Sickness and Health: Rashes

What is a rash? A rash is any eruption of the skin. Rashes are usually red, but may be flat or swollen, general or localized, and may last a few hours or a few weeks.

What are hives? Hives are an allergic rash. Large blotches suddenly appear and are usually somewhat raised and usually very itchy. It is often widespread on the body.

Are rashes contagious? The rash is usually just a symptom of something else. Allergic rashes are not contagious, but other rashes may be caused by diseases that are contagious, such as chicken pox or measles. Some rashes, such as impetigo and ringworm, are actually contagious and can be spread by direct contact.

What is the best treatment for diaper rash? The best treatment is the one that works best for you! Each child is different. There are many creams and preparations available, but avoid those with cortisone creams.

Safety First: Outdoor Activities

Where can I take children for outdoor activities? In addition to the playground, you may visit parks, zoos, flower gardens, or other established settings. You may also walk around the block, visit an unexplored area of the playground, or do a "nature walk" in the back yard.

How can outdoor activities promote language development? Look for signs on your walk. Street signs and advertisements show important words like Stop, Walk, Danger, and Caution. Teach children to recognize these words and what they mean.

How can a walk teach children about safety? Look at and discuss street signs and then talk about learning your address. Look for "safe place" signs at police stations, libraries, and other public buildings.

What about weather? Always provide sun protection when outdoors - hats, sun screen, and sunglasses. Teach children about the sun by watching shadows, but caution them to avoid looking at the sun.

Nutrition: For Teethers and Toddlers

What foods are best for teething babies? Some foods may offer pain relief because of their temperature or texture. Warm foods, such as cream of wheat, or cool foods, such as yogurt, may help. Soft foods may be easier to eat, but crispy foods may also help some children.

Do teething crackers help? Avoid giving commercial teething crackers. They offer few nutrients, may present choking hazards, and may lead to tooth decay if the child is continually chewing them and keeping the food/sugars in the mouth.

How can I get toddlers to eat? Offer small servings and frequent meals; offer a variety of foods; serve finger foods; keep foods simple without excessive spices; make mealtime a relaxing time.

Medicine Chest: Medical Home

What is a "medical home?" It is a source of regular, comprehensive, quality medical care that provides both preventive care and prompt attention in case of illness and injury.

What should I look for in a medical home? Families should have medical care that is accessible, comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally competent.

What are some services that a medical home provides? Regular check-ups, immunizations, information for parents on child development and other topics, and prompt medical care in case of illness or injury.

Staff Health: Diabetes

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when a person's body either fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to metabolize insulin properly. The person's body then cannot utilize glucose, or blood sugar, from foods.

What are the types of diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is often called "juvenile diabetes" because it usually begins during childhood or adolescence. Type 2 is the most common, and begins is late adulthood. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can cause a number of pregnancy complications.

What are the symptoms of diabetes? Frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, sores that heal slowly, dry itchy skin, unexplained weight loss, change in vision, unusual tiredness.

How can you manage or even prevent diabetes? Maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, eat right, and avoid smoking.