A Medical Opinion Guide for Packing when Going on an African Safari

After speaking with Gabe, owner of a Texas auto body shop business called LUX, he shares with me that many travelers who love outdoor experiences often describe Africa as the ultimate destination for safari trips. Apart from its great weather, Africa also boasts varied landscapes, sceneries, and wildlife ideal for the perfect safari experience. Even so, packing could still be a significant challenge to most travelers. Here’s a quick packing guide for an African safari. 

Medicinal Travel Essentials

Most African countries require foreign nationals to have valid visas before entering but, with different conditions. For convenience, check all the visa requirements for the host country and make sure that you have all the valid documents before departure. A multi-entry visa could save you a lot of trouble. 

Africa is prone to various communicable diseases, so you should also update your vaccinations about 4 to 6 weeks before the scheduled departure date. You should also pack medications and items such as; 

  • Malaria pills 
  • Anti-diarrheal 
  • Sunscreen lotions 
  • Insect repellent and ointments. 

Other essential items to also consider adding into the packing list include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and hairdryer. While some hotels have those items, the disparity in brands could sometimes cause allergic reactions. Other establishments may also lack the items. 

You should also consider packing a few US dollars in cash, which will be exchanged into the local currency upon your arrival for day-to-day transactions like transport and food. 

Medic Clothing Needed 

An ideal African safari usually occurs in game parks, nature reserves, and other remote areas. Besides, the weather is generally hot and dry with mild cold mornings and nights. Thus, consider packing a few neutral-colored layers, comfortable socks, and boots, African safari hats, sunglasses, and maybe a swimsuit. A light jacket is also advisable for the cold sunrises and evenings. 

Today, various outlets are offering African safari-themed clothing and accessories to shop from when planning your trip. However, you should be careful not to over-pack as that would significantly affect the overall travel expenses. 

Compared to other kinds of trips like beach vacations, packing for an African safari is much easier and less demanding. With a proper understanding of the goals of your adventure and the above ideas, you will easily create the perfect packing list for a truly memorable African safari.

Why Kids Fear Visiting the Pediatrician Office

Many parents don’t understand their kids’ fear of the pediatrician’s office. After all, most pediatricians are friendly and good at communicating with kids. Fear of doctors is common among many preschoolers, and a trip to the pediatrician’s office causes equal anxiety among many kids. Children get upset and find it hard to concentrate on what the doctor says.

Regular checkups for young ones are essential during early childhood. During pediatrician visits, the doctor provides preventive services, such as vaccinations. Also, parents discuss health concerns with the pediatrician during the well-check visits. But if your child fears these health visits, it can bring frustration to the whole family.

The Needle Phobia

Parents say that most of their kids have a fear of the needle. With kids, it becomes complicated, especially for those who need regular vaccinations. A child can also pick up this fear from their parents. So it is your job as the parent to put on a brave face and reassure them that needles are not nasty.

Anxiety

The pediatrician’s office presents a new environment for your kid. And this can cause anxiety, making the child fear visiting the doctor for wellness checkups. When your kids are anxious, you want to assure them that it will be fine as parents. For instance, you can say, I understand how you feel, I was afraid too when I visited the doctor last week, but I am glad I did it. When we go to the doctor, we stay healthy.

Final Thoughts 

Most parents know that their children fear injections and may put up a stern face as they visit the pediatrician. Health providers suggest parents decrease their children’s fear of shots with methods including hugging your child, distracting them with music, videos, or even rewards after the injections. A quick visit to their favorite ice cream parlor can also do wonders!…

The Role of a Pediatrician in the Life of a Child

Cropped shot of an adorable young girl with her pediatricianhttp://195.154.178.81/DATA/istock_collage/0/shoots/783313.jpg

Pediatricians do more, aside from diagnosing and treating illnesses or administering immunizations to kids. We entrust them with our kids’ health and care. They are there to assure us that things will be okay in case of serious illnesses.

Here’s why a pediatrician is vital in your child’s life.

  • When you visit a pediatrician, they keep tabs on your records and maintain that information and history.
  • They will conduct a follow-up on your kid’s condition and their progress too.
  • When you take your kid to a pediatrician, they will order tests if necessary, interpret the results, and ensure that you understand.
  • They advise the kid’s parents on what to do to improve the kid’s health. They will advise on the food they should eat and activities that they should do. Also, the level of hygiene that they should observe.
  • If they cannot handle the condition of your baby, they will refer you to another medical staff, nurse, or therapist. Their referrals will be legit, so you should not be worried.
  • A good pediatrician is up-to-date with new developments in their field of work. They should conduct research and remain up to date to treat and examine your kid accordingly.
  • They provide preventive care, including recommending and administering drugs and vaccines.
  • Ensure that they communicate your kid’s nutritional needs effectively with you so that you understand.
  • A good pediatrician will diagnose your child and treat them from whatever illness or injuries they have.

Pediatricians play an essential role in the growth of our kids. We should trust their services and if you find something wrong with them don’t trust them. Instead, find another pediatrician. Your child deserves the best. Therefore, please don’t choose a mediocre doctor for them. …

What Families Miss By Skipping Visits to a Pediatrician

As a family, you could be doing everything possible to stop or prevent the coronavirus from spreading. And that could mean staying at home, even skipping pediatric visits at some points. However, you could be unsure whether you should miss a check-up or wellness visit. Generally, visiting a pediatrician is essential for your kid’s development, growth, and well-being tracking. Here’s what you’re likely to miss if you skip visits to a pediatrician.

Growth Assessment

When you visit a pediatrician, the healthcare provider tracks your child’s weight, BMI, and height. Such measurements enable the doctor to determine whether the kid has medical issues that negatively affect their health.

Physical Examination  

Regular pediatric visits enable the doctor to examine the physical health of your child. That way, the pediatrician can detect hard-to-detect health issues like heart murmur, bumps and lumps, high blood pressure, hearing, and ear issues, among others. Early detection of such problems can ensure their effective treatment before they escalate.

Development Assessment

Development assessment covers different parts of the kid’s functioning, including understanding, reasoning, social, behavioral, and communication skills. Through this assessment, the doctor identifies possible developmental delays or learning disabilities. Consequently, the doctor can help your kid to get the necessary assistance.

Immunizations

The pediatrician assesses the kid’s vaccination status during a wellness visit. That way, they can recommend the necessary vaccines.

Age-Specific Screenings

Your pediatrician will check your kid for issues like anemia, autism, cholesterol, hearing and vision issues, lead poisoning, and others. These are vital age-specific screenings that your kid will miss if you skip pediatric visits.

Your pediatrician will also provide advice and guidance during regular visits. That way, you can prevent illnesses and injuries as your kid grows. What’s more, the pediatrician can answer questions that you might have regarding your child. Unfortunately, you will miss all these if you skip visits to a pediatrician. Therefore, talk to your pediatrician to place regular visits despite the restrictions that the COVID-19 pandemic has occasioned.

Working with a Pediatrician When You Have a Newborn Baby

There is no manual showing new parents how to handle or care for newborn babies. A newborn baby can’t say when unwell. Some dads and moms are left wondering and scrambling whether every symptom or cry is a reason to call a pediatrician.

What’s more, the internet is awash with parenting advice. Nevertheless, parents shouldn’t feel guilty for calling a pediatrician if they think something is not okay with the baby.

A Pediatrician Can Help You Determine Whether a Newborn Baby is Sick 

During a child’s first year, most parents make several trips to their pediatrician’s office. Some of these visits are part of the routine. However, some instances necessitate immediate pediatrician’s attention. Therefore, find out about the on-call hours and office hours of your pediatrician before delivering your baby. Also, know how your pediatrician wants you to deal with emergencies. That way, you can easily manage issues that may arise when raising your baby.

When you visit your pediatrician, ask about minor problems like occasional diarrhea, fussiness, and a small cough. Such issues can wait for the regular pediatrician’s office hours. However, if the baby acts unusual, you should call your pediatrician right away.

You must get medical advice because vomiting and diarrhea could seem simple and eventually become a dangerous condition. Before you call the pediatrician, have a pen and paper to jot down their instructions.

Here is the information to have on hand when calling the pediatrician:

  • The immunization records of your baby
  • Doses and names of the medications you’ve given your baby, whether over-the-counter or prescription
  • Your baby’s temperature
  • The medical problems or symptoms your baby is showing

Such information can help your pediatrician determine whether your baby needs immediate attention. If it’s an emergency, the pediatrician will advise you to visit their office immediately. But if it’s not something serious, they will ask you to book an appointment.

Things the Pediatrician of Your Child Might Not Tell You

You trust the pediatrician to ensure the health and wellbeing of your child. However, this doctor might not tell you everything you may want to know. Here are some of those things. 

They Prescribe Antibiotics against What Studies Say 

Several studies have shown that the antibiotics prescribed for ear infections are not better than waiting and watching kids get better, many pediatricians still prescribe them. That’s because they want parents to feel like their kids’ pediatricians are doing something. However, prescribing antibiotics as a treatment for ear infections is not helpful.

Pediatricians Have Tight Schedules 

In some cases, your child’s pediatrician has 10 minutes to see your little one. As such, you should try to make the most of this time. Ask questions about pressing problems because you might not get another chance to ask them during the appointment. 

Germs Can Be Found Everywhere 

When visiting your kid’s pediatrician, bear in mind the fact that germs are everywhere. You will find a “well” waiting room and a “sick” waiting room at your pediatrician’s office. However, no studies have shown that the two make a difference. Your child can get germs from any of these places. That’s because not every patient that visits a pediatrician can be disinfected. Therefore, carry toys for your kid and give your little one hand sanitizer if they touch anything. 

Pediatricians Go By What Insurance Companies Say 

Your insurance company will probably not pay your child’s pediatrician to check a complex problem when you make a well visit. Therefore, if your child complains about a headache for several months, you may want to set up another appointment. That’s because the pediatrician will not be paid for investigating the headache during a “well” visit. 

In addition to these things, your child’s pediatrician might not tell you to avoid diagnosing the little one using the information you find on the internet. Though this information might help, not all of it is accurate. Thus, the best solution is to seek the help of a reputable pediatrician if you notice something wrong with your child.

Important Secrets of a Pediatrician Office

From time to time, there could be something bugging you that require the expert opinion of a pediatrician. However, finding the right time and ways to put those thoughts through to the pediatrician may not be as easy as initially expected. Nevertheless, the following are important secrets of a pediatrician office that you should keep in mind. 

Pediatricians Are Often Very Busy on Mondays 

In case you are planning to visit the pediatrician on a Monday, it is advisable to do it by mid-morning. On Mondays, their calendars often remain jammed with appointments for kids who fell ill over the weekend. Visit on any other weekday apart from Monday and, try to get an early morning of appointment or after lunch hours. 

Conduct Some Research in Advance 

Most doctors usually spend an average of just about 11 to 15 minutes with patients. Some even spend much less time with patients. To make the most of those few minutes, it is advisable to visit the doctor when you are well prepared. So, take the time to read through the pediatrician’s website and other online resources for clues on how to identify certain potential issues. 

You Can Schedule a Longer Office Appointment 

In case you are worried that your child requires more attention that cannot be achieved during the few minutes’ interactions with the doctor, you can book for consultation. Unlike normal pediatrician office visits, a consultation could take up to 30 minutes or an hour long. 

It could be Easier to Get Assistance if You Act Nice 

If you appear pleasant and respectful, you are likely to get quick help from the office staff. They could offer a little reprieve and courtesy to enable you to get the desired treat without a lot of trouble. 

Overall, are many things that the doctors will not tell you but, critical to the experience of visiting a pediatrician office. The ones discussed above are the main secrets of a pediatrician office that you need to keep in mind when planning a visit.

Questions to Ask a Pediatrician before You Choose them for Your Baby

You want to choose the best pediatrician for your baby. That means you have to ask them questions before you decide they are the right professionals to treat your baby. Here are some of the questions to ask a pediatrician before you choose them for your baby. 

What Can You Tell Me About Your Office? 

You want to know more about the office of a pediatrician before you decide they are a perfect match for your baby. Some of the things a pediatrician should tell you about their office include its location, working hours, hospital affiliation, and contacts. The pediatrician should not have a problem telling you anything you want to know about their office. 

Why Did You Opt to Be a Pediatrician? 

Being a pediatrician requires special personality traits. That’s because a pediatrician is a professional that specializes in providing healthcare to babies or children. Therefore, find out why the pediatrician chose their career path. One thing must be love for kids. 

What Do You Think about Vaccinations and Antibiotics? 

Most pediatric healthcare doctors see vaccinations and antibiotics as common medical interventions. However, pediatricians have different ways of using antibiotics. The illnesses for which they choose antibiotics also vary. With concerns about super-infections and antibiotics resistance increasing, choosing a pediatrician that knows about antibiotics and their proper use is very important for your child. 

Vaccinations are important for the health of a child. But, people have varying attitudes and beliefs about vaccinations. Choose a physician that knows the importance of vaccinations, how, and when to administer them.

What’s the Most Interesting Thing about Your Job? 

A pediatrician should love interacting with kids. But, you should find out more about the things that interest them most about their job. Does the pediatrician love to treat children with chronic diseases? When a pediatrician shares the part of their job they find interesting, they help you determine if they are the best option for your child. 

Asking these questions will enable you to determine if a pediatrician is a right fit for your baby. Choose a pediatrician that loves kids and is qualified to take care of the healthcare needs of your baby. 

Benefits of Getting a Pediatrician for Your Children

It’s easy to assume that you can always take your children to a general practitioner for regular check-ups. General practitioners and pediatricians are doctors. However, their specializations vary. In most cases, people think that these professionals perform the same tasks but they are different. 

A general practitioner can take proper care of your entire family. This is a trained doctor that is in tune with family health practices including the health of your children. However, a pediatrician is a specialist in children’s healthcare. This is a doctor trained in children’s health. 

Why Get a Trusted Pediatrician for Your Children 

Many people have always taken their children to hospitals whenever they need checking. They don’t inquire whether the doctor that sees their children is a pediatrician or a general practitioner. However, it’s advisable to ensure that your child’s health issues are addressed by a pediatrician for various reasons. 

Here are some of the benefits of getting a pediatrician for your children: 

  • Your child health issues are addressed by an expert in the health of children 
  • A pediatrician can guide you on a healthy lifestyle for your kids 
  • A pediatrician can advise you on the best way to prevent childhood injuries and illnesses. They can prescribe the right medications and recommend vitamins depending on the age of your child. 
  • A pediatrician can inform you about the development of the child at different stages. 

Although a general practitioner can provide checkups to your sick children, they are not specialists in the health of children. Pediatricians are specialists in children’s health. They know how to handle children from infancy to early adulthood. These are knowledgeable about the physical, social, and emotional development of your children. These know the best ways to approach children to make them feel at ease. So, if you are yet to get a pediatrician for your children, consider doing it now. 

3 Things to Carry when Attending the First Pediatrician Visit

3 Things to Carry when Attending the First Pediatrician Visit

Almost every first-time mother has mom guilt. And in most cases, mom guilt is unwarranted. When attending the first pediatrician visit, most first-time mothers forget something important. This can be a pacifier, hospital paperwork, or diapers. This causes mom guilt among most mothers. The guilt manifests itself in form of tired, poor faces.

To avoid this, make sure that you carry the following 3 important things when attending the first pediatrician visit:

1. Hospital Paperwork

Hospital paperwork provides important information that answers the mundane questions you are likely to get from the pediatrician without it. When you carry the hospital paperwork, you make the appointment work easier for you and the pediatrician. The pediatrician knows the existence or absence of concerns during birth or pregnancy. For instance, this paperwork shows that the baby passed hearing screen and that they do not have jaundice risk factors.

2. Baby Stuff

It’s important that you carry some diapers in the diaper bag. This is very important because your baby can go through these likes faster than you expect. Changing clothes, wipes, a pacifier, formula and a bottle are some of the baby stuffs to carry. You can also carry a blanked to ensure that your baby stays warm.

3. Questions

This is very important because it enables you to ensure that any issue you have about the baby is addressed during the appointment. Therefore, have questions about how your baby is feeding, sleeping and growing. For instance, is the baby colicky or gassy? Pediatricians understand that first-time mothers have many questions regarding the wellbeing of their babies. As such, they are prepared to address them in ways that first-time mothers understand.

Basically, these are the major things to carry when going for the first appointment with your newborn’s pediatrician. If you forget anything, don’t feel guilty. Instead, focus on ensuring that you and the baby get the most from the appointment. …