What to Do for a Blow to the Abdomen, According to a Doctor
Children and adults alike can often end up in the emergency room following a blow to the abdomen, as they worry about any possible damage to internal organs.While motor vehicle accidents top the list of causes for abdominal injury in the United States…
Learn MoreChoking (in Children)
Choking is a serious threat to people of all ages. Whenever something gets stuck in the throat — a piece of food, a child’s toy, or blood from an injury — it can block a person’s air supply. After four to six minutes without air, the brain begins to…
Learn MoreHow to Remove a Splinter, According to a Doctor
Anyone who has spent time trying to remove a splinter knows how tricky it can be to do it right.No need to panic, because Dr. Avir Mitra, an assistant professor of emergency medicine and assistant program director at the Icahn School of Medicine in Ne…
Learn MoreHow to Stop Muscle Cramps Fast, According to a Doctor
Muscle cramps can be sudden and excruciating. What causes them and what will make them go away — fast?An emergency room doctor offered tips on treating, preventing and stopping these painful episodes in their tracks.What causes muscle cramps?“Muscle c…
Learn MoreHow to Correctly Use Cold & Heat Packs, According to a Doctor
Imagine you’ve got a strain or a sprain, or you’ve pulled a muscle and need some do-it-yourself pain relief.Heat packs and cold packs can offer relief, but choosing between the two can be baffling. Which will be best for your particular pain?Dr. Rajiv…
Learn MoreObject Lodged in Nose or Ear
What should I do if my child gets something stuck in her ear or nose?Stay calm, and reassure her that it’s no big deal. If the object is clearly visible and soft or flexible enough to be removed easily, grasp it with a pair of tweezers and gently pull…
Learn MorePoison Ivy, Sumac, and Oak
How can I tell if my child has poison oak, ivy, or sumac?Many substances can cause an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis. But if your child has been playing in areas where poison ivy, poison oak (see above), or poison sumac grows, you can con…
Learn MoreNosebleed (Children)
How do I stop a nosebleed?First, have your child sit or stand up to reduce the blood pressure in the veins of the nose so that bleeding slows. Have him lean forward and spit out any blood. For a young child, gently pinch the nose shut near the tip wit…
Learn MoreCardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR — cardiopulmonary resuscitation — is a potentially life-saving procedure that can restart a person’s heartbeat and breathing. CPR is often used to revive victims of electric shock, near-drowning, and heart attack. According to the National Insti…
Learn MoreBee Stings
What should I do if my child is stung by a bee or wasp? A bee’s stinger works like an automatic pump — the longer it stays in, the more venom it releases — so get it out as quickly as you can. Look for a little black dot in the center of the bite, a…
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