info4parents

Wild Child Parent Centre Now Available from Technorati

2007-02-20T05:36:47Z

Technorati Profile Wild Child Parents Centre posts are now available on Technorati searches.

Founded in Australia by mother of three, Leanne Preston, out of concern for her children, Children's Health Care Company Wild Child has developed four great ways to Quit Nits Quick.

All Quit Nits Products:

* are scientifically proven * contain no chemical pesticides * are low allergy formulated
* have a pleasant fragrance
* are suitable for use by pregnant and nursing mothers

Wild Child Quit Nits are available throughout Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and will be available in the US from July 2007. For details of your nearest distributor, visit our website.Where to Buy

You Could Have Just Used Quit Nits Britney

2007-02-20T04:42:21Z

US Magazine reported that Spears went into a hair parlor to get her head shaved and that when the hair stylist refused to shave her head, Spears grabbed the clippers and shaved it herself. Head lice, Lice, Nits, whatever you want to call them need not be so traumatic that you have to result to this sort of action. Poor Britney, if only she had treated herself with some Wild Child Quit Nits. Founded in Australia by mother of three, Leanne Preston, out of concern for her children, Children's Health Care Company Wild Child has developed four great ways to Quit Nits Quick. All Quit Nits Products: * are scientifically proven * contain no chemical pesticides * are low allergy formulated * have a pleasant fragrance * are suitable for use by pregnant and nursing mothers Wild Child Quit Nits are available throughout Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and will be available in the US from July 2007. For details of your nearest distributor, visit our website.Where to Buy

Drinking Water Down The Mouth Of The Public

2007-02-15T04:17:40Z

By Dr P. DINGLE

1. INTRODUCTION
As recently as the beginning of this century, the major concern about drinking water in the public eye was contamination with typhoid, dysentery, cholera and other pathogenic diseases. However, by the 1920's chlorination of the drinking water was introduced. This was a major public health breakthrough which greatly reduced the incidence of these enteric waterborne diseases in most western nations. Ironically, over the last two decades this cure has itself become suspect. Additionally, other pollutants such as pesticides, fertilisers, heavy metals and industrial chemicals have been identified in drinking water and added to the list of contaminants. Today, probably more than ever before, consumers are anxious about chemical contaminants in the water and whether these pose a health hazard, not immediately, but many years from now.

Consumers now not only want drinking water which is colourless, odourless and tasteless, but also one free from any chemical contaminants. Moreover, consumers want to be informed about the water they drink, particularly concerning the quality of the water, and also so they can become more directly involved in the decision-making process.

2. DISCUSSION
Throughout Australia drinking water is extraordinarily cheap, readily available, and generally free of biological contamination. However, many people are now beginning to question whether this is enough. The consumer wants water of the highest aesthetic and health criteria. They expect to drink water without fear of becoming sick, and free of contamination from toxic materials such as heavy metals, complex organic chemicals and toxic organisms. In the past complaints and concerns were often voiced in regard to taste, odour and colour, but little concern was given by the public to the potential long term health effects.

More recently there has been a major move away from the pure aesthetics of water to one of health effects. This is not to say that aesthetics are not important; they are important indicators to healthy and enjoyable drinking water. Now, however, with the identification of many potentially harmful chemicals in the drinking water, we have a greater reliance placed on the use of analytical equipment and chemistry. As a result, consumers no longer rely solely on their own senses, but need additional information from the water authorities.
Information from overseas sources about pesticides, industrial solvents and chlorination by-products being found in drinking water and potential health effects of these contaminants has aroused considerable concern amongst some consumers. While the majority of consumers are willing to accept the drinking water, most have some degree of concern about its quality. The most common concern are the chlorine smell and taste at the tap, although other concerns such as the use of additives, such as fluoride to combat dental caries and aluminium used in the treatment process, are being voiced more frequently. Concern on the potential contamination of our drinking water with pesticides, nitrates and heavy metals is also increasing. Although below the Australian and World Health Organisation standards, many of the water supplies through out Australia have detectable levels of many of these pollutants. The presence of these pollutants, no matter how low, is of concern to the public. This problem is compounded by the diverse and complex array of chemicals now used in the home, industry and in agriculture, the absence of information on the environmental fate of these chemicals, and their use patterns and the lack of monitoring of many of these chemicals.
Many consumers now prefer a higher quality drinking water than is currently available. There appears to be no available data on the number of people who desire a higher drinking water quality, although there has been a rapid expansion in household water purifiers and bottled water available to the public. For example, Australians spend $211million a year on about 161 million litres of mineral water (Sunday Herald, 27.1.1991).

The Australian public demand to know more. They want to know what chemicals are tested for, which ones are present, which ones produce adverse health effects and how do we eliminate these from our water and the public want to know if their concerns are justified. The consumer believes that once the presence of a toxic substance is indicated steps should be taken to reduce public exposure to it. At present, few water authorities around the country do comprehensive chemical analysis for potential contaminants which include the full range of pesticides, halogenated compounds and hydrocarbons. For example, there appears to be very little if any information on the concentrations of chloroform, trihalomethanes, trichloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene in Australian drinking water. Yet these have been reported in a variety of overseas studies (Fawell and Hunt, 1988). This absence of information on the Australian situation compounds the failing faith the public have in the authorities.

3. CONCLUSION
Too often in the past, policy decisions have been made by professionals who are too far removed from real consumer perceptions. Too little attention has been given to consumer preference in the formulation of decisions affecting them. With this in mind authorities are beginning to develop programmes to provide an interface between professional expertise and the public. These programs, however, need to be accelerated to ensure that the gap between the decision makers and the public does not widen any further.

‘This article is extracted from Dr Dingle website. Dr Dingle has a background in science with 20 years as a researcher and education communicator. All this presentations are based on his research and application any university and his effective application into his own life.’

Green Products And Safe Foods

2007-02-15T03:34:11Z

By Dr Peter Dingle Since the 1950's the production and diversity of synthetic chemicals has burgeoned. There are more than 1,000 new compounds developed each year which are added to the 70,000 existing chemical compounds and some 4,000,000mixtures and formulations already in use. Most of these have not been adequately tested; for example, the U.S. National Research Council estimates that no information is available for 79% of the 48,500 chemicals listed as toxic substances. While some chemicals have received extensive testing, such as some pesticides, most have gone largely untested. Few chemicals, for example, have been tested for their effects on the nervous system and behaviour even though many are known to affect the nervous system. Many of the products we use in the home contain cocktails of these untested chemicals; many of them also contain known toxic chemicals, even those which cause cancer. Items such as deodorisers and cleaning agents contain toxic solvents which affect the nervous system. Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is still found in many cosmetics and household materials such as particle board, plywood, curtains and carpets. Aerosol spray cans contain a cocktail of neurotoxic solvents as well as, in some cases, toxic pesticides. Some of these chemicals, especially the pesticides, also find their way into our food through treatment, packaging, storing and general contamination. These include the pesticides, DDT and heptachlor (although it is no longer permitted to be used), chlorpyrifos and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. All of these chemicals are known to affect the nervous system; some are carcinogenic. In addition, chemicals are often added to our foods to change the colour and flavour without adding any benefits for the consumer. Some of these produce toxic effects in people, particularly young children to whom they are most often directed. Food colours and flavours often mean the food is of a poor quality. It is a simple and cheap way to fool the consumer and to add extra water, fat, starch and sugar rather than real food. What the long-term effect of these is on ourselves and our children nobody will know until it may be too late. For the aware consumer, there are many practical ways of avoiding exposure to these chemicals. These include: • read the labels; • avoid labels which don't tell you what's in it or in some cases you can find the ones which tell you what they don't have in them; • avoid strong smells and bright colours; they are usually only added to food and sometimes even deaden your senses; • look for the safer alternatives; • make up your own; in most cases the products our parents or grandparents used to make and use are more effective and much cheaper (they also save on all the wrapping); • buy organic produce which has been certified; • grow your own - it can be fun; • avoid food additives as much as possible; • don't buy prepared food; cook your own; • read some books; there are now many good books available on these topics. ‘This article is extracted from Dr Dingle website. Dr Dingle has a background in science with 20 years as a researcher and education communicator. All this presentations are based on his research and application any university and his effective application into his own life.’

Asthma First Aid Plan Emergency Management

2007-02-14T05:38:00Z

Step by step first aid plan.. 1.Sit the child upright and give reassurance. Do not leave them alone. Without delay give 4 separate puffs of a blue reliever(Airomir,Asmol, Epaq or Ventolin)*. 2. The medication is best given one puff at a time using a spacer device**.Ask the child to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication. 3. Wait 4 minutes. If there is little or no improvement repeat steps 2 and 3. 4. If there is little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately (dial 000). Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance. * A Bricanyl Turbuhaler may be used in first aid treatment if a puffer and spacer are unavailable. ** If a spacer is not available, simply use the puffer on its own. If your child has a nebuliser, you can give reliever medicationcontinuously via the nebuliser, until the ambulance arrives.

'Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

The Asthma Foundation of WA and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children have created this information as a helpful resource for anyone who cares for a child with asthma.
This information is published for information only and should not be used in place of medical advice. If you would to speak to an asthma educator about childhood asthma, please contact the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia or your local Asthma Foundation.'

Signs of Severe Asthma Attack

2007-02-14T05:33:19Z

If your child has any of the following signs they are having a SEVERE asthma attack 1. Exhausted/can't walk more than a few steps OR; 2. Unable to speak more than one or two words per breath OR; 3. Little improvement after using reliever (or the reliever is needed more than every 30 minutes) OR; 4. Blue at the lips OR; 5. Breathing fast, sucking in around the tummy, ribs or neck OR; 6. The attack is frightening to you or your child. Young children may appear restless, unable to settle and may have problems feeding due to shortness of breath. They may also have severe coughing and vomiting. If your child has any of these signs, call an ambulance (dial 000) straight away and follow the emergency Asthma First Aid Plan.

'Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

What To Do If Your Child Is Having An Asthma Attack

2007-02-14T05:28:28Z

An attack can take anything from a few minutes to a few days to develop. It is very important to act quickly if your child is having an asthma attack. Early treatment of an asthma attack can help to stop the attack from becoming more severe. Any one of the following signs means that your child’s asthma is worsening: 1. wheezing 2. keeps coughing 3. a “sucking in” effect between the ribs or at the neck as they breathe 4. breathing faster 5. tummy sucking in and out as they breathe 6. having problems talking because they are getting short of breath If any of the above is happening, your child needs to use their reliever. Follow your doctor's instructions on your child's written Asthma Action Plan. If your child needs their reliever medication more than every 3 hours to help with a wheeze, cough or shortness of breath, they are having an ACUTE asthma attack. Follow the instructions on your child's written Asthma Action Plan and see a doctor or bring your child into hospital straight away. If you were given some oral corticosteroids (e.g Redi-pred, Predmix) by your doctor to use during an asthma attack,then now is the time to give this - unless you have already given some to your child within the last 12 hours. Early treatment now can stop the attack from getting more severe.

Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

Can Child with Asthma Play Sport?

2007-02-14T05:23:45Z

The only time your child should not play sport is if they are unwell (e.g. cold or flu) or when they are having asthma symptoms (wheeze, cough, tightness in the chest or short of breath). Your doctor may also tell your child to take the following steps, which may help to control asthma while playing sport: 1. Use their reliever puffer 5 - 10 minutes before warming up 2. Warm up for 5 - 10 minutes before sport (stretching and light exercises) 3. Use the puffer during sport if needed 4. Cool down for 5 - 10 minutes after sport (stretching and light exercises)

'Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

Can Asthma Be Cured?

2007-02-14T05:08:03Z

Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled. Getting your child’s asthma under control means that they will be able to live their life to the full without asthma getting in the way. To control your child’s asthma 1. Give asthma medications 2. Know your child’s triggers and avoid those triggers the best that you can 3. Visit your doctor regularly and follow the doctor’s advice 4. Have a written Asthma Action Plan 5. Monitor your child’s asthma 6. Encourage your child to exercise and be active The following sections will examine each of these six points in detail. 1. Give asthma medications One of the most important ways to look after your child’s asthma is to give their asthma medications as directed by your doctor. Most asthma medications are breathed into the lungs through the mouth. There are three main types of asthma medications: relievers, preventers and symptom controllers. Combination medications are another group of medications which combine a preventer with a symptom controller. Not all children with asthma need to be on all of these types of medications. Your child’s doctor will tell you which of these your child needs to have. Relievers Airomir,Asmol, Bricanyl, Epaq and Ventolin These are the blue/grey inhalers. Everyone with asthma should have a reliever medication. These provide quick relief from asthma symptoms (coughing,wheezing,shortness of breath and tightness in the chest) and only take a few minutes to work. Relievers relax the muscle around the airways. This opens up the airways, making breathing easier. Relievers should only be used when needed. Children should have their reliever with them at all times. Reliever medication works more quickly if it is inhaled. Reliever syrup is not recommended. What are the side effects of relievers? Relievers can cause shakiness, fast heartbeat and excitability. This does not hurt your child and usually only happens when they are having larger amounts of reliever than usual. These symptoms will go away once your child is taking less. Preventers Inhalers: Preventer inhalers are largely autumn coloured (yellow, brown, red, orange). • Corticosteroid inhalers: Alvesco, Flixotide, Pulmicort and QVAR • Non-steroidal inhalers: Intal Forte and Tilade Tablets: • Singulair Preventer medications make the airways less sensitive or twitchy by reducing the inflammation caused by asthma. This means that the airways won’t narrow so easily when exposed to triggers. This helps to keep your child’s asthma well and helps prevent asthma attacks. Preventers are also known to reduce long term scarring and narrowing of the airways. When your child first starts using a preventer, it can take a few weeks of taking it every day before their asthma starts to get better. To work properly preventers need to be taken every day, even when your child’s asthma is well. Do not stop your child’s preventer unless told by your doctor. Are there any side effects from taking preventer inhalers? The corticosteroid inhalers can cause problems in the mouth and throat such as thrush, a sore throat and hoarse voice. Your child can avoid these side effects by using a spacer with their corticosteroid puffer. You will be given an information sheet by your nurse or doctor about spacers. Your child should also rinse out their mouth after taking this medication (e.g. take in the morning and evening before brushing their teeth).Most children will grow normally and will have no other side effects from inhaled corticosteroids in usual doses.Medications for a severe asthma attack: During a severe attack of asthma,your doctor may prescribe your child some corticosteroid tablets or syrup such as Prednisone, Prednisolone or Dexamethasone.They are given to get your child well quickly and are usually given for 3 -5 days. Some children may need to be on them for longer, but this is not common. Short treatments with corticosteroid tablets/ syrup are safe when given with your doctor’s advice. If you have any concerns regarding corticosteroids, please speak to your doctor. Symptom controllers Oxis, Foradile and Serevent Symptom controllers (also called long-acting relievers) work by relaxing the muscles around the airways. They can take up to half an hour to work, but they keep the airways open for much longer (up to 12 hours). They are given when a child continues to have problems with their asthma,even though they are taking corticosteroid preventers. They are given every day and are not a replacement for your child’s preventer medication. Your child should continue to take their preventer medication as told by your doctor. Symptom controllers should not be used for quick relief of asthma symptoms or during an asthma attack. Your child should use a reliever at these times. Combination medications Seretide (Flixotide and Serevent) and Symbicort (Pulmicort and Oxis) Combination medications combine a preventer medication and a symptom controller in one device. Your child will still require a reliever medication. Please read the section on preventers and symptom controllers to learn more about your combination medication. Giving your child asthma medications There are different types of devices that can be used so that children can inhale asthma medications into their lungs. If your child is using a puffer, a spacer should also be used, as it allows more medication to be delivered to the lungs and lessens the chance of side effects. A spacer is a special device that looks like a clear plastic football or tube. Puffer medications are sprayed into this device and then inhaled through a facemask or mouthpiece. Spacers come in many shapes and sizes – your choice will depend on your child’s medication and ability. Young children will need a small volume spacer with a facemask. Please refer to the appendix at the end of this booklet for information about spacer use. Information sheets on other devices are available from your nurse educator or from the Asthma Foundation of WA website: www.asthmawa.org.au. 2. Know your child’s triggers and avoid those triggers as best you can It is important to avoid those things that make your child’s asthma worse. Know what triggers your child’s asthma and do your best to avoid those things, except excercise (see point 6). This can be difficult with triggers like colds and flu’s, or changes in the weather. However, some triggers like cigarette smoke are possible to avoid (for further information about how to minimize your child’s exposure to tobacco smoke, visit www.smokefreebaby.org.au.) If your child tests positive for allergies, speak to your doctor or asthma educator who will be able to give you some information about how to manage them. 3. Visit your doctor regularly Asthma is a condition that changes It is important for your child to see the family doctor regularly (even when they are well) to make sure that your child stays healthy. Your doctor will tell you how often to come in and get your child’s asthma checked. Your doctor will also check to see that the asthma medications are working properly to keep your child’s asthma under control. Sometimes asthma medications will be changed or reduced, depending on how your child’s asthma has been. 4. Have a written Asthma Action Plan Everyone with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan. Before you go home, your doctor will write out an Asthma Action Plan for your child. This will tell you what medications to give your child, what to do when your child’s asthma is getting worse and what to do in an emergency. You should bring the written Asthma Action Plan to each doctor’s visit. It should be updated whenever your child’s medications are changed. 5. Monitor your child’s asthma It is a good idea to keep track of how often you need to give your child their reliever medication and how often they have asthma symptoms. You can write this information in a diary, as it can be difficult to remember. This information will help your doctor tell how well your child’s asthma is. It also lets you know whether or not your child’s asthma is under control. Your child’s asthma is not under good control if he/she: 1. Wheezes, coughs or has chest tightness at night time; OR 2. Wheezes, coughs or has chest tightness in the mornings when they wake up OR; 3. Needs to use their reliever more than 3 times a week (not including before exercise) 4. Wheezes, coughs or has chest tightness while running, playing or during sport. If your child has any one of these signs, you need to take them to the doctor, as their asthma medications may need to be changed. 6. Encourage your child to exercise and be active Asthma shouldn’t stop your child from running, playing or enjoying their favourite sport. Exercise is very important for good health, but if your child’s asthma is being triggered by exercise, you must let your doctor know. It can be a sign that your child’s asthma is not under control, and your doctor may need to make some changes to their asthma medications.

'Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

'The Asthma Foundation of WA and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children have created this information as a helpful resource for anyone who cares for a child with asthma.
This information is published for information only and should not be used in place of medical advice. If you would to speak to an asthma educator about childhood asthma, please contact the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia or your local Asthma Foundation.'

What Triggers Asthma?

2007-02-14T02:52:12Z

Anything that brings on an asthma attack or makes someone’s asthma worse is called a trigger. Triggers are different for different people. What triggers one child’s asthma, may not trigger another’s. Colds and flu Most children’s asthma will be triggered by viral chest infections, colds or flu’s. Cigarette smoke Cigarette smoke affects all people with asthma. Smoking or breathing in the smoke from other smokers can trigger an asthma attack. Living in a house where people smoke will make it harder to keep your child’s asthma under control. Keeping your house and car smoke free will help your child’s asthma. If you would like some advice about how to quit smoking please phone the Quit Line on 13 18 48. Exercise Sports, or running and playing can trigger some children’s asthma. Exercise is the only trigger that should not be avoided and is good for your child’s health. If exercise, or running and playing, is triggering your child’s asthma, you should speak to your doctor or an asthma educator about what you can do to control this. Allergies Some children become allergic to certain things that can trigger their asthma. These can include pollens, grasses, house dust mite, some foods, moulds or animal hair. Blood tests or skin prick tests can be done to help find out whether your child does have an allergy. Your doctor will let you know whether or not your child needs to have one of these tests. Changes in temperature and weather Cold temperature, cold winds, sudden changes in weather, air conditioning and changes between hot and cold areas can be a trigger. Chemicals and strong smells Fumes from paint, spray cans, perfumes or cleaning detergents can trigger asthma in some children. Some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings Foods are a rare trigger for asthma. When foods are a trigger, they more commonly affect babies and toddlers. Older children and adults are more likely to be affected by food additives and colourings. If you feel your child’s asthma is being made worse by a certain food, you should speak to your doctor. Certain medicines Some medicines,like aspirin and some drugs used to treat arthritis or pain,may trigger asthma. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist first before starting your child on any new medication to make sure it is safe. Complementary therapies Some complementary medicines such as royal jelly or echinacea may worsen asthma. Always discuss complementary therapies with your doctor or pharmacist. 'Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board. The Asthma Foundation of WA and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children have created this information as a helpful resource for anyone who cares for a child with asthma. This information is published for information only and should not be used in place of medical advice. If you would to speak to an asthma educator about childhood asthma, please contact the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia or your local Asthma Foundation.'

What Are The Signs That Your Child May Have Asthma?

2007-02-14T02:22:39Z

The main symptoms of asthma are: 1. Coughing. 2. Shortness of breath (working harder to breathe). This happens because the airways have arrowed, so the child has to work harder to get the air in and out of their lungs. 3. Wheezing (a high pitched whistling sound). This is the sound of the air trying to squeeze though the narrow airways as the child breathes. Even though a wheeze is the most common sign of asthma, it may not always be heard, especially in a severe asthma attack. 4. Feeling tight in the chest. Some children have all of these symptoms, while others may only have a wheeze and shortness of breath. It is different for each child. Symptoms can also change in the same child from time to time.

Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

How Common Is Asthma?

2007-02-14T02:15:17Z

Asthma is very common. About 1 in 6 children 14 years and under and 1 in 9 over 15 year olds has asthma.
Australia has one of the highest levels of asthma in the world.

Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

Why Do People Get Asthma In The First Place?

2007-02-14T02:03:28Z

We are not certain why, but asthma, eczema or hay-fever often runs in the family of children with asthma. Asthma can begin at any age. Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of a child developing asthma. Children who live in homes where others smoke also have a greatly increased risk of developing asthma. For further information about smoking, asthma and children, go to Asthma Foundation of Western Australia or your local Asthma Foundation.

What Is Asthma?

2007-02-14T01:22:24Z

Asthma is a condition that affects the breathing tubes inside the lungs. There are hundreds of tiny tubes inside our lungs, which carry air in and out of the body as we breathe. We call these tubes airways. People with asthma have extra sensitive or “twitchy” airways in their lungs.This mainly affects the small airways. The airways in asthma are “twitchy” because they are red and inflamed. When these sensitive airways come into contact with certain “triggers” (e.g. colds or flu’s, cigarette smoke) they over-react and become narrow,making it hard to breathe. Anything that can worsen someone’s asthma or bring on an asthma attack is called an “asthma trigger”. There are three reasons why the airways become narrow: 1. The lining inside the airways becomes red and swollen. 2. The airways make extra mucus. (Both of these reasons are known as inflammation). 3. The muscles around the airways tighten. These tiny muscles are like elastic bands that wrap around the airways. When they tighten, they squeeze down on the airways. Asthma is like the sun. A little bit will not hurt too much. But like repeated sunburn damages the skin, asthma, if untreated, can cause permanent damage in the airways and lead to scarring.

Wild Child is a proud Sponsor of the Asthma Foundations of Australia. All Wild Child products have been tested by the Asthma Foundation of Australia medical board.

The Asthma Foundation of WA and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children have created this information as a helpful resource for anyone who cares for a child with asthma. This information is published for information only and should not be used in place of medical advice. If you would to speak to an asthma educator about childhood asthma, please contact the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia or your local Asthma Foundation.

Keeping Baby Safe in the Sun

2007-02-13T13:52:58Z

SAVE YOUR BABY'S SKIN

Before you go out

Plan the day’s activities to reduce your baby’s exposure to the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm in daylight saving time. Cover as much of your baby’s skin as possible with loose-fitting clothes made from closely-woven fabrics. Choose a hat that protects your baby’s face, neck and ears. Provide shade for your baby’s pram, stroller or play area. The material used should cast a dark shadow. Apply sunscreen that is labelled broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ and water resistant on any exposed areas of skin such as feet or forearms 20 minutes before going outside. When you’re out and about Check your baby frequently to ensure they are well protected. Adjust the cover on the pram, stroller or play area to make sure your baby remains shaded. Remember, even in the shade scattered or reflected ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can cause sunburn. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if wiped or washed off. Why should I protect my baby from the sun? Babies have delicate skin, which can be easily damaged by UVR from the sun. UVR can cause painful sunburn and lead to freckles, wrinkles and increased risk of skin cancer. Does my baby need sunlight to be healthy? Some sunlight is important for good health. However, babies should not be deliberately exposed to the sun. Sunlight is not an effective treatment for jaundice or nappy rash. Nappy rash needs fresh air not sunlight. Will my baby have enough vitamin D? Sunlight plays an important role in the production of vitamin D – which is essential for healthy and normal bone growth. Deliberately exposing your baby to the sun does not have any health benefits. Even when well protected, your baby will get enough sunlight for healthy growth. When do I need to protect my baby from the sun? Play it safe and protect your baby everyday. Even on cloudy days, UVR levels can be dangerously high. UVR is less intense in winter but can still damage your baby’s skin. Should I use sunscreen on my baby? There is no evidence that sunscreen used on small areas of a baby’s skin has any harmful effects. No sunscreen provides 100% protection so babies should be well protected from UVR by clothing, hats and shade. You only need to use sunscreen on very small areas of a baby's skin, eg under the chin, on the feet and forearms. Sunscreenshould always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and should not be used to extend time in the sun. If your baby’s skin reacts to your sunscreen, try another product or speak to your doctor. Is my baby safe from sunburn in the car? Glass reduces the transmission of most UVR, but not all, therefore your baby will still need protection on long trips in the car. Avoid open windows that allow direct sunlight on your baby. Window shades or tinting provide extra protection. All information has been kindly provided by the Cancer Council of NSW

The views expressed and information contained in any articles or contributions on this site are general in nature and therefore may not be of direct relevance to your child. www.wildchildonline.com takes no responsibility for the content or the accuracy of any information contained on the site. These articles and contributions are not intended to be a substitute for obtaining specific advice from appropriate professionals to suit your specific circumstances and should not be relied on as such.