Keeping your school kids busy over the holidays is stressful enough, so the last thing you need is worrying about their health or what to do in an emergency. A little bit of forward planning is all it takes to keep your family safe and healthy these holidays.
Clicks Pharmacist Waheed Abdurahman shares 3 ways on how to deal with the most common health issues with kids:
The Problem
Cold and flu
The Fix
Nothing’s worse than going away when sick, so boost your whole family’s immune system with natural medicines like echinacea or African potato extract, as well as multi-vitamins which include Vitamin C and D. “If you do get the flu, the best advice is to treat symptomatically. Think ahead and stock up on decongestants or a nasal inhaler, antihistamines, throat lozenges, pain relievers and cough medicines.
The Problem
Motion sickness
The Fix
If you’re prone to carsickness, try and focus on a single object outside of the car. Don’t read as this makes motion sickness worse. It’s best to avoid rich, fatty foods and dairy products before a trip – rather stick to plain foods, like dry crackers. Consider an anti-vertigo tablet to take an hour before the journey. Your Pharmacist will recommend appropriate products for adults or children, and advise on the correct dosage.
The Problem
Upset stomach
The Fix
Wash your hands regularly and keep a hand sanitiser in your bag. Drink bottled water if you’re holidaying in an unfamiliar place, and consider a course of probiotics if you’re prone to stomach troubles. There are a number of safe over the counter (OTC) products for adults and children. For severe cases, ask your Pharmacist to recommend anti-cramp and anti-diarrhoea tablets. And remember to stay hydrated and get electrolytes back into your system with oral rehydration solutions.
Safety Checklist:
A first-aid kit need not be an expensive purchase. Make sure yours has the following:
- Motion sickness medication
- Topical steroid cream for sunburn
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops for salt water, sand and other irritations
- Eardrops for ear infections from swimming
- Prescription medication
- Antihistamine tablets for allergic reactions
- Antihistamine tablets for stings and bites
- Paracetamol or aspirin
- Calamine lotion for sunburn or rashes
- Sterile gauze and burn dressing
- Adhesive bandages and plasters
- Antiseptic cream
- Tweezers
South African Emergency Numbers:
- Ambulance 10177
- Police 10111
