ intensive care nurse. “Schneider Children’s Hospital is unique in that we have five full-time pediatric surgeons. At least one is available in the hospital at all times,” said Mr. Berry. “That is significant because the first hour after a traumatic injury is critical. Having a surgeon on-site saves lives.” Child-Focused Expertise Dedicated trauma team members handle all trauma cases — from car accidents to gunshot wounds. But they are supported by a wide range of pediatric specialists, who are called when needed. Pediatric specialists cover such disciplines as neurosurgery, urology, vascular surgery, radiology, plastic surgery and more. “Each physician is specially trained in treating the unique needs of children,” said Mr. Berry. “Children are not small adults. They respond much differently to trauma and require specialized care.” Care That Makes a Difference Gabriel stayed at Schneider Children’s Hospital for more than two weeks. Half that time was spent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) — the area of the hospital that cares for the sickest children. Gabriel was on a respirator and in serious condition. Gabriel Aquilar is back to normal after a devastating car accident, thanks to the care he received at the Regional Trauma Center. However, doctors were able to reduce the swelling in Gabriel’s brain with medication. This allowed him to breathe again on his own. Specially trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons also took Gabriel to the operating room and, under general anesthesia, set several fractures in his lower leg. With therapy, Gabriel made a full recovery. “I don’t remember much about the accident or my time in the hospital,” said Gabriel. “But I know that I’m all right now. I’m back hanging out with my friends and living a normal life.” ° Need Info on Childhood Diseases? Schneider Children’s Hospital’s Web site includes a children’s health library as well as information on patient services, programs, physicians and other resources. Check out www.SchneiderChildrensHospital.org. kids first Michael Dowling President and CEO North Shore-LIJ Health System Arthur Klein, MD Sr. VP, Children’s Services Chief of Staff Chantal Weinhold Executive Director NORTH SHORE-LONG ISLAND JEWISH HEALTH SYSTEM INC. Schneider Children’s Hospital 269-01 76th Avenue New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID NSLIJHS Terry Lynam VP, Public Relations Maria Conforti Publications Editor Kids First is published by Schneider Children’s Hospital. The information is intended to inform and educate about subjects pertinent to health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Produced by StayWell Custom Communications, Evanston, IL. © 2009. Printed in the U.S.A. New GREEN subscription option! To switch your newsletter subscription to e-mail, send your e-mail and mailing address to KidsFirst@nshs. edu with “green” in the subject line. Need to find a doctor? 1-888-321-DOCS why schneider children’s hospital? + Our Community’s Only Children’s Hospital It’s a convenient, central location for your child’s medical, surgical, dental, psychiatric and educational needs. + International Recognition All staff is specially trained in pediatrics. The hospital’s specialists and patients come here from all over the world. + educational center Access our Web page for a wealth of information about childhood diseases. + Positive learning experience Our playrooms, school, Clown Program, Pet Therapy Program, Art Program and Music Program make the hospital experience a positive one. + On the cutting edge State-of-the-art equipment, technology and innovative protocols are designed specifically for children. + In your backyard Satellite treatment centers provide specialists close to home in Commack, Hewlett, Flushing, Brooklyn and Manhattan. + we trained your doctors Doctors come here from all over the country for valuable training. + innovative research Ongoing, up-to-the-minute research on children ensures leading-edge care. www.SchneiderChildrensHospital.org SCH Expert Separates truth from fiction I f you think raw carrots improve a child’s vision or applying ice to a burn is the best solution — think again. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of erroneous or misleading information like this that can make parenting decisions particularly difficult. Sometimes, ignorance of children’s health needs can even have deadly consequences. “I’ve always been troubled by the extent parents rely on hearsay or misinformation to care for their children when they’re sick,” said Andrew Adesman, MD, chief of child development at Schneider Children’s Hospital, noting that the problem is exacerbated by questionable health “facts” found online. He added, “I am even more disturbed by the results of a recent survey of pediatricians showing that many of them cannot distinguish between fact and fiction.” To help guide parents through the myths and confusion of child-rearing, Dr. Adesman wrote BabyFacts: The Truth About Your Child’s Health From Newborn Through Preschool (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). The new book covers a range of infant, toddler and preschooler issues, including breastfeeding, growth and development, accident prevention, sleep habits, food allergies and childhood illnesses. BabyFacts identifies and clarifies many of the deep-rooted beliefs that are often Eating carrots may be healthy, but they won’t improve your child’s vision. received as conventional wisdom or well-intentioned advice from notable sources — such as the Internet, parenting organizations, friends and family members — and explains all sides of the issues, providing answers to commonly conflicted information. ° To take the “Myth or Fact?” quiz or to learn more, go to www.BabyFacts.com. 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