Questions about summer...

[KCarroll]

Hello! I have so many questions now that the weather is nice and I want to take my kids (1 year olds) outside to play. They are crawling, walking, and touching so much more now! I felt great during the winter when it was okay to stay inside, and all I had to worry about was the health of visitors and the cleanliness of my house. Now, I feel a bit overwhelmed. I would love some advice, tips, do's, or don'ts for children with CF when it comes to playing outdoors. I would also like to know if there are things we should absolutely stay away from. I know there will be different opinions about this. I will say this - I want Kadyn, my daughter, to live life to the fullest and to be able to do (almost) everything her twin brother (no CF) is able to do. But, I do understand that I am the only one that can protect her during these early years, so I want to do everything in my power to keep her safe and of course healthy.

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[KCarroll]

Hello! I have so many questions now that the weather is nice and I want to take my kids (1 year olds) outside to play. They are crawling, walking, and touching so much more now! I felt great during the winter when it was okay to stay inside, and all I had to worry about was the health of visitors and the cleanliness of my house. Now, I feel a bit overwhelmed. I would love some advice, tips, do's, or don'ts for children with CF when it comes to playing outdoors. I would also like to know if there are things we should absolutely stay away from. I know there will be different opinions about this. I will say this - I want Kadyn, my daughter, to live life to the fullest and to be able to do (almost) everything her twin brother (no CF) is able to do. But, I do understand that I am the only one that can protect her during these early years, so I want to do everything in my power to keep her safe and of course healthy.

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[KCarroll]

Hello! I have so many questions now that the weather is nice and I want to take my kids (1 year olds) outside to play. They are crawling, walking, and touching so much more now! I felt great during the winter when it was okay to stay inside, and all I had to worry about was the health of visitors and the cleanliness of my house. Now, I feel a bit overwhelmed. I would love some advice, tips, do's, or don'ts for children with CF when it comes to playing outdoors. I would also like to know if there are things we should absolutely stay away from. I know there will be different opinions about this. I will say this - I want Kadyn, my daughter, to live life to the fullest and to be able to do (almost) everything her twin brother (no CF) is able to do. But, I do understand that I am the only one that can protect her during these early years, so I want to do everything in my power to keep her safe and of course healthy.
<br />
<br />Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!
<br />
<br />

 

[kalebsmommy]

My 18 month old son looooooves to be outside! We go for walks, go to the local playground, local splash park, the carnival in town last weekend, swims in his little alligator pool and plays outside like any baby his age would I think. I have not noticed any difference in his health and my wild boy plays hard! lol I feel like he should get to play like any other child should and he loves being outside so very much. If I notice him getting sick I don't hesitate and take him to the doctor right away but so far I haven't noticed him being outside alot as bad for him. I'll be interested to see what others say and I do wonder the same question sometimes. Have a great summer Carroll! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[kalebsmommy]

My 18 month old son looooooves to be outside! We go for walks, go to the local playground, local splash park, the carnival in town last weekend, swims in his little alligator pool and plays outside like any baby his age would I think. I have not noticed any difference in his health and my wild boy plays hard! lol I feel like he should get to play like any other child should and he loves being outside so very much. If I notice him getting sick I don't hesitate and take him to the doctor right away but so far I haven't noticed him being outside alot as bad for him. I'll be interested to see what others say and I do wonder the same question sometimes. Have a great summer Carroll! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[kalebsmommy]

My 18 month old son looooooves to be outside! We go for walks, go to the local playground, local splash park, the carnival in town last weekend, swims in his little alligator pool and plays outside like any baby his age would I think. I have not noticed any difference in his health and my wild boy plays hard! lol I feel like he should get to play like any other child should and he loves being outside so very much. If I notice him getting sick I don't hesitate and take him to the doctor right away but so far I haven't noticed him being outside alot as bad for him. I'll be interested to see what others say and I do wonder the same question sometimes. Have a great summer Carroll! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Mommafirst]

I don't really think there is much difference between a CF kid playing outside and a regular kid. Pseudomonas does grow in water and dirt, but you just can't avoid exposure to bugs -- staph is literally on every surface in your house. But be aware to keep up with good hand washing.

There was recently an article out (I don't have the cite, my CF research nurse told me) that indicated NO effect of lifestyle exposure to CF bugs on whether one cultured them or not. They looked at public swimming pools, hot tubs and a variety of other places where bugs are more likely to be. Overall, its just part of life with CF. You culture them, when you culture them. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

Be vigilent in general, but don't worry more about your CFer (as hard as that is to do!).

 

[Mommafirst]

I don't really think there is much difference between a CF kid playing outside and a regular kid. Pseudomonas does grow in water and dirt, but you just can't avoid exposure to bugs -- staph is literally on every surface in your house. But be aware to keep up with good hand washing.

There was recently an article out (I don't have the cite, my CF research nurse told me) that indicated NO effect of lifestyle exposure to CF bugs on whether one cultured them or not. They looked at public swimming pools, hot tubs and a variety of other places where bugs are more likely to be. Overall, its just part of life with CF. You culture them, when you culture them. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

Be vigilent in general, but don't worry more about your CFer (as hard as that is to do!).

 

[Mommafirst]

I don't really think there is much difference between a CF kid playing outside and a regular kid. Pseudomonas does grow in water and dirt, but you just can't avoid exposure to bugs -- staph is literally on every surface in your house. But be aware to keep up with good hand washing.
<br />
<br />There was recently an article out (I don't have the cite, my CF research nurse told me) that indicated NO effect of lifestyle exposure to CF bugs on whether one cultured them or not. They looked at public swimming pools, hot tubs and a variety of other places where bugs are more likely to be. Overall, its just part of life with CF. You culture them, when you culture them. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Be vigilent in general, but don't worry more about your CFer (as hard as that is to do!).

 

[kitomd21]

I agree that it's important to let our children be "normal". I disagree, however, that there isn't increased risk with certain activities. A water park would definitely concern me as I would assume there is definitely aerosolized pseudomonas - something quite easily inhaled. I could be wrong with regard to whether the water is chemically treated, but it still seems concerning. I also avoid gardening when my daughter is nearby. Kicking up dirt (especially on a windy day) would expose her unnecessarily to microbes in the soil - most concerning of which would be cepacia. Also of note, we recently visited a butterfly exhibit but left immediately upon realizing how humid the environment was. I assume this environment was a breeding haven for bacteria! Taking a shower may negate all of the above concerns as the conditions are similar (i.e., steam, aerosolized bacteria). I guess we just have to do what we think it best...perhaps that's doing nothing different at all?!

Our children can't live in a box, but I honestly do think we need to exercise more caution with certain activities.

 

[kitomd21]

I agree that it's important to let our children be "normal". I disagree, however, that there isn't increased risk with certain activities. A water park would definitely concern me as I would assume there is definitely aerosolized pseudomonas - something quite easily inhaled. I could be wrong with regard to whether the water is chemically treated, but it still seems concerning. I also avoid gardening when my daughter is nearby. Kicking up dirt (especially on a windy day) would expose her unnecessarily to microbes in the soil - most concerning of which would be cepacia. Also of note, we recently visited a butterfly exhibit but left immediately upon realizing how humid the environment was. I assume this environment was a breeding haven for bacteria! Taking a shower may negate all of the above concerns as the conditions are similar (i.e., steam, aerosolized bacteria). I guess we just have to do what we think it best...perhaps that's doing nothing different at all?!

Our children can't live in a box, but I honestly do think we need to exercise more caution with certain activities.

 

[kitomd21]

I agree that it's important to let our children be "normal". I disagree, however, that there isn't increased risk with certain activities. A water park would definitely concern me as I would assume there is definitely aerosolized pseudomonas - something quite easily inhaled. I could be wrong with regard to whether the water is chemically treated, but it still seems concerning. I also avoid gardening when my daughter is nearby. Kicking up dirt (especially on a windy day) would expose her unnecessarily to microbes in the soil - most concerning of which would be cepacia. Also of note, we recently visited a butterfly exhibit but left immediately upon realizing how humid the environment was. I assume this environment was a breeding haven for bacteria! Taking a shower may negate all of the above concerns as the conditions are similar (i.e., steam, aerosolized bacteria). I guess we just have to do what we think it best...perhaps that's doing nothing different at all?!
<br />
<br />Our children can't live in a box, but I honestly do think we need to exercise more caution with certain activities.

 

[westonsmom]

I let Weston do everything else that a normal child would do. Yesterday I had to strip him at the door because he had been playing in the muddy dirt with his trucks and yard tools. The CF team has told me that there is no way to avoid psdeumonas because they are every where. The way I look at it is that he is getting some exercise and being outside is great for him. Plus, I just want him to have as normal a childhood as my non-CF child. However, on really hot days I make sure he has PLENTY of fluids and that he gets extra salt in his food. It is essential because I can physically see him crashing when it is really hot out.

We also do swim classes in public pools. He has not yet cultured anything and he has drank that water many times.

 

[westonsmom]

I let Weston do everything else that a normal child would do. Yesterday I had to strip him at the door because he had been playing in the muddy dirt with his trucks and yard tools. The CF team has told me that there is no way to avoid psdeumonas because they are every where. The way I look at it is that he is getting some exercise and being outside is great for him. Plus, I just want him to have as normal a childhood as my non-CF child. However, on really hot days I make sure he has PLENTY of fluids and that he gets extra salt in his food. It is essential because I can physically see him crashing when it is really hot out.

We also do swim classes in public pools. He has not yet cultured anything and he has drank that water many times.

 

[westonsmom]

I let Weston do everything else that a normal child would do. Yesterday I had to strip him at the door because he had been playing in the muddy dirt with his trucks and yard tools. The CF team has told me that there is no way to avoid psdeumonas because they are every where. The way I look at it is that he is getting some exercise and being outside is great for him. Plus, I just want him to have as normal a childhood as my non-CF child. However, on really hot days I make sure he has PLENTY of fluids and that he gets extra salt in his food. It is essential because I can physically see him crashing when it is really hot out.
<br />
<br />We also do swim classes in public pools. He has not yet cultured anything and he has drank that water many times.

 

[Rebjane]

My motto is to let my daughter with CF do everything my son without CF do, within moderation. We go to pools, I just like to make sure they are properly chlorinated. There is one pool I will not take her to, because It is in the same room as a hot tub and the air is very thick and moist in that pool room.

I take her to the ocean, she digs in the sand. It is very important to make sure you apply sunscreen. My daughter is very fair anyway and one of her meds makes her photosensitive, so just something to be aware of. I also make sure she drinks ALOT. The heat makes her lose salt and water so she always has gatorade and salty snacks available, more often than in the winter months.

So, we avoid hot tubs..We play outside in the sprinkler alot in the summer. We also got a slip and slide, which is fun. I never did those baby pools; just felt like it would be too much work; to bleach out everyday.

The salty ocean air is fabulous for CF. So find a clean beach and enjoy!

 

[Rebjane]

My motto is to let my daughter with CF do everything my son without CF do, within moderation. We go to pools, I just like to make sure they are properly chlorinated. There is one pool I will not take her to, because It is in the same room as a hot tub and the air is very thick and moist in that pool room.

I take her to the ocean, she digs in the sand. It is very important to make sure you apply sunscreen. My daughter is very fair anyway and one of her meds makes her photosensitive, so just something to be aware of. I also make sure she drinks ALOT. The heat makes her lose salt and water so she always has gatorade and salty snacks available, more often than in the winter months.

So, we avoid hot tubs..We play outside in the sprinkler alot in the summer. We also got a slip and slide, which is fun. I never did those baby pools; just felt like it would be too much work; to bleach out everyday.

The salty ocean air is fabulous for CF. So find a clean beach and enjoy!

 

[Rebjane]

My motto is to let my daughter with CF do everything my son without CF do, within moderation. We go to pools, I just like to make sure they are properly chlorinated. There is one pool I will not take her to, because It is in the same room as a hot tub and the air is very thick and moist in that pool room.
<br />
<br />I take her to the ocean, she digs in the sand. It is very important to make sure you apply sunscreen. My daughter is very fair anyway and one of her meds makes her photosensitive, so just something to be aware of. I also make sure she drinks ALOT. The heat makes her lose salt and water so she always has gatorade and salty snacks available, more often than in the winter months.
<br />
<br />So, we avoid hot tubs..We play outside in the sprinkler alot in the summer. We also got a slip and slide, which is fun. I never did those baby pools; just felt like it would be too much work; to bleach out everyday.
<br />
<br />The salty ocean air is fabulous for CF. So find a clean beach and enjoy!

 

[Ratatosk]

Since I responded on the wrong post... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Wash hands, use hand sanitizer after playing outside or at the park.

Make sure she gets enough water and SALT if she's going to be outside. DS sweats out a lot of salt so he usually takes hits off a salt shaker at daycare, but when he was smaller, they made sure to have pretzel sticks or saltine crackers along.

Sunscreen -- ds is on a couple drugs that could make him photosensitive. He's never gotten burned and he loves being outdoors quite a bit year round.

We've always avoided hot tubs -- higher temps tend to grow more bugs, plus the steam tends to be right at face height. Kids aren't supposed to use hot tubs anyway...

DS takes swimming lessons, spends time at the lakes, is in gymnastics and other sporting events. The only time we've avoided a swimming pool is a local hotel with a waterslide that the health department has cited numerous times. Most local families with healthy kids avoid THAT cesspool.

Gross story -- DS told me a few years ago that he found gum on the playground on a swing. Not sure how one handles already been chewed gum HOURS after it happens. Bleah! No harm, no foul. Just really grossed out about it.

 

[Ratatosk]

Since I responded on the wrong post... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Wash hands, use hand sanitizer after playing outside or at the park.

Make sure she gets enough water and SALT if she's going to be outside. DS sweats out a lot of salt so he usually takes hits off a salt shaker at daycare, but when he was smaller, they made sure to have pretzel sticks or saltine crackers along.

Sunscreen -- ds is on a couple drugs that could make him photosensitive. He's never gotten burned and he loves being outdoors quite a bit year round.

We've always avoided hot tubs -- higher temps tend to grow more bugs, plus the steam tends to be right at face height. Kids aren't supposed to use hot tubs anyway...

DS takes swimming lessons, spends time at the lakes, is in gymnastics and other sporting events. The only time we've avoided a swimming pool is a local hotel with a waterslide that the health department has cited numerous times. Most local families with healthy kids avoid THAT cesspool.

Gross story -- DS told me a few years ago that he found gum on the playground on a swing. Not sure how one handles already been chewed gum HOURS after it happens. Bleah! No harm, no foul. Just really grossed out about it.