Kids & Reflux

What Causes GERD?Reflux or ‘GERD’ (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is often caused by something that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This sphincter is a muscle that opens to let food into the stomach. If it stays open too often or for too long, stomach acid rises back into the ‘food pipe’ or the esophagus. This ‘reflux’ of stomach acid causes symptoms like heartburn, bad breath, bad taste in the mouth or even vomiting. In young children, it may look like fussiness, refusal to eat, frequent spit-up, sudden startling or constant arching backwards. (Babies are more likely to have a weak LES as they are naturally lower in muscle tone as they are growing). Reflux can also aggravate asthma or present as a respiratory problem as the acidic stomach contents cause coughing and frequent mucus clearing. Uncontrolled and severe reflux can actually leak back into the lungs causing respiratory problems. What are the Symptoms of GERD in a Child?Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. ‘Heartburn’ feels like burning in the chest or throat. It can also present as upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side. It can last as long as 2 hours. It is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over after a meal can also lead to heartburn.Children younger than age 12 will often have different GERD symptoms. They will have a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing. They may not have classic heartburn.The good news is that GERD can be managed with nutrition. From a dietary perspective, there are three main categories of foods that promote GERD. 1. Some foods affect the muscle tone of the LES, allowing it to stay open longer. These foods include:ChocolatePeppermintHigh-fat foods (Meat, Dairy, Fried Foods)2. Some [...]

By |2023-04-28T10:26:45-04:00December 20th, 2022|Supporting Your Child|Comments Off on Kids & Reflux

The Coronavirus and Your Anxious Children

By Monica Grainger, MSW, RSW This is an unusual time. Families are asked to stay at home and engage in social distancing due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Families are becoming flooded with news from around the world about the deadly result of this virus. As we are becoming more anxious about COVID-19, the anxiety is mounting among our children. I have highlighted some behaviours which may lessen our childrens’ anxiety regarding the coronavirus. People are fearful and discussions about death are rampant. Children easily sense fear in other people. They need to be comforted and reassured that they are safe at home. In the next few days and weeks to come, help your children reduce their anxiety by adhering to the following recommendations: […]

By |2023-04-28T10:12:18-04:00March 24th, 2020|Anxiety, Cold and Flu Season, Mental Clarity, psychotherapy, Supporting Your Child|Comments Off on The Coronavirus and Your Anxious Children

Advocating for Your Child’s Learning Style

By Lindsey Danisch, MSW, RSW The start of the school year can be both exciting and scary. For some, it’s a fresh start! For others, it’s the return of challenges and struggles. For most, it’s both. Being a former Special Education teacher, I support many parents in my private practice as they navigate the ins and outs of school support. From in-class support, to assessment and understanding the alphabet soup of Special Education:  ILP, IEP, SST, ASD, ODD, LD, etc, I provide a safe place for parents explore their rights and options. […]

By |2018-09-04T18:42:12-04:00September 4th, 2018|Mental Clarity, Supporting Your Child|Comments Off on Advocating for Your Child’s Learning Style
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