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
Meningococcal Infection in Children: Rare but Real By Dr. Soo Among the less common but highly dangerous infections lies one that deserves more awareness: meningococcal disease. When we talk about infectious diseases in children, many parents immediately think of the common culprits — the flu, stomach bugs, or hand, foot, and mouth disease. Though rare,
Why Kids Should Go Easy on Ultra-Processed Foods These are examples of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and they’ve quickly become staples in many children’s diets. While convenient and often kid-approved, ultra-processed foods raise serious concerns when consumed in excess, especially during a child’s critical years of growth and development. Walk through any supermarket aisle and you’ll
Influenza Season: Stay Calm and Stay Safe By Dr Joann Every year, flu season arrives with a fresh wave of worry for parents. This year, that anxiety has intensified following recent reports of flu-related complications and even deaths in children. We understand how unsettling it can be to hear such news. But while flu infections
Night-Time Cough in Kids By Dr Joann A child’s night-time cough—especially when it disrupts sleep—can be distressing for both the child and caregiver. As the sun sets and bedtime approaches, many parents notice an unsettling pattern: their child, who may have seemed fine during the day, suddenly starts coughing more persistently at night. This is
Growth Spurts in Babies: What Parents Need to Know By Dr. Soo Has your baby suddenly started feeding more often, getting fussier, and waking more at night? If so, take a deep breath — you’re not alone, and there’s a good reason for this behavior. Your baby may be going through a growth spurt! Growth
