Introduction:
A child's health is the primary concern of
their parents, other carers, medical experts, and the community at large as
soon as they are born. Starting with prenatal care, this journey lasts through
childhood, puberty, and infancy. It includes eating a healthy diet, exercising,
getting emotional support, and having access to medical treatments that enhance
development and overall wellbeing.
Children's health has both fresh chances
and problems in this constantly changing environment. We now know more about
how to help our children have healthy lives because to developments in medical
science, technology, and research. But there are additional issues that need to
be resolved as a result of cultural shifts, environmental influences, and the
complexity of modern living.
Why is health important for children?
Since health is key to a child's general
growth and well-being, it is important. For the following reasons, children's
health is extremely important:
1.
Physical Growth and Development: Children are
constantly growing, with their bodies and organs maturing quickly. The
formation of bones, muscles, and organs as well as other physical processes
depend on good health. Children are ensured to develop their maximum physical
potential via proper diet, frequent medical checkups, and physical activity.
2.
Cognitive and Brain Development: A child's early
years are crucial for the development of their brain and cognitive abilities.
The building of synaptic connections and the development of cognitive
skills—the cornerstones of learning and academic success—require nutritious
diet, enough sleep, and a healthy environment.
3.
Emotional and Mental Well-being: Children's
physical and mental well-being are of equal importance. The emotional and
mental health of a kid can have a big influence on their entire quality of
life. Children may learn to be emotionally resilient and deal with stress and
difficulties by being raised in a loving and caring environment and having
access to the right mental health resources.
4.
Immune System Function: Children need a robust
immune system to help protect them from a variety of diseases and illnesses.
Building a strong immune system requires a healthy diet, frequent
immunisations, and a clean environment.
5.
Academic Performance: Children who are in
excellent health typically do better academically. They attend classes more
frequently, pay closer attention in class, and are more able to concentrate on
their academics. A child's chances of succeeding academically are higher when
they are healthy.
Common Childhood Illnesses and Their Treatments
1.Sore Throat
- Children frequently have sore throats, which may
be quite uncomfortable. On the
other hand, antibiotics are not necessary for a viral sore throat. Your
youngster should recover in seven to ten days in those situations without
the need for any special medication. Sometimes a streptococcal infection
(strep throat) is the source of a painful throat.
- Merely examining the throat cannot provide a
reliable diagnosis of streptococcus. Confirming the diagnosis of strep requires a lab test or an
in-office rapid strep test, which involves a fast throat swab. Your
paediatrician will recommend an antibiotic if the test results show strep
throat. Even if your child's symptoms improve or go away, it's crucial
that they take the antibiotic as directed for the whole prescribed
duration. Most cases of sore throats do not respond well to steroid
medications like prednisone.
- Rarely do infants and young children acquire
strep throat. However,
children who attend creche or have an older sibling who is unwell are at a
higher risk of contracting streptococcus bacteria. While strep is mostly
transmitted via coughs and sneezes, it can also infect your kid if they
come into contact with a toy that another child has contaminated.
2.Ear Pain
- Children often suffer ear ache, which has several
reasons. —
ear infections (otitis media), swimmer's ear (a
skin infection in the ear canal), sinus or cold pressure, discomfort from
teeth that travels up the jaw to the ear, and more. Your paediatrician
will need to inspect your child's ear in order to make the distinction.
Your paediatrician can still make the most accurate diagnosis during an
in-office examination. Your paediatrician may recommend an antibiotic if
your kid's ear discomfort is associated with a high temperature, affects
both ears, or if your child exhibits other symptoms of sickness.
- For middle ear infections, amoxicillin is the
recommended medication. — with the
exception of persistent or recurring infections or penicillin allergies.
- Antibiotics are not always necessary for viral-caused
true ear infections. Your
paediatrician will discuss with you the best methods to make your kid feel
better while their ear infection is being treated, should they think it's
a virus.
3.Urinary Tract Infection
- When bacteria accumulate in the urinary tract, it
can lead to bladder infections, often known as urinary tract infections or
UTIs.
From early childhood through adolescence and
maturity, children can have a UTI. An abdominal discomfort, side or back
pain, bedwetting or accidents by a youngster who knows to use the restroom
are all signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). discomfort or burning
while urinating is another.
- In order to diagnose and treat your kid, the
doctor will first require a urine sample to check for a UTI. The type of germs in your child's urine may
determine how your doctor modifies the course of therapy.
4.Skin Infection
- Most children with skin infections may require a
skin test (swab or culture) to identify the best course of action. Inform your physician about any history of
MRSA, staph infection, or other resistant bacteria in your kid, as well as
any exposure to other family members or contacts who may have resistant
germs.
5.Bronchitis
- An infection of the lungs' bigger, more central
airways, chronic bronchitis is more common in adults. Antibiotics are not necessary in cases of chest
viruses that are referred to as "bronchitis" often.
6.Bronchiolitis
- During the cold and flu season, bronchiolitis is
frequent in newborns and young children. Your youngster may breathe with "wheezing" audibly to
your doctor.
- Most frequently, a virus causes bronchiolitis,
and treating it with antibiotics is not necessary. Rather, most treatment options focus on keeping
your kid comfortable while closely monitoring them for indications of
dehydration or difficulties breathing. For the majority of newborns and
young children with bronchiolitis, medications used for asthma patients
(such as steroids or albuterol) are not advised. Children with underlying
medical conditions or those who were born prematurely can require
alternative treatment regimens.
7.Pain
- Children respond best to acetaminophen or
ibuprofen for pain relief. Consult your paediatrician for advice on how much to give your kid;
the amount should be determined by their weight.
- For children with common injuries or complaints
such sprained ankles, ear ache, or sore throats, narcotic pain drugs are
not recommended. Children
should never take codeine since it has been linked to serious respiratory
issues and even death in young patients.
8.Common Cold
- Upper respiratory tract viruses are the source of
colds. A lot of young
kids—especially those who are in daycare—can have six or eight colds
annually. A cold's symptoms, which might include congestion, runny nose,
and cough, can last for up to 10 days.
- Antibiotics are never necessary for ordinary
colds, thus the presence of green mucus in the nose does not always
indicate that one needs them. Your child's symptoms and a physical examination can help
your doctor determine whether or not antibiotics are the best course of
action if a sinus infection is suspected.
9.Bacterial Sinusitis
- Bacteria that become lodged in the sinuses cause
bacterial sinusitis. When
cold-like symptoms, including daytime coughing or nasal discharge, persist
for more than 10 days without getting better, it is thought that sinusitis
is to blame.
- Antibiotics might be required if this illness is
accompanied by fever and a heavy yellow nasal discharge that lasts for
three or four days straight.
10.Cough
- Antibiotics are rarely necessary for coughs
because viruses are typically the cause of them.
- Children 4 years of age and under, as well as
those between the ages of 4 and 6, should not use cough medication unless
their doctor recommends it. Cough medications have been repeatedly demonstrated in studies to
have major adverse effects and to be ineffective in children ages 4 and
under. Children shouldn't take cough medications that include opioids,
including codeine.
How
can I cure my health problems naturally?
There are several natural cures for many
conditions, including pain, inflammation, and colds. These aren't always backed
up by studies. Scientists, however, say that some could actually function.
1. Turmeric for inflammatory and pain relief
By this point, who hasn't
heard of turmeric? For about 4,000 years, Ayurvedic treatment has included the
use of turmeric, mostly in South Asia. The golden spice may be the most
effective in reducing pain, particularly pain connected to inflammation, when
it comes to established medical uses.
The "wow" aspect of
turmeric is attributed to curcumin, according to several studies. People with arthritis
pain reported in one study that taking 500 mg of curcumin instead of 50 mg of
the anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac sodium resulted in a greater
reduction in pain levels (Trusted Source).
Additional researchTurmeric
extract was shown to be just as good in relieving pain as ibuprofen, according
to Trusted Source, who also supports this claim.Reliable Resource for
individuals suffering from osteoarthritis in the knees.
However, if you're looking for
quick relief, avoid crushing turmeric as it stains easily. You're better off
getting curcumin tablets for relief because turmeric only contains a maximum of
3% curcumin.
Not that a calming latte with
turmeric won't do any good, either. It has been hypothesised that 2-4 grammes
(g) of the spice could still have some advantages. you increase the absorption,
just be sure you add black pepper.
The long game is important when it comes to turmeric. Four to eight
weeks should be sufficient for the advantages of consuming 1/2 to 1 1/2 tsp of
turmeric each day.
2. Chipotle peppers
for aches and pains
With a long history of usage
in traditional medicine, this active ingredient in chilli peppers is gradually
gaining traction outside of homoeopathy. The topical use of capsaicin for pain
relief is becoming more and more common. An region of the skin becomes heated
and eventually numb as a result of how it operates.
Currently available on
prescription, the capsaicin patch Qutenza depends on a very high concentration
of capsaicin — 8%Trusted Source — in order to function.
Therefore, do you have any hot
peppers or cayenne pepper on hand for when your muscles hurt or you have
persistent, all-over body pain? Make a cream of capsaicin.
DIY cream with
coconut oil and capsaicin
1. Combine 1 cup of coconut with 3 tablespoons of cayenne
powder.
2. Simmer the oil gently until it melts.
3. For five minutes, vigorously stir the mixture.
4. Take off the hob and transfer to a bowl. Let it
solidify.
5. Once chilled, massage onto skin.
Use a hand mixer to whisk your
coconut oil until it's light and fluffy for an extra-fancy look.
3.
Ginger for nausea and discomfort
It's practically mandatory to
try ginger if you have a cold, a sore throat, or nausea and morning sickness.
The process of making a cup is rather simple: Grate it into your tea for more
impact. However, ginger also has another advantage that is less well known: it
works well as an anti-inflammatory.
Try ginger the next time
you're feeling a bit nauseated and you have a headache. Ginger functions
differently from other anti-inflammatory pain medications. Through an
antioxidant that interacts with the acidity of the fluid between joints, it
inhibits the development of specific types of inflammatory chemicals and
reduces current inflammation. Without the side effects of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), it has anti-inflammatory properties
(Trusted Source).
Ginger tea recipe
1. Shred about ½ inch of uncooked ginger.
2. Pour two cups of boiling water over the ginger.
3. Give it a five to ten-minute sit.
4. Pour in some lemon juice, then sweeten with honey or
agave nectar to taste.
4. Shiitake
mushrooms for the long game
Lentinan is an extract from
shiitake mushrooms, commonly referred to as active hexose correlated compound,
or AHCC. It encourages anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Cellularly
based Trusted Source.
Petri dish researchAccording
to a reliable source, AHCC may be able to suppress breast cancer cells, and its
interactions with the immune system may aid in the battle against
cancer.Reliable Source by strengthening immune systems compromised by
chemotherapy.
5.
Eucalyptus oil for pain relief
1,8-cineole, an ingredient in
eucalyptus oil, has the potential to reduce pain. In mice, the ingredient
produces an effect similar to morphineTrusted Source.
And lucky are those who love
essential oils. Even after inhalation, eucalyptus oil has been demonstrated to
alleviate physical aches. Eucalyptus oil is the secret ingredient for fans of
Vick's VapoRub who have been using it as a DIY congestion cure.
6.
Lavender for anxiety and migraines
Headaches, anxiety, and
overall sensations of tension or discomfort related to migraines? Lavender
inhalation can assist with that. Research indicates that lavender is useful
for:
- migraine
- lowering anxiety or restlessness
- memory troubles when stressed and sleep
Having a satchel nearby during
stressful moments or sipping lavender tea are two strategies to help calm the
body and mind and lessen anxiety.
It can also be blended with
other plant oils as an essential oil for aromatherapy. Premenstrual syndrome
(PMS) symptoms were shown to be lessened by lavender when combined with sage
and rose, according to a studyTrusted Source.
CAUTION
7.
Mint for muscle pain and digestion
Even though mint is
widespread, it's not easy to use. Various types can offer distinct advantages
and applications.
Look for wintergreen, as it
contains methyl salicylate, a chemical that may have effects akin to those of
capsaicin for pain relief. When applied, it may feel chilly and
"burny" before the numbing effect sets in. Pain from muscles and
joints is lessened by this impact.
Another form of mint that is
frequently utilised in traditional medicine is peppermint. Peppermint is a
common element in many remedies, but it works particularly well to relieve the
symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Research indicates that it
relieves diarrhoea and stomach discomfort linked with IBS in addition to
reducing spasms (Trusted Source). The colon's anti-pain channel is triggered by
peppermint, which lessens inflammatory discomfort in the digestive system. Its
efficacy in treating IBS is probably explained by this.
8.
Fenugreek for breastfeeding
Similar to cloves, fenugreek
seeds are employed in Asian and Mediterranean cookery, but they also have a
number of therapeutic applications.
Fenugreek can aid in the
production of milk when brewed as a tea for nursing mothersTrusted Source.
Fenugreek is a wonderful water-soluble fiberTrusted Source to help firm up
stools for those suffering from diarrhoea. You should absolutely stay away from
these seeds if you're constipated.
Fenugreek is a well-liked supplement
for diabetics since it has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels as a
supplementTrusted Source. A portion of fenugreek's contribution in this case
might be attributed to its high fibre content, which may enhance insulin
functionTrusted Source.
Fenugreek in cooking
9.
Foods high in magnesium for everything
Experiencing sore muscles?
Weariness? Another round of migraines? More prone than normal to lapse into an
emotionally detached state? There might be a magnesium shortage. Although
magnesium is frequently discussed in relation to bone formation and
preservation, it is also crucial for nerve and muscle function.
Unfortunately, research
indicates that over 50% of Americans do not consume enough magnesium (Trusted
Source). Thus, if you have ever reported experiencing similar symptoms and
received the somewhat curt "eat spinach" advice in return, know that
your complaint is not entirely unjustified.
Rich in magnesium include
foods like spinach, avocados, almonds, and dark chocolate. A supplement is not
always necessary to address a magnesium deficit.
Magnesium may also be helpful
in terms of mood. Because magnesium interacts with the parasympathetic nervous
system, which promotes calmness and relaxation, eating a diet high in magnesium
may help reduce stress.
Foods high in
magnesium
- lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas
- tofu
- whole grains
- fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and halibut
- bananas
Make sure you utilise home cures appropriately.
Although the majority of these
natural cures don't have any serious adverse effects, using them excessively
might be dangerous.
Additionally, certain people
may be more sensitive to dose quantities, so before routinely consuming these
foods, see your doctor if you have a disease that is influenced by your diet or
if you take any medications. See a doctor straight away if any home cure causes
an adverse response in you or if your symptoms worsen.
Remember that you might not
always be able to use home treatments safely and effectively. Though scientific
research supports them, different populations or bodies may not always be
included in a single study or therapeutic trial. You might not always benefit
from what science indicates.
Several of the treatments
we've mentioned above are ones that our families have used to raise us since we
were little, and we eagerly anticipate using them when we need solace.
