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Tag: parenting

Keeping your child safe from harm

July 28th, 2021 by The Hello Doctor Team

Isn’t parenting the most fulfilling job in the world? Seeing your little one grow up in front of your very eyes, with their cute smiles, hugs and boundless energy. It’s quite incredible to realise that this little person is here – all because of you.

But parenting is also the hardest job in the world, leading to sleepless nights – not just when your 2-year old wakes you for a glass of water, but because of all the worry. The world is a dangerous place, and if you let yourself go down the worry-wormhole of “what could go wrong”, you’ll never sleep again!

Instead, turn your worries into action. For even though you can’t control the entire world, there are some simple, practical steps you can take to keep your little one safe:

Protecting your kids outside the home

Nothing comes close to the panic you feel when you lose sight of your child in public. Even if you do all you can to prevent this from happening, kids can sometimes wander off. And when they do, you – and they – need to have a plan:

  1. Develop a ‘what if’ plan.

Before leaving the house, have a plan for what you do if you get separated. One way is to tell them: “If you can’t see mommy anywhere, just stay in the same place. Don’t move anywhere – we will find you.” Keep it simple and easy to remember, and also tell them who they can ask for help: a security guard, policeman or another mom with children.

  1. Dress them brightly

With kids, fashion is less important than function. By making sure your kids always wear something brightly coloured, you can insure they don’t get lost – or that you can spot them easily across the room.

  1. Attach your number to them.

A simple, very effective plan is to give your child a bracelet with your phone-number on. It’s safe, it’s fashionable and it can set your heart at ease.

  1. “Stranger danger!”

It’s easy for kids to assume all adults are trustworthy. Teach your kids to shout “Stranger danger!” if any adult they don’t know approaches them when you’re not around. It’s not just for them to avoid strangers, but also to alert any other adults around them.

Protecting your kids inside the home

Our homes are our sanctuaries. But when you have a toddler, you realise just how many unsuspected dangers lurk around the home.

In this age of convenience, even harmless objects like chairs can become dangers, and all the processed food, cleaning chemicals and packaging can pose a risk to your child’s health. Here are some practical tips to make sure your home is child-friendly, so you can rest at ease:

  1. Choose alternatives to plastic.

The chemicals used to make plastic materials (plastic containers, Ziploc bags, plastic wrap, plastic cups and baby bottles) can be toxic. Hundreds of chemicals are used to make plastic containers and food packaging, and are linked to long-term illnesses. Since we don’t always know what is in plastic, it’s best to minimize your plastic in home. Instead, opt for glass, ceramic, bamboo, or metal to prepare and store your food with.

  1. Lock-up and store up high

When in doubt, lock it up. Make sure all your tools, sharp objects, power tools or even electronic kitchen-appliances are stored high, and/or locked away. This also applies to any chemicals, medication or cleaning products.

  1. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products.

Although one option is to lock away all cleaning products – preferably somewhere high and out-of-reach, an even better option is to choose organic, non-toxic cleaning products in the first place. Avoid bleach, synthetic fragrances, ammonia and dies.

  1. Secure any loose rugs

That tapestry you got as a wedding present may look lovely on the floor, but if you’ve had a few near-slips, you may need to pack it away. If not, make sure to get nonskid pads to secure the rug on the floor.

  1. Change the geyser settings.

Children have sensitive skin that can easily burn if water is too hot. To ensure that your little one doesn’t burn their hand while rinsing off the mud, set your geyser’s temperature to below 48 degrees Celsius.

References:

How to wean your baby off breastmilk.

March 19th, 2020 by Content Editor

Breastfeeding is a special time shared by you and your little one. That’s why having mixed emotions about stopping or cutting down on nursing your baby is completely natural. But it doesn’t signal the end of the intimate bond; it just means you’re nourishing and nurturing him in different ways.

When should I wean my baby?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, thereafter you should slowly introduce them to solids.

How do I know my baby is ready?

Your baby:

  • sits up without support and has good control of his neck muscles
  • opens his mouth when he sees food coming his way
  • chews his fist
  • wants an extra milk feed
  • tries to grab pieces of finger foods and bring them to his mouth.

Before starting

Make the transition easier by taking it slowly. Weaning is easier if it’s gradual. These tips can help:

Try one food at a time

This helps your baby get used to new flavours and textures and makes it easier to spot if he has a reaction to any specific food. Baby cereal made from oats are easily digested unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Fruit and vegetables

Avoid focusing on fruits – doing so can encourage their taste for sweet foods and make it more difficult to introduce vegetables and other savoury foods. Pureed fresh fruit like apple, pear or banana and pureed vegetables like carrot, potato, butternut and sweet potato are good choices. If you decide to buy ready-made baby foods, always check the ingredient list carefully. Some of these are laden with ‘free sugars’ which can cause tooth decay. Make fruit purees a small part of your baby’s diet – fresh is best.

Make it a family affair

Try to eat together as much as possible, as your baby will learn from the rest of the family. Build up slowly by getting him into a routine of offering him solid food at the same time each day. The aim is to transition your baby from solely drinking milk to eating your usual family foods, so try offering smaller mashed-up portions of the food that the rest of the family is eating. However, always make sure you haven’t added any salt or sugar, or any other foods that are not suitable for babies.

Start small

Offer one or two teaspoons to get him used to tasting and swallowing more solid textures. It’s all about exploring and learning at this stage – don’t worry about getting him to eat specific amounts. It’s going to be madly messy, but wonderfully comical too. If your baby doesn’t seem interested, leave it and try again another day.

Avoid choking

Never leave your baby unattended when he’s eating, in case he struggles to swallow. Avoid giving rounded foods, like grapes and hard, crunchy and very chewy foods.

Liquids

After breast milk or formula, cooled boiled water is best. Avoid juices as it can lead to dental caries, obesity or even poor weight gain and a runny tummy.

Care for your breasts

Your breasts may become uncomfortable while weaning. Try expressing just enough milk, apply a cold compress or gel pack or consult your pharmacist for and an over-the-counter pain reliever.

If you have gone back to work, consider nursing before work and immediately once you’re home, or express your milk in a bottle from which your caregiver can feed your baby. This will prevent blocked ducts, mastitis (infection that causes breast pain and swelling on your breasts as well as fever and chills). Immediately consult your doctor if you have these symptoms. They will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to clear up the infection. Remember that you can continue breastfeeding if you have mastitis.

References

3 Healthy Valentine’s recipes for your kids

January 13th, 2020 by Content Editor

The month of love is finally here. Let your kids take part in the fun with these healthy, Valentine’s Day-inspired recipes.

Valentine’s English muffin pizzas

Ingredients

  • 2 English muffins
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 3 or 4 cherry tomatoes
  • ½ red pepper
  • Handful grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C. Split each muffin into two to make the pizza bases. Spread a thin layer of tomato puree over the cut sides of the muffins and place on a baking tray.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut heart shapes from the red pepper and set aside.
  • Chop the remaining red pepper finely and sprinkle it over the pizza bases. Finely chop the cherry tomatoes and add to the pizzas.
  • Sprinkle over the cheese and top each pizza with the red pepper hearts to decorate.
  • Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Strawberry frozen yoghurt bites

Ingredients

  • 12 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup plain or Greek yoghurt

Method

  • To make the first layer, blitz the strawberries in a blender. If needed, add some water to help them break down.
  • Spoon 1 teaspoon of the strawberry purĂŠe into a silicone ice cube or chocolate mould, leaving about 1/3 of the purĂŠe behind for the second layer.
  • Wrap the mould in aluminium foil and place into the freezer for one hour or until the purĂŠe is firm.
  • Make the second layer by adding 2 tablespoons of the yoghurt to the strawberry purĂŠe in the blender.
  • Blitz for a few seconds until it has all combined.
  • Remove the mould from the freezer and add 1 teaspoon of this strawberry and yoghurt layer. Cover again with foil and return to the freezer for another hour.
  • For the third layer, add 1 teaspoon of the yoghurt to the moulds, filling them to the top. Run a knife along the top of the mould to smooth it out and return to the freezer for 1-2 hours.

Vegetable flower bouquets ​

Ingredients

  • Cucumbers
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Peas
  • Parsley
  • Or veggies of your choice
  • Cream cheese
  • Skewers
  • Small mini pots
  • Dried beans or rice for placing in the pots
  • Mini shape cutters (fondant cutters)

Method

  • Slice your veggies into thick pieces. It should be thick enough for the skewer to go through without breaking the veggie.
  • Cut the sliced veggies into flower shapes with your cutters. If you’re using mini cookie cutters for the middles, try using different veggies to fill it in for more colour.
  • Gently pull the skewer halfway through.
  • Place the veggie flowers in a pot full of dried beans or rice to secure its spot.
  • Garnish with parsley.
  • Fill the mini pots with cream cheese and serve.

References:

Why do some people get hangry?

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Hanger is when you experience a combination of hunger and anger. In a nutshell, hanger could be compared to the grown-up version of a baby crying for milk. But why do some people become hangry?

Your body’s first instinct is to keep you alive. When you haven’t eaten for a while, the level of sugar (blood glucose) in your blood decreases. When this happens, your blood sugar becomes too low and triggers the stress hormone cortisol and adrenalin (fight-or-flight hormone). These hormones are released to rebalance the blood sugar in your body.

Although these hormones give you some energy, it’s not the good kind. It’s the kind of energy that makes you feel agitated, unfocused and even angry.

If you opt for foods with lots of carbs or sugar to give you energy, you’ll be even worse off. This is because when you eat lots of carbs and sugar, you blood sugar skyrockets, giving you a temporary rush of energy, only to crush soon thereafter.

The crash is caused when insulin tries to use your body’s glucose reserve but it’s too much for your body to handle. This just leaves you with more cravings for food.

Although feeling hangry could affect anyone, people who struggle with controlling their anger could be more likely to experience it.

What to do about your hanger

Sadly, hanger can’t be avoided entirely. The good news is there are ways to lower your chances of experiencing it.

Avoid having too much sugar

Keep sugary treats and carb-heavy foods at a minimum. Besides the usual culprits like pastries, sweets and cake, these include seemingly healthy foods. Watch out for hidden sugar in low-fat yoghurt, sauces, fruit juice, sports drinks, granola, flavoured coffee and cereal.

Eat foods that are digested slowly

Foods that are high in protein and fat digest slowly because they are absorbed by your body in stages. They also slow down the absorption of sugar in your bloodstream.

For snacks with healthy fats choose nuts, avocado slices, cheese sticks, dark chocolate and seeds. For a dose of protein have boiled eggs, peanut butter on celery sticks and grilled chicken breast strips. If you must have carbs, chose vegetables or fruits. The fibre found in fruit slows down the digestion of carbs which means your blood sugar won’t rise drastically.

If you have other carbs like wholegrain crackers for example, pair it with a protein or a healthy fat like avos to slow down digestion.

Catch some Z’s

When you’re exhausted, your stress hormone cortisol overworks itself. This causes your body to crave food. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night and stick to a bedtime. Wind down an hour before bed and switch off all devices.

Good to know

  • Try these if you often become hungry:
  • Eat small meals throughout the day.
  • Avoid junk foods, which can cause a sugar crash. Choose nutritious, high-fibre foods to keep you feeling full.
  • Exercise regularly to help lower your blood sugar. Don’t overdo it – exercise can contribute to insulin sensitivity. Stick to a 30-minute workout three times a week unless your doctor suggests otherwise.
  • Stay hydrated.

If you experience hanger more than once or twice a week, talk to your doctor and dietician.

References

Which symptoms are normal after getting a vaccine?

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Your little one has just had his latest vaccines. He seems irritable, is crying and is struggling to sleep. Is this normal?

Vaccines aim to protect your child from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough and polio. The drugs in vaccines are made from parts of the diseases it protects your child from. They don’t cause the disease, but ‘’tells” your child’s body to make antibodies (blood proteins) which fight diseases.

For example, after a vaccine for measles, if your child’s body comes into contact with measles, their body would fight the disease as they can recognise it.

Unfortunately, like with other medication, vaccines come with side-effects. These side-effects are usually harmless and will clear up. Severe reactions to vaccines are rare because the process to get a vaccine approved is rigorous and involves many safety tests.

To protect your child, it’s important to know which reactions are normal and what’s not. Here are some normal and uncommon reactions to vaccines to get you clued up.

Normal vaccine reactions

A mild reaction after a vaccine means the medicine is working. It’s also a sign that your little one’s body is creating new antibodies to fight infection. Usually, these symptoms go away on their own within a few days.

  • A slight fever.
  • Tenderness and redness where the injection was given.
  • Fussiness.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • A small, hard lump where the injection was given. This may be there for a few weeks but shouldn’t raise concern.

Vomiting, loss of appetite or drowsiness are also normal reactions, but are less common.

How to manage common side effects

If your child is experiencing any side effects, you can ease his discomfort.

  • Dress him in cool, loose clothes.
  • Give him fluids to drink.
  • Put a cold, wet cloth on the injection site to ease pain or swelling.
  • Ask your doctor and pharmacist for over-the-counter medication for pain and fever. Check the label for dosage instructions or ask your doctor if it isn’t clear.

When is it serious?

In some cases, reactions after a vaccine can be serious. This usually happens if your child has an allergic reaction. Severe reactions are rare, but it’s important to know what they are so you can help your child.

Look out for serious symptoms:

  • Swelling in the throat or face
  • A pounding heartbeat
  • Pale complexion
  • Weakness
  • Hoarseness
  • Dizziness
  • Breathing problems (e.g. wheezing)
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrollable crying for three hours or more

If your child experiences any worrying symptoms, take him to your doctor immediately. If you have any questions before your child gets any vaccination, ask them. Your doctor will be able to put your mind at ease.

References:

How to treat the yellow rash on your baby’s scalp

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Are there flaky or scaly patches on your baby’s head? While dandruff may be somewhat rare in babies, cradle cap isn’t. There may be yellowish or brown scales forming on your baby’s head. Your baby may also have oily and thick crusty patches on the scalp.

Cradle cap is a common baby rash that starts at around 3 weeks of age, and affects up to 70% of infants. Bedsides the scalp, it can sometimes also be found behind the baby’s ears, eyebrows, forehead, and even on the upper torso. The good news is that it isn’t harmful to the baby, or a sign of bad hygiene, nor is it contagious.

What causes cradle cap?


When the scalp makes too much oil, it traps the skin flakes and prevents them from naturally shedding, leading to those yellowy scales.

The cause of cradle cap in babies is unknown, but dermatologists believe the mother’s hormones are likely to play a role. This is because hormones can be passed to a baby through the placenta before birth or through breast milk when the baby feeds.

Another possibility is that oil glands are more active in babies because their own hormone levels are high during the first year of life.

The presence of a type of yeast called Malassezia, which is normally found on the skin, is produced by oil glands, and this may also be a factor.

Most mild to moderate cases of cradle cap aren’t itchy or painful. Severe cases can be. In most severe cases, your baby could lose some of their hair with cradle cap. But even in those rare instances, any hair that your baby loses will grow back after the rash has cleared.

Treat the oily skin

Shampoo regularly


Shampooing your baby’s scalp daily can help treat and prevent cradle cap. Use a gentle baby shampoo without fragrances to help prevent skin sensitivities.

Apply oil


Baby, coconut or mineral oil can help soften the scales on your baby’s skin. Apply a very small amount; just a few drops and massage it directly into the scales.

Brush your baby’s scalp


To help remove scale build-up, gently brush or massage your baby’s scalp with a baby brush or comb. Avoid scratching or picking at the scales as it can worsen the condition.

If all else fails, see a doctor


Cradle cap is often mistaken for another dry skin condition, eczema. While eczema can be itchy and irritating, parents may be unaware that their baby has cradle cap. If your baby’s skin becomes red and inflamed or if your child has a fever, you’ll have to take your little one to a doctor.  Cradle cap shouldn’t bleed easily or be extremely itchy, and your baby shouldn’t be unwell from the condition either.

If symptoms persist and there seems to be no improvement with treatment, see a doctor.

References:

How to wean your child from sucking their thumb

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Babies have natural sucking reflexes. This is why you often find them putting their thumbs or fingers into their mouths. This also happens before they are born, while still in the womb.

Since thumb-sucking makes babies feel secure, some develop this as a habit when they’re in need of soothing or going to sleep as they get older.

Finding ways to help your child stop the habit will be beneficial to their dental health in the long run.

Help your child wean off thumb-sucking

Many thumb and finger-sucking children have a gap between their upper and lower teeth. Their jaw development changes and this can often lead to speech problems.

Habitual thumb sucking prevents the tongue muscles from developing correctly, making it difficult for your child to pronounce sounds like “s” and “th”. Prolonged thumb-sucking can also deform your child’s upper dental arch, causing a cross-bite, protruded teeth, and/or an open bite. The extent of these consequences will depend on the duration of the habit, the frequency of it, and the way in which the thumb is placed into the mouth.

Harmful effects of thumb-sucking include:

  • Deformities: Oddly shaped fingers or thumbs.
  • Infections: Due to the constant soaked areas, the skin gets irritated and infected.
  • Social: The child may be teased at school.
  • Dental and facial: The intense negative pressure that is created in the mouth affects the facial muscles, teeth and the jaws. The upper jaw becomes more “v” shaped. The upper front teeth flare outward. The lower front teeth tip inward.

Changes to the structure of the jaw can affect your child’s speech, chewing, swallowing and facial appearance.

Coping with your child’s habit

Studies have shown that most children want to stop by the age of six and all they need is guidance. Your role as a parent is to guide them without any pressure. Be firm but calm. Support them every step of the way.

Make your child aware of the habit


The habit may be an unconscious one and you need to help your child identify it. Calmly point out what you don’t like about the behaviour and why. Educate them about “bad” germs that live on their fingers and that go into their mouths and make them sick. A little exaggeration may help!

Keep track

Observe and identify when and how often your child sucks his thumb. This will help determine how serious the problem may be.

Distract him

By identifying the exact times your child thumb-sucks, you’ll know when to quickly intervene by offering him something to occupy his hands, like doing a puzzle or playing with a ball.

If bedtime is when they’re most likely to thumb-suck, offer the child a soft ball to squeeze instead. You may need to create a reward system and replace the ball with a little treat each day!

Control the temptation
Topical bitter substances, bandages and glove-like devices can also be used on the offending finger.

Dental appliance

Placing a fixed appliance in the child’s mouth (over the age of 6) can stop the habit in its tracks. It has a “gate” or “crib” like wire that lies behind the upper front teeth and prevents the thumb from getting to touch the palate.

Allow your dentist to assess your child at an early age.

References:

Does your baby’s cough sound like a dog’s bark?

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

If so, it could be croup. Croup is a viral illness that makes your baby’s voice box and windpipe swell. The high-pitched or barking cough develops when air is forced against a narrowed.

The smaller your child is, the more noticeable the sound. Some children with severe croup get a harsh, tight sound while breathing in. This is called stridor.

When does it happen?


The virus that triggers croup can be passed on by breathing in respiratory droplets from a cough from an infected person, or from playing with toys that have the virus on them. Croup normally affects infants and children between the ages of six months and three years. As children grow, so do their airways. Therefore, children older than six don’t often get diagnosed with croup.

What are the symptoms?


You may notice the typical symptoms of a cold, like a runny nose and fever. Usually, the barky cough begins at night and gets worse when your child gets upset and cries. Croup usually lasts for around five days.

How is croup diagnosed?


The doctor will usually listen for a cough and stridor. They may also ask if your child has had any recent illnesses that caused a fever and congestion, and whether the child has a history of croup or other breathing problems.

He may also perform an X-ray if the croup is severe and doesn’t get better after treatment. An X-ray, in this case, will help show the top of the airway narrowing to a point, which doctors call a “steeple sign”. This is a narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords.

Home treatment for croup

If your child wakes up in the middle of the night with croup, try to keep him calm to help ease his breathing. Crying can make croup worse.

For a fever, medicine like paracetamol, or ibuprofen for kids older than 6 months can help make your child more comfortable. Ask your doctor for guidance before giving your child any medication.

Help your child breathe in moist air. This can make him feel better.

  • Use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 10 minutes. Breathing in the mist will sometimes stop the severe coughing.
  • In cooler weather, take your child outside to help ease symptoms so they can breathe fresh air.
  • Make sure your child is well-hydrated. If needed, give small amounts of liquid more often using a spoon or medicine dropper. Children with croup should also get lots of rest.

When to call the doctor


If you’re concerned that your child’s croup is not improving, contact your child’s doctor, especially if you see the following symptoms:

  • A sound that gets louder with each breath.
  • If your child speaks or makes verbal sounds for lack of breath.
  • Seems to be struggling to catch his breath.
  • Has blue lips or fingernails.
  • Has stridor when resting.
  • Drooling or extreme difficulty swallowing saliva.

References:

Does your child have meningitis? Know the danger signs

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Spotting meningitis can be tricky, and it can be easy for your little one to develop it without you knowing. That’s because the early warning signs and symptoms are almost identical to the flu.

Don’t worry though. By getting to know the signs and symptoms, you can ensure your child gets the right treatment before it becomes serious. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges; the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, and sometimes by illness and certain medication. It spreads like colds and flu, when someone who’s infected touches, kisses, sneezes or coughs on you.

Common signs:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Drowsiness.
  • A small appetite.
  • Confusion and disorientation.
  • Sensitivity to bright light.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Neck stiffness.

More severe symptoms include coma and seizure.

Watch out for these signs in toddlers: 


A refusal to be fed, irritable when picked up, a fever, and a bulging soft spot on their head, and moaning and crying.

Preventing meningitis is the best way to work against it. Remember, not every child gets the same symptoms and they can appear in any order.

Make sure your little ones wash their hands often with soap and warm water. Encourage this, particularly after using the bathroom; when they’ve been around other kids, and when they’ve been in contact with a sick person. Teach them not to share food, utensils and drinks with anyone who is, or has recently been, sick.

If you suspect your child or anyone else has meningitis, you should:

  • Take them to your doctor immediately.
  • If you can’t get there right away, call a doctor and describe the symptoms.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room if your doctor isn’t available.

Treatment


If a doctor suspects your child has meningitis, he will do tests. A sample from the spinal cord is usually taken. This can show signs of inflammation and infection due to a virus or bacteria. Blood samples may also be taken to check for bacterial infections in the blood. Sometimes, imaging of the head is done to check for swelling and inflammation around the brain.

There are two kinds of meningitis, viral and bacterial. Depending on which kind your child has, he’ll be treated a certain way.

Bacterial


Severe bacterial meningitis is very serious and must be treated immediately with antibiotics. It helps reduce the risk of complications like brain swelling and seizures. The type of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria that caused the infection. The sinus may be drained if there’s a build-up of mucus and infection.

In some cases, doctors may give an antibiotic to someone who’s been around an ill person with bacterial meningitis to prevent them from developing the disease themselves.

Viral meningitis


Unfortunately, antibiotics can’t be used for viral meningitis, but mild cases usually clear up on their own. It can be treated with bed rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain medication.

References:

Bedwetting teenager? Here’s what you can do

May 12th, 2019 by Content Editor

Wetting the bed is expected amongst young children. When you’re a child, you’re still learning to listen to your body when it comes to visiting the toilet. But you grow out of this, right?

As kids grow older and their bodies develop, messages between the bladder and brain become clearer, allowing the child to wake up when their bladder is full. The majority of children master bladder control by the age of 5, but for others, this can take a lot longer.

If your teen has this problem, they’re not alone. Bedwetting can be common amongst teenagers and it happens for several reasons.

Reasons for bedwetting:

A small bladder

If you have a small bladder, it may not be able to hold much urine. This can cause bedwetting.

Your genes


If you or your partner were prone to bedwetting as a child, there’s a good chance your child will become a bedwetter. If both of you were bedwetters, it’s even more likely.

Stress


Some experts believe that stressful events could lead to bedwetting. These events may include changing schools, moving to a new city, parents going through a divorce etc.

Your diet


Some foods that are high in salt. Drinking too much fluid before bed can also cause bedwetting.

Unusual sleep patterns

Many teens ignore bedtimes or don’t get enough sleep every night. This makes them likely to want to take naps and sleep late on weekends, causing an erratic sleeping pattern. This kind of sleep pattern can interfere with the brain’s normal sleep-wake cycles which tell you when you need the toilet.

Medical issues


If your child has a medical condition like a urinary tract infection (UTI), a symptom could be bedwetting. Other conditions include diabetes and constipation.

Help your child beat bedwetting

  • Encourage your teen to use the toilet before bed so he can empty his bladder. An empty bladder means he’s less likely to wet the bed.
  • Limit drinks before bedtime.
  • Talk to your doctor about your child’s bedwetting. He may suggest medication or other solutions. Some treatments work by decreasing the amount of urine released from the kidneys or increasing how much urine the bladder can hold. Always ask your doctor about any risks of taking medication before giving it to your teen.
  • Try a bedwetting alarm. Bedwetting alarms have a moisture sensor that makes a buzzing or beeping sound to wake your teen if it senses your child is about to wet the bed.

Good to know


Bedwetting can cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues, particularly in teens. If bedwetting affects your child’s social life (e.g. prevents him from attending sleepovers), then you may need to take him to a therapist. Talk to your doctor who can refer you to one.

If your child is experiencing ongoing bedwetting after you’ve tried different treatment options, it might be a medical condition. See your doctor immediately in that case.

References:

Foetal alcohol syndrome 101

May 3rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’re pregnant and your doctor has advised you steer clear of alcohol. But it can’t be such a big deal, right? Surely the odd glass of wine won’t do much damage? Wrong.

Rather safe than sorry!

If you drink during your pregnancy, there’s a high risk that your baby could be born with foetal alcohol syndrome. Here’s what you need to know about this serious condition, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome? (FAS)

FAS is a pattern of mental, physical and behavioural problems that range from mild to severe.

These problems could include:

  • Poor growth in the womb, resulting in low birth weight and/or small head size.
  • Delayed development (i.e. your child doesn’t reach his developmental milestones).
  • Heart abnormalities.
  • Vision and/or hearing problems.
  • Language and speech delays.
  • Neurological problems.
  • Memory problems.
  • Learning disorders.
  • Psychological problems.
  • Behavioural problems.

Children with FAS usually have abnormal facial features. These include small eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip.

What causes FAS?

FAS is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can pass across the placenta to your growing foetus, where it can damage your child’s brain, central nervous system and organs.

Your foetus processes alcohol much slower than you do. Because of this, the alcohol may prevent oxygen and other nutrients from reaching your baby.

How can FAS be prevented?

FAS is completely preventable if you avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Remember that no amount of alcohol is safe: even low levels of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to brain dysfunction and behavioural problems in children.

If you find it hard to stop drinking before or during your pregnancy, it’s important to talk to your doctor. The most damage to the foetus occurs during the first trimester.

How is FAS diagnosed?

If you used alcohol during pregnancy, and you’re worried that your child’s health may be affected, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor.

Your doctor will base the diagnosis of FAS on the following features:

  • Poor growth during and after pregnancy.
  • Abnormal facial features (as mentioned above).
  • Central nervous system problems.
  • Neurobehavioral disabilities.

How can FAS be managed?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for FAS. If your child has the condition, your doctor will focus on managing the following:

  • The conditions that tend to occur with FAS (e.g. eye, ear and dental problems).
  • Your child’s nutrient intake (many children with FAS don’t get enough fibre, calcium, or vitamins D, E and K through their diet).
  • Behavioural and learning problems (e.g. temper tantrums, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention).

References:

Does your child have autism?

May 2nd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental conditions that affect communication and behaviour. It’s called a “developmental condition” because signs show up in the first two years of life.

The symptoms usually include ones that show challenges with social skills, behaviour, speech and non-verbal behaviour. These signs usually appear between the ages of two to three. It can also be found in children as young as 18 months.

Major risk factors for ASD is having a sibling and/or elderly parents with ASD, very low birth weight and a genetic disease like Down syndrome.

Common symptoms for autism differ depending on what kind or level of autism you have. Common symptoms include making little eye contact with people, having difficulty communicating with others and repeating behaviour, words and phrases.

Other symptoms in a child may include:

  • Hardly showing enjoyment over things or events.
  • Showing facial expressions that don’t match what’s being said by others.
  • Not looking at or listening to others when they speak.
  • Struggling to have a back and forth conversation.
  • Using an unusual tone of voice.
  • Struggling to understand another person’s point of view and being unable to understand other people’s actions/reactions.
  • Getting upset by slight changes in routine.
  • Being highly sensitive to changes in light, noise, clothing and temperature.

Besides these, those on the spectrum may also have strengths like excelling at maths, science music and art. They may also have excellent memories and be able to retain information for long periods.

Diagnosing Autism

Diagnosing autism can be difficult as there’s no medical test for it. Doctors usually look at a child’s behaviour and development to check for symptoms. For example, a doctor may play with a child to check how they behave with others and if they struggle to learn. Parents are often interviewed about how their child learns, speaks and behaves. Treatment for autism depends on the needs of the child and the symptoms they suffer from. Although autism can’t be cured, there are a few treatment options to help manage the effects of autism.

How to manage Autism

Occupational therapy

This helps your child learn life skills he may struggle with, like feeding himself, bathing and interacting with people. It aims to make your child as independent as possible.

Speech Therapy

Autism can also affect speech, with children either struggling to talk, not talk, grunt, cry or just repeat words that others around them use. A speech therapist can help your child with communication, by teaching them how to use an electronic “talker”, signing, typing, or picture boards. The degree of the intervention depends on the degree of speech impediment, which will be prescribed by the therapist.

Sensory integration therapy

If your child is easily upset by loud sounds, interacting with others or bright lights, this therapy can help him learn to adjust to these kinds of sensory information.

Medication

There’s currently no medication that can treat autism. However, certain medication may be given to help manage symptoms like insomnia, depression and trouble focusing.

Good to know           

  • All children should be checked for any delays or disabilities during regular doctor’s visits. They should be ideally checked at nine months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months.
  • If a child is at high risk for developmental problems, more checks should be done.
  • Studies have shown that medication is most effective if done alongside behavioural therapies.

References:

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