News You Need To Know

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......

What is dehydration? Dehydration develops when a body doesn’t have enough fluids. This can be a result of not consuming enough liquids or loosing too many fluids and electrolytes through sickness. What are the causes of dehydration? There are a variety of factors that can increase your child’s risk of dehydration. These factors include: illness such as vomiting, fever or diarrhea, excessive sweating during sports, existing medical conditions like diabetes or stomach problems or an unhealthy body weight. What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration? Dehydration can range from mild to severe a......

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 ar......

The 4th of July is filled with fireworks, cookouts and fun. The celebrations can also come with hazards that are especially dangerous to children. Keep your children safe this Independence Day with these tips. With an abundance of fireworks and backyard bonfires, fires frequently occur over the July Fourth holiday. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby to quickly put out any accidental fires. It is also a good idea to have a bucket of water and hose nearby in case an accidental fire spreads rapidly out of control. Decorations are festive and a fun addition to holiday gatherings. However, their ......