manchester

healthy options

general health

kids

THERE are basic steps that every parent can take to keep their child healthy.

Immunisation

The first and most important is making sure they have their routine

injections so they are immunised against 9 major diseases - diptheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, meningitis C, haemophilus (hib), measles, mumps and rubella.

Experts insist they are safe and effective and say there is no medical evidence to link immunisation with conditions like autism.

Dr Wendy Rankin, immunology co-ordinator for Manchester, said:

''Because these diseases have almost been eradicated people forget

just how serious and life threatening they are. To see a child delirious with measles is very frightening.

Immunisation is the best primary preventor of childhood illness we

have and while parent's fears are understandable they should ask their GP or health visitor for more information rather than just not taking their child for their jabs.''

Accidents

Accidents are the single most common cause of death in children

under the age of 5. Last year 600,000 under 5's needed hospital treatment.

The best advice is to try and anticipate each developmental stage

and to plan ahead to make sure your child stays safe. Fix a stair gate, keep medicines and cleaning fluids locked away, keep chairs away from the cooker and fit a guard.

Always make sure your child is safely belted in the car in a special car seat, teach them to swim and make them aware of road dangers.

Emergencies

Sometimes you may need help and the advice from Wendy Rankin: ''Trust

your instincts. No-one knows your child better you and if you instinctively feel something is badly wrong then get emergency

help.

''Whatever the time, either ring your GP, NHS direct or the local hospital A&E or, if you are very worried, the ambulance.''

There are six key critical clues:

If your child has a fit or convulsion, they turn blue, very pale or go floppy.
If they have a very high temperature over 39C (over 100F).
If they have difficulty breathing, breath very rapidly or grunt when they breathe.
Are difficult to wake or are drowsy.
If they have a high temperature, their hands and feet are cold.
If they have a purple/red rash anywhere on their body.

If they have any of the six signs - get help.

Links
RoSPA Child safety in the home factsheet