phil@ucla-cs.UUCP (08/27/84)
I was handed a xerox copy of an article the other day and thought it
might be informative. I am interested in hearing if anyone has any
comments to make about it:
Get the facts on toddler swimming programs from CMA (Calif. Medical
Association, I presume?)
Since CMA began its efforts to increase the public's awareness of the
dangers of submerging infants, there have been a flood of inquires
from physicians, parents and the news media on the subject. Because
so many infant-swim programs are being offered throughout the state,
physicians and parents alike are concerned with the extent of problems
that may be encountered in classes that encourage submersion of infants
under three. To provide information to parents, CMA has posters for
physicians to display in their waiting rooms and Health Tips that urge
parents to refrain from enrolling their infants in swimming programs
that include submersion. CMA also has prepared fact sheets to help
physicians respond to their patients' questions about toddler swimming
programs. The sheets discuss four major areas of concern: danger of
submersion, risk of hyponatremia and seizures, risk of infection and
drwoning. Some details being reported:
o Danger of submersion: Experience has shown that infants swallow
more water when enrolled in water-submersion classes than if they
participate in "water adjustment" classes that do not involve
submersion. In addition, because toddlers' reflex mechanism for
continuous breathing when submerged is not fully developed, long
breath-holding under water can cause instant death.
o Hyponatremia and seizures: During water-submersion swim classes,
it is possible for toddlers to ingest water tot he point that
the electrolyte balance is disturbed and the child goes into
convulsions and seizures. Acute hyponatremia may result from
excessive sodium loss, excess intake of water or inappropriate
secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
o Infection: Several cases of giardiasis resulting from exposure
to water contaminated by fecal matter from incontinent infants
have been reported. There's also increased risk for ear and nasal
infection because toddlers' eustachian tubes are ineffective
barriers to infections.
o Drowning: Children under the age of three are the most vulernable
to drowing because they lack the muscle strength necessary to
protect themselves in water.
Some of these points have been getting across tot he public, via CMA's
media campaing. This included a Health Tip for school and community
use; a news release; a Radio News Service feature; and a television
newsfilm distributed to 45 Californian TV stations. In addition, AMA's
nationwide radio hotline services plans to produce a series of infant
public-service announcements that will credit CMA.
Posters and fact sheets are available free to physicians from CMA's
Division fo Scientific and Educational Activities, extension 411.
END OF ARTICLE
Gold sheint in bluteh ober drek schwint off wasser.
Pini
ARPA: phil @ ucla-locus.arpa
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