Welcome to our "Children's Health Section"
This Section is brought to you with our compliments because we care about Children and because we feel any knowledge we can impart to Parents about Children and their Health must be a plus!

Often Parents are looking for articles about Children so therefore we are delighted to provide this area with regular updates especially for those Parents and also for our wonderful Health Professionals. If you are a Parent we invite you to visit these pages often because we will be regularly posting articles here to assist you and your children!

To all those wonderful Health Professionals who are subscribers to Doctors-4U™ - you are invited to have posted here, FREE of charge, any articles you feel may be of assistance to Parents and their Children.

Links to Children's articles will appear here at the top together with a short description. This will ensure you will be able to find the articles that appeal to you most in the shortest possible time.

Helping the growth and development of Children in those early years

Healthy computing for today's Children
Are Your Children Using the Internet Safely?
The ABC have a Web site for Children
Modern marijuana - the risks
School bullying - A number of direct links here to various sites of interest.
Are Your Teens Using Drugs?
Reflux Infants Support Association (RISA)
Children and Back Packs

 

Children's Link Section. Click here
This is a special page for our children & students.


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• Helping the growth and development of children in those early years, from birth to aged 3!
  
  
• Often busy parents wonder if they are giving their child enough attention. Don't be too hard on yourself. Even the youngest child needs to spend time alone
  
  
• If you ensure your baby has interesting items in its sleeping area this will keep them amused. A sturdy mobile safe crib will encourage kicking and reaching. Stuffed toys and hardy books give little hands and eyes an opportunity for quite play.
  
  
• Consider a play environment with one or two objects to attract baby's attention. As soon as baby becomes involved, move away quietly.
  
  
• Remember to give the crawling child new challenges. Sometimes even a kitchen chair placed upside down can become something new to explore. Even some cushions placed on the floor can make a challenging obstacle course.
  
  
• Remember sometimes it is ok to supervise your child's play from a distance however, remember to frequently check and speak or praise your child.
  
  Your child will be much happier and healthier if you:
  
  
• Look for and encourage signs of readiness to learn new skills. Before a child can drink from a cup without spilling it, he/she must be able to pick it up and let go of it.
  
  
• A child must be able to recognize body signals before giving diapers away.
  
  
• Be prepared for setbacks. Often if children are sleepy, tired, cranky, or ill they will return to old habits. Often their life changes, such as another baby, maybe even a change in baby sitters. Changes such as these can require time for adjustment.
  
  
• Remember to make yourself aware of the various ages in which you can expect your child to achieve certain achievements such as sleeping through the night, eating solid food, walking, talking, and becoming toilet trained.
  
  Remember to reward positive behaviors!
• Children need help in learning the self-control their minds and bodies are not yet capable of exercising.
  
  
• Recognise that crying, and clinging are often things children do to get our attention. Even though such behavior have produced anger or punishment from the parents. It is always better to praise or reward your child for good behavior.
  
  
• Where possible break the pattern of bad behavior as early as possible. See if you can move their attention to a toy or even new game or activity. You may even consider moving baby to another room or putting some music on.
  
  
• When you correct a behavior please, never say, "You are bad." "You are stupid-dumb or the like"
  
  
• Always look for a reason for bad behavior. Maybe they are hungry, their nappy is dirty or they are just bored! If they are crying at 4 p.m. they may be trying to tell you they are hungry or then again it may be one who just wants your attention.
  
  Help your child to explore the environment and learn how the body works.
  
  
• Be conscious of the time baby spends in an infant seat, swing, playpen, or walker. You may consider the following instead:
  
  
• During the first 6 months, put baby on a blanket on her/his tummy with some colourful toys that will encourage them to reach, stretch, and look around.
  
  
• When baby is crawling, provide areas to explore that are free of hazards.
  
  Keep cupboards locked that have cleaning agents etc and keep baby away from hanging electrical cords. You can never be too careful here. And
  
  
• As baby starts to walk, ensure they have a safe area where they can pull themselves up to their feet. Watch out for overhanging saucepans and always be aware of the unexpected.
  
  
• When baby gains skill, help them to explore the senses of touch and balance by walking barefoot on some surfaces, such as grass and carpet, and up and down inclines.
  
  Remember to provide toys that can help your child to improve his or her skills
  
  
• When crawling, infants often like to discover hidden objects and toys that fit together.
  
  
• Toddlers like to explore the relationships of space, motion, size, and balance with stacking toys, building blocks, toys on wheels, and nesting cups and pots.
  
  
• Two-year-olds enjoy imitating family activities, such as using child-size versions of telephone, pots and pans, carpenter's tools, and the lawn mower.
  
  Setting aside special play areas for your child!
  
  
• Setting aside special play areas in different parts of your house where baby can play while other family members do their things is excellent.
  
  
• Even the kitchen pots and safe plastic items can be interesting for the child.
  
  
• Have you thought of putting some toys in your bedroom to amuse baby while you change clothes etc?
  
  
• A toy area in the family room.
  
  
• It is best to restrict the number of items or toys in each area. You can then introduce new toys and remove old ones from time to time.
  
  Remember to encourage your child to be independent!
  
  
• Help him or her to practice using a fork or spoon, brushing their teeth dressing and undressing, combing their hair.
  
  It also helps to encourage your child to share in the household chores!
  
  
• Let them practice setting the table, sweeping and dusting, putting away groceries, using the vacuum and even raking the lawn.
  
  You to can learn from family, friends and professionals. We never stop learning so please remember those people who maybe able to impart some of their knowledge to you.
  
  
• You to can learn from your parents.
  
  
• Speaking with baby's paediatrician can help.
  
  
• Even parenting classes will assist.
  
  
• Remember, the public library often has books and magazines and videos on child development and parenting.
  
  

• Healthy computing for todays Children!
  
  In this this day and age of computers and with different aged children using the same computer we feel some of the following matters are often overlooked.
  
  

That being so, we have placed these suggestions here as a guide for you and your children! Please remember however these are a guide only and if you require more information or you wish to clarify anything we have suggested we suggest you chat with your Doctor or other Health Professional.

Most children and teens of today are spending more and more time sitting at a computer to do homework, surf the Internet, and play video games. How they position themselves in a chair, and how they use the computer equipment can affect not only their comfort, but also their health.

A person who does not sit correctly in a chair or strains to use a computer could suffer back and neck pain, and eyestrain. Most computer equipment and workstations are built to fit adults, but a few adjustments can be made to a child's work area to promote a healthy lifestyle free of pain.

So what can parents and families do?

The Australian Broadcasting Authority has a web site to help families and children use the Internet safely and we congratulate them. It is called Cybersmart Kids Online. You will find advice and tips for parents and children, as well as resources and lesson ideas for teachers aimed at helping children to be aware, have fun and be safe on line.
To have a look at the site please click here www.cybersmartkids.com.au


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• The ABC have a Web site especially for Children.
  
  
  The ABC, like all of us are dedicated to protecting the safety and privacy of young people using their services and they encourage parent's to participate in their child's online experience. We also encourage you and your child to visit the age-appropriate ABC Online web site specifically designed for children titled 'The Playground' To go there please click here www.abc.net.au/children
  
  
  
  
  
• School Bullying - here are some interesting links which may help you or your Children.
  
  www.bullying.com.au
  
  www.bullybeware.com/workshops.html
  
  www.education.unisa.edu.au/bullying (Dr Ken Rigby)
  
  www.kidshelp.com.au
  
  www.bullyingnoway.com.au
  
  
  
  
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• Modern marijuana: weighing up the risks

  
  11 August 2003
  Reporter: Ben Fordham

  Millions love marijuana - it's thought to be one of the most lucrative crops on earth and has enjoyed a reputation as a comparatively safe drug for decades. As ACA reports, these days the majority of marijuana sold in Australia is not natural and new research indicates its impact is frightening. But some still champion its therapeutic qualities.
  
  

  Long considered a "soft" drug, marijuana is now being blamed for everything from depression to schizophrenia. The reason is most of it is grown hydroponically and is super-charged with chemicals, making it more and more dangerous. According to youth counsellor Jill Pearman, who has 23 years experience, what she's witnessed over the past 24 months has her increasingly concerned.
  
  

  "People say there's no problem with cannabis, I say, 'Give it up for a week and see how you feel', and you can bet your bottom dollar they're climbing the walls and it's a common experience among all people who come in - anxiety, depression and stress," she says.
  
  

  She says the number of people presenting to mental hospitals in New South Wales for cannabis-induced psychosis has gone from 15 to 26 percent over a two-year period and experts now estimate the figure is closer to 40 or 50 percent.
  
  

  Adding weight to the trend is new research, which paints a startling picture of the impact of modern marijuana our country. For seven years, 2000 Australian teenagers were tracked. By their 21st birthdays, one in 25 women met the criteria for being cannabis dependent. Among men, the rate was much higher with one in 10 found to be dependent.
  
  

  Professor George Patton, who conducted the groundbreaking study, found that regular alcohol drinkers are less likely to develop cannabis dependence while cigarette smokers are more likely. He also found that the younger you experiment, the greater the chance you'll have a problem later on.
  
  

  "Thirty percent of teenagers who reported weekly use sometime between the age of 14 and 17 were dependent at the age of 20 to 21," he says.

  Father Chris Reilly has helped tens of thousands of troubled teenagers try and overcome their addiction. He says one of the problems is many people are unaware of how significantly the drug has changed.

  "People who are advocating it from the '60s haven't factored in to it that this [cannabis] is now 70 to 90 percent stronger than what they were using back in the old days," he says.
  
  

  For Chris, who was once addicted to marijuana, the experience was all-consuming.

  "People think it's harmless, they don't take it as a harmful drug - that's probably why," he says. "People don't know much about it. I had drug-induced psychosis and went to jail for a night."
  
  

  Similarly, Rupert also suffered terribly while addicted to cannabis.

  "I couldn't sleep when I was smoking and got headaches," he says. "I got really angry with everyone - really angry with friends and parents. You don't realise 'til problems come on, no friends, social life goes down the drain and it's too late, by then, it's really hard to quit," he says.
  
  

  Entering the debate with a very different view is Dr Andrew Katalaris, who has been studying the medical powers of marijuana for 15 years. He says that while cigarettes and alcohol can cause permanent damage, the effects of cannabis are reversible in a matter of weeks.
  
  

  "They talk about attention deficit, short-term memory deficit, all these things do occur. But they are the result of overdose, both on the day and the chronic daily use without any times of washout to let the brain recover," he says.

  The tiny town of Nimbin in northern New South Wales is considered to be the cannabis capital of Australia. According to Nimbin's unofficial mayor, Michael Balderstone, the fact most dope smokers in Australia only have access to hydroponic marijuana, which is usually mixed with tobacco, is part of the problem.

  "I reckon, across Australia every morning, tens of thousands of young kids wake up and one of their first thoughts is a craving for a bong - it's the nicotine craving," he says. "So, you've got tobacco cravings all the time, making people smoke a lot more, making them wake up the next morning thinking, 'I want a bong', they don't realise it's a nicotine craving -it's a huge thing I think."
  
  

  It may be an illegal drug but sometimes you wouldn't know it. In Nimbin, naturally-grown cannabis is for sale in cafés and every bag comes with health warning. The café experiment has resulted in a dramatic fall in street dealing and a steady flow of quality-controlled, chemical-free marijuana.

  But in most other parts of the country, millions of Australians have no idea what they're inhaling. But while stopping young people from smoking may be impossible, here's the warning - the younger you start, the greater damage it can do.
  
  

  "I know because I've been there, done that, and know what it's done to me," says former addict Chris. "Get out of that area where the drugs are around you. You got to survive it."
  This article is supplied with the compliments of ACA & Channel 9
  www.ninemsn.com.au/aca

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• ARE YOUR TEENS USING DRUGS?
  
  The following is article is from an American leaflet titled
  Teen Drug Use 34 Warning Signs.
  Their Web site is at www.difficultteens.com
  
  The leaflet was compiled by concerned Americans and we feel much of its contents may help some of our fellow Australian Parents to understand more about drugs and the problems facing our children of today. We hope this information may help parents as to what they should be on the look out for and at the same time to have a closer understanding of drug problems in our society.
  
  
  Teen Drug Use 34 Warning Signs.

Nothing is more destructive to a teen and/or their family than the use of drugs. Consequently, the earlier the intervention the better. The problem is that in most cases teens are using drugs for several months, or even years, before parents become aware of it. Even when parents do become aware of drug use, they often underestimate the extent of their child's involvement.

SIGNS OF DRUG USE
If you are suspicious your child may be using drugs, don't Ignore the warning signs. Children seldom grasp the concept of addiction. Most view themselves as impervious to peril. For some teens, the stress of adolescence and pressure from their peers is overwhelming, and drugs become an enticing escape from their real world.
Please be on the lookout for:

1. Neglected appearance/hygiene
2. Poor self image
3. Grades dropping
4. Violent outbursts at home
5. Frequent use of eye wash
6. Unexplained weight drop
7. Drug paraphernalia
8. Slurred speech
9. Curfew violations
10. Running away
11. Skin abrasions
12. Chemical breath
13. Glassy eyes
14. Valuables missing
15. Hostility towards family members
16. Red eyes
17. Stealing/borrowing money
18. Valuables suddenly appear in child's possession
19. Change in friends
20. Depression
21. Withdrawal
22. Apathy
23. Reckless Behavior
24. No concern about future
25. Defies Family Values
26. Disrespectful to parents
27. Lying/deceptive
28. Sneaky behavior
29. Disregards consequences
30. Loss of interest in healthy activities
31. Verbally abusive
32. Manipulative/self-centered
33. Lack of motivation
34. Truancy

If any of these signs seem applicable to your child, and their behavior, there may be a destructive pattern developing that may require intervention. If several of these signs apply, intervention is probably necessary now. A response of denial or shame to drug abuse will only serve as additional obstacles to overcome. If intervention is indicated, there is effective help available.

• PARENTAL AWARENESS
  Parents often say they want to know everything that is going on in their children's lives. But is that really true? Parents need to know that drug use generally begins months, or even years, before parents actually do become aware of their teen's drug use. Certain topics, such as children's sexual behavior, underage drinking, and gang violence are subjects so uncomfortable parents often choose to ignore them, or perhaps only lightly approach them, often cloaked in denial, hoping these issues will not affect their family.
  
  Parents recognize that the consequences of these issues can be frightening, even deadly. However, silently clinging to the denial and hope that these issues will not be part of their children's lives can create an equally devastating consequence. And no topic is any more frightening to a parent than teen substance abuse.
  
  Parenting presents continuing challenges. Putting on blinders will never create resolutions. The subject of teenage drug abuse is very wide and multifaceted, involving many drugs and their variations. It will not be possible to cover all information regarding teenage drug abuse here, but rather it is our desire to broaden your information so that you may feel more confident about parenting decisions surrounding teenage drug use as it pertains to your children.
  
  WHY DO CHILDREN USE DRUGS?
  As we search for solutions that would protect our children from the perils of substance abuse, the question arises as to why they would ever want to use them at all.
  
  From an adult perspective the repeated question is, "Who's to blame?" Often looking to transfer responsibility, the adult population frequently points the finger of blame outward. Depending on who you ask you may hear a range of criticism that includes the media, peer influence, lack of supervision from school officials, drug pushers, law enforcement's lack of authority, law enforcement's overreaction, kid's role models, parental indulgence, to lack of parental involvement.
  
  There is no denying that these can be contributing factors, as outside influences can be very powerful. But to ascribe blame solely on outside influences would be not only an exaggeration, but would be saying our kids are nothing more than victims of circumstance and thus would remove them from the accountability of their own choices. Where adults tend to look outward for `the answers', the kid's explanations tend to point more towards themselves. They tend to explain it from a more personal choice, something inside them urging them on; wanting to fit in, a curiosity, or need for excitement.
  
  Understanding the teen's perspective holds important keys. When asked why, their reasons include those similar to the following responses:
  
  
• They want to fit in, to feel part of the group
  
• To rebel against adult authority
  
• To escape their problems
  
• To hide their feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem
  
• The thrill and excitement of taking a risk o Wanting to feel grown up
  
  
  THE `GATEWAY' DRUGS
  Most adolescents do not begin with the so-called hard drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth or heroin. Usage generally begins with drugs that are much more easily accessible and, in the adult population, are legal; nicotine and alcohol. Usage frequently begins with easy access to these in the home, be it the home of their family, friend or relative. Tobacco and alcohol are believed, by many experts, to be the `gateway' or entrance to a path towards drug abuse.
  
  Generally, even teens recognize the serious health risks associated with smoking. Yet, if they are willing to smoke, it's an easy link to drinking alcohol. By this time, they have demonstrated they are risk-takers so the obvious next level is to marijuana. From there it can be a dangerous, even deadly spiral towards other drugs, and the destructive behaviors that go along with them.
  
  UNDERSTANDING ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR
  No matter what drug is involved, the disease of addiction appears to follow a predictable course. Typically, the user begins out of some level of curiosity. If the initial experience produces pleasurable results, the individual will more than likely move on to recreational use, such as with friends, at parties or on the weekends. As they come to enjoy the drug more and more, it is inevitable that the usage will increase, such as using during the week on a regular basis.
  
  Soon, their lives become more and more centered around getting the drug and finding opportunities to use it. It begins to interfere with relationships, school, work, and other formerly productive areas of interest in their lives.
  
  By now the drug dependency, the addiction, have taken control, and the individual is unable to function without the drug. [f there is not a physical addiction, there is most certainly a psychological dependency upon their drug of choice. And if their drug of choice is not easily accessible, they will resort to whatever it takes to obtain that drug.
  
  MARIJUANA - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that marijuana the illegal drug most often used in America. Studies show nearly 50% of teenagers try marijuana before they graduate high school. Many parents of teens experimented with marijuana in their college days, and now find it difficult to talk to their kids about the use of marijuana. But today, marijuana use begins at a much younger age and there is a much more potent form of marijuana available to the kids today.
  
  Kids site their use of marijuana as a way for them to cope with life's problems, to deal with anxiety, anger or depression, a way to escape, something to do so as to ease boredom. Long-term studies of high school students appear to demonstrate a pattern that few young people use other drugs without first having tried marijuana. Of itself then, marijuana is a gateway drug.
  
  THE SILENT EPIDEMIC - HUFFING
  There are over 1,000 common household and classroom products that can be used as inhalants, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. `Huffing' is a form of drag abuse that is on the rise with our young people at an alarming rate. These products are so common, you most likely would not be alarmed if you saw a teen buying them. After all, would you stop to realize that something as seemingly harmless as hair spray, whipped cream or air freshener could be used as harmful drugs? These products typically contain gases such as butane or toluene, which can harm the liver, kidneys and bone marrow, and also cause brain damage.
  
  Most huffers begin very young. According to a study by The Cape Cod Islands Partnership to Reduce Substance Abuse it was found that 1 out of 5 students had tried `huffing' by 7th grade. And inhalants were found to be the 3rd most abused substance, behind tobacco and alcohol, in the 12-14 year old age group, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A California physician, who lost his 13 year old son to huffing spray-can propellants said he knew more about inhalants than most parents, yet there were important things he didn't know. "I didn't know about Sudden Sniffing Death. I didn't know about the brain damage." He also said he didn't know it was habituating, and that it wouldn't be easy for his son to stop. Kids can die from abusing inhalants repeatedly, or even just once.
  
  
  States a Juvenile Court Judge, " ... I see a lot of kids coming into court in all kinds of trouble and all kinds of problems. The one group of kids that scares me the most are kids using inhalants, or huffing as they call it." Would you recognize the warning signs of huffing?
  
  Watch out for or be aware of:
  
• Chemical smell on child or child's clothing
• Correction fluid on nose, fingers, or clothing
  
• Markers in pockets
  
• Red eyes, nonsensical talk, irritability
  
• 'Drunk' appearance, slurred speech
  
• Unusual breath odor
  
• Decreased appetite
• Frequent headaches
• Sores around mouth
• Lack of concentration
• Low grades, school absences
  
  METH - THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DESTROYER
  Crystal meth, crank, speed, glass, ice ... methamphetamine drugs go by many names and have rnany forms. Typically, it is found in powder or crystallized forms and can be smoked, inhaled, eaten or shot-up intravenously.
  
  Users are referred to as `tweakers'. It's very available and cheap to buy, and produces an extended `high' making it extremely tempting to the young and foolish.
  
  Meth speeds up the central nervous system causing physical and psychological effects that, at first, seem pleasurable: increased alertness and energy, decreased need for Sleep, euphoria and increased sexuality. Meth is highly addictive, but once meth entraps the user it wreaks havoc with everything from weight loss to welts on the skin, shortness of breath, hypo activity, severe depression, paranoid delusions and suicidal tendencies.
  
  INTERVENTION
  The goal of this booklet has been to provide an overview of teen drug abuse and to make you keenly aware of the warning signs. Again, if the warning signs
  indicate that intervention is necessary Teen Help can direct you to a number of effective resources available.
  
  We found the above informative and helpful so hence the reason for placing a copy here. If any parents have concerns about their children after reading the above please, we urge you, seek the assistance from any of the Australian help organisations.
  
  
• HERE IS A LETTER FROM A TEENAGE ADDICT
  I'm a fifteen year old alcoholic/ addict, though I've been clean and sober for even months now. Right now I want to persuade you not to use drugs. Drugs force us to cross the invisible line between fact and reality.
  Sometimes so often that you forget where that was, and will have trouble finding where that line used to be. When you first shoot up, you will most likely puke and feel repelled, but soon you'll try it again. It Will cling to you like an obsessed lover. The rush of the hit and the way you'll want more, as if you were being deprived of air. That's how it will trap you.
  
  Soon your money will run short and your `suppliers' will start asking `favors', instead of giving you the occasional freebie, all because they know they've got you hooked and they can see the way your body aches for it. All this is part of crossing the line. Finally, when you have humiliated yourself in every way YOU could possibly think of, the darker side hits; ongoing despair and deep depression.
  
  With me, it was the thrill and the rush that made the need tolerable. I felt like there was nothing without it and freedom within it. I still struggle with thoughts of `were the hard times really that bad or were they part of what made them so good`?' Then I realize that I was just pretending that I enjoyed the mania so that it would not hurt so bad.
  
  Someone once described withdrawals as tiny, evil animals; chewing their way out of your skin, and as if all your pores were opening like a dehydrated plant for just one more drink of toxic water.
  
  I paid dearly for an expensive assassin to still my life, mind and body. I am now glad it did not succeed. So please, for the love of all that is dear to you, just think before you welcome a killer into your body.
  
  Doctors4U® wishes to extend their appreciation to Teen Help America for the above and also the 15 year old for taking the time to write his letter in the hope that it will help others.
  October 2004.
  
  
• See the Australian site - Drug Arm (Drug Awareness, Rehabilitation and Management) is a non-government, non-profit organisation committed to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle without the use of unnecessary drugs.
  A good site about dedicated people and the services they provide.
  www.drugarm.com.au
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Reflux Infants Support Association (RISA)
  This is not an article as such, however this Association could be of great assistance to the parents of any child suffering with gastro-oesophageal reflux.
  Reflux Infant's Support Association (RISA) Inc. Are a non-profit community support group who provide information and emotional support to families with children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux.
  Telephone 07 3229 1090
  PO Box 1598
  Fortitude Valley Brisbane 4006
  
  email info@reflux.org.au
  
  Web site
  www.reflux.org.au
  
  
  
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• Children and their Backpacks!
  
  The back pack has overtime become the new school bag for children to carry all, however it can present certain dangers for spinal health if not worn correctly!
  
  A correct back pack should have wide padded shoulder straps as well as a padded back. This will prevent injury from any sharp objects in the back pack.
  
  A back pack should always not be over packed. Keep it as light as possible and it should never ever weigh more than 10-20% of body weight.
  
  Both shoulder straps should always be used. Carrying a back pack over one shoulder can strain the neck, shoulder as well as the back and back muscles.
  
  Remember use all of the sections of the back pack and pack the heaviest items as close as possible to the centre of the back.
  
  Remember, these articles a placed here as a guide only. Doctors4U accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any such articles. Always seek professional advice on any matters of concern.
  
  
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