safety – Hello Doctor

How do I know if I can stop my medication?

November 20th, 2019 by Content Editor

When you’re prescribed medication, it’s important for your long-term health to follow your doctor’s instructions and to take them properly.

Unfortunately, some of us may stop taking our medication for various reasons. This may include:

Not believing the treatment is going to improve your health.
Having had a bad experience with a certain medication in the past (e.g. side-effects like nausea or cramps).
Being in denial about your condition, therefore believing you don’t need to take your medication.
Believing you “feel better”.

However, stopping your medication as you please or not taking your medication as prescribed can cause serious problems. Here are a few things you should know before you stop taking your medication.

Be prepared

Prevention is better than cure, so once you’re prescribed a new medication, understand your treatment properly. Ask your doctor:

Your dose and schedule
The expected outcome
Common side effects
How long you’ll have to take it
What will happen if you stop taking it

Talk to your doctor first

Whatever your reason for wanting to stop your medication is, discuss it with your doctor. Stopping your medication abruptly may worsen your symptoms or cause unpleasant side effects. Explain exactly why you’re thinking of not taking your medication anymore. For example, if your health seems to have improved drastically or you’ve been experiencing unpleasant reactions to your medicine, explain this clearly.

Know the side effects

When you’re prescribed any new medication, ask your doctor about the possible side effects. With some conditions like high blood pressure, stopping your medication can be dangerous. Because there are no obvious symptoms, you won’t know how your body is reacting.

Stop your medication safely

If your doctor gives you the go-ahead to stop taking medication, you can’t always just go cold turkey!. For example, with some medications, you’ll need to start taking smaller doses until your body is weaned off. This helps your body avoid unpleasant side effects that come with stopping medication too quickly.

Remember:

Always take your medication as prescribed.
Ask your doctor about anything you’re unsure about.
Always tell your doctor about other medication as some medications can react badly to each other.
Use your phones’ calendar to stay on top of your medication schedule.

References:

The dangers of medication

November 30th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Medication helps us feel better, right? If taken the right way, yes. After a consultation with your doctor, he may prescribe certain medications to help you recover. These are normally given with directions like how much to take and at what times.

Medication becomes dangerous when you leave the doctor’s room without being clear on how you should take it. This lack of knowledge could cause serious consequences.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), an estimated 20% of high school students admit to taking prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription.

Misusing medication can leave you with several negative effects.

Some medications can be addictive. In this case, you would need more of the drug and in higher doses to get the same effects. When you stop taking the drug, you have symptoms like nausea, shaking, sweating and nervousness.

Taking medication that your doctor didn’t prescribe or misusing your own medication is illegal. What’s more, the likelihood of committing a crime increases when you’re abusing drugs.

Remember also, that misusing medication can cause poor judgment, which can put you in dangerous situations. Most importantly, its ultimately your health that suffers when you abuse medication. Misusing medication can cause changes in your mood, decrease your mental function, interrupts your menstrual cycle, affects your fertility and could even interrupt breathing.

Good to know

After your consultation with your doctor, you need to ask why they’re prescribing you a certain type of medication to you, and whether it has any side-effects. This is your chance to ask as many questions as possible. If you’re not comfortable with taking that prescription, ask for an alternative.
Although many people can have the same condition, not everyone is treated the same way. A doctor prescribes medication according to your specific experience with a condition and according to how your body will react to it. If you take someone else’s medication, you may become sicker and your body will build up resistance. This means that your body will get used to certain medications and they will no longer work for you.
Store your medication in a safe place and at the right temperature. If you have children around, it’s best to keep meds as far out of their reach as possible. Some medications need to be stored at room temperature and others, like cough syrups, should be kept in the fridge. Read the instructions carefully and look out for the expiration dates on your medication. Over time, they can lose their strength.
Listen to your doctor. You consulted him because of his expertise in the first place. Overdosing is a real concern, so always check with your doctor about dosages.
Mistakes happen. You may leave the pharmacy with the wrong medication. Double-check your medication, dosage and instructions, ask the relevant questions one more time to be sure. It’s your responsibility.
Always check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medication or even natural remedies. This will help prevent potential danger of mixing prescription with other forms of medication.

References:

5 things you should never do while driving

October 8th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Driving is a rite of passage everyone wants to achieve. It gives you the freedom to transport yourself whenever and wherever you want to go. This doesn’t mean that you do whatever you please when you’re behind the wheel, though!

Eating while you’re driving, or applying make-up sounds harmless, but multitasking on the road can be dangerous. According to statistics by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), there were 14 050 road crash-related deaths in 2017. Scary, right?

You can help lower the death toll by being more cautious on the road. Here are a few things you should avoid doing while driving.

1. Eating and drinking

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a bus driver faced a lawsuit in 2014 for causing an accident involving three drivers. When a video was later revealed in 2015, it was discovered that he was distracted while driving because he was enjoying his lunch… a burrito. Like the unfortunate bus driver, you may think that having a snack while you’re in traffic is harmless but think again. Just taking your hands off the wheel for one sip of water may cause an accident. Instead of munching while on the road, have a snack before you get into your car. If you’re taking a long trip, take breaks in a legal parking area to eat or drink. And of course; never drink alcohol and drive!

2. Using your phone

Your phone beeps while you’re driving, so you look down for a second to check the message. Such a seemingly innocent thing to do, but it’s a huge risk. A survey by the Automobile Association (AA) revealed that during peak hour traffic 7.2% of 2500 drivers were using their phones while driving. Avoid texting, scrolling through social media, and making phone calls while you’re driving. A phone occupies your hands and distracts your thoughts. Check and send any messages before you start driving. If you have a passenger, ask them to answer important calls or text messages while you keep your eyes on the road.

3. Getting dressed

Your car isn’t a changing room, so avoid using it as one. Think of all the yanking, stretching and pulling you need to do when getting changed. This makes it impossible to keep your eyes on the road, or your hands on the steering wheel. If you’re running late, rather pack your clothes in your car and change in a bathroom or dressing room when you get to your destination. Alternatively, dress as far as possible and change your shoes or add layers once you’re safely parked away from the road.

4. Make-up and grooming

Whether it’s brushing your hair, applying mascara or painting your nails, you can’t do any of these while driving. Either apply your makeup before you start driving, or do it when you’ve arrived at your destination. But never while you’re driving. And remember, your car mirrors are there to help you keep an eye on the road, not so you can swipe on some lipstick!

5. Take a nap

Don’t kid yourself. There’s no such thing as closing your eyes “for a second”, so don’t close them while you’re at the wheel. If you’re sleepy, take a nap before starting your journey. If you’re on a long drive, make time to get some shut-eye before continuing your trip. Driving with a passenger can be a great help as you can take turns driving when either of you are tired.

References:

How to avoid toxins in the kitchen

September 17th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Imagine you still had to head out into the field to collect your corn, fetch your eggs from the chickens and milk your own cow. It may be a novel experience for a weekend retreat, but hardly a practical morning routine for our modern lives.

We live in the age of convenience: with ready-made meals, and fruit, veg and fresh produce delivered straight to your door. The downside, though, is that all the processing and packaging can lead to harmful toxins entering into your kitchen. Pay attention to these hidden dangers of our prepackaged era, so you can give your family the best.

Safer storage

The Risk: 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. These chemicals are often linked to cancer, endocrine disruption (an interference with the normal functioning of hormones) and chronic diseases. Plastic containers and packaging may leak substances like bisphenol-A (BPA), bisphenol-S (BPS), and phthalates into the foods they touch. BPA is the substance that makes plastic clear and hard.

The Alternative: Because we generally can’t pinpoint what’s in our plastics, always choose materials made from glass, ceramic, bamboo, or metal to prepare and store your food with. Opt for eco-friendly replacements like paper bags or cartons for plastic wrap. If you do need to use a plastic container, shop for BPA-Free plastic. When you microwave BPA plastic, chemicals in the plastic (including the phthalates that make plastic flexible), will actually leak into the food. This means that the chemicals move from the plastic into the food. Avoid this by always heating food in a glass or ceramic container.

Non-stick pans

The Risk: While we all love an egg that doesn’t stick to the pan, non-stick cookware may not be worth it. The coating on the pan may be made with a carcinogenic chemical that releases fumes when heated. The coating may also flake and peel off over time and this is definitely not something you want in your food!

The Alternative: Aluminium pans are a common alternative; however, its coating may also break down over time and leak chemicals. Where possible, rather opt for cast iron, high-quality ceramic, or glass.

Bleached paper products

The Risk: White paper towels, parchment paper and baking cups look pretty, but they are hotbeds for toxic chemicals. Paper is bleached with chlorine, which creates a chemical by-product called dioxin. Dioxin is considered cancer-promoting and causes adverse effects on your endocrine and immune systems. It may also affect your fertility.

The Alternative: Choose reusable alternatives instead of disposable products. These include washable bamboo kitchen towels and reusable tea filters.

Simple steps can change your kitchen from a toxic place to a safe one.

Glass and ceramic are great choices when it comes to dishware. Make sure that the ceramic dishware has a lead-free glaze. High-quality food grade silicone plates, stainless steel, bamboo or wood containing food-safe finishes are also safe options.
Avoid Teflon and other chemical non-stick coatings. Overheating of non-stick pans and any scratching or chipping of the materials can cause these chemicals to be released.
Avoid plastic utensils and accessories when cooking as these can melt or flake with extreme heat or wear down over time. This could potentially cause chemicals to transfer to food. Choose stable materials like wood, bamboo, silicone or stainless steel instead.
The safest materials for cookware and bakeware include glass, high stainless steel, cast iron and ceramic cookware.
When using stainless steel cookware, know that deeply scratched and pitted pans can cause metals like nickel and chromium to transfer into food in trace amounts. These are not necessarily toxic elements unless you have an allergy or sensitivity. For your safety, avoid frequent use of abrasive materials with stainless steel cookware.
Use non-toxic cleaning products. Avoid bleach, ammonia, synthetic fragrances and dyes.
Filter tap water for drinking and cooking. Find a high-quality filter that can remove heavy metals, chlorine, and other contaminants.
Buy products from reputable manufacturers who have detailed description labels.

References:

https://mightynest.com/learn/getting-started/healthy-living-guides/12-ways-to-avoid-toxins-in-the-kitchen
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/get-toxins-out-of-kitchen/
https://elevays.com/10-common-kitchen-toxins-everyone-avoid-part-1/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/hidden-sources-of-toxins-in-your-kitchen/

Protect your baby from cot death

June 13th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Imagining your baby in any kind of danger is your worst nightmare. So, it’s important to know the risks of something as common as cot death, and how to prevent it.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, happens for many reasons. It’s when a baby who’s 12 months old, or younger, suddenly dies during sleep with no warning signs. Infants between two and four months are most at risk.

Protect your little one

There isn’t a foolproof method to prevent SIDS, but there are ways to lower the risk.

Baby on his back

You may be tempted to place your baby on his side to sleep, but this puts him at risk of SIDS. This is because he can roll over onto his stomach. This position puts your baby’s face in the mattress, which can smother or suffocate him. Whether your baby is going to nap or sleep for the night, always place him flat on his back. Avoid leaving him to sleep in a pram or carseat for long periods. Tell anyone who takes care of your baby (babysitters, grandparents, friends, siblings etc.) how important it is to place your baby to sleep on his back.

No soft toys and bedding

You might think that soft bedding would be best for your baby’s comfort, but this increases the risk of suffocation and smothering. Only use a firm mattress for your baby’s cot and don’t stuff it with blankets, pillows, stuffed toys or cot bumpers. A fitted sheet is enough to keep your baby comfortable and lower the risk of SIDS.

Keep your baby cool

Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Dress your little one in light, comfortable clothes for sleeping and keep the temperature in the room comfortable. If the room temperature is lower than usual due to cooler weather, a onesie is the perfect clothing option if your baby is sleeping. It covers the arms, legs and feet. Avoid using blankets to keep your baby warm as he may get tangled in it while sleeping.

Don’t smoke around your baby

Babies born to women who smoke during their pregnancies are three times more likely to die than babies born to non-smokers. Smoking when you’re pregnant or smoking near your baby (secondhand smoke) increases the risk of SIDS. Try to quit smoking and don’t allow anyone to smoke around your baby.

Don’t co-sleep with your baby

Snuggling with your baby or breastfeeding is easier to do in your bed, but don’t share a bed with your baby while sleeping. It’s important to keep your baby close, but it’s dangerous for your little one to sleep with anyone in the same space. If your baby falls asleep in your arms, place him into his cot once he’s settled. You’ll lower the risk of your baby being suffocated or smothered by you or your partner while you sleep.

Immunize your baby

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics; the risk of SIDS is 50% lower in babies who are immunized. Take your baby for all his necessary injections. Talk to your doctor about which ones your baby needs and any tips to keep your baby safe.

Breastfeed for as long as possible

Breastmilk helps protect your baby as the milk contains antibodies to keep away viruses and bacteria. It lowers the risk of SIDS by up to 50%, so breastfeed for as long as you can. Remember, you shouldn’t drink alcohol if you breastfeed as alcohol increases the risk of SIDS.

References

At what age can my kid have a cellphone?

May 11th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’ve decided to give your child a cellphone for safety reasons. But you’re worried. Will he spend his days glued to the tiny screen? What kind of horrors will he be exposed to on the Internet? Is it a big mistake to give him a phone at this age?

A child receiving a cellphone has become a 21^st century rite of passage, but there’s a lot to consider, with all the emotional, developmental and social risks involved.

Know the risks

A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that cellphones pose possible health hazards for the brain, academic performance and behaviour.

Academic performance

Today, phones aren’t just a means to make calls. For a child, it’s used to play games, text friends, and watch videos. Thanks to its all-in-one capabilities, a cellphone can be a big distraction; particularly during school and homework time when kids should be concentrating.

Cyber bullying

Being bullied online means the bully is everywhere. A Vodafone survey found that one in five South African teens experience cyber bullying and 84% said that they know someone being bullied online. Cyber bullying may not seem as serious as physical bullying, but 60% of the participants believe that cyber bullying is worse than being bullied face-to-face.

Risky behaviour

At least 70% of children aged eight to 16 have stumbled on online pornography while innocently searching for homework-related information. What’s more; the largest group of Internet porn users is aged 12-17. Children sending inappropriate pictures is also a concern. They aren’t aware that whatever they send or share online may land in the wrong hands.

Is your child ready for a phone?

Ask yourself these questions before deciding.

Does your child have a history of good decision-making?
Does he understand inappropriate online behaviour?
Would your child come to you if he has phone-related issues (e.g. cyberbullying)?
Does your child need a cellphone (e.g. if he travels alone frequently)?
Will your child follow cellphone rules at home and at school?
Is your child able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written?

Keep your child safe

Talk to your child

Remember when you first got a cellphone? It was exciting, right? Your child will be so wrapped up in having a new “toy” to play with that he won’t see any possible dangers. Talk to him about what could happen and what to look out for to prepare him for any dangers. Open communication will also make him feel like he can confide in you, should anything happen.

Make rules and stick to them

Keep an eye on how much time your child spends on his phone. A good way to manage this is to limit your child’s data the same way you’d limit pocket money. In this way, he won’t text as much in order to make the data last as long as possible. You can also ban certain sites to prevent him stumbling on inappropriate content.

Set social boundaries

Unless you want your child to text throughout dinner or during school hours, give them social limits. For example, no texting while with other people. Or no phone at night. Giving him set weekend “phone times” is also a good way to manage use.

Set boundaries for them

Use apps and parental controls which will limit your child’s behaviour: who they can talk to, what websites they can visit and which apps they can download. You could even limit them to a basic phone – do they really need a smartphone?

References:

Watch out for toxic toys

October 24th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Kids usually want everything they see in stores. And whether it’s their birthday, Christmas or just the fact that the neighbour’s child has one – our little ones can become very persuasive to get what they want!

Before you give in to their pleas, though, make sure you’re not purchasing something that could be dangerous to your little one’s health!

According to Safe Kids Worldwide a non-profit organisation, each year throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury. Almost every one of them was preventable.

Toys are meant to be fun, but if your child needs to be taken to hospital for choking on an object, it’s time to reconsider his favourite toys. The most effective way to ensure the safety of your child is to also supervise while he plays. It’s always a good idea to read instructions on toys more carefully as well. Buy brands that you trust and that meet safety standards.

Avoid toys with these materials

Lead: Children’s bodies are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. A small amount of exposure can harm their brain development and nervous system. New research by Greenpeace finds too that almost one in every three toys made in China contains heavy concentrations of metals and lead.

Phthalates: Is a group of chemicals used to make plastic flexible and harder to break. This hazardous chemical has been linked to birth defects, premature puberty in girls and a reduction in sperm quality in males.

PBDEs (polybrominated diphenylethers): Is a group of chemicals used to slow or stop the spread of fire or reduce its intensity. The chemicals in baby products pose a threat to the development of the child’s body and brain.

Bisphenol A (BPA): Is a chemical found in many hard plastics that we use every day. It’s a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to reproductive disorders, Down syndrome, premature puberty and cancer.

Mercury: This naturally-occurring chemical element is widely used in a variety of devices and products. It can impair your child’s neurological development.

Before you plan on surprising your little ones, always do a smell test on products. Have you ever noticed that “beach ball” smell in plastic products? That is toxic softeners in plastic. The strong perfumes can aggravate allergies or asthma. Opt for products that are made with natural and non-toxic materials.

Checklist before you head to the till

Does it have sharp points or edges?
Does it look cheaply made?
Are the batteries easily accessible?
Does it have small parts that look easily detachable?

If yes, consider another toy.

Help at hand

Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.
Stuffed toys should be washable.
Art material should read non-toxic.
Old toys from family and friends will hold a sentimental value, but can be a health hazard as they could further break down and cause more harm.
Be mindful of musical and electronic devices that may be too loud; these can damage your child’s hearing.

All said and done, don’t stress too much about getting the perfect toy: Chances are that your child will end up playing with the box anyway!

References:

How to be cool for the summer

November 26th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’re lazing in the sun on the beach, going for daily ice-cream runs and party day is every day. Still, for all the highs of the summer holidays, there can be just as many lows if you don’t play it safe. Make the most of summer; the healthy and safe way.

Continue reading “How to be cool for the summer”

10 ways to prep for festival season

October 19th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether you’re into ground-vibrating trance music or soulful jazz, festival season has something for everyone. To enjoy it to its full potential, keep your health in check for the party ahead.

1. Stay hydrated

You may think booze in paper cups and the occasional caffeine run will be enough to keep you going on your festival weekend, but water will keep you buzzing more than any beer can. Dehydration causes dizziness, headaches and in some cases, loss of consciousness, so if you want to continue jumping around to your favourite tunes without a hiccough, pack plenty of water and suss out the closest water stops.

2. Fuel up

The food that you eat amounts to the total of energy you will have for your fun weekend ahead, so munch wisely. Bring your own food options along to ensure that your digestion and energy levels are kept in check. Great options are nuts, oats and dried fruit. Tinned foods are great because they come with a container to eat from. Use cooler bags to pack in fruits, veggies and other fresh foods.

3. Catch some Zs

You might feel vibrant and alive while you’re belting it out with everyone else to that song that touches your soul but if you don’t get enough sleep you’ll be burnt out before the next track. Bring along earplugs to ensure that you can grab a few hours of sleep to reboot for the next jam session and resist the temptation to party all night long.

4. Grab some shade

Everyone loves a golden summer tan, but getting roasted is not the best idea. Bring along a good hat, sunscreen and appropriate clothes for different heat levels. Besides sunburn, you should also keep the danger of heat stroke in mind, so keep a hat or umbrella close at all times.

5. Pop your pills

It’s easy to forget to take your prescription pills in between partying, so set up schedules for yourself to follow. Set an alarm, write it on your arm or ask your friends to remind you.

6. Watch the booze

You can have great time without alcohol, but if you want a drink, try to limit yourself. Excessive drinking of alcohol and caffeine may increase your anxiety levels and dehydration – not what you want at a festival!

7. Stay regular

Your favourite feel-good jams are playing and the atmosphere is magical, as everyone sways their arms in the air. You would be having the time of your life, if you weren’t suffering from indigestion, courtesy of that oily burger you had for lunch, as well as standing in bathroom queues. Snack on prunes and chia seeds, drink apple and orange juice and use the bathroom when you need to, to keep your tummy happy.

8. Take a break

Being in a crowd full of people, with loud music and incessant excitement can be draining for most people. Be sure to sneak in a break between the partying. Sit alone under a tree, take a nap in your tent or lay on the grass and cloud gaze.

9. Make friends

If your friends aren’t into the festival scene, strike up a conversation with some of your fellow music enthusiasts to make a festival buddy. Making friends will not only mean your experience is more enjoyable, but if anything happens concerning your health or safety, you are better off in numbers.

10. Map it out

Before you start your music adventure, study your surroundings. Research the available food stands, find the bathrooms, performance areas and spots for tents. Use a map if it is available or walk around to form a map in your head.

Worried about the signs of skin cancer? Log in about the signs and symptoms, and how to prevent it. If you’re not a member yet, why not sign up now? Our doctors are available around the clock, with advice you can trust!

References:
http://thechalkboardmag.com/how-to-stay-healthy-at-a-festival
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/beauty/health/2016/04/14/festival-season-health-guide/http://www.gigwise.com/features/91179/15-ways-to-physically-and-mentally-prepare-for-festival-season

UPDATE: Don’t lose your child in a public place

April 9th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Children do go missing. Parents, we know that it’s the last thing you want to hear, but it is a true risk. Nothing equals the panic you feel when a little one suddenly disappears. We’ve put together a list of practical safety measures that are simple enough to explain to children. Your child now has a “safety plan” that they can understand and follow.

Continue reading “UPDATE: Don’t lose your child in a public place”

Don’t drive over the Easter Bunny!

March 26th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

The season of chocolate bunnies and long weekends is coming at us at high speed. Can you believe it’s Easter already? Fun times await us, and to make sure that feel good chocolatey love carries on, we thought it’s time to give you some advice.

Over the years, the festive seasons have always been a lightning rod for road accidents, but we don’t want that this year. Would you rather sit with your family and hunt Easter eggs or wake up in an emergency ward? It’s a no-brainer. Continue reading “Don’t drive over the Easter Bunny!”

Rip currents! Watch out!

January 5th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com

Watch out for rip currents at the beach! Rip currents form when waves flow in towards the beach over shallow water or sandbanks, with the water forming a rip (or river) when it flows back into the sea. Here’s important information on how to spot a rip current, and what to do if you find yourself caught in one.

Continue reading “Rip currents! Watch out!”