HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & SAFETY

Conjunctivitis - What is conjunctivitis?
Matthew Fantoni B.Pharm MPS CD, 
Manager, Guardian Pharmacy Beechboro

Conjunctivitis is a swelling of the tissue that lines the eyelids and eyeball (conjunctiva). It often feels like there is something in your eye. The eye may be sore or itchy and the eyelids may stick together with yellow pus.

Common among children, conjunctivitis may be very contagious. It is caught through contact with either droplets from the eyes, nose or throat of an infected person, or contaminated fingers or objects. Your child is infectious as long as there is discharge from the eye.

Conjunctivitis may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or allergens. Chemicals like sprays, household cleaners, chlorine or perfumes can also irritate the eye.

Signs and Symptoms:
* Gritty, itchy eyes
* Irritation and redness
* Excessive tears in the eye
* A discharge with pus
* Sticky lids
* Swelling of the eyelids
* Intolerance to looking at sunlight

Symptoms usually last between two to three weeks. Seek medical attention if vision is not normal or there is a visible foreign body in your childís eye.

How do I manage conjunctivitis?
Your pharmacist can show you how to bath the eye and will provide advice about how to manage the symptoms. This may require:

* Antibiotic eye drops or ointment for bacterial infections. 
* Anti-inflammatory eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
* Bathing solutions to remove discharge * The infection usually responds rapidly to treatment within 48 hours.

Social situations
Carol Smith ñ Clinical psychologist, Child and Adolescent Specialist

Difficulty with peers is a very common problem. Different kids respond in different ways, but the impact of teasing and/or exclusion (even by siblings) is often underestimated and can have a great impact on self-esteem.

If problems have been going on for longer than a few months, it seems that typical solutions to teasing (i.e. ignore them, walk away, tell a teacher, tell them to stop, hit them back) are not too effective. Parents and children are then at a loss to solve the problem, and in the meantime the teasing and its psychological effects continue.

Social problems during adolescence have the most enduring impact, but maladaptive social patterns often begin in primary school. In adulthood, problems such as depression and anxiety are often caused by social problems in childhood.

Factors such as learning difficulties, medical illnesses, anxiety, low self-esteem or being in a problematic social environment can contribute to the development of social problems. But once they start, social problems can result in secondary psychological difficulties, which can further entrench the problem.

Children with serious medical problems
Frankie Needham - Counsellor and Play Therapist

Children diagnosed with life-challenging illnesses or accidents can often feel overwhelmed and helpless. Parents want the very best for their children, so when a diagnosis or accident interrupts usual family activities, fear, self-blame and worrying can become a huge part of each family memberís day. Parents can suffer great stress resulting from the news and from attempting to juggle hospital visits, work and family commitments.

Illness is always a challenge to family stability so if you are experiencing increased stress from a sudden or chronic illness in your child, seek help to increase your coping capacity. Learn ways to assist with your own coping and how to help your children find new ways of expression for their feelings and fears.

For appointments phone Frankie on (08) 9480 9429 

Travel Health Tips for young families
By David Rutherford

Travelling with children can be a lot of fun, but there can also be some health risks, which can be avoided with some good, healthy travel advice. I would like to outline some of these issues in this article and follow it up with advice on specific issues in the next edition of The Parentsí Paper.

Accidents, ear problems, sunburn, coughs and colds, and from personal experience, bored kids on long flights are the most common problems parents face. But with a bit of planning and a few simple remedies, you can have a great time.

Exotic diseases are less common but often more serious, some with long term consequences. The commonest ways of getting these illnesses are from food and water, mosquito bites, cuts, scratches and animal bites. Illness tends to progress much more quickly in children, dehydration is more common, treatment options are more limited and diseases like malaria and typhoid can be more harmful than in adults.

The risks vary greatly, depending on the age of your children, how long you travel for, where you are going, what your accommodation is like, how your food and water are prepared, what time of year you travel, and what you are going to do when you get there.

Why organics?

Organic agriculture respects, supports and nurtures the complete ecology and energy of our planet. Using only natural methods, and avoiding the use of chemicals, organic agriculture provides us with safe, clean and potent ingredients that are full of vitality.

Miessence is the worldís first range of certified organic skin, hair and personal products. The companyís philosophy of using only 100 per cent natural and organic ingredients stems from a belief in the body's innate intelligence, which responds to and resonates in harmony with nature.

The aim is to assist your body in restoring harmony and balance to your skin. Only products that are completely free of all impurities and synthetics can help you achieve this aim.

Miessenceís absolutely pure and unique skincare preparations support and encourage a healthy, balanced skin that glows with vitality.

The Water You Drink ñ How Safe Is It?
Water is the essence of life its purity is essential for good health.

Have you ever been disgusted with the colour, smell or taste of your tap water, or wondered what was actually in your water? Do you really want to let your family drink biological and chemical impurities like rust, dirt and even chlorine, added to disinfect and clarify it! Would you drink the water in a swimming pool?

Bottled water is an option but runs the risk of being contaminated has high ongoing costs and can be inconvenient.

West Coast Water Filter Man can save you money and youíll have unlimited great tasting, clear, safe and refreshing drinking water ñ the way nature intended ñ from a compact, portable water filter.

You can feel secure in the knowledge that you are drinking water of the highest quality and purity from an Australia Post award winning business.

The choice is simple, you either use a filter or your body becomes one! Call West Coast Water Filter Man today on 9244 7725 or visit www.waterfilterman.com.au

Family safety and security

Worried about the safety and security of your family? ACE Security Laminates WA manufactures and installs an almost invisible and virtually indestructible window laminate on to your existing glass.

The laminate helps prevent forced entries through the weakest entry point into your property, and also makes the glass stronger and more difficult to break.  This is great news for homes with active kids. 

Consider the benefits:

1. Security protection against burglars, vandals, and home invasions without the need for bars and grilles.
2. Clear uninhibited views.
3. Unrestricted light transmittance (although tints are available).
4. Virtually invisible.
5. Safety protection against injuries caused by broken glass and stronger glass!
6. 99% Ultraviolet Ray filtration: helps prevent sun damage to furniture, furnishings, and your family.
7. Sound insulation and energy savings.
8. Continued protection, even after the glass breaks.
9. A limited lifetime guarantee against peeling, fading, and discolouration. 
10. Most importantly, peace of mind for you and your family.