Cough Medicine: Friend or Foe for Children? By Dr. Joann Rajah Coughing is one of the most common symptoms in children, often caused by viral infections like the common cold. As a parent, it is natural to want quick relief for your child. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines may seem like a convenient solution, but recent
Is It Normal to Have a Fever After Vaccinations?By Dr. Soo Vaccinations are one of the greatest advancements in modern medicine. They have helped protect millions of children worldwide from dangerous infectious diseases such as measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and many others. For parents, ensuring that their child is fully vaccinated is one of the
Good immunity in Children By Dr Joann Immunity is one of the most common concerns parents have when it comes to their child’s health. Understandably, every parent wants to know how to make their child stronger, healthier, and less prone to infections. With so many products on the market claiming to “boost immunity” instantly, and
Antibiotics Are NOT Always Needed For Fever By Dr Soo Antibiotics are often the first thing parents think about when their child has a fever, but seeing your little one burning up can be worrying and stressful. It’s a common concern—and an important one. While antibiotics are powerful medicines that can save lives, they are
Oral Food Allergy – Why Does My Child’s Mouth Itch After Eating Fruits? 🍎🥒 By Dr. Joann Rajah What you may be witnessing when your child complains of an itchy mouth after eating certain fruits or vegetables is a condition called Oral Food Allergy, also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). As a parent, this
Chikungunya: By Dr. Soo Living in Malaysia, where mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are present, it is important to be informed about these infections. As parents, keeping our children safe and healthy is always our top priority. While most people have heard of dengue, chikungunya is less well known, yet it can
Empowering Independence and Enhancing Quality of Life When people hear the term “occupational therapy,” they often think it only relates to helping individuals find or keep jobs. In reality, occupational therapy (OT) goes far beyond the workplace. It is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages participate in meaningful daily activities—known as
Mental Health: Welcoming Our Psychologist At Firststep Child Specialist Clinic, we believe that a child’s health is more than just physical well-being—it includes their emotional and psychological growth too. Just as children need regular check-ups to monitor their physical development, they also need guidance, care, and support to nurture their mental health. To strengthen our
Steroids for Kids: Villain or Lifesaver? By Dr. Soo When parents hear the word “steroids,” it often triggers an immediate sense of fear or skepticism. The mind may jump to scary headlines, side effects, or athletes caught in doping scandals. However, in the medical world, steroids — specifically corticosteroids — are an essential group of
Haze, Itchy Eyes & “Moderate” Air Quality? Haze blanketed the sky, turning daylight into a murky gray. The smell of smoke clung to everything- clothes, hair, even the air itself—and within minutes, eyes began to itch. Yet the Air Pollution Index (API) still read as “moderate,” or barely tipping into “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Something
