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74 LITTLE LEGENDS RECHARGING KIDS’ energy levels IBy Margaret Mielczarek. ron is required by the body in the to your child’s doctor if you’re seeking a diagnosis.” Pharmacy assistant Tori McRae-Field, Business Development Manager at Direct Chemist Outlet, Torrensville, South Australia, agrees, adding that “anaemia is when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, typically due to an iron deficiency”, and while it’s typically diagnosed “through a blood test”, common symptoms include “dizziness, fatigue, headaches and irritability”. “Anaemia shouldn’t be left untreated as this can cause many problems, including damage to your organs due to not having enough red blood cells in your body,” she said. “However, anaemia is easily diagnosed with a blood test and is easily treated. If parents are concerned about anaemia, it’s best they ask \\\\\\\[about it\\\\\\\] at their child’s next doctor’s appointment, or book an appointment to see their doctor.” Ms Smallbone echoes this recommendation. “Seek advice if you’re noticing changes with your child,” she said. “They may be tired and lethargic, have a loss of appetite, have behavioural issues, be breathless and even be prone to repeat infections. Long term, \\\\\\\[that\\\\\\\] can lead to slower growth for your child, so seeking early intervention is crucial.” Accredited Practising Dietitian and spokeswoman for Dietitians Australia, Lisa Donaldson added: “Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in your body. It’s also characterised by a low level of haemoglobin, which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. “When someone has anaemia, their heart has to work harder to pump oxygen around their body, and even harder when exercising,” she said. “This is why those with anaemia will experience fatigue and feeling faint.” Poor diet and blood loss, she adds, are the most common causes of anaemia. “You might notice that your child is very tired, out of breath or has ongoing poor appetite,” Ms Donaldson said. These are signs they might have anaemia, she suggests, adding that other signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include: • Behavioural problems. • Increased sweating. formation of red blood cells, which is vital for delivering oxygen around the body and into muscles, says pharmacy assistant Emma Smallbone from Zammit Street Pharmacy in Deception Bay, Queensland. Anaemia, she adds, is a medical condition where there aren’t enough red blood cells in the body to transport that oxygen, which can make an anaemic person feel tired, weak and dizzy. A person with anaemia may even “look pale and yellowish”, she says, underscoring the importance of parents seeing their family doctor for formal diagnosis “if you suspect your kids have anaemia”. “Kids can feel tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep,” Ms Smallbone said. “They may experience increased sweating, loss of appetite, breathlessness, and even have disruptive behaviour. “It might be worth having a chat with your children’s teacher to see if they’ve noticed any changes during the school day, as this information will be helpful RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • APR 2021