Month: January 2022
Your little boy’s shift from squeaky to deep! - Parents, here’s what your teen needs to know
What’s Puberty?
Even when kids are younger, they start asking questions about their bodies and even yours. It can be stressful if you aren’t prepared or sure about the answers, but it doesn’t have to be that way! If you start early and talk to them often, then talking about puberty when they get older will be a lot easier.
To help you out, here are some facts about their changing bodies as they grow from being your little boy to a teen who’s going through puberty.
Puberty is the stage of life when a child’s body transitions into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty is a normal and healthy part of development for girls and boys. Hormonal changes result in sexual and other physical maturation that happens during puberty.
What changes will happen during puberty?
Puberty starts a bit later, between 10 and 14 years of age for most boys.
There are certain stages of development that boys go through when developing secondary sex characteristics.
- The first puberty change is the enlargement of the scrotum and testes.
- Hair will start to grow in the genital area. Boys will also have hair growth on their faces, under their arms, and on their legs.
- The pubic hair eventually looks like adult hair, but in a smaller area. It may spread to the thighs and sometimes up the stomach.
- Body size will increase. Sometimes the feet, arms, legs, and hands may grow faster than the rest of the body, and this may cause a teen to feel clumsy.
- Some boys may get some swelling in the breast area. This is a common result of the hormonal changes that are happening.
- Voice changes may happen as the voice gets deeper.
- As the penis enlarges, he may begin to have erections. This is when the penis becomes hard and erect because it is filled with blood. This is due to hormonal changes and may happen when the boy fantasises about sexual things. Or it may happen for no reason at all, and this is normal.
- During puberty, a boy’s body also begins making sperm. Semen, made up of sperm and other body fluids, may be released during an erection, called ejaculation. Sometimes it may happen while the teen sleeps, which is called a wet dream (nocturnal emission). This is a normal part of puberty. Once the sperm has been made and ejaculation happens, teen boys who have sex can get someone pregnant.
As your adolescent begins to struggle for independence and control, many changes may happen. The following are some issues that your adolescent could face during these years:
- Wants independence from parents
- Peer influence and acceptance becomes significant
- Romantic and sexual relationships become important
- May fall in love
How to assist your adolescent in developing socially?
Puberty can be challenging for both kids and parents. In addition to causing many physical changes, hormones are also causing emotional changes. You may notice your child is moody or behaving differently.
It’s essential to make a conscious effort to react with patience and understanding. Your child may be feeling insecure about their changing body, including their acne.
Talk about these changes and reassure your child that it’s a normal part of maturing. However, if something is particularly troubling, talk to a doctor via oDoc.
Consider the following as ways to foster your adolescent’s social abilities:
- Encourage your adolescent to take on new challenges.
- Talk with your adolescent about not losing sight of oneself in group relations.
- Encourage your adolescent to talk to a trusted adult about problems or concerns, even if it is not you that they choose to speak.
- Talk to them regarding ways to manage and handle stress.
- Provide consistent, loving discipline with limits, restrictions, and rewards.
- Find ways to spend time together.
If you have any concerns regarding your son’s sexual growth, you can speak to a doctor via the oDoc app from the comfort and privacy of your home. GPs and Family Physicians are also available to consult.
Download oDoc today on the App Store or Play store.
References
- Puberty: Adolescent Male, Johns Hopkins (2021)
- The Growing Child: Adolescent 13 to 18 Years, Johns Hopkins (2021)
- The Stages of Puberty: Development in Girls and Boys, Healthline (2018)
- Physical Development in Boys: What to Expect, healthychildren.org (2015)
OPEN POSITION
oDoc Claims Processing Agent (Full time/ Part-time)
We are looking for a responsible, punctual, and experienced individual to join the team as a Claims Processing Agent. As a team member, you will receive orders from a supervisor to retrieve insurance claims documents and process them for administrative purposes. The claims processing agent must maintain a professional demeanor and appearance to be an ambassador for our brand. Our ideal candidate should possess educational qualifications up until GCE (O/Ls), handle smart devices, and converse fluently in two languages (Sinhala, Tamil, or English). The candidate should also have a keen eye for detail, safe driving skills, and a thorough knowledge of navigating across designated locations in Sri Lanka.
Responsibilities:
• Will be responsible for the collection of claims documents from pick up locations.
• Will be responsible for the processing and submission of these documents to a designated supervisor.
• Will plan out daily pick up routes.
• Should make arrangements for the original documents to be dispatched to a dedicated endpoint via a courier service or registered post
• Ability to build strong client relationships
Requirements:
• GCE (O/L) certification – Pass
• Valid driving license
• Fluent in two languages (Sinhala, Tamil, or English)
• Must be available for dispatch when necessary, at any given the time of day inclusive of both weekdays and weekends
• Must own a motorbike or a motor vehicle
• Must possess a smartphone device
• Should be able to meet deadlines given by the supervisor
• Prior experience in delivery or a courier service would be an added advantage
Benefits:
Selected candidates would be entitled to a fixed monthly allowance followed by a claims dispatch bonus. An added bonus will be offered for the timely delivery of each task
Email your CV to hr@odoc.life
Categories
The Second Trimester
The Second Trimester
They say there is no better feeling than the movement of life inside of you and that is the most magical thing about the second trimester of pregnancy. You can feel the life inside you.
By the second trimester, you probably are more used to all the changes you have been experiencing the last 12 weeks. So let’s have a look at what’s in store for the next 13 weeks of your pregnancy.
If you haven’t read our blog on the First Trimester yet, we’d suggest you start there and then hop back to this.
When does the second trimester of pregnancy start?
The second trimester of pregnancy starts at the beginning of week 13 and goes up all the way till the end of week 26.
So, what changes happen to the body during the second trimester?
Breast tenderness reduces, nausea begins to cease, and adjustment to estrogen and progesterone levels occurs. Other changes that happen to your body are:
- Increase in appetite as your baby starts to grow
- Aches in your lower abdomen may occur as your uterus expands to make space for the abby. This puts pressure on the surrounding muscle and ligaments, causing cramps and pains. A warm bath, relaxation exercises, changing your body’s position, or pressing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to your lower belly can help ease the pain.
- Increase in weight due to the increase in appetite
- The increase in weight can also cause backaches
- Bleeding gums due to changes in hormone levels sending more blood to your gums, making them more sensitive and increasing the likeliness of bleeding.
- Some women may experience tightening in their uterus walls for a minute or two (also known as Braxton-Hicks contractions). This is very normal and isn’t a sign of natural labour.
- Further enlargement of breasts occurs as the mammary glands prep for lactation.
- Congestion occurs as the mucus membranes lining your nose swells, leading to a stuffy nose. Your nose may tend to bleed more easily too.
- Some women may experience dizziness as the growing uterus presses against the blood vessels, reducing blood reaching your brain.
- Unwanted hair growth
- Headaches
- Increased Progesterone levels cause heartburn as it relaxes the muscle responsible for keeping acids in your stomach.
- Varicose veins may occur as extra blood flows through them and the growing uterus exerts additional pressure.
Sounds a bit scary doesn’t it? But do not worry, it’s a few weeks of hardship for a lifetime of happiness. As soon as you see your little one’s face, all the hardship will be forgotten in seconds.
It is important to note that these symptoms may or may not be experienced by all women, and the severity, occurrence and duration of these changes can change from woman to woman.
So, what changes does the baby go through?
It is said that the second trimester of pregnancy marks a changing point not only for the mother but for the baby too. This is when the fetus grows into a baby. All organs and systems are fully formed by the second trimester. During the second trimester, your baby will grow from around 7.5cm and weigh 30 grams in the 13th week to approximately 23cm and 820 grams by the end of the second trimester. Their heart moves 100 pints of blood a day. During the second trimester, the fetus begins to move and starts kicking. The mother can feel this, and it is known as quickening and trust me, this feeling is unmatchable.
The baby grows eyelashes and eyebrows during the second trimester and it’s eyes and ears are formed so your baby can hear your voice when you speak. It is encouraged you speak to them to give them company. Their tiny fingers and toes separate and grow nails too. Development of reflexes such as swallowing and sucking also occurs. The baby starts reacting to external stimuli and starts interacting with the outside world while being inside.
A fetus born at 24 weeks may survive in a neonatal intensive care unit.
If you experience any of the following, please seek medical help urgently.
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Bleeding
- Severe dizziness
- Rapid weight gain (more than 6.5 pounds per month) or too little weight gain (less than 10 pounds at 20 weeks into the pregnancy)
- Jaundice
- A lot of sweating
These are signs that something could be wrong with your pregnancy. You should speak to your VOG doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
The second trimester of pregnancy is the best time to start building your birth plan. To know more about how to create your birth plan, click here. You can also consult a VOG doctor at any time and from the comfort and safety of your home via the oDoc app.
Source
- Watson, S. (2010, February 4). Second Trimester of Pregnancy. WebMD. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/second-trimester-of-pregnancy#7
- The Second Trimester. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-second-trimester
- Second trimester. (n.d.). Pregnancy Birth and Baby. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/second-trimester
- Mayo Clinic. (2020, February 27). 2nd trimester pregnancy: What to expect. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047732?reDate=11012022
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Announcing oDoc for Seylan Bank.
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Unlimited, 24/7 access to oDoc video consultations with 100+ in-network GP’s and Specialists.
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Access to customer support on +94770773333
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Your spouse and kids are included, for free, and get discounts on consultations
Download oDoc today.
Let us help you get started
What we Treat?
Frequently Asked Questions.
To put it simply, oDoc is the easiest way to speak to a doctor and get the care you need.
oDoc is an app which connects you with doctors for video, audio and text consultations over your phone.
It allows you to book over 600 SLMC registered GPs and specialists, obtain medical advice, receive a prescription (if medically required) and get your medication delivered. If lab tests are required, you could even order a mobile lab to your home or office.
This means, the next time you are sick or need to speak to a doctor, you can do this without wasting time and money in traffic, waiting rooms and queues.
Seylan Bank provides you and your family with the benefit of free consultations from doctors across a range of specialities through your oDoc subscription. Consult doctors via video, audio, and text absolutely free.
For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
If you have an android phone, visit the play store to download the oDoc app.
For iphones visit the app store to download the app.
Once you download the app, follow the simple registration process.
Once you register – You can then, search for the doctor using the search bar or scroll through the page to find your doctor.
Tap the profile to view the doctor’s details.
Book the visit and share notes with the doctor in advance using our chat screen.
For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
The chances are, if you ask one of your doctor friends whether they treat their close family and friends over the phone, the answer would be “yes”.
oDoc is a way that lets us all have access to high quality care just as conveniently.
Phone consultations are very much like the doctor consultations you have experienced already.
Your doctor would ask you your age, allergies and previous conditions.
You would then discuss the symptoms you have been experiencing, for how long and whether those symptoms are getting better or worse.
In the event the doctor feels they don’t have the information necessary to treat you, they will inform you that a physical examination is required and to visit a doctor at a clinic or hospital.
Doctors are not in any way incentivised to somehow make a diagnosis on oDoc, as doctors receive the same fee from oDoc that they would for a physical visit on oDoc regardless of whether a diagnosis is made or not.
The American Medical Association has found that nearly 75% of regular doctor visits can be handled effectively through video or audio consultations.
In fact, in a meta-analysis in of over 90 peer-reviewed clinical trials conducted by Cochrane – a leading global collective of medical researchers – telemedicine was found to be effective or similar outcomes as face-to-face visit.
This form of healthcare delivery has gained global acceptance and is in wide use in countries including the US, the UK, India, Indonesia, the UAE and Rwanda.
For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
The most common conditions that doctors treats over telemedicine platforms like oDoc would be a cold, flu, sinus, digestion, paediatric illnesses, skin conditions, advice on dietary & nutrition-related queries, advice on pain management, advice on women’s health issues, sexual health issues and mental health issues.
A video consultation is also a good platform to obtain second opinions, conduct follow up consultations, evaluate lab results and get advice general health-related queries.
For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
All prescriptions issued on oDoc are issued by SLMC registered doctors.
These are issued through a secure password protected account unique to each doctor.
Each prescription clearly identifies the doctor issuing the prescription and carries the name, SLMC registration number, seal and signature of that doctor.
The name of the patient is clearly identified and the specific medicines prescribed to the patient is in an easy to read type-written form.
Further, the doctor explicitly states that by this prescription issued in writing, that the doctor intends and authorises for the medicines listed in the document to be dispensed for use by the named patient.
Through these features, the prescriptions issued on oDoc are valid prescriptions under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, No. 05 of 2015, the Regulations issued under the Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Act, No. 27 of 1980 (as published in the Extraordinary Government Gazette No. 378/3 of 02 December 1985) and the Electronic Transactions Act, No. 19 of 2006, as amended.
For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
You, your spouse and children are covered by your oDoc subscription provided by Seylan Bank. You can cover up to 3 of these family members under your subscription.
What this means is that, all of you get unlimited free video, audio and text doctor consultations with GPs and specialists on the oDoc app. There will be no per consultation fees, be it doctor fees, channelling fees or oDoc fees for these doctor consultations.
Coverage also brings you a host of other benefits, like access to medicine delivery and mobile lab services.
Please note that terms and conditions apply, and for any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call +94 77 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
Seylan Bank provides you and your family with the benefit of free consultations with doctors across all specialities.
This includes video, audio and text doctor consultations for you and your covered family members.
To add your family members, simply call oDoc customer care on 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time and we’ll get you all signed up.
All Seylan Bank policyholders are eligible for free unlimited GP and specialist consultations on oDoc and many other benefits including:
- Free unlimited consultations
- Access to over 600 doctors covering over 42 specializations
- On-call GPs who will call you back within 3 minutes 24*7
- Prescriptions sent directly to your phone
- Medicine delivery and mobile lab services available
Please note that terms and conditions apply and some benefits are time-sensitive. For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
All the over 400 doctors on the oDoc app are Sri Lankan SLMC registered doctors. All the doctors on the platform have at least 5 years of experience.
There are over 200 specialists practicing on the oDoc app covering over 40 specialisations. These include paediatrics, gynaecology, dermatology, psychiatry and sexual health. All the specialists listed on the app are either board certified or meet the criteria mandated by the SLMC to be identified as a specialist. Specialists on the oDoc app have over 10, 15 or 20 years experience.
The doctors available to be consulted over oDoc are the same doctors you would meet at major public and private hospitals in the country.
For any further information, please visit www.odoc.life, call 077 077 3333 or email info@odoc.life at any time. My colleagues and I are always ready to help!
The oDoc service is available 24*7. You can consult our on-demand GP visible right at the top of the home page within 3 minutes at any time of the day.
The over 400 GPs and specialists on the oDoc app can choose to either be available within minutes for on-demand consultations, or at specific times during the week for pre-scheduled appointments. You can select your doctor, select the time available that is convenient to you, and the doctor will call you back for your consultation at the scheduled time.
Our customer care line 0770773333 is available 24/7. Also you could contact us through our oDoc facebook page and our email, info@odoc.life