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Prevention

We all know that prevention is better than cure. But how do you go about it?

This section offers you useful information on what you could do prevent illnesses and how to identify early warning signs. Also have a look at our article on how vaccines work.

Beat the bottle

We’ve probably all succumbed to the temptation to give our infants a bottle of juice or milk at bedtime. But learn how to protect against nursing caries.

Steps to prevent cot death

Every parent fears cot death. Although the exact causes are not yet known, there are a few things you can do to help prevent a tragedy.

Kids need nine hours of ZZ's

Kids in elementary school need at least nine hours of sleep a night - something too few of them these days are getting.

How to prevent nappy rash

Nappy rash is not as common as it used to be, thanks to disposable nappies and better barrier creams. But it is still important to take steps to prevent this condition.

Protection from pet diseases

Regardless of how much you love your dog or cat, these and other animals can still transmit certain diseases to you and your family.

Measles – get vaccinated

A mass measles immunisation programme has been launched to eradicate this preventable disease. Why is it so important to immunise your child against measles?

Diet and kid's teeth

Food choices and eating patterns during childhood can affect one’s health and well-being for the rest of one’s life. We show you how to establish healthy patterns early on.

Keep your kid worm-free

Pets are great companions. But they might bring unwanted guests to the party. Learn how to de-worm your pet to protect your child from infection.

Tapeworms a serious health threat

With children dying every year in rural aread from tapeworm infestation, parents need to take preventative steps.

Smoking and your kids

How does your smoking affect your child? Here are some sobering facts that might just get you to kick this habit.

Early solids limits picky eating

Introduce solid foods early to limit picky eating in later years.

Through the eyes of babes

It's World Sight Day and the focus is on protecting young eyes from harmful UV rays, and how the correct nutrition can help healthy sight.

When sweetness sours teeth

A dentist explains why nursing caries are fast becoming one of the most common paediatric dentals.

Be a sun-sensible parent

With ultraviolet solar radiation and skin cancer rates higher than ever, it may seem as if the simple pleasures of summer are a thing of the past.

HIV: protect your child

As a parent, you can help protect your child from HIV infection, and contribute to the fight against HIV/Aids generally.

Pets and allergy control

You may know that cats can cause allergic reactions. What you may not be aware of is that dogs, rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, birds, horses, cows, chickens, ducks

Mom's drinking hurts babies

Surely one glass of wine does no harm? Don't be so sure. Experts agree there's no certainty on what level of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy.

Toothbrush care

Your child's most important tool for preventing tooth decay and cavities is his or her toothbrush, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reminds us.

Condoms and your teen boy

Abstinence, condoms, a male pill or a vasectomy. Right now, condoms are the only real option for sexually active teens.

SA kids still fed on lead

Now that we have lead-free paint and petrol, is childhood lead exposure still a problem? A South African study shows that children are still at risk of lead poisoning.