Addressing myths and rumors in pediatric care
Pediatric Health Chat is here to help parents sort fact from fiction. With trusted pediatric experts from CHOP covering topics on vaccines, sleep nutrition, the immune system and so much more. It’s like having a pediatrician in your feed for real answers to your questions and to help empower you in parenting. Curious about Pediatric Health Chat? Listen to our founders explain, or watch this ABC News clip to learn more.
Are you a healthcare professional who wants to share the myths and rumors you’ve heard in practice? Click here to fill out our misinformation tracker.
Childhood Vaccine Schedules
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended childhood vaccine schedule reflects decades of scientific evidence showing vaccines are safe, effective, and life-saving. At CHOP, we believe in the importance of vaccines that have long protected children and communities throughout the U.S., and continue to follow the AAP schedule.
Want to learn more about vaccines? Visit CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center for a deep dive in the science and research.
If polio isn’t common in the US, why do we still need to give the vaccine?
- Polio was eliminated from the U.S. in 1979. But on a few occasions, cases have been identified in the U.S. Polio also still exists in other countries around the world.
- Polio causes paralysis and death, and there is no cure. Vaccination is the best defense to prevent polio infection.
- The IPV vaccine used in the US has no serious side effects, so the vaccine’s benefits clearly outweigh its risks.
Is it ok for young people to have energy drinks?
- Most times energy drinks are more harmful than helpful. They contain up to two to three times the amount of caffeine as regular coffee. That much caffeine can affect sleep, cause the body to “crash” and increase anxiety.
- Caffeine at large doses can have bad effects on your heart and can be life-threatening when overdosed because it can raise your heart rate, cause your heart to beat irregularly (arrhythemia) and make it so less blood is pumped to your body.
- Things that will boost your energy levels over the long term do so with practice and patience. These include sleep, hydration, eating healthy foods, and being mindful of your mental health.
- Most people get enough folate from a well-balanced diet.
Why shouldn’t I have my baby sleep in bed with me?
- Safe sleep for infants is often referred to as the ABCs: Alone, on their back, in their own crib. The crib should be flat, and there should be no bedding or pillows around them, and no other people sharing their sleep surface.
- Sharing a bed with a baby is dangerous. There have been times when tired parents have slept on top of their children, when loose bedding has wrapped around an infant, or when a baby has sunk too far into a soft mattress. Infants have tiny airways and their muscle control is undeveloped. Because of this, bedsharing can suffocate or strangle babies, and raise their risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS which is a form of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death or SUID.
- Instead of bed sharing, room share with your baby to keep them close but on their own sleep surface. This allows for parents to be both close and responsive to their newborn’s needs.
What’s the problem with taking supplements for “adrenal fatigue?”
- Relying on supplements can delay the diagnosis of issues such as thyroid disease, depression, anxiety or sleep apnea.
- While fatigue, weight gain and anxiety aren’t reasons to immediately check your cortisol level, they are reasons to have a chat with your doctor.
- Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA and may not be safe for children. Check with your pediatrician before giving your child a supplement.
Parents & Caregivers: Submit a Topic
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Clinical leadership of Pediatric Health Chat
This team of experts collaborates to provide the best possible information to families in our community and beyond.
Physician-in-chief and Chair, Department of Pediatrics
Joseph W. St. Geme III, MD
Attending neonatologist
Joanna J. Parga-Belinkie, MD
Pediatrician
Katie K. Lockwood, MD, MEd
Director of Content Strategy, Penn LDI