Is ADHD a learning disability – and can it lead to other mental health issues?
How does attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder develop? Does it impact a child’s intelligence later in life? And are there any mental health conditions associated with the condition? Paediatrician Dr Hannelie Potgieter, based at Mediclinic Potchefstroom, busts a few prevalent myths.
Epilepsy surgery for children – from a neurosurgeon’s perspective
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures, or convulsions that occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy South Africa estimates the condition affects one out of every 100 people in South Africa, with 75% of those experiencing their first seizure before the age of 20.
Ear Infections FAQ: how common are they, how are they treated, will antibiotics help?
Ear infections are a bacterial complication that can affect anyone but children are more prone as their resistance to infection is still underdeveloped. An ENT explains what to look out for and why chronic, untreated infections are something to be concerned about.
Your children on medicine: all you need to know
A sick child is every parent’s nightmare. But helping your kids develop a healthy attitude to taking medicine is the first step to ensuring a speedy recovery.
Should your children exercise when sick?
Should a little sniffle be reason enough to make them skip that tennis lesson?
DID YOU KNOW?
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Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
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Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
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Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
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We use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
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Nurses can observe patients at all times as critical care units are designed like a beehive with the nurses’ station in the middle.
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To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
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Trauma patients with a critically low temperature will often be wrapped in a space blanket to reduce heat loss.
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Some of our hospitals have operating tables that can support patients of up to 370kg in weight and 2.2m in height.
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Most nursing units have windows overlooking gardens to promote healing.
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We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
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Why autistic girls are often undiagnosed
Ongoing research suggests that girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to camouflage their symptoms than boys. This means they are not being accurately diagnosed – and are not getting the help they need.
Should I worry about teen suicide?
In short, if you’re a parent, the risk of teen, or even child, suicide should always be on your radar. An alarming statistic released by the South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group shows that as many as 1 in 4 teenagers has attempted to take their own life. Here are tips from experts on how to help your teenager.
DID YOU KNOW?
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We use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
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You get 20% of the water your body needs from eating fruit and vegetables.
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We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
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Most nursing units have windows overlooking gardens to promote healing.
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A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
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We found a practical solution to a shortage of theatre nurses by becoming a registered teaching institution.
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A baby has a 70% better chance of surviving a motor vehicle accident if in a secure car seat and properly restrained.
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We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
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To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
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A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
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Therapy options for children with PTSD
Children and adolescents can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to a range of traumatic events,’ warns Ronel Groenewald, a counselling psychologist in private practice in Kimberley. ‘These include domestic abuse, political or community violence, violent crime, physical or sexual abuse, hijacking, car accidents and home invasion.’
Is it growing pains, or something more sinister?
Paediatric pain could indicate that your child has a medical condition, but how can you tell growing pains from chronic or episodic pain arising from a medical condition?
The wonderful weirdness of becoming a mom
How eating peanut butter could make you give birth to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle – and other thoroughly useless advice you’re bound to receive when you’re pregnant.
Help your child by understanding the different types of ADHD
It’s vital that parents know the difference between the three types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and that they don’t jump to conclusions when it comes to their child’s behaviour. We help you learn more about this complex condition so you can make informed decisions.
Managing childhood ADHD at school
How do you know if your child has ADHD and how can you manage it at school?
What’s that spot?
Rashes in children and babies can be caused by anything from allergies and irritation to infectious diseases. Here’s how to tell a measle from a pox.
Products to prevent household accidents (infographic)
Household accidents can on the rare occasion cause life-long disability or even be fatal. Here’s how to make your home safe and child-proof.
Children and diets
Childhood obesity is on the rise – but should children ever be put on a diet? Our expert has the answer.
Brain food for kids
Which foods and healthy habits are really the best for growing brain function and development? We speak to a GP specialising in family medicine to find out.
Bed-wetting explained
Bed-wetting (enuresis) may not be a particularly harmful or life-threatening situation, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a serious or traumatic one for those affected.
Choosing a safe car seat
We look at the safest car seats for your baby or child, from rear-facing to reclining options and include information on installation options like ISOFIX.
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