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Ailmemts & Remedies Pediatric

Babies Crying

Introduction:
It is a commonplace experience for all parents to observe their babies crying endlessly. Everyone knows that when babies feel discomfort or any kind of pain they resort to crying to convey their message.Crying is the most effective way babies have of communicating their needs.

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In fact crying is a natural phenomenon for babies and the first few months of life almost all babies cry to prove their needs as they lack the skill of language.Most babies spend as much as seven per cent of the day crying.

It can take parents some time to learn to recognise what a baby’s cries mean. But by about four to six months most are able to differentiate between a cry of pain from a grizzle of hunger or a whine of boredom.

Most tiny babies have episodes of crying, which is often a sign of discomfort such as colic, but the cause often isn’t proven. Even by the age of nine months, one in four babies has episodes of crying for no obvious cause.

But sometimes when the child cries in a chronic fashion this can prove to be a worrying factor for the parents. It is imperative for one to know why babies cry without pause sometimes or what can be done to stop that incident. When babies cry endlessly one needs to first check out the obvious reasons that is if the child is wet or hungry. Often colic is thought to be another probable reason for babies crying endlessly.

How to Differentiate?
As a matter of fact, babies cry for almost 7% of the time of a day. The parents of a baby can usually take some time to make out the meanings of the baby’s crying. It is more so with a newborn. But as the child grows up, things get easier. When the kid is about six months old, the parents can clearly distinguish between a cry of hunger and a cry of pain or irritation. Babies crying endlessly, which can be considered excessive crying, sounds different from normal cry. There are some babies, who whine even when they are 9 month’s old for no specific reason.

In fact on careful listening one can distinguish between a child crying normally and the endless crying of a distressed baby. Such crying often has an unusual sound and the baby finds it tough to breathe or breathe in short grasps. An experienced ear may easily demarcate between both the sounds and decide if the child needs medical intervention.

Reasons  of  Crying:
Babies can not talk like the grown up human beings as they lack the skill of language. Therefore crying is only natural for them to communicate their requirements and problems. It might indicate the child is suffering from a physical problem or feeling distressed. In these cases, the breathing pattern may become uneven and the child may gasp for breath at times. Medical problems and minor hassles like a nappy rash may also cause excessive crying.

Some babies may also resort to crying to draw attention and if the parents respond they develop a habit. In some cases, turmoil in the family can cause stress to a child and he or she can cry profusely. Also, in most households, the babies are accustomed to a particular schedule of feeding and sleeping. If it is disrupted for some reasons the babies can cry for prolonged periods

When the teeth starts growing in babies they have to go through a number of symptoms like moderate fever, sleep disorders and these can make the babies crying endlessly during the period. Sometimes, chemicals and toxic elements can pass through the mother’s body to the child during breastfeeding. This can happen when the mother eats a food that has chemicals.

It can cause irritations in the baby’s body and he or she might start crying profusely. A parent should also be careful when a baby is continuously crying and treat him or her for ailments such as otitis media or infection of the middle ear. Meninigities of gastro enteritities are other causes which can cause a baby to cry continuously.

Causes Behind the Cry:
It’s important to be alert for medical problems, especially infections such as otitis media (infection of the middle ear), gastroenteritis, meningitis or a respiratory tract infection, as well as problems ranging from severe nappy rash to rarer conditions such as intussusception or a strangulated hernia.

If you’re worried, especially if there are abnormal signs such as a skin rash or a fever, get medical advice.

Inconsolable crying is often put down to colic, but there’s no definite test for it. It tends to affect babies for the first three to four months. They may show signs of tummy pain, such as pulling their legs up to their abdomen, while others pass a lot of wind.

Ask your health visitor for advice on your baby’s diet and your own if you’re breastfeeding. Some foods, such as cow’s milk, citrus fruits or grapes, seem to aggravate colic. When the mother eats these, chemicals from the food may pass into her breast milk and reach the baby.

Signs of teething include crying, alongside gnawing, mild fever, sleep problems and mild diarrhoea. The first tooth usually appears at about four months.

Often though, the cause is more benign. Some babies are sensitive to tensions within the family or to changes in routine. Others just need a lot of attention or company. Some babies just seem to cry for no obvious reason.

Possible explanations include birth trauma, an attempt to release stress, liking the sound of their voice and simply a baby’s personality.

How to solve the problem :
Parents need to eliminate all the probable causes that can make Babies crying endlessly. They need to see if the baby is feeling the pangs of hunger. They also need to check out if the baby’s nappy has become cold or wet. Babies love a warm and snugly feel around them. Their clothing should not make them feel too hot or cold. Some babies prefer company of people and some others prefer to be alone.

The parents should try to make out what suits their child the best. Besides, music is something that affects different babies differently. While some babies have a penchant for music, others detest it strongly. The parents need to keep the child in a suitable environment. If none of the aforesaid policies work, the parents of a whining baby may consult a child specialist and follow his advices.

Small babies need to be snugly wrapped in clothes in a moderately warm environment. In their cot, they need thin layers they can kick off if hot. Babies don’t need to wear a hat indoors. Babies don’t need to wear a hat indoors.

Some babies find it hard to settle into a routine, while others can’t get themselves off to sleep easily. It takes babies around 12 weeks for brainwave patterns to develop a regular routine.

Some babies just need to be left in a safe spot in a quiet, dark, warm room, while others want to be held, massaged and stroked. Some like silence, while others prefer a tape of music.

Some infants just like to be held constantly. Try carrying them round on your back or front held secure in a cloth or sling.

A regular routine of bath, feed and song seems to be most successful.

When there’s no answer:
If all possible causes can be ruled out and you’re desperate for a rest, put your baby somewhere warm and safe, such as in their cot, and close the door. Go into another room and listen to music or the TV, or practise stretching and breathing exercises.

It’s difficult not to get anxious, and you may want to listen at their door or peep in after a few minutes – try to leave longer and longer breaks between each check.

Some babies will suddenly stop crying endlessly as mysteriously as they started, while others take months, or even years, to grow out of it.

Make sure you get plenty of breaks and rest. Find help wherever you can and take up any offer of help from family or reliable friends.

If you find you’re still struggling, talk to your GP or health visitor. Ask for help before you reach crisis point.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/crying2.shtml
http://www.ayushveda.com/healthcare/babies-crying-endlessly.htm
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/baby_crying_closeup.jpg

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News on Health & Science

Toolkit Helps Parents Recognize a Child’s Risk of Obesity

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Some simple interventions used by pediatricians were enough to change a parent’s perspective about a child’s being overweight or obese, and change the parent’s behaviors at home to reduce those risks.
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Researchers confirmed previous reports that parents of overweight or obese children do not recognize their child’s weight problem. But this time, by arming pediatricians with a “toolkit,” an easily used chart and a series of questions and suggestions, the researchers addressed several problems.

“Doctors often don’t have time to discuss overweight; they don’t have the tools to do it; and many aren’t confident that they’re going to make a difference in their patients’ lives,” said Eliana Perrin, lead author of the study.

“Also, parents don’t recognize weight problems or don’t know how to make things better, and even if they do, there are often barriers to healthier eating or more activity for these families,” says Perrin.

As First Lady Michelle Obama‘s “Let’s Move!” campaign aims to reduce childhood obesity – almost one-third of young people are overweight – two leading questions are how to affect that change and if it can be successful.

Perrin’s study is likely the first evidence that a parent’s assessment of their child’s weight can be changed. Her study also showed improved dietary behaviors in children and reduced time playing video games or watching television, called “screen time.”

“We found something we can do to help stem the obesity epidemic,” says Perrin, whose previous research in childhood obesity has shown that using a body mass index, or BMI, chart color-coded like a traffic light helps parents understand the often confounding measurement.

Perrin’s research group trained pediatric resident physicians on how to use the color-coded BMI chart and a revision of a questionnaire called “Starting the Conversation,” originally designed by Alice Ammerman, a co-author on the study. The STC gives health care providers a snapshot of potential red flags to help counsel patients as well as tips to implement change.

Parents were asked about their children’s weight status and discussions about weight in the doctor’s office. The Starting the Conversation form used in this study was revised by Perrin and asked parents about non-healthy eating habits – frequency of sugary snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages and eating out at restaurants, as well as activity and screen time. It also asked about the parent’s readiness to change. The pediatrics residents were instructed to show parents their children’s weight status in a color-coded BMI chart and were taught to use the parents’ responses to the questionnaire to engage the parents in discussions about healthier eating behaviors and activities.

Researchers enrolled 115 children ages 4 to 12 who were covered by Medicaid or the State Health Insurance Program and repeated the Starting the Conversation questionnaire as well as questions about weight status at one-month and three-month follow-up appointments.

The study showed the most significant improvement in dietary changes among children who were overweight. At follow up, they were more likely than healthy-weight children to drink lower-fat milk and showed the largest reduction in the frequency of eating out. But overall, children improved fruit and vegetable consumption, decreased sweetened beverages and unhealthy snacks, drank lower-fat milk more and reduced screen time.

In the initial visit, all of the parents of healthy-weight children accurately perceived their child’s weight. However, only 57 percent of overweight children’s parents did so at baseline. That improved significantly to 74 percent at three month follow up.

BMI was measured and tracked and a few children became more overweight, while more reached healthier weights but no significant improvements in weight status were noted in this short study, Perrin says. “The research has to be replicated and expanded, and it must determine if improvements in parental perception of children’s weight motivates families to improve behavior and, ultimately, leads to healthier weight over time,” she says.

“Everyone’s talking about BMI and we have a lot of studies to show that parents do not see their overweight children as overweight. That often does not sink in with parents,” Perrin says. “This is the first time we’ve seen a changed perspective from parents. We hope that parents who know their children are overweight will be empowered to help them achieve healthier lifestyles that can last a lifetime.”

Source: Elements4Health

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Healthy Tips

Places Where Germs Love to Lurk in Your Home

1. TV remote
TV REMOTE
Many people watch TV while they absent-mindedly chew their fingernails, snack on food and flip through channels, leaving all kinds of bacteria on the remote. Make sure to sanitize the remote control regularly to prevent sickness.

2. Tub and shower

Artweger-Twinline-Tube-Shower

Your bathtub may have 100 times more bacteria than the trash can, according to an in-home bacteria study conducted by the Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community. The Hygiene Council recommends that showers and tubs be disinfected twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells left in the tub that can carry germs too.

3. Pet food dish
Pet food dish
Most pet food dishes stay on the floor and do not get washed regularly.

4. Kitchen cloths and sponges
Kitchen cloths and sponges
People frequently use sponges or cloths to wipe germs from surfaces in the kitchen. As a result, 70 percent of kitchen sponges in U.S. homes failed the hygiene test by having high levels of bacteria, according to the Hygiene Council. The council recommends running sponges through the dishwasher regularly and washing kitchen cloths on the hot cycle in the washing machine.

5. Microwave touch screen
Microwave touch screen
This spot is notorious for not getting cleaned. Even though the food comes out cooked, the germs that can make you sick are left on the outside of the microwave for the next person to touch. It is important to wipe down the touch screen regularly, especially after cooking raw meat.

6. Light switches
Light switches
Touching the light switch is practically unavoidable, but keeping it clean is not. The bathroom light switch can have as many germs as the trash bin. Disinfect light switches twice a week, or every day if a member of your household is sick.

7. Baby changing table
changing-table-baby
During diaper changes, the baby wipes container, the diaper packaging, the trash can and anything around the changing area get contaminated with bacteria through touching after handling a dirty diaper. The baby changing table area should be cleaned often.

8. Kitchen faucets

Kitchen faucets
Typically people wash their hands after handling raw meat in the kitchen, but they touch the faucet to turn on the water and do not think about the bacteria that they leave. The Hygiene Council found more than half of faucets in American homes are covered in bacteria.

Sources: Chicago Tribune August 16, 2009

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Positive thinking

Defining Your Direction

Your Life’s Work
Many people are committed to professions and personal endeavors they never consciously planned to pursue. They attribute the shape of their lives to circumstance, taking on roles they feel are tolerable. Each of us, however, has been blessed with a purpose. Your life’s work is the assemblage of activities that allows you to express your intelligence and creativity, live in accordance with your values, and experience the profound joy of simply being yourself. Unlike traditional work, which may demand more of you than you are willing to give, life’s work demands nothing but your intent and passion for that work. Yet no one is born with an understanding of the scope of their purpose. If you have drifted through life, you may feel directionless. Striving to discover your life’s work can help you realize your true potential and live a more authentic, driven life.

To make this discovery, you must consider your interests in the present and the passions that moved you in the past. You may have felt attracted to a certain discipline or profession throughout your young life only to have steered away from your aspirations upon reaching adulthood. Or you may be harboring an interest as of yet unexplored. Consider what calls to you and then narrow it down. If you want to work with your hands, ask yourself what work will allow you to do so. You may be able to refine your life’s work within the context of your current occupations. If you want to change the world, consider whether your skills and talents lend themselves to philanthropic work. Taking stock of your strengths, passions, beliefs, and values can help you refine your search for purpose if you don’t know where to begin. Additionally, in your daily meditation, ask the universe to clarify your life’s work by providing signs and be sure to pay attention.

Since life’s journey is one of evolution, you may need to redefine your direction on multiple occasions throughout your lifetime. For instance, being an amazing parent can be your life’s work strongly for 18 years, then perhaps you have different work to do. Your life’s work may not be something you are recognized or financially compensated for, such as parenting, a beloved hobby, or a variety of other activities typically deemed inconsequential. Your love for a pursuit, however, gives it meaning. You’ll know you have discovered your life’s work when you wake eager to face each day and you feel good about not only what you do but also who you are.

Source: Daily Om

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News on Health & Science

Watching TV May Harm Kids’ Cognitive Development

:Parents buying some time to do the chores by sticking infants in front of the television may be harming their cognitive development,  a study has suggested.
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Researchers at University of Washington in Seattle have carried out the study and found infants vocalise less and hear fewer words from nearby adults when the TV is on, which in turn affects their cognitive development.

“There’s no question that human voice and human words are what babies need. The data aren’t yet conclusive about the fact that television is harmful, but they continue to mount,” lead researcher Dimitri Christakis told the ‘New Scientist‘.

For the study, researchers equipped 329 infants, aged between 2 and 48 months, with lightweight recorders that captured every noise they heard in a 24-hour period. Then, a computer programme determined whether each sound came from the infant, an adult or the television.

The analysis showed that for every hour of television an infant is exposed to — they don’t understand television programmes, Christakis says — he or she hears 770 fewer words from adults, on average, a 7 per cent reduction.

Infants watching TV also utter fewer “googoos” and “gagas” and interact less with adults than kids whose parents use the off switch more enthusiastically, the study, published in the ‘Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine’, found.

Given that a staggering 30 per cent of US households keep a television on at all times, this can have a substantial effect on an infant’s development, according to Christakis.

“The newborn brain is very much a work in progress. All that cognitive stimulation is critical to the underlying architecture that’s developing. Every word that babies hear, and every time they hear it, is extremely important.

“Many of these DVDs that target infants claim that they promote parent-child interaction — which they don’t. The take-home message for parents is to minimise exposure to TV during the first two years,” he said.

In fact, this finding is backed up by observations made by a team at the University of Massachusetts, which found that infants exposed to television hear 20 percent fewer words from their parents during each hour of programming they watch.

“Parents are less engaged with the children if the television is on. Children over two learn a lot of vocabulary from television,” Daniel Anderson, who led the back-up study, said

Source: The times Of India

 
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