How to Take a Baby's Temperature If your baby’s skin feels warm, you should take baby’s temperature to check if he or she has a fever. The safest and most comfortable method of taking your baby’s temperature is by placing a thermometer under baby’s arm. It is not safe to put a thermometer in your baby’s mouth, and a thermometer placed in the rectum can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. To take baby’s temperature under the arm, place the thermometer high up in the baby’s armpit. Be…

When outdoors, keep your baby’s skin covered or keep the baby out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Unless advised by your healthcare provider, do not use lotions, oils or powders, as they can cause irritation. Common Newborn Skin Conditions Several skin conditions can affect your newborn. Most do not need treatment and will heal themselves in less than a few weeks. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of certain skin conditions by reading the…

Diapering Clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Wash it well with soap and water after each bowel movement. Baby wipes may be used if baby’s skin is not sensitive to them. Do not use powder or cornstarch on diaper area, as these can breed bacteria. Changing and keeping your baby girl or boy clean can be an overwhelming task. Use the guidelines listed below when changing your newborn’s diaper. GirlsDuring diaper changes, gently separate the labia and wash the area with water.…

Ask your doctor what his or her policy is regarding keeping your discussion and treatment confidential. You have the right to privacy regarding sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. If your life (or someone else's) is at risk, the doctor may be required to disclose private information to keep you safe; he or she will tell you prior to this disclosure, in almost all cases (with exceptions such as if you were unconscious). Billing may or may not be confidential. So please ask your…

There are two components of a sports physical: the medical history and the physical exam. The history is an important tool in identifying conditions that might affect an individual's ability to participate and/or perform in sports. History Examination Issues addressed during the history portion of the physical include: Allergies Episodes of dizziness or collapse during activity Family history of serious illnesses History of asthma History of excessive weight loss or gain; can…

As much as we wish to protect our children forever, sometimes they will face difficult life choices. During their teen years, they may be tempted to use drugs, tobacco or alcohol. Some teenagers may become depressed for a variety of reasons. These problems can seem severe and parents need to be there to help them navigate through the tough times. Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol Guidelines Drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. Research suggests that…

As your child grows into a teenager, he or she may be tempted to make more mature decisions— especially as other teenagers engage in risky behaviors. Tattoos, piercings and sex are all important topics that should be discussed thoroughly with your teen. Some teenagers may be ready for these big experiences, and some may not. Tattoos and Piercings Teens of every generation have their fads. Most teenage fads are harmless and eventually fade away without permanent damage. Unfortunately, some of…

It is not uncommon for your baby to experience sleeping issues. However it is important for you, as the parent, to be able to recognize when problematic sleeping behaviors are causing other heath issues, or are a clue to another, deeper health issue. Learn more by viewing the information listed below. When Should I Seek a Doctor’s Help? Sometimes, problems with your child’s sleeping can occur. These behaviors can be similar to normal sleep behaviors at first glance. However, by watching your…

Scoliosis has many different symptoms that, when caught early, can be treated effectively. Explore the information below to learn more about the warning signs of the disease and how scoliosis can be managed and treated. Scoliosis Symptoms Q: My 14-year-old daughter seems to lean to one side, and her shoulders are uneven. What might be causing this? A: Your daughter should see a physician to be evaluated for possible scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. You mention two of the signs of…

Physicians look for a number of signs and symptoms to determine if a foreign object has been inhaled or ingested. Inhaling that causes coughing, gagging and choking is the first indication. However, the lining of the larynx and trachea can adapt to the object. There may be no symptoms for a period of time, after which the child may have: Asthma Bronchitis Cough Fever Pneumonia How Can a Physician Diagnose the Problem? First, the physician will ask about the child's medical…

A child can choke to death within 2 to 5 minutes. Recognizing quickly that choking is occurring is critical. Look for the signs listed below to identify when your child may be choking: Sudden difficulty breathing (without crying or cough). Clutching at the throat. Turning red in the face, then ashen blue. Loss of consciousness from lack of oxygen (asphyxia). If a child becomes unconscious, you can assume that he or she has a complete obstruction of the airway. If your child shows…

Choosing the Right Car Seat For Your Child When trying to find the right car seat, it is important to be familiar with the different types of car seats available. Learn more about infant-only, convertible, combination and booster style car seats by viewing the listing below. Infant-only seat Infant-only seats, also known as rear-facing seats, are placed in the back seat of the car. Your child should use an infant-only seat from birth until he or she is 1 year old and weighs 20 pounds. The…

What Causes Ear Infections? Children commonly get middle-ear infections, meaning that there are bacteria behind the ear drum. Pain is the main symptom. Other ear infection facts include: Antibiotics are generally quite helpful and Tylenol can help with pain. Complications can include a small tear in the ear drum, which heals quickly. The infections are not contagious. What Is Pink Eye? Pink eye is generally considered a contagious bacterial infection of the eye caused by viral…

Bottle-feeding a baby seems simple at first glance. However, there are a lot of steps involved in making sure your baby is being fed properly. For a healthy, happy and full child, make sure to follow the proper instructions before feeding. Sterilizing the Bottle Bottles and nipples need to be sterilized before use. To sterilize the bottle, place it in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes or run through entire cycle in dishwasher. After the bottle has been sterilized and cooled, it is ready to…

Are there "secrets" of good communication with teens? While adolescence can be a trying period for both child and parent, the home should not become a battleground if both parents and young people make special efforts to understand one another. View the following guidelines for additional help when dealing with family communication. What Parents Can Do As a parent, you can make communication between you and your teenager much smoother. Try the tips listed below: Give your undivided…

Osteoporosis Risk Factors Osteoporosis can be dangerous because there are few outward signs of the disease. Unfortunately, sometimes people only find out they have osteoporosis after a bad fall. However, certain people are more likely to have osteoporosis. It is important to know the risk factors which, when present, increase your chance of developing osteoporosis. Gender. Women over the age of 50, or postmenopausal women have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. Women experience…

It is always important to make sure you maintain your health. Taking the right supplements and eating healthy foods will keep you energized throughout the day, and your life. Who Needs Vitamin/Mineral Supplements? Some people may have slight nutrient deficiencies due to illness, surgery or other conditions. These people may need vitamin or mineral supplements because their condition may alter their appetite, limit their food choices or impair their nutrient absorption. Many older adults need…

While HT helps many women get through menopause, and relieves many painful symptoms, as with most health treatments, there are risks. In general, for MOST women the benefits outweigh the risks. According to the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, known health risks for HT include: An increased risk of endometrial cancer (if a woman still has her uterus and is not taking progesterone/progestin along with estrogen) An increased risk of blood clots and increased risk of stroke in older…

Helping Your Child Reach a Healthy Weight If your efforts at home are unsuccessful in helping your child reach a healthy weight and your physician determines that your child's health is at risk unless he or she loses weight steadily, you may want to consider a formal treatment program. Choosing a Weight Loss Program There are many options when it comes to choosing a weight loss program for your child. Use the helpful tips listed below when looking at weight-control programs for your child.…

The percentage of overweight children has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. What Causes Children to Become Overweight? Children become overweight for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns or a combination of these factors.…