NANNY & AU PAIR HEALTH CARE SERIES

The Difference Between KNOW and NO

Have you left the doctor's office uncertain of exactly what the diagnosis is, what tests were done, and what current and future treatment is recommended?

Whether for yourself or for your charges that is unacceptable. Know what was done, why it was done, and what to expect when you leave the facility. If uncertain, just ask the doctor or nurse.

Know what, if any, procedures, treatments, or medications to use. If you know you tend to forget these details, note the information at the time it is communicated to you.

If prescribed medication, know the name, the purpose, the proper storage, and correct dosage.

Know the other prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbs, and dietary supplements the child uses.

Know to tell the pharmacist so the child may be protected from potential undesirable interactions.

Know whether the dosage is for a teaspoon or tablespoon, know how many hours between "four times a day" doses, know if you should wake up a patient for medication.

Know what foods to avoid or if the medication must be taken with food. Know to ask the health care provider if unsure or confused.

Say "NO" to marketing techniques that may endanger the child. Stores with pharmacies are said to sell ten times more health and beauty aids to customers than those without Rx departments. To boost traffic, some stores are dispensing antibiotics for free. Resist the temptation.

Say "NO" to the overuse of antibiotics. Most childhood colds are viruses unaffected by antibiotics.

Say "NO" to Rx or OTC preparations advertised on television or in magazines. Most are only slight improvements over older medications with a much higher price tag.

Say "NO" to homeopathic preparations, herbs, and any preparation not approved by your primary health care provider.

Say "NO" to increasing dosages or sharing medications.

Knowing when to say "NO" is another way to protect your charges.