Dr Candice Shah

24/11/2025

This World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, the 2025 theme has been "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future."

As a Paediatrician, my goal is to keep our children healthy today and to ensure treatments still work for them in the future. Here are the key facts we need to talk about regarding antibiotics:

🦠 Antibiotics DO kill bacteria.
🤧 Antibiotics DO NOT kill viruses (like Influenza or RSV)

Using antibiotics when they aren't needed doesn't heal your child faster—it actually teaches bacteria how to fight back! This leads to "superbugs" that are much harder to treat later.

💊 Antibiotics are powerful. I commit to prescribing them properly and judiciously, ensuring they are used at the right time for the right reasons.

Let's protect our children's long-term immunity & future cures together. 💪

19/11/2025

🌸🌼 Flower Power! ☀️

We're soaking up the last beautiful days of Spring before we officially 'spring' into Summer fun!

Just look at Amiyah and Dr Shah twinning in their gorgeous flower tops! 🤩 Amiyah's sunshine smile tells us she's ready for those Summer adventures.

Remember to keep those little ones hydrated and protected from the sun as the days get hotter! 🧴💦

17/11/2025

💜 It's World Prematurity Day 💜

This is more than just an awareness day—it’s a global call to action for the estimated 15 million babies born too soon every year.

We're advocating for better policy and supportive communities so that the care available matches the urgent needs of our smallest citizens. Let's make a difference together. 💜

Every baby deserves the best start. 🫶

14/11/2025

It's World Diabetes Day 🩺💙

I have seen the incredible resilience in children managing Diabetes.

Today, we stand united to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support every young warrior and their family.
• Know the signs: Early detection is key to a lifetime of better health.
• Embrace education: Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes empowers us all.
• Support research: We are excited more than ever for breakthroughs!

Let's make every day a step towards a healthier tomorrow!

12/11/2025

07/11/2025

➡️ LISTEN NOW: Search for the Parent Sense Podcast wherever you get your episodes or tap the link and let’s keep our kids healthy:
🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QftT5JHuFZaDFHJi0whKD?si=LNjUkjhiQZ60YmeINjnxCg

07/11/2025

I am thrilled and so thankful to the brilliant Parent Sense team and Kath Megaw (Nutripaeds) for having me on their latest podcast episode! 😊

If you’re a parent battling the endless coughs and colds, this episode is for you. We are talking about: "How to b𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 🤢"

As a Paediatrician, I break down the science and reveal the 𝟱 𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 your child needs for a healthy immune system. It’s simpler than you think!

Thank you Meg Faure and Parent Sense, for giving us this platform! Let's build strong, healthy kids together. 💪

➡️ LISTEN NOW: Search for the Parent Sense Podcast wherever you get your episodes or tap the link and let’s keep our kids healthy:
🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QftT5JHuFZaDFHJi0whKD?si=LNjUkjhiQZ60YmeINjnxCg

06/11/2025

📣 Today is SADC Malaria Day

This regional observance marks the start of the high malaria season in the Southern Hemisphere, making it critical for awareness and prevention right now.
Malaria is a parasite spread by mosquitos and children under 5 are the most vulnerable. Early detection and treatment are lifesaving.

A quick guide:
If you are traveling to a malaria-risk area, vigilance is key.
🌡️ Watch for Key Symptoms:
Malaria can mimic the flu! Seek help if your child has:
• High Fever & Chills
• Unusual Irritability/Fussiness
• Poor Appetite or Lethargy
• Vomiting or Diarrhoea
⚠️ IMMEDIATE ACTION: If fever is present and any of these symptoms, SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! Tell them about any recent travel. A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis.
✅ Essential Prevention:
• Nets: Ensure sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net.
• Repellent/Cover Up: Use child-safe repellent and wear long sleeves/pants at dusk/dawn.
• Meds: Consult with your child's Paediatrician about anti-malarial medication (chemoprophylaxis) if traveling to a high-risk area.

Stay informed, stay protected! 🦟

03/11/2025

Dear Parents

As the weather warms and we head into peak holiday season, a critical safety issue arises to the forefront for our children: Water Safety & Drowning Prevention 💦

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. We must be vigilant, especially around swimming pools and open water.

🏊‍♂️ Supervision is Non-Negotiable
• Designate a Watcher: Ensure one adult is actively watching children in the water at all times, free from distractions. This supervision should be hands-on and within arm's reach for younger children.
• Layered Barriers: Use pool fences with self-closing and self-latching gates. This provides a crucial second line of defense.
• Learn CPR: Ideally ALL caregivers should be trained in CPR and first aid. Quick action saves lives in a drowning or near-drowning incident.

01/11/2025

🩺 Happy National Children's Day! ✨
Today's prescription: Let's celebrate the potential and joy of every child.

Every milestone is an investment in the next generation of resilient, brilliant adults. Let's make sure every child has the chance to flourish!

30/10/2025

Did you know that today, October 30th, is Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security? This observance highlights the profound importance of adequate food and nutrition for every child's health and development journey.

Nutrition is the foundation of growth and directly impacts a child's potential. In Africa, where over one-third of childhood deaths are linked to malnutrition, this is a critical public health issue.

What We Can Do?
One way is to support Local Food Systems: We must support sustainable and resilient food production that gets healthy food to every community, especially the most vulnerable. Let's commit to addressing food and nutrition insecurity so that every child has the chance to thrive, learn, and reach their full potential.

28/10/2025

Here is a fascinating fact: Human milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component in human breastmilk—and they're incredible!

Here's why they matter:
HMOs act as powerful prebiotics, feeding the good bacteria in the gut and building a super-healthy microbiome. 🌱
Emerging research links HMOs to better cognitive development by supporting the crucial gut-brain axis. 🧠
HMOs are one of the powerful, unique components that make human milk so valuable. They are a major way breastmilk supports your baby's immune system and builds a strong foundation for long-term health.
Remember to always discuss your baby's nutrition with their Paediatrician! 💖