A DIFFICULT DISCUSSION TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT CANCER
FOCUS ON PREVENTION EDUCATION
As pink-clad products line store shelves this October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, children are bound to be curious. Since they rationalize the world around them with what they already know, kids may ask silly questions like, “Is cancer contagious?” Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or you just feel it’s time to educate your children about the disease, answering questions can be difficult. These tips can help you prepare. Telling a child that you or a loved one has cancer can be complicated. To start, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends giving yourself time after hearing the news of a cancer diagnosis to process this new reality. Two-parent households should tell their children together, while single parents ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH
are encouraged to ask an adult with a positive influence on the child’s life to join the conversation. Remember, your child will be experiencing the same emotions as you but in a kid’s body, where hormones and developmental changes are already wreaking havoc. Monitor their emotions and offer them space and opportunities to discuss their feelings with a professional. When it comes to explaining the disease and its consequences, younger children may require fewer details and broader concepts, while older kids may need more comprehensive answers to their questions. A 5-year-old is going to have different concerns than a 16-year-old, so your approach must be different. However, regardless of your child’s age, always tell the truth.
A loved one doesn’t have to be diagnosed with cancer for you to educate your family about the disease and its prevention. Studies have linked prevention efforts, including anti-smoking campaigns and healthy lifestyle programs, to actually preventing cancer. (In fact, half of all cancers can be prevented!) Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure to foster healthy habits and lifestyles. Organizations that host walks, benefits, and other events for cancer prevention and research can be great sources of education for families, too. The ACS has resources for families living with cancer or those wanting to learn more. Visit Cancer.org for more information.
‘ALL IN YOUR HEAD’ HOW TO RECOGNIZE A CONCUSSION
We have our fair share of football fans here at the office, and we’re more than ready for the 2019–2020 season to kick off. Of course, as a firm that handles personal injury cases, there’s one aspect of the sport we can’t ignore: concussions. Football stars and car accident survivors alike suffer from this pernicious head trauma all too often. But unlike pro athletes, most people don’t have a dedicated medical staff who can check for the signs of a concussion right away. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of this serious condition. CAUGHT IN A HAZE While the symptoms of a concussion can vary widely, one of the most common is a persistent mental “fogginess.” If you find yourself unable to remember your accident, or feel confused or lost in what should be familiar settings, you may be concussed. Of course, it can be hard to diagnose your own confusion. This symptom is easier to spot from loved ones facing this condition. AN ACHING HEAD Another very common effect of concussions is frequent headaches. For some this may be an extreme pain, while others may experience more of a feeling of pressure in their forehead. Typically bright lights and
screens can make this sensation worse. If you’ve been unable to shake a headache after a car accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Also, it’s best if you don’t drive there yourself.
GOING DARK While it doesn’t occur in every case, the possibility of losing
consciousness is one of the main reasons it’s so important to identify a concussion sooner rather than later. Some people facing this head trauma can faint without warning — making it vital they are in a safe location and don’t drive or walk down a flight of stairs. If you or a loved one blacks out, seek medical attention immediately.
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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com
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