T.J. Samson | Destination Health | August 2021

Children’s health Modified barium swallows T.J. Regional Health now offers modified barium swallow (MBS) studies for infants and children. This swallow test uses a special type of moving x-ray tech- nology called fluoroscopy to see inside of the mouth and neck while the child swallows. There are several reasons that a person may need a MBS, which may include coughing and/or choking when eating or drinking, a wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking, or frequent respiratory infections. Once the causes of the swallowing difficulty are iden- tified, the most appropriate treatment or management techniques can be determined. 4 reasons for Gen Z’s to roll up their sleeves Be i ng vac c i na t ed aga i ns t COVID-19 ha s i t s pe rks COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. And virtually anyone 12 and older who wants one can now get a shot. That’s good news in America’s fight against the pandemic. But not everyone is seizing this opportunity. That may be particularly true of young, healthy people. Some in Gen Z are hesitant when it comes to the vaccine, polls suggest. A VACCINE FOR ALL GENERATIONS COVID-19 vaccines help protect old and young alike. Whether to get one is a personal decision. But if you’re hesitant, maybe you just haven’t found your reasons yet. If so, you might want to consider these: 1. Colleges may require it. Many colleges and universities have already said that they will require students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before they head back to campus. Getting a shot now could head off any potential issues with that this fall. 2. It could be good for your social life. When you’re fully vaccinated, you can enjoy more activi- ties safely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For instance, you can meet up indoors unmasked with vaccinated friends, as well as unmask for small outdoor gath- erings. And you can travel safely within the U.S. In the big picture, each time someone gets vaccinated, we all move a little closer to doing normal things again, like going to concerts or sporting events. 3.The side effects are generally mild. Some peo- ple don’t have any side effects at all.Those who do often have mild symptoms, like a sore arm, headache, chills, tiredness or fever. And these should only last a few days.They’re normal signs your body is building immunity. Also good to know: You can’t get COVID-19 from any of the vaccines. Serious allergic reac- tions or complications are rare, and long-term side effects are unlikely. 4. You may help protect your community. If you’re healthy and young, you may not be at high risk for severe COVID-19. But if you get infected, you could spread the illness to someone who is.That could be a friend, a loved one or someone you’ve never met. Last summer, many parts of the country saw a surge in COVID-19 infections. And research- ers linked it in part to infections spreading from young people to older people. Getting vaccinated is a good way to show your community you care. For more information about modified barium swallows, please contact T.J. Regional Health’s Rehabilitation Department at 270-659-5660 . You’re there to help your children with their homework, and you remind them to brush their teeth. But have you helped them do something good for their hearts lately? You may think that only grown-ups need to be concerned about having a healthy heart. But it’s never too early to start es- tablishing a heart-healthy lifestyle for your children too. Here’s why: Even though kids rarely get heart disease, the process leading to adult heart disease—the gradual buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in arteries—can actually begin in childhood. This can put kids at future risk for a heart attack, or even a stroke, when they grow up. And the chances of that happening in- crease when kids develop heart disease risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Serve up good eats. Saturated fats and trans fats can raise the risk of heart disease. When shopping for your family, choose foods that are lower in saturated fat—such as lean meat and low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese—and limit foods that have trans fats—such as cookies, cakes, crackers and frozen pizza. Also aim to serve five fruits and veggies a day, and cut back on sweetened drinks. Make sure plenty of healthy food choices are avail- able at home. Invite your kids into the kitchen. Let your kids help you prepare healthy meals. It’s a great way to teach them about good food choices. Encourage exercise. Kids who are 6 years and older need 60 minutes of daily activ- ity. Make being active a family affair. Go on walks or bike rides; play sports together; or engage in fun, active games (hoops, anyone?) with your kids. Get your children checkups. Along with assessing overall health, a doctor can check a child’s weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Be sure all the adults in the fam- ily get their checkups too. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Heart Association; UptoDate Start your kids on a heart- healthy path Schedule your shot! Call 270-659-1010 . Skip the food fight with these nine ways to help picky eaters eat their veggies at tjregionalhealth.org/picky . 6 DESTINATION HEALTH