Bantay Bata continues to provide utmost care to children in need at Children's Village

 

The coming holidays will again be marked by reunions among many Filipino families but the ongoing pandemic continues to limit social interactions. Despite this, one of the many Christmas traditions that Filipinos will never give up is gift-giving.

 

During this time, several communities will mount fundraising and gift-giving initiatives to bring joy to everyone during this festive occasion. Among the beneficiaries where communities can help are Bantay Bata and their Children’s Village program.

 

With healthy living becoming the top priority for all, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) partners with ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.’s Bantay Bata, in providing vitamin supplements and medicines, like Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, Advil, Scott’s DHA Gummies, thermometers, and more to children and employees, who act as caregivers to the kids in Children’s Village. The donation will benefit kids who are brought in for custody and rehabilitation so they can have holistic care and are protected from diseases. 

 

Bantay Bata brings a powerful message of hope to children in the country. One of its several programs is the Children’s Village, a temporary shelter and healthcare for rescued, abused, neglected, or abandoned children so they can recover from traumatic experiences. In Children’s Village, kids receive child care, education, and spiritual, socio-recreational, and therapeutic activities to help them in the healing process. As they serve as a temporary shelter for kids, the Children’s Village also commits to giving them a healthy lifestyle and holistic immunity. 

 

The supplements will help children have a strong immunity in their fight against bacteria and viruses. When they get sick at Children’s Village, they can rely on Paracetamol Calpol for Kids to relieve fever in just 15 minutes. Paracetamol Calpol can also ease pain discomfort related to toothaches, headaches, migraine, muscle aches, sore throats, and musculoskeletal pain. One can also choose from its different variants and delicious flavors for kids of all ages:

●      0-2 years old: Paracetamol Calpol Infant Drops Orange 10ml

●      2-6 years old: Paracetamol Calpol Suspension Strawberry 60ml and 120ml

●      6-12 years old: Paracetamol Calpol Suspension Orange 60ml and 120ml

 

Bantay Bata continues to provide utmost care to children in need. This holiday season, those who wish to extend help to these kids can still reach out through the following:

●      Bantay Bata 163 Hotline via Landline (toll-free) or thru #163 for Globe users and (02) 163 for Smart subscribers

●      They are also available at bantaybata@abs-cbnfoundation.com or at facebook.com/BantayBata163PH.

 

To know more about Fever and Pain Management and Calpol Dosage Calculator, visit calpol.com.ph or facebook.com/CalpolPH.

Five Easy Steps to Treat your Child's Fever

Parents today have access to more health information than ever through the availability of online sources and e-consultation apps. But when your child comes down with a fever, you can’t help but panic and forget everything you know or have read. It may even be tempting to rush your child to the hospital for mild fevers.

In most cases, a fever is a healthy sign that your child’s immune system is at work¹. What’s important to know is how to manage it at its onset regardless of the cause.

According to Dr. Carmina A. delos Reyes, Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Specialist, fever has various causes. “It can be due to an infection, inflammation, allergies, or prolonged heat exposure. Its treatment depends on the underlying problem. While it is important to pursue diagnostic tests, fever management is still highly recommended to provide comfort to the sick child.”

To have a better grasp on how to manage your child’s fever effectively, here are five (5) easy steps:

Step 1: Recognize and identify fever and discomfort²

There are many ways to know if your child is feeling feverish. While older kids verbalize their symptoms or discomfort, younger ones such as toddlers and babies express themselves through behavior. Be keen on changes in action and attitude such as loss of interest in toys or playing, loss of appetite, and increased crying.

The best way to confirm a child’s fever is by measuring their temperature using a thermometer. The normal temperature range for children is 36.5°C- 37.5°C. When the number rises above 37.5°C, the child has a fever^1,3 and in need of treatment

Step 2: Give the right dose of paracetamol

Now that you’ve confirmed that your child has a fever, give him or her paracetamol as the first-line treatment. This action step is prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO)⁴.

Be sure to purchase the right paracetamol formulation for your child’s age group. Dose your child correctly by taking your child’s weight, and following the recommended dosage instructions for your child’s weight band. The information is usually found on product labels.

Age can also be used as an alternative to guide dosing based on package instructions.⁵

Step 3: Don’t forget to use the measuring device provided

Measuring medicine may sound like an easy task, but many parents are guilty of under-dosing their child.⁶ WHO recommends parents to use the measuring device provided with the product⁴ to avoid errors.

How about tablespoons and teaspoons? Although they seem harmless, using kitchenware can double the risk of dosing errors for children.⁷ It is best to stick to the dosing device provided.

If you’re confused by the markings and measurement abbreviations on the dosing devices, check with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Step 4: Monitor your child’s progress and help them feel better

Want to do more for your child, but don’t know how? Here are some other ways you can do to help your child recover quickly.

DOs:

●      Monitor the temperature and check regularly for rashes or fatigue

●      Check on the child’s fever at night

●      Ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids

●      Have the child stay at home until the fever has gone down

DON’Ts

●      Do not give sponge or cool baths

●      Do not under-dress or over-dress a feverish child 

Step 5: If fever persists, give your child paracetamol again

If the fever does not subside immediately, give your child another dose of paracetamol (at 15 mg/kg) every 4-6 hours. Just be sure to not administer paracetamol more than four times in a 24-hour period.^8,9,10 Be tough against fever and gentle to your child with Calpol for Kids. It is clinically proven to relieve 6 types of pain and fever, and to start working on the fever in just 15 minutes.

Many parents may feel confused about how to handle their children’s fever alone. With these 5 easy steps, you can learn to build your confidence in fever management at home and aid your child’s speedy recovery.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Paracetamol Calpol helps fight against Dengue

When I was still working at a tertiary hospital in Manila, one of my colleagues was admitted for Dengue Type 3, she was black and blue and unconscious for 2 days with an on and off fever. We thought were going to lose her. She got blood transfusion, Paracetamol every 4 hours, and the doctor had her platelet count checked every 4 hours or so.  I remember her mother praying,  gave spongebath and stayed throughout the confinement. I could still picture her in that hospital bed, skin scaled to ashen gray, with blue nail beds, blue lips,  2 IVs were hooked and unconscious. We prayed for her recovery, after days, and bags of blood, her platelet went to normal,  She was released from hospital, after her condition became stable with a 37 temperature. We became aware of dengue and its complications and we dont want that dreaded disease to happen to any of our family members.

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. Especially now that the rainy season is upon us.

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joined forces with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign called “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” and Barangay Caravan  last August 29, 2014 at Makati Shangri-la, Manila. Hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera.

Dr, Sally Gatchalian, Secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society, told the media of what to do in cases of dengue. self protection measures were observed. If there is a persistent fever of two days duration, one should seek medical attention. Have lots of fluid intake. Take Calpol paracetamol for kids and Panadol tablet for adults. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these drugs may trigger bleeding.  Say no to indiscriminate fogging. If one had contacted dengue, there is always a possibility of second episode. Take extra precautions of second episode, as this will be the worst especially when patient vomitted blood, according to Dr. Gatchalian.  Always have Paracetamol like Calpol for kids and Panadol for adults at the comfort of your house.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever.

Calpol, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.

“Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death,” points out Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

“Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths,” Dr. Tayag added.

Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.

“But the truth is, dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease,” said Dr. Tayag.

Aside from fever, other signs and symptoms of dengue include headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and bleeding manifestations. If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.

 “While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”



The DOH enagaged with selected barangays in  facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.

“You can protect your loved ones by knowing more about this debilitating disease, its prevention and management. At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol  is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo.  “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  For more information about (Paracetamol) Calpol and its Dengue campaign, visit www.calpol.com.ph  or like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/CalpolPH .