Like many American parents, I was caught up in the wake of President Trump, adjacent to his health leaders, and lied to the public that Tylenol (acetaminophen) causes autism when pregnant women and children take it, despite their proven research and parental experience.
His responsibility – in the Anion Els style, Trump’s false accusations It is to hate the already plagued anticipated mothers and parents who choose difficult daily health for themselves and their children, especially those with autism. My mind is directed at parents with children with autism who are looking for answers. Because this announcement does not provide an answer. And with this compassion and hope for a future breakthrough in autism research, I still stand behind Tylenol as a trusted ally raising my family.
While much of Trump’s press conference’s focus was on the use of Tylenol by pregnant women, Trump issued a broader statement to prevent children from giving Tylenol. As a father and one-time partner of my child’s mother, I have learned that expecting to raise a child and child is a journey every day, or even every minute, in making the best health decisions we can. There have been many moments between pregnancy and the development of my own two children and stepchildren, each of whom I experienced temporary pain. For the mother, it may have been a fever from illness caused by pregnancy or swelling in the joints. For children, it could have been a minor accident in which teeth grow, a surge of fever, a eruption of growth, and children began to suffer and mourn miserably day and night. Finding safe, immediate, effective remedies has always been our number one priority, and Tylenol has always been a safe option.
Like most American families, we are responsible for our approach to administering medicines to ourselves and our children. We always consulted with our obstetricians and pediatricians and relied on our experiences when dealing with all kinds of illnesses. When I tried Tylenol when it came to temporary relief for fever, swelling and minor pain, it seemed like the doctor would have a recommended choice. After returning to sleep at 2am with tylenol, there is little comfort to the point that the child’s fever subsides.
Parents are often faced with an overwhelming number of opinions, suggestions and advice from family, friends and the internet. That doesn’t help when the US president instills fear by making false claims and telling his parents not to take drugs that have been proven safe repeatedly. The inability to pronounce acetaminophen at a press conference on this subject suggests his limited experience of managing it to his own family. Tylenol is one of the most studied over-the-counter drugs and has proven to be one of the safest options available to both pregnant mothers and children when used according to the instructions.
American obstetricians and gynecologists (ACOGs) have reaffirmed that acetaminophen remains a painkiller for choice during pregnancy. Like many medications, guidance for pregnant mothers is to administer the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and consult a doctor about your particular situation. Additionally, in children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) repeatedly advises that acetaminophen is safe when it directs a body weight-based dose and does not exceed the recommended dose and duration. They explicitly state that there is no evidence linking appropriately administered pediatric acetaminophen or tylenol to autism.
For my family, Tylenol and children’s Tylenol are and will be part of our medical toolkit. That said, every parent must make decisions about the medication based on their own and their children’s values and experiences. I recommend seeking guidance from all parents (gay, straight or otherwise) and from a doctor and making the best choice. No matter your family’s makeup, we want our kids to have the best care and comfort. Today’s parents have the ability to provide both and modern tools.
Michael Dele Kelly is a writer, media entrepreneur, co-founder and principal LGBTQ+Shareholder of EqualPride, a supporter publisher. Michael frequently writes about equality, and is a gay father who raised two children and a stepchild alongside other parents. Michael can be followed on Instagram @cleanfoodscook. His opinion portions represent his own perspective and are not necessarily the perspective of EqualPride or its affiliates, partners or management.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
