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Safety Tips to Know Before Decorating your Christmas Tree

By Dr. M. Cooper Paediatrician
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Its Christmas time and I have not put up my Christmas tree as yet. Every year my family looks forward to decorating the Christmas tree together and the kids love this family time. Here are some safety tips when putting up your Christmas tree: 1. First, we need to place the tree in a space where not many persons are walking and not close to any heated source 2. It is also best to secure the tree, so it does not tip over and fall on your child. 3. Ornaments can be a choking hazard so ensure that they are not small. It is also best to choose unbreakable ornaments and to hang the ornaments with ribbons instead of metal. 4. Ensure all cords and lights are not easily accessible to your child. You should try to place the cords together and tuck them in a hidden area. 5. Check the Christmas lights for broken bulbs and faulty wires before placing it on the tree. 6. Always turn off the Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to bed. 7. For your toddlers you may want to install baby ga...
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OH MY THERE IS VOMIT AND STOOL EVERYWHERE!

By Dr. M. Cooper Paediatrician
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 In Jamaica we recently experienced a natural disaster which has interrupted the water supply to many homes. Unfortunately, this puts us at risk, for several infections including Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an infection in your stomach and intestines which are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. The most common cause is viruses. Your child can get these germs by ingesting contaminated food or water, poor hygiene or coming in contact with an infected person. Sometimes kids tend to share each other food and drinks when in a group setting and this is another way of them getting the infection. Symptoms to look out for: -vomiting -diarrhoea -abdominal pain -fever -refusing to eat and drink -lethargy -irritability -decreased wet diapers or less frequent urination -thirst -weight loss Treatment Sorry parents there is no specific treatment for this illness. The main goal is to prevent or treat dehydration. Most times these children can be treated at home with rehydration flu...
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UH- OH! My Child has a Fever

By Dr. M. Cooper Paediatrician
  U H- OH! My Child has a Fever Many parents get anxious and scared when their child has a fever. Even me as a doctor gets scared when my children get a fever. So let us take a deep breath in and tackle this one step at a time. A fever occurs when the body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit,38 degrees Celsius or higher. The temperature can be measured by placing a thermometer at the underarm, forehead, mouth, at the ear or rectum. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of fever. Your child can also get a fever after receiving immunizations which usually goes away after one to two days. Dressing in warm clothing can also cause an elevated temperature. So, it is best to put on lighter clothing and to recheck the temperature after a couple of minutes. Here are a couple of signs to look out for : - Your child might say they suddenly feel hot or cold. They might even start to shiver. -When you touch the child, their skin suddenly feels hotter than usual. -Fatigue...
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By Dr. M. Cooper Paediatrician
  WHAT TO DO FOR THE COMMON COLD?           Common cold is one of the most common infections seen in young children. It is seen between late August and April. The symptoms are typically stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, fever(38-39 degrees Celsius) , headache and sore throat. The nasal discharge can be clear, yellow or green appearing. These symptoms usually last 7-14 days.                It is caused by respiratory viruses that are released in the air by persons blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing. Another way to get the virus is when children touch various objects with the germ and then touch their faces. Children can get up to eight to ten colds per year because their immune system was never exposed to the germs and their body has to learn how to fight these viruses.     There is no definitive treatment for the common cold, and it just has to run its course. Parents should ensure children h...
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