Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Health Tips for October 4

Health Tip: When Your Child Has a Headache

Children are thought to be no less prone than adults to dull or throbbing pains of the head.

The Nemours Foundation mentions these common triggers of headaches in children:

  • Getting insufficient sleep, or rapidly changing the patterns of sleep.
  • Missing meals or becoming dehydrated.
  • Taking certain medications.
  • Being under stress.
  • Experiencing hormonal changes.
  • Spending too much time in front of the TV or computer.
  • Receiving a mild head injury or having an infection.
  • Spending a long time riding in the car.
  • Inhaling strong odors.
  • Smoking.
  • Consuming caffeine.

Health Tip: Inspect Your Child's Playground

Before you turn your child loose at the playground, inspect it to make sure it's safe.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these features to look for when inspecting a playground:

  • A soft, padded surface below the equipment, such as sand, shredded tires, mulch or wood chips.
  • Separate "active" and "quiet" locations, for activities such as swinging versus playing in the sand.
  • Separate play areas for preschoolers and bigger kids.
  • A safe entrance - exit area, away from equipment that's being used.
  • Popular areas that are kept separate, to limit crowds.
  • Clear sight lines so that parents can easily see across the playground.

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