2021 Aug Articles Archives

Helping Your Child Cope with Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Babies born in 2020 are growing up in a strange world none of us could have imagined a year before. For these little ones, isolation and social distancing are normal, family gatherings happen online, and the few adults they do meet in person wear face masks. This will definitely affect their social and emotional development as they grow.

Young children are also feeling the mental and emotional effects of the pandemic, with higher levels of stress, major disruptions to their school schedules and changes to their routines at home.

Our children need extra support and comfort from those who care for them during this scary and unpredictable time.

Signs Your Child is Stressed

Here are a few signs that your toddler or child is feeling upset by the stresses of the pandemic:

Increased crying and irritability.
Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Returning to “younger” behaviours (like bed-wetting or thumb-sucking).
Increased worry and anxiety.
Difficulty concentrating.
Struggling with schoolwork or avoiding schoolwork.
Losing interest in fun hobbies and activities.

How You Can Help

If your child is struggling, here are some tips to relieve their anxiety and help them cope.

Children are often frightened by things they don’t understand. Talk to them about what’s going on, and answer their questions in a way they can understand.
Let them know it’s okay for them to feel scared or upset.
Reassure them that they are safe and you (and the other adults in their life) will look after them.
Set a positive example by looking after yourself too.
Limit your family’s exposure to the news, including coverage on TV and social media.
Try to stick to a regular routine, with a balance between learning activities and fun/ relaxation activities.
Spend fun time together as a family, playing a sport, enjoying a board game, reading together or building a puzzle.

These are difficult times, so make sure you take care of your family’s mental wellbeing as well as your physical health.

What You Need to Know about Organ Donation

Organ donation saves lives! Here’s what you need to know about becoming an organ donor.

What is Organ Donation?

Certain organs, as well as tissues in your body, can be surgically removed and given to other people who need them after your death. This is called organ donation.

Thousands of people are waiting for a much-needed organ or tissue transplant. This might be because they have a serious illness, or because they have been injured in an accident.

For many of these people, their only hope of recovery is to receive a healthy organ from a donor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Organ Donation

Which organs and tissues can be donated or transplanted?

You can choose to donate your heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys and lungs after your death, saving up to 7 lives.

You can also choose to donate tissues, like the corneas from your eyes or the valves from your heart, as well as skin, bone and tendons. By donating your tissues, you can save or transform the lives of up to 50 people!

What does it cost to become a donor?

Nothing! Becoming an organ donor or a tissue donor is completely free.

Do I need any medical tests to register as a donor?

No. Doctors will do the tests that are needed after your death, to make sure your organs and tissues are suitable for donation.

Can I choose to donate some of my organs and/ or tissues and not others?

Yes. Please inform your family if there are any specific organs and tissues you don’t want to donate.

Will my family have to cover the cost of donations and transplants?

No, there is no cost to the donor’s family. The medical expenses will be covered once your family gives consent for your organs or tissues to be donated.

Will my family get any money if I become a donor?

No. Organ and tissue donation is a life-changing gift that is given voluntarily by the donor. It is illegal to buy and sell organs and tissue.

Will being a donor affect my funeral?

No, the donation won’t cause any delays to your funeral. As soon as the donated organs and tissue have been removed, your body will be returned to your family.

How do I make sure people know I’m a donor?

Once you register to become a donor, you’ll get a card that you can carry with you, and stickers you can place on your ID document or driver’s license. Speak to your loved ones and let them know you wish to become a donor.

Can I change my mind?

Yes, you can change your mind about being a donor at any time. Tear up your donor card and remove any stickers from your documents. Make sure you tell your family about your decision.

If you are in overall good health, you can sign up to become an organ donor. Speak to your doctor for details on how to register – it’s a quick, easy process that can make a huge difference.