Strep Throat (Children)
What is strep throat?Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection marked by swelling and extreme soreness of the back of the throat, or pharynx. It can hurt so much your child doesn’t want to swallow. (The name “strep throat” is a shorthand term for t…
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 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…
Learn MorePoison-Proofing Your House: Quiz
1. Roughly what percentage of childhood poisonings are fatal?a. 50 percentb. 10 percentc. 1 percentd. Far less than 1 percent2. Which of the following household items is the most harmful if swallowed?a. Liquid dish soapb. Liquid or powdered automatic …
Learn MoreCanker Sores in Children
What are canker sores?They’re small, painful, crater-like nuisances that sprout on the tongue, on the inside of the cheeks or mouth tissues behind the lips. The sores are usually white, gray, or yellowish with a red rim and last up to two weeks. (Some…
Learn MoreBrushing
You know you need to brush your teeth and floss every day. But do you know how to get the most out of it? Even if you think you mastered brushing and flossing in grade school, you may still have a few things to learn.What kind of toothbrush should I b…
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