Monday, May 21 2012 3:14 PM EDT2012-05-21 19:14:30 GMT
From the University of Nevada School of Medicine: University of Nevada School of Medicine physicians have teamed up with local doctors to offer low-cost sports participation physicals for high schoolMore >>
UNR School of Medicine physicians along with local doctors will offer low-cost sports physicals for high school athletes Tuesday.More >>
Thursday, May 17 2012 7:23 PM EDT2012-05-17 23:23:56 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News The Pearson family was established 2006 when Keith and Amy sealed their love with a Genoa wedding. Their song, You Are My Sunshine, was how they saw each other. By 2009More >>
Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the country. As one family found out, symptoms often times don't show up until it's too late.More >>
Wednesday, May 16 2012 7:37 PM EDT2012-05-16 23:37:01 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Cooling off in a swimming pool is one of spring and summer's great joys. But sometimes, running around at the pool creates severe injuries. 13-year-old Joey Rubin found thatMore >>
Swimming season is upon us. While most of the safety precautions center around the risk of drowning, other pool injuries put people at serious risk, too.More >>
Tuesday, May 15 2012 8:38 PM EDT2012-05-16 00:38:10 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News 22 month old Morgan Sherrill has a chipped tooth. Jackie Sherrill is her mom. "She reached for me and fell forward and hit her face on the ottoman in front of the couchMore >>
Practically all young children use bottles, sippy cups or pacifiers, but they may not be as safe as parents think. And kids are ending up in the ER.More >>
Friday, May 11 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-05-11 23:20:44 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Research shows the drug Truvada can prevent the spread of HIV in high risk people. A recent three year study found the pill cut the risk of infection over 90 percent inMore >>
An FDA panel is recommending the agency approve the first drug to prevent HIV in healthy people.More >>
Thursday, May 10 2012 7:38 PM EDT2012-05-10 23:38:22 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Sandra Borras' life is about to change. She hoping after a 45 minute procedure she will finally be able to get a full night sleep and work in her yard. "I like to do yardMore >>
Acid reflux can do serious damage, from causing ulcers to cancer. So getting it under control is critical. More >>
Wednesday, May 9 2012 7:35 PM EDT2012-05-09 23:35:10 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News If you want to help people battling cancer, this Mother's Day is the day to do it. Moms on the Run is this Sunday. Online registration closes today. After that, you canMore >>
A fun run is taking place this Sunday. And it's not just fun but it also helps local cancer victims.More >>
Tuesday, May 8 2012 7:08 PM EDT2012-05-08 23:08:46 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News In a dark room is a bright spot in the battle against breast cancer. Sono Cine is now available at the Renown Breast Health Center. And it's helping women who have denseMore >>
If you have dense breasts, you're at greater risk for breast cancer. Now Renown is offering a new screening option in conjunction with a mammogram. More >>
Monday, May 7 2012 7:25 PM EDT2012-05-07 23:25:48 GMT
Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Arthur Chill is devoted to his new bedtime routine. "Place the device in your nostril, and just press down with the adhesive." In a matter of seconds, he tapes two tinyMore >>
Sleep apnea not only leaves you feeling tired, it also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Now there's another option for sufferers.More >>
As would-be presidential candidate Chris Christie learned, weight bias can make it hard to achieve goals. If self-consciousness keeps you from getting fit, here are ways to get past it and feel motivated again.More >>
What's hiding under the peel of this tiny citrus? You might be surprised at the healthy benefits.More >>
By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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When your child needs surgery, it's natural for him to worry. Whether he's scheduled for a tonsillectomy, the placement of ear tubes or something more serious, he looks to you for reassurance.
Research shows that when parents and kids know what to expect, children have less anxiety before surgery, are discharged earlier and need less pain medication afterwards than children who aren't prepared.
Know the details
Children fear the unknown. A well-informed parent can be a great comfort to a child who is about to undergo surgery. So when you talk to your child's surgeon, ask these questions:
Will my child be given a sedative before receiving anesthesia?
Will I be able to stay with my child until - or after - anesthesia is given?
Does the anesthesia have any risks or side effects?
How long will the surgery last?
How long will it take for the anesthesia to wear off?
How soon after surgery can I see my child?
How long will she be in the recovery room?
Will my child be in pain after the surgery?
What can I do to help ease any pain or discomfort?
When can my child come home?
How long will it be before she's back on her feet?
Prepare your child
When you talk to your child about his surgery, remain calm and positive.
Ask him to talk about his fears. Be reassuring. Let him know it's normal to be nervous.
Answer his questions honestly. If you don't know the answer, tell him you'll ask his doctor - then follow through.
Don't lie about how they will feel after the procedure. Let your child know that there may be some discomfort after surgery, but that he will be given medication to help relieve it. Explain that in the long run, the surgery will help him feel better than he did before.
Keep information age-appropriate. Answer questions in words your child will understand. Avoid graphic details.
Tell your child what to expect when he wakes up. Let him know that you'll be with him once he wakes up.
Explain what will happen when he gets home. Tell him what he'll be able to eat, whether he'll be able to get out of bed right away and when he'll be able to return to school.
On the day of surgery
The time has come to leave for the hospital or surgical center. How can you help keep your child calm?
Be honest. Don't tell your child she's going to visit Grandma when she's really going to the hospital. Let her know well in advance where she is going. Like you, she needs time to prepare mentally.
Distract her. Give her an inexpensive new toy, book or puzzle to bring along. This may help keep her mind off of the operation for a while.
Remain calm. If you feel anxious or need to cry, step outside your child's room until you feel more composed.
Stay with your child before the surgery. Depending on hospital policy, you may be able to stay until the time she is wheeled to the operating room - or you may need to leave when she is ready for anesthesia. Let her know that you will be back by her side after the surgery.
Be there for her after she wakes up. She'll need your love, support and reassurance. If she has same-day surgery, stay with her until it's time to go home. If she is staying in the hospital, make sure that you or another family member is with her as much as possible.
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Preparing for your child's surgery and anesthesia ... a parent's role. Accessed: 11/04/2009
Kain ZN, Caldwell-Andrews AA, Mayes LC, et al. Family-centered preparation for surgery improves perioperative outcomes in children: a randomized controlled trial. Anesthesiology. 2007;106(1):65-74.
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Fact sheet: tonsils and adenoids postop. Accessed: 11/04/2009
American Society of Anesthesiologists. American Society of Anesthesiologists offers parents 10 tips to help prepare their child for surgery. Accessed: 11/04/2009
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Fact sheet: tonsillectomy procedure. Accessed: 11/04/2009
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These Web sites are for your informational use only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Also consult your healthcare provider before starting any medications or supplements or beginning or modifying any exercise program.
Children fear the unknown. A well-informed parent can be a great comfort to a child who is about to undergo surgery. © iStockphoto.com/Sean Locke
