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TopXmas Health Tips
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estiva greetings from Great Qnrnond Sfriret Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health!
lick the presents to unwrap our top health tips for families this season (or click, hern for text only version] —
and keep the Yuletfde [jollies lolly!' Each gift contains a hidden gem provided by our team of virtual sanfa* to help parents
and children avoid any pitfall*, and ensure a safe and healthy holiday season,,.
(Dill n.ECHUT'JtE.tQH
Why do we seeim to hove rows over Christmas?

The ruf. .i up Ti: Chriglmas c.an be ej^'iuusi-ig und s"i I. A L:i

::f 1lr. . louql. . it, time and money aces into prepui :ri::<i
•......I ' Mill"

tifrpe.....fictions for in joyful break r::m be rwgh. ' i

difficulty srwiitching off : frtM. . n work, tiredii. . less and
•::i;. . . .nian i:n"i all set off raws..,,

Planning, pacing and a flexible approach can help pi r,i

tempers from rising, li k unlikely Ihal every m-einb. . or cHho
family wil have the .same idea a'bout whoit make.:, o goad
C h r i s 1 m Qfs . M an ke a f a m i iy p I a n , including s-c-ni el h ing ij ' :
evaryone and decide who is dbing wbat io help and v/"i. -i. h
may be v/orfh g^ing through the TV guide and -sortm i « jl
clashes befcNre they arise, and have a vidbotapa ready ;':-i
V
t%»
&
Chrislrnas dinner over runs.!

Being Rtedble aibc«u1 when and how things are do-'-: will -avo
disappoinlnient w|ien things do noi goto plan., Gc^ng •» . i
family walk aftef a big dinner will help any stress 10 diiaii- i

Cdrmjchcwf^ Cjfnicol Psych o On-

fGOS-N
 has voted PlayStations the number one toy
for boys ibis Christmas, I* there any limit on the
amount of time children should Spend on PlayStations?

WHhoul a doubl PlayStations ore pocd'or a -id thl nd

od tills!' con spend many hours secnhngly glj--
s and cornpuler games-can be -lelp'ij [-M
dexterity, and seme gomes arc m-crrtolly

li niciry bff Ihnf Pl:iyf:1nfinr-i;; ar"™ rnc-rc1- pc-n.' Mr v, i I H- . •

!
ci re i'n<:'. | i :• :;ivpilabl« npp^nl i ;i l-ri '!"!!!• '
r:!'"'hL:':in i;. M-:I" so i'F''i,,,.T'ji flic PI ay Sic ri-:ri', ' ' | - ; -
nind IlKfi Si»hylh ::i 1 iiiK^ .| • I i i
(ririciwd IW rcinfnr.: i'i. | . |. -i. I. i I. • • • - !-.'|
rin i : ! r < : '-iiiv-:;,: h::i"! , : - ! M - : • • • \f 1:1 r - r:i '.c:l
:i:|'-|'i',-'.|v, | ..... :: I ; hi r- i ll '. WTIp* - l : i ' i " ' • •!
L : . • ::svprc of ^' I i i nI

!:iC'lr:: rlhliliivi hnv:: developed rcfirlil; v - . ' i - i i 11 | . u i -

: -lild i'; pioinp T> 'ipn-id i 11 i il'i
i::ivi-ii.| i:rf:Mil'Oii la sent' I ioi I I'L • msul.
• : i:-, •! L: key -- if your child - i . | n . | :i I .l:r.- nl.i. I i. .
1-K! ;-:.'i si.l it is lime tt: ihiiik loytrl i i •
i

Pti /.If C. .-'i:.:ii'

• : : i \ J l' | GOSH
Are there any dangers in children not getting enough
sleep over Christmas?

/I. sip ijsii^':. i growth and restoir0tiion uf I- i no

universally right £r wiong sJtiiip ;n:rK:i-i. VvTni-
ividudl :i!H..I ll i lly i:-. -Lit! fi^r solu1i::;-i. : • Plfl OTI
i±xd1iii!;| till':' ">:.<( d'iildrtif i:h:.l normal :;».:: him..; i :::.rj-n.: i- !l - i
disrupted. In tlit- l-;ny run uf can be k
children k? be Flexible and enjoy the moment, ralhei t ' i « i <
worrying too much about a litfle loss of sleep, he-..
difie-- in the r nei?d for deep and! pare'iis will '<now F I'loir ctuld
ii getting ove- nred. Lack csf sleep can lead to shc-i i
tears »n childfen as well as aduhs. !f yc-ur en Id b-.
1 red amd iiTitable, "ake same tune out to quid v -o-jcl -:i .lory or
go far a walk in the park -- and perhaps plan TOT- bech
little ecnlier thai nghc. Even if bedtime is later than usual, I
plenty ;;•? lime to unwind and go through usual
ur child Has o gccd hedtime re j'i-ne and usually E-kc-pi. I
a little less sleep or a brief change »n routine is ur
long t-enn problems.

mira* RsychoJogvst a^ Grcot O

Depression i.s ^amclhing that can affref many lernagen over
Chrislnrvas. Why do you think this is and are rlvr-cr any tips for
preventing it?
Juii'iy :j:J"jle.".eM:.L I'.''. i.l Jtif'i iefil" ":j -1*!
•2i IndividktO't and segrr Ic devcloa independence, a i« :. li i • I
'ror? Iheir I'aTiilies. Pw approval and 'joi-m.'! of peers
;;, mo iw imparlanl fhan (-i.il o! I heir family
Chi'i-jli'VKi; CCM b* 0 li '""if v*tn:-n rconag^-' •
,' I ii>ii i j i lily Ili0«l llie"f- Or't' J > L . '•-• I" •
cvil Iheir developing indepcftdence. ;
PL! -ic in-iulD pr-ividt QppOilunilies -.<i i
occepf l i :; :;,'.id a1 ^acs; value. Nfigptiale ratmilly e*pe •
'.-tit-A r.ir- i;:-p.'i:.Tiir::l iri comp«icwnis€
'.^jn 'jflfiii ifit'"'' "'<'-•.:•:.))• a-""-iK"i:.U«'-.iMFlll : ,:.! .1 ,
..: lo Iricvi- I'iiu c I ei«;nc«r belween wriof ^ J ^J^^I'M • !••••
depresaion. Deptres*io«ii '•.* '-'crt; tc-'-'iT'ion a
chi'ldrffii,. ^arlicul airly in girl'j. This may se linked 1o romonal
.-•rlv Of 10 -1 i* di'ii-ii I;] (fi\r
l*K-ei I', I ' ;.lt"0ru: ' i N •
J
or esOmpTfi an in-porl-jri' rclaFonsfnai or nol acln-
goal

.-«..-> .jifiic'jll' r<> sf'Ol dr. • I • n odo%SCQfitE, 5iQ ' • -' I-

ilic'iTilliu-Sl Wilii 1iji"'iilv. : -
.: •••nig JD hobbie a, Iccsing ml e real in ichool w ndl doing •••••jll. ••: . ' , - .
icjlheii wrth co'ioenl ro'lirig Olher sig-rs are ovTer-e-Diliny .1 •' eahrta
enough .ind cnaiiges n jlsep parrerna. In sane case; n-i . i I- I /ho i;
• • •'",. ' :; fci" n ,;L ; MJC ' • < = . dn "i ti'in 'OA W ,"""' :"» flying i - - l -
liijiii-,,, I' a yiV.}jlO»l-. IJt'L.
''alkng aboji: worries doe"i no I ieern lo bnvfi1 helped', leek
i

i. •'_«'.!•' coil - i f - 1 -''-'"-i" "

:." .!
Are there any risks involved for children blowing up
balloons? How can 1 tell if my child has an allergy to
balloons and how should ( deal with it?

You wen. Id ihink lho1 tj balloon should i -./I : > : i ri I ii.t i

F:.i:T J1 cam £CIUst: r-tiv'tirtf rtitirt i.:-i • i'i :E...::L: L: Wi i ilk - < \ \ :
• . Ti- i;. (:, :;*..: UJs*.: -i..bber ball::: " r> .:..'i • •• I
:rid, i.l-.. 1he balloon ^"' ^h;!M il ii blown Up, "I l«f
Flisii off >n1o ^TI? air and can be inhaled, cajsng area 1-1
affected indivickjals. Runny nose. rc»iy eyes, swelling around the
lips, may all be early signs of a reaction which cculd lead to
and breotfimg diFficuliie;; Avoidance ^ "l-c i J_-ijl
making sure all your family and friends knawabaurl i n
problem. Foil ballscna are fire.

Terry Duradr - Ciin-ica I j-ypp Jit s AcK'-Jsor -at

What Christinas foods cause the most serious allergies?

Your child may not be diagnosed :is I.K: i;:| :ill:'i:|ir. I : hi

•i it iv suffer fii;;rii arlier allergies &u;ri a^ u:-.1l I
;H food ul ; i :•, vijin as Sdwi fruit, bananas^ - i 'I
somethiir;i| ttltIT i^ P::L:L||:C «n Chn:-/i .- ii flf.
f::::Jv M:l'-i.: :i f.r'otfiin iimiBar 16 lalex, i l l 'I r i if

Chrislmas is a time when 'nibbles" are lefl our, parlkulai I

c-eonu^s. Small children have a tendency ta pick up ?l
it-en's and either swallow them whole getn-ig i I-K.U
gullet) o- sHck them in iheir noses or ears. Also rry o>
remember to cut up food into small pieces Ob
r properfy. On© of the problems v/e ofien sec u our operating
1'-iea1rt?s over the holidays are chunks CT meat "Inc1 n>
stuck.

Durack - ClmJCQi S A^sor at

Should parents be aware of any dangers involving
child rein when putting up Christmas decorations
around the house?

Candles and fires 1hat look real have become popular - r- I

those little dancing flanes attracts nc-1 only ' LIVQ flam
should nsviflr ba left unattended or where little hon.l >
can gel at them.

Speaking from personal! experience, glittering li.i i baubles

are like magnets ta some children: smashed dec-: i i Lin be
the minor problem if a child pulls Ihe 1ree O'--c >•.•-•!
brother was two years aid he did It twice with n-: \\ \
fortunately). Live Hally berries thai fall off a^ dry
is nor a recommond Food for -anyone cxccpl b«rds. A 'U,
bfrighlly coloured thing lho>- con ^all ofF a dccorolic'i 'H. iy spell
danger For small people, SO be

Duraclc • Cl'i:n;ra I S-ypplk's Advisor o' UL>SH W^f

What are the common respiratory child ailments over
Christmas and are there any measures that parents
can take to reduce the onset of these-?

We all know that the wintei cirii ChirL-.l-riu:-. vn- i :i •/-i iul.-:c
vilh an increase in LOL; i Lokk. On: vi L.•. wl i:l !>'
'^•irrurt in: i:. rhe Rj*spiral&fy 'iyi'citial Virus |RSV|. 'Ihi i:. ihe
'iici r :>i,.>so ::f bronchiolife", a lung i n f e c t . ' in. '•"•'•nli- mo
|usr suffer sore throats and feeling Ibusy *'icic cie a group oF
chifldren who are at grealast risk. Th« I ona year
aids ni I'-iis age group, the vims may o:\ " : ]' ""';i.
wheeling, and difficult/ with breathing and i>: i
•earned in the air and spread by coughing i • i :j. Vv'|-i e M
\s impossWe ^o prevarit babnea catching ir (un|:-
n sn -cofan v^sol;, yo-u cam reduce ihe cl i • i r
cy sun pie methods, i^ you "iave a cold !her try on. 1
cuddling -and Wssirig other people's babies. JL. • > \•
covarlng ycji' irouih when coughing and since. ou will
Deduce "he saread of <be vims.

Another rsspiratory disease which is often m<:\< I- i'i v/n t

is aslinnici, There arc mony children who Duller -n-i.-c ri-Jl-mai
because oF Hie change ir wodfhor end r>( oaa i'i viral
III is impcHaiinl 1o follow simple hygic'm i «l ••. i
discussed above If you have aslhma., Ihcn M is v. ml
1 !
Ihal you Follow your doctors advice^, pdrliculbrPy don' lo
lake your modicincs over this lime o^ year
How nutritious is the traditional Christmas lunch for
children?

The first course of the irodtfionol ChiistMrnois lurtdh wiHi

i.illiri'-| p. .':ii::f! . ii'id two I o three pprlicns of
i :[:>:id rjcllriiKe of ilelny frpm different rGOtfo
"i«:i1, Slar<hy F&odht 0*ld different kinds O'l V'>:|;:l.:irj!!i;:i. Pile
plenty ol uiegstdbfes omJ pio cosy with Htf: aJutnirtg
potatoes. Tne ChriglrwciS pudding and mince pies and
acL^mpanimefiK tjre very high in fiat and are not a goad f:: h:v/-
:i-i ;.:..r such LI heavy first course. Think about saving the
'ding and mintti piss; for later, t;:< f:[lli::'A.' a lighter mtxilr and
• j:::vli1ute o fresh fruift salad or some jelly or mefingges. Ybu con
cut down on the fat in the main course by not eating ttie skin of
the Huikey -- most af 1he fal is just ,jii;.lt:r 1-u: :iki-i, or by no1
putling butter en the vegetables and by boil f:| 1-iu L:: rallies
i:.rlii ;.'! triern in the oven fst a final rcosl with cmfy a
ii'iiijl ».i i-:,.i..-i" of fat. Try 10 find a Chfisfmai puddii?:] Ihut ui-is
fy :F: dried fruit and not much suet. And instead of the
cream 01 urnidy tn-llt!!,, try a lew fat ice cream, custard made
wHi skimmed -nilk or IDVV Fat 'from age frais mixed wiih a toutn

Margaret' iLawEon, GOSH DiefJaar? and Sen j or Lecturer \ n

at tj-*ie .'nsfiturti of
bi
 . . .-,

Should parents feel guilty about their child eating lots

of chocolate over Christmas?

L ul ingj ° I'-'1 c-'r fliL:':>--l:iit! :;VL!"' tj v-k.-rt period of time probably

;.i I mi ".:• much. &y1 potiing a let of tunphdsis an
i Chrifilmas sends out n us. :i> |.. s •>:> y^ui •":;.) children
1hcif chdeitilorti ii importtjrir. Tht: :ki-igtin-- i.s, then they will
continue to Wtint 1G eat liils of at uflt!! "ht; ;t!i1i'/i! :-.i!:i:-.::ri, ;jnd ihis
could lead to pro bl ems with waighi and wjih tee'h.

Encourage everybody -- adults included -- tc dip inlo healthier

sUil"i as grapes or IcHle salsumas or tangerine's.. OHier
iuch as papcorn and nuts, can aUo be a good subsHtute
the family want s something to n bble -- sc make sure that
there are bowls of these f:;::-ds rather than dhocolaJes, Hide the
chocdlates away and cn^ bring them out afler niaals, when
hopefully nobody will have too much appetite for them.

et Law son, GOSH Diencian and Senior Lecturer

Raediofrk Mufrtdan ar rht; li-sfiru^e of Child Heorm - ftn-
 Great Grrnond Street Hospital for Children
Institute of Child Health TINS

Patients and Families Health Professionals Research Clinical Services GOSH International Press Office Campaigns

To p C h r i s t m a s H e a l t h T i p s
from o ur E xper ts
Festive greetings from Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and the
Institute of Child Health! Click here to see the animated version, or read on to
keep the Yuletide jollies jolly! Each tip is provided by our team of virtual santas
to help parents and children avoid any pitfalls, and ensure a safe and healthy
holiday season...

Top tips

1. Why do we seem to have rows over Christmas?

2. Is there any limit on the amount of time children should spend on play
stations?

3. Are there any dangers in children not getting enough sleep over
Christmas?

4. Depression

5. Are there any risks involved for children blowing up balloons?

6. What Christmas foods cause the most serious allergies?

 Great Qrmond Street Hospital for Children
Institute of Child Health HHS Tmsl

Patients and Families Health Professionals Research Clinical Services GOSH International Press Office Campaigns

Christmas Health Tips

our E x p e r t s
Top tips
(Why do we seern to have
1. Why do we seem to have rows over Christmas?
rows over Christmas?
'Is there any limit on the The run up to Christmas can be exhausting and stressful. A lot of thought, time
amount of time children and money goes into preparation and expectations for a joyful break can be high.
'should spend on play
stations? Financial worries, difficulty switching off from work, tiredness and differences of
Are there any dangers in opinion can all set off rows.
ichildren not getting enough
sleep over Christmas?
Planning, pacing and a flexible approach can help prevent tempers from rising. It
Depression
is unlikely that every member of the family will have the same idea about what
'Are there any risks
involved for children
makes a good Christmas. Make a family plan, including something for everyone
blowing up balloons? and decide who is doing what to help and when. It may be worth going through
What Christmas foods the TV guide and sorting out clashes before they arise, and have a videotape
cause the most serious
allergies?
ready for when Christmas dinner over runs!
Should parents be aware
of any dangers involving Being flexible about when and how things are done will avoid disappointment
children when putting up when things do not goto plan. Going outfor a family walk after a big dinnerwill
Christmas decorations
around the house? help any stress to dissipate.
What are the common
respiratory child ailments Potty Carmichaet, Clinical Psychologist at Great Qrmond Street Hospital (GOSH)
over Christmas and are
there anv measures that
 Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children aM
Institute of Child Health HHS Trust

Patients and Families Health Professionals Research Clinical Services GOSH International Press Office Campaigns

Top C h r i s t m a s H e a l t h T i p s
f r o m our E x p e r t s
I op tips
Why do we seem to have 1. Why do we seem to have rows over Christmas?
rows over Christmas?
Is there any limit on the The run up to Christmas can be exhausting and stressful. A lot of thought, time
amount of time children and money goes into preparation and expectations for a joyful break can be high.
should spend on play
stations? Financial worries, difficulty switching off from work, tiredness and differences of
Are there any dangers in opinion can all set off rows.
children not getting enough
sleep over Christmas?
Planning, pacing and a flexible approach can help prevent tempers from rising. It
Depression
is unlikely that every member of the family will have the same idea about what
Are there any risks
involved for children makes a good Christmas. Make a family plan, including something for everyone
blowing up balloons? and decide who is doing what to help and when. It may be worth going through
iMiat Christmas foods the TV guide and sorting out clashes before they arise, and have a videotape
cause the most serious
allergies? ready for when Christmas dinner over runs!
Should parents be aware
of any dangers involving Being flexible about when and how things are done will avoid disappointment
children when putting up when things do not go to plan. Going out for a family walk after a big dinner will
Christmas decorations
around the house? help any stress to dissipate.
are the common
-espiratory child ailments Potty Carmichaet, Clinical Psychologist at Great Qrmono* Street Hospital (GOSH)
Dver Christmas and are
:here anv measures that
 .'
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
; Institute of Child Health ilHS "trust

Patients and Families Health Professionals Research Clinical Services GOSH International Press Office Campaigns

Top C h r i s t m a s H e a l t h T i p s
from our E x p e rts
I op tips
Why do we seem to have 2. Research has voted PlayStations the number one toy for boys this
rows over Christmas? Christmas. Is there any limit on the amount of time children should
Is there any limit on the spend on PlayStations?
amount of time children
•i ild spend on play
stations? Without a doubt PlayStations are popular and children (and adults!) can spend
Are there any dangers in many hours seemingly glued to the screen. PlayStations and computer games
children not getting enough
sleep over Christmas? can be helpful for developing manual dexterity, and some games are mentally
Depression challenging.
Are there any risks
involved for children It may be that PlayStations are more popular with boys as there are more games
blowing up balloons? available appealing to their interests. The problem is not so much the
What Christmas foods PlayStations themselves, but the content of games and the length of time spent
cause the most serious
allergies? playing. Some games have been criticised for reinforcing gender stereotypes,
Should parents be aware and there have been some concerns raised about links between aggressive
of any dangers involving games and behaviour. It is important for parents to be aware of the content of
children when putting up
Christmas decorations games and how long spent playing them.
around the house?
are the common Some children have developed repetitive strain injuries. If your child is going to
respiratory child ailments spend time on a PlayStation it is well worth paying attention to seating and the
over Christmas and are
:here any measures that position of the consul. Balance is the key-- if your child is spending all day glued
 Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
Institute of Child Health MHS Iklll

Patients and Families Health Professionals Research Clinical Services GOSH International Press Office Campaigns

Top C h r i s t m a s H e a l t h T i p s
from our Experts
i op tips
.WViy do we seem to have 3) Are there any dangers in children not getting enough sleep over
rows over Christmas? Christmas?
Us there any limit on the
amount of time children Sleep assists in growth and restoration of the body. There is no universally right
^should spend on play
stations? or wrong sleep pattern. Whatever suits the individual and the family is the right
Are there any dangers in solution. Christmas is an exciting time for children and normal bedtime routines
^children not getting enough are often disrupted. In the long run it can be less stressful for parents and
sleep over Christmas?
children to be flexible and enjoy the moment, rather than worrying too much about
Depression
a little loss of sleep. However children differ in their need for sleep and parents
>Are there any risks
involved for children will know if their child is getting overtired. Lack of sleep can lead to short tempers
'blowing up balloons? and tears in children as well as adults. If your child becomes overtired and
(What Christmas foods irritable, take sometime out to quietly read a story or go for a walk in the park-
cause the most serious
(allergies? and perhaps plan for bedtime a little earlier that night. Even if bedtime is later
(Should parents be aware than usual, leave plenty of time to unwind and go through usual bedtime routines.
of any dangers involving If your child has a good bedtime routine and usually sleeps well, a little less
(Children when putting up
Christmas decorations sleep or a brief change in routine is unlikely to cause any long term problems.
ground the house?
What are the common Potty Carmichael, Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)
respiratory child ailments
^ver Christmas and are
there any measures that next