As a parent you worry about every aspect of your teenager’s life, from their safety and security to their physical and emotional state. During high school teenagers start coming into their personalities and define who they are and what they stand for. It is during this stage of life they are exposed to multiple pressures. They suffer under pressure to perform academically, pressure to perform in the sports arena as well as pressure of trying to fit in and look the part. Peer pressure and bullying are major concerns during this time and many children who are physically or socially different from others may be targeted.

Acne affects approximately 85% of the teenager population (between the ages of 12-25). Taking into consideration that so many people are affected by acne there should be a supportive environment for people suffering from this condition. Unfortunately this is not the case and bullying, teasing and social stigma are the common realities in schools. Acne can significantly a person’s confidence and self-esteem resulting in them being withdrawn or insecure. The severity of the acne does not necessarily directly relate to insecurity of the person. Even an individual who suffers from mild to moderate acne can be affected psychologically and in severe cases low self-esteem can even lead to depression.

Acne is an easily treatable condition and parents should take the necessary steps to reduce acne before it can affect their child’s confidence. Patients can use over the counter medication or even prescription medication to reduce symptoms. Dermalex Acne is an over the counter topical medication that has proven to reduce mild to moderate papules by 52%. Dermalex Acne forms an antiseptic shield on the skin to reduce p.acne bacterial growth; one of the major causes of acne formation. It also contains soothing and calming ingredients that help control the oil production, reduce the redness and soothe the skin.

Find Dermalex Acne Dis-Chem, Clicks and all leading independent pharmacies.

Reference List

http://www.nveee.org/statistics/

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acne.html

http://www.dermalex.co.za/

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/29/acne.depression/

http://www.dermnetnz.org/acne/acne-psychological-effects.html

Is your child dirty if they have contracted head lice?

If your child has lice, it does not make them dirty.  Originally there was a myth that stated that head lice were only attracted to dirty hair. This myth was then changed to state that lice are only attracted to clean hair.  Although this is not so widely believed, it is proven that lice are not concerned with whether their future home provider has clean or dirty hair, it’s the blood they’re after!

Do you remember when you were a child? Do you remember having lice or a friend having lice? Which myth was rife in those days? Do you know that the only thing that lice require is human blood? They are not concerned in the least about the hygienic state of your hair.  The lice are dependent on human blood for survival, without the blood the lice will only live for approximately 24-48 hours. They are spread through head-to-head contact, or sharing things like hats, scarves and hairbrushes.

School environments are a great feeding ground for lice but this does not make the school dirty or unhygienic if they are found to have a student with lice. Schools should be notified immediately if a child has lice in order for the necessary steps to be taken.  It is important that as soon as you are made aware of a lice infestation at your child’s school, you should assess your child’s hair and take the necessary treatment actions.  If your child does not have lice, it is prudent to purchase a preventative product, like Paranix Repellent Spray, to avoid an infestation.

A vital piece of information to ease your mind is that head lice are not known to spread diseases. Proper treatment, which most people can do at home, usually gets rid of head lice. The clinically proven Paranix range of treatment products are insecticide free, has the shortest treatment time, and includes a top quality, steel tooth comb with the product.

For the treatment procedure, a step by step tutorial is available online: www.paranix.eu

So, your pregnancy test shows you might be expecting. Now what?

So, you have bought your Predictor pregnancy test and are waiting anxiously to see whether there will be two lines. The five minutes may seem like hours, but then time comes to a standstill when you see the pink second line. Depending on your situation this could be the most exciting feeling you have ever experienced or the most daunting. Whichever feeling or emotion you are experiencing, take a deep breath.

What to do next? The best suggestion is to wait a bit before announcing your news. We know it’s a big moment, but, unfortunately the little pink line doesn’t always mean a happy ending. Let’s get realistic for a moment. According to www.newhealthadvisor.com the percentage risk for miscarriages is:  75% of all miscarriages happen in the first two weeks, 10% in weeks three to six and then 5% in weeks seven to twelve. Due to these stats, it is normally recommended to not tell many people about your pregnancy for the first couple of weeks. Your family and close friends will support you through the first trimester. We do not want to instil a sense of fear but we do want you to know the facts.

Now for the guide to your pregnancy- there is none. Oh, almost every single mom you know will dish out advice left and right, and there are many books and a great deal information on the Internet, however, each and every pregnancy is different. You will probably end up doing what comes naturally anyway. You’ll be amazed how quickly you figure it out.

During the first trimester the small fertilized cell known as zygote changes into an apple sized foetus. Their body and limbs are growing, while the organs are taking shape and the little foetus now begins to move. Did you know by week six your baby starts to develop their arms, legs, hands and feet? Fingers and toes appear at around week ten.

In the first trimester your body, emotions and habits will start to change. Embrace this time and always find the positive in the changes. Shouting at your husband and then crying because he actually went to the garage at 2 am for that if-I-don’t-have-this-now-I’m-going to-lose-it packet of chips and chocolate, is absolutely allowed. Many women mention how their breasts enlarge and are sensitive, this is a normal process which gives you an excuse to buy some gorgeous new bras. “Evil personified” as one mom called it, is morning sickness and this is experienced by a vast majority of moms-to-be in the first trimester. There are many suggestions to help with this from drinking ginger tea to lemonade, but rather check with your doctor for any suggestions they may have.

The first trimester is one of great excitement, changes and nerves. Be gentle with yourself, these are big changes, and you don’t have to be okay with everything. It’s your pregnancy, and you can cry if you want to.

http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/9-Weeks-Pregnant-Miscarriage-Risk.html