The Yuletide season which leads into the new year festivities is one people, particulary Nigerians look forward to keenly. It's mostly characterised by feelings of glee, joy, happiness and sharing. Children are the happiest during this season, they have no worries and seem to be happy all day, all week with a lot to eat, drink and make merry. Adults mostly get carried away with the food and surplus drinks too.
As you might have noticed our posts have been a bit focused on children and that's because we're making our pediatric services more pronounced now.
With lots of activities that has happened during this period, going forward, parents and caregivers would need to know to practice hygienic food handling techniques to prevent poisoning or contamination of food and drinks which can lead to gastroenteritis in children (an infection of the intestines, It causes diarrhoea and may also cause symptoms such as vomiting & abdominal pain). Yes, this post should probably have come before or during the core of the festivities. Guess we were carried away with all the happenings too.
Here are some few Tips:
. Hand washing: this is so important and must occur several times a day. There must be soap and water available all day in our homes.
. Washing our fruits and vegetable with clean water (and salt or Vinegar) before consumption or use in salad preparation.
. Ensuring all meals are properly cooked and water is clean and safe for drinking.
. Snacks and food must be warmed before consumption.
. Leftovers should be stored appropriately. (Also make sure to control portions served to children in other to discourage the habit of always having leftovers after every meal.)
WHAT TO DO WHEN VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA SET IN;
Continue breastfeeding if child is still an infant.
. Give Oral rehydration therapy. Already prepared sachets are available in most pharmacies. Each sachet goes into one litre of freshly boiled and cooled water. The child is to drink as frequently as he passes loose stool or vomits. (Fresh preparation to be made every 24hours).
. When fever sets in, vomiting persists or loose stools worsen in frequency and consistency, please take the child to the hospital.
For pediatric services and related cases which would be particular to a pediatrian or pediatric centre, don't hesitate to get in touch using any of the below channels and mediums.
Facebook: @georgesmedical
Instagram: @georgesmedical
Twitter: @georgesmedical
Phone: 01-2718727
Email: [email protected]