ProPaeds

15/10/2026

Every child worries sometimes, and that's a normal part of growing up.

But when worry sticks around for weeks, shows up most days, or starts affecting sleep, appetite, school or play, it may be more than ordinary worry.

Childhood anxiety is very common and very treatable, and there is no "too small" a reason to ask. A child's mental health matters just as much as their physical health.

Read the full article: https://propaeds.co.za/2026/10/12/anxiety-in-children-when-is-it-more-than-worry/

📞 013 745 7179 | ✉️ [email protected]

In recognition of World Mental Health Day - 10 October

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day | 10 October

Not all worries are just worries.

It’s normal for children to feel anxious from time to time, but when worry becomes persistent, affects sleep, causes physical symptoms or interferes with everyday activities, it may be time to look a little closer.

Listen, reassure and create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support.

Remember, childhood anxiety is common, and with the right support, it is very treatable.

05/10/2026

Headaches in children can be worrying — and a lot of what we hear about them simply isn't true.

Most childhood headaches are harmless and very manageable, but a few deserve a closer look. Here are the facts behind three common myths, plus the warning signs that mean it's time to get your little one checked.

If your child's headaches keep coming back, won't settle, or come with any of the red flags above, our team is here to help.

📞 Call us to book: 013 745 7179

01/10/2026

https://propaeds.co.za/2026/09/28/early-warning-signs-parents-should-know/

A Childhood Cancer Awareness feature from ProPaeds Paediatricians

26/09/2026

🎗️ SEPTEMBER | CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 🎗️

September reminds us to Know the Signs. Act Early. 💛

Many childhood cancer symptoms can look like common childhood illnesses. However, symptoms that are persistent, unexplained or getting worse should always be checked.

Remember SILUAN:
👁️ S – Seek help early
👀 I – Eye changes
🩷 L – Lumps & swelling
🌡️ U – Unexplained symptoms
🦴 A – Aching bones & joints
🧠 N – Neurological changes

If you are concerned about your child or notice symptoms that don’t go away, please contact ProPaeds to arrange an assessment.

💛 Know the signs. Trust your instincts. Act early.

14/09/2026

ADHD Awareness Day | Look beyond the label

Not every “busy child” is simply being naughty, distracted or difficult. Sometimes, there is more happening beneath the surface.

ADHD can affect attention, impulse control, activity levels, organisation, learning and relationships — and it can look different in every child.

- Difficulty following instructions
- Easily distracted or forgetful
- Struggling with schoolwork
- Trouble waiting or sitting still
- Daydreaming or difficulty completing tasks
- Frustration and challenges with emotional regulation

Importantly, not every energetic or distracted child has ADHD. A careful assessment is needed to understand the bigger picture and identify what may be contributing to a child’s difficulties.

At ProPaeds Paediatricians, we believe in looking beyond the behaviour and asking:

“What is this child trying to tell us?”

Early recognition, understanding and the right support can help children with ADHD thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

📞 If you have concerns about your child’s attention, behaviour, learning or development, contact ProPaeds to discuss how we can help.

06/09/2026

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus and one of the common causes of severe vomiting and diarrhoea in babies and young children.

Although many children recover well, rotavirus can sometimes cause significant dehydration — especially in babies, who can become unwell very quickly.

What symptoms should parents look out for?

Rotavirus commonly causes:
* Frequent watery diarrhoea
* Vomiting
* Fever
* Abdominal cramps
* Poor feeding
* Tiredness or irritability

Watch for signs of dehydration.

Please seek medical attention if your child:

* Is drinking or feeding poorly
* Has significantly fewer wet nappies or is urinating less than usual
* Has a very dry mouth or no tears when crying
* Is unusually sleepy , lethargic
* Is vomiting continuously
* Has blood in the stool

Babies and young children can dehydrate surprisingly quickly.

Prevention matters:
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect babies against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. The rotavirus vaccine is given orally during early infancy and helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Good hand hygiene is also important, although rotavirus spreads extremely easily and can survive on surfaces for prolonged periods.

If your child has diarrhoea or vomiting:

The most important priority is maintaining hydration. Offer frequent small amounts of breast milk, formula or an appropriate oral rehydration solution.

A message from ProPaeds:

Most episodes of gastroenteritis are manageable, but parents should never hesitate to seek help when a baby or young child is not drinking, is vomiting repeatedly or appears dehydrated.

Early assessment can make a big difference: Contact us: 0137457179

ProPaeds Paediatricians
Caring for little people and the families who love them.

20/08/2026

GROWING BONES: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

Did you know that childhood and adolescence are some of the most important years for building strong bones?

Healthy bones don't happen by accident. Three key factors help support normal bone growth and development:

CALCIUM – the building block of bones and teeth
VITAMIN D – helps the body absorb and use calcium
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – running, jumping and active play help strengthen growing bones

From milk and yoghurt to outdoor play, dancing, sport and jumping – everyday choices can make a difference.

And remember: active play counts! Children don't need a gym membership to build strong bones.

Swipe through our post to learn more about growing healthy bones.

Save this post as a reminder and share it with another parent!

14/08/2026

FROM “I’LL EAT ANYTHING!” TO “I DON’T LIKE IT!”

When your child suddenly stops eating — should you worry?

One day your child is happily eating everything you put in front of them. The next, they refuse their favourite meal, push away vegetables and announce that they “don’t like” foods they used to love.

Sound familiar?

Sudden changes in eating habits are common in children, particularly during the toddler and preschool years. As children grow, their appetite can naturally fluctuate, and becoming more independent can also mean becoming more opinionated about food.

But sometimes, a sudden change in eating can have another reason.

Why might a child suddenly eat less?

A reduced appetite can happen with something as simple as a minor illness, constipation, tiredness or a change in routine. Teething, mouth ulcers, sore throats or other discomfort can also make eating less appealing.

For some children, texture, smell, appearance or sensory sensitivity can play a role. Emotional changes, anxiety or stressful events can also affect appetite.

So, should you worry?

Not necessarily. If your child is otherwise active, well and growing normally, occasional fussy eating or days of eating less are usually not a reason for panic.

Try to avoid turning mealtimes into a battle. Offer regular meals and snacks, provide a variety of nutritious foods, and allow your child to decide how much they eat. Keep mealtimes relaxed and remember that children may need to be offered a food many times before accepting it.

When should you speak to your paediatrician?

A persistent or significant change in eating deserves attention if your child:

* Is losing weight or not growing as expected
* Has very limited foods or is becoming increasingly restrictive
* Frequently gags, chokes or struggles with certain textures
* Seems to have pain when eating
* Has ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
* Has noticeably reduced energy or seems unwell
* Refuses most foods or fluids for a prolonged period

The key is to look at the whole child — not just what is on the plate.

A picky phase can be completely normal, but a sudden and persistent change in eating is worth discussing with your paediatrician, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

At ProPaeds, we’re here to help you navigate the “Is this normal?” moments of childhood.

If you are concerned about your child's eating, appetite, growth or development, speak to your healthcare professional: https://propaeds.co.za/contact-us/

11/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming Madeleine van der Merwe to the Propaeds team!

Madeleine brings over 15 years of experience in customer care, client service, and team leadership. She spent the majority of her career at Imperial Health Sciences, where she progressed through multiple roles to become Manager: High Level Client Care, leading teams, driving service excellence, and improving customer experience.

Her achievements include receiving the Imperial Customer Service Award, serving as Second-in-Charge for the Contact Centre Senior Manager, and contributing to major business transformation projects, including SAP and system upgrades.

With a strong background in business management, customer service, and continuous learning, we're excited to have Madeleine on board and look forward to the knowledge, passion, and expertise she'll bring to Propaeds.

Welcome to the team, Madeleine!