Thursday, July 30, 2009

Emergency and Medical Care Every Parent Must Know!

As parents or child care workers, it is vital that we become aware and prepared should medical emergencies arise. Some examples of these health or medical emergencies are: choking, high fever, allergic reaction, burns, falls, bumps on the head, broken bones, cuts and severe bleeding, lack of consciousness, insect bites or stings, hypothermia or overheating, poison or drug overdose, shock, back or neck injury, and foreign matters in the eye or eye injuries.


Although we all certainly hope we never have to encounter medical emergencies such as these, it is absolutely necessary to become familiar with the steps to take should they happen. Preparation. Always keep medical records on hand, and ready for the doctor. Personal information is one of the first things asked by healthcare providers during a medical examination of any kind. Examples of this information to have ready include: health insurance provider, and policy number, blood type, allergies, current medications, past surgeries, and any other health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, asthma, seizures, anything and everything! First Aid Kit. Always have at least one first aid kit on hand. It is best to keep this in an easy and obvious location. It's also not a bad idea to keep a small one in your car. And at least once a year, these kits need to be updated. Inside this kit should include but not be limited to: acetominaphin, aspirin or ibuprofen, bandages, gauze and gauze pads, scissors and tweezers, sterilized moist iodine towelettes, soft clean cloths, thermometer, tissues, hydrogen peroxide, first-aide antiseptic cream such as Neosporin, cold packs, and ipecac syrup. Also put the following instructions and information in your kit: how to stop bleeding, how to perform CPR, how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, how to treat a bump on the head, measures to take before help comes, and last but certainly not least emergency phone numbers!!


In most cases, things happen suddenly and there was nothing that could have been done to prevent it. But not all my friend! Know these to do few things to prevent disasters: Use proper child restraits in a vehicle. This cannot be stressed enough. Start your children into the habit young and before you know it they will do it without having to be told! Know that a child can drown in just a few inches of water. Just remember, if there is water, a child can drown in it. Even the smallest amount may seem impossible, but you don't want to find out! Keep toys, coins, and other small things out of the reach of small children and toddlers. If you have been around a toddler even for a few minutes, you know that if it hits their fingers, it will next go into their mouth! Use socket covers on ALL electrical outlets. This is the second place children enjoy sticking things! So never ever leave a socket uncovered. Install cabinet locks to prevent children from opening cabinet doors. Even if you keep your cleaning supplies up high, children have an amazing ability to climb. Just know, if it can open, they can reach it!


Busy parents can't remember everything, so familiarize yourself with this article, read it every month or even more! It's a great idea to take a CPR class if you have or around children, even if you don't! Another good idea is to record names and phone numbers of health-care providers and keep them on the frige or somewhere you can immediately find it. When calling, give those you contact clear information about the name of your Dr. or health-care specialist, the name and age of the person requiring assistance, the incident or condition, and your name, location, and phone number.


Routine medical care, preventative health care, and emergency care are huge responsibilities. Be ready!

(Bukisa ID #86954)

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How to Use WebMD to Find Medical Information


There is a wealth of medical and/or health information on the internet. But who do you trust? What kind of information can you find? WebMD.com has been around for a number of years and has experts on staff. They provide very valuable information. Please remember that the use of WebMD does not replace your doctor and his/her medical advice and opinion. The tips below will help you to look up medical information on WebMD.com.



First, find a computer and in the browser type www.webmd.com. This will take you to the WebMD internet site.


Do you need information on a recent medical diagnosis? WebMD has a section for different conditions that you can access. Either navigate to the health centers area, or in the search box, type the condition (diagnosis) you are seeking information about. Most of the conditions are divided into several sections, such as an overview with facts, symptoms, diagnosis and tests, treatment and care, living and managing, and resources. I have always found the information to be very informative. Additionally, some conditions will have online tests you can do.


Do you need help finding a doctor or hospital? WebMD.com can assist you with that as well. Click on the link on the homepage and enter in the data requested. Yes, it is as simple as that.


Perhaps you have some symptoms and you just want to check them out online. WebMD.com has a symptom checker on their homepage. Click on it and you are on your way to being given many different options for your symptoms.


Maybe you received a prescription from the doctor and you are wondering what the side effects are or if there is a generic. On the homepage, select Drugs & Supplements from the main menu. You can review the information based on a specific medication or you have the ability to search by condition and see what medications are normally prescribed to treat it. Users of WebMD can also rate and review prescription medications which I have found to be helpful.


These are only a few of the ways that you can use WebMD.com. There are blogs, user boards, articles about healthy living, pregnancy, diet, and exercise. If you are looking for any medical or health related information a stop by WebMD.com can provide you with a wealth of wisdom. I’ve included the link in the resources section.

(Bukisa ID #25509)

Content Source: How to Use WebMD to Find Medical Information - Bukisa.com

Autism: How Medical Testing Can Help

Individuals with autism can and do lead normal lives with the proper medical care and treatment. The main reason it is important to perform various medical testing is to determine or pinpoint specific problems in a person with autism.

Autism is referred to a group of major developmental disorders. The patients have problems with behavior, social relationship, and communication. In most cases, autism is not diagnosed until a child reaches the age of three and begins to exhibit abnormalities in the child’s development or behavior. However, some signs of autism can be noted while the child is still in infancy, such as a noticeable lack of crying, arching away from touching, extreme fussiness, and avoiding eye contact.

The various medical testing that can provide doctors with the information they need in order to properly treat autism include food allergies, heavy metals, vitamin analysis, neurotransmitters, amino acids, Candida, fatty acid profile, and histamine levels.

In order to treat children with autism parents as well as doctors will need to determine what type of therapeutic option will work best for each child. Each child with autism is different just as each child is different. The various problems have to be dealt with properly for each child. The nervous system imbalances and immune system imbalances will need to be identified prior to developing targeted therapeutic treatment plans.

Food allergy testing will provide the physician as well as parents with the ability to know the foods that may be impairing the digestive system. Pinpointing these problems is a great help as the foods can then be avoided. Amino acids testing can aid in providing information of deficiencies in the neurotransmitter building blocks,sensitivities to chemicals, as well as nutritional imbalances.

Heavy metals in the body can cause numerous adverse effects. Learning if the child has any type of toxic material in the body such as arsenic, lead, mercury, etc… can be a help.

Vitamin analysis will provide much needed information regarding dietary deficiencies or imbalances.

Neurotransmitters testing will show imbalances in the chemistry of the brain which can impact behavior and learning.

Children with autism often have high levels of Candida in their intestines and low levels of essential fatty acids.

It is recommended that the following lab tests be done to help determine the best medical care.

• evaluation of immune function and imbalance in T-helper-1/T-helper-2 cytokines
• food allergy testing
• intestinal barrier function tests
• neurotransmitter testing
• presence of infectious agents such as viruses, fungus
• neuroimmune antibody status
• heavy metals and protection by metallothionein

Once tests results are determined, parents and physicians alike will be able to decide what treatments are best for the child to help with the symptoms so they can live a more normal life.

(Bukisa ID #95967)

Content Source: Autism: How Medical Testing Can Help - Bukisa.com

Checklist: Things to Do Before, During, and After a Medical Appointment

Visiting your doctor is not a top desire but it is necessary for maintaining your basic health. Whether you are having an annual visit or a monthly visit it is a good idea to prepare for your visit which will save you time and money. A medical visit is only good if you take the time to examine the reason for the visit and how to make the most out of it.



  1. Verify/confirm your medical appointment the week before since it is possible that the date and time was incorrectly entered into a calendar. Also, make a note of the person with whom you made the confirmation.

  2. Asks about any specific requirements for the appointment. Examples are prior lab or xray results, a list of current/recent presciption and non-prescription medications including vitamins, minerals, and herbs.

  3. Speak with your immediate relatives to determine any recent diagnoses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Keep the conversation light and let them know why you need this information and make sure that you family member has the time to speak since if he/she is in a rush important information can be missed.

  4. During the appointment, listen closely to what your health care provider is telling you and take notes. Confirm the reason for any possible medications, labs, or xrays. Also, discuss and review any existing health concerns such as blurred vision, headaches, or vomiting. A provider can only help if honestly and trust is established. Remember to discuss any future concerns such as international travel, future pregnancy, or possible cosmetic surgery.

  5. After your appointment, schedule the next appointment while at the doctor's office and take any referral forms needed for addtional providers to prevent yourself from backtracking. Follow any treatment plans as prescribed. For example, if the provider needs to see you in two weeks, then keep the appointment.

(Bukisa ID #21846)

Content Source: Checklist: Things to Do Before, During, and After a Medical Appointment - Bukisa.com