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KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY—ONE
SUMMER CAMP AT A TIME.
Beginning this month, 10 million American
children will head off to summer camp. Before
they go, health experts recommend new precautions
for both parents and camp directors.
The new policy is published in the journal
Pediatrics. Lead author Dr. Edward Walton,
assistant professor in pediatrics and emergency
medicine at the University of Michigan,
says, “It's crucial that parents,
camp officials, and medical professionals
work together to make summer camp as safe
and problem-free as possible.”
That can be a challenge—especially
when almost 50 percent of camp health officers
care for children with diabetes, asthma,
ADHD, and epilepsy. In light of this, the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and
American Camp Association issues these new
guidelines:
Parents should ask about camp health
services, including emergency response.
Camps should require and parents provide
a full health exam and list of medications
used by the camper.
Campers should have immediate access
to emergency drugs for asthma and allergies.
Local pediatricians should be involved
in camp policies or medical back-up.
No “medication holidays”
for campers with mood or behavioral issues.
To access the new AAP guidelines —
www.ACAcamps.org/inside/05_06/aap.pdf.
For an interview with Dr. Walton or for
more information, contact Public Relations at:
pr@ACAcamps.org.
RESEARCH AND EXPERT ADVICE ON HOMESICKNESS.
Research shows most kids do get homesick
at camp—but only in a few cases is
the homesickness severe. Philips Exeter
Academy psychologist Dr. Christopher Thurber
studied homesickness in 329 boys, ages 8
to 16, who attended summer resident camp.
His research found—
83 percent of the campers studied were
homesick on at least one day of camp
7 percent of cases are severe and don't
pass in a few days
According to Dr. Thurber and the ACA:
Here's what works:
Encourage independence—practice
separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's
house. It can simulate the camp environment.
Discuss what camp will be like—include
role-playing typical situations, such
as finding the bathroom at night with
a flashlight.
Send a note or care package ahead of
time to arrive the first day of camp.
Pack a personal item from home—such
as a favorite stuffed animal.
Here's what to avoid:
Don't bribe. The real reward will be
your child's newfound confidence and independence.
Never make “pick-up” arrangements
in advance—this may undermine the
child's confidence in his or her independence.
Don't panic when a “rescue call”
comes. Offer reassurance and avoid the
temptation to take the child home early.
Don't discount severe symptoms that
don't pass in one or two days.
“If your child is not eating or sleeping
because of anxiety or depression, it's time
to go home,” says Dr. Thurber. “However,
don't let your child feel like a failure
if the stay at camp is cut short. Focus
on the positive. Encourage your child to
try camp again next year.” For reprints
of Dr. Thurber's homesickness tips, visit:
www.CampParents.org.
CHILD OBESITY.
Child obesity affects one in five children
in the U.S. Each summer, the more than 5,000
overnight camps and more than 7,000 day
camps provide leadership and promote healthy,
active living—at least while children
are at camp.
ACA food service expert Viki Kappel Spain
says, “If children can begin to change
some of their food and activity habits at
camp, they might be able to transfer some
of these behaviors when they return home.”
In “Kids and Camp = A Healthy Life
Style,” Spain looks at obesity research
and new programs, such as “5-2-1 Jump
Up and Go,” which emphasize:
Eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day.
Reducing screen time to no more than
2 hours a day.
Doing 1 hour of moderate-to-vigorous
exercise a day.
For other tips for parents from American
Camp Association, contact Public Relations at pr@ACAcamps.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Public Relations, American Camp Association
765-349-3317; 765-342-8456, ext. 317
pr@ACAcamps.org
The American Camp Association works to
preserve, promote, and enhance the camp
experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited
camp programs ensure that children are
provided with a diversity of educational
and developmentally challenging learning
opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited
camps that meet up to 300 health and safety
standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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