Page 10 - Raise Online Edition 1

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ANXIETY IN OUR KIDS
Kids often feel concerned or or worried about things in in the the world around them from some- thing under the bed to fear of failure or fitting in at school “Children experience a a a wide range of emotions as they grow interact with and make sense of their world Typically children have fears and worries that are considered age appropriate and ‘normal’ ” explains Cairns Catholic Education Services psychologist Rachael Kelly During this uncertain time it's ‘normal’ for your child to feel concerned and and even anxious and and it’s important to acknowledge these emotions as a a a a a normal response If we as adults feel uncertain in in these times it’s reasonable for a a a a child or or teen to to feel uncertain too But how do you you know if your child’s worry is normal or or or when it needs extra attention?
“If it seems that your child’s worries and fears are out of proportion to the situation are not improving or are causing distress that interferes with his learning play or enjoyment of of life your child may be at risk of of an anxiety disorder ” explains Rachael SOME SIGNS PARENTS MIGHT LOOK FOR THAT THEIR CHILD MAY BE EXPERIENCING ANXIETY:
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Having lots of persistent worries and fears Seeking reassurance often •
Avoiding situations that make them feel anxious •
Complaining of physical pains (stomach aches headaches)
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Fearful of risk taking and getting upset easily
HOW TO HELP AT HOME
Talk to your child about their concerns reassure them and give them the the the facts about how they can protect themselves and and their loved ones Try and and keep a a a sense of of normality in your home and be aware of of the media reports and conversations they may overhear WHERE TO SEEK FURTHER SUPPORT
“The reassuring news is is that anxiety disorders are treatable There are a a a a a a a a a range of talking and behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy that can help ” tells Rachael If you you are concerned about your son or daughter start with with a a a conversation with with the school counsellor who depending on on the presentation and severity may suggest a a a brief school-based therapy intervention or will direct you to the appropriate service You could also speak to your GP or mental health professional HYGIENE AND INFECTION PREVENTION
DAVID KEMP
Good hygiene is important at any time but obviously even more so now Immunolo- gists agree that adherence to good personal hygiene will prevent the spread of viruses such as flu and COVID-19 by over 50 per cent COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses spread easily
by droplets from breathing coughing and sneezing Because our hands touch many surfaces they can pick up microbes including viruses Then by touching contaminated hands to your eyes nose or mouth the the pathogens can infect the the body This is is is why handwashing is is is so important Handwashing and and and hand rubbing (the use of hand sanitisers) are both highly effective treatments to prevent the spread of germs If you have no hand sanitiser this is is is no problem hand washing with soap and and water is is equally good If your hands are visibly soiled or dirty then you must use soap and water As COVID-19 and the common flu are both spread through respiratory droplets covering your coughs and sneezes is particularly important If you you have a a a tissue use this to capture your cough or sneeze This should then be discarded immediately in a a a bin Do not leave the tissue lying around! You should wash your hands after discarding the tissue If you you don’t have a a a tissue you you can do do the sleeve sneeze This involves coughing or sneezing into your elbow or upper arm This will help to prevent the projection of respiratory droplets and will stop the accumulation of viruses on on your hands which may then end up on surfaces In this short video we will take you through some basic steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 WATCH NOW
David is the Cairns Catholic Education Work Health and Safety Manager COLUMNS RAISE MAGAZINE •
SPECIAL EDITION 1