In Sickness and Health: The Skinny on Skin

What is first aid for minor scrapes (abrasions)? Wash with warm running water. A bandage is probably not necessary.

What is the urgent concern with deep cuts? Stop the bleeding. Apply direct pressure for several minutes.

What type of wound is most likely to become infected? Puncture wounds.

Should you break a blister? No. Breaking the blister increases the risk of infection and usually increases pain.

Safety First: Window Wonders

Can windows serve as fire escape routes? Possibly. Check with your local fire department.

How do you prevent falls from windows? Install window guards or position barriers in front of windows.

How do you prevent strangulation from window covering cords? Fasten cords high above children’s reach. You can also contact the Window Covering Safety Council for free kits to repair cord hazards.

Can windows be opened for ventilation? Open windows should have insect screens, and should have secure barriers or window guards to prevent falls.

Nutrition Action: Feeding Solid Foods

When should parents begin feeding solid foods to infants? At 4-6 months of age.

Should cereal be added to the baby’s bottle? No. It does not promote better nutrition, and may cause choking.

What are the first solid foods that infants should eat? Iron is the primary nutrient, so start with meat or iron-fortified cereal.

Do parents have to use commercially prepared foods? No. At 6 months of age, infants can eat strained or mashed foods.

Medicine Chest: Tracking Immunization Data

Where can childcare programs find information on required immunizations? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) update and publish recommendations each year.

What is an immunization registry? It is a confidential, computerized information system that keeps track of immunization data within a geographic area, such as a city or state.

Health & You: Health Information on the Internet

What are the top search engines on the internet? Yahoo and Google.

What is the “three R Rule?” Reduce the hits, determine Relevancy, and fine Reliable Sources

What is one way to judge reliability? Look for a recent copyright date on the website.