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Show WEEKLY REFLEX DAVIS NEWS JOURNAL. MARCH IFever h 11 By RICHARD M. SAG., M.D. Not all children with fever need to be seen by the doctor. Certain principles about body temperature and fever will help the parent make a decision regarding when and how quick to get nor-.m- specific help. THE REGULATION of normal body temperature takes place in the center of the brain in an area called the hypothalmus. This area acts as the body's thermostat. It is not a fixed regulator; but rather is one that fluctuates f a degree per about one-hal- day. Usually our lowest temperature is in the morning just before we get up, and our highest temperatures are in the later afternoon, early evening. BODIES regulate temperature by controlling the production of heat at the metabolic cellular level, or through heat loss as in flushed skin, sweat, panting and decreased activity. OUR 29. 1979 Dnffainifts Normal temperature also varies between individuals and age. As a general guide, rtetal temperatures higher than 100.5 or below 97.2 should be considered abnormal. WHEN VERY ill, the temperature should be taken rectally. Oral temperatures are generally one degree lower than rectal temps, and under the arm temps are two degrees lower thaH rectal temps. Temperatures outsde the normal limits are generally caused by outside direct effects on the body (th environment), or by effect on the regulation center ofVhe brain. IN NEWBORNS and vety young, the environment mi more easily override thl regulation systems, am result in either low or high temperatures. If this be the case, the best way to get the temperature back to normal is to regulate the infants environment. A general principle when dealing with young childi sudden change and work for steady gradual change. For example, do not use an ice bath to bring down the temperature, nor vigorous methods to quickly heat the baby. MOST OFTEN, the cause for fever in infants and children is related to changes on the regulation center in the hypothalmus. These changes are most usually related to changes that take place during inflammation or infection. Please keep in mind that fever is only a symptom, and not a disease. Fever in an infant under four months of age may be the first and only symptom of severe disease; and this infant requires immediate medical attention. FEVER IN children on certain medications or with specific serious diseases that affect the body's immunity may be more serious, requiring doctors attention. Our bodies can usually withstand temperatures Mdrein Arad to avoid under 106; however, should it rise further or remain at 106 for prolonged periods, the brain may suffer damage. Fever as an only symptom in older infants and children can usually be observed by the parent alone, for up to one week. I CANNOT emphasize enough that a warm skin temperature does not necesthe sarily mean fever; and temperature should be taken.a And in the same fashion, child with symptoms of infection whose skin does not feel warm, should have his temperature taken, because he might jiave a fever. CERTAIN basic control measures should be taken to control overdose unmeaningly. fever. First, remember that water is used up more quickly with fever, and the child should be given increased amounts. Decreased body activity will decrease heat production, so keep the child down. Many blankets will conserve heat and may raise the temperature. So to allow the heat to few as use dissipate, blankets as possible; but at the same time try to avoid THE DOSAGE for both aspirin and acetaminophen is the same: one gram per year of age every four hours. chilling and shivering. LIQUIDS that evaporate from the skin cause a loss of heat. This is the same cooling effect as when you walk out of a shower or bath. To use this principle, use a warm wet wash cloth to wet the child and allow him to air dry. Remember it is the evaporation that cools, so do not just keep the baby in the tub.lt used to be a practice to use rubbing alcohol because it cools quickly; but this may be dangerous because the fumes may be easily absorbed and possibly cause eye damage, coma or convulsions. MEDICINES are a useful tool if used properly. Two different medicines that can be used (if no reactions occur are aspirin acetaand minophen. Since these medicines are different, they can be used separately, or together. When used together, a higher fever may be controlled better. Please read labels. Many cold medicines contain either aspirin or acetaminophen. You may possibly give an For example a l'j year child can take 14 grains; and a 6 month old may take 4 grain. One grain equals 60 mg (milligrams). An adult dose is 10 grains, or two regular aspirin pills. A ten year old can take an adult dose. One baby aspirin pill is equal to 14 grains so four baby aspirins equal one adult pill. If you have questions about the dosage, it is wise to check with your doctor. 1!rrr IF AFTER these measures the fever is not controlled perhaps your child should be examined by a doctor. If your child develops other symptoms, or symptoms more severe than a runny nose, it may be wise to call your doctor for specific advice. Many times an office visit can be by same simple suggestions. If you have any questions averted about todays article please feel free to write Richard M. Sag, M.D., North Davis Pediatrics, 2132 N. 1700 W Suite C, Layton, Utah, 84041. KIDS AWAIT CARNIVAL Awaiting the carnival are, On March 31 from p.m. bazaar will be held. This carnival is sponsored by the Vae View and stake centers of the Davis County Head Start A display will be presented by the Parent Education Resources Center to show the services available there. A program will be presented by the Headstart children and a display of their art work. program. 20 thro 31 SAFEWAY STORES IN LAYTON to r, Brian Loveland. at the Layton Armory, 34 Golden Avenue, a carnival PRICES EFFECTIVE MARCH 1 Pollock, Chad Arndt and Rebecca THE COUNTRY Squires a band from Ogden will THIS EVENT is open to the entire public and will prove to be a evening for the whole family. The prizes will include an afghan, hooked rug and a pair of embroidered pillow cases. Tickets are being sold by Headstart children and also will be sold at the door for a $1 donation. present music for the even- ing. fun-fille- d For further information or tickets call Margaret tamante Bus- or Marilyn 376-327- 1 Wilson HEADSTART federally-funde- is designed to give a better start child. The to the program is open to 4 and 5 e year olds from families or with a handicap. To apply call Headstart director Donna Harston or your local pre-scho- EASTER IS close and handmade items will be on sale as well as baked goods. Fish for real live gold fish or go on cake an 825-979- walk. Food and drinks will be sold. 1 CAP office. Births at Davis North Medical Center March 16, 1979 Roger and Linda Ann Ashment, 1513 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, girl Lester and Sara Leigh Groves, 563 North 1350 West, Clearfield, boy March 17, 1979 Stanford and Linda Jean Jordan, 442 South State No. 1 1 3, Clearfield, boy Carl and Lynnae Knapp, 929 East 400 South, Kaysville, boy Daniel and Teresa Condra, 1537 East Gentile, Layton, girl March 18, 1979 Craig and Janice Priest, 1 065 Wall Ave., Ogden, girl March 19, 1979 Humberto and Blanca Fuentes, 21 00 North 1 200 West Apt. A-- Layton, girl 4, March 20,1979 Steven and Diane Wall, 3417 West 1700 South, Syracuse, boy Kenneth and Darla Barry, 570 South 775 East, Ogden, boy March 22,1979 Robert and Cheryl Thomas, 5857 South Rapp Street No. 7, Littleton, Colo., boy Kelly and Jeri Field, 1956 North 3060 West, Clinton, girl Terry and Janet Black, 902 Clearfield, boy East 1000 South, March 21, 1979 Michael and Deborah Ferdon, 410 Park Street, Layton, boy LA AUTOMOBILES HOMES STORM DOORS CARS & TRUCKS PICTURE WINDOWS FOREIGN CARS PATIO DOORS TRUCK SLIDERS SCREENS 1,000 USED WINDSHIELDS INSURANCE SPECIALISTS JSL-I-L Soto 9k Retail Quantititt 0f QUALITY GLASS 327-28- tti 399-923- Street Ogden 8 a program d 578 N. Main, Layton 376-121- 3 |