daily dispatch: special section: protecting children: july 29, 2012

Keeping Our Children Safe

Sunday, July 29, 2012

2 The Daily DispaTch Keeping Our Children Safe sunDay, July 29, 2012 The Daily DispaTch Keeping Our Children Safe sunDay, July 29, 2012 3A2 PROTECT KIDS

“Wefoundone10-yearoldfemalestudentwithabackpackweighing47pounds!”—Dr.CharlotteB.Alexander

Children with back pain are reaching almost epidemic proportions. The culprit, experts say, is overloading our children’s backpacks. Often slung over one shoulder and filled with everything from their lunch to athletic equipment and every book they own, backpacks are weighing in at alarming rates, and this has physicians concerned. Recent studies reveal that up to 75 percent of school aged children may be experiencing not only back pain, but also neck and shoulder pain too. In fact, studies show that more than 13,260 injuries related to backpacks were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices and clinics in the year 2000, according to estimates and projections of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The results of these types of studies are especially important as more and more school districts — many of them in urban areas — remove lockers from the premises, forcing students to carry their books with them all day long.

“Carrying overloaded backpacks causes muscle fatigue and strain”, says Dr. Charlotte B. Alexander. “If you have a 90-pound female carrying a 20-pound backpack, then the backpack weight becomes a medical issue.

Most of the students surveyed are carrying backpacks weighing much more than the recommended limit of 10 percent of their body weight. In fact, we found one 10-year old girl with a backpack weighing 47 pounds.”

Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) .

“In my own practice, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of young children who are complaining about back, neck and shoulder pain,” said Dr. Scott Bautch, past president of the ACA’s Council on Occupational Health. “The first question I ask these patients is, ‘Do you carry a backpack to school?’ Almost always, the answer is yes.”

The percentage of children carrying heavy backpacks is on the rise. A disturbing fact reported in a landmark backpack study reported in the medical journal Lancet found that almost 35 percent of schoolchildren carry more than 30 percent of their bodyweight at least once a week, exceeding limits proposed for adults!

This would explain why 67.2 percent of the subjects suffered muscle soreness, 50.8 percent suffered back pain, 24.5 percent suffered numbness, and 14.7 percent suffered shoulder pain. The researchers went on to conclude that

the daily physical stresses associated with carrying a backpack on one shoulder significantly alters the posture and gait (how a child walks) of the youth.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF A

HEAVY BACKPACK Wearing the backpack

on one shoulder can worsen the curvature of the spine possibly contributing to scoliosis.

A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps. This causes an increase in the natural curve of the mid back (called kyphosis) and in the stress placed on the neck, back and shoulders. Another negative effect of increasing this mid-back curve is a decrease in the student’s breathing mechanics and lung capacity.

Students who carried packs weighing 25 percent of their body weight exhibited balance problems while performing normal activities such as climbing stairs or opening doors, increasing their risk of falls.

BACKPACK LOADING

GUIDELINES Many studies

recommend that the weight of a child’s backpack be no more than 10 percent of their body weight. In the January 2003 issue of Archives of Disease in Childhood, study author Bryan Lane, M.D., of the Northside Family Practice Clinic in Temple,

Texas, and colleagues reported, “It is easy to underestimate the large demands required of children in our modern education system. Carrying a day’s worth of books, supplies, gym clothes, and the myriad of items treasured by children for many hours is a difficult task.”

The study went on to say, “Despite recent warnings from health organizations and the media, few parents have any idea how much heavy lifting their child is doing by toting their backpack around on a daily basis. In fact only about 4 percent of the parents of elementary school children who were carrying the heaviest loads had ever checked the weight of their child’s backpack. Most (96 percent) of the parents of these heavy haulers had never checked the weight of their child’s backpack, and a third had never checked the contents at all. Researchers also found that children whose parents never checked their backpacks tended to carry the heaviest loads and more textbooks than other children.”

BACKPACK SAFETY TIPS

The American

Chiropractic Association offers some tips to help prevent the needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household.

1) Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of the body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward

in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.

2) The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

3) A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.

4) Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry, and the heavier the backpack will be.

5) Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.

6) Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.

7) The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.

8) If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave

the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or workbooks.

9) Although the use of rollerpacks — or backpacks on wheels — has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP

It is important

to remember that children and adolescent youths need backpack limitations that are appropriate for their age, weight, stage of spinal development, growth pattern and fitness level. It is our responsibility as parents and health care practitioners to educate our children on the importance of proper backpack safety. If you or your child experience any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentle type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.

Children carrying the load: Backpacks and back painFRANK A. CORBO, DC

SENIOREDITOR,CHIROPRACTICWELLNESS&FITNESSMAGAZINE


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The active lives that children lead often lead to a few bumps and bruises along the way. While a few bandages and antiseptic creams are par for the course when caring for a child, parents worry about more significant injuries, including eye injuries.

According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, any injury to your child’s eye should be considered a medical emergency. Unlike the heart, lungs and brain, there is not much natural protection for the eye beyond a thin eyelid. This makes it easy to suffer an eye injury, especially for kids who play sports.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that eye injuries are a significant health problem in the United States, second only to cataracts as a cause of visual

impairment. Each year, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision. Nearly half (47.6 percent) of all reported eye injuries occur in people between the ages of 18 and 45. Children ages 0 to 18 experience roughly 25 percent of those injuries.

Projectiles and flying debris account for the vast majority of eye injuries across all age groups. Among children, some of the more common injuries occur when children are participating in various sports, including:

• hockey• archery• darts• BB guns• bicycling• sports that involve

rackets• baseball• boxing• basketball

Toys, fingernails and even chemicals are responsible for some eye injuries in children. It is important to note that 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear. Some sports organizations mandate that children use protective eyewear. But even if it isn’t mandatory, parents should urge children to wear safety goggles.

COMMON EYE INJURIES Certain injuries to the

eye are more common than others. Here is a look at the various types of injuries that can occur.

• Chemical burns: This is when a child gets any type of chemical into the eye. Chemicals may be household cleaning objects. These injuries require immediate medical attention because they can cause permanent

vision loss. • Bruising: Black eyes

or ecchymosis occurs from some sort of trauma to the eye. The tissue around the eye becomes bruised, but usually the eye itself is spared. However, only a doctor can determine if the eye is unscathed.

• Corneal abrasions: The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye. A foreign item entering the eye, like sand or debris, may scratch the cornea. It also can become scratched by a fingernail or an insect that flies into the eye. A doctor can determine the severity of the abrasion and if any treatment is required.

• Hyphema: This is a condition of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye where fluid normally flows in and out to nourish eye tissues. Hyphema is caused by an injury, and

blood can be seen in the eyeball. It requires prompt medical attention.

• Eyelid lacerations: This is a cut on the eyelid. An eyelid laceration may be paired with bruising or even corneal abrasion, depending on what struck the eye.

• Fractures: The orbit is the bony area around the eyeball, and an orbital fracture is when the bones around the eye are broken. This may cause severe eye damage depending on where the eye was struck. It definitely requires immediate medical assistance, and facial reconstruction may be necessary.

• Burns: Sunburn not

only occurs to the skin but can affect the eyes, too. It is important to wear UV-protective sunglasses outside.

PREVENTING EYE INJURIES

Eye injuries are largely

preventable. Wearing eyewear during sports is essential. Frequent washing of hands and avoiding touching the eyes can prevent the transfer of debris from fingers to the eye. All chemical products should be kept out of reach. If children use cosmetic products, they should not be applied around the eye.

Knowing the risks to the eye and how to prevent injury can help ward off serious injuries.

Eyes injuries are all too common in children


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Today’s youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What’s encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating — and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive.

The restaurant industry is supporting those efforts by doing its part to address the nation’s healthy living challenges and to help improve children’s nutrition offerings.

Last July, the National Restaurant Association launched Kids LiveWell, a first-of-its-kind voluntary program in which participating restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of menu items for children that meet established

nutritional criteria based on current dietary recommendations, including the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Well-balanced lifestyle habits established early in childhood, including healthy eating and physical activity, can help to reduce weight gain and the potential risk of disease later in life. The goal is to provide more healthful meal options for children, including a variety of nutrient-rich food groups, when families are dining out.

Through Kids LiveWell, parents are provided with the confidence that they can take their families out to eat and enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal.

Across the country, participating restaurants have increased the variety and number of offerings on the children’s menu when it comes to fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, while limiting unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium. By offering more options and pairing

healthful foods together on one plate, restaurants are providing a real-life opportunity for parents to educate children about well-balanced nutrition choices while eating away from home.

Since last year’s kick-off, the number of restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell program has more than tripled and now stands at 68 restaurant brands representing more than 22,000 locations nationwide. The brands range from casual dining such as Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s to neighborhood eateries, from quick serve restaurants like Burger King to fine dining establishments, and the variety and volume of brands is slated to grow as the program further evolves.

Parents can learn more at HealthyDining-Finder.com, which also has a mobile website for parents on the go. Follow the program on Twitter @KidsLiveWell and Facebook to stay informed of new participating restaurants and other health and wellness news.

Healthy children’s options are now appearing on many restaurant menus

Everyonecanplayan important role in turningthetideandnourishingthehealthandwell-beingofchildrenandfamilies. For restaurants, providing and highlightinghealthful menu options can help parents and childrenselectmenuchoicesthathelpyoungpatronsgrowandthrive.Makeyourselfapartofthesolutiontoobysupport-ingthemenuitems.

Music’s efficacy as a teaching tool has long been studied. Though some still doubt if music has any effect on student performance, a strong body of evidence suggests otherwise.

Studies into the effects of music on learning are nothing new. Such studies have been conducted for decades, gaining popularity during the 1950s when research was done on something called the “Mozart Effect.” The Mozart Effect theorizes that listening to Mozart can temporarily improve performance and may even boost a person’s IQ. In response, many parents started playing Mozart and other classical music in their homes. By the late 1990s, Baby Einstein, a company that offers a wide range of developmental and entertainment products for babies and toddlers, released a series of CDs and videos that prominently featured classical music amid visual learning sequences for young children. “Baby Mozart,” “Baby Bach” and “Baby Beethoven” were just a few of the videos capitalizing

on the evidence that children learn more when exposed to classical music.

Ongoing research continues to support the theory that music education can help children on many levels. In Canada, a research group from McMaster University conducted their own study into music education. That study, which was published in the journal Brain in 2006, examined two groups of children, ages 4 to 6. Each were taught the same lessons, but one group was also given musical instruction. The study found that the group of children who received musical instruction scored much better than their peers in literacy, mathematics, IQ, and memory skills.

Long Island University researchers Joseph Piro and Camilo Ortiz found that children exposed to a multi-year program of music instruction, involving training in increasingly complex rhythmic, tonal, and practical skills, displayed superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared to their peers.

Music education can help with school skills


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By now, most parents are aware that the entertainment and educational value of the Internet also comes with risks, particularly for children. Protecting children from those risks is a vital concern for any parent whose child uses the web and any web-enabled device.

Online child safety measures should encompass steps that protect children from a variety of threats — including damage to a child’s reputation, contact from predators, spamming, bullying, and risks of identity theft. Here are some common online risks and what parents should know about how to protect their children:

Online reputation As soon as children

become active online they need to understand that what they say and share on the Internet “lives forever.” With a growing number of employers, colleges and universities including social media outlets in the background check process, teenagers’ online activity could potentially impact their ability to be admitted into their college of choice and even their future job prospects.

Protecting a child’s

online reputation can be a complex task. Consider parental help sites like SafetyWeb.com. The online tool provides targeted monitoring and customizable utilities to help parents track their children’s presence in cyber space. The tool filters mobile phone and Internet activity for both positive and risky behavior, provides parents with timely alerts, and allows parents to see accounts, photos, friends, tweets, posts, texts and calls through one convenient online dashboard.

Online predators The FBI notes that

online predators often target children. Some invest a great deal of time, effort and even money into winning a child’s trust, while others engage in immediate inappropriate behaviors and conversations with children. To minimize the risk of children falling victim to sexual predators, the FBI advises parents to make sure their children know to never:

• Arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online.

• Share pictures of themselves with people they don’t personally know.

• Provide identifying

information like their name, address, school name or phone numbers.

• Download pictures from someone they don’t know.

• Respond to inappropriate online communication.

• Believe that everything they’re told online is true.

Email abuse As soon as

children learn they can communicate with others via email, they’ll want their own email accounts. As soon as they have an email account, they can become victims of spamming, junk mail, hijacking and malware. To minimize the risks of your child’s email being abused, take these precautions:

• Teach children to not open emails, links, posts or online advertisements from someone they don’t know.

• Teach children to be wary of emails with attachments, even if they come from an email address they think they recognize.

• Show kids how to create and use strong passwords.

• Make sure your antivirus and security software is always up to date and active on

computers and other mobile devices.

Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is

an assault on a child’s online reputation and self-esteem, often by other children. The National Crime Prevention Association (NCPA) defines it as the use of the Internet, cell phones or other electronic devices to “send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.” The organization says cyberbullying affects as many as half of all American teens.

NCPA says children can help prevent cyberbullying by refusing to participate in it, speaking out against it when they see it occurring, blocking communication with cyberbullies, and reporting instances to adults they trust. Parents can also help by:

• Developing rules for their children about cyberbullying and making sure the kids understand the rules.

• Raising awareness of the issue within the community.

• Sharing anti-cyber-bullying messages and measures with friends.

Identity theft

Most Americans are aware that identity theft is a significant problem, and that it’s important to take measures to protect your identity. What people might not know is their children may also be targets of identity theft before they even become old enough to own a credit card. The Federal Trade Commission has identified child identity theft as a growing problem and encourages parents to do what they can to minimize the risks to their children.

A 2009-2012 Carnegie Melon CyLab study of more than 42,000 children younger than 18 found that

more than 10 percent had someone else using their Social Security numbers. The youngest victim was just 5 months old.

To reduce the risk of children falling victim to identity thieves, parents should protect minors’ Social Security numbers. Never carry your child’s Social Security card, and if a company, school or medical provider requests it, ask why it’s needed and if you can provide some alternate form of identification. Teach children the importance of this valuable number and to never share it unless truly called for.

Parents should take measures to keep kids safe online

Protectingachild’sonline reputationcanbeacomplextask.Onlinetools,suchasSafetyWeb.com,canprovidetar-getedmonitoringandcustomizableutilitiestohelppar-entstracktheirchildren’spresenceincyberspace.

6 The Daily DispaTch Keeping Our Children Safe sunDay, July 29, 2012 The Daily DispaTch Keeping Our Children Safe sunDay, July 29, 2012 7

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Kids are curious by nature, and few things parents do go unnoticed by their children. Though it’s good to encourage their curiosity, children might be in danger if their curiosity takes them to the medicine cabinet.

According to research conducted at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the number of children under five who required emergency medical care because of household pharmaceutical poisonings increased by 28 percent between 2001 and 2008. Dr. Randall Bond, who led the research, noted that 95 percent of those hospital visits were related to kids getting into someone’s medicine and not a result of misdosing of their own medications.

The reasons for those increased hospital visits can

vary and might very well be a product of an increased reliance on prescription medications, which are now more prevalent in most family homes than they used to be. For example, the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital notes that prescriptions for oxycodone, a painkiller that can prove deadly if ingested by a child, have increased by 500 percent in recent years. That growing presence only increases the chances accidents might occur when curious kids find these medications around the house.

Regardless of the reasons behind the hospital visits, parents must take steps to ensure their children are safe from prescription medicines around the house. One way to do just that is to explain medications to

kids, whether it’s about their own medicines or something Mom, Dad or their siblings might take to treat an existing condition.

• Explain the function of medication. Few children want to take medication, but explaining its function and how it should improve their health is a good way to reduce kids’ unwillingness to take their medicine. Discuss the child’s symptoms before administering the medicine and explain how it will alleviate those symptoms. When doing so, read the instructions to kids, making a point to explain why it’s important to follow the dosage instructions and how ignoring those dosing guidelines can prove very dangerous.

• Acknowledge that medicine is not candy. Kids often don’t like taking medication because it doesn’t taste good. Acknowledge

that and use this as a chance to explain that medicine isn’t candy and shouldn’t be treated as such. This is especially important if medication is in pill form and doesn’t really have a taste that kids abhor. If the pills are brightly colored kids might be more inclined to take them and then take more of them when you’re not looking. So it’s important to explain that medicine isn’t candy no matter what it looks like, and that it should only be taken in Mom and Dad’s presence and in strict adherence to dosage guidelines.

• Explain why medicines aren’t stored with food. Another good way to teach kids about medicine is to explain why medications aren’t stored with food. Explain that it might be safe to sneak an extra cupcake here or there, but that it’s never safe

to sneak an extra pill or dose of medicine when Mom and Dad aren’t looking, and that’s why medicines are stored in areas that kids can’t easily access, if at all.

• Explain prescription labels to children. A prescription label can also be a valuable tool when teaching kids about medications. Point out certain symbols kids won’t soon forget, like poison symbols or skulls, and explain that they should never take anything out of such bottles without Mom or Dad present. Also, point out the doctor’s name on your own prescriptions, and explain that not even Mom and Dad can take medication unsupervised. This illustrates to kids that everyone, even grownups, must be under supervision when taking medication.

How to help your children understand medication


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Childhood vaccinations are issued to help prevent children from getting sick by building their immunity to diseases that were once prolific. But in the wake of confusing information regarding the safety of vaccinations, particularly the concern that some may be linked to the onset of autism, more and more parents are opting out of having their children vaccinated -- sometimes with unfortunate consequences.

Many diseases that are effectively prevented by simple vaccines have cropped up once more. This can be attributed to children simply not getting fully vaccinated. Nearly 80 percent of parents are uncomfortable about having their children vaccinated, according to a survey analyzed by researchers at the CDC. Pain from the needle itself and uncertainty about the safety of vaccines is leading many parents to forego shots or delay certain vaccinations until their children are older. It is estimated that roughly 8 percent of American children are now not getting regular vaccinations or doing alternate schedules, and 2 percent are not getting shots at all.

Some parents would like to have their children vaccinated but have postponed routine visits due to unemployment and subsequent loss of health insurance. Some areas have even fell victim to budget cuts that have led to shortages of necessary vaccines.

In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert regarding Haemophilus influenza type b, commonly referred to as Hib. Five children in Minnesota contracted the disease, three of whom who were not vaccinated.

The CDC also reported that there were 17 outbreaks and 222 cases of measles reported in 2011. A disease that was essentially wiped out in North America is now showing up again and the numbers are rising. Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist, said that in 2011 the United States had the highest number of measles cases of any country in the last 15 years. Although it is likely that most of the cases were contracted outside of the country, kids who haven’t been vaccinated are highly susceptible

to measles onset as a result, potentially leading to a greater number of outbreaks in the United States and Canada.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory disease that was once considered eradicated but has also made a resurgence. Various states across the country have reported many whopping cough outbreaks, to the point that it has been labeled an epidemic once more. Health officials in Washington state have said that the number of outbreaks from spring 2012 are the highest since the 1940s. While whooping cough is usually not fatal among older children and young adults, it can be very dangerous for infants.

Most health professionals agree that vaccinations are important to the well-being of the child and the community, providing the safest way to prevent certain diseases or reduce their severity.

Opting out of vaccinations is potentially dangerous

Nearly80percentofparentsareuncom-fortableabouthavingtheirchildrenvacci-nated,accordingtoasurveyanalyzedbyresearchersattheCDC.Itisestimatedthatroughly8percentofAmericanchildrenarenow not getting regular vaccinations ordoingalternateschedules,and2percentarenotgettingshotsatall.

Confrontations focusing on diet between children and parents have been around seemingly since the beginning of time. Many children start off as cooperative eaters, anxious to try different types of foods. As they get older, the number of foods they’re apt to eat diminishes, which can make choosing healthy items for lunches and dinners more difficult. It also can make packing lunches for school more challenging.

Considering school lunches must compete with far less healthy yet widely available alternatives, parents will need to be creative in their creation of homemade lunches. Here

are some ideas to get you started.

• Purchase a new lunch container. There are many different new and innovative lunch containers that can make separating school lunches easy. Few kids want to dig into a brown paper sack and pull out something that has been so squashed it’s unrecognizable. Partitioned lunch boxes enable you to pack different items together where they can be stored separately. The divisions also help you remember to include foods from the basic food groups, such as a fruit, vegetable, protein, starch and dairy item.

• Have your child

make a list of his or her favorite foods. Once the list has been made, see how you can make the foods healthier. For example, if chicken nuggets make the list, prepare your own nuggets with white meat chunks that are baked, not fried. If there are a number of bread items, see if you can substitute whole grain breads instead of white, bleached varieties.

• Get creative. Children may not be inclined to eat loose pieces of fruit. But if the fruit is stuck on skewers or served with a low-fat dipping sauce or caramel, it may look more appealing. Look to “mini” foods, which tend to be more fun as well.

Fresh ideas for making healthy school lunches for kids

8 The Daily DispaTch Keeping Our Children Safe sunDay, July 29, 2012

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Parents, Don't Wait Too Late!

As kids watch their last few days of summer vacation slowly slip away, their parents are preparing them for a return to the classroom. Some kids can’t wait to get back to school, where they can continue their studies and spend time with their friends. Others, though, might not look forward to new schoolwork, and that might be because of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

ADHD is a common condition in which children experience problems with paying attention or concentrating. Such problems can make it difficult for kids to excel in the classroom. Many children have ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD, while other experts feel ADHD occurs in as many as 10 percent of school-aged children.

Because it’s so prevalent, ADHD is a concern for many parents, who want their children to enter the classroom on an even playing field. Parents who suspect their children have difficulty paying attention or concentrating can look for certain warning signs or symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in children are grouped

into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

A child with ADHD will:• exhibit a tendency to

make careless mistakes in school or other activities,

• frequently shift from one uncompleted activity to another,

• procrastinate,• struggle to finish

schoolwork or perform tasks that require concentration,

• be distracted by irrelevant stimuli.

Hyperactivity symptoms can manifest themselves rather early and are almost always present before a child reaches his or her seventh birthday. Symptoms of hyperactivity include:

• fidgeting or squirming when seated,

• frequently getting up to walk around,

• running or climbing excessively when it’s inappropriate,

• talking excessively.Impulsivity can lead to

accidents, be it knocking objects over or banging into people. Impulsive children may also engage in dangerous activities without considering the consequences. Symptoms may include:

• impatience,• difficulty delaying

responsesParents who want more

information on ADHD can visit nimh.nih.gov.

Recognizing ADHD in childrenWhen the time comes

to purchase a car, your teenagers might be dreaming of hot wheels. They may be thinking sporty, while you’re looking for reliability and affordability.

In fact, 81 percent of parents put reliability first when choosing a vehicle for a teen, followed by a high safety rating and affordable auto insurance, according to a recent survey commissioned by USAA.

Mother of two and automotive expert Lauren Fix understands those results.

“I can replace cars, but I can’t replace a kid,” says Fix, known as The Car Coach.

Use these tips to help you and your teen settle on a car that fits your budget and offers you peace of mind.

NEW OR USED?

The price may be right

for used cars, but they may lack technological safeguards. Newer cars tend to have the high-tech safety systems that reassure parents. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps drivers maintain control of a vehicle, is standard in all 2012

cars. Front air bags are mandated, and though not required by the government, side air bags are standard in many new cars. Some models have back-up collision intervention that can apply the brakes before the driver does.

There’s no retrofitting for most safety features, notes Fix. “You can always tint windows and add seat covers,” she says. “You can’t add ESC or air bags.” Rearview cameras can be installed after the fact, but Fix warns the monitor is typically smaller than manufacturer-installed versions.

THE BIGGER PICTURE Looking beyond

technology, enlist your young drivers to help with a little more research before you make a purchase.

• Whether new or used, make sure the price is right. Use online resources to compare the sticker price, which the dealer wants you to pay; the invoice price, which is what the dealer paid; and the true market price. USAA Car Buying Service offers research tools and a network of dealers to help you find the right car at the right price for you.

• USAA’s top 10 cars for teens on its Best Value vehicles list highlights cars for teens based on factors like reliability,

safety and affordability. • Check crash-test

ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety releases its Top Safety Picks each year.

• Get the CARFAX Vehicle History Report, if you’re buying a used car. This report, found through a car’s VIN or license tag number, can alert you if a car’s been totaled in a previous accident or damaged in a flood.

“Do not buy a flood-damaged car under any circumstances,” warns Fix, noting that catastrophic water damage voids any warranties and recall notices.

• Ask a trusted mechanic to inspect a used car. While CARFAX serves as a valuable tool, Fix warns that not every car makes it into the database. “If a person had a flood-damaged car, they could air it out and you’d never know,” she warns. Have an Automotive Service Association-certi-fied mechanic check the car inside, outside and underneath.

• Investigate insurance costs. While affordable insurance ranked third as a key factor in the USAA survey, some aspects are out of your control.

The search for a safer car for your teen

Youwantyourchildrentodriveacarthat’snotinandoutoftherepairshopandthat’ssaferontheroad.Butyoualsowantthemtotakeresponsibilityforthevehicle.

daily dispatch: special section: protecting children: july 29, 2012

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