Care for child

The human liver is on of the most important organs involved in the metabolism and storage of nutrients.

Carbohydrate metabolism

The liver plays a major role in carbohydrate metabolism. Galactose and fructose – products of carbohydrate digestion, are converted into glucose in the hepatocyte. Liver stores glucose as glycogen and then returns it to the blood when glucose levels become low.

Protein metabolism

Proteins are converted to substrates that are utilized in energy and glucose production. Liver detoxifies ammonia by converting it to urea, 75% of which is excreted by the kidneys. Synthesis of vital protiens of the blood takes place in the liver.

Fat metabolism

Fatty acids from the diet are converted in the liver to produce energy.

Vitamins and minerals

The liver stores all of the fat – soluble vitamins in addition to zinc, iron, copper, magnesium and vitamin B12.

HEPATITIS (JAUNDICE)

The objectives of dietary treatment in hepatitis are to aid in the regeneration of liver tissue and to prevent further liver damage. A high caloric diet daily is needed to promote weight gain and to ensure maximum protein utilization. In general 25 to 35 Kcal/kg estimated weight is prescribed.

Carbohydrate
An intake of 4-6 gm/kg carbohydrate ensures adequate glycogen reserves needed for the maintenance of liver function for protection against further injury to the liver and for its protein sparing action.

Protein
An intake of 1 ½ to 2 grams protein per kg of body weight is recommended.

Fat
Diets restricted in fats are not necessary in the majority of patients with hepatitis. In fact, restricting fats all together may retard recovery if calories are thereby limited. Fats from dairy products, cooking fats are easily utilized and add palatability to the diet without large amounts of bulk. If there is anorexia (loss of appetite), fats may cause nausea and should be limited to amounts tolerated by the patient.

Foods of liquid of soft consistency may be preferable if there is anorexia in the initial stages of illness, progressing to wider selection of foods with recovery. The patient must be convinced of the importance of the diet in promoting recovery and preventing relapses. Anorexia is frequently a problem; hence every effort must be made to encourage the patient to eat. Foods must be well prepared and attractively served with consideration given to the individual food preferences. Judicious use of spices and condiments may help to stimulate the appetite. Small to moderate portion at mealtime with high protein between meal supplements are frequently more acceptable than larger meals. Some individuals need assistance in feeding themselves and should be allowed adequate time to eat a leisurely pace.

A Well-stocked first-aid kit. kept in the easy reach,is a necessity in every home.Having supplies gathered ahead of time will hellp you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice. you should keep one first aid-kit in your home and one in each car. Be sure to bring first-aid kit on family vacations.

Choose containers for your kits that are roomy,durable,easy to carry,and simple to open. Plastic boxes or containers are ideal,since they are lightweight,have handles, and offer a lotof space.

Include the folloing in each of your first-aid kits:

• first-aid manual
• sterile gauze
• adhesive tape
• adhesive bandages in several sizes
• elastic bandage
• antiseptic wipes
• soap
• antibiotic cream
• antiseptic solution like savlon
• acetaminophen or paracetamol
• tweezers
• sharp scissors
• safety pins
• disposable instant cold packs
• calamine lotion
• alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• thermometer
• plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• flashlight and extra batteries
• mouthpiece for administering CPR (can be obtained from your local Red Cross)
• your list of emergency phone numbers
• blanket (stored nearby)

After you have stocked your first-aid kits:

• Read the entire first-aid manual so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kits.
  (If your children are old enough to understand, review with them as well.)
• Store first-aid kits in places that are out of children’s reach but easily accessible for adults.
• Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or those that may have become outdated.