Children Healthy Care

There are a large number of people in the world who suffer from thyroid problems at some point in their lifetime. In developed countries, such as the United States, about 10% of the population will deal with hypothyroidism, also called an underactive thyroid. Mainly women are affected, but the condition is present in men and children as well.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck which emits hormones tat control bodily functions, including the bodies metabolic rate. When the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, hypothyroidism symptoms appear. These symptoms build slowly, so slowly that few people take note of their appearance. These people just know that they are tired, and they seem to be gaining weight. There is no definitive cause for this condition, it may be hereditary, ad the latest theory is that pollutants play a role in the development of thyroid problems.

The problem with hypothyroidism is that the symptoms tend to mimic normal aging. Few people run to see a doctor if they are fatigued, they just try to get more sleep. Other symptoms, such as constipation and dry skin don’t seem that bad, especially if they are mild. Yet, an underactive thyroid that is left untreated, can lead to serious health problems, especially in children where the thyroid gland controls growth and mental abilities.

Control Urination and Defecation

• 90% of newborns at term (not premature) have their first stool on the first day of life and the remaining 10% occur in the second day. This deposition is one aspect of a “mash” or “slurry” of dark green or black and is called meconium.
• If a newborn does not defecate within 48 hours of life must be ruled out congenital anomalies, some very dangerous and need for surgery (intestinal atresia, stenosis dudodenal, meconium ileus). There are other causes of delayed onset (hypothyroidism, anal stenosis, aganglionic megacolon).
• The anal sphincter (deposition), we begin to control after six months and the bladder (urine) from 16 months. Within two years most children and can be controlled properly both sphincters and therefore should be able to “tell”.
• The best way to promote sphincter control is through the stimulation and gratification. From the year and a half to put the child is sitting on a potty at the same time every day for about ten minutes “and nothing happens.
• Over time, coincidentally, will occur spontaneous defecation or urination in the potty. This moment must be celebrated (hugging, love, adoption, candy or gift) for the child to appreciate the joy that this behavior arises from their parents. Gradually, the event will be repeated and become a routine.
• After three years most children no longer “wets the bed.” If this situation continues is called enuresis.
• After three years most children advised to defecate and do it in appropriate places (potty, bathroom, toilet, toilet). If not called encopresis.