News You Need To Know

To vaccinate or not vaccinate against the flu, that is the question. For many parents, the flu vaccine is standard protocol for the entire family. For others, the vaccine’s efficiency is often a topic of debate. With 24,000 deaths caused each year from influenza, the decision to vaccinate is not one that you should take lightly. Weigh the pros and cons of the flu vaccine to see which is the best choice for your family. Pros: The Centers for Disease Control report that the flu vaccine reduces your risk of contracting the illness by 70 percent. Not only does the flu vaccine prevent you from ......

We are all guilty of making New Year’s resolutions and seldom seeing them to fruition. This year, make a resolution to keep your family healthy with these tips. Add Veggies It can be difficult to find the time to prepare fresh vegetables during the week. Opt for frozen or low sodium canned vegetables on busy days to make healthy meals in a crunch. Skip the Red Meat Enjoy the protein without the fat by swapping red meat for turkey or chicken. Beans, soy and nuts also make for healthy, protein packed meat alternatives. Play with Food Make healthy eating fun by allowing children to play with thei......

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we become easily distracted. With cooking, traveling and visiting, it can be easy to lose track of your children’s every move. Keep your children safe this holiday season with these tips. Added little hands in the kitchen can lead to an increased risk for burns and other accidents. Keep children entertained outside the kitchen as you prepare dinner. Note any food allergies prior to the meal to avoid any accidental contamination that could lead to an allergic reaction. Place hot serving dishes in the middle of the table, out of the reach of......

Germ season is upon us. While there is no way to prevent sickness or kill germs entirely, there are a few precautions you can take to limit the effect they have on your family. Here are a few expert approved tips to keep your family happy and healthy. Wash Your Hands While it may seem obvious, washing your hands frequently is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Studies have shown that 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. Washing your hands and receiving the proper vaccinations are the best ways to stay healthy. Not only should children was there hands frequently, they shou......

Viruses Just because the temperatures are nearing 100 degrees, doesn’t mean your children are safe from colds. While certain viruses, such as rhinovirus, are more common during the colder winter months, coxsackieviruses, the leading cause of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, can occur throughout the year. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease causes a fever along with small painful mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. Similar to other viruses, there is no cure for the aliment. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help to reduce fever and ease discomfort. Enteroviruses and echoviruses come with a wide arr......

At times, it can feel like children are accident magnets. Here are a few things to know when treating cuts and scrapes or caring for stitches. What is the best way to clean a wound? Cool water is the best way to clean a scrape, cut or puncture wound. After you have thoroughly rinsed the wound with cool water, use soap and a soft wash cloth to clean the area around the wound. Avoid putting soap, hydrogen peroxide or iodine in the wound as it can cause irritation. Remove any dirt that remains in the wound with tweezers that have been cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Should I be concerned about ble......

Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is the inflammation and reddening of the membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. There are several different types of pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses and other irritants. Pink eye is highly contagious and prevalent among children as they commonly touch their eyes. Early detection of the condition can help to reduce the spread of pink eye. Common symptoms include: Increased tearing Redness in and around eyes Eye pain Swollen eyes Itchy, burning eyes Sensitivity to light Blurred vision Discharge from eye If ......

Before your athlete hits the field or court, they need a sports physical. Just as you wouldn’t send them out to play without the proper equipment, they shouldn’t tag into a game without a thorough medical screening. Also known as preparticipaton physical examinations, sports physicals determine if your child is healthy enough to participate in a specific sport. These screenings can identify conditions that put children at a higher risk for injury, illness or sudden death while playing sports. During a sports physical, the medical provider will discuss your medical history and perform a physica......

It’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s why we encourage parents to always err on the side of caution, and seek medical care if they are uneasy. While the wait and see method may be appropriate in certain situations, these symptoms should not be ignored: High Fevers: Not only is the temperature on the thermometer important, but so is your child’s disposition. If an infant under 3 months experiences a temperature over 100.4, seem medical care immediately. Fevers caused by bacterial infections can spread quickly through the body. Fevers are not as vital an indicator of illness for children ove......

Forget the heels and dry clean only garments, replace everything in your closet with workout attire. Yoga pants, running shorts and tennis shoes are far more practical for those toddler sprints. Little did you know you were trying to keep up with a mini athlete. If it’s smaller than a ping-pong ball and hiding in your house, be like Elsa and let it go! They just can’t wait to stick those tiny objects straight into their mouth. If you hide it, chances are they can find it… unless it’s their shoes, your keys or something you actually need them to find. Carpet cleaner, stain remover, blea......