fix
fillial
Ask the doc I have been losing hair since I delivered my baby. I note that it is slow to grow back. Please help.
Post Partum Hair loss is normal. It usually starts 3-4 months after delivery. Any significant stressor can cause hair loss including: severe weight loss, major illnesses and surgery, along with traumatic psychological events. The hair loss is diffuse (all over). It can take 3-4 months for the hair to re-grow. This type of hair loss is reversible and will not lead to baldness. If the hair loss persists, it is important to be examined and have laboratory testing performed.
I have PMS (premenstrual syndrome). I have tried many things and nothing seems to work. What can I do?
PMS or premenstrual syndrome is common. It is characterised by physical symptoms (abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and headaches) and emotional symptoms (anger, irritability and internal tension) that occur only in the second half of the menstrual cycle. 75% of women have symptoms. Treatment should be started only when a clear diagnosis has been made: a woman must be symptom free in the first half of their menstrual cycle. For mild symptoms exercise and Vitamin B-6 (< 100 mg) can be tried. These have possible benefit. Other remedies that may have benefit are: oral contraceptives, Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, relaxation techniques and reflexology. Therapies that have been proven to be ineffective in clinical studies are: progesterone (duphaston), lithium, evening primrose oil, essential free fatty acids and ginko biloba extract. For severe symptoms or for symptoms that effect a women’s life, if the above fail, a class of antidepressants: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs) are very effective. Sometimes a treatment interval as short as three days per month is effective. (There are other therapies beyond the scope of this Q&A)
My 4-year-old son has had recurring febrile illnesses since we arrived in Doha four months ago. Should I be worried and is it normal to have so many infections when coming to a new country.
In any country the number of viral illnesses a child experiences is much higher than we as parents would imagine. For example, children under six years average six to eight colds per year (up to one per month, September through April), with symptoms lasting an average of 14 days. This means that a child could be ill nearly half of this 8 month time period. Expatriates from all over the world live in Qatar, they bring with them many different strains of viruses than you would normally encounter in just one country without so many expatriates. I suspect the number of illnesses your child has will be the highest this year and then should decrease the following year. Your child should be evaluated if the fever persists beyond 3-4 days or if your child does not having complete resolution of symptoms in between infections.
20
March 2011
holiday letter. But it’s not all external pressure, parenting is downright hard at times. What works for one child doesn’t work for the next. And there are some days you can be a true “Kryptonite Mom” and some days when you fail. The failure is hard to admit. One theme common to almost all mothers is that we all want what is best for our children. Now, how about wanting what is best for ourselves: to feel adequate and supported by fellow mothers. First let’s examine the effects of all these pressures and then examine how to make it better. Over-scheduling of our children has negative effects as documented in studies: increased stress, anxiety and physical ailments. How many of our children are going to turn into professional athletes, dancers or performers? So while it is important to expose your child to lots of different activities. It is important to remove activities that no longer fit. One mother told me: we went to a parent observation class for our daughter’s dance class, which she had attended for five years and were shocked “ at not only her clear inability to keep up with the rest of the class but her apparent disinterest” So after days of discussions, she finally said “I don’t want to take dance anymore!” Maybe it is time we limit the activities. Let our children just be children for a moment. Let’s change our mindset and stop the judgment leading to these unnecessary pressures. Think about all the women in your life who are supportive – you’re really close circle of friends. Now treat all the other women around you like you would your close circle of friends. No ridicule. Respect their different choices. The next time that new mom comes to you, don’t give her advice just listen or offer to watch her newborn so she can go get a pedicure. And the next time you doubt that you are not a “Kryptonite Mom”, think of all those moments that matter. The time when you raced across town in the middle of your workday to catch your daughters 20 minute music performance. No other mother noticed but your daughter did. You witnessed many firsts for your child and hugged them for their achievements. Or you just laughed and enjoyed a spontaneous moment together. So in honour of International Women’s day, I am going to ask a favour: relax and give yourself a break. Strive to be imperfectly perfect. And the next time you hear that mom happily exaggerating about her achievements as a mother, give her a break. She is just struggling with what we all are: being a good mother
Dr Rajka Milanovic Galbraith is an American Board certified family physician, a mother of two and a wife who has resided in Doha f of the past 6 years. She has over 14 years of clinical experience and is regarded highly by her patients, colleagues and staff. Recently she launched a website: www.expatdoctormom.com which provides up to date information in a wide variety of areas including: healthcare, parenting, travel, and entrepreneurship. Dr Rajka will be writing a regular column covering subjects from women and family health to parenting issues.If you have questions you wish answered, please write to wtoday@omsqatar.com, subject line ‘Ask the Doc’.