Children's Health
Type 1 Childhood Diabetes
Nearly all young people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Scotland has the fifth highest incidence of Type 1 diabetes in the world.
Diabetes Scotland have produced some informative literature for all parents and carers of children who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes. The early symptoms of diabetes in a child, adolescent or young adult can be recognised by Diabetes Scotland's 4T's campaign in a matter of seconds:
Thirsty? Increased or excessive thirst - drinking more frequently (including overnight)
Tired? Increased tiredness - increased lethargy
Thinner? Losing or not gaining weight - looking thinner than usual
Toilet? Increased urinary frequency - bed wetting or heavier nappies
In under 5's, classic symptoms are not always obvious, but any of the following clinical features might suggest a possible diagnosis of diabetes:
Nappies heavier than usual - blurred vision - candidiasis - constipation - skin infection
For more information visit: www.diabetes.org.uk
When Should I Worry?
The Department for Primary Care and Public Health have developed an informative booklet which provides helpful advice to parents and carers when your child is unwell. Having an ill child can be a very scary experience. If you understand more about the illness it can help you feel more in control. The booklet gives helpful advice on how to deal with common infections in children who are normally healthy. It is not meant for children who have ongoing health problems such as asthma, heart or kidney problems. You should not rely on the information contained within the booklet if your child is less than 3 months old. Babies younger than this can respond differently to infections and we would advise that you contact your GP for further advice and review if under 3 months old.
The booklet can be found at: www.whenshouldiworry.com
Strep A and Scarlet Fever
There are currently high rates of Group A strep and scarlet fever in the UK. Scarlet fever is caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus, is usually a mild illness but it is highly infectious. It is much more common in children than in adults. It is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by a healthcare professional so that antibiotics can be started.
For further information please visit:
How to give different types of medication
For advice on how to give different types of medication to your children please visit:
www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk
Life Skills for Little One's
For practical advice and tips please visit: www.falkirk.gov.uk
Making Sense of Sensory Behaviours
For practice advice and tips please visit: www.falkirk.gov.uk
The Little Orange Book
The Little Orange Book contains advice and tips on how to manage common illnesses and problems that babies and young children often experience in the first 5 years of life. It also has information on more serious conditions, what to look out for and how to get help.
