Articles In This Section
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Wound Healing and Care
How well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it. Good home care is an important part of healing.
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When Does a Cut Need Stitches?
It's important to know when a cut might need medical care or even a few stitches. Here's what to look for.
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What You Need to Know in an Emergency
In an emergency, it's hard to think clearly about your kids' health information. Here's what important medical information you should have handy, just in case.
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What Is a Medical Record?
A medical record is a history of someone’s health. Most hospitals and doctor’s offices use electronic health records.
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What Is Narcan (Naloxone)?
Narcan is a medicine that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid medicine overdose. Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.
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Teaching Your Child How to Use 911
Teaching your child how to use 911 in an emergency could be one of the simplest - and most important - lessons you'll ever share.
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Nosebleeds
A nosebleed can be scary, but it's rarely cause for alarm. Here's how to handle one at home.
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Heat Illness
Active kids can be at risk for heat illness, which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Learn how to prevent and treat heat illness.
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Head Injuries
Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured.
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First Aid: Choking
Choking can be a life-threatening emergency. Follow these steps if your child is choking.
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Animal Bites and Scratches
Animal bites and scratches, even minor ones, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body, regardless of whether the animal is a family pet or a wild animal.
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Burns
Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Minor burns often can be safely treated at home, but more serious burns require medical care.
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CPR
Every parent should know how and when to administer CPR. Done correctly, CPR can save a child's life by restoring breathing and circulation until medical personnel arrive.
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Choking
Choking is an emergency, so it's important to recognize the signs of choking and know what to do if happens.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Being Ready to Quarantine
People who have a coronavirus (COVID-19) infection or are around someone who has it should stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Here's how to prepare to quarantine or isolate at home.
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Dealing With Cuts
Find out how to handle minor cuts at home - and when to get medical care for a more serious injury.
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Dehydration
Sometimes kids lose fluids and salts through fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Here are some tips on preventing or treating dehydration.
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Emergency Care & First Aid Center
Here's your one-stop information center for everything you need to know about handling emergencies and keeping kids safe.
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Fire Safety
Find out how to prevent - and be ready for - a fire in your home.
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First Aid: Poisoning
Most childhood poisonings happen in the home. They usually can be treated at home with advice from the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
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A to Z: Head Injury
Learn more about head injuries (head trauma).
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Frostbite and Frostnip
You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.
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Bug Bites and Stings
Most bug bites and stings are just annoying. But some can cause infections and allergic reactions. It's important to know what to watch for, and when to get medical attention.
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How to Take Your Child’s Pulse
Need to check your child's heart rate? Follow our guide and check with your doctor if you have questions.
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When and Where to Get Medical Care
Should you head to the ER when your child is hurt or ill? What about an urgent care center? Different problems need different levels of care, and you have many options.
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Taking Your Child’s Temperature
All kids get a fever from time to time. Find out about taking your child's temperature, safely and accurately.
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How to Take an Oral Temperature
Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child. Most kids can have their temperature taken this way when they’re about 4–5 years old. Here's how to do it.
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How to Take an Axillary (Armpit) Temperature
The axillary (armpit) method is a convenient way to take a child's temperature, especially for kids who can't hold a thermometer in their mouths. Here's how to do it.
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How to Take a Rectal Temperature
The best way to take a temperature in infants and young children is by taking a rectal temperature. Here's how to do it.
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Going to the Emergency Room
Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.
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Fever (High Temperature) In Kids
Fevers happen when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above normal. This is often the body's way of fighting infections.
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Vomiting
Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, and usually isn't serious. These home-care tips can help prevent dehydration.
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Greenstick Fractures
A greenstick fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone.
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Comminuted Fractures
A comminuted fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.
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Buckle Fractures
A buckle or torus fracture is a type of broken bone. One side of the bone bends, raising a little buckle, without breaking the other side of the bone.
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What Is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?
An AED (automated external defibrillator) helps treat an abnormal heartbeat when someone has sudden cardiac arrest. Learn about this easy-to-use medical device.
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Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is when changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart make it suddenly stop beating. Quick medical care is essential.
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Preventing Eye Injuries
Eye injuries in kids can lead to serious vision problems, even blindness. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent most eye injuries.
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When Can Kids Return to Sports After a Concussion?
After a concussion, athletes often ask how soon they can start playing again. Usually, they can return to sports when all symptoms are gone and a health care provider gives the OK.
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When Can Kids Go Back to School After a Concussion?
Within a few days of a concussion, most students are ready return to school. Here's how parents can help.
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Concussions
Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely.
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Hemophilia: Handling Bleeds
Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.
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Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Kids with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The good news is that when treated properly, anaphylaxis can be managed.