About Pediatrics
Pediatricians are doctors that exclusively treat infants and children up to the age of 16-18 years of age. Although there have been doctors devoted mainly to caring for children since healing began, Pediatrics is a specialty that was formally designated only as late as the mid-1800s. Abraham Jacobi, a German immigrant to America, started a training program at New York Medical College and established a chair in Pediatrics in 1861. He helped establish children’s wards in New York hospitals, greatly cutting mortality rates and improving the practice of treating children’s diseases and other medical conditions. The first children’s hospital opened in Philadelphia in 1855 and is still in operation. Like other fields of medicine, pediatrics has fields of specialties. In addition to getting a general practitioner’s license a pediatrician studies an additional 4-8 years. If they want to specialize in pediatric oncology, ophthalmology, endocrinology or some other field they may have … [Read More...]
Health Topics
Abdominal Pains Mild abdominal pain in children is very common, it may be caused by overeating, constipation or a viral illness. A more severe abdominal pain may be a sign of illness like urinary infections or a swelling (inflammation) of the appendix (the appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine). When accompanied by fever or vomiting, it is strongly recommended to call a doctor in this case. You also have to call a medical office if your child has severe abdominal pains that lasts longer than four hours. Constipation Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function. Symptoms can include infrequent and painful, vomiting or abdominal pain. Common causes include inadequate water and/or fiber intake, consuming large amounts dairy products, stress, traveling or eating disorders. Usually, constipation can be relieved by including sufficient amount of liquids in the diet. Drinking prune juice, pear juice and extra fruit and vegetables … [Read More...]
First Aid
Having special items for kids in your First Aid kit is a good idea. Young children can usually use the same medications as adults but not as much. Before you use medications for children such as creams, pain relievers, cough syrups and other pills or tablets, read the labels and prescriptions. Your local drugstore will probably have specific children's medications like (baby) aspirin on the shelf. Don't forget to supply the First Aid traveling kit. When in doubt about administering medications, always consult a qualified medical specialist. First Aid Kit items for children under twelve: Towels Baby Aspirin Baby powder Warm blankets Adhesive (surgical) (cloth) tape And, to complete the list with regular items: Disposable gloves: plastic non-latex gloves. Sterile dressings/gauze pads Anti inflammatory medicine Arm sling: to stabilize bones and joints. Antihistamine: good to have in case of allergic reactions. Childproof lighter: can be used to sterilize … [Read More...]
