seminar parenting

Major Diseases and their Prevention

PneumoniaDiarrhoeaDengueMalnutrition

PneumoniaAn acute form of respiratory disorder that

affects the lungs.It is the leading cause of death in children

under 5 years of age.Usually caused by a bacterial infection but

can also be caused by other infectious agents including viruses and fungi.

Pneumonia can be spread through coughing and sneezing...

Children whose immune systems are weak are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. A child’s immune system can be weakened by malnutrition or by pre-existing illnesses.

Some environmental factors can also increase a child’s likelihood of getting pneumonia; these include indoor air pollution caused by cooking and heating with fuel such as wood, crowded living condition and exposure to tobacco smoke.

Babies with pneumonia may be unable to eat or drink and may become unconscious and experience hypothermia and convulsions.

Diarrhoea

Is a common cause of sickness and death in young children. It can be caused by:

Water that has been contaminated by human or animal faeces.

Food that has not been prepared or stored in hygienic conditions.

Fish or seafood from polluted water.

Poor hygiene.

When a child has diarrhoea, he or she can lose fluids in the body. Dehydration can occur if these fluids are not replaced.

How to treat Diarrhoea

Parents should give the affected child more fluids than usual, including oral rehydration salts to replace the fluids.

ORS is a mixture of a handful of sugar, half teaspoon of salt and one litre of clean, boiled water.

Zinc supplements will speed up recovery.

Parents should continue to feed children with nutritious food.

Dengue

Is a mosquito borne infection that can cause serious illness and death.

Symptoms include:FeverSevere headachePain behind the eyesMuscle and joint painsSkin rash

Dengue can be prevented by:

Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets

Spraying mosquito repellent indoors

Eradicating breeding sites by ensuring there is no rubbish, such as empty cans lying outside that can collect stagnant water.

Keeping water storage containers covered.

Malnutrition

A condition caused by not consuming enough nutritious food, not being able to absorb the nutrients necessary to stay healthy or by getting too much food.

It is harmful because a child with malnutrition can pick-up infections easily.

Severe malnutrition can lead to permanent damage.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HEALTHY

ImmunizationImmunization is a safe and effective way of

preventing and controlling many diseases.Children should complete a full course of

immunization according to schedule recommended in the country.

This may include immunizations against Hepatitis B, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Good food, Good health

For babies: Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby

needs, it is clean and provides antibodies that protects children against infection.

In the first six months of life, babies should be exclusively breastfed.

From six months onwards, children should receive freshly-prepared, nutritious food in addition to milk.

For young children: Vegetables and fruits Grains (rice, bread, cereal, etc.) Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc.) Protein (eggs, beans, meat, fish, etc.)

Good food, Good health

Safe hygiene practices

Wash hands with soap

Always drink safe water

Prepare and store food safely

Prevent mosquitoes from breeding

Safe hygiene practices

Dispose of garbage

Use hygienic toilet practices

Caring for teeth and gums