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 UUCP: {quad1,lcc,cepu,ihnp4,randvax,sdcrdcf,trwspp,uclaea,ucbvax, ucivax,ism780,silogic,ati,muddcs,ucla-cime}!ucla-cs!phil