Healthy Children

Keep your child safe with these tips for autumn events.Halloween and autumn festivals are fantastic for getting your child outdoors and active. Dressing up is fun for the whole family. Make the adventure safer with these great tips. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Safety is the primary concern. Trip hazards, garments that can get caught on things, and masks that obscure vision and cover the mouth can all be very unsafe. Opt for face painting and costumes with hats instead of masks. Avoid allergens and tampering by sticking to factory-packaged treats. Teach trick-or-treating protocol to prepare you child for going out with friends when older. Older Kids Dark costumes need glow tape or flashlights to be sure you child will be seen by drivers. Remind them to be safe pedestrians and look both ways before crossing the street. It’s better to travel in groups. Teenagers Make sure a responsible adult is around for the party. Remind your teen that people are a little crazy on Halloween. They need to keep their wits about them. Encourage driving a bit slower than usual because there are so many pedestrians. Nutrition It’s fun to allow your children the chance to have the rare sweet treats for celebrations. Feed your kids an early dinner that’s packed with protein. Provide plenty of water and healthy snacks after their outing. Save leftover candy after the first binge for occasional treats, car trips or candy buy-back events. Listen as Dr. Andrew Bernstein joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share tips for Halloween and fall festival safety. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Share a love of reading with your entire family.It’s imperative to encourage reading in your family. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Reading to your young child can boost vocabulary and reading skills before entering school. Cultivating a love of reading in your older children can open up a world of imagination and opportunity. Time spent reading with your infant is actually conversation time. You can still read the words in the board book, but interact with your child by talking about the pictures. Make time to read as a family. Younger children will enjoy the tale. Look up information about topics with older children to learn more about the story. Build excitement for reading by taking your child to get a library card. Encourage older children to belong to a book club. Share books that are meaningful to you so you can discuss them. Make reading important in your home. Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can create lifelong readers. Book recommendations from Dr. Cross: Picture books The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba (teenager from Malawi who makes a windmill and helps save his village) Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews (famous musician as a child) The Little Piano Girl by Mary Lou Williams (Jazz legend as a child) Salt in His Shoes (Michael Jordan as a child ) Goodnight Gorilla Sam’s Sandwich Young Readers The Rickshaw Girl  Anne of Green Gables  Little Women  Little House in the Big Woods (the Little House on the Prairie series) Fudge series and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers Pippi Longstocking Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda by Roald Dahl Chronicles of Narnia A Wrinkle in Time Secret Garden Wolves of Willougby Chase The Little Princess Harry Potter series  Rebecca Wonder by RJ Palacio (about a boy with facial anomalies -- going to be a movie soon) Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Do you need over-the-counter medication for your child's condition?Your first stop when your child has health complaints is typically the drugstore. You want to alleviate her distress as rapidly as you can. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor What should you know about over-the-counter medications? Fevers While they may be scary, fevers don’t need treatment unless they are over 101.5 degrees. If your child is uncomfortable, you can treat the fever. Never use aspirin on children. Keep a written record of when and how much you dose your child. Ibuprofen works well for fevers, pain and swelling. You can administer every eight hours. Acetaminophen works well for fevers. You can administer every four to six hours. Stuffiness & Congestion Multi-symptom medications often contain fever medications. Read the active ingredients to be sure you aren’t doubling up on ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t give cold medications to children under age four. Check age appropriateness against the recommendations on the box. Consider natural treatments like honey for children over age one as a cough suppressant. Use a humidifier or safely help your child breathe steam. Clear nasal passages with nose blowing or a mucus bulb. Check with your pediatrician if a condition is present for more than a few days. Skin Rashes Hydrocortisone cream available without a prescription is very mild. It works on rashes, insect bites, poison ivy and eczema. Anti-fungal creams work on ringworm and athlete’s foot. Hydrocortisone only makes fungi worse. Be sure you know the skin condition before selecting an ointment for treatment. Upset Stomach If your baby is gassy, feed her slower and burp her more. Infant tummy problems should be discussed with your pediatrician. Occasional gas drops may help. Upset stomach for older children usually stems from constipation or stress. If diarrhea and vomiting are absent, call your pediatrician to discuss what’s happening. Laxatives can be given for a few days to reduce cyclical constipation. Storage Consider all the places you keep pills— pill cases in your handbag, stashes in your glovebox, prescription bottles in the medicine cabinet. Keep everything out of reach, even the over-the-counter medications. Older kids may want to experiment with your prescription medications. Lock them up in a tackle box and keep a written inventory of the pills you take or administer. Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss over-the-counter medications and their safe storage. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Meet your breastfeeding goals with these expert tips.Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to nourish and bond with your baby. However, today’s busy world can present challenges. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Breast milk has live cells that improve immunity, extending from infancy through adulthood. Colostrum is the breast milk produced in the first four days. This “liquid gold” is filled with ingredients that jumpstart the development of the immune system. Formula concoctions today have improved with nutrition and probiotics. Breastmilk is constantly changing with mom’s body, custom blended for that specific baby. An infant formula can’t replicate that. Breastfeeding Challenges Milk is usually ready when you deliver your baby. The volume increases around day four or five. Latching issues are the most common problem. Most hospitals have an expert available to assist with latching issues. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it hurts, someone trained in breastfeeding should see what’s happening. There may be another issue. Moms need to focus on self care. Ask for help. Make a list of things people can do to help you. It’s not an ideal time for you to entertain guests as you learn to care for this new life. Listen as Dr. Maya Bunik and Dr. Jenny Thomas join Melanie Cole, MS, to educate about breastfeeding best practices and how to know it’s working. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Do you really need to get the flu vaccine for your family this season?Influenza or “the flu” is a virus that is often spread during winter months. It can be very dangerous and varies from year to year. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor While it typically peaks in January, it can be burdensome throughout the flu season. One hundred eighty children passed away last year from influenza-related infections. Kids tend to spread the infection more than others because they play, drool, and interact with others constantly. Children under age five and the elderly are at higher risk for dangerous infections from flu. The flu shot tends to decrease the severity of the flu if one contracts it. This year’s flu vaccine has three or four strains of the virus, based on the most prevalent strains anticipated for the continent. Anyone over six months of age can get a flu shot. Pregnant moms benefit from immunization. It’s safer to get a flu shot than try to outsmart it because you may not feel the symptoms as soon as you contract it. It’s best to get it before Halloween. Listen as Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson joins Melanie Cole, MS to share all you need to know about this flu season. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Keep your child safe with these tips for autumn events.Halloween and autumn festivals are fantastic for getting your child outdoors and active. Dressing up is fun for the whole family. Make the adventure safer with these great tips. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Safety is the primary concern. Trip hazards, garments that can get caught on things, and masks that obscure vision and cover the mouth can all be very unsafe. Opt for face painting and costumes with hats instead of masks. Avoid allergens and tampering by sticking to factory-packaged treats. Teach trick-or-treating protocol to prepare you child for going out with friends when older. Older Kids Dark costumes need glow tape or flashlights to be sure you child will be seen by drivers. Remind them to be safe pedestrians and look both ways before crossing the street. It’s better to travel in groups. Teenagers Make sure a responsible adult is around for the party. Remind your teen that people are a little crazy on Halloween. They need to keep their wits about them. Encourage driving a bit slower than usual because there are so many pedestrians. Nutrition It’s fun to allow your children the chance to have the rare sweet treats for celebrations. Feed your kids an early dinner that’s packed with protein. Provide plenty of water and healthy snacks after their outing. Save leftover candy after the first binge for occasional treats, car trips or candy buy-back events. Listen as Dr. Andrew Bernstein joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share tips for Halloween and fall festival safety. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Physical play aids child development and reduces stress.Play is important to child development. It should be a priority in children’s lives. Why Play is Priority Play with caregivers, peers and teachers affects brain structure and function. Playful learning is a fundamental part of healthy development. Play helps develop the safe, nurturing relationships with parents and caregivers to mitigate toxic stress and promote resilience. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Fifty percent of parents don’t go outside to play with their children. Thirty percent of kindergartens don’t have recess--a sacrifice made in order to focus on testing skills. Unsafe outdoor conditions often lead children to stay indoors with screens. Toys are fantastic for developing problem-solving ability. Parents may limit the child’s interactions by telling the child how to play. You can ask prompting questions if the child seems stuck, but let the youngster resolve the toy. Listen as Dr. Michael Yogman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of play. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Keep your kids safe with the current recommendations for car safety seats.Your job as a parent is to keep your child safe. Car seats are vital for your little ones. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Babies You can’t leave the hospital without a rear-facing car seat. To keep things simple, consider a seat with a carrier with a base that stays in the car. There are also convertible seats that can face the rear and be turned around when the baby is older. Installing child safety seats can be tough. Work with a certified child passenger safety technician in your community before delivery to make seat utilization safe and easy. Be sure straps are snug. Bigger Kids Forward-facing seats have a five-point safety harness. This mimics race car seat belts. Most forward-facing seats are designed for children who weigh 40 to 65 pounds. Booster seats use the seat belts installed in your car, but they consider the child’s smaller frame. Seat belts fit appropriately across the shoulder and hips with the booster seat. Most kids don’t fit in regular seat belts until they are eight to twelve years old. Keep your child in the backseat until age thirteen or older. Front-end crashes and airbag deployment can still injure a child. Used Car Seats Car seats have an expiration date that is six years from the date of manufacture. Made with materials that degrade over time, car seats become unsafe at that expiration date. You should know the history of any car seat. If it’s been in a crash, the seat’s integrity may be compromised. Milestones in your child’s life are typically positive advancements. However, progression to the next car safety seat means a reduction in protection as your child grows. Try to keep your child in the more protective seat as long as possible. Follow the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for child weight and length for that seat. Listen as Dr. Benjamin Hoffman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share details on keeping your child safe in a car seat, along with updated AAP policies on car seats. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Do you need over-the-counter medication for your child's condition?Your first stop when your child has health complaints is typically the drugstore. You want to alleviate her distress as rapidly as you can. Care.com is the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Click here get 30% off a care.com membership and use code healthychildren. - sponsor What should you know about over-the-counter medications? Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Fevers While they may be scary, fevers don’t need treatment unless they are over 101.5 degrees. If your child is uncomfortable, you can treat the fever. Never use aspirin on children. Keep a written record of when and how much you dose your child. Ibuprofen works well for fevers, pain and swelling. You can administer every eight hours. Acetaminophen works well for fevers. You can administer every four to six hours. Stuffiness & Congestion Multi-symptom medications often contain fever medications. Read the active ingredients to be sure you aren’t doubling up on ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t give cold medications to children under age four. Check age appropriateness against the recommendations on the box. Consider natural treatments like honey for children over age one as a cough suppressant. Use a humidifier or safely help your child breathe steam. Clear nasal passages with nose blowing or a mucus bulb. Check with your pediatrician if a condition is present for more than a few days. Skin Rashes Hydrocortisone cream available without a prescription is very mild. It works on rashes, insect bites, poison ivy and eczema. Anti-fungal creams work on ringworm and athlete’s foot. Hydrocortisone only makes fungi worse. Be sure you know the skin condition before selecting an ointment for treatment. Upset Stomach If your baby is gassy, feed her slower and burp her more. Infant tummy problems should be discussed with your pediatrician. Occasional gas drops may help. Upset stomach for older children usually stems from constipation or stress. If diarrhea and vomiting are absent, call your pediatrician to discuss what’s happening. Laxatives can be given for a few days to reduce cyclical constipation. Storage Consider all the places you keep pills— pill cases in your handbag, stashes in your glovebox, prescription bottles in the medicine cabinet. Keep everything out of reach, even the over-the-counter medications. Older kids may want to experiment with your prescription medications. Lock them up in a tackle box and keep a written inventory of the pills you take or administer. Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss over-the-counter medications and their safe storage. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%

Meet your breastfeeding goals with these expert tips.Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to nourish and bond with your baby. However, today’s busy world can present challenges. Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30% - sponsor Breast milk has live cells that improve immunity, extending from infancy through adulthood. Colostrum is the breast milk produced in the first four days. This “liquid gold” is filled with ingredients that jumpstart the development of the immune system. Formula concoctions today have improved with nutrition and probiotics. Breastmilk is constantly changing with mom’s body, custom blended for that specific baby. An infant formula can’t replicate that. Breastfeeding Challenges Milk is usually ready when you deliver your baby. The volume increases around day four or five. Latching issues are the most common problem. Most hospitals have an expert available to assist with latching issues. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it hurts, someone trained in breastfeeding should see what’s happening. There may be another issue. Moms need to focus on self care. Ask for help. Make a list of things people can do to help you. It’s not an ideal time for you to entertain guests as you learn to care for this new life. Listen as Dr. Maya Bunik and Dr. Jenny Thomas join Melanie Cole, MS, to educate about breastfeeding best practices and how to know it’s working. Sponsor: Fight colds and flu with Hydralyte. Rapid and complete hydration, suitable for all ages and doctor recommended. Use code “hydrakid” to save 30%