The Monkey Tree

So that you are always prepared for most eventualities put together a small ‘summer survival pack’ that goes wherever you and your family go. Also remember try not to wear really bright colours or strong perfumes… they attract our buzzing friends!!

As always the summer emphasis is “get out and about” and enjoy the outdoors. Flowers are in full bloom, new- born animals are growing into young ones and our insect world is a hive of activity.

Your toddler has had a stuffy nose for months. Could he have hay fever? A stuffy nose in a child usually means one of three things: a cold, an irritation or an allergy. Colds generally last a few days and don't cause the snuffliness that some children have. Irritation can be caused by cigarette smoke, dust and paint fumes. In the absence of these or any other obvious irritants, the problem is likely to be an allergy.

“It’s only a suntan” or is it?...Is the ‘healthy glow’ of a suntan good for babies and children? Is it good for adults?  Hopefully by the time you have read this article you will have gained the knowledge to make up your own mind.

As children return to schools and pre-schools we look at a topic that when mentioned instantly makes you itch and shudder with distain, head lice are however a common occurrence amongst children.  The following is taken from the BUPA health information fact sheet and provides extensive information on lifecycle, detection and treatment. 

Every year, millions of people experience unnecessary discomfort, distress and even depression because of health problems with their teeth, gums and mouth.   Toothache is painful and upsetting, especially in children and the main cause is still tooth decay due to too much sugar, too often, in the diet.  The following information and advice on dental care is taken from The British Dental Health Foundation the leading UK-based independent charity working to bring about improved standards of oral health care. 

If you think back to your school days most of us would associate a school nurse with dealing with those little head lice creatures and for jabbing you with a needle at various stages of our development.  In reality their role is much more involved in dealing with a broad health agenda.  Wendy, Maria & Julie, School Nurses based at Rectory Lane Health Centre Loughton explain the role.