I first noticed it on one of the Chinese synchronized divers, a couple of strips of bright blue align=”left” tape in two lines down her back. Did she have an injury? Was the tape a sort of rebellious fashion statement or a good luck charm? Was it some sort of pre-olympic ritual? I was curious but let it go. Then, the tape started popping up on other athletes. The German volley ball player with all sorts of thin weird stripes down her abdomen, and then, an American, Kerri Walsh Jennings, the beach volley ball star, had some on her shoulder. … Continue reading →

Let’s face it, cuts happen all of the time. Whether you get a paper cut, a cut from chopping up vegetables or a cut from falling down, these minor wounds are a fact of life. Usually, we can just treat these cuts or even ignore them and go on their merry way. That is why when my son complained that his finger really hurt one night, I didn’t give it a second thought, until I saw that the wound was puffy and infected. Fortunately for us all, I was able to treat the infection at home, but if it didn’t … Continue reading →

Wondering whether or not to send your child to school when she is feeling sick? It isn’t always a clear cut decision. This article is part two in a series that will help you make the right decision when it comes to whether or not you keep your child home from school for health complaints. Rash You wouldn’t think a rash could be cause for keeping a child home from school, but it can. Rashes that are severe or unusual could signal an underlying cause, and or it could be contagious. Many viruses and bacteria can causes rashes, and these … Continue reading →

Last year, a friend of mine had a real concern. Her grandson, aged seven, was playing football at school and got injured. This was not just any injury, though. He suffered from a concussion that has left long lasting challenges both physical and mental. This one injury has changed his life completely. He can no longer attend school regularly nor play his beloved football. Ironically, when the injury first occurred, it didn’t seem like a big deal. That is one of the issues with brain injury, things can become worse later. You want to limit the risk factors for brain … Continue reading →

When my kids were little, I took a lot of long walks with them in the stroller or double stroller. It got me out of the house, and it was good exercise. We also took the stroller out for practical reasons, such as when shopping, going to the park, attending a community even or having some family fun. At one point, it felt as though our stroller was another appendage attached to either my body or my husband’s. One thing I have learned from all of that stroller pushing is that the basket attached is essential. Of course, a diaper … Continue reading →

Every home with children should have a well-stocked first aid kit ready and available in case of an emergency. While you can buy ready-made kits, they are often incomplete and include items that are not well made. Assembling your own kit will insure that that you have an adequate supply of everything you might need to take care of your family. I’ve been putting together an essential first aid supply list. This post is the third in a series. If you missed the previous part of the last, just click on the links below. What Should You Include in a … Continue reading →

If you have ever wondered what you should having in your first aid kit then you are in luck. I have a great list of items right here for you! it always helps to be prepared, whether you have to deal with a minor scrape or a major burn. This is part 2 of the series. If you missed the first part of the list, just click here to catch up. Bottled Water Bottled water is a good idea to have in a first aid kit, and probably not for the reason that you think. You’ll want to be able … Continue reading →

The coming fall always gets me started thinking about being prepared for emergencies. Perhaps it is because of bad weather that could take out the power or cause flooding or evacuation, or maybe it is because of the feeling of snuggling into the home with everything you need and not going out in the cold. Whatever it is, I find myself reviewing the essentials, and one of those essentials is the first aid box. Here is a list of items that you should have available in your home. Make sure your kit is well marked and that other members know … Continue reading →

Summer is about fun but it can also be about accidents and injuries. Do you know how to handle some of the more common types of summer injuries? Having a first aid kit on hand is the first step toward being ready for an unexpected injury. First aid kits can be simple ones, made up of bandages and ointments. It’s a good idea to keep one in the car and another in your purse, traveling bag or diaper bag. That way you are always ready. One of the more common types of summer injuries occurs from bee stings. It’s best … Continue reading →