As parents, it’s important to detect symptoms of dehydration in our children– dehydration can lead to serious harmful effects before we even know it so it’s important that treatment be made as soon as possible.

We had to take Roi to the hospital earlier this month because he had been throwing up and had loose bowel movement for two days.  We were alarmed that his eyes were so sunken and would not eat anything.  Everything he eats and drinks he throws up.

We know that hospitalization and medical services are so costly here in Thailand, but it seemed like we did not have a choice.

We took him to Samitevej Hospital in Sri Nakarin, a children’s hospital not far from our place.

Upon registration, his Blood pressure was taken and was taken into a room for a sponge bath. He had high fever at this time, at more than 39 degrees

He then had his blood, urine and stool samples taken to rule out what’s causing his diarrhea and vomiting.  The doctor said that his heart rate was very fast, also one indication that he is mildly dehydrated.

While waiting for the lab results, Roi was taken to the observation room.

Forcing a smile for mama– he knows he was going to be blogged! LOL!

Awww, poor babylove!

It was just good to see him fast asleep.

The lab results indicated that there was really bacteria that caused his upset stomach and vomiting.  He was given antibiotics for that and many other medicines so that he could regain his strength.  We were able to go home that same day, with Roi feeling a lot better.  He had to rest two more days in the house before he was up and about again.

Here are some helpful tips in detecting dehydration in children:

1.  Sunken eyes

2.  Vomiting for more than 24 hours

3.  Fever higher than 39 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit)

4.  Less activity than usual.

5.  No water tears when child cries.

6.  Lack of appetite

7.  Fussiness (more crying)

It would be best that children be taken to a clinic or the hospital when these symptoms are present so that they could receive proper medical care.  An IV would be helpful for kids who could no longer eat or drink anything.  Medicines and antibiotics needed to get rid of the bacteria or whatever it is that is causing an diarrhea or throwing up would also be gotten rid of the earliest time possible.

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Does your job require you much concentration?  If so, these so-called brain foods would be a lot of help.  Experts say that certain foods would enable you  to stay awake, concentrate more and thereby increase your efficiency in whatever it is that you do. But who says that concentration is only needed in work?  It is very much needed by poker players, too!  Mind you, playing games sure requires alertness, strategy and a lot of stamina.  Although gamers only sit on chairs the whole time they play, much of their effort is dependent on quick thinking.  It is important therefore to know some essential health tips for the online gamer.  Given that he or she stays fit and healthy by regularly exercising and eating healthy, it also pays to know what these brain foods I mentioned earlier. Among the proven brain foods are:

Caffeine

No, your IQ does not increase after a mug or two of coffee.  But yes, it does give you that alertness you need.  It energizes you, gives you more focus and certainly gives you that much needed wake-up buzz.  This substance can also be found in chocolates.  Definitely,  this is good news not only for the coffee drinkers but for the chocoholics as well.

Ginseng and Berries

These are present in almost every food supplement available in the market today.  It is undeniable that these foods do increase the chances of maintaining a healthy brain.  These are usually taken in as food supplements or as beverages.

Full Breakfast

Having a full day ahead does not excuse you of skipping a good, hearty breakfast.  According to research, students who eat a full and healthy breakfast can perform a lot better than those who don’t.  A full breakfast enhances one’s memory, too.  If you ever have to focus in winning a game, don’t forget your breakfast—and don’t underestimate this very important meal of the day.

Fish

Omega 3 fatty acids are the main components of fish that qualifies it to become a brain food.  It enhances your memory—something every poker player would definitely need.  For health freaks, two servings of fish dishes weekly would be great.

Chocolates and Nuts

If you are a poker player with sweet tooth, this is really good news for you.  Dark chocolate is rich in Vitamin E, which is responsible for giving you much focus and concentration.  Not only will you enjoy munching your sweets.  You will have that perk you need… without having to worry about getting excess calories, fats or sugar.  What a treat!

I have been blogging about DH’s upcoming ear surgery, and if there is one thing that we would like to prevent our kids from, it’s ear infection. Hubby had always been having ear problems as a child, and up to this time, he is still battling with infections– and now, with cholesteatoma. I am actually planning to write a more comprehensive post about it.  I am not medically inclined so it might be a bit of a challenge, but I will try.

Since we are trying our very best to keep our children away from ear infections, I have been doing some readings which I would like to share in this post.  Here are some helpful tips:

1.  Keep yours and your little one’s hands washed clean. Germs can easily be transmitted through unclean hands, unwashed toys and even pacifiers.

2. Breastfeed.  Experts say that breastfeeding for at least 6 months lessen the possibility of having ear infections in children– or any infection for that matter.  I am proud to say that I have breastfed my kids for at least 18 months! Yay!  Should your child be bottlefed, it would be ideal that your child be in a sitting position while feeding.  No particular reason for this is given, though.  My guess would be that when infants lie on their backs while breastfeeding, milk could drip and get into their ears.

3.  No Second Hand Smoke.  Smoking parents should not smoke infront of their kids.  Second hand smoke also increases the risk for your little ones.