The health of most Australian children has improved even over the last few decades as many more are being vaccinated against major preventable diseases. But we have to be careful. Just as we conquer the common diseases of childhood such as measles and mumps, new challenges are appearing – mental health disorders, allergies, diabetes, obesity and overweight are epidemic in our children, implying serious and ongoing health problems for the future.
Preventing sickness
We can’t afford to be complacent about something as important as our children’s health – the future wellbeing of tomorrow’s generation of adults and the prosperity of our country. The foundations of a person’s future adult health, both physical and psychological, are set down in childhood. As a parent, you can develop lifestyle patterns during your child’s young years that will lay the ground work for later health and wellbeing. What your children eat now, how they spend their free time, their hygiene habits, how they deal with stress and anger , whether they are immunised against childhood diseases, all add up to healthy habits for life. Your attitude to diet, tobacco smoking, sun protection, immunisation, alcohol and other drugs, mental health and physical activity is shaping the adults of tomorrow.
A sick child
Common first signs of illness in a child are a change in behaviour and a high temperature. You may not be able to tell how sick your child is but there are some things you can do at home before you call your doctor. Watch your child carefully and watch for the development of further symptoms.
It is not always necessary to know what a child's temperature is; other signs such as feeling hot when touched, crying, being unusually sleepy, vomiting, complaining of pain or refusing to drink are good indications that your child is sick.
Temperature
- feels too cold or too hot (temperature is over 38°C)
- has the shivers (rigors)
Skin
- skin colour is very pale or suddenly goes white
- skin colour is blue or mottled
- skin colour does not return within three seconds after applying finger pressure
- nails are blue
- skin is bright red or blistering
- a widespread rash, purple rash or bruising develop
Breathing
- breathing stops and/or the child goes blue
- breathing is rapid or accompanied by grunts
- wheezing is heard breathing out
- the chest or the skin between ribs and at neck draws in visibly with each breath
- barking seal-like cough
- noise when breathing in (stridor)
Vomiting or diarrhoea
- vomiting every time the child eats
- vomit is bright green
- vomit contains blood
- vomiting and diarrhoea together
- not drinking
- not passing urine as often as usual
- blood in the diarrhoea
Home first aid
Every home with children should have a basic first-aid kit to deal quickly and safely with everyday situations and common childhood pain and fever. You can make your own basic kit or buy one from chemists, Australia Post or St John Ambulance. It should be well stocked and items with use-by dates regularly checked. Keep the kit out of reach of young children. Older children should know where it is kept and how it is used.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers for your local GP, local emergency services and the Poison Control Centre inside the first-aid kit. It is also a good idea to take the Australian Red Cross or St John Ambulance first-aid course including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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