Dr Deb Levy | Paediatrician
Dr Deb Levy
Phone: +61 2 9389 5211
Reviews
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25.01.2022 TEETHING This is a photo of my first daughter's first tooth I remember being so surprised to feel that one had popped up when there'd literally been no warning. Both of my girls have been very lucky and teething hasn't been too troublesome for them but it can cause lots of symptoms like runny poops, slimy poops, drooling, rashes, a lot of pain, earache, pulling at ears, going off feeding or eating, unsettled nights and even low grade fevers. One tip I give parents... is to make a soothing chewy cloth: take a facecloth make a knot in a corner soak the knot in chamomile tea then put it into a ziploc bag into the freezer for around 30 minutes (you want it cold but not frozen) give it to your bub to chew on the corner, they can hold the soft dry part the cold is soothing and chamomile will help with the inflammation and pain What's helped your bub? #teething #teethingbaby #naturalparenting #thrivewithdrdeb #drdeb #motherhood #parenting #healthykids See more
25.01.2022 TODDLER SNACKS Being at home with our little ones, means a a lot more time thinking about and preparing food. Im preparing a booklet on snack suggestions that are high in goodness low in nasties. Both store bought and with easy recipes. Heres a quick and easy one that gives a boost of healthy fats & protein. ... Banana slices with almond butter. Soooo yummy! I used banana slices left over from the choc banana loaf Im making this morning. Ill post that recipe once Ive perfected it. Whats your toddlers favourite snack? #healthykids #snacks #healthyfood #drdeb #covd19 #thrivekids See more
25.01.2022 YOUR 6 MONTH OLD Turning 6 months old brings lots of changes, but to me the most rewarding was how much more interactive my girls became. The giggles, playing and trying to communicate was the best! I also loved starting solids. Although I know this can be a stressful time for many mums, I believe that if you have a clear plan in place you can enjoy it too! ... Do you feel confident starting solids? #6monthsold #baby #thrivewithdrdeb #parenting #childdevelopment #startingsolids #drdeb #motherhood #newmama #foodforkids #healthyfood #healthykids #expert #doctor
25.01.2022 USUALLY NEVER... Any mum can tell you that when young children eat it's messy! Although it can be tempting to try avoid the mess, it's actually better to encourage it. What do I mean? Well, children learn with all their senses so this means when they're eating foods they like to look, taste, feel and smell it. Studies have even shown that playing with food helps children accept it into their diet. Yep, more messy eating means less fussy eating. This being said, some...times it can mean your child is having difficulty eating. If food is always falling out their mouth or they're keeping food in their cheeks for example, it's a good idea to look into things. Perhaps show a video you've taken of them eating to your doctor who may recommend seeing a speech pathologist. What needs to be done (if anything) will depend on your child and their age. But for the vast majority of kids, mess is totally normal and will improve with age :) Does your child love the mess? www.drdeblevy.com #startingsolids #healthyeating #healthyfood #fussyeating #thrivewithdrdeb #drdeb #babyfood #parenting
24.01.2022 PYLORIC STENOSIS You may have heard of it.... but what is it and could your baby have it? Pyloric stenosis is a muscular narrowing at the outlet of your baby’s stomach. It’s a condition that happens in around 1 in 500 babies and causes significant vomiting because milk can’t pass past the narrowing so it comes back up. ... Babies are born with it, but symptoms usually start when they’re a few weeks old. It’s very unusual after 6 months of age. We don’t understand exactly how, but it runs in families and it’s 4 times more common in boys. Typically it causes your baby to start vomiting after feeds. I don’t mean a little spit up or posset but a large forceful (projectile) vomit that could literally hit a wall a few metres away. The vomit is usually just the milk and your baby becomes very unsettled as they’re hungry! they also won’t gain weight properly. The risk is that your baby will become dehydrated and very unwell if they aren’t treated. This is why I think it’s so important to be aware of it. Luckily it can be easy to diagnose with an ultrasound... if it's suspected. The treatment involves a drip for rehydration and surgery called a pyloromyotomy where the narrowing is fixed. Your bub should be back home in your arms feeding and thriving within a few days I know it's not all that common, but it is a serious condition that shouldn't be missed. If your baby is vomiting after feeds please see your healthcare provider. You can even ask them if it could be pyloric stenosis. Please share this so other mums know about it #babyhelp #motherhood #newmum #newmama #doctorsofinstagram #thrivewithdrdeb #expert #babyvomit #newborn #newmumstruggles #sickkids See more
22.01.2022 Food allergies are more common than you realise! I remember when I was at school and there was literally one girl with a food allergy. Now we can't even allow nuts in schools because of the rising prevalence. I'm writing a series of blogs on food allergies and sensitivities. This is the first and it coincides with food allergy awareness week which is a global initiative to increase awareness. I hope you find it interesting :) https://www.drdeblevy.com/is-it-a-food-allergy/
22.01.2022 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE As a mum and paediatrician Ive had lots of questions about coronavirus. So heres a quick summary and update of the current situation. Please bare in mind that the data changes as the situation unfolds. THE BASICS:... a new virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified at the end of 2019 in a cluster of patients with pneumonia in Wuhan, China it causes an illness called coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) its spread has been unprecedented and was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March current worldwide cases 153,648 current worldwide deaths 5746 current cases in Australia 249 current deaths in Australia 3 The WHO has a live situation website thats easy to access if youd like the stats of other countries. COVID-19 & CHILDREN: seemingly not at high risk of serious disease symptoms similar to a common cold or the flu- fevers, runny nose, cough, sore throat can also have diarrhoea and vomiting children who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions (eg lung disease, heart disease, diabetes) are at higher risk of more serious illness there is no vaccine the flu vaccine will not prevent it, but could prevent your child getting the flu (which is going around!) treatment is symptomatic avoidance and good hand hygiene is currently the main defence I will be posting more in the coming days to help support you during this very stressful time. If theres anything in particular youd like me to address, please make a comment below. And please WASH YOUR HANDS and teach your children how to wash their hands properly. Its simple and one of the most effective ways to stop the spread. #coronavirus #healthykids #covid19 #flattenthecurve #drdeb
21.01.2022 LUNCH BOX A lot of people ask me if Im anti carbs and generally my answer is I prefer complex carbs like vegetables over refined ones like bread and pasta but my kids definitely eat these too. I just try not to make the refined carbs the main attraction of a meal Im on a mission to increase vegetables and legumes in my girls diet!! ... Morning tea- cucumber, apple and a choc banana muffin (I just added 2 tablespoons of raw cacao to my banana muffin recipe- recipe on my blog) Lunch- steamed greens, tomatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa with almonds and raisins, baked chickpeas & some blueberries. Yummy!! Or at least I think so..... #lunchbox #healthyfood #healthykids #foodismedicine #recipe #vegetarian #plantbased
21.01.2022 My latest blog. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know in the comments below if there are any health topics you'd like to know more about :) https://www.drdeblevy.com/should-kids-drink-cows-milk/
20.01.2022 EASY SAUERKRAUT With my 5 to Thrive program, one very important aspect I look at is gut health and the microbiome. We need to ensure our kids develop the healthiest microbiome we can. One way is giving them fermented foods. I get my girls involved in helping me make it which I find gets them to eat it! They have so much fun too. We made sauerkraut yesterday. This is fermented cabbage. A very basic recipe that you can certainly experiment with by adding other vegetables and... spices. 1/2 white cabbage thinly sliced 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon caraway seeds Put all into a large bowl, mash down a bit to help bring out the juice form the cabbage. Then seal in an airtight container (I have a proper fermenting jar). And let sit on countertop to ferment for around a week. Can serve along side any food. For young kids you can start with just a little of the juice to get them used to it. Then progress to small pieces I hope your little one and their tummies enjoy it! #fermentedfoods #healthykids #guthealth #foodforkids #drdeb #healthyrecipe
20.01.2022 Happy Halloween! Halloween this year was definitely different..... but just as much fun!! I hope you all had a fun spooky day! My girls totally overloaded on sugar which made my anxiety levels rise... and so I kept on reminding myself of my 80:20 rule. My girls hit at least 80% healthy with their regular diet... Today was definitely a 20 day! ... How do you feel about all the candy and sugar? #halloween #halloweenkids #halloweencostume #sugar #happykids #covid #torontolife
18.01.2022 Hi! If you're interested in tummy troubles like constipation, diarrhoea, worms and the microbiome please join my new facebook group This group is a supportive community of like minded parents who want (holistic!) health information they can trust. I'll be doing weekly lives plus lots more! Today I'm launching a series of live talks in conjunction with Sarah Hunstead of CPRKids. ... I'll be talking all about CONSTIPATION at 12pm Sydney time! I really hope you can make it. Here's the link to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivewithdrdeb
17.01.2022 COVID & VITAMIN D Coronavirus myths and health claims of immune boosters are constantly popping up in social media. As you may know I am never a fan or miracle cure claims and always skeptical of any wonder supplement/ juice/ superfood etc etc. To me this is misleading and can even be dangerous. Dont get me wrong, I absolutely advocate boosting our kids immunity with healthy food and lifestyle choices. Ive written about this before. I also always aim for prevention o...ver cure. There is so much we can do to help our kids thrive. I just want it to be backed by evidence. So what about vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin? Vit D has been studied extensively for various health benefits including a possible protective role for respiratory infections. This is how it could help us fight coronavirus. It may balance our immunity to prevent infection or if we get it, to only have a mild case. We dont know all the answers yet but we can look at what we do know about vitamin D. And as always we need to know the facts especially to ensure safety if youre considering supplements. If youd like to read more about vitamin D please go to my blog. Link in bio. Are there any more health claims youre curious about? Please comment below #coronavirus #covid19 #vitamins #healthykids #thrivekids #drdeb #healthylifestyle
17.01.2022 ANOTHER NIGHT OF BAD SLEEP? Although there are many reasons your child may not be sleeping, I always consider if it could be from pinworms. These pesky little worms can cause a lot of different symptoms and a lot of trouble. Did you know that teeth grinding and urinary tract infections can also indicate worms? If you'd like to know more please read my latest blog :) ... https://www.drdeblevy.com/does-your-child-have-pinworms/
16.01.2022 COVID-19 & FOOD Going to the shops is now like a stealth mission. Not just because your highlights are growing out and your eyebrows need a wax! Theres a feeling that you are literally risking your health. Its stressful! And then there are the viral YouTube videos advocating full antiseptic techniques and sterilising of all items that you do buy. But what are the risks and what precautions should you take? ... Ive written a 2 blog series on washing fruit and veg and shopping during the covid pandemic. Head over to my blog to read more. I hope everyone is staying home and staying safe! #coronavirus #covid19 #healthykids #kidshealth #toxinfree #drdeb #healthylifestyle #kidsfood #healthyfood
15.01.2022 BUILDING BRAINS Did you know that our childrens experiences and environment literally shape their brains? Its called neuroplasticity and its the science of how a brain develops I find it fascinating how children are born with a genetic blueprint yet its really what they eat, do and are exposed to that determines their health and well-being. I find it even more fascinating that knowing this means that even simple choices we make can have big impacts. ... If youd like to read more, please head over to my blog. Link in bio. #healthykids #thrivekids #holistichealth #drdeb #childdevelopment #brainfood #5tothrive #babymilestones
15.01.2022 Anyone have a child whos constipated? Or not sure? Heres my latest blog which is part of a series on poop I hope you find it helpful! https://www.drdeblevy.com/natural-cures-for-constipation/
14.01.2022 Teal is the new orange My oldest daughter is so excited about Halloween and has been talking about it for months! Well, today is the long awaited day we decorate And this year we will be proudly displaying a teal pumpkin. Not because its a cool colour, but because of what it stands for. The Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative supporting children with food allergies. Displaying a teal pumpkin indicates that non food treats are offered. This means that children (& the...ir parents!) with allergies dont have to worry. How great is that?!! I can only imagine how stressful it is to go trick or treating when your kids have allergies. Considering around 10% of kids in Australia have food allergies Im sure there are some in our neighbourhood.... and yours too. I think that there is another benefit to this project. Its also discouraging kids from eating all the sugary processed cr*p thats given! But dont get me started on that.... although according to my girls Halloween is all about the chocolate so we will still have some plain chocolates and mini cookies Ill be making Ideas for non food treats: Stickers Scented pens Erasers Bubbles Hair bands and clips Novelty toys Please consider this when planning your Halloween. #foodallergies #halloween #healthykids #drdeb #healthyfood
14.01.2022 HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Being a mum is wonderful and amazing yet simultaneously the toughest gig in the world! There are so many mums I see who feel stressed about motherhood or guilty about choices theyre making. I get it. Im the same. So no matter what today means to you, I just want to say this: Please dont be hard on yourself. You are amazing. You are everything to your child. Love trumps all. And youre doing an incredible job! ... Please tag someone who you think needs to hear this #motherhood #mothersday #thrivemums #drdeb #kindness #selfcare
14.01.2022 KIDS & FERMENTED FOODS I'm a fan of fermented foods in children's diets. It's a great source of healthy live bacteria (probiotics) and often also prebiotics (food for the good bacteria in their gut). My girls are variable with what they'll eat... sound familiar?? But they always love kefir and kombucha ....and they'll sometimes have sauerkraut or beet kvass. ... I do find that if they get involved in making it, they're MUCH more likely to eat it! Check out my IG story today/ plate highlights to see my 6 year old giving a recipe demo Do you struggle to get your children to eat fermented food? If you'd like to learn more about prebiotics, probiotics and the gut microbiome I'm doing a facebook live on it later (12pm Sydney time, 8pm Canada/US ET) DM me to join my group #fermentedfoods #healthykids #guthealth #thrivewithdrdeb #constipation #doctorsofinstagram #expert #parenthood #healthylifestyle #toxinfree #toddlerlife #westonaprice
13.01.2022 GRATITUDE Although this is a challenging time for all of us, I really believe its important to look after ourselves. Gratitude is an easy yet powerful tool to support both physical and mental health. Research shows that benefits include:... more optimism better mood healthier lifestyle choices better sleep better relationships less anger more resilience Things Im sure a lot of us could benefit from right now. Im trying to come up with 3 things to be grateful for everyday. My gratitude list for this morning: 1. My girls school has a great online schooling platform 2. There are amazing doctors, nurses, paramedics and others fighting the covid crisis 3. I was able to take my dog for a walk this morning. What are you grateful for today? #gratitude #healthykids #drdeb #covid19 #coronavirus #homeschooling #stayathome #washyourhands
13.01.2022 For those of you getting dress ups and pumpkins ready, what are your plans for Halloween? Are you worried about how to keep your kids safe from coronavirus but still have lots of spooky fun? Read my latest blog below for some ideas on how to celebrate Halloween this year. https://www.drdeblevy.com/9-ways-to-enjoy-halloween-with-k/
13.01.2022 FREE eBOOK Im so excited to offer my free ebook on creating healthy snacks for kids! As you may know, Im a huge believer in the power of food when it comes to kids health. So I created this simple guide because I believe that every bite counts! In it I explain healthy food choices, and give you some easy recipes and snack ideas. Its yours when you sign up for my newsletter full of health tips and hacks ... Just click this link if youre interested: https://www.drdeblevy.com/ebook-supercharged-snacks/ See more
13.01.2022 HOW IS CORONAVIRUS SPREAD? Continuing on from my earlier post I think its important to understand how COVID-19 is spread in order to minimise our risk. As with any respiratory virus it is spread via respiratory droplets. This means that small droplets carrying the virus can travel out an infected persons mouth or nose. These droplets can then either land directly on you (if youre within aprox 1.5m) or onto a surface that you then touch. So you can catch it from other peop...le or surfaces. Whats worrying is that it can actually survive for many hours even days on certain surfaces. A recent study that is in preprint studied how long the virus survived on different surfaces (cardboard, steel, plastic) It was done in a lab but the very valid point I think this study makes is that we cannot be too vigilant when it comes to WASHING OUR HANDS. So it comes as no surprise, that to minimise your risk of infection you should: Wash hands frequently and throughly especially before eating or handling food Disinfect and clean surfaces at home and work (if practical) Keep your distance from others by avoiding social gatherings and trying to keep >1.5m apart from people. I realise some of these points are very hard for younger children to observe but we can certainly try teach them! #coronavirus #healthykids #drdeb #healthadvice #doctor #kidshealth
12.01.2022 Hi Do you feel like you're forever in the kitchen making snacks for your kids? If you sign up for my newsletter this month, I'll send you this 10 page guide that includes lots of great tips and recipes to minimise stress and maximise goodness :) Just click on the link below https://www.drdeblevy.com/ebook-supercharged-snacks/
12.01.2022 IRON DEFICIENCY & BEHAVIOUR Most of us know that having low levels of iron can make us tired. But did you know it can have the opposite effect in kids? Iron deficiency in children has been associated with many symptoms including... Hyperactivity Bad sleep Poor concentration Disruptive behaviour Poor academic performance Does this sound like another diagnosis? Mmm..... It can be all too easy to label a child with a behavioural problem without asking why. I think its essential to always look for the root cause and this includes diet and lifestyle factors that can be addressed. The majority of children I test are iron deficient. Yes, Im selecting children to test based on their clinical history but its also the most common nutritional deficiency in Australia Thankfully though, once diagnosed, its easy to treat with dietary changes and supplements. But please dont be tempted to start your child on iron replacement without first speaking with a healthcare provider. Its important to confirm the diagnosis and then calculate the dose required. Taking too much iron is toxic #healthykids #thrivekids #foodismedicine #lifestylemedicine #drdeb #nutrition
12.01.2022 To Australian families, please be aware that Infants Friend has been recalled. https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/infants-friend-oral-liquid
11.01.2022 HELPING YOU STAY HOME To keep families healthy at home, Im happy to let you know that I am now offering online appointments. This is only for Australian families for the time being. Sorry! ... For more information please email: [email protected] Or call: 02 93895211 Please stay safe and stay home #stayathome #covd19 #coronavirus #drdeb #healthykids #doctor #thrivekids
10.01.2022 FUSSY EATERS You are what you eat from your head to your feet I strongly believe that good nutrition is the foundation of healthy and happy children. This means minimal processed junk foods and lots of real foods. But what if your child wont eat what you want them to?... Well, there is a degree of normal fussy eating which can peak at certain ages. But beyond this fussy eating can be a problem. If your child is only eating a few foods its almost impossible for them to get all the nutrients they need. One tip I give is to get kids involved in food prep. From shopping to cooking, the more hands on they are, the more likely they are to eat. This includes giving them some power by providing healthy choices eg. Do you want tomatoes or capsicum tonight? I know its hard to go shopping with our kids right now because of coronavirus but you can always shop together online #healthykids #toddlerlife #drdeb #kidsfood #thrivekids #vegetables #nutrition #foodismedicine #healthyfood #kidsfood #fussyeaters #mealideas
09.01.2022 It's all about the poop.... Poop seriously tells us so much about a child's health. But there is a variety of what's normal so it's important to know what to expect when. Although young baby's poo is the most variable in colour and consistency, older children can have funny poops too. Please read my latest blog if you'd like to learn more :) https://www.drdeblevy.com/what-colour-should-poop-be/
09.01.2022 CUCUMBER FACTS Cucumbers often get a bad rap as not containing much more than water. But theres definitely goodness in them especially with the skin on :) Cucumbers are in fact 95% water which makes them great for hydration. This can be useful if youve a child who really doesnt like to drink much. The high water content, along with the fibre content can even help to manage constipation. This fibre promotes overall gut health... hello healthy microbiome! Cucumbers a...lso have antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. And theyre a source of other phytonutrients and vitamins including vitamin K an essential vitamin for our kids bones. So, yes, theyre mainly water but theyre a great healthy vegetable that most children seem to like My girls love it! When they were teething Id give them ice cold peeled cucumber spears which really helped ease the pain. But now that theyre older, they just enjoy eating it :) Do your kids like cucumber? #healthykids #healthyfood #toddlerfood #teething #drdeb #thrivekids #vegetables #eatarainbow #toddler
09.01.2022 https://www.drdeblevy.com/safe-food-shopping-during-the-co/
08.01.2022 COVID & KIDS: So what is Kawasaki disease and what does it have to do with coronavirus? Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory condition that affects blood vessels in children and therefore affects many organs. It is uncommon and usually children recover well, although some can develop long term heart complications. Early diagnosis and treatment minimises this risk. So its definitely a condition to be aware of... To diagnose it a child has to have a syndrome of features including high fever for more than 5 days red eyes (conjunctivitis) red inflamed lips, tongue and/or throat red inflamed hands and/or feet that peel a few weeks later non-specific red rash on body swollen lymph nodes in neck You need most of these to be diagnosed. Theres no specific blood test. So what does it have to do with covid-19? Well, there seems to have been a small cluster of children (I believe 20) with Kawasaki disease in the UK and Europe whove tested positive for coronavirus Its hard to know what to make of this at the moment. We dont know the exact cause of Kawasaki disease and other viral infections have been suggested. So its entirely possible that the vessel inflammation that covid causes also causes a kawasaki like syndrome. But it seems to be rare considering the low numbers My take home message for parents is: be informed and empowered to pick up the above signs and to speak to your doctor. They will then be able to determine likelihood of Kawasaki disease and arrange covid testing. I hope this has helped! #covid19 #healthykids #parenting #drdeb #sickkids #kidshealth
08.01.2022 A lot of my work includes prescribing healthy changes to kids diets. And when I suggest these changes I always encourage the whole family to do the same. This makes it so much easier for the child to adapt as well as making food prep easier! Most importantly it means adopting a healthier lifestyle for everyone. The side effect I see is that whole families start feeling amazing! Does everyone in your house eat the same foods or do you find yourself preparing multiple meals? #healthyeating #healthykids #thrivewithdrdeb #toddlerfood #dietfood #drdeb #quote
08.01.2022 Do we need dairy? I see so many patients who dont tolerate dairy well. This can mean a huge variety of symptoms like sore tummies, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, rashes, coughs, poor sleep, you name it! So its always a food that I consider when looking for the root cause of problems. Yet it can be tricky to work out and challenging if you need to remove it. Because although we dont need dairy products we do need calcium. This is especially true for growing childr...en. Have a read of my latest blog for more info. Link in bio. Hands up who knows someone who cant have cows milk products? #dairyfree #foodismedicine #functionalmedicine #healthykidsfood #drdeb
06.01.2022 EGGY BREAD The only way my girls will eat eggs for breakfast! For some reason theyve declared a war on eggs and just wont eat them. Super annoying considering all the goodness in them!! At least its easy to make: I soak slices of bread in lightly beaten egg and then fry in some coconut oil or ghee. I usually serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit. ... Some powerful nutrients in eggs: protein healthy fats iron iodine choline vitamin D vitamin A vitamin E B vitamins So Im sure its not surprising that eggs are one of my favourite foods all year round but especially in winter as its one of the few foods that have vitamin D. Vitamin D is really important to maintain a healthy immune system and deficiency is now even being linked to a worse outcome with coronavirus infection. I blogged on vitamin D a couple of weeks ago and eggs last year if youd like to read more #kidsbreakfast #eggs #healthykids #thrivekids #holistichealth #foodismedicine #healthyrecipe #wholefoods #drdeb #nutrition
06.01.2022 Watermelon! The warmer weather in Sydney has many of us reaching for juicy chunks of watermelon. Its a great summer fruit thats almost all water so its perfect for hydration. Helpful for those kids who dont like water! But despite being mainly water its also a great source of many nutrients including vitamins like vit C, vit A and the antioxidant lycopene. Did you know that watermelon is also directly helpful for our gut microbiome? Its a prebiotic which means it h...elps the healthy bacteria in our gut to grow. You can give it to your kids fresh, frozen in chunks, skewered with mint and cheese, thrown into a salad, as a juice or even grilled! (As with any fruit juice just be careful to limit the amount your child has.) You can also roast the seeds for a yummy snack thats especially rich in protein, healthy fats and magnesium. In our house we all watermelon. How about you? Any favourite ways you or your kids like to eat it? #healthyfood #healthykidsfood #summer #watermelon #eatrealfood #todderfood #guthealth #foodismedicine
06.01.2022 CHILDRENS MENTAL HEALTH Younger children and more children are being diagnosed with a mental health condition. Currently in Australia these are the quoted statistics for 4-11 year olds: - 1 in 7 (14%) of children have a diagnosed condition, this is over 1/2 a million children! - 8 % of our children have ADHD - 7 % have anxiety - 1% have major depression... These numbers vary a bit according to age and sex, but our statistics are comparable to worldwide statistics. And in my opinion too high! Frightening But why? What is going on with our children? And what can we do to help? Lots of these questions and more will be answered this weekend during the Mental Health Matters online summit. Theres a lineup of amazing practitioners and academics from all over the world discussing the current state of mental health. Im honoured to be part of the childrens mental health session on Sunday at 3.15-4.15pm Sydney Australia time. Its for charity so please join us. Ill also be writing a blog next week including lots of what we cover. Link to the event is below. I hope to see you there! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-matters-virtual- #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #healthykids #happykids #anxiety #adhd #drdeb #thrivekids
05.01.2022 COVID, KIDS & KAWASAKI UPDATE In the short time since my last post on covid & kawasaki disease many more cases (around 75) have been identified in the US and tragically 3 children have died. These children develop a multi system inflammatory syndrome affecting blood vessels and multiple organs. Please see my previous post on Kawasaki disease for more details. As more cases are diagnosed we start to learn more, but unfortunately we still dont know which children are ...more susceptible. This syndrome also seems to be its own entity as although it resembles Kawasaki disease, there are also differences. But we dont yet have all the answers This is very concerning and utterly heartbreaking for those affected, but reassuringly the numbers are still very low. The vast majority of children with covid will have a mild illness At a time when children are starting to go back to school, I think its important to be aware that covid can have a variety of symptoms in children. They can have fevers, sore throats, rashes, headaches, runny noses, aches, tummy pains and diarrhoea. I think we should have a low index of suspicion and test as many as we can. If youre worried, please speak with your healthcare provider. And for those who may be curious, I feel comfortable with my children attending school and daycare #covid19 #healthykids #drdeb #thrivekids #coronavirus #socialdistancing #backtoschool #immunity
05.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE As of this morning according to the Australian Government Department of health: 757 confirmed cases (majority in NSW) 16 of these confirmed cases were children... 7 deaths (all adults) So, as wed expect from looking at stats from other countries, our numbers are rising exponentially. When it comes to our children, thankfully it seems that they are less susceptible to catching it and theyre not getting very sick from it. Research from Wuhan China studied 2143 children with confirmed coronavirus. 90% were either asymptomatic or had mild to moderate illnesses. 6% had severe disease. This is compared to nearly 20% of adults who develop severe disease. (Numbers do vary depending on which country and population youre analysing and of course any underlying medical conditions.) We dont really understand why children seem less susceptible to both catching it or becoming very ill from it. It could be theyre primed to fight viral infections (because they get so many), or even that their immature immune systems react differently. We dont know. This doesnt mean we shouldnt be vigilant and do what we can to help prevent the spread. The most simple and effective way to do this is to ensure good hand washing and to keep your children home if theyre unwell. If you are worried your child is unwell please contact your healthcare provider. If youd like more information on fevers Ive recently written a blog on when to worry and what to do. #covid19 #coronavirus #healthykids #drdeb #thrivewithdrdeb
05.01.2022 2020- YEAR OF NURSES & MIDWIVES 7 April 2020 is the WHO World Health Day and has been named the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Throughout my career from an inexperienced (scared!) medical student to a qualified consultant leading a team of health care providers, I have always been so grateful for all our nurses do. They fulfil so many roles: carer, clinician, educator and advocate just to name a few. All roles that are vital especially in a time like this. ... Quite simply put, without you there would be no effective healthcare system. So I want to say a huge thank you to every one of you. Please look after yourselves during this pandemic. You are at the frontline and I truely appreciate you!!! stay safe #covid19 #nurses #midwives #healthykids #kidshealth #drdeb
05.01.2022 Many of us in Australia are on the cusp of sending our children back to school. It can be stressful thinking about the risk of our kids getting sick. And getting sick can mean a cough, a cold, a tummy big or even covid. So what can we do to help our kids? This is a blog I wrote over a year ago but the principles are exactly the same now. A healthy lifestyle (with a few simple hacks) builds healthy children. I hope you find it helpful. Ive also just written a blog on vitamin C and D. https://www.drdeblevy.com/beat-bugs-boost-child-immune-sys/
04.01.2022 Cute song :) #washyourhands #juststayhome #covid19
04.01.2022 The last lunchbox? Knowing this may be the last lunch box I make for a while I thought Id post it as a reminder that now more than ever we need to help our children thrive! Although I do not believe in miracle cures or potions (neither should you!) I do know that growing bodies, brains and immunity are supported by a healthy diet and lifestyle. ... Being at home with our children can bring stress but it can also bring opportunity. Ive written a blog about ways to help your child thrive during social distancing and isolation. Please click on the link in my bio if youd like to read more. #thrive #coronavirus #covid_19 #motherhood #drdeb #holistichealth #healthykidsfood #lunchbox #healthykids See more
03.01.2022 DOGS & KIDS HEALTH Im a huge dog lover and absolutely adore our furbaby. We got her soon after I had a miscarriage so I think that its not surprising how special she is to me. I also love seeing my girls grow up with her. The kindness and love they give her is wonderful and I also know that its helping them become caring empathetic little humans. Having animals has so many benefits for children. And theres science to back up this up. Some ways that dogs (and other p...ets) help our kids health: reduces stress & anxiety provides support teaches responsibility promotes self esteem supports the gut microbiome reduces risk of allergies & asthma So many benefits Lots of people have been getting pets during Covid lockdown. A part of me is so happy that children will have the benefits of having a pet. Another part of me is a bit nervous that, like after Christmas, theyll be ignored or dumped at a shelter. Fingers crossed this doesnt happen. Having an animal is a huge responsibility but definitely worth it! #dogsofinstagram #healthykids #drdeb #allergy #mentalhealth #thrivekids #kidsmentalhealth #kidsanddogs
03.01.2022 HEMP OK, I will be totally honest and admit that when I first saw help hearts I did do a double take... isn't hemp somewhat inappropriate? I mean, is it even legal?? Thankfully I was so wrong and it's now become a staple in my kitchen. Hemp hearts (or seeds) are a powerhouse of nutrients and so easy to add to our kids foods. They're a great source of protein and healthy fats (including omega 3). They also provide fibre, zinc, iron, magnesium plus other micronutrient...s. There's lot of ways to include them in your child's diet if you want to. They're mild in flavour but a bit nutty and can be eaten raw or cooked. Our favourite is to add to our morning smoothie. But it can also be sprinkled over salads, vegetables or added into baking. Have you tried them before? See more
02.01.2022 COVID 19. As the numbers escalate and the message becomes clearer, please stay home and please keep your children home! It saves lives. Here are some healthy tips to help your children be healthier and feel happier when in social isolation or lockdown.
02.01.2022 Hi! Love you to join me for my last live of 2020! It’s full of tips that you can use to help your kids. Join my private Facebook group to watch, ask questions and be a part of an all round super supportive community www.facebook.com/groups/thrivewithdrdeb
01.01.2022 BACK TO SCHOOL & COVID Most schools have now restarted face to face learning in Australia and whilst the majority of parents I speak with are happy about it, some are understandably stressed. This isnt a normal back to school after the holidays. Children are returning after a very unusual period of isolation, where instead of carefree days of a holiday, Its been a stressful time full of uncertainty, homeschooling and addded pressures. And the uncertainty is still ther...e. Personally I find this part the hardest to manage. Not knowing exactly what will happen with our children all returning and social restrictions being lifted. Although I do believe more cases are inevitable I think looking at the science helps alleviate some of my anxieties and I hope it helps you too. What we know about kids and Covid in Australia: - Aprox 90% kids with Covid have no or mild symptoms recovering within 1-2 weeks - Most kids catch it from adults at home not other kids - Kids under 10 years old: 1% total cases - Kids 10-19 years old: 3 % total cases - Only 1% children screened in a Covid testing clinic (at RCH Melbourne) were positive - Covid in kids is a less severe illness than in adults - No children have died of Covid in Australia - No cases of Kawasaki disease associated with Covid (see previous posts) - Children < 1 year seem to be more at risk as are children with significant underlying conditions I know numbers mean nothing if its your child whos affected but I find these numbers reassuring. Theres never going to be zero risk and I dont believe that this virus is going away any time soon (if ever). I think you need to decide based on your familys health and circumstances but I am very comfortable sending my girls to school knowing also that extra precautions are in place How are you feeling about it? Please share your thoughts below #covid19 #kidshealth #backtoschool #mentalhealth #coronavirus #thrivekids #drdeb #healthykids #washyourhands #socialdistancing
01.01.2022 HAPPY VIBES In ISOLATION I wont lie, Im finding social distancing and isolation tough. I really miss my friends and my yoga studio! But I also know that when this is all over I will especially miss the special times with my girls. The world is a fast crazy place and Im usually running around juggling a lot of responsibilities. I also typically take on a lot of things.... working, being a mum, writing, recipe developing, studying oh and some stolen moments to eat chocola...te! So during this time Im also focusing on the positives like: More time with my girls doing the silly things they love and make them them More cooking which I love Finally doing a massive declutter (anyone else??) Teaching my girls to meditate What joy are you finding during these times? And yes, thats a random lime my youngest has decided to adopt #motherhood #covid #isolation #healthyliving #meditation #declutter #drdeb
