AF children’s health: Caring for AF’s littlest heroes Published April 18, 2016 By Prerana Korpe Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs Falls Church, Va. -- (This is the fourth AFMS article for the Military Children’s Health Month series) As we salute military children, we take a look at how the Air Force cares for its littlest heroes. In today’s military community, the number of active-duty-member children is almost equal to the number of active duty adults, according to data from Military OneSource. Military children make up a large portion of the military community, and the Air Force is dedicated to caring for all of its members –from newborns to veterans. Col. (Dr.) Donald J. Lane, pediatrician for more than 20 years, and maternal child consultant for the Air Force Medical Operations Agency, shared a few ways through which the Air Force is actively caring for its families. Parents with children birth to age 3 For expectant parents –whether pregnant or adopting a child from birth to age 3—and those with children in the home from birth to age 3, the New Parent Support Program provides information, support and guidance on the growth and development of newborns, infants and toddlers. Families should speak with their pediatrician or visit the Family Advocacy office, to get started with NPSP. TRICARE offers military families a digital option for receiving health guidance –from early pregnancy through the first three years of a child’s life. Military families may sign up for a weekly email, which includes well-child information, parenting tips and information for understanding a child’s development. Beneficiaries can visit TRICARE’s online resource or talk to their pediatricians about getting signed up. Period of purple crying Crying is normal for an infant’s healthy development. However, sometimes new parents may not know what to expect and crying can lead to parents’ frustration. There is a period of time in every baby’s life when he or she cries more than during any other time. This is known as the period of purple crying. A baby typically enters this period at the age of 2 weeks and continues until about month 4. According to data from Military OneSource, babies usually experience the peak of crying at about 2 months of age. Crying can last up to 40 minutes and babies may even appear to be in pain. Infants may resist soothing, and crying may come and go unexpectedly. Babies should never be shaken, advises Col. Lane. Shaking a baby can cause serious harm. The colonel recommends that parents talk to their pediatricians about this period in a baby’s life to discuss safe practices for parents and babies. Military OneSource Funded by the Department of Defense, Military OneSource is a confidential program, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Military OneSource offers a wealth of resources for military families. The site has a section designated to family and relationships, information on family violence, as well as information on child care and youth programs. Col. Lane suggests parents visit the Military OneSource parenting site and become knowledgeable about what is available. “Once you see what’s out there, it becomes easier to get started.” Coping with deployments When it comes to deployments, the separation kids go through is tough. “Do not ignore symptoms,” explains Col. Lane. “Military families should not assume they are immune to being affected by the type of separation which often comes with our duties. Children can be especially sensitive when they know a parent may be going into harm’s way.” According to Col. Lane, many children try to be brave to support their parents during stressful times, but this may mask true problems a child is demonstrating. “Kids won’t necessarily tell you they are worried,” said Col. Lane. Some signs to look out for include sleeping problems and disciplinary issues. Conversely, if a parent is dealing with issues upon return from a deployment, this could also affect children. “It’s not an easy thing [military families are] going through,” said Col. Lane. “Parents just need to understand that it’s okay to say if your kid is having problems.” The Air Force is working with TRICARE to offer a robust network of child counselors. Formed through the Defense Centers of Excellence, Military Kids Connect provides support for children age 6-17 years dealing with the unique challenges of military life. “There are many resources available to help children and parents alike,” advises Col. Lane. “Pediatricians are available to help parents navigate the multitude of tools and services.” “What I’m always amazed with is how children support their parents,” said the colonel. “Children recognize that their parents go through stress when deployed. Some children whose only parent deploys might go stay with a friend or loved one during the deployment.” “It is amazing how resilient and brave children are for going through what they go through to get through a deployment –and they do it with a good attitude,” said Col. Lane. “My hats off to them.” Stay tuned throughout April, as AFMS continues the month-long series on military children’s health. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)