Congenital Heart Defect Stats and Facts

1.Congential Heart Defects are America's #1 Birth defect. Nearly 1 in every 100 babies is born with a CHD

2. For every dollar provided by the national medical funding arm of the American government, the National Institute of Health, only one penny is provided for pediatric research, and only a portion of that penny goes to support research on heart defects, the most common birth defect. ( Source: Children's Heart Foundation)

3. February 7 – 14th is Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week TM , as organized through tchin.org (The Children’s Heart Information Network). An international coalition of families, individuals, non-profit organizations, support groups, and health professionals participate in a campaign to increase public awareness of Congenital Heart Defects and Childhood Heart Disease. To find out how you can participate in the awareness campaign, log on to www.tchin.org/aware. Only by speaking out can we be heard and make a difference!

4. Participation in competitive athletics is a rewarding experience and is an important part of normal adolescent development. However, for some children competitive sports have the potential to end tragically.
- Corrada et al (NEJM 1998) reported the incidence of sudden death in adolescents and young adults (12-35yrs.) is 2.3/100,000 athletes/yr. (2.52 in males and 1.07 in females).
- Maron (NEJM 2003) estimate the prevalence at ≤0.3%

Heart Felt Hints

1. Write your child's medical information on their car seat in case you are in an accident and cannot speak.

2. If your child has low O2 Stats get a written note from your specialist in case your child needs to go to the emergency room. The ER staff will respond better to a note from the specialist.

3. If you have an infant that needs an aspirin regimen buy chewable aspirin, crush it, and mix it with their infant cereal. When they get old put it in chocolate milk so they think their getting a treat.

4. Visiting an amusement park or attraction in which there are long lines and lots of walking may be difficult for your child with a CHD. Ask your pediatrician/cardiologist for a doctor's note that discribes your child's limitations, and present it at Guest Services of the amusement park. Many times a "special assistance" pass can be issused entitling your child/family to special access to the attractions.

100 Calorie List from Dietician Betty Fleming

100 calorie servings (note-some items not appropriate for children under 3 due to choking hazards):

Bacon – 4-5 small pieces
Butter – 1 tbsp
Graham crackers - 2 ½
Cream, thick – 1 tbsp
Dates – 3-4 (can be mixed into cereals, cookies, etc)
Eggs – 1 ½
Gravy – 2 tbsp
Ice cream – ¼ cup (full fat variety)
Milk, whole – ¾ cup
Peanut butter – 1 tbsp
Potato salad – 1 cup
Sausage – 2 small

Candy:
Hershey kisses- 4
M & M’s (plain)-30 pieces; peanut-10 pieces
Reese’s peanut butter cup-1
Reese’s pieces-25 pieces

The contact information for nutritional services: Lake Norman & Charlotte Nutrition Associates: (704) 895-9865.