Health check issue 13

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ISSUE 13

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

EDUCATIONAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENT SPONSORED BY

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WORLD HEALTH DAY IN QATAR: FOCUS ON FOOD SAFETY FOOD SAFETY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE IN THE FOOD PRODUCTION CHAIN, FROM FARMERS AND MANUFACTURERS TO VENDORS AND CONSUMERS.

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he Supreme Council of Health (SCH) this month organises events and activities to raise awareness about food safety, in observance of World Health Day. In collaboration with other concerned entities, SCH is keen to secure the highest level of food safety in the country, and to prevent cheating, by inspecting all incoming foodstuffs.

In 2014, SCH inspected 91,949 food consignments that included around 1.5 billion kg of food. Two million kg (almost 0.13%) were refused, more than 2 million kg were discarded and less than 800,000 kg were re-exported.

Imported foodstuffs are inspected continuously by specialised inspectors at the land, sea and air ports before they are given a final release and allowed into the local market.

Consignment procedures in the country of origin are being examined to ensure that the exported products comply with the health measures and to ensure that the official documents, which indicate that the consignments are good for use, are issued by the concerned government authorities and are attached.

The requirements for the transportation of foodstuffs are verified to ensure that foodstuffs are transported in containers, which are made for storing food and which meet all acknowledged safety conditions globally. Requirements are also verified to ensure that the temperature of the foodstuffs is in compliance with the general conditions for transportation in general and with those for the transportation of the cooled and frozen items in particular from the moment of packing until they reach the port.

(Continued on page 2...)

SCH RELEASES

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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he Supreme Council of Health (SCH) published its 3rd progress report, the Council’s Annual Report for the year 2014 which informs the public of the actions the SCH and its partners are taking to reform the healthcare system against 405 published national reform targets. The reforms target reduced reliance on the hospital sector through more primary and community-based care, and increased reliance on the private sector, whilst upholding the highest quality of care.

Spearheading this report, His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Khalid Al Qahtani, Minister of Public Health stated that: “We began this publication so that we could methodically and publicly take stock of our progress in the health sector. In doing this, we now have another way for our population to become more engaged in the healthcare system—through increased awareness and education—which is key to enhancing patient care.”

The year 2014 has seen an unprecedented level of activity from SCH and its four public partners, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners, and National Health Insurance Company.

In 2014, seven new and refurbished facilities were opened, and construction of 25 health centres, 11 hospitals, and 82 other new and refurbished facilities for opening between 2015 and 2022, set into action.

By next year alone, SCH and its partners will open 1,040 new hospital beds with the SCH approving the opening of a further 2,148 new HMC beds between 2017 and 2022.

Bringing the country’s 2022 planned total to 5,578 hospital beds, this is well ahead of the 5,686 beds required by 2033 as projected in the Qatar Healthcare Facilities Master Plan 2013-2033, launched by SCH in July last year. The Plan presents the country’s first longterm healthcare demand and supply plans, based on official population projections, the Qatar National Master Plan, and international best practice.

Since the Plan’s publication, the SCH has already

received and approved additional facility and bed proposals by the private sector. In 2014, the SCH licensed 219 private sector facilities, the highest number yet, and added 168 private providers to the national health insurance network.

Other 2014 highlights from the report include: • Over 38 million free key health services provided to the public • The opening of the region’s first patient-centred long-term care facility • 100% coverage of Qatari nationals by Seha, the new national health insurance scheme • Launch of the new colorectal cancer screening programme • Launch of the new community mental health service hub • Up to 94% satisfaction with public hospital care • Up to 99% satisfaction with public primary care • World’s first 48-hour cancer referral target on track • Ambulance response rate targets met for the second consecutive year • Launch of the E-Jaza national sick leave system An independent study over the same period and published only this April by 24/7 Wall St, an online financial news and opinion agency, ranked Qatar as the world’s healthiest country based on 21 system and health indicators. The SCH and its partners intend to improve these results. They will continue expanding and remodelling provision. The public can play a key role in meeting our healthcare ambition through improved health behaviour which SCH is supporting through the launch of Qatar’s largest national health promotion campaign. Providers, public and private, can also play a key role through ongoing adaptation.

Following a decade of the world’s fastest population growth, Qatar’s population is set to continue to grow rapidly.

The SCH Annual Report 2014 is available and may be downloaded from their website (www.sch.gov.qa/ publications).

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

... REPORT ...

WORLD HEALTH DAY IN QATAR:

FOCUS ON FOOD SAFETY (Continued from page 1)

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o ensure that containers are sealed and will not be tampered with, a number of procedures are also carried out, including the use of a customs lead seal that has a specific number and the sensory evaluation of the coming consignments. Verifying the general safety of the container and its contents, verifying the temperature’s compliance with the requirements of the Gulf specifications and verifying the compliance of the food label and ingredients with the relevant technical Gulf regulations are among the other procedures.

Samples of the new food items are taken continuously to the laboratory to be tested, according to their level of potential seriousness.

The central laboratories analyse the samples according to the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025:2005), established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

The central laboratories achieved a number of important accomplishments, the most outstanding of which was obtaining ISO/IEC 17025. In addition, the Pesticide Residue Testing Laboratory has been inaugurated recently at Abu Samra Border Crossing to test the quality of the imported vegetables and fruits. The development of a method for testing the residues of veterinary medicines in beef, chicken meat and in all foods of animal origin has been completed.

In order to protect public health, raise the awareness of food handlers and reduce the risk of food poisoning, food establishments are also inspected to check whether

they satisfy the requirements and rules of food safety and to ensure their commitment to the requirements of the Gulf standards and the local laws.

SCH is keen to raise the awareness of food handlers and those working in food establishments through the organisation of various workshops. Awareness-raising references, booklets and brochures are published to let them know of the most important food safety rules.

Important researches and studies were conducted in cooperation with a number of other specialised authorities.

The most important included a survey on heavy metals in fish in the Qatari water, a study on the effect of heat on the materials (polyethylene) from which the household water tanks are made, and a study on the impact of high temperatures on bottled water.

Food safety is the responsibility of everyone in the food production chain, from farmers and manufacturers to vendors and consumers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on all countries to promote food safety systems in light of the growing phenomenon of food supplies globalisation. WHO statistics show that unsafe food is linked to the deaths of an estimated two million people around the world yearly, mostly children. The food, which contains harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites or chemicals, is responsible for more than 200 diseases that range from diarrhoea to cancer. The organisation has given five recommendations to guarantee food safety - that cleanliness be maintained, that raw food be separated from cooked food, that food be cooked well, that food be preserved at safe temperatures and that safe water and safe raw materials be used.

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LALAINE TURQUEZA, TAHER ABU ZAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DESIGNER : RAVINDRANATH KOONATH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

... MENTAL HEALTH ...

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UNDERSTANDING OCD OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) IS A TYPE OF ANXIETY DISORDER. ANXIETY AFFECT’S PEOPLES THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS, BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING. PEOPLE LIVING WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS EXPERIENCE UNCONTROLLABLE AND EXAGGERATED WORRIES AND BEHAVIOURS THAT MAKE EVERYDAY LIFE HARD TO COPE WITH. EITHER YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES COULD HAVE THIS DISORDER; IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS, ITS CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION METHODS. THAT WAY YOU CAN SEEK HELP AND CONSEQUENTLY LEAD A HAPPIER LIFE.

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rom its name, OCD includes two characteristics: Obsessions (intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear or worry) and compulsions (repetitive physical or mental behaviours aimed at reducing the associated anxiety), or a combination of both. People with OCD experience recurring and distressing thoughts, fears, or images which they struggle to control.

The anxiety (nervousness) produced by these thoughts leads to an urgent need to perform certain rituals or routines (compulsions). The compulsive rituals are performed in an attempt to prevent the obsessive thoughts or make them go away. Although the ritual may temporarily alleviate anxiety, the person must perform the ritual again when the obsessive thoughts return. This OCD cycle can progress to the point of taking up hours of the person’s day and significantly interfering with normal activities.

People with OCD may already be aware that their obsessions and compulsions are senseless or unrealistic, but they cannot stop them. People with OCD often feel intense shame about their need to carry out these compulsions.

People often have this stigma behind such disorder which discourages its sufferers from admitting to having it. OCD, however, is not shameful nor is it to be kept a secret. It is diagnosable and treatable like any other medical illness. Feelings of shame can exacerbate the problem and the the secrecy associated with OCD can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. It can also result in social disability. An OCD person for example, could eventually stop attending work or social engagement and become house-

bound instead.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of OCD may vary from one person to another. However, there are certain commonalities in the symptoms experienced.

Common obsessions include: • Excessive doubt and the need for constant reassurance • Fear of being embarrassed or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner • Fear of causing harm to another person • Fear of dirt or contamination by germs • Fear of making a mistake • Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts • Need for order, symmetry, or exactness

Common compulsions include:

• Being stuck on words, images or thoughts, that won’t go away and can interfere with sleep • Collecting or hoarding items with no apparent value • Constant counting, mentally or aloud, while performing routine tasks • Constantly arranging things in a certain way • Eating foods in a specific order • Needing to perform tasks a certain number of times • Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs • Repeatedly bathing, showering, or washing hands • Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or stoves • Repeating specific words, phrases, or prayers

OCD CAUSES

OCD is thought to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A number of factors may increase

the risk of developing OCD, including family history, social factors and psychological factors. Other factors specific to OCD include: • Biological factors - OCD has been linked to several neurological factors and irregular levels of serotonin (a chemical that transmits messages between brain cells) in particular. Research into chemical, structural and functional changes or abnormalities in the brain is ongoing.

• Environmental/Learned Behaviours Some experts suggest that OCD may develop as a result of learned behaviours that could be taught either by direct conditioning or by observing other people’s behaviours.

HOW COMMON IS OCD According to the World Health Organization, OCD is one of the top 20 causes of illness-related disability worldwide, for individuals between 15 and 44 years of age. The disorder usually first appears in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. It occurs about equally in men and women and affects people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.

DIAGNOSES, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT OCD will not go away by itself, so it is important to seek advice and treatment from a trained mental health professional.

The mental health professional will bases the diagnosis on an assessment of the patient’s symptoms, including how much time the person spends performing ritual behaviours and the extent to which the anxiety disorder is impacting their

ability to undertake normal daily activities.

The most effective approach to treating OCD combines medications with cognitive behavioural therapy.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The goal of cognitive behavioural therapy is to teaching people with OCD how to confront their fears and reduce their anxiety without performing the ritual behaviours (called exposure therapy or exposure and response prevention therapy). This therapy also focuses on reducing the exaggerated or catastrophic thinking that often occurs in people with OCD. • Medication Therapy: Antidepressant medication, including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be helpful in treating OCD. Some atypical antipsychotics, have also been shown to have value for OCD either when used alone or in combination with an SSRI. In most cases, OCD can be successfully treated with medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, or both. With ongoing treatment, most people can achieve longterm relief from symptoms and return to normal or near-normal functioning.

GETTING HELP IN QATAR If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of OCD, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. In Qatar, there are a number of trained mental health professionals and counsellors working in public and private organizations such as Primary Health Care Centres and Hamad Medical Corporation’s Psychiatry Department.

(Source: webmd.com)

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

... HEALTH QUIZ ...

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT FATIGUE Fatigue (also called exhaustion, tiredness, languidness, languor, lassitude, and listlessness) is a subjective feeling of tiredness which is distinct from weakness, and has a gradual onset. Unlike weakness, fatigue can be alleviated by periods of rest. Fatigue can have physical or mental causes. Physical fatigue is the transient inability of a muscle to maintain optimal physical performance, and is made more severe by intense physical exercise. Mental fatigue is a transient decrease in maximal cognitive performance resulting from prolonged periods of cognitive activity. Medically, fatigue is a non-specific symptom, which means that it has many possible causes. Fatigue and ‘feelings of fatigue’ are often confused. The following quiz will help you learn more about fatigue.

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Which change in your diet probably won’t fight fatigue?

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What’s good for your fatigue?

A. Taking several naps B. Walking for 30 minutes C. Drinking coffee Answer: B. Regular, moderate aerobic activity, like walking, is a great way to perk up and ease your fatigue. Caffeine might give you quick energy, but isn’t a great solution. It can keep you awake at night, which can make you sleepier during the day. That’s also why, in general, it’s better to avoid naps. When you nap, you may not be tired enough at bedtime to get a full, good night’s sleep.

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Getting only 6 hours of sleep a night? Even if you toss and turn, you should stay in bed for 8 hours.

A. True B. False Answer: B. It’s much better to get 6 solid hours of sleep than to spend more time in bed being restless. If you wake up and it’s still very early, try reading with a dim light and go back to bed if you get sleepy. But don’t sleep late to make up for it. That will throw off your sleep schedule.

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When you’re suddenly very tired, it can be a sign of dehydration.

A. True B. False Answer: A. When you don’t drink enough water, your body doesn’t work like it should. You can get tired and lose energy. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated -- so skip the sodas and coffee and drink water instead.

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A. True B. False

A. Call your health care provider ASAP B. Keep lists and make notes C. Take short naps

You’re often overwhelmed by everything you have to do, but to beat fatigue you need to power through.

Answer: B. No way. Learning to say “no” is really important when you’re fighting fatigue. Only commit to activities that are most important and most enjoyable. Reset your priorities. It’s OK to bring store-bought cookies to the school bake sale, and it’s fine to skip the after-work gathering if the payoff is feeling better in the long run.

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Your prescription medications are making you tired. You should:

A. Be glad: At least you’re drowsy!

B. Stop taking them immediately so you’re not tired during the day.

C. Talk to your doctor about changing medications.

Answer: C. Some medications can make you drowsy, and that can contribute to your overall sense of fatigue during the day. Don’t stop taking any medication without talking to your health care provider first. There’s a chance that you could switch to a different medicine without the same side effects.

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Sugar is an easy way to help fight fatigue.

A. True B. False Answer: B. What you eat can have a big effect on how you feel and how much energy you have. Sugar might give you a quick burst of energy, but when it wears off, you’ll be tired all over again. Caffeine and junk food also can contribute to general fatigue. The best diet is a well-rounded and healthy one.

You sometimes forget what you’re supposed to be doing. You should.

Answer: B. When you’re overly tired and fatigued, it’s normal to be a little forgetful. Try using calendars, lists, or sticky notes -- whatever tools will help you remember what you have to do. You may want to mention any worries about your forgetfulness the next time you visit your health care provider. If you feel that it’s happening more often than it used to, tell your doctor.

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Feeling tired? You might be able to blame this in your kitchen:

A. Fibre-filled food B. Spicy foods C. Too much water Answer: B. Spicy foods -- especially if you eat them near bedtime -- can hurt your sleep because of indigestion and heartburn. Fibre-rich foods, like many fruits and vegetables, help your body absorb sugar. Fibre evens out energy highs and lows, which may keep you from getting too tired. It’s also important to drink plenty of water. If you get dehydrated, your body doesn’t work well and you can feel tired.

A. Breakfast every morning B. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids C. Foods rich in vitamin B D. All of the above Answer: C. Making changes to your diet can help you feel more energetic.

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- like some seafood, nuts, and dark, leafy green vegetables -- help fight fatigue. Foods that are full of vitamin B -- such as eggs, lean meats, and dairy products -- can also help restore energy.

And it’s important to start the day with a breakfast that has protein and carbs (like an egg and whole-grain toast) to get the energy you need to kick-start your day.

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Fatigue isn’t always caused by lack of sleep. It might be triggered by: A. Depression B. Anaemia C. Rheumatoid arthritis D. Liver disease E. All of the above Answer: E. Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night, but there can be other reasons for your tiredness. Fatigue can be caused by a whole range of conditions, including depression, mononucleosis, anaemia, thyroid problems, liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. If there’s no clear cause for your problem, your doctor may want to do some tests to get to the root of your symptoms.

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... FITNESS ...

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

DANCING YOUR WAY TO FITNESS Z

umba Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance workout. Zumba® classes blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to follow choreography, for an effective, total-body workout. Founded in 2001, the company is the largest branded fitness programme in the world — reporting more than 15 million weekly participants, in over 200,000 locations across more than 180 countries.

Zumba’s popularity as a fitness routine is contagious even in Qatar, evident in the number of Zumba classes offered in various locations around Doha. What exactly is the benefit of Zumba?

According to its official website, zumba.com, Zumba is a total workout that combines all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.

Zumba is designed to bring people together, mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance exercise that takes the work out of the regular fitness routine.

Find your class Zumba Fitness: This is the standard class with its high-energy rhythms and distinctive Latin beats that will guarantee sweating.

Zumba Toning: This class uses toning sticks and targets the abs, glutes, arms, and thighs.

Zumba Gold: This class is for older people and is a bit calmer than the standard, but following the same basic principles.

Zumba Gold Toning: For people wise-beyond-their-years.

Aqua Zumba: You do the same Zumba moves, except that the class is submerged in water.

Zumba Sentao: This class is centred around a chair and help strengthen the core, work on the balance, and step up the cardio.

Zumba Step: All movements for step toning and strengthening targeting the legs and glutes, combined with all the Zumba® fitness moves.

Zumba in the Circuit: This combines Zumba and circuit training. Aside from dancing, you’ll be doing strength exercises to get an all-around workout.

Zumba Kids: A simpler version of Zumba Fitness designed for the little ones!

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

... DOCTOR’S DESK ...

COLD ALL THE TIME? W

e all feel chilled to the bone every now and then – especially during the cold winter months. But when you just can’t warm up – even during the summer months, is there a deeper, underlying issue?

According to Dr Manny Alvarez, currently the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Hackensack University Medical Centre in New Jersey, and who also serve as Fox News Channel’s Senior Managing Editor for Health News, low thyroid hormone activity contributes to a person’s feeling of being cold all the time, especially among pregnant women. But there are other reasons, too.

“The body conserves energy and produces less heat when you don’t eat,” says Dr Alvarez. So if you plan to skip on your meals, bring something to keep you warm as you are more prone to feel the chill even within air conditioned spaces.

Not getting enough sleep is also a contributing factor as this can make you feel rundown and less active, added Dr Alvarez.

Anaemia – a condition resulting from the decrease in the amount of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood also is a factor why people feel cold more. A simple blood test can detect if you are anaemic. It is, however, advised that you determine first the specific cause of your anaemia before taking any dietary supplement.

Fluctuating oestrogen levels or hormonal imbalances in women can also make them sensitive to cold temperatures, as well as having a lower body weight. By this, Dr Alvarez clarifies that this is in reference to muscle mass and body fat, as using your muscles help generate heat and fat acts as insulation.

But the most alarming cause of this condition is Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which the blood vessels and smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin constrict, limiting blood flow to keep the fingers and toes warm. Raynaud’s disease may be classified as primary or secondary, with the latter possibly resulting in complications.

If you are always feeling cold, go to your primary care physician and have a physical just to be sure, advised Dr Alvarez. You may even want to see an endocrinologist.

(Reference: Fox News)

Tanned Skin is Damaged Skin T

he healthy glow associated with a tan is not at all healthy and is actually a sign of danger, according to a report that also cites the alarming 200 per cent increase in deadly melanoma cases since 1973.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which forms from melanocytes, the pigment-containing cells in the skin. It has become quite common in the last 20 years, mostly among Caucasians living in sunny climates.

“The sad news is that unfortunately, there is no way to safely tan. The research is clear that there are no cut-offs on how much sun is safe,” said Dr Angela Lamb, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital’s School of Medicine in New York City.

“This is likely because everyone has

a different genetic makeup, skin tone, lives in different regions. There are just too many variables,” Lamb added in a news release.

She cautioned everyone living in areas with generous ‘summer’ sunshine, encouraging kids to wear hats and sunscreen and schedule outdoor activities when the sun is low in the sky.

It’s likely there is some reasonable amount of sun exposure that an individual can get without harming himself or herself, “but we just do not know what that is, given all of the factors mentioned,” she added.

“Furthermore, there certainly is no such thing as a healthy tan. Once you have reached a tan, you have received too much sun,” Lamb said.

Here in Qatar where more sun exposure is inevitable because of the

country’s desert environment, residents should be more cautious.

Lamb outlined some ways to be protected from too much sun exposure, and help prevent skin cancer.

1. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. In some situations, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 50.

2. Apply sunscreen liberally, at least 15 minutes before you go outside and re-apply it every hour when outdoors.

3. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and consider sitting under an umbrella. Wear a rash guard shirt around the water.

4. Try to avoid the sun between 10 AM and 3 PM, when the levels of ultraviolet rays are highest.

(Reference: Mount Sinai Hospital News Release)

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

... PAEDIATRICS & CHILD HEALTH ...

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MAKE SURE YOU ARE GIVING YOUR CHILDREN

THE RIGHT MEDICINE AND THE RIGHT AMOUNT N

ot all children’s illnesses are treated with medication. But in times when medication is recommended, parents tend to give their children too much, believing that it will help the kid heal faster. When it comes to taking medicines, kids are not supposed to be treated like small adults. Here are ten ways to make sure you are giving your children the right medicine and the right amount.

1. Read and follow the label directions every time. Pay special attention to usage directions and warnings. If you notice any new symptoms or unexpected side effects in your child or the medicine doesn’t appear to be working, talk to your doctor or pharmacist

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immediately.

Know how much medicine to give and when. Read and follow the label.

Know the abbreviations for all measurements indicated in the medicine’s package – tbsp for tablespoon, tsp for teaspoon. You should also know mg for milligram, mL for millilitre, and oz for ounce.

Use the correct dosing device. If the label says two teaspoons and you’re using a dosing cup with ounces only, don’t guess – get the proper measuring device. Don’t substitute another item, such as a kitchen spoon.

Never play doctor. Twice the recommended dose is not appropriate just

because your child seems twice as sick as last time. When in doubt about your child’s condition, call your doctor.

6. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional before giving two medicines at the same time to avoid a possible overdose or an unwanted interaction.

7. Follow age and weight limit recommendations. If the label says don’t give to children under a certain age or weight, don’t.

8. Always use the child-resistant cap and re-lock the cap after each use. Be especially careful with iron-containing vitamins or supplements, which have been a source of accidental poisoning

deaths in children under three.

9. Follow the “KEEP OUT OF REACH” warning. Today’s medicines are often flavoured to mask the taste of the medicine, which is all the more reason to keep all drugs out of sight and reach of children.

10. Always check the package and the medicine itself for signs of tampering.

Don’t buy or use any medicine from a package that shows cuts, tears, slices, or other imperfections. Report anything suspicious to the pharmacist or the store manager.

(Source: fda.gov)

Symptoms of Common Childhood Illnesses M

andatory vaccines for children have made some of these illnesses rare. But if these symptoms are observed in your child, make sure to consult your paediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ear Infection The symptoms include fever, fussiness, and ear-pulling. Most ear infections are due to viruses.

Chickenpox

Commonly identified with uncomfortable red blisters which could last for days.

It can cause dangerous complications in infants, adults, and pregnant women.

Measles

The infection starts with fever, runny nose, and cough. As these symptoms fade, a full-body rash appears. Most kids get better in two weeks.

Rotavirus

The main symptoms are vomiting and

watery diarrhoea, which can cause dehydration especially among babies.

Mumps

The classic sign is swollen glands between the ear and jaw.

Pinkeye

Tearing, redness, itching, and crusty eyelashes, it is often caused by the same viruses for the common cold. Most cases clear up in four to seven days.

Croup

A tight cough that sounds like a barking seal, caused by the inflammation in the upper airways, usually due to a virus.

Croup is most common in children under 5.

While these illnesses are common among children and naturally heal after a prescribed period, any sign of infection should be taken seriously. Consult your doctor at the onset of the illness and ask for advice on how to avoid any complications.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015