kidney infection and diseases, a fast growing medical issues in Nigeria

Kidney infection, also known as renal infection or pyelonephritis, is a type of urinarytract infection (UTI) that is usually caused by E. coli bacteria. The bacteria may have spread from the bladder or the urethra to one of the kidneys, infecting it. The urethra is a tube which transports urine from the bladder outside the body.
If kidney infection is not treated promptly, there is a risk of serious complications, including kidney damage and blood poisoning (sepsis). It is usually treated with antibiotics. In many cases, patients with kidney infection are hospitalized.

Possible Causes of Kidney Infection and Diseases

1) Weakened immune systems - some patients with weakened immune systems may have a bacterial or fungal infection on their skin which eventually gets into the bloodstream and attacks the kidneys, causing an infection there.

2) The urethra - Alternatively, the pathogen (e.g bacteria) may get into the urethra and reproduce in the bladder, infecting it. The infection may then spread into the kidneys.

3) Toilet hygiene - after going to the toilet and using toilet paper to wipe one's anus, there may be contact with the genitals, resulting in an infection getting through and working its way up to the kidneys. The infection could also enter via the anus - E. coli , a type of bacteria, can exist in the colon and eventually cause a kidney infection.

4) Female physiology - women are more vulnerable bladder infections and ultimately kidney infections
than men, because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for infections to reach parts of the urinary tract
more quickly.

5) Urinary catheter - a urinary catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain our urine. Having a urinary catheter raises the risk of developing a urinary tract infection, including kidney infection.

6) Kidney stones - individuals with kidney stones have a higher risk of developing kidney infection. Kidney
stones are the result of a build-up of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys.

7) Enlarged prostate - males with an enlarged prostate have a higher risk of developing kidney infections.
8) Sexually active females - if sexual intercourse irritates the urethra there may be a higher risk of bacteria
getting inside the urinary tract, and eventually reaching the kidneys.

8) Stressing your bladder- not urinating whenever you have the urge.

9) Drinking too much alcohol and abuse of drugs

10) Not drinking enough water everyday..

what you should know about malaria...

 Malaria according to WHO is an infectious parasitic disease that in 2010 was found in 99 countries and territories throughout the world. It is caught by being bitten by a mosquito

carrying the malaria parasite.

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium , which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito.

Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and they must have been infected through a previous blood meal taken on an infected person. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken in which contains microscopic malaria parasites. About 1 week later, when the mosquito takes its next blood meal, these parasites mix with the mosquito’s saliva and are injected into the person being bitten. Because the malaria parasite is found in red blood cells of an infected person, malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with blood. Malaria may also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn infant before or during delivery (“congenital” malaria).

In the early stages, malaria symptoms are sometimes similar to those of many other infections caused by
bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Symptoms may include:
Fever.
Chills.
Headache.
Sweats.
Fatigue.
Nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms may appear in cycles and may come and go at different intensities and for different lengths of time. But, especially at the beginning of the illness, the symptoms may not follow this typical pattern. The cyclic pattern of malaria symptoms is due to the life cycle of malaria parasites as they develop, reproduce, and are released from the red blood cells and liver cells in the human body. This cycle of symptoms is also one of the
major indicators that you are infected with malaria.
Other common symptoms of malaria include:
Dry (nonproductive) cough.
Muscle and/or back pain.
Enlarged spleen.
In rare cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal cord, seizures , or loss of consciousness. Infection with the P.falciparum parasite is usually more
serious and may become life threatening.

There are other conditions with symptoms similar to a malaria infection. It is important that you see your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms.

Prevention and Cure
Malaria prevention needs to be approached from two fronts:

protecting against infection and reducing the development of the disease in infected people. Studies in Ghana, Kenya, and other African nations show that about 30 percent of child deaths could be avoided if children slept under bed nets regularly treated with insecticides.
In the 1950s and 1960s, DDT
lowered malaria rates in many parts of the world. However, due to environmental toxicity, it was abandoned.
Predictably, malaria rates increased. DDT has been replaced by newer insecticides, which have fewer health
risks.
Disease management through early diagnosis and prompt treatment is fundamental to malaria control. Even with the emergence of drug resistance, malaria is largely a curable disease.

BLISSFUL KIDS : Is your child GIFTED?..

BLISSFUL KIDS : Is your child GIFTED?..: It is generally agreed that gifted children differ from their peers in ways other than intellectual ability alone. A gifted child is a chil...

Is your child GIFTED?..

It is generally agreed that gifted children differ from their peers in ways other than intellectual ability alone. A gifted child is a child who is naturally endowed with a high degree of general mental ability or an extraordinary ability in a specific sphere of activity or knowledge.

Some traits of giftedness in children
Though most children aren't identified until they begin school, some show signs of giftedness at an early age. Some traits include;

1. Need less sleep, even as infants.
2. As infants, may get fussy if set facing one direction for too long
3. Frequently reach 'milestones' such as walking and first speech earlier than average
4. May speak late, but then speak in complete sentences
5. Strong desire to explore, investigate, and master the environment (opens up cabinets, takes things apart)
6. Toys and games mastered early, then discarded
7. Very active (but activity with a purpose, not to be confused
with ADHD)
8. Can distinguish between reality and fantasy (questions
about Santa or the tooth fairy come very early!

Characteristics of giftedness in children
In the late 20th century, the term asynchrony was used to describe the developmental characteristics of gifted children; that is, their mental, physical, emotional, and social abilities may all develop at different paces.


1. Very observant , noticing details other children of the same age would miss, including non-verbal cues
2. Great intellectual curiosity, wanting to know everything about everything -- objects, ideas, situations, or events.
3. Absorb information rapidly - often described as being like sponges
4. Excellent memory - often have a large storehouse of information about a variety of topics, which they can recall quickly
5. Long attention span compared to other same-age children
6. Excellent reasoning and problem solving skills
7. Intense interests
8. Unusual and/or vivid imagination
9. Learn quickly and with less practice and repetition
10. Usually intrinsically motivated to learn (star charts and stickers don't work well to motivate them)
11. Enjoy learning new things, seeking information for its own sake as much as for its usefulness
12. Enjoy intellectual activity, thriving on intellectual challenge (can get bored with slow instructional pace and repetition)
13. Interested in philosophical and social issues -- for example, the nature of the universe, the problem of suffering in the world, environmental issues
14. Very sensitive, emotionally and even physically -- can become upset easily, even over seemingly minor issues (like the feeling of seams in socks), but can be moved almost to tears by the beauty of a sunset or a song. They may also want to quit eating meat out of sympathy for animals.
15. Concerned about fairness and injustice -- very aware of rights and wrongs
16. Energetic , sometimes needing less sleep than other same-age children (sometimes high energy level is confused with ADHD)
17. Asynchronous development (physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development are very uneven -- i.e. a 6 year old child may be like a 10 year old intellectually, an 8 year old socially, and a 6 year old emotionally.)
18. Well-developed sense of humor
19. Perfectionistic

BLISSFUL KIDS : Tips for parents on the care of common colds in ki...

BLISSFUL KIDS : Tips for parents on the care of common colds in ki...: The common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract which primarily affects the nose.  upper respiratory tract inf...

Tips for parents on the care of common colds in kids

The common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract which primarily affects the nose.  upper respiratory tract infections are mainly divided by the areas they affect,with the common cold primarily affecting the nose,the throat and the sinuses,occasionally affecting the eyes(conjunctivitis). common cold can also lead to pneumonia mostly in children.

Symptoms of cold:

 the symptoms of cold usually appear a day to three days after exposure or in contact with a cold causing virus. The signs or symptoms to look out for are;

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• A slight fever mostly in children
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue
• loss of appetite
• Mild headache

when should I be worried or go to a Doctor?

On the average, children are mostly affected by cold than adult. your child does not necessary need to see a doctor for routine common cold, but you must seek for a medical help right away when you notice any of this sign or symptom;

• a fever of 38°C or higher in newborn(0-3 month old)
• a child of any age develops fever that rises repeatedly above 40°C.
• fever that lasts more than 24 hrs in a child below 2 yrs.
• common cold that last more than 10 days and whereby your child coughs up green, yellow or brown sputum. This could be a sign of bacteria infection.
• your child complaining of some difficulty in breathing.
• persistent crying 
• signs of ear infection which can be obvious by ear ache or your baby rubbing her ear, feeling irritable.
• vomiting or  abdominal pains
• persistent cough
• your child seems to be complaining of throat ache or difficulty in swallowing.
• if there seems to be no improvement rather your child seems to be getting worse.

Helping your child cope with the symptoms of cold;

• encourage your child to take lots of fluid. water is fine but a warm drink might be preferable.
• paracetamol liquid or ibuprofen can help ease the ache or fever 
• you can raise the pillow end slightly if he complains of a blocked nose.
• encourage your child to get enough rest.
• keep the room warm.
• to help relieve nasal congestion, you can use a saline nasal drop. this you can get from  over-the-counter. it is safe, non irritating and very effective. they can be dropped before feeding to improve nursing or bottle taking and before bedtime to help improve sleep.

How to encourage your baby to enjoy swimming...

• swimming is one of the best and healthiest form of exercise for adults and even kids. Even newborn are natural lovers  of water as the keep floating around in their mother's womb for nine good months ( funny ??).

Here are some procedures to develop the taste and love for swimming in your baby.

1) make your baby learn to relax and have fun with water. Take baths and showers with her and let her splash the water,watch and observe toys that float.

2)Trickle water over his forehead slowly so that he can feel comfortable with the feel of the running water.

3)Snuggle your baby to your chest as you recline in the tub and you may even nurse the baby to help relax while almost floating. Most importantly, be sure the water is not soapy to avoid hurting his eyes.

4) Help your baby to trust and feel safe in the water by exposing him to water for short but frequent periods of time.

5) When your baby feels comfortable in shower and tub, you can then take him to the pool.

6) Make sure that the pool has a lukewarm water before you immerse baby in so that he does not get cold.

7) Importantly, check for the concentration of the chlorine in the pool so as to avoid hurting the baby's eyes, skin and breathing ways
.
8) Pools with ozone filters are clean and baby friendly.

9) Do not take the baby to the pool immediately after feeding.

10) Make sure that he is wearing a swimming diaper to avoid soiling the pool.

11) Most babies love bouyancy of water and freedom of movement, so hold him securely on your arms and let him move in the water.

12) You can enroll your child for a swimming classes with a qualified instructor.

successful disciplinary strategies for your child

successful disciplinary strategies for your child

Why is discipline such a big dilemma? Because it feels like a tightrope act. On one side there's the peril of permissiveness — no one wants to raise a brat. On the other side there's the fear of over-control — who wants to be the hardliner raising cowed, sullen kids?

What we need is a comfortable middle ground to ensure that our little ones grow up to be respectful, caring, and well behaved.

To set the stage for successful discipline, here are the bottom-line rules many experts agree on:

1. We're all in this together: Right from the start, teach your kids that your family is a mutual support system, meaning that everyone pitches in. Even a baby can learn to "help" you lift her by reaching out her arms, says Madelyn Swift, founder and director of Childright and author of Discipline for Life, Getting It Right With Children .

2. Respect is mutual: One of the most common complaints parents and kids have about each other is "You're not listening." Set a good example early on: When your child tries to tell you something, stop what you're doing, focus your
attention, and listen. Later you can require the same courtesy from her.

3. Consistency is king: One good way to raise a child with emotional strength is to be consistent and unwavering about rules and chores, says Harvard professor Dan Kindlon, author of Too Much of a Good Thing . Even if you pick just one chore to insist on, your child will be better off, Kindlon says. "Being firm and consistent teaches your child that you care enough about him to expect responsible behavior."

4. Life's not always fair: We're so afraid of disappointing or upsetting our kids — too afraid, say some discipline pros. "If a child never experiences the pain of frustration — of having to share a toy or wait their turn in line — or if they're never sad or disappointed, they won't develop psychological skills
that are crucial for their future happiness," says Kindlon.

5.Build the Bond
A close relationship with their mothers can help keep boys from acting out, according to a 2010 study. A warm, attached relationship with mom seems important in preventing behavoiral problems in sons, even more so than in girls, the research found. The findings, published in the journal Child Development, highlight the need for “secure attachment” between kids and their parents, a style in which kids can go to mom and dad as a comforting “secure base” before venturing into the wider world.

The mommy bond may also make for better romance later in life, as another study reported in 2010 showed that a close relationship with one’s mother in early adolescence (by age 14) was associated with better-quality romantic relationships as young adults

Signs that your baby loves you..... a must read for parents

7 Signs that your baby loves you http://blisfulkids.blogspot.com/2013/10/7-signs-that-your-baby-love-you.html

7 Signs that your baby loves you

7 Signs that your baby loves you
 by Evonne Lack

She stares into your eyes
Newborns love to look at faces, and yours is her favorite. That soulful gaze is a hardwired survival instinct designed to attract love and attention from
a caregiver, says neuroscientist Lise Eliot. But it's also the beginning of her love for you – she's realizing just how important you are in her life.

 He recognizes your smell:
Given the choice between a dozen fragrant roses and your sweaty, milk-stained T-shirt, your baby will go for the shirt every time. "Even a 1-week-
old will turn his head toward a breast pad soaked with his mother's milk," says Eliot. To your newborn, nothing smells sweeter than you.

She smiles at you:
The first time your baby gives you a true, fabulous grin is a magical moment. It's her way of saying "I
love you."

He talks to you:
Your baby's very earliest coos will be directed at you or another trusted caregiver, says Eliot – he
won't start by talking to himself. He'll use this early language (called protoconversation) to engage with you, so answer back! You're both laying the groundwork for real conversation later.

She wants you around:
About halfway through your baby's first year, you'll notice that she's not happy with your absence . She may scrunch up her face or cry when you step
out of the room, and she'll smile upon your return – a sign of her growing attachment.

He shares your interests: 
Whether it's a display of holiday lights or the dirty laundry, if you scrutinize it, your baby will do the same. Called mutual attention, this behavior can
start when your baby is just a few months old, but it's more pronounced at 9 to 12 months. "It's a sign that your child is engaged with you and values what you're paying attention to," says pediatrician Harvey Karp .

She uses you as a shield:
Don't be surprised if your baby buries her head in your chest when someone new appears on the scene. " Stranger anxiety " is a normal phase, and
turning to you for protection means your baby loves you  and trusts you to keep her safe.

Benefits of video gaming for children

Benefits of video gaming for children
If you are a parent and you have a son and a daughter then you are bound to experience a few arguments now and again. However, there are ways in which you can improve your children’s relationship and ensure that they get on well with one and other. The best thing to do is to try and find a hobby which they both enjoy and thus that they can enjoy together. A good example of this is video game.
Most children nowadays like to play video games and thus this is a great thing which your son and daughter can enjoy together. So, why is encouraging your children to play video games together such a good idea?

Enjoyment breeds a happy relationship
Your children will enjoy playing their games together and thus it will put them in a jovial mood. When you spend time with someone and you are doing something that you love, this improves your relationship. When your children have
been smiling, laughing and spending a good time together, it will be hard for them to have any hostility afterwards.

It will give them something to talk about
As your children will be enjoying a hobby together it will give them something to talk about. This is something which will never get boring or become old news. After all, there is a wealth of games available on the internet and thus they will have something new to play with and something new to talk about each and every day. Thus, one day they may talk
about Lazy Town, the next day they may enjoy discussing Ben 10, and the day after they may switch their attention to Scooby Doo, and so on and so forth.

They learn to share and this breeds respect.
When playing games together your son and daughter will learn how to share and how to think of each other. This is something which will have a knock on effect on their everyday lives and they will become more respectful of one another.

They will view each other as not only siblings but as friends
You spend fun times with your friends. After all, that’s what friends are for – you have fun together, you laugh, and you play games etc. What are brothers and sisters for? Well, when you are young you simply think that they are there to annoy you! As your children will be spending fun times together playing video games, they will thus begin to view
each other as friends and thus they will think twice before an argument breaks out or a nasty word is said.

Raising Godly Children: Fear of the Lord: The Fundamental for the Family

Raising Godly Children: Fear of the Lord: The Fundamental for the Family

Improving your child's intelligence

Until the age of six,your child's brain is very receptive to eternal stimuli. Here, I shall be giving you some ways on how to improve your child's intelligence..

PRENATAL STIMULI
This can be achieved or stimulated by gentle rubbing of the mother's stomach and also listening to a relaxing music.

BASIC NEEDS
You should ensure that your child is in good health, as well as a balanced meal, and above all, the child must feel loved and treasured by you.

 VISUAL MEMORY
Try and buy lots of colourful toys for your child. This will help to stimulate his visual memory.

AUDITIVE MEMORY
Let your child play musical games as well as listen to soft music and children music. This stimulates their hearing.

SENSE OF TOUCH
Massages and also giving your child a safety feeling helps in the stimulation of his sense of touch. This can also be achieved by encourging him to touch different surfaces, be it rough, smooth, etc.

LANGUAGE IMPROVEMNT
From an early age, the child should be introduce to reading. This can be achieved by  reading for him even if you think he doesn't understand. This will help in improving his language skills and his ability to proccess information.

Welcome to Blissful Kids and Maternity Collections

We deal in mothercare products, maternity essentials, back to school essentials, kids clothings etc...               

Pay us a visit today @ No 186 Nnebisi road opp Icon clinic, Asaba or call 08066925398