Dr. Natalie Akra

28/05/2020

Vaccines💉
🔸️I have seen a kid with permanent brain damage because of measles infection..she was not vaccinated.
🔸️I have seen a kid who died from fulminant hepatitis A (liver infection)..he was not vaccinated.
🔸️I have seen a hospitalized kid who had severe pneumococcal pneumonia(lung infection)..he was not vaccinated.
🔸️I have seen pretty faces full of chickenpox scars..they were not vaccinated.
Protect your children from being the "unlucky ones"...VACCINATE!

27/05/2020

Water & your little ones
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy :
🔸️You can start offering your little ones water when they are around 6 months( started solid food).
🔸️Do not offer water earlier because it might lead to water intoxication(not that common though), less absorption of important nutrients, and possibly weight loss( they are filling their tummies with water instead of milk).
🔸️Introduce water using sippy cups, it will help them develop drinking skills.(might be a mess first, but its just water😌).
🔸️Babies from 6 to 12 months don't need much water because milk is still their most important source of hydration, but you can offer sips of water after each meal (~30-60 ml), especially in the hot upcoming summer days🌞
🔸️After 12 months, toddlers can drink about 4 cups of water per day, depending on what they eat and drink overall.

13/04/2020

🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy, did you ever notice how eyes look red and scary in some photographs?👀 Well thats what Pediatricians see when they examine your baby's eyes, Red is Good!
🌻Absent reflex or white reflex can sometimes indicate the presence of a problem like cataract or a tumor, and thus should be seen by an ophthalmologist.
🌻Some babies have been diagnosed with such problems incidentally just by noticing the reflex difference from a photo!

31/03/2020

Burns 🔥🔥
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy, kids are tricky and fast so you have to be really alert👀
🔸️Small blistering burns can be treated at home.
🔸️Run cool running water over the burn for a few minutes.
🔸️Give pain medications (e.g paracetamol) if your child is in pain.
🔸️DO NOT put ice, DO NOT rub the burn, and DO NOT break blisters.
🔸️Cover the CLEANED burned area with a non-sticky clean bandage.
🔸️Seek medical help for electrical burns, any burn where the skin is charred with loss of sensation, any swollen burn that covers a LARGE area, or simply if you are worried.
🌻Keep your children safe.

08/03/2020

🌻Dear Daddy, Please Be Nice to Mommy & tell her HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY🌻💪

07/03/2020

🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy: Did you know??
🔸️That oral and re**al acetaminophen (e.g panadol,adol..) have SAME effectiveness on fever reduction.
🔸️A suppository is only preferred if your child is vomiting, not fully conscious, or has swallowing or chronic problems.

29/02/2020

What to do if your child has a fever??!!
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy, fever is not scary, here's what you can do to improve your child's comfort:
🔸️Do not overdress your child, use lightweight clothing.
🔸️Give your little one acetaminophen, or ibuprofen(above 6 months).Use the right dose according to weight as prescribed by the doctor.
🔸️The most important thing is to offer lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include crying without tears, fewer wet diapers, dry mouth and skin.
🔸️Sponging is not very effective but you can give it a try.
🔸️Alcohol should not be used for sponging because of the risk of toxicity if it is absorbed through the skin.

25/02/2020

How to take your little one's temperature?
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy:
🔸️Always use a digital thermometer.
🔸️In babies younger than 6 months, a digital re**al thermometer is the best and most accurate choice.
🔸️In babies older than 6 months, you can use a temporal artery thermometer ( the forehead one) and is considered accurate.
🔸️In babies older than 6 months, you can use a tympanic (ear) thermometer, but it needs to be placed correctly in your child's ear canal to be accurate.Too much earwax can cause the reading to be incorrect.
🔸️In children above 4 years of age, you can use an oral thermometer. For a correct reading, wait at least 15 minutes after your child has had a hot or cold drink. Add 0.5°c to your reading.
🔸️Axillary temperatures are the least accurate, but can be used for screening.
🔸️Please dont use the same thermometer re**ally and orally.😊

24/02/2020

Fever🌡
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy:
🔸️In general, a fever means a temperature above 38ºC (Rectally measured is the most accurate).
🔸️Overdressing can increase the temperature and thus be mistaken for a fever.
🔸️" I Touched my child and FELT he was warm, i THINK it was around 38.7°c🙄", PLEASE measure using a thermometer and do not just assume🙂.
🔸️Contact the doctor if:Your baby is less than 3 months and has any fever even if well looking.Your baby is between 3-6 months with a fever greater than 39°c.Your baby is above 3 months with a fever lasting for more than 3 days.Your baby appears ill (fussy, refusing to drink..)Your baby had a febrile seizure.Your baby has a new rash.

21/02/2020

16/02/2020

Trimming Your Baby's Nails
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy:
🔸️In the early weeks, fingernails grow so quickly you may have to trim them twice a week, unlike toenails which grow more slowly.
🔸️Keep fingernails as short as possible so you don't have scratches all over your baby's face.
🔸️To do so, use a soft emery board, baby nail clippers, or blunt-nosed baby scissors.
🔸️A good time is after a bath or when your baby is asleep.
🔸️Push down on the fingertip skin so you can get better access around the edges of the nail and avoid cutting your baby’s finger and blood spills all over the place....just kidding!
🔸️Please don't bite your baby's nails :)

07/02/2020

Thumb Sucking👍&Pacifiers
🌻Dear Mommy/Daddy; here's what you need to know:
🔸️Most kids give up the habit between 2-4 years on their own.
🔸️It occurs when your kid is bored, tired or anxious;& might also occur upon holding a specific object(blanket/toy).
🔸️If the habit persists past age 5, it might cause permanent teeth damage(overbites, cross-bites..)
🔸️Children under the age of 4 usually do not require any treatment, just ignore it!
🔸️NEVER use harsh words or punishment.
🔸️Use positive reinforcement when the child is not sucking (praise, stickers on chart).
🔸️Use an alternative comfort for anxiety like squeezing an object, or distract with fun stuff.
🔸️If behavioral methods fail or there are changes occuring to the mouth structure and teeth, dental appliances recommended by the dentist can be used.