What should I do if my child has a fever?
 

A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. A normal temperature is up to 37.0°C (98.6°F), so if your child's temperature exceeds 38.0°C (100°F), it's usually a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. The best way to know if your child has a fever is to use a thermometer, as touching the skin won't give you an accurate reading. 

While high fever itself isn't dangerous and won't cause brain damage, it signals that something is going on in the body, so it's important to monitor closely. If your child seems alert, active, eating, and interacting, these are positive signs. However, if they appear weak, confused or unwell, it's better to seek medical attention sooner rather than later by visiting your healthcare provider. 

Remember, fever is just one symptom. If your child seems really unwell overall, it's best to consult a provider regardless of their temperature. As healthcare providers, we'd prefer to see concerned parents and their kids more often than not enough - don't hesitate to bring them in if you're worried. 

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
 

A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle is damaged or died due to a lack of blood and oxygen. Risk factors include being over 40, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of heart disease, or a family history of heart conditions. However, heart attacks can occur even without any apparent risk factors. 

Signs of a heart attack are not limited to left-sided chest or arm pain. It can involve any combination of discomfort, tightness, shortness of breath, squeezing, sweating, weakness, or nausea. The pain might be felt in the chest, neck, jaw, either arm, upper back, or abdomen, and can even be mistaken for indigestion. 

If you experience any of these symptoms lasting more than 10-15 minutes, go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital. Don't worry about “overusing” emergency services - many cases turn out not to be heart attacks, and that's okay! Hospitals are prepared for these situations and expect to see a wide range of cases in this area. 

What is blood pressure and hypertension? 
 

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries, the vessels that carry blood and oxygen throughout your body. BP is measured with two numbers: systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (when the heart rests), e.g., 130/85. 

Why does blood pressure matter? High BP can harden arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. 

 

What is ‘normal’ BP? An ideal blood pressure is typically 120/80, but it can vary throughout the day. 

What is hypertension? Hypertension is a diagnosis of consistently high blood pressure. Since BP fluctuates, healthcare providers need multiple readings (at least five) to diagnose it. While you might hear that high BP is defined as 140/90 or higher, the target BP can vary depending on your age and other health conditions. 

What to do? To check and discuss your blood pressure, make an appointment with your family physician or nurse practitioner. While high blood pressure is not an urgent issue, it's important to manage it over time.