Children old enough to brush their own teeth may be exposing themselves to diarrheal illnesses via their toothbrushes, especially when traveling in areas where such illnesses are common. Here is the theory: Children often place their toothbrushes on sink counter surfaces when finishing brushing, or in the middle of brushing if something more interesting catches […]
The Outdoors is Generally Safe for Children when They are Ill
September 6, 2008 by
Caring for sick children is never child’s play. And the last thing you need is a set of outdated notions about limiting their activities because they are sick. Here is what you should know: 1. Keeping sick children in bed or “quiet” serves no purpose. It only makes them more irritable — and irritating. Rest […]
Keeping Kids Healthy When Swimming
July 21, 2008 by
Swimming: The source of many illnesses Most kids’ favorite summer activity is swimming, no matter if it’s splashing in a small backyard pool, or on the beach of a five-star resort. But the reality is that no fun activity is totally safe and healthy. For information on water safety, see TenTips: Waterfront. For avoiding illnesses […]
The Sun is No Friend of Children
July 16, 2008 by
The sun does to skin what tobacco smoke does to lungs. Both produce progressive, cumulative, and irreversible tissue damage, often culminating in very serious health issues many decades later. But it need not happen. There are positive rays of sunshine, too: information on how to neutralize the harmful effects. Here is what you should know: […]
Families at Altitude: How Not to Feel Low When You Are Up High
June 11, 2008 by
Visiting Mexico City: 7,550 feet. Viewing the Grand Canyon: 8,000 feet. Skiing in Colorado: 8,000 feet (with some slopes going higher.) Driving up Pike’s Peak: 14,000 feet. At these elevations most children run circles around their huffing and puffing parents. But some children will show symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), and a rare child […]
Teenagers Going to Mexico for Spring Break
June 8, 2008 by
Tens of thousands of American teenagers travel to resorts throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year, says the U.S. State Department. While the vast majority enjoys their vacation without incident, several may die, hundreds will be arrested, and still more will make mistakes that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Here are […]
Treating Insect Bites
June 3, 2008 by
Souvenirs of outdoor activities in the summertime include insect bites. It is almost impossible to have one without the other – except if you visit Antarctica where there are neither – no insects and no real summer. 1. Recognize serious allergic symptoms. Life-threatening reactions to insect bites (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare, especially in children. Such […]
Insect Repellents and Children
May 23, 2008 by
An incredible 900,000 types of insects are known to exist. Equally incredible is the number of insect repellents available. Here is what you should know: 1. The most thoroughly studied insect repellent is DEET. No repellent bears this name; it is the active ingredient in most products. Don’t be alarmed by its chemical formula, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide […]
Dealing with Illnesses away from Home
May 13, 2008 by
Traveling with children is never all fun and games. Just like at home, prepare for mishaps and illnesses. 1. Make sure your children are healthy before leaving home. This helps minimize illnesses away from home. Are they due for routine checkups? Do they have minor illnesses which may worsen while traveling, stomach aches or upper […]
Staying Healthy At Sea
May 9, 2008 by
A vacation at sea offers families the best of all worlds: seeing foreign countries without the hassle of constant packing; supervised age-appropriate activities, lots of other children and, should you need it, “in-house” medical facilities. Here’s what you have to know: 1. Bring your children’s medications: A leading reason for passengers visiting ships’ infirmaries is […]
