2 Communicate openly. To build trust, talk with your child frequently. Ask them how they feel, and listen actively. Remind them about the ways you are helping them get better or stay healthy. Tell them often that you love them and are there to support them in any way they need. Involve their school. Tell the school about your child’s illness, special needs, and medications. Give school officials an emergency plan so they’ll be prepared. Check in regularly with teachers to see how your kid is doing. Get help. If your child or teen shows signs of depression, extreme stress, or ongoing behavior problems, talk to their provider. Your child might benefit from talking to a mental health counselor or attending family therapy. Sources: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; American Academy of Pediatrics; Child Mind Institute; Merck Manual Help kids cope with chronic conditions — Continued from front page Did you know that there is no amount of lead in the blood that is considered safe? Lead poisoning in children can cause serious health risks. Risks for affected children can include: • Slow growth • Learning disabilities • Behavioral, hearing, and speech problems Early detection is key to prevent lead poisoning. Prevention and testing There are several ways to reduce your child’s exposure to lead before they are harmed. • Ask your landlord or real estate agent when your home was built. Some homes built before 1978 have lead paint on the walls. • Get a professional to inspect the home. • Repaint with newer, environmentally friendly paint. • Keep painted surfaces in good condition to minimize chipping or cracking. If you suspect your child may have ingested lead paint chips or been exposed to lead in the home, contact your healthcare provider right away. Children enrolled in Medicaid are required to get tested for lead at 12 and 24 months old. They are also required to get tested if they are between 24 and 72 months old and have no record of ever being tested. Treatment If a child has lead in their blood above the blood lead reference value from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), their provider may recommend follow-up services like: • Finding and removing lead from your child’s environment • Feeding your child a diet high in iron and calcium • Connecting your child with early educational services • Scheduling follow-up blood testing If you need help finding a provider or scheduling a visit with your child’s provider, please call the number on the back of your Presbyterian Health Plan member ID card. Lead screening for children Early detection of lead in the blood is key to lessen the longterm effects of lead exposure.
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