Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Health Care for Children (HCFC) is here to provide answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). In this section, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions at HCFC to offer clarity and guidance.
Explore the information below to find answers to common queries. If you don’t see your question addressed, feel free to contact us. Your understanding and peace of mind are essential to us at HCFC.
- When should I call the doctor?
- When should I be concerned about teenage depression?
- How do I deal with my child’s first-day anxiety?
- When should I call the doctor?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell how sick your child is. However, urgent care or a trip to the hospital is usually not needed for a simple cold or cough, mild diarrhea, constipation, temper tantrums, or sleep problems. Call your doctor to find out if he/she needs to be seen if:
- Vomiting and diarrhea that last for more than a few hours in a child of any age
- Rash, especially if there is also a fever
- Any cough or cold that does not get better in several days, or a cold that gets worse and is accompanied by a fever
- Ear pain with fever, is unable to sleep or drink, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is acting ill
- Drainage from an ear
- Severe sore throat or problems swallowing
- Sharp or persistent pains in the abdomen or stomach
- Pain that gets worse or does not go away after several hours
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than 2 months
- Fever and repeated vomiting at the same time
- Blood in the urine
- Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that will not go away
- Not drinking for more than 12 hours
You can also book an appointment online.
2. When should I be concerned about teenage depression?
Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in.
With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Here are signs to look for in your teen:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
3. How do I deal with my child’s first-day anxiety?
With the first day of school approaching, here are a few tips to help your child reduce anxiety, feel at ease and embrace the new school year.
- Don’t just tell them that they have to go to school. Give them a good reason! Explain how going to school will give them chances to learn, do new things and give personal examples that they can relate to.
- Help a shy child make friends. You might help identify children with similar interests and encourage him/her to join a club or after-school activity.
- Assure your child that everyone is there to help them. Get your child extra help if he/she is having trouble in school.
- Talk to school administration, teachers and school counselors if bullying becomes a problem.
- Try to be home to greet vour child for the first few davs when he/she gets home from school.
- Devote time to discussing your child’s school experience each day.