The Right Care, Close to Home

Studies show too much screen time can affect a child’s brain development and behavioral health---but doctors are now seeing a new concerning connection between electronics and children. “Often, kids get constipated very frequently these days with all the electronic media around. They learn to ignore the signals from the bowel and the bladder, and they tend to hold it longer, and that teaches them bad habits,” explained Dr. A.R. Abd-El-Barr pediatric urologist with Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Dr. Abd-El-Barr says the overuse of electronics has become a common cause of urinary tract infections. “If kids are holding their bladder too long, they may set them up for infections. That’s probably one of the more common things I see families for.” While UTI’s can be treated with antibiotics, doctors say it’s also important to teach children good bathroom habits. “Kids generally have to be taught no matter what age. We can’t hold them responsible for emptying their bladder on time, especially with like media and screens, it’s almost like the screen hijacks their brain, and they don’t actually hear or see the signal coming from their bladder,” said Dr. Abd-El-Barr. Encouraging children to listen to their bodies and empty their bladder when they go to the bathroom can prevent bladder problems.