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Intercare Kids

Your trusted partner in children’s healthcare, providing parents with expert advice on children's health and wellness. Making people feel better.

Providing child-friendly medical, dental, and day hospital services at Intercare. Making healthcare a positive experience for children. From the very beginning of Intercare, our reason for existence has remained the same: we exist to make people feel better.

29/10/2025

🧠 Move, Play, Thrive!

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, intending to educate people about mental health and reduce the stigma and discrimination that adults and children with mental illness often endure. We are well used to hearing about the health benefits of exercise and children. It keeps children fit, at a healthy weight, builds up strength and more.

💪 Did you know? Exercise isn't just about staying fit - it's brain food too! When kids get active, their bodies AND minds get stronger.

The magic numbers:
⭐ Kids need 60 minutes of active play daily
⭐ Mix fun cardio with strength-building activities
⭐ Include both structured sports and free play

While exercise can have significant mental health benefits for children, it should be incorporated into their routine in a fun and age-appropriate manner. Play, ride bikes, jump on the trampoline together with your child — whatever you can do to get your children — and you — moving, and make it fun, is going to be just right. This shows children that moving is fun, it makes them feel good, and it also strengthens our family bonds.

Active kids become active adults The habits they build today create the foundation for lifelong wellness.

If your child needs help, visit a mental health practitioner for professional support. Don’t let stigma prevent you from acting and seeking help for your child.

☎️ National LifeLine: 0861 322 322 or WhatsApp: 065 989 9238
☎️Cipla SADAG Mental Health Line: 0800 4567 789 or WhatsApp 076 88 22 775
☎️ Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline: 0800 708 090

22/10/2025

Let's talk about why this common belief needs updating. While attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed more often in boys, the real story is more complex.

📊 The numbers:
• 1 in 10 boys are diagnosed with ADHD
• 1 in 30 girls receive a diagnosis
🔍 But here's what's really happening:

Girls often show different ADHD signs that can be easily missed. While boys might be more visible with:
• High energy levels
• Obvious restlessness
• Disruptive behaviour

Girls typically experience:
• Quiet inattentiveness
• Daydreaming
• Silent struggles with focus
• Less obvious signs that might go unnoticed

⚠️ Why this matters:
When ADHD signs are missed, girls might not get the support they need early enough. This can affect their learning, self-esteem, and overall development.

💡 Parents & teachers:
Watch for these subtle signs in all children, regardless of gender. Early identification means better support and better outcomes.

We debunk some common myths about ADHD in an article on our Health Hub. https://healthhub.intercare.co.za/2020/03/20/pay-attention-to-the-facts-of-adhd/

Need guidance? Our Intercare doctors are here to help your child thrive. Book a consultation today.

16/10/2025

🎒 Happy World Spine Day!

When we tell our kids to "sit up straight," it's more than just about appearance. Good posture in childhood builds the foundation for a healthy spine throughout life!

Learning proper body alignment early helps prevent chronic back pain and other issues as your child grows.

Smart backpack tips for healthy spines:
📏 Size matters! The backpack shouldn't be wider than your child's torso
🎯 Position it right - should sit between shoulder blades
✌️ Use BOTH shoulder straps - always!
⬆️ Adjust straps so the pack sits close to the back
⚖️ Keep weight under 10-15% of your child's body weight
📚 Pack heaviest items closest to the back
🔍 Check regularly for any signs of shoulder pain

More spine-friendly habits:
🪑 Check their posture during homework time
🏃‍♀️ Get them moving with fun exercises
😴 Support good sleep with a firm mattress
🍎 Pack calcium-rich foods in their lunchbox
📱 Limit screen time to prevent "tech neck"

Red flags to watch:
• Complaints about back pain
• Slouching or uneven shoulders
• Struggling with backpack weight
• Changes in posture

Healthy spines start young! If you have concerns about your child’s back health, consult your doctor.

Book a check-up: https://healthbeat.intercare.co.za/guest/create

09/10/2025

👀 Clear vision, bright future!

Did you know? A staggering 12 million children worldwide have visual impairments that could be improved with glasses. Even more surprising: 80% of what children learn comes through visual processing!

Why early eye tests are crucial:
• Vision directly impacts learning ability and your child's confidence in school and sports
• Early detection prevents long-term issues
• Regular checkups track eye development
• Comprehensive tests go beyond basic vision screening

Your child needs their first comprehensive eye exam at age 3. Don't wait for them to tell you there's a problem - many children assume everyone sees the way they do.

More than just seeing clearly:
A complete eye exam checks for:
✨ Visual acuity (that famous 20/20 vision!)
✨ Colour vision capabilities
✨ Focus and tracking abilities
✨ Eye coordination and movement

Regular eye tests are essential to ensure your child is seeing well. Early detection of vision issues like strabismus (crossed eyes) and near- and farsightedness can lead to effective treatment, helping your child thrive both academically and athletically. Simple vision screenings at school aren't enough. They might miss crucial aspects of eye health that only a comprehensive exam can detect.

Let's empower our kids with the gift of clear sight and the confidence to succeed! 🌟 Book their eye test today! https://healthbeat.intercare.co.za/guest/create

💝 Tag a parent who needs this reminder!

07/10/2025

Be heart-wise and join us for a FREE on-demand Heart Health Webinar. You can gain heart-smart insights from our top experts, Dr Chris Moschides and Dr Thapelo Mamiala. They'll guide you through essential topics to keep your heart healthy and strong:

❤️ Understanding your heart's vital role
❤️ Identifying and managing risk factors
❤️ Heart-healthy nutrition
❤️ Effective exercise routines
❤️ Managing stress and sleep
❤️ The importance of regular check-ups
❤️ Common heart conditions

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to care for your heart.

Facebook: Click the link below to secure your spot today!
Instagram: Secure your spot today – https://healthhub.intercare.co.za/webinars/heart-health-webinar/

06/10/2025

🚴🏽 EXCITING GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🚴🏻‍♀️

Win a YBike! The scientifically proven ride-on toy that helps your child develop crucial skills while having FUN! 🚲✨

Why parents love YBike:
🔸Builds balance & enhances coordination
🔸Boosts confidence & independence
🔸Strengthens gross motor skills
🔸Perfect for ages 2-5 years
🔸Scientifically tested by Stellenbosch University
🔸Durable & safe design

TO ENTER:
1️⃣ Follow us
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag 2 parents who'd love this for their little ones
4️⃣ Share to your stories for an extra entry! (Don't forget to tag us)

Competition ends on 31 October 2025. The winner will be announced on 7 November 2025 and will be selected from entries on both Facebook and Instagram. T&Cs apply.

Give your child the gift of active, skill-building play! 🎈

03/10/2025

😁 Happy World Smile Day!

Did you know? Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth for your child's future smile! Keep your child's smile bright and healthy with these tooth-saving tips and prevent the pain and discomfort of dental problems in the future:

✨ Brush together until age 6 - make it fun!
✨ Choose smile-friendly drinks (water is best!)
✨ Save sweets for special treats
✨ Visit the dentist regularly for checkups: Twice a year, every year.

Book an appointment at an Intercare Dental Centre for your child’s next dental checkup. Our child-friendly team makes it a priority to help every child feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair – making dental visits something to smile about! 😊
https://healthbeat.intercare.co.za/guest/create

👇 Tag someone who makes you smile!

29/09/2025

World Heart Day is an opportunity for everyone to consider how best to use our ❤️ for humanity, nature, and for yourself. Beating cardiovascular disease matters to every beating heart.

Take charge of your child’s heart health and make healthy living a priority for the whole family. Teaching children heart-healthy habits will help them stay healthy now and protect their future heart health.

Live by example with these heart-healthy habits: Healthy eating, getting a good night's sleep, daily physical activity, spending time with loved ones, preventative care visits, and ditching bad habits.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝?

❤️❤️❤️ Partnering with your family doctor, asking questions and being a role model will help your children stay connected to the health system as they become young adults and take charge of their own health. Remember, starting them on the right path with good health habits can make all the difference now and into their future.

25/09/2025

Get ready to play and learn about how to keep your heart healthy! 🎉 Tick off these heart-healthy activities and aim for four in a row to become a Heart Healthy Champion🏆

How to play:
❣️ Complete activities and tick them off your bingo card.
❣️ Share your progress with us in the comments using !
❣️ Tag friends to join the fun!

Let’s keep our hearts happy and healthy! ❤️💪

23/09/2025

The best way to protect your child’s teeth is to teach them good oral health habits. Keep those smiles healthy with these simple tips!
⠀
✅ DO's:
• Brush twice daily (2 minutes each time)
• Use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush
• Start dental visits by their first birthday
• Make brushing fun with songs or games
• Choose fluoride toothpaste (rice-grain size for under 3s)
• Serve crunchy fruits and vegetables
• Drink plenty of water, especially after meals
⠀
❌ DON'Ts:
• Don't put baby to bed with a bottle
• Skip the sugary drinks and sticky sweets
• Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning dummies with your mouth
• Don't let them brush unsupervised until age 7-8
• No toothpaste swallowing
• Don't forget to change toothbrushes every 3-4 months
⠀⠀
💡 Did you know?
Healthy baby teeth are crucial for:
• Proper speech development
• Good nutrition
• Guiding adult teeth into place
⠀
👶 When should brushing start?
As soon as that first tooth appears! Use a clean, damp cloth for gums before teeth emerge.
⠀
🏥 Book your child's dental check-up at Intercare today! Early prevention = lifelong healthy smiles. https://healthbeat.intercare.co.za/guest/create

18/09/2025

One of the most common questions we get often is when your child should first see a dentist. Understanding the right time to schedule that first dental appointment can set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health habits.

Your child’s first dental visit should ideally be after their first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. Why so early? As soon as your baby has teeth, they can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health can help keep their smile healthy for life.

Tips for a great visit:
🔹Don’t schedule an appointment during nap time. Instead, pick a time when your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
🔹Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment, so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
🔹Save snacks for after the visit.
🔹Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!

16/09/2025

🌟 Teething tips for happy babies!

Teething can be tough for little ones, but these simple tips can help soothe their discomfort:

🔸Gentle massage: Use your clean finger to gently massage their gums. This can provide relief and comfort.
🔸Teething biscuits: If age-appropriate, teething biscuits can provide relief and keep them entertained.
🔸Cool comfort: Offer a chilled teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth for them to gnaw on. The cold can numb their gums!
🔸Pain relievers: Consult your doctor about suitable pain relievers to help ease your baby’s discomfort.
🔸Soft foods: If your baby is eating solids, try offering soft, cool foods like yogurt or applesauce to ease the pain.
🔸Dry the drool: Keep a soft cloth handy to wipe away excess drool and prevent skin irritation
🔸Distraction: Engage your baby with toys or activities to take their mind off the discomfort.
🔸Comforting cuddles: Sometimes, all they need is a little extra love. Hold them close and offer soothing words or gentle rocking.

Remember, every baby is different! If you have concerns about teething, consult your doctor. 💖

Address

6th Floor, Menlyn Central Office Tower, 125 Dallas Avenue, Menlyn
Pretoria
0181

Website

https://www.intercare.co.za/

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