Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/362030
2 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H Tab le o f Contents 2 SICK DAY, OR SOMETHING ELSE? 3 MYTH VS. FACT: ORGAN DONATION WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD'S HEAD OUT OF THE GAME 4 TURNING HOPELESSNESS INTO HOPE 6 FUNNY BUSINESS 7 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1 1 HAVE FAITH IN HEALING 12 HOW SNUG IS YOUR CUDDLE BUG? 13 PROJECT PROACTIVE IT'S A CELEBRATION! 14 MEAL MAGIC WORDS: "MAKE AHEAD" 15 PEPPERING THE CONVERSATION 16 INSPIRATIONS AT THE END OF THE DAY 4 11 15 The Reason behind the Lie You have determined your child is not really sick, so the next step is to uncover why she is faking an illness. Finding the cause of this behavior is an important part of resolving underlying problems and providing the care and support your child needs. Consider any anxiety, stress, or fear your child may be experiencing. Are there academic challenges he might be avoiding? Is your child being bullied at school? Both situations have the potential to lead to actual physical illness, and the root of the issue should be resolved in order to remedy the situation. Above all, be there to listen to and support your child. RECOGNIZING WHETHER OR NOT your child is ill is usually clear and easy, and a day of rest or a doctor's visit might be necessary. But there may be a time when your child tells you that she feels sick, but she doesn't look sick. Recognizing certain key symptoms and behaviors can help you understand what is bothering her. To help determine if your child is under the weather or just wants a day off, consider whether she has signs of actual illness, such as: ✳ Fatigue and body aches ✳ Fever, with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit ✳ Persistent cough ✳ Sore throat ✳ Vomiting and diarrhea SICK DAY POP QUIZ Asking guided, non-accusative questions about the following can help you determine your child's true condition: ✳ Symptoms he may have, even if these symptoms are outwardly apparent ✳ The necessity of a trip to the doctor's office. A child is more likely to be OK with a visit to the doctor if he is actually sick. ✳ School life, specifically anything that has changed or is bothering him YOU'VE MADE BREAKFAST AND ARE ENJOYING YOUR MORNING COFFEE WHILE PACKING A LUNCH FOR YOUR CHILD, WHEN SHE WALKS IN AND SAYS, "I DON'T FEEL GOOD." WHAT DO YOU DO? Have sick day concerns? Visit sacredhearteauclaire.org and click on "Family Care Clinics" under "Centers & Services" for more resources. SICK DAY, Something Else? or