Children's bones are softer and more flexible. After a fall, a bone may bend or crack without breaking completely (a greenstick fracture) — hard to see from outside. Young children often can't describe the pain clearly either.
Watch for these signs after a fall
Swelling or redness over the bone
Discomfort moving the arm or leg, crying when touched
Sudden loss of interest in play, using one arm or leg less
Limping or refusing to put weight on a leg
If in doubt, get an X-ray without delay. Injuries to the growth plate that aren't treated properly can later make a bone bent or shorter.
If you feel dizzy, see darkness or hear ringing when you suddenly get up from a bed or sofa, don't take it lightly. Medically this is called orthostatic hypotension.
Why does it happen?
When blood pressure can't adjust quickly as you stand, blood flow to the brain drops for a moment — causing a few seconds of dizziness or a blackout.
Possible causes
Dehydration
Iron or vitamin B12 deficiency
Side effects of some medicines (such as blood-pressure tablets)
Nerve weakness (for example in long-standing diabetes)
What to do
Don't stand up straight after waking — sit for a little while first
Drink enough water
Eat a balanced diet
See a doctor if it keeps happening or you feel faint
Brief tingling after sitting in one position for a long time is normal. But if it keeps happening or lasts a long time, there may be an underlying cause.
Common causes
Nerve compression in the neck or lower back
A trapped nerve at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Diabetes
When to see a doctor
Tingling or numbness for more than 2 weeks
Weakness, or dropping things from your hand
Neck or back pain spreading into the arm or leg
Sudden numbness of one side of the body, a drooping face or slurred speech can be signs of a stroke — go to hospital immediately.
Most back pain comes from strained muscles or ligaments — sitting in a poor posture, lifting heavy things while bending, or sitting for too long are common causes.
Daily rules
Lift heavy things by bending your knees, not your back
Don't sit for more than 40–50 minutes at a stretch — walk around in between
Sleep on a medium-firm mattress instead of very soft foam
Control your weight and walk regularly
See a doctor quickly if back pain comes with leg weakness, problems controlling urine or stool, fever or unexplained weight loss.
With age, the cartilage in the knee wears down — this is called osteoarthritis. It hurts to climb stairs, to sit down and get up for prayer, or to stand after sitting for long.
How to slow it down
Lose weight — every kilo lost greatly reduces the load on your knees
Exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles (as shown by your doctor)
Avoid sitting cross-legged or on low stools for long periods
Use a raised toilet seat if needed
Don't take painkillers for long periods or injections from just anywhere on your own — they can harm your kidneys and stomach.
These articles are for general health awareness and are not a substitute for personal medical care. Please consult the doctor about your own problem. Read more on the Facebook page.