THE HEALTH OF OUR

FUTURE GENERATIONS
Shivani Trivedi

PERIOD 10
Mrs. Sherman

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Access to better healthcare lies in reducing the gap between those who
have adequate access and those who dont. Typically, the gap is caused by
the uneven distribution of resources such as medication, vaccinations,
general knowledge about the way human bodies work, or preventative
measures that one can take when it comes to their health. This gap can be
seen in many developing countries around the world where limited access to
healthcare has the greatest effect on the mortality rate of babies and
toddlers under the age of 5. According to the World Health Organization, 40%
of all under-five child death rates worldwide are among newborn infants. It is
important to educate mothers about precautions they can take since two
thirds of these newborn deaths can be prevented if effective health
measures are provided at birth and for the first week of life. Many of these
mothers are left in the dark when it comes to consulting with a doctor about
questions that they may have concerning their babys health because of
financial and social barriers. The main purpose of this research is to solve the
issue of providing these young mothers greater access to the resources and
help they need to sufficiently care for their childs health should they not
have the full financial means to do so themselves.
At the Greater Pediatrics of Houston, it was observed that there were
many parents, especially young mothers, who inquired about similar things,
for instance such as teething, milk intake, or skin care issues. The first plan
of action for the Capstone Project was to obtain a collection of sources
written by experienced doctors, researchers, and medical experts, and make

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a compilation of the most frequently asked questions or concerns new
parents have pertaining to their childs health. Without these questions, the
initial basis and objective of this research would be unclear. These questions
would be combined with a separate list of FAQs observed from new parents
who go to the Greater Pediatrics of Houston. Intensive amounts of research
will be done to find answers to these questions and published onto a website.
The intended outcome for this research project is to launch a website that
will serve as a free guide to new parents, especially new mothers, who may
have questions but cannot afford to go to the pediatrician every time they
do.
As mentioned before, answers will be found for the list of FAQs through
various different facilities. The intended requirement for resources
specifically calls for at least 5 primary sources and 10 secondary sources.
When trying to locate credible places to obtain information, one can first look
at college catalogs, databases, and other scholarly websites. Many of the
primary sources used in this research were found on the Houston Community
College Library Catalog and Google Books. When verifying the credibility of
the books found, one can research the authors and the credibility of their
research they have done. Many of the keywords used to find the sources
included access, healthcare, and child. When looking at potential
sources to use in the research, one should be willing to read the table of
contents and reading a couple pages of the book to see if it will be useful
towards the research. All of the secondary sources used in this research were

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found on the journal database EBSCO HOST via access through the Houston
Community College. All of the secondary sources were found by typing in
keywords directly from the list of researched and observed FAQs. An ideal
example of an FAQ would be When is it normal to start feeding my baby
solid foods? The key words used to find a source related to this questions
are solid and foods. Overall, 6 FAQs were searched into the EBSCO HOST
database for the purpose of this project. Another available facility for this
research were three doctors who work at the Greater Pediatrics of Houston
and one medical school student who attends Touro College of Osteopathic
Medicine: Middletown Campus. They were individually asked about their
answers to the list in a formal interview, and observations were made in the
examination room to see what their answers are to those same questions in
special circumstances.
In award winning Pediatrician Scott W. Cohens book Eat, Sleep, Poop:
a Common Sense Guide to Your Babys first year, the author tries to put
every single scenario a new parent might encounter into perspective. For
instance, many new parents believe in buying the best, sometimes most
expensive products for their children, but Cohen tries to convince these
parents to think realistically. There is no need to invest in large bottles or
multiple nipple heads since, most infants take 2 to 4 ounces every 2 to 4
hours for the first 2 to 4 months of their life (Cohen 1). Parents are advised
to sterilize bottles the first time they buy it, but there is no need to keep
sterilizing after every use, simply washing it with soap by hand or using a

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dishwasher will get the job done. After all, there is no such thing as a sterile
human nipple. It is recommended that mothers try to breast feed their child
before considering to use formula. Long before powder milk or formula was
even invented, all warm blooded mammals passed nutrients onto their
young through breast feeding. According to Lucian Blaga, a professor at the
University of Sibiu, he states in his clinical trial Analysis of Human Breast
Milk and Milk Powder Samples that, Breast milk contains substances with
antimicrobial and antiviral roles, immunoglobulins, cells involved in immune
responses, prebiotics. This trial proved that the amount of lactose, fat, pH,
and protein in breast milk is more beneficial for a child than powder milk
(Bogdan 2).
Many babies will experience some sort of upper respiratory infections
before they hit the age of 1, such as cold or cough simply because of the fact
that their immune systems are not fully set up to fight off disease like an
adults immune system. Dr. Phillip D. Walson, from the Division of
Pharmacology/Toxicology at the Columbus Childrens Hospital, says that his
definition of a cold is a complex of symptoms such as cough, nasal
congestion, coryza, and fever that usually results from a viral respiratory
tract infection(Walson 1). Coughing and fevers are protective responses to
these viruses. Upper respiratory viral infections such as these account for a
large proportion of office and emergency room visits as well as widespread
use of prescription and nonprescription drugs. It is important for the
physician to thoroughly communicate with parents about misconceptions

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that parents may have about the etiology, diagnosis, and management of
these conditions which may lead to inappropriate treatments and countless
visits to the doctors office, which can sometimes waste time and money
(Walson 1). There is no cure for the common cold, however nonprescription
medicines such as analgesics, antipyretics, antitussives, antihistamines, and
nasal decongestants can be used to provide short-term symptomatic relief. In
order to treat coughs, it is important for parents to stay away from the long
term use of antitussives containing narcotics as this can potentially be
dangerous for children and it may mask serious diseases or delay definitive
treatment of asthma, sinusitis, foreign bodies and chronic lung disease
(Walson 1).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing babies
to solid foods, anything other than breast milk or formula, no earlier than 46
months of age (Kleinman, 2004). However, the College of Nursing at the
Michigan State University held a study to assess beliefs and attitudes of
mothers enrolled in Medicaid about the introduction of solid foods and other
infant feeding behaviors (Horodynski 2). Many risk factors were identified
before the actual study began. Early introduction of solid food feeding was
associated with a high probability of wheezing during childhood and higher
increased body fat and weight in childhood. According to Michaelson Baker in
the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared with infants who were
fed solid foods at or after 4 months, those infants who were fed solids before
4 months gained more weight from birth to 1 year. The additional weight

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gain associated with early complementary food introduction is one factor
sufficient to move an infant from the 75th to the 85th percentile, a
commonly identified cutoff designating infants as being at risk of becoming
overweight (Baker, 2004). Demographic factors also affect the introduction of
solid foods as well. For example, many young teenage mothers face
obstacles and challenges such as being unprepared for the responsibility of
being a parent, so they are guided by the help of their mothers,
grandmothers, aunts, and other female figures. These role models play a
significant role in the introduction of solid foods and take from their own
culture and customs more so than health care providers (Horodynski 4).
According to A. Maayan-Metzger, a doctor in the Department of
Neontology at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel, conducted a study named
Parents who refuse to vaccinate their infants: pediatricians feelings and
treatment intentions, where 376 pediatricians were surveyed on their
attitudes and feelings toward parents refusing to vaccinate their child. Many
pediatricians had a common consensus that vaccines should be given for the
best of the baby and the best of the community whereas not getting babies
vaccinated would be irresponsible towards them both. Many parents dont
get their child vaccinated because of silly superstitions or myths that have
not been properly addressed. Research has been done to support the use of
vaccinations throughout the course of history and both pediatricians and
other doctors recommend the use of vaccinations in the long run (MaayanMetzger 1187).

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One of the biggest aspects of this research is to find ways for parents
to treat child illnesses and issues in the most cost effective and efficient way.
An example of this would home remedies or homeopathic treatments.
Parents usually resort to home remedies whenever their child may catch a
cold, such as herbs, vitamins, alcohol or camphor. Some parents even give
drugs, whether they may be prescription or nonprescription without
consulting a physician. But it is important to realize that sometimes these
treatments can do more harm than good. Topical and oral decongestants can
only be used for short time periods, like one to four days. Prolonged use
often results in rebound nasal congestion and eventual dependence. When a
child with a cold is also febrile, antipyretics may occasionally be used to
relive discomfort (Walson 3). According to Dr. Yaxi Zeng and Dr. Gina
Stephens at the Greater Pediatrics of Houston, it is recommended that
parents let their childs fever, cold or cough run the course of their sickness
with the help of maybe Childrens Tylenol and Motrin and to remember to
keep their child hydrated. If its a baby up to the age of 2 years old, saline
drops and suctioning out the mucus with a bulb is the best a parent can do.
Honey should not be given to a baby under the age of 2 because since their
immune system is not completely developed, this increases the chances of
the baby getting botulism. Dr. Zeng and Dr. Stephens also advise that
parents invest in a humidifier, steam inhaler, or vaporizer to clean out the
toxins inside their childs body so that they can be on a faster track to
recovery.

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One of the most unique perspectives gained through the course of this
research was from Dr. Danilo Noboa, a doctor from Ecuador stationed in
Houston for three months. His experiences with patients in Ecuador are very
different from his experiences here in Houston. For instance, breast feeding
is mandatory in Ecuador, whereas parents have the option of alternating
between powder milk and breast milk. The only time powder milk would be
allowed is if a mother was not able to produce breast milk. Being immunized
is not an option that parents get to have in Ecuador; every child is required
to be vaccinated for the safety of the community and the child. One of the
most common mistakes that Dr. Noboa see parents making when it comes to
their babies is treating hernia with a penny or cotton ball on top of the belly
button. This is a myth that does absolutely nothing to solve the pain and
problem of having hernia. His perspective in Ecuador puts into context the
opportunities that are provided for low-income mothers and fathers when it
comes to healthcare in the United States. But the only problem in this area is
that these opportunities are not always accessible to these parents, which is
the main focus of this research.
Throughout this research, there were questions that could not be
answered during the course of this research. For instance, there was no
exact way to cover every single question that a concerned parent may have.
There was no exact way of counting all the parents and seeing what the most
pressing concerns and questions were. Therefore in this research summary,
the topics that had a strong impact on a baby or toddlers health were

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mentioned but that doesnt mean that there arent other issues that are just
as important or come up just as frequently. There was no way to define who
a parent without the financial means to take their child to the pediatrician
really is. There are parents who are covered by medical insurance to take
their child to the pediatrician, but on their own, they would not be able to
take their child if something was wrong. Overall, the majority of the
information that the researchers intended to reach was met, but there were
some variables that affected the way that part of the study was approached.
After being an intern at the Greater Pediatrics of Houston for over 3
months, Shivani never thought she would learn as much about the field of
pediatrics as much as she did. In terms of the factual evidence she learned,
Shivani learned that parents have many question about how to properly care
for their child and it is partly the physicians responsibility to address those
questions and any other concerns, misconceptions, or problems they may
have. On average, her mentor has a schedule of seeing over 30 patients
each Friday and Shivani and her partner got to go into at least 20 of the
rooms with him. Shivani learned that she is partly an observer and partly a
doer, in the sense that she observes what the doctor does when he checks a
baby, but she wants to actually do the things that a certified doctor would
do. Even though Shivani cannot legally do that, this has motivated her to
continue on the pre-med route so that one day, she will be able to actually
be a doctor and health care provider for these babies and be able to interact
with them to make them better. There are going to be many people Shivani

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would be interacting with if she were a doctor other than babies and
toddlers. There are many different kinds of nurses, angry parents,
administrators who work at the hospitals, and other doctors that Shivani has
seen her mentor interact with. In terms of social skills, Shivani has learned
that she is a positive, open minded person, even in a stressful situation. She
has learned how to deal with people who are frustrated by speaking to them
in a calm manner. She also understands that being a doctor comes with a lot
of responsibility, like the health and well-being of a child when it comes to
advising parents. Shivani fully intends to go into the medical field fully
prepared about the road ahead to medical school and how important it is to
be serious, responsible, and educated when it comes to being a doctor.

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Works Cited
Baker, J. L., Michaelsen, K. F., Rasmussen, K. M.,&Sorensen, T. I. (2004).
Maternal prepregnant body mass index, duration of breastfeeding, and
timing of complementary food introduction are associated with infant
weight gain. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80, 15791588.
Bogdan, Neamu, et al. "Laboratory Methods Useful In The Analysis Of
Human Breast Milk And Milk Powder Samples." Acta Medica
Transilvanica 19.3 (2014): 227-230. Academic Search Complete. Web.
17 Nov. 2015.
Cohen, Scott W. <i>Eat, Sleep, Poop : A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby's
First Year--essential Information from an Award-winning Pediatrician
and New Dad</i>. New York City: Scribner, 2010. Print.
Horodynski, M., et al. "Low-Income Mothers' Decisions Regarding When And
Why To Introduce Solid Foods To Their Infants: Influencing Factors."

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Journal Of Community Health Nursing 24.2 (2007): 101-118. Academic
Search Complete. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
Kleinman, R. E. (Ed.). (2004). Pediatric nutrition handbook (5th ed.). Elk
Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Maayan-Metzger, A, et al. "Parents Who Refuse To Vaccinate Their Infants:
Paediatricians' Feelings And Treatment Intentions." Acta Paediatrica
102.12 (2013): 1186-1191. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Nov.
2015.
Norris, J. M., Barriga, K., Klingensmith, G., Hoffman, M., Eisenbarth, G. S.,
Erlich, H. A., et al. (2003). Timing of initial cereal exposure in infancy
and risk of islet autoimmunity. Journal of the American Medical
Association, 290, 17131720.
Stephens, Gina, Yaxi Zeng, Danilo Noboa, and Zarana Trivedi. "Frequently
Asked Questions by New Mothers and Fathers." Personal interview. 4
Dec. 2015.
Walson, Philip D. "Coughs And Colds." Pediatrics 94.5 (1994): 937. Academic
Search Complete. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
Ziegler, A., Schmid, S., Huber, D., Hummel, M., & Bonifacio, E. (2003). Early
infant feeding and risk of developing Type I diabetesAssociated
autoantibodies. Journal of American Medical Association, 290, 1721
1728.