Natural & Herbal Treatments For Rubella or Measles by Vanessa A. Doctor

Rubella, or measles is highly-contagious viral infection that is very common in children. The infection causes a fever and rash, and its incubation period generally is between 9 and 11 days.

The initial symptoms of this infection is frequently feeling tired, irritability, fever, runny eyes, aversion to light as well as cold-like symptoms. The usual manifestations of this infection are, a bright red rash which breaks out on the forehead and face and then on the neck and leading down to the feet. The rash usually lasts about three days in each area. This infection is very common during the spring and the winter.

A Very Contagious Infection

Measles is considered as a highly contagious condition, ,which spreads via airborne droplets from the nose and from saliva. The infection's incubation period usually takes from fifteen days to three weeks. Rubella is diagnosed from three symptoms: fever, a light rash appearing mainly on the face and neck, then on the rest of the body, and swellings behind the ears and near the nape. The duration and of the illness is generally benign and lasts about a week, which often goes unnoticed.

Though this may be a common illness, generally it does not have serious repercussions except when it happens at the start of pregnancy, where it can cause an abortion or some serious mental deficiency or malformation in the fetus. Women who have not had the disease in their childhood are advised to get vaccinated before they get pregnant.

Herbal Ingredients For Alleviating Measles

- Neem Leaves

These herbs, when placed in the room of an infected person, will act as an antiseptic and also freshens up the air as well. They also aid in preventing the spread of infection.

- Echinacea

This herb is effective for enhancing the immune system and preventing infections. .

- Garlic Oil

Individuals may apply garlic oil to the affected area to prevent the infection from developing.

- Eleutherococcus and Ginseng

These herbs are effective as general tonics for adults, and improve strength and resistance to infections.

- Saffron and Snake Root

Saffron and Snake Root are herbs which help speeding up the healing process. Patients may drink saffron and snake root tea daily.

- Eucalyptus, naiouli, thyme linalol can be given to children. These herbs have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-infection abilities.

Those suffering from measles are also advised to consume food rich in copper. Copper is a mineral that is prevalent in foods like seaweed, almonds, avocado, cocoa, cereals (whole wheat and rice). mushrooms, shellfish, oysters, crustaceans, calf and sheep liver, dried fruit, nuts, fish roe, plums and tea.

You also need to give patients plenty of liquids, in as much as he or she can tolerate, preferably juices, because drinking lots of fluids is important, especially with children.

With high fever and sweating, kids tend to get dehydrated more easily, as they vomit frequently. Ensure that the child stays indoors, and preferably in bed, since getting lots of rest is essential. In addition, by staying in bed and not going out, the child will be able to prevent other persons who are not immunized, from catching this infection, as this is a highly contagious one.

http://primeherbal.com - Prime Herbal

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Obesity in Children Causes Lifetime Health Problems by Petra Peach

Health professionals are united in their belief that obesity in children causes lifetime health problems. The question is, how to combat this rising tide of childhood obesity in the twenty-first century.

Genetics may play a role in childhood obesity but it's more often a case of poor eating habits being inadvertently passed down from parent to child through a lack of dietary understanding, financial issues and general shared behavior patterns. It's not uncommon to see several members of the same family all being overweight.

When a shared poor quality dietary regime results in producing an overweight family it often masks the childhood obesity issues due to the "mini-me" syndrome where the kids are simply seen as "a chip off the old block" or "big like his father". When this situation exists and there is no parental guidance available it is almost inevitable that the problem will be perpetuated.

As well as the obvious issues of being overweight through excess calorie intake, there is an even more sinister underlying problem of the long-term health of the child as he or she continues to eat the fat forming food. A number of diet related chronic complaints are now manifesting themselves much earlier in life than was previously seen. Unless these poor diet issues are addressed it is inevitable that peoples' quality of life and life expectancy itself will continue to diminish.

Lifestyle changes play a significant role in the growth of this obesity epidemic, with children preferring to play a virtual sport from the confines of their own home rather than venturing out into real world activities that just might burn some fat.

Physical activity is no longer required to carry out many tasks, as was once the case. In the home, school and workplace, technology has reduced physical activity to a minimum. This progressive reduction in muscle power required to carry out almost any daily task has, in effect, reduced our daily calorie intake requirements dramatically over the last few decades. If this trend continues it surely will only magnify the obesity problem.

At the same time as physical activities have diminished, calorie intake has increased, largely through the aggressive marketing of convenience foods and take-out meals, many of which are high in bad fats, sugar, salt and refined carbohydrate.

If parents care about their offspring it's time to take stock and address these issues before those children develop the early onset of chronic illnesses such as:

· Cardio-vascular problems and heart failure

· Type 2 Diabetes (know as adult onset, but happening earlier in life)

· Benign intracranial hypertension (affecting vision and causing headaches)

· Respiratory disorders and sleep apnea

· Orthopedic disorders

Consult your family doctor for advice; seek the services of a nutritionist/dietician or click the link to find further information on why obesity in children causes lifetime health problems.

http://fatlossthesecret.com

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Clinical Thermometers and Children's Health by Peter Nisbet

Every household with young children should possess a clinical thermometer. Young children, especially babies and infants, cannot properly describe their symptoms when they become ill. Many childhood diseases are associated with a raised temperature, sometimes inadequately described as a ‘fever’.

The term ‘fever’ means different things to different people and I prefer to refer to a ‘raised temperature’. Serious diseases such as encephalitis and viral and bacterial meningitis start off with fairly simple symptoms. Take measles, for examples. Measles can kill young children, and if it does not, can leave them with serious side-effects or complications such as hearing and visual defects, learning difficulties and brain damage.

The initial symptoms of measles are similar to those of a cold. A runny nose, a bit of a sniffle, a cough and eventually a sore throat. Temperature also rises to over 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit). If you think that your child has measles, or if temperatures stays at or goes over 38 Celsius, you should inform your doctor immediately.

If you do not have a clinical thermometer, you cannot determine the child’s temperature! You may notice your child becoming a bit flushed, and may feel warmer than normal to the touch. However, it is far better to be able to measure this accurately. With measles, the temperature starts to drop after a day or two, then increases again as the spots appear and go as high as 40C (104F). You should definitely have contacted a doctor by then, but if you have no thermometer you may not have noticed the increase in temperature.

In many cases the temperature increase is the only indication that your child has more than just a cough and a runny nose. There are various types of thermometer available suitable for children. The old glass type with the kink is not recommended for young children. Digital thermometers are better, though disposable ones in the form of plastics strips with temperature sensitive dots are very useful. One side is self adhesive to stick to the skin under the armpit and the dots change colour at different temperatures. They can be used while the child is asleep and are disposable or re-usable for a certain period of time.

An alternative safe method to this is the ear thermometer which measures the infrared heat emission from the eardrum. An infrared probe is inserted into the ear and the temperature measured. This is safe because the probe is too short to reach the eardrum, and is larger than an infants ear canal. This is the type of system employed in hospitals, and is available for purchase either online or from good pharmacies for from around £30 ($50). Forehead thermometers are also available, and traditional glass rectal thermometers can be used with infants by trained staff.

The second part of this article will give more detail on thermometer types and how they are used, and also discuss ‘normal’ body temperature and its natural fluctuations.

Peter Nisbet is an industrial research chemist who runs two health-related websites. He became interested in childhood diseases after his son contracted encephalitis and bacterial meningitis in infancy which left him deaf in one ear and with other problems associated with coordination.

His website http://www.childhood-diseases-online.com deals specifically with children’s health as opposed to his general health site http://www.welshhealth.com

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Allergies And Children Health Issues by Mike Selvon

The thought of children health issues can cause any parent to panic. Any parents' main concern is the health of their child and just the thought of having to deal with an ill child can be very heartbreaking. Most children make it through childhood just fine, but some will come in contact with children health issues.

One of the biggest issues to plague kids is allergies. With so many allergens floating in the air, kids are more and more prone to allergies. If parents are given the right health tools, they can help their child learn to live a happy and normal life with any allergy that may be present.

There are many concerns with children health issues in today's society when it comes to allergies. One is dealing with a child who is too young to tell their parents how they feel about a symptom they may have. Many times a child will develop an allergy and if the parents do not know the signs to look for, the child's symptoms can go unnoticed for quite a while.

In the long run, this can bring discomfort to both the child and the parents. However, if a person does a little research on the internet, they can obtain free health information concerning the issue at hand.

Another way that parents can learn to cope with children health issues is to find a resourceful allergy center that will provide accurate information so they can further learn to deal with issues such as negative reactions and asthma. A ton of allergy information is available at one's finger tips if they just take the time to do a little research.

A good place to start is on a reputable website, such as Web MD. Here, one can find precise information that the web has to offer with regard to dealing with a children health issue. However, if a child has negative reactions symptoms, the best way to cope is to see one's pediatrician. A pediatrician can direct parents and their child on how to muddle through living with an allergy.

Children health issues can be a difficult subject for parents to learn to cope with. However, if the issue at hand is allergies, then parents can put their minds at ease knowing much information and treatment is available. In turn, most kids can go on to enjoy their childhood without having their allergies slow them down and parents can relax and enjoy these precious years.

Enrich your knowledge further about children health issues from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our allergy treatment blog where a free gift awaits you.

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Dealing With Children's Snoring Problems By Rudy Watkins

If you have a snoring spouse and a child that snores, you might be feeling a little outnumbered. Snoring can be a sign of more serious problems, particularly in children, so it would be wise to get a doctor's opinion rather than just buying a set of earplugs.

If one parent is a snorer, the chances are 3 times as likely that children will snore as well. Kids suffering from atopy - a predisposition to asthma and allergies - are 2 times more likely to snore than kids who do not.

Tests have shown snoring children could be at a higher risk for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and other health problems. These same studies have shown through the testing of large numbers of children that African American kids are 3 times more likely to snore than Caucasian, Asian or Bi-Racial children.

In children, snoring can be a sign of a sleep disorder that can have lasting effects. While they may seem unrelated, sleep disorders in children can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and cardiovascular concerns. Early detection and intervention can make a big difference in the long term.

There are other things that can cause children to snore as well. Studies show that the shape of someone's head can have an effect on the snoring mechanism. Children with round heads are more like to snore than kids with long thin heads.

Excess weight is another cause of snoring, including in children. Being overweight can lead to fatty tissue deposits in the neck and throat area, which can in turn lead to snoring.

Other common causes of snoring in children include enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils, breathing too much second-hand smoke and nasal obstructions.

In some cases, children only snore when they're sick. A cold can cause congestion in the nasal passages, making it harder for air to pass through which can lead to snoring.

One of the main concerns for snoring children is the disruption that can be caused to their sleep. The lack of sleep can affect their performance in school and other activities.

To avoid these issues, you should consult with a health care professional about any snoring problems in your children. They may be relatively benign, but there are some serious problems that can be eliminated by early detection.

Rudy Watkins writes about sleep apnea in children and other related topics on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful information about sleep apnea, visit http://www.apneaguide.com

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How to Teach Children With Mild Autism by Echo Armman

Here's some tips on teaching autistic children:

1. First of all, you need to know that every child with autism is different, you have to find out their likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Let the child guide you at first. Start with what the child can do and build on what the child can not do. Tie the subject you are teaching to the child's interests as often as possible.

2. Children with autism have difficulty in using language, they tend to be visual learners and auditory learners. You can use PEC cards, flash cards, letter tiles and social stories for teaching visual learners. Auditory learners work best with audio tapes, cds, videos, lectures, communication devices and music. Here's an article about how to make flashcards for autitic children.

3. It's important to follow the schedule strictly, because a break in the daily schedule of autistic children will seriously ruin their day.

4. Do a multisensory approach. Work on patterns, use colored blocks and string patterns ect.

5. Music has been proven to help kids with autism learn.

6. You need to have lots of patience, speak slowly and clearly and if the child does not answer or respond then say it again in a different way until he does. Build up to new things a little at a time, until you build up to him mastering the behavior. Be repetitive.

7. There is some books that helps parents: Great Ideas for Teaching or Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Ten Things Your Student With Autism Wishes You Knew & Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by award winning author Ellen Notbohm.

8. Make learning fun by giving lots of praise when the child is doing well.

9. Get some help either by a regional center or your local school district, that can refer your kid for some services.

10. Learn about Sensory Issues. Sensory issues are one of the biggest problems in autistic children.

Hope this is helpful!

http://www.autism-world.com/index.php/2008/07/11/how-to-teach-children-with-mild-autism/

http://www.autism-world.com

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Eye Problems in Children by Dr. Mohan H.S.

Each Child is important to an individual family. It is but natural that parents become anxious if there is any problem to any of the organs of the child. As the eyes are important and very precious, they would be concerned if their daughter or son has eye problems.

There are many eye problems that are commonly found in children. The major problem is the refractive error, the common mode of presentation is that the child is not able to see the distant objects usually seen in the school where the child fails to see clearly the letters written by the teacher on the blackboard. Most of the time the child holds the book very close to the eyes while reading. And also child watches TV and Computers from a very close distance.

The other problems are – Vitamin A deficiency, Squint eyes and Retinoblastoma (Eye Cancer).

Refractive Errors:

There are mainly three types of refractive errors. Myopia, Hypermetropia and Astigmatism.

Myopia : This is the most common refractive error found in children. Usually it is detected when the child is having problem in seeing distant objects. Occasionally the child may have a slight pain in the eyes after reading for many hours. The light rays are focused in front of the retina in myopia with the result that the objects appear hazy.( If we have to see a clear object it has to be focused on the retina.) Sometimes it has a strong family history. The eye has to be properly examined by a competent Ophthalmologist (not by an Optometrist) and suitable glasses prescribed at the earliest. Regular follow - up is also a must in these children.

Astigmatism is another refractive error seen in children not as frequently as Myopia. Hypermetropia where the child has + numbers in glass, is comparatively less in frequency. Suitable glasses correct both these refractive errors.

Vitamin A Deficiency:

Vitamin A Deficiency is demonstrated in school going children. Usually children in the age group of 6-12 years complain of night blindness. In other words those children have inability in seeing objects clearly in dim light. Sometimes small pigmented patches are seen by the side of the cornea. These are called Bitot’s spots. At this stage the child has lot of watering in the eyes.

A substance called visual purple has to be created in the retina to visualize objects clearly in the dim light. Vitamin A is necessary to create this object. When there is deficiency of Vitamin A in the diet, child gets night blindness. Sometimes some skin problems are associated along with eye problems.

Vitamin A deficiency is treated by giving capsules of Vit.A 2500-5000 IU or 750 mg of beta-carotene. In severe cases injections may be needed. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, milk, curd, butter, egg, liver etc., have rich contents of Vitamin A.

Squint Eyes : The two eyes normally should be in a definite visual axis. A manifest deviation of the visual axis of either eye is known as squint or strabismus. Mainly there are two types of squints – Paralytic and Non-paralytic or Concomitant. Concomitant is the one which is mostly seen in children. Concomitant deviations are for the most part, produced by anomalies of the power of convergence and divergence and the co-ordinated use of the two eyes to obtain binocular single vision. In these cases the amount and character of the deviation does not vary when the eyes are turned to the right or left.

The other classification of squint is – Convergent and Divergent. Convergent squint is the one in which one of the eye is turned inside, whereas in divergent squint one of the eye is turned outside.

Each child with squint has to be properly investigated before undertaking treatment. The common methods of treatment are – 1) Correcting the refractive errors by glasses whenever that is found to be the cause of the squint. 2) Deliberate occlusion or patching of the fixing eye so as to improve the vision of the squinting eye. 3) Suggesting special type of ( Orthoptic) exercises to improve the binocular faculties. 4) By surgery to restore parallelism of the visual axis. One or more of these methods or all four may be needed.

Retinoblastoma: It is the cancer or malignant tumor of the eye , usually seen in children below 5 years. It may be seen at birth or later. This disease not only affects the vision, but also life itself if it is not diagnosed and treated properly at an appropriate time. It may be seen in one eye or both.

Usually the child is brought to the eye specialist with the complaint that something white or yellow material is seen in the eye. If one eye is swollen enormously, it is understood that the disease is advanced. Treatment is usually removal of the eyeball as soon as the disease is diagnosed and the cut portion sent for biopsy. After the removal of the eyeball, if there are any signs of the disease,

Radiotherapy is advised. At this stage the other eye is examined and if any traces are found it is also subjected to radiotherapy. In the advanced stage of the disease, it is mandatory to treat with chemotherapy.

Apart from these eye injuries, congenital cataract and glaucoma are the other diseases of children. Parents and teachers have great responsibility in the proper management of the eye diseases.

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Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries in Children by Terri Forehand

The start of the school year also is the start of the sports season for most school age children. Tuition costs and the cost for supplies, clothes, food, and gas may have parents short on cash when it comes to sports equipment for their child. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when thinking about how to get your child ready for the sports season.

First, discuss with your child what he or she really enjoys about sports and which sports he or she likes the best. In todays economy, it might be necessary for children to decide on one sport instead of three or four. It is far better to be able to provide safe equipment for the one sport the child enjoys the most than to go the cheap route for equipment on 3 or 4 sports and have an injury occur. Medical costs can run into the thousands even for a severe sprain.

Equipment should be sport specific, properly fitting, and include proper safety gear for each sport. Mouth guards and jock cups should never be the piece of equipment left out for boys and girls in contact sports.

All children participating in sports should have a sports physical before enrolling into the sports program. It is important for the physician or nurse practitioner to listen to the heart and lungs of a child who will be participating in sports and to do a urinalysis to check the health of the kidneys. Some physicians also like to do a random blood sugar test on children before they are cleared to play the games.

Ensure that your child has adequate nutrition and fluids available when they are playing a sport. If your child has not had lunch, for instance and then is asked to practice hard after school, he or she may get faint, have palpitations, headache, or nausea during practice.

Adults should be present at all times during practice, training, and game times to enforce safety rules and to provide a safe playing environment. Adult supervision goes along way to preventing the school bully of having a chance to interfere with school activities.

Ask about the safety-related policies of your local sports leagues and school teams. Coaches and other on the field personnel should be trained in first aid and CPR.

Finally, make sure you have all medical and emergency information available to the coaches and school authorities in case of an injury when you are not around.

Providing children with the proper equipment, good nutrition, adequate training and conditioning and the skills needed for the sport will make sure they are physically and mentally ready for the challenges of playing the game.

For more information on children coping with illness or death and dying issues, or health and safety tips for children visit http://heartfeltwords4kids.blogspot.com

Visit http://www.freewebs.com/heartfeltwords4kids/ for an interactive website where kids can blog or read articles geared towards them.

Terri Forehand is a pediatric critical care nurse and freelance writer. She has a passion for kids of all ages, especially kids who are fighting against tough illnesses and diseases. Visit her blog and website for more information. She is currently working on fiction for kids.

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