AtlantiCare Doctors Answer Your Questions
Questions submitted for Dr. Keiner: (click on a question to see Dr. Keiner's response)
Question: Sarah in Galloway has a pre-schooler that often gets Pink Eye. What can she do to prevent this?
Dr. Keiner's Answer: "Pink eye " is a commonly used name for conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the outer layer of the eye. Several things can cause this inflammation, including allergies, viruses similar to those that cause cold symptoms and bacteria. The symptoms can included redness and swelling of the affected eye, yellow-green discharge and crusting of the eyelashes after sleep. When caused by viruses and bacteria conjunctivitis can be very contagious. This can be especially the case in a preschool setting where children share toys and are in close physical contact. Young children often have their fingers near their eyes and nose.
It would be helpful to consider a few questions. Could your child's recurrent conjunctivitis be allergic? Does he have the classic allergic symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and tearing eyes? Is there something in his environment that he could be reacting to such as a pet?
It also would be helpful to know if other children in the pre-school have had conjunctivitis recently. That would point to an infectious cause. Inform your pre-school of your Childs condition so they can take extra precautions to prevent spread and re-infection. Try to discourage your child from touching his/her eyes and nose and wash hands frequently. Wash his/her sheets and towels separately and in hot water. Finally, contact your Childs physician for an evaluation and antibiotic drops if needed.
Question:"My son is a nightowl and has trouble falling asleep. How can I make sure he gets enough sleep and into a routine, now that he'll be going back to school?
Dr. Keiner's Answer: One of the best ways to help a young child to get to sleep earlier is to adjust their wake up time. Buy an alarm clock for your child or wake your child yourself at gradually earlier times over the next few weeks. Usually starting at a time just 15 or 30 minutes earlier than they have been naturally awakening over the summer and advancing by 10 or 15 minutes every 3-4 days should help them adjust to the new school schedule. If there are no naps during the day they should gradually start to be able to get to sleep earlier. Make sure that there is plenty of physical activity during the day so your child is likely to feel tired and ready for sleep. Minimize television and video games in the evening and use books and music and a warm bath as bedtime rituals to relax and set the tone for a good night's sleep.
Question: The final question is, "I am in the habit of drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day just to keep my energy level up. Will caffeine have damaging long range affects on my health?"
Dr. Keiner's Answer: The evidence is not clear about the effect of long term caffeine use. There has been some evidence that caffeine can improve short term performance in athletes and may actually have some cardiovascular benefits. However there has been some discussion about coffee and caffeinated soft drinks contributing to bone loss over time. As with any substance the key is moderation. If you drink no more than 8-16 ounces of coffee a day you should be able to avoid any serious long term health risks. It may be helpful to examine why you need caffeine to keep up your energy. Don't underestimate the power of consistent and adequate sleep, daily exercise and good nutrition in maintaining a sense of well being and energy. Be sure you are drinking adequate water Notice if you are reaching for caffeine and/or sugar midday when its really water that your body requires.
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