If infants are accidentally left on conveyer belts at supermarket checkout counters, it is unlikely that they will be packed with the groceries.
But if they’re placed on belts at airport security they pass through the machine. It has happened. The scenario: Parent places infant on non-moving belt. Parent distracted. Belt moves. Infant enters machine. […]

Posted in Safe & Healthy Travel, Travel No Comments »
Tags: Airplane, Altitude, Travel

If you took our email quiz, all of the answers are TRUE.
You need not go traveling to catch the flu - but it does help. Weekends visiting out-of-town relatives, skiing holidays, cruises, and air travel, for example, place your kids in close contact with people from different localities near and far. In flu season (December […]

Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Safe & Healthy Travel No Comments »
Tags: flu, flu outbreak, flu season, Vaccine

To sedate or not to sedate infants for air travel, that is an oft-raised question. Is it truly nobler to spurn sedatives, risk an unruly child, and bravely suffer the heartaches of stares and scorn of outraged fellow passengers?  Or is it more virtuous to sedate infants, perchance they’ll sleep, and endure the thousand humiliations […]

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Tags: Airplane, Infants, Jet lag

Warning: holiday family get-togethers can be hazardous for your children’s health and safety.
The same events that make the season fun and festive for kids – visiting family, lighting candles, and receiving toys, for example, can cause mishaps. Fortunately, most such problems are preventable – but only with forethought.
Here is what you should know:
1. Vaccinate infants […]

Posted in Safe & Healthy Travel, Travel No Comments »
Tags: Health, influenza, Vaccine

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 their attention.
Sink […]

Posted in Food & Water Precautions, Safe & Healthy Travel 1 Comment »
Tags: Diarrhea

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 respiratory […]

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Tags: Asthma, Diabetes, Heart problems, Medical kit

Savvy parents can manage most cases of intestinal diseases that occur away from home and recognize the rare case needing immediate medical attention.
Here’s how to be a savvy parent:
1. Do not treat intestinal illnesses with only clear or sugary liquids.
Vomiting and diarrhea eliminates vital nutrients from the body, mainly sodium and chloride (salt). Water, […]

Posted in Safe & Healthy Travel No Comments »
Tags: Dehydration, Diarrhea, Intestinal illnesses, Third world

If you’ve never been seasick it’s only because you haven’t encountered the right storm, say veteran sailors. Worse than being seasick yourself is dealing with children who are, say parents.
1. Call it motion sickness, not seasickness.
The ancient Geeks named it. The word “nausea” is the Greek word for “sea.” But motion sickness also occurs in […]

Posted in Safe & Healthy Travel 1 Comment »
Tags: Dizziness, Driving, Headache, Infants, Intestinal illnesses, Medications, Nausea, Toddlers, Travel, Vomiting

Children make great travelers. They are inquisitive, fun and, when motivated, adaptable and inexhaustible. Time spent overseas, whether a week in Paris or a year in a developing country, helps enrich their education, builds self-confidence, promotes family cohesiveness, and creates memories for tomorrow.
But before you go, consider these issues:
1.Examine your motives.
Occasionally parents have […]

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Tags: Malaria, Medications, Planning

In a survey a few years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found at least one safety problem with cribs, pools, and playgrounds in 82% of U.S. hotels randomly chosen for inspection. Overseas the risk of accidents for travelers is greater, especially in developing countries.
1. Think safety.
Most accidents are preventable - but only with […]

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Tags: Driving, Infants, Pets, Toddlers, Vacation