Dealing with Aggressive Children

Children with aggressive behavior constitute one of the most common and difficult challenges for parents, particularly for young parents. To work on this issue it is crucial that parents have developed a relationship (with the child) based on solid communication and trust.

Parents must be willing to take a step back from the situation and view their child’s behavior in context. What is unacceptable behavior to a parent may seem logical and appropriate to a child. The key to helping a child manage their own behavior is to teach them realistic, constructive alternatives to the behavior habits they have already developed.

A child with consistently aggressive behavior may be taught how to identify when they are feeling angry and then learn strategies to apply in such situations. Children, for example, may be taught to count-to-ten, take deep breaths, run around the oval or visualize a peaceful scene. Children should not be discouraged from feeling angry but rather taught how to deal appropriately with anger when it arises.

In this article, we will take a look at some practical examples of aggressive children and provide tips to deal with this challenge.

childhood habits

Many kids have habits that can be downright annoying. Four of the most common ones that children develop and parents complain about are:

• nail biting
• thumb sucking
• hair twirling
• nose picking

Although your child's habits may bother or even worry you, relax. In most cases, a habit is just a phase in the normal developmental process and is not cause for alarm.

What's a Habit?

A habit is a pattern of behavior that's repeated, and the person usually isn't even aware of it. Although kids may be blissfully unaware of a habit, their parents aren't so lucky.

And if your little one usually has one hand stuffed in the mouth and the other entwined in the hair, don't be surprised: Habits tend to occur in clusters.

Here's the lowdown on the most common habits among kids and teens:

Nail Biting

If nails chewed to the nub are familiar to you, you're not alone. One of the most common childhood habits is nail biting or picking.

Some studies estimate that 30% to 60% of kids and teens chew on one or more fingernails. And, occasionally, a child may also bite his or her toenails.

Boys and girls appear equally prone to the habit in earlier years; however, as they get older, boys are more likely to be nail biters.

Hair Twirling

If one of your kids is a hair twirler, odds are it's your daughter. The majority of children who twist, stroke, or pull their hair are girls.

Hair twirling may appear in early childhood as a precursor to hair pulling, either with or without hair loss. But many hair twirlers and pullers stop as they get older. For those who don't, simple behavior modification can help them break the habit.

However, for those who start hair pulling as older kids or teens, the habit is harder to break and may be a sign of anxiety,depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Developing a sense of identity

During early childhood, the desire among children to ‘fit in’ with those around them is overwhelming. The developing identity has a massive impact on all aspects of a child’s life, influencing what they buy and how they use their purchases to make statements about themselves.

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Children position themselves in existing stereotypes such as arty, sporty or clever.

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When a child is determining which particular product they desire, the image of a product is probably the largest factor in most children’s purchasing decision. The child will subconsciously assess the product according to numerous criteria such as whether other children will like the product or will they be better liked due to owning the product. Peer pressure plays a large part in purchasing decisions as the need to be accepted and fit in is a primary motive behind actions in group settings.

While the stereotype of the rebellious teenager is common in contemporary society, children are in fact developing a strong sense of self from as young as five. As such, rambunctious toddlers are more likely to argue with a parent about choice of clothing, the timing of a play-date or the purchase of a toy or game than ever before.

Atelectasis

Atelectasis is a term that describes extra fluid on the lungs. When involving small areas of the lung, atelectasis is usually of no clinical concern. Atelectasis is not really a disease in and of itself but simply a symptom. Children commonly have some atelectasis with the common cold or after surgical procedures. Atelectasis may be confused with other conditions on chest x-ray such as pneumonia or lung edema. Atelectasis usually resolves without any intervention but may cause fever. Severe atelectasis may turn into pneumonia. After surgical procedures or when confined to bed due to illness is important to breathe deeply or to get out of bed when possible to expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis.

What is atelectasis?

Atelectasis is extra fluid in the small air sacs of the lung.  It is common with any kind of respiratory infection or when the lungs are not expanded well such as after a surgical procedure.This is one of the main reasons that patients are encouraged to get out of bed and walk around shortly after surgical procedures.

How many colds is too many?

Normal children may have up to 8 upper respiratory tract infections (URI's) per year.  Some sources state that up to 12 URI's per year may be normal, especially for children in daycare.  Even though this may be normal, parents often become worried when their child is sick as frequently as once per month.  So when should parents and pediatricians worry?  Does your child have an abnormal immune system?  Could this be asthma?  Could this be another chronic illness?  Should my child have an x-ray or bloodwork?  The purpose of this article is to explore an approach to these common questions.

How often does a normal child get sick?

Upper respiratory tract infections (a.k.a., colds, URI's) are the most common illness of children.  Normal, healthy children have an average of 6 to 8 URI's per year.  This is just an average... some kids, especially those in daycare or school, may get sick as frequently as once per month.  These infections are typically caused by a virus, are mild, don't need medicines to get better, and last less than a week.

What is a URI?

In simple terms, a URI is a "cold." URI's may also cause a sore throat, ear infections, runny or stuffy nose, cough or sneezing, or some combination of these symptoms.  The sinuses, tonsils, adenoids, nose, ears, mouth and throat are all connected by tubes, so viruses can easily pass from one area to the other.

bruises in children

 A bruise is a black-and-blue mark caused by bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels. Many children older than one year of age develop bruises associated with accidental injury and physical activity.

Most bruises are not a cause for concern and will go away on their own. However, bruising can be a sign of an inherited bleeding disorder, illness, or non-accidental trauma (child abuse).

Bruises may be abnormal if they occur spontaneously without explanation, if they are in other places than the lower legs (“unexplained” bruises on the shins are usually normal because children often bump this area and then forget that they bumped it), if they are larger than a quarter in size, and if they are lumpy rather than flat.

Bruises may also be abnormal if they are larger than expected for the degree of injury.

hives symptoms in children

Hives (also known as urticaria) are slightly raised, itchy red welts or blotches that tend to appear suddenly. A welt can stand alone or in clusters, and can be smaller than a thumbprint or bigger than the palm of your hand. They can appear anywhere on the body, and can disappear in one place only to show up in another, lasting anywhere from a couple minutes to several days. Hives are considered acute when they last for less than a day to up to six weeks; chronic hives can occur for months at a time. 

Causes

Affecting an estimated 3 percent of preschool-age kids and 2 percent of older children, hives are produced when an irritant causes our body to produce histamine, which can leak from the blood vessels and pool underneath the skin, leading to welts. For many kids, that histamine release is triggered by allergies to things like nuts, shellfish, eggs, berries, milk, certain antibiotics, or insect bites, but others can get blotchy from exposure to sun, a sudden blast of cold air or exposure to cold water, viral infections, or stress. 

Diagnosis

A doctor will examine the rash and ask about your child’s diet, habits and family history of allergies to diagnose hives. 

Prevention

Once you know what brought on an episode of hives, you can talk to your doctor about ways to avoid the triggers. It might require eliminating some foods from your child’s diet, switching medications, using insect repellent, wearing sun-protective clothing, or avoiding sudden cold temperatures. 

Treatment/Medication

For an acute attack of hives, an over-the-counter oral antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) can bring down swelling and reduce itching. If these make your child too drowsy, you can also try the non-sedating antihistamines like Claritin or Alavert (loratadine).  Applying 1% hydrocortisone cream to itchy welts can also be soothing.

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heat rash in children

Heat rash is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. Heat rash is most common in babies, but it may affect adults in hot, humid climates.

What causes heat rash?

In babies, heat rash can be caused by well-meaning parents who dress their baby too warmly, but it can happen to any baby in very hot weather. A baby should be dressed as an adult would be to be comfortable at the same temperature and activity level. Babies' hands and feet may feel cool to your touch but that does not mean they need to be dressed too warmly in hot weather.

What are the symptoms of heat rash?

Heat rash looks like dots or tiny pimples. In young children, heat rash can appear on the head, neck, and shoulders. The rash areas can get irritated by clothing or scratching, and, in rare cases, a secondary skin infection may develop.

How is heat rash diagnosed?

Heat rash can usually be identified by its appearance and does not usually require medical attention. But if it doesn't go away after 3 or 4 days, or if it appears to be getting worse, or if your child develops a fever, contact your doctor right away.

When you or your child has a rash, be sure to watch for signs of infection, including:

urinary system infection in children

 A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that occurs in the urinary tract (any part of the body used to make and get rid of urine).

Symptoms of a UTI in babies and infants include:

• vomiting
• high temperature of or above 38°C (100.4°F)
• irritability
• appearing lazy and sluggish (lethargic)

Symptoms of a UTI in older children include:

• frequent passing of urine
• complaining of pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
• Read more about the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in children.
• When to seek medical advice
• Always contact your GP if you think your child has a UTI. This is not usually a serious type of infection but it does need to be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Treatment

• Most cases of UTIs can be successfully treated withantibiotics.
• As a precaution, babies under three months old are usually admitted to hospital, as are children with more severe symptoms.
• Many older children can be treated safely at home.
• Read more about the treatment of urinary tract infections in children.

First Aid for choking in child

If your child is choking but can still cough, talk, cry or breathe, it means his airway is only partially blocked; trying to dislodge the object with your finger could make the situation worse. Instead, you need to get someone to call 911, and start CPR rescue steps if he shows any sign of blue lips or skin, inability to swallow, talk, cry, or make noise, inability to breathe (chest doesn't rise up and down), or he loses consciousness. If you’re alone, attempt CPR for two minutes first, then stop and call 911, and then continue rescue efforts until help arrives.

Choking but Conscious Baby Under One Year

• Lay your baby facedown on your forearm, resting your arm on your thigh to hold him steady. Support his chin firmly with one hand, and be sure his head and neck are lower than his torso.
•  Using the heel of your free hand, deliver five quick, firm blows right between his shoulder blades.
•  If he doesn't cough up the object, turn him onto his back. Rest him on your forearm, using your thigh to support his body and your hand to steady his head and neck. Make sure that both his head and her neck are lower than his torso.
• Using two fingers, deliver five quick, firm thrusts to the center of his chest, right on the breastbone, about one finger-width below the nipples. Stop if he starts to cough so he can cough up the object.
•  If he still can't breathe, continue to alternate five back blows with five chest thrusts until the airway is unblocked. If this doesn't work or he loses consciousness, start CPR and rescue breathing.

Food Poisoning Treatment

 Control Nausea and Vomiting 

• Avoid solid foods until vomiting ends. Then eat light, bland foods, such as saltine crackers, bananas, rice, or bread.

• Sipping soda may help prevent vomiting. 

• Don’t eat fried, greasy, spicy, or sweet foods.

• Don’t take anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor. They may make some kinds of diarrhea worse. Your doctor may give you anti-nausea medication if you are at risk of being dehydrated. 

Prevent Dehydration 

• Drink clear fluids, starting with small sips and gradually drinking more.

• If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, drink an oral rehydration solution. 

 When to Call a Doctor 

Call a doctor immediately for diarrhea: 

• That lasts more than 3 days

• That happens after you eat seafood or mushrooms

• Accompanied by a fever

• With blood or dark stools

• With prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down

• With signs of severe dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate or breathing rate

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First Aid, CPR

CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is essentially mouth-to-mouth respiration coupled with chest compression. It can keep a person alive until more advanced procedures arrive. A child or adult given CPR doubles his chance of survival. While CPR is usually given in cases of heart attacks in adults, the need for CPR in children is usually in cases of electric shock, drowning, suffocation caused by smoke inhalation or choking, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidents. 

If you suddenly realise that your baby is having trouble breathing, here's what you should do: 

• Take about four seconds to figure out why your baby is not breathing. If he is choking on something he ate, a few firm taps on the back should do the trick. 
• If he is not choking, then call for emergency medical assistance. 
• Place your baby on a flat surface like a table or the floor. 
• Tilt his head slightly backwards. This opens up the airway. Support his neck. 
• Now, bend down and try and hear if your baby has started to take a few breaths. If you feel he is struggling but has started to breathe, and his lips are pink, you don't need to start giving him breaths. But keep his airway open in this manner. 
• If his lips are blue, he is not getting enough oxygen, and you need to start giving him breaths. 
• Take a breath, place your mouth over his nose and mouth, and give about four gentle puffs in five seconds, into your baby's mouth. While you would have to pinch the nostrils of an adult shut, you don't have to do so with an infant. 
• Don't take a very deep breath though, as too much air may induce vomiting. 
• Check your baby's pulse. The artery above the wrist, known as the carotid artery, is hard to locate on an infant. Instead, locate the brachial pulse, which is about halfway between the elbow and the shoulder, on the inside of the arm. If you feel a pulse, continue giving one breath every five seconds. You don't need to compress your baby's chest. 
• If you don't feel a pulse, begin chest compressions. Press the middle of the breastbone with your first two fingers. Use enough pressure to press down about an inch. The breastbone is at the bottom of the rib cage, where the ribs meet. Move up from your child's navel till you feel the ribs. 
• Remember, all this while your other hand should be supporting the baby's head and neck, making sure the head is bent backwards and the airway remains open. 
• Give about 5 compressions every 3 seconds, and give your baby one gentle breath after every 5 compressions. Count out loud, so you don't lose track. 
• It is a good idea to locate your baby's breastbone and pulse now, so you will be better prepared in case of an emergency. 

You administer CPR to a child (who is between the ages of 2 and 8), in the same manner, except you use the heel of your hand to compress the chest, and not the first two fingers.

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First Aid For Snake Bites

If a snake bites your child, for goodness' sake, don't get inspired by Hindi movies and start sucking venom from the wound!  There's a lot else you can do to prevent the poison from spreading and reaching the 

heart. 

• Try and get a good look at the snake. This would help the doctor identify it, and treat the bite accordingly. 
• Get your child away from the snake and try to calm her down. 
• Make her lie down on a bed or mattress. 
• She should move as little as possible. The more she moves, the quicker the venom will spread through the body. 
• It is important to remember that most snakes are not poisonous, and it is likely that your child has been bitten by a non-poisonous snake.  However, if fang marks are visible, the snake was probably of the poisonous variety. 
• Keep the bitten limb below the level of the heart. This slows down the spread of the poison to the heart. So if your child has been bitten on the leg, she could lie down with her leg on a lower level than the mattress, perhaps on a stool. 
• Some advise that you should wash the bite with soap and water, and then apply an antiseptic, while others advise that it is better not to wash the bite. The doctor will be able to treat your child much better if he has traces of the venom. It is a good idea to wipe the area clean with an antiseptic and retain the wipe for venom traces. 
• Don't apply ice to the bite. 

Coping with an autistic child

Autism is a learning disability in children. A little patience, some professional help and a lot of love can help cope with an autistic child.

Sometimes realities are hard to accept but it is in your hands to change your reality. Amongst the many normal children if one child turns out to have a disability parents find their world collapsing under the weight of a million questions, doubts and anxieties. For a child diagnosed with a problem like Autism life seems uphill. But there is hope. Studies and real life incidents have proved that remarkable improvement is possible in children with autistic disability.Children are just like clay, you can start shaping them in a way that makes them a model of inspiration for others. 

If your child has been diagnosed with Autism you can do a lot to improve his condition. Even Einstein and Newton showed signs of autism. All your child needs is constant support and encouragement to do better. Encourage your childby showing interest in his interests, embracing his errors with patience, be there for him and see him soar to the skies. Read on, to learn how you can cope better with an autistic child.

Coping with autism 

To be the parent of an autistic child is not easy. With the diagnosis comes a daily struggle and unique challenges that parents face everyday. The question 'why my child', stresses parents the most. Autism is a learning disability that can be dealt with. Worried parents first need to come to terms that a problem exists and the problem has various solutions. 

A large part of coping with an autistic child comes from patient parents who co-operate and give time to their child to heal. Comparing one child to another child is the most dangerous thing that even a normal child's parent must avoid. However, parents must talk about their grief, seek help when required and appreciate their child's ways of doing things everyday.

Understanding your child 

Imagine if you were forced to do things that you do not like. Would it motivate you to do any better? The same applies to your child. Your child needs you to understand his emotions, feelings, his like and dislikes. Try to note down the small things related to the behaviour of your child. Check his gestures, find out what he likes doing best and spend time communicating. Find out the areas where you see the maximum scope of improvement. Try to keep track on the activities for the development of your child. You may never know but sometimes a problem itself can become a solution. 

First Aid For Bee Stings in child

Bee stings, especially in the metro cities, are not very common, but are not freakish incidents either. Almost everyone has had bees buzzing around their living rooms at some time.  

Here's what to do in case your child gets stung by a bee. 

•  Remove the stinger. It should be scraped out, and not pulled out. Pulling out a stinger with your fingernails or with a tweezer causes squeezing, and this releases more venom into your body. Scrape it out with your fingernail or a knife blade. 
•  Remember, the venom gland remains attached to the sting, and if it is not removed it will continue to release venom into the body for up to 20 minutes. 
•  Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. You could even apply a splash of antiseptic like Dettol. 
•  Apply  some calamine lotion. A better substitute however, would be a baking soda and water mixture for bee stings, and vinegar for wasp stings.
•  Relieve pain and swelling by applying a cold compress on the spot. Put ice in a cloth or plastic wrap. Don't apply ice directly on the skin. 
•  Leave the ice wrap on your skin for at least 15 minutes.    

Sometimes, your child may have an allergic reaction to the sting. Severe allergic reactions even cause death, so it is important to carefully observe your child for an allergic reaction.  

First Aid For Nosebleeds in child

Even though nosebleeds are not usually a cause of worry, they could still be scary, especially as they could cause a lot of blood to flow. It's important to remember that rarely are nosebleeds a cause for alarm.  

How are they caused?

Anterior Nosebleeds 

Nosebleeds usually occur when the blood vessels in the septum (separates the nostrils) break due to a blow, by picking the nose or even by harsh blowing of the nose. These are common in dry climates. They may even occur during winter, as the dry air from heaters could dehydrate the nasal membranes. Dryness may result in crusting, cracking, and bleeding. 

Posterior Nosebleeds 

These begin high and deep within the nose, and can flow down the back of the mouth and throat. These nosebleeds are more common in adults, and are caused due to high blood pressure or an injury to the nose or head.  

What to do?

•  First, help your child stay calm. If your child is screaming, her blood pressure will be higher and the bleeding will continue longer. 
•  Make your child sit upright in a chair or lie back with her head elevated with the help of a cushion. Her head should be higher than the level of the heart. 
•  Do not have your child lean back. This may cause the blood to flow down the back of the throat and initiate coughing or even vomiting. Her head should be tipped slightly forward. 

TV-watching guidelines for toddlers

The best way to handle how much television and video your toddler watches is to think of them as refined sugar: You want your child to enjoy this seductive stuff without consuming too much. TV viewing has been linked to obesity in children, among other problems, so it's a good idea to stay on top of the time your toddler spends in front of the screen.

The average American child watches more than four hours of TV a day, despite a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that kids 2 and older watch no more than one to two hours daily. The AAP recommends that kids under 2 watch no television at all.

Setting limits from day one is the key to keeping viewing time under control. You're in charge and it's your job to give guidance when it comes to television. It's a lot easier to relax your standards later than it is to wean an 18-month-old from a three-times-a-dayDora or Blue's Clues habit.

Here are tips on how to use television as a learning tool.

Skin Problems - Wounds and Cuts

Skin wounds

Every time your child's skin breaks, she can be infected with tetanus. The first thing you should do is check that her immunization is up-to-date. Keep your eyes open for swelling, redness, tenderness, warmth, or oozing of pus from the wound

Bruises:

 Apply an ice pack or a cold compress for half an hour. Call the doctor immediately if the bruise has been caused by catching the affected part in the spokes of a moving wheel. Bruises that seem to have no explicable reason or that appear simultaneously with fever should also be reported to the doctor.

Scrapes or abrasions:

 The top layer of the skin is scraped off leaving the skin raw and tender. There may even be slight bleeding. Gently remove dirt and foreign matter from the wound with soap and water using sterile cotton or gauze. If the bleeding does not stop on its own, you may need to apply pressure. Cover the wound with a sterile nonstick bandage.

Small cuts:

 Wash the wound with soap and water and hold it under running water to flush out the impurities. A butterfly bandage will protect the wound while it heals.

Large cuts:

 Raise the injured part above the level of the heart if possible. Using a sterile gauze pad, nappy, or a sanitary towel, apply pressure to try to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop in 15 minutes, apply more pressure using more gauze pads or cloth. 

Splinters or slivers

Unless a splinter is very large or has become deeply embedded, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. When the skin grows, small splinters come out on the surface and are automatically expelled. 

If a splinter becomes infected, you will need to drain the pus from the infected area using a sterilized needle. You can sterilize the needle by boiling it in hot water for five minutes or by passing it five or six times through a flame. The next step is to calm your child down. Do not tell her that it is not going to hurt, because it will and your child will not trust you again. Numb the affected area with an ice pack. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Get someone to help you to hold the affected area steady. When the needle is cold, gradually break the skin. If one end of the sliver is protruding, try to pull it out using sterilized tweezers. Once you have removed the splinter, wash the area again.

Baby Care Topics: Feeding your baby|What should my baby wear? | Bathing and Washing your Baby | Overcoming sleeping problems in your baby
Your Baby's First Year: Week by Week

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Children’s Eye Injuries: Prevention and Care

When children participate in sports, recreation, crafts or home projects, it’s important for them to know eye safety practices and use protective glasses as appropriate. Each year thousands of children sustain eye damage or even blindness from accidents at home, at play or in the car. More than 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented through use of suitable protective eyewear.

Sports deserve particular attention, because eye injuries occur fairly often in children and young adult athletes: between the ages of five and 14, most sports-related injuries in the U.S. occur while playing baseball. Learn more about eye injuries and prevention.

Preventing Injuries

• Children should wear sports eye protectors made with polycarbonate lenses for baseball, basketball, football, racquet sports, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, paintball.
• All chemicals and sprays must be kept out of reach of small children.
• Parents and others who provide care and supervision for children need to practice safe use of common items that can cause serious eye injury, such as paper clips, pencils, scissors, bungee cords, wire coat hangers and rubber bands.
• Teach your children to be Eye Smart by safeguarding your own sight with ANSI-approved protective eyewear during potentially dangerous yard work and household repairs or projects.
• Only purchase age-appropriate toys.
• Avoid projectile toys such as darts, bows and arrows, and missile-firing toys.

Tender Loving Care

When your child is unwell, she needs more than just medication. Indulge her and help make her feel better by cheering her up.

Very often we force awful medications down our child's throat when she is sick, with little regard to her feelings. Naturally, we want our children to get better, and if the medicine is bitter, it's just something she has to take. However, very often, there are various alternatives to any medicine, and if your child hates the taste of a particular brand, do speak to the doctor and find out if there are any alternatives. Many parents don't do this, thinking that they or their child doesn't have a choice - when in fact, they do. Your child may hate taking Crocin, and Disprin, dissolved in water, may be more appealing. 

If there are no alternatives to a particular brand, perhaps you can give her the medicine in a form that would be more appealing to her, after checking with your doctor. Find out if if you can mix the medicine with a spoon of honey. Or perhaps, you can crush the medicine and roll it in some chocolate. Let your child know that you are giving her medicine, but you've tried your best to make it taste less repulsive. This is better than trying to trick her into eating it. She may get a nasty shock when she puts the chocolate piece in her mouth, and will want to spit it out. On the other hand, if she knows she's getting medicine, she may be pleasantly surprised to see that it doesn't taste half as bad in this form as she had feared.

Choosing Eyeglasses for Children

When a doctor prescribes glasses for your child for near-sightedness, far-sightedness or amblyopia, he is not likely to tell you how you go about choosing frames. An optician, with his knowledge of the products available in the market, is at a better position to advice you on this. Adults can pay more attention to style and fashion when it comes to eyewear and accessories, as they can instantly judge what is comfortable for them. But it is not that simple in case of children. Children are unable to tell you what fits well and is comfortable; you have to make an intelligent choice for them.

Here are some guidelines for parents to choose the right eyeglasses for their children:

LENSES: 

Lenses come in three types - glass, plastic and polycarbonate.

Glass 

Ideally, glass is the perfect material for lens as it is crystal clear and does not scratch, but it obviously ranks the lowest on the safety scale.

Plastic 

Plastic lens, then, is the second choice. These are also light compared to glass and come with a scratch-resistant coating. But they are priced slightly higher than glass lenses.

How to Raise a Healthy Child

Raising a healthy child is not only about making sure that child eats enough of food. It is very necessary to ensure that the child is eating healthy and eating right. Read on to know more about common mistakes which parents make and how parents can raise a healthy child.

Providing information and making children learn about the importance of health has become very important these days. Today various health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and many more which used to affect adults only are now seen in children also. You need to protect your children from any of the health problems because they are extremely precious for you.  Here is how you can make sure that you raise a healthy child.

Common Health Mistakes Which Parents Make

If you try to find out the common cause behind all these problems, you will find that it is the wrong eating habits and lack of psychical activities among children today. The introduction and rapid popularity of junk food has spoilt all good habits among not only children but adults also. Mothers do not have time or do not wish to spend time in kitchen these days and so they most often do not pay attention to the daily nutritional intake of their children.

Also, mothers try to give their children what they like to eat and they are satisfied thinking that their children ate at least something. Children have also left outdoor playing and stay glued to video games or watch television in their free time. If the parents are busy with their schedule, they prefer this because they can carry on their work without interruption.

Beware of Lazy-Eye

A visual examination done at an early stage of child's developmental years will go a long way in detecting and treating a condition called 'lazy eye' or in medical parlance, 'amblyopia' which arises in many school-going children in India. 'Lazy eye' is a particularly tricky condition, as it does not manifest outwardly, and therefore, goes completely unnoticed, unless the child has an obvious squint.

What is a 'lazy eye'? 

A baby's vision is poor at birth and develops over a period of time. Good eyesight requires that both eyes send same images in a clear and focused manner to the brain. Sometimes, for some reason, the child's central vision does not develop properly, one eye, or in some cases both the eyes, is not able to carry signals to the brain properly, as a result a blurred image is perceived. 

The eye which has reduced vision is called the 'amblyopic eye'. Outwardly, the eye may look normal, and the parent may not even realize that the vision in it is diminished. The child tends to ignore the weak eye and use the good eye resulting in further deterioration of the amblyopic eye. If this condition is not detected and treated early, it can lead to blindness in the amblyopic eye. 

Lazy eye is not caused by anatomical or structural defects of the eye, nor is it caused by any defect in the optic nerve. It is a deficiency in the visual pathway that carries signals from the centre of the eye to the brain.

Hiccups in Babies

Hiccups in babies are observed by many new parents. The main causes of hiccups in babies are not known but some preventive measures can reduce its occurrence. Read on to know how you can prevent hiccups in your baby.

Baby hiccups is something that most new parents will have to put up with during the first few months of an infant’s birth. Most infants get hiccups at regular intervals especially when they are exited or immediately after a feed. Hiccups are normal and nothing to be alarmed about.

Hiccups are one of the many normal reflexes that are common in newborn babies. New parents especially first time ones may not be aware of this fact. Another interesting fact about hiccups is that often mothers feel the baby hiccup even while the baby is still in the womb.

Convulsions in children

In most children aged between one and three years, convulsions are often linked to the development of a high fever. It is difficult to say what is the exact cause of convulsions.Febrile convulsions are not as frightening as they look.

What causes convulsions

It is difficult to say what is the exact cause of convulsions. In most children aged between one and three years, convulsions are often linked to the development of a high fever. The child's nervous system is immature and often cannot handle a high temperature the same way that an adult does. Thus, sometimes, the fever stimulates the nerves controlling the muscles and these, in turn, contract violently. Remember that febrile convulsions are not as frightening as they look. 

What happens when a child has convulsions

Convulsions due to fever usually only last a minute or two. When your child has a fit, she will probably lose consciousness and begin to twitch uncontrollably. She will clamp her jaws shut tightly and breathe heavily. Her eyes will roll back into her head and she will froth at the mouth. She may even become incontinent. Children usually fall asleep after the convulsions have passed.