Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2018

WELLNESS THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF ANTIBIOTICS Overusing antibiotics—or using them the wrong way—helps create drug-resistant superbugs. Here’s how to use them safely. Small and shiny, button batteries pose a serious danger to curious babies and young children. If swallowed, they can cause a chemical reaction that could severely burn the esophagus in only two hours. A child who swallows a button battery may not seem hurt at first. That’s because kids can still breathe and act normally after ingesting one. Always follow these precautions for button batteries: » » Lock away loose and spare batteries. » » Keep any product that uses button batteries (such as remote controls, singing greeting cards and hearing aids) out of children’s reach. » » Keep the battery compartments of all electronic items taped shut. » » If you suspect your child has swallowed a battery, go to the emergency department right away. Don’t induce vomiting or have your child eat or drink anything. » » Share these tips with caregivers, friends, family and sitters. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Safe Kids Worldwide If you are expecting your first baby, you probably have lots of questions about childbirth. When should I come to the hospital? How long will labor last? What pain relief options are there? Thankfully, those questions (as well as many you probably haven’t thought of yet) can be answered through childbirth education classes. These sessions help you and your labor coach, usually your partner, a family member or a good friend, prepare together for the arrival of your baby. In the classes, you can expect to learn the signs and stages of labor, options for managing pain, ways to stay relaxed and in control during labor, and much more. Do: »  » Take them exactly as prescribed. »  » Take the full course, even if you no longer feel sick, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. »  » Take antibiotics only when necessary. They won’t work against viral infections, such as colds, flu or runny noses—even if mucus is thick, yellow or green. And they won’t help most cases of bronchitis, many sinus infections and some ear infections. Parents: Beware of button batteries Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health Don’t: »  » Pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. »  » Save antibiotics for the next time you’re sick. »  » Take antibiotics prescribed for someone else or share yours with other people. JOIN US FOR A CLASS Our childbirth education classes will help you feel more confident about your upcoming labor and delivery.To sign up, call 417-328-6302 or go to http://bit.ly/2j9fk I y for more information. CHILDBIRTH QUESTIONS Classes help soon-to-be parents citizensmemorial.com 7