Researchers in the US this week have found that consuming fewer sugary drinks in childhood has the potential to lower the risk of heart disease in later life. The findings show that a lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages by children is linked to increases in the body of good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol).
Meningitis is a potentially life threatening bacterial infection causing inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. The disease is particularly prevalent in children under five years old and can have a very rapid onset; therefore, prevention is the key to saving lives.
Our website might look the same, but we've been busy upgrading it and making it better.
There are still some bits that we are working on, so bear with us over the next few days if anything doesn't work or look like you are used to. If you've found something that doesn't seem right, let us know.
We have updated our leaflet that explains what we mean by the unlicensed use of a medicine, why the use of many medicines in children is unlicensed, and when it is considered safe and acceptable to use unlicensed medicines.
We have been busy reviewing some of our early leaflets to ensure that they are up-to-date. In the last few months the Medicines for Children team and many health care professionals across the UK have helped review over 20 Medicines for Children leaflets, including:
The Department of Education has recently published some guidance on ways to support children with medical conditions including anaphylaxis, asthma, epilepsy and heart conditions so they have the best possible chance at participating fully in school.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when many Muslims will fast between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
Some children and young people may therefore choose not to take medicines during this period. These usually include medicines taken by mouth (such as tablets, capsules and liquid medicines), through the nose and rectally (in the bottom).
