My 5- year- old son has autism. I have been taking care of him on my own for a while but I need help. Kindly let me know how to manage him.
— Bimbo (By SMS)
Apart from the medical care and therapies that you may line up to help your son, there are simple, everyday things that make a difference. Firstly, it is good to focus on the positive. Just like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for the behaviors they’re doing well, it will make them (and you) feel good. Be specific, so that they know exactly what you liked about their behavior. Find ways to reward them, either with extra playtime or a small prize like a sticker. Also, as you would with anyone — on the spectrum or not — prize your child for who they are. As a parent, loving your child for who they are is key. It is also important to take your child along for everyday activities.If your child’s behavior is unpredictable, you may feel like it’s easier not to expose them to certain situations. But when you take them on everyday errands like grocery shopping or a post office run, it may help them get them used to the world around them. Finally, because taking care of an autistic child can be very cumbersome, you need to get some form of support. The support can either be online or face-to-face. Support can also come from other families, professionals, and friends can be a big help. Support groups can be a good way to share advice and information and to meet other parents dealing with similar challenges.
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I have kidney stones
I had a sudden attack of a sharp pain in my right side a few days ago and the doctor I saw diagnosed Kidney stones. He gave me some pain tablets and asked me to drink plenty of water. Although I feel much better now, I will like to know what Kidney Stones are and how to prevent it.
— Prince (by SMS)
Kidney stones are one of the most common causes of kidney pain. They occur when minerals and other substances in your urine form hard, crystalline deposits in your kidneys. Approximately 1 in 11 people in the United States will develop kidney stones at some point in their lives. Kidney stones often cause severe pain, and can even block the flow of urine. If a kidney stone is too large to pass on its own, it may require treatment with surgery or other procedures. The best way to avoid Kidney stones is to increase your fluid intake. This way, any minerals in the body can be dissolved and formation of Kidney stones will be avoided.
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My voice is hoarse
I have been finding it very difficult to speak as my voice has become very bad after a throat problem which occurred a few weeks ago. Your kind assistance will be highly appreciated.
— Bala (by SMS)
The commonest cause of hoarse voice is the infection of the voice box (Laryngitis) It is usually caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. It can also be caused by bacterial infections, such as strep throat. In some cases, laryngitis may be caused by allergies or other irritants. Laryngitis is usually a mild condition that goes away on its own. However, in some cases, it can lead to more serious problems, such as pneumonia. If you have laryngitis, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your throat moist and will also help to thin mucus. Rest your voice. Avoid speaking or singing for long periods of time. Gargle with warm salt water. This can help to soothe your throat. Use a humidifier. This can help to keep your throat moist. Treatment for laryngitis usually involves rest and home care. In some cases, you may need to take antibiotics if your laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection. However, if your symptoms are severe or if you have other health problems, you may need to see a doctor.
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I feel giddy all the time
My problem with giddiness started about 6 months ago. Any time I get up from a sitting position, the whole room will be swinging over my head. I have tried all kinds of traditional and modern medicines to no avail. Please help me.
— Lydia (by SMS)
Giddiness, usually known in medical parlance as Tinnitus is caused by factors many of which are still unknown. Experts believe that abnormal activity in the part of the brain that processes sound may be responsible for tinnitus. The condition is a symptom of more than 75% of all disorders that affect our ears. Some of the factors range from Aging, Exposure to loud noises or explosions, drugs that damage the ears as well as ear diseases that can affect balance and hearing. In view of the fact that Tinnitus isn’t a condition or disease but a symptom of other conditions, I will advise that you seek a proper medical attention for your case.
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Monkey pox detected in dog?
I recently learnt that the new infection, Monkey Pox has just been detected in a dog somewhere in Europe. My problem is that I have two dogs who I like very much. Kindly let me know what to do to avoid getting Monkey Pox from them.
— Chuks (by SMS)
What happened in the case you referred to is thata pet dog contracted monkey pox from its infected owner. It was not the dog that infected the owner. Though there is prior evidence that wild animals can get monkey pox, this is the first known case of a pet dog contracting the monkey pox virus via human transmission. It is believed that more research is needed to understand the disease trajectory in dogs. However, doctors say that infected individuals should isolate from their pets to avoid transmitting the virus to them.
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Can I take coffee?
I have been drinking 2 cups of Coffee a day for the past few years with no problems. I am now 65 years old. Can I still continue taking coffee in my old age?
— Dokun (by SMS)
While caffeine is not bad for the elderly in low levels, those who drink more than four cups of coffee daily can experience anxiety, headaches, restlessness and heart palpitations. Too much caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, leading to jitters, an upset stomach and elderly sleep issues. Therefore, if you must take coffee, it is better to take the decaffeinated brand in moderate portions of one or two cups a day.
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I need precautions for exercises
I want to join my Old Students team for a charity walk next week. Kindly let me know the precautions to take since I have not done any exercise in the past few months. I am a 60- year- old woman.
— Chioma (by SMS)
It is important for you to wear comfortable clothing and well- padded shoes that can protect the heels and arches of the feet. It is also useful for you to warm up before doing exercise and to cool down afterwards to lower the risk of strains and sprains. Taking appropriate breaks during the activity is also important. Do not exercise with an empty stomach. Eat something light (such as a pap or a slice of bread with jam) to give you some stamina. Do not exercise immediately after a full meal. Take some extra fluids before, during and after physical activity. Above all, listen to your body; do not exercise when unwell. If there is dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea or vomiting or muscle or joint pain during the exercise, stop the activity and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
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What are heart murmurs?
One of my friends who is the same age as me (55 years) was recently diagnosed as having heart murmurs. Kindly educate me on this ailment.
— Ayodele (by SMS)
A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound that your heart makes as it beats. You might have a heart murmur and not even know it. Many heart murmurs are harmless. But some heart murmurs can be a sign of a heart problem. Most heart murmurs are harmless and are caused by blood flowing through your heart valves. They’re more common in young people and often go away on their own. Some heart murmurs can be caused by heart valve problems. Heart valve problems can be present at birth (congenital), or they can develop later in life. Heart valve problems can also be caused by infections, inflammation, or other diseases. In some cases, heart murmurs can be caused by problems with the structure of your heart. For example, you might have a hole in your heart, or your heart might not be pumping blood properly. Most people with heart murmurs don’t have any symptoms. However, some people with heart murmurs may have symptoms such as: Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Dizziness, Fatigue, Heart palpitations and Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. Therefore, anybody with any of these symptoms, should see a doctor for urgent and expert attention.
