In our September issue, we wrote,
“If myopia is detected in your child,
the typical course of treatment will
be atropine eye drops.” It seems we
overstated the case. The typical – or first,
most common – course of action would
be corrective lenses. Myopia, or short-
sightedness, cannot actually be cured.
But its progression can be slowed, and, in
some severe cases, atropine eye drops
might help. It’s best to see your paediatric
ophthalmologist for a diagnosis and to
discuss the best course of action for your
child. We’re grateful to Dr Madeline Kwok
for setting the record straight.
source:
Dr Madeline Kwok
finger on
the pulse
When your child is suffering from cold symptoms, it’s natural
to want to try to give them relief. However, over-the-counter
cough and cold medicines don’t effectively treat the
underlying cause of a child’s cold, and won’t cure it or make it
go away any sooner. These medications also have potentially
serious side effects, including rapid heart rate and convulsions.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages the use
of cough and cold medicines for children younger than four
years. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) goes
further, saying that cold and cough medicines shouldn’t be
given to children under six, and should only be given to children
aged six to 11 on the advice of a doctor. Before you reach for
that medicine, talk to your paediatrician.
sources:
Mayo Clinic;
Therapeutic Goods Administration
Before you start your Christmas shopping, check
these toy safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide:
• Choose toys appropriate for a child’s age.
• Avoid toys with small removable parts – a
possible choking hazard.
• Look for high-quality design and construction.
• Keep your children’s hearing safe: avoid toys
that produce loud noises.
• For children under eight years, skip toys with
heating elements or sharp points and edges.
• Avoid toys with strings and straps longer than
18 centimetres, which pose a strangulation risk.
source:
WebMD
Helping a friend – or even a stranger – is better at relieving time-
related stress than spending an equal number of minutes chilling
out or doing something just for yourself, report researchers from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard,
and Yale in a series of four studies. “Long to-do lists can make
you feel stingy with your time,” says the lead author, but “if you’re
more generous to others, you’ll feel capable, effective and less
time-constrained.” Writing an encouraging note to a sick child,
carolling at a nursing home, taking a friend’s packages to the post
office – these can all make you feel time-rich, say the researchers.
source:
Good Housekeeping
Kids &
Colds
Healthy
gifts for kids
Give more,
stress less
E
ye
check
18
Playtimes
