Promoting Health, support to make healthy choices
The government's goal is to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. Children who are supported to improve their health are more likely to have better health, long term, as an adult. You can also help reduce risks of complications under general anaesthetic and improve recovery time with the help below.
Healthy Weight
The body needs to repair itself after surgery, eating a healthy diet before and after surgery can really help. This means getting enough protein and '5 a day' or more of fruit and vegetables. This helps wound healing and the immune system.
Nearly 1 in 5 children leave primary school with obesity. Losing weight can help reduce the stress on their heart and lungs. You can find out if your child is a healthy weight and get more support using the following:
Dental Care
Oral health can be confusing, and many families share the same common misconceptions. These myths show how many people need support.
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
| Baby teeth don't matter. | They help with eating, speaking, and holding space for adult teeth and helps align them into place. It is important to brush them with toothpaste as soon as they appear. |
| Brushing once a day is enough. | Brushing twice daily is essential, even when only a few teeth are present. Last thing at night is the most important time. |
| You should rinse your mouth with water after brushing. | Spitting out the toothpaste but not rinsing leaves a protective layer of fluoride on the teeth, which helps keep them strong. |
| Fruit juice or squash is fine if it's diluted. | It's not about the amount - every "sugar hit" increases the risk of decay. Water and milk are the best drinks between meals. |
| Drinks labelled "no added sugar" means sugar free. | "No added sugar" means no extra sugar has been added, but the drink may still contain natural sugars (like in fruit juice). These can still harm teeth just as much as added sugar. |
For more support and guidance please go to the :
Stopping Smoking and Vaping
Stopping smoking and vaping is hard, but the good news is that quitting or cutting down makes a real difference. Preparing for surgery offers a real opportunity to commit to stopping. You may the support of a specialist stop-smoking service. Your GP will be able to give you contact details for services in your area. You are four times more likely to give up successfully if you have this kind of help.
Smoking or passive smoking can make the upper airway more sensitive and reactive, increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction and spasms during anaesthesia. It also reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and increases the risk of breathing problems. Nicotine can make the body release stress-related chemicals, which may cause a faster heartbeat, higher blood pressure, and make it harder to keep the heart stable during anaesthesia. The surgical wound may heal more slowly and may be more likely to get infected.
Children who vape before anaesthetic face these increased risks, to ensure safety, they should stop vaping for at least six weeks before their proceedure.
Here is how to help
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Ensure no one smokes or vapes in the house, car, or any other enclosed space where the child spends time.
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Inform the surgical team honestly so they can be aware of the increased risk.
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Encourage family members to stop smoking or to at least reduce exposure in the home, as even temporary changes can be beneficial.
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Try to avoid environments where your child will be exposed to second-hand smoke.
For more information:
Vaccinations
Vaccinations help to protect you and your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases. They protect other people in your family and community by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who can not have vaccines, such as babies too young to be vaccinated and those who are too ill to be vaccinated.
For more support go to:
Mental Health Support
Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, this guide can help. Most people feel some anxiety about having surgery. If the thought of going to hospital is making you anxious or upset. Talk about your concerns, your feeling are valid, and things can get better.
