28. Self-care or professional care?

Self-care

Self-care is all about taking care of your own health and dealing with small problems at home.

A good example of self-care is good dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day, using a toothbrush and a fluoride-rich toothpaste. 

Having a sensible meal schedule helps to keep acid attacks away. This can be helped even more by eating xylitol-rich products, such as chewing gum. 

In addition, you should visit the dentist regularly to check the condition of your teeth and gums. Dentists and oral hygienists can give you good advice on maintaining a good dental hygiene. By following their advice, you can keep your mouth in a perfect shape. 

Self-care is about taking care of your own health by yourself. However, you should never take any kinds of medicines or pharmaceuticals without asking an adult first. 

If you feel sick or feel a pain somewhere in your body, you should first tell an adult, such as a parent or a teacher, about it.

Professional care

Sometimes, you will have to go to the doctor even if you have taken good care of your health at home. Many small ailments can be taken care of at home, but some illnesses can only be treated by a doctor.

A mild fever is rarely dangerous, but it is usually nevertheless a sign of an inflammation in your body. When your temperature rises, you should always follow what kinds of other symptoms develop. When you have a fever, you should rest and drink a lot of liquids. If your body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, you should go to the doctor. A regular body temperature is somewhere between 37 and 37,5 degrees Celsius. 

Headaches are quite common in school-aged children. They can be the result of many things, such as feeling anxious or having tense muscles in your shoulders. Sometimes, headaches can be a sign of illness. Usually, headaches can be cured with regular painkillers. However, in the case of constant or long-lasting headaches you should go see the doctor. Sometimes, a bad eyesight can be the reason behind your headaches. Eating regularly and sitting in a correct posture can help to reduce the risk of headaches. 

Terminology

SELF-CARE OR PROFESSIONAL CARE?
Term Explanation
self-care The things you can do to take care of your own health. For example, good dental hygiene.
fever A phenomenon where the body's temperature rises above its normal temperature.
headache A feeling of pain in your head.