Dr. Shashi Sharma

High fever is common in kids and a common worry for parents as well. If you are a parent, you need to know when the fever is serious, and when you should worry about it. Fever is a defence mechanism of the body. Body temperature rises if any foreign body (or antigen) attacks your body. As a defence, body temperature rises making it an unfavourable condition for the antigen. Fever means 100.4 degree Fahrenheit. Normally for kids, thermometer is placed under the armpit to record the temperature. You need to add an extra degree for accuracy. Paediatricians recommend treatment for fever if it's more than 101 degree F.

When to Call a Doctor

If the kid is less than 4 months old and has a fever of 100.4 degree F with other mentioned symptoms as highlighted, one must see the doctor as an emergency situation.
If a kid has 104 degree F fever, rush to the doctor. Such a high fever in children could lead to seizers.

You must call a doctor if the kid has a fever along with the following symptoms:

1. Looks very dizzy
2. Has a deteriorated immune system or even any other medical condition
3. Has a seizure
4. Has symptoms such as rashes, painful throat, annoyance, rigid neck or ear pain

Medication Side Effects:

At times, if you treat your children with some medication that does not suit them, it may lead to high fever. In case fever in a kid aged less than 2 years lasts for more than one day, it's time to see a doctor. And lastly, remember that normal body temperature is 98.6 degree F.

Here are some tips on root canal treatments and dental implants

Whether you have a toddler or a teen, I believe, five of the best strategies to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits in kids would be :

1. Have regular family meals.

2. Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.

3. Be a role model by eating healthy yourself.

4. Avoid battles over food.

5. Make eating a playtime and probably a way of spending quality time with your kids.involve them in the process.

Kids who take part in regular family meals are also:

- more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and grains

- less likely to snack on unhealthy foods

- less likely to smoke, use marijuana, or drink alcohol

You could Follow these basic guidelines:

1. Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine, aiming for the goal of at least five servings a day.

2. Make it easy for kids to choose healthy snacks by keeping fruits and vegetables on hand and ready to eat. Other good snacks include low-fat yogurt, peanut butter and celery, or whole-grain crackers.

3. Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, soya, tofu.

4. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals so kids get more fiber.

5. Limit fat intake by avoiding fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.

6. Limit fast food and low-nutrient snacks, such as chips and candy. But don't completely ban favorite snacks from your home. Instead, make them "once-in-a-while" foods, so kids don't feel deprived.

7. Limit sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Serve water and low-fat milk instead.

And above all ----- Be a Role Model Yourself!

The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself.!!!!

That's all for now, for my next dose(article) ...stay tuned!