What the Health!

Do I need a tetanus vaccine after an accident or injury?

If the wound has broken your skin and you haven't had your tetanus shot in a while, you could need one. Tetanus is a dangerous but uncommon illness that, if left untreated, can be fatal. Through a skin wound or cut, the bacteria that might cause tetanus can enter your body.

What should I keep in my first aid kit?

In order to handle small accidents and injuries, it's crucial to have a fully equipped first aid kit at home. A basic first aid kit may contain plasters, gauze and eye dressings, bandages, disposable sterile gloves, tweezers, scissors, alcohol-free cleansing wipes, thermometer (preferably digital), skin rash creams, painkillers and eye wash. A simple first aid manual or instruction booklet may also be helpful to keep on hand with your first aid supplies. Regular checks should be made to ensure that medications are still within their use-by dates.

Does my cut need stitches?

A cut may need stitches (or other treatments) if: the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure, the cut is long or deep, something is embedded within the cut, the cut occurred as a result of an animal or human bite or was punctured by any other object that may cause infection, the cut is on the mouth, face, hand or genitals.

What should I do if I think my baby is allergic or intolerant to cows' milk?

Consult your general practitioner (GP) to address your worries if you believe your infant is having an adverse reaction to cow's milk. They can determine whether your baby's symptoms are likely due to a cow's milk allergy or something else entirely. Before eliminating cow's milk from your child's diet since it provides vital nutrients, make sure you consult a doctor. Cows’ Milk Allergy is estimated that 7% of infants under the age of one are affected, but most kids outgrow it by the time they are five.

How long do babies carry their mother's immunity?

Antibodies from mothers are transferred to their unborn children through the placenta during the final three months of pregnancy. Because the infant has received antibodies rather than producing them on its own, this sort of immunity is referred to as passive immunity. The mother's immunity affects the quantity and kind of antibodies passed on to the child. In newborns, immunity is only transient and begins to decline after the first few weeks or months.

What measures do we need to take to prepare a healthy and balanced diet for our children of age 7-10?

A healthy and balanced diet for children aged 7 to 10 should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, meals based on starchy foods, dairy products and some good sources of protein. Ensure your child doesn't consume excessive amounts of fatty or sugary meals like cookies, cakes, candies, or sugary drinks.

Am I more at risk if my relatives have cancer?

Some cancers have a tendency to run in families. For instance, if you have close relatives with the disease, your risk of having certain breast cancer, bowel cancer, or ovarian cancer is increased. This doesn't imply you'll definitely get cancer if some of your close relatives do, but it does mean you may be at a higher chance of getting some cancers than average. According to estimates, 3 to 10 cancers out of every 100 are brought on by inherited genetic flaws.

What are the health risks of smoking?

Smoking increases your risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions. Some may be fatal, and others can cause irreversible long-term damage to your health. Smoking damages the heart, blood circulation and lungs. Smoking causes around 7 out of every 10 cases of lung cancer (70%).

Can damp and mould affect my health?

Allergens (compounds that can trigger an allergic reaction), irritants, and occasionally poisonous substances are all produced by moulds. When inhaled or touched, mould spores can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny noses, red eyes, and skin rashes. Asthma episodes can also be brought on by mould.

Can I eat and drink before having a blood test?

The type of blood test you're undergoing will determine the answer. If you need to do anything to get ready for your test, the healthcare practitioner setting it up will let you know. Before some blood tests, you can consume food and beverages as usual. On the other hand, you won't be allowed to eat or drink anything (apart from water) before a "fasting blood test." You can also be instructed to quit smoking before the exam.

Is it better to have a bath or shower after surgery?

After surgery, it's normally advisable to take a shower so you can manage the water flow and if instructed to keep the incision dry, avoid getting it wet. After some operations, you can be instructed not to take a bath. This is because you shouldn't soak your wound in water until it has healed. It can soften the skin and reopen the wound.

Can I eat or drink before an operation?

Every operation is unique. Depending on the operation and anaesthetic you're having, you may or may not be allowed to eat or drink anything before. Before you have your operation, the healthcare professionals treating you will tell you if you can eat or drink before, what foods and liquids you can have, if eating and drinking are allowed, when to stop eating and drinking (if eating and drinking are allowed).