There’s likely no one alive who hasn’t been the victim of a cut. Most of the time though, a minor cut or scrape can easily be fixed with a good scrubbing and an adhesive bandage. But for kids, this inconvenience can be a big and scary event. The most important part is to always keep your child calm. Assure him or her that you will make it better.

You’ll need to inspect the cut to know how to treat it. If the cut is deep, bleeding excessively or was caused by an unknown animal or type of metal, consult a doctor or medical professional immediately. If you are waiting for medical help to respond to a large wound, apply pressure to the wounded area over a covering. If bleeding doesn’t stop, apply more pressure. Smaller cuts are much more manageable. Our friends at First Aid Info provide these tips for how to treat a small cut from start to finish Continue reading Tending To A Cut The Right Way »

We all know the old saying about poison ivy – “Leaves of three, let it be” – but there are many other inconspicuous plants that can be found in the wild, in your garden, or even in you home that can be harmful if eaten.

Here are a few important reminders from the American Association of Poison Control Centers and the National Capital Poison Center Continue reading If a Plant’s Unknown, Leave it Alone »

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases a child may face in the United States. Roughly one in 400 people under the age of 18 are affected, so it’s important to learn the facts that could save your child’s life.

The disease typically strikes in one of two forms. Type 1 (juvenile-onset) diabetes is a disorder related to the immune system, where the body attacks and destroys the insulin produced by the pancreas, which your body needs to convert food into energy. In type 2 diabetes (formerly adult-onset), the body is unresponsive to the insulin produced. This is the most common form of the disease, typically associated with older adults, and other factors such as obesity, inactivity, and a family history of diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over the last 20 years more and more children have been developing type 2 diabetes, as an increasing number of youths struggle with obesity in the U.S. Continue reading Is Your Child At Risk For Diabetes? »

With just a few more weeks of summer left, many Americans will take advantage of the sun by hitting the beach, or soaking up the sun outdoors. If you are going to be spending time under the warm sun, it’s always important to remember to protect your skin. More than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer (Melanoma) each year in the United States.

The exact cause is unknown, but a major contributing factor in developing melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the skin. Some of the factors that put you at risk include a fair complexion, age, having several moles, and a history of serious sunburns. Continue reading Protecting Yourself Against Melanoma »