The BIG worry parents had back when I was a kid was: rashes, and the problems they caused. Almost nothing was known about the cause, or treatment; BUT, none of them were a good sign, and way too often meant either death or lifelong disability! A simpler time, the six known diseases which caused rashes were given numbers—which “mature” doctors still sometimes use in “secret code” against those GEN-Z “kids.”
Father of Field Surgery; anesthesia; casting; educational reform
I’m posting this as a “refresher” for what we’ve already discussed about Rheumatic Fever in previous articles. It’s basic and doesn’t really deliver an understanding of what this disease has done to children in years past or present. It’s full of mnemonic’s, diagnostic criteria, treatment and explanations (perhaps on a nursing student level) but doesn’t convey the heart-break and life-long handicaps inflicted upon its victims.
Good pediatricians and pediatric nurses don’t in any way take “strep throats” lightly and neither should you. Remember take all your medicine for the entire length of time even though the symptoms will clear within a few days!
We’ve spoken before about prevention of heat stroke and other illnesses in children athletes. Here is a concise list of guidelines and best practices from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for coaches, parents and other advocates for children to use when administering sports programs. There is also an audio commentary to accompany the guidelines.
How do you find a doctor for your child? The most highly trained, specifically for children, would be a board certified Pediatrician; but, not all doctors are equal and doctors do change during their career. You shouldn’t need to put up with poor office and practice procedures like availability, returning phone calls and lab follow-up. […]