The Kohl's A Minute for Kids campaign is a way for Kohl's Department Stores and Dayton Children's to bring health, safety and prevention information to children and families in the region.
Safety through the ages…Learn how to use developmental concepts to better protect your toddler. Safety through the ages…Learn how to use developmental concepts to better protect your toddler.
Expert: Eileen Kasten, MD, developmental pediatrician Learn more
If your child is using a cell phone to text, make sure he or she understands the dangers of texting and “sexting.”
Expert: Greg Ramey, PhD, child psychologist Learn more
Countdown to good health 5 – 2 – 1 – 0. Learn how taking small “bites” toward good health can lead to big gains.
Expert: James Ebert, MD, lead physician, lipid clinic Learn more
This year’s flu season—with the seasonal flu and H1N1—is expected to be a long one. Learn how to best prevent the flu.
Expert: Sherman Alter, MD, infectious disease Learn more
When cleaning your house, it’s important to use products and methods to minimize asthma triggers.
Expert: Belinda Huffman, respiratory therapist, pulmonary medicine Learn more
With active kids, a hard “bonk” on the head is common. When is it more than just a “bonk?”
Expert: Laurence Kleiner, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon Learn more
Andrew Ferguson has been a patient of Dayton Chldren's since he was 3 years old. Andrew, age 9, was diagnosed with steroid dependent asthma and has been working with Gary Mueller, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Dayton Children's to manage his breathing.
Andrew has severe allergies which are one trigger of Andrew's severe asthma, says Christina Knight, Andrew's mom.
Andrew's asthma is also triggered while running or playing outside with his friends, especially on humid summer days. Cold weather can also cause Andrew to develop an asthma attack as well as dust and ragweed. Christina pays close attention to weather and what is best for Andrew with the help of Dayton Children's.
"I wheeze and have a hard time breathing. Sometimes I need to be admitted," Andrew says.
"When admitted, he stays up to 4 days, receiving breathing treatments every few hours and oxygen," says Christina.
"I really like the nurses because they remember me and they play games with me. I also like ordering room service, usually sausage and gravy on toast," says Andrew.
Last year, Andrew's mother purchased a new home with fewer allergic triggers by eliminating carpets and reducing the amount of dust inside. Since living in their new home, Andrew's emergency visits have significantly decreased.
"It is important to keep a clean house and minimize the amount of dust exposure along with using cleaning products that are free of asthma-triggering chemicals," says Dr. Mueller.
Christina has learned to make her own cleaning products using items such as vinegar or lemon juice. These items can help keep a home clean and safe for a child suffering from asthma.
"I’ve learned to use my nose when deciding whether a chemical is tolerable for Andrew. Harsh smells are usually a sign to try something else," says Christina. "It is very important to maintain a green home for asthmatic children, and never allow smoking in the house."
Andrew’s family has a pet fish, named Scuttles; this allows Andrew to have a pet to care for while avoiding pets with dander that could cause Andrew’s breathing difficulties. He also has a dog; however, it stays at Grandma's house.
Working with Dr. Mueller, Christina has been able to provide Andrew a healthy environment.
"Dr. Mueller has gone above and beyond our expectation when helping Andrew," says Christina. "He really cares about Andrew; he works with insurance companies to get Andrew on all the right medications to best fit his medical needs."
"I always look forward to working with Andrew and his mom to make life a little easier when it comes to his severe asthma," says Dr. Mueller.
"Dayton Children’s is the right hospital for my son," says Christina. Andrew adds, "Dayton Children’s is just right for me."