PEDIATRIC CARE DURING THE HOLIDAYS INSIGHTS FROM DR. CLEOPAS MUTUA

December 6, 2024 95

As the holiday season approaches, Dr. Cleopas Mutua, a pediatric specialist, discusses common injuries and health concerns for children, offering advice to parents on keeping kids safe.

Dr. Mutua, who is affectionately known as *Dr. Cleo*, has been a passionate advocate for children’s health for more than ten years. Reflecting on his journey, he explained that his path to pediatric medicine began in his early medical career, where he was posted to a hospital in Kikuyu. “I was the fourth doctor in a pediatric unit that had just three other doctors,” he recalled. There was no incubator, no pediatric care protocol and no real system in place. I saw an immediate need to step in and bring some structure, especially for children with critical care needs.

This early exposure to the challenges in pediatric healthcare sparked his deep commitment to childcare and after a year, he went on to join Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in Nairobi, a leading facility for pediatric and neonatal care in Kenya. “I always knew that pediatrics was my calling, especially after hearing my own mother’s stories about my early days in the NICU. “My survival was a testament to the care I received and I wanted to give other children the same chance,” he shared.

The holiday period, often marked by extended time at home, offers plenty of opportunities for kids to engage in outdoor activities. However, Dr. Mutua emphasized that with this increased freedom comes a rise in injuries. “Kids are naturally adventurous and when they are outside playing football, cycling, or swimming injuries can happen,” Mutua said. From sprains and joint pain to fractures, outdoor activities can lead to a range of injuries.

“Cycling has become increasingly popular among children during the holidays. It is a great form of exercise that comes with risks. We’re seeing more serious injuries, especially head injuries, from cycling accidents. Kids are riding in places like Karura Forest and when accidents occur, they can sometimes lead to critical injuries, requiring immediate medical attention,” he stated.

In addition to cycling accidents, Dr. Mutua highlighted other common causes of injury, including falls from heights. In many residential areas, buildings are quite tall, and children sometimes fall from the first or higher floors. These falls can lead to significant injuries, including broken bones or head trauma.

A young boy risking climbing higher on a tree, far too dangerous for him

In an interview with Icon Radio, he noted that children spending more time outdoors, especially around water, drowning and near-drowning incidents also become a concern. “Water-related injuries are a risk, particularly as kids enjoy swimming during the holidays” Dr. Mutua cautioned. It’s important for parents to closely supervise children around pools or any body of water.

Sunburn and heatstroke caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, are also common during the hot summer months. “Nairobi has been quite hot lately, and it’s predicted to get even hotter as the holidays go on,” he said. “Kids playing outside can easily get sunburned or even suffer from heatstroke.”

The pediatrician emphasized long-term risks associated with sun exposure, noting that repeated exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Parents should be vigilant about sunscreen and ensure that their kids are staying hydrated and cool during the hottest parts of the day.

“Increased road traffic accidents are another area of concern. Dr. Mutua pointed out that with the festive season often comes more travel. Nairobi is known for its heavy traffic, and this time of year is no different. The increased movement of people means more accidents, and children are often the most vulnerable,” Dr. Mutua said.

He further highlighted that most dangerous situations arises when children are traveling on public transport, such as Matatus or Boda-Bodas (motorcycle taxis). “In our culture, children often don’t wear seatbelts, and they may be sitting on laps or standing while the vehicle is moving. In the event of an accident, the child is usually the first to get hurt,” he explained. “We have seen serious head injuries from such incidents, and in some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening.”

While the overall infection rate tends to decrease when children are not in school, Dr. Mutua noted that some types of infections become more common during the holiday season. “Foodborne infections, particularly from street food, are a frequent issue. In Kenya, we love our street food, but it’s not always prepared under the most sanitary conditions. Diarrhea, vomiting, and foodborne illnesses like rotavirus are common this time of year,” he stressed.

He emphasized that more unusual infections, like amoeba, which can be contracted if food is prepared by someone carrying the parasite. “Kids might not realize it, but the food they’re eating could be contaminated. It’s essential for parents to be cautious about where they’re buying food from and ensure that it’s prepared hygienically.”

Dr. Mutua encouraged parents to be proactive in safeguarding their children’s health during the holiday season. “It’s important to keep children active and engaged, but also to be mindful of their safety. Always supervise outdoor play, encourage the use of safety gear like helmets and knee pads for cycling and be cautious about sun exposure,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of hydration, particularly in the heat and recommended that children drink plenty of water throughout the day. “Make sure kids are eating safe, nutritious food and avoid unverified street vendors,” he added.

Dr. Mutua’s insights serve as a valuable reminder for parents to stay vigilant during the holidays and take steps to mitigate risks associated with increased outdoor activities, travel and sun exposure. By keeping these safety measures in mind, families can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. Watch the full interview here https://www.youtube.com/live/WHKi–jSKhA?si=7ndnfREJrO1dmSiM

Written by: Magdaline Wangechi