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Catalog / Healthcare & Parenting - Medical Tips Cheatsheet

Healthcare & Parenting - Medical Tips Cheatsheet

A quick reference guide for parents and caregivers, offering essential medical tips and advice for common childhood ailments and general well-being.

Common Childhood Illnesses

Fever Management

When to worry:

Infants under 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher need immediate medical attention.

Taking Temperature:

Use a rectal thermometer for infants, temporal or tympanic (ear) for toddlers, and oral or temporal for older children.

Reducing Fever:

Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) as directed by your pediatrician or the product label. Avoid aspirin in children.

Comfort Measures:

Encourage rest, offer clear fluids to prevent dehydration, and dress the child lightly.

When to Seek Medical Advice:

If the fever is accompanied by stiff neck, rash, difficulty breathing, seizures, or persistent vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

Coughs and Colds

Symptoms:

Runny nose, congestion, cough, sore throat, mild fever.

Treatment:

Saline nasal drops and bulb syringe for infants, humidifier, honey for children over 1 year old (1-2 teaspoons), rest, fluids.

When to worry:

Difficulty breathing, high fever, ear pain, persistent cough lasting more than 2 weeks, dehydration.

Important Note:

Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 6 years old unless directed by a doctor.

Ear Infections

Symptoms:

Ear pain, tugging at the ear, fever, irritability, difficulty sleeping.

Treatment:

Pain relief with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention:

Avoid exposure to smoke, ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, consider breastfeeding (if applicable).

When to See a Doctor:

If symptoms persist or worsen after 24-48 hours, or if there is drainage from the ear.

First Aid Essentials

Wound Care

Minor Cuts and Scrapes:

Wash the wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine), and cover with a clean bandage.

Bleeding:

Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth until bleeding stops. Elevate the injured area if possible.

Signs of Infection:

Increased pain, redness, swelling, pus, or fever. Seek medical attention if infection is suspected.

When to Seek Medical Care:

Deep wounds, wounds that won’t stop bleeding, wounds with embedded objects, or animal bites.

Burns

Minor Burns:

Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. Apply a sterile, non-adhesive bandage.

Severe Burns:

Call emergency services immediately. Do not apply ointments or creams. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.

Blisters:

Do not break blisters unless they are large and painful. If broken, clean with soap and water and cover with a bandage.

Choking

Infants:

Hold the infant face down over your forearm, supporting the head and jaw. Give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object is still lodged, turn the infant face up and give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest.

Children (Over 1 Year):

Perform the Heimlich maneuver: Stand behind the child, wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist and place it slightly above their navel. Grasp your fist with the other hand and give quick, upward thrusts.

When to Call for Help:

If the child becomes unconscious, call emergency services immediately and begin CPR.

Nutrition & Healthy Habits

Healthy Eating

Balanced Diet:

Encourage a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy (or dairy alternatives).

Portion Control:

Serve age-appropriate portion sizes to prevent overeating.

Limit Sugary Drinks and Processed Foods:

Reduce intake of sugary drinks, snacks, and processed foods high in unhealthy fats and sodium.

Snack Smart:

Offer healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables with hummus, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers.

Importance of Sleep

Recommended Sleep Hours:

Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps), Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (including naps), Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours (including naps), School-age children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours, Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours

Establishing a Routine:

Create a consistent bedtime routine to signal it’s time to sleep (e.g., bath, story, quiet time).

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment:

Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed:

Avoid screen time (TV, tablets, smartphones) at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Physical Activity

Recommended Activity:

Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children and teenagers.

Types of Activities:

Include a mix of aerobic activities (running, swimming), muscle-strengthening activities (climbing, playing tug-of-war), and bone-strengthening activities (jumping, skipping).

Make it Fun:

Engage in activities the child enjoys to make exercise a positive experience.

Limit Sedentary Behavior:

Reduce screen time and encourage breaks during long periods of sitting.

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Vaccination Schedule

Follow the recommended vaccination schedule provided by your pediatrician or local health authority. Vaccinations protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Vaccines typically start at birth and continue throughout childhood and adolescence. Consult with your doctor to ensure your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Regular Check-ups

Well-Child Visits:

Schedule regular well-child visits with your pediatrician for routine check-ups, developmental screenings, and vaccinations.

Vision and Hearing Screenings:

Ensure your child receives regular vision and hearing screenings to detect any potential problems early.

Dental Care:

Start dental visits by age 1, or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts. Encourage good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Mental Health

Recognizing Signs:

Be aware of signs of mental health issues in children and teenagers, such as changes in mood, behavior, sleep patterns, or appetite.

Creating a Supportive Environment:

Foster open communication and create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing their feelings.

Seeking Professional Help:

Seek professional help from a therapist or counselor if you have concerns about your child’s mental health.
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