Parents' Corner -Educational Videos

Abdominal Pain in Children

Stomach pain in children is a common issue that concerns many parents. In this video, Dr. Sanwar Agarwal, a leading pediatrician at Ekta Hospital talks about abdominal pain in children.

There are two main types of stomach pain in children: acute and chronic. Acute pain comes on suddenly and is intense, often resolving quickly, while chronic pain occurs over a longer period and may reoccur intermittently. While acute pain is often not serious, if the pain is severe, it is essential to seek medical advice. In cases of conditions like hernia or testicular pain, immediate medical attention is required to prevent further complications.

Chronic stomach pain in children, on the other hand, is often linked to physical activity, digestive issues, or hormonal changes during growth. However, if the pain is accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or weight loss, it may point to more serious conditions. Dr. Agarwal emphasizes that parents should not dismiss ongoing stomach pain, especially if the child shows signs of distress or other symptoms. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can ensure the child’s well-being and prevent any potential complications.

Beat the Heat !

The program discusses essential precautions to protect children from heatstroke and diarrhea during summer. Dr. Sangeeta Nagraj, a pediatrician at Ekta Hospital, highlights the importance of hydration and maintaining hygiene. Children, especially infants and toddlers, are more vulnerable to dehydration due to faster water loss. Parents are advised to:

Keep children indoors between 11 AM to 5 PM to avoid direct sunlight.
Provide ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) in cases of diarrhea and ensure frequent water intake.
Use home remedies like boiled water and natural drinks (but avoid packaged juices and carbonated drinks).
Watch for signs of dehydration like reduced urination and lack of tears while crying.
Maintain proper hygiene in food preparation and avoid street food.

For older children, it is suggested to implement scheduled water breaks and provide lighter, water-rich foods such as fruits (e.g., watermelon, cucumber) to combat dehydration effectively. The importance of consuming whole fruits over juices is emphasized for better nutrition and hydration.

Oral Hygiene in Children

Oral hygiene is essential for children's health. In this video, Dr. Sanwar Agarwal, a pediatrician at Ekta Hospital, discusses the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and the risks of dental caries (cavities). He highlights common causes of oral issues, such as prolonged bottle feeding and excessive consumption of sweets and chocolates. Dr. Agarwal also provides key advice on identifying oral health problems and shares tips on selecting the right toothpaste, the proper amount to use, and the importance of rinsing after brushing.

This video serves as an essential guide for parents looking to maintain their child's oral health, prevent dental issues, and establish healthy habits from an early age. By following these expert tips, parents can ensure their children enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Simple Steps for Seasonal Care

The program focuses on seasonal illnesses affecting children during changing weather, such as viral fever, malaria, dengue, typhoid, and gastroenteritis. Dr. Sangeeta Nagraj highlights that fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and rain create favorable conditions for bacteria, viruses, and vector-borne diseases.

Key points include:

Common Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness, with viral infections often affecting multiple systems.
Preventive Measures:
- Maintain hygiene through frequent handwashing and consuming only clean, fresh food and water.
- Avoid contaminated or exposed food and ensure proper hydration.
Diet & Immunity: Include seasonal fruits and balanced nutrition to build children’s immunity. Avoid overly processed foods and encourage healthy eating habits at home.
Timely Action: Use simple home remedies like hydration and gargling as primary care, but consult doctors for persistent or worsening symptoms.

The program stresses that prevention, cleanliness, and early intervention are key to protecting children from seasonal illnesses.

Key Parenting Tips for Healthy Child Development

In this video, Dr. Sanwar, a pediatrician at Ekta Hospital, provides valuable insights on effective parenting and child development. He emphasizes creating a supportive environment where children can freely express themselves and explore their interests. By nurturing each child’s unique talents and passions, rather than imposing rigid expectations, parents can help them build confidence and independence. Dr. Sanwar also highlights the importance of a balanced lifestyle, addressing concerns like childhood obesity and the growing trend of sedentary behavior.

To ensure long-term health, he advises parents to prioritize physical activity and a healthy diet. Regular check-ups and expert guidance are essential to track a child’s well-being and growth. With a focus on preventive care, Dr. Sanwar advocates for early intervention to avoid future health issues and to cultivate a positive outlook in children, fostering both physical and emotional well-being for a lifetime.

Responsible use of Anti-Biotics

In this video, Dr. Sanwar, a pediatrician at Ekta Institute of Child Health in Raipur, discusses the appropriate use of antibiotics, specifically highlighting that these medicines are effective only against bacterial infections and not viral ones. He emphasizes that antibiotics should not be used for common viral conditions like cold and cough, which are often mismanaged with antibiotics. Dr. Sanwar also addresses misconceptions around the duration and safety of antibiotics, stressing that these medications should only be prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals and should not be self-administered based on previous prescriptions or leftover medications.

The doctor further explains the importance of correct antibiotic selection, based on the specific bacteria causing the infection. Misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, a growing global health issue. He advises that patients should follow the prescribed dosage and duration carefully and consult with a doctor before using antibiotics. By preventing misuse, we can help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics, ensuring they remain a vital tool in treating bacterial infections.

From Exclusive Breastfeeding to Complementary Feeding

(1/2) In this video, Dr. Sanwar Agarwal emphasizes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infants, especially during the first six months of life. He explains that mother's milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns, uniquely tailored to each child, including premature babies. Dr. Agarwal stresses that breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth to ensure the best outcomes. He also advises against giving water, glucose, or bottle feeding before breastfeeding, as these can interfere with the baby’s ability to latch properly. Mother’s milk provides essential antibodies, boosting the baby’s immune system and reducing the risk of common illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory infections.

(2/2) After exclusive breastfeeding, it is important to introduce complementary solid foods to a baby’s diet at around 6 months of age. While mother’s milk provides sufficient nutrition for the first few months, as the baby grows, additional calories and nutrients are needed for healthy development. Dr. Agarwal advises against giving watery or liquid-based foods like daal water or fruit juices, as they provide little nutrition. Instead, he recommends introducing calorie-dense, solid foods with the right consistency to ensure the baby receives the necessary energy for growth. He also cautions against processed foods, which lack essential fibers and micronutrients. By 7 months, homemade foods should be introduced, with a gradual increase in variety. The goal is to make solid food the primary source of nutrition by 1 to 1.5 years, while breast milk continues as a supplementary source of nourishment. Dr. Agarwal suggests parents follow expert guidance and watch educational tutorials for preparing healthy complementary foods for babies.