***It is now Healthy Hips Week! Let's get donating to make these kits a reality!***
One of the top items on the Healthy Hips wish list is to provide Healthy Hips Kits for DDH children. These would be provided to babies and children newly diagnosis with DDH requiring brace, and a kit for babies and children who require surgical intervention and a spica cast.
Ideally, these kits would contain:
· A bag to hold the contents of the kit – the supporters of the initiative will listed along with the ‘Healthy Hips Kit for DDH Kids’ title and graphic.
· Colour printed education material, tips and hints handouts (developed by HHA) on managing with the day-to-day challenges faced, contact information for their local health services able to assist during treatment.
· A nappy balm to combat the frequent friction rash caused by rubbing from the harness/brace/cast
· A dry shampoo and packet of no-wash wipes to help with prolonged periods without bathing
· A discount voucher for nappies as the frequency of nappy changes is significantly increased during treatment to manage leaks from the awkward positioning. (To secure the nappy over the spica cast, a nappy on the inside, is then secured by one on the outside so two nappies are used for every one nappy change)
· A packet of cotton wool wadding to help fill the gaps between the Spica cast and body to capture any stray leaks and moisture
· A packet of long stem cotton tips to aid in cleaning up unavoidable ‘explosions’ and itch a scratch for older children in the Spica cast
· A roll of sleek tape and a roll of decorative waterproof duck tape to brighten up the brace or cast as well as make the edging of casts smoother and more waterproof
· A soft toy for the extra comfort and cuddles needed during the journey
· A copy of the book, ‘Hope the Hip Hippo’ for older children to read about the journey of Hope during her treatment for DDH. It will be a nice keepsake for younger children when they learn as they grow up about their DDH history.
Or if anyone owns or knows of a business who in anyway could help, please contact Healthy Hips Australia!
We thankyou for all of your help in making this idea a reality.
Great effort Jemma