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Information for parents and caregivers
January, 2008
Happy New Year! Let Growing Great Girls help you start 2008 right. Check out this issue for information about everything from flu tips and breastfeeding basics to insulin injections and how to treat an animal bite.
General Health
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.
Tips for Treating the Flu
Here are some quick tips for helping your child get over the flu this year.
When Your Child's in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
It can be frightening whenever kids are in the hospital--maybe even more so when they're admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). But a basic understanding of the PICU may make it a little easier to cope with.
Elementary Schoolers
Your Child's Cough
Coughs are one of the most frequent symptoms of childhood illness, and although they can sound awful, they usually aren't a symptom of anything dangerous. Learn about your child's cough and what you can do to help.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a type of learning disability in which a child has difficulty learning to read and to understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence, plenty of motivation, and ample opportunities to read have dyslexia.
For Kids: Getting Along With Teachers
Kids who get along with their teachers not only learn more, but they're more comfortable asking questions and getting extra help. Read this article to find out how your kids can build good relationships with teachers.
Teens
In the News: Genital Herpes Infections Decline, Especially Among Teens and Young Adults
Although herpes infections cannot be cured, recent surveys show that the prevalence of genital herpes infections has declined, especially among teens and young adults, in the last decade.
My Teen Is Breaking Rules - What Can I Do?
What should parents do if their teen starts ignoring the ground rules and getting into trouble?
Fitness and Nutrition
Healthy Eating for Adolescent Girls and their Families
BodyWorks is a program from the U.S. DHHS Office on Women's Health designed to help parents and caregivers of girls ages 9 to 13 improve family eating and activity habits. The program focuses on parents as role models and provides them with hands-on tools to make small, specific behavior changes to prevent obesity and help maintain a healthy weight.
Steroids
Get the facts about steroids, their side effects, and what can drive kids to try them. Being aware of the kinds of pressures kids deal with in sports can help you make sure that your child isn't at risk.
Eating During Pregnancy
To eat well during pregnancy, you must do more than simply increase how much you eat. You must also consider what you eat. Your extra calories should come from nutritious foods so they can contribute to your baby's growth and development.
Mealtime Makeover: Peanut Butter & Jelly
PB&J is a favorite among kids, and with some minor changes to cut the fat and increase vitamins and minerals, it can be a favorite among parents, too. Try this mealtime makeover recipe today.
Emotions & Behavior
Helping Your Child Through a Divorce
By minimizing the stress a divorce creates, being patient as everyone adjusts to the new situation, and responding openly and honestly to your kids' concerns, you can help them through this difficult time.
Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting
This article recognizes the incredibly challenging and rewarding job that all parents have and presents nine steps to make the parenting experience more fulfilling for both you and your child.
For Teens: Coping With an Alcoholic Parent
Alcoholism causes anguish not only for the person who drinks, but for everyone who is involved with that person. But there are things you can do to help cope with the problems alcoholism creates in families.
Allergies & Asthma
Definition: Spacer
People with asthma often use inhalers (also called puffers) to take their medications. A spacer (also sometimes called a holding chamber) is a device that makes using an inhaler easier and more effective.
Wheezing and Asthma in Infants
If your infant wheezes while battling a cold, you may be wondering if the problem is asthma. But it's not always clear if a baby has asthma.
Environmental Control Measures
Families of kids with allergies should use environmental control measures that reduce exposure to the child's allergy triggers. Learn more about environmental control measures.
Diabetes
Monitoring Blood Sugar
To keep your child's blood sugar levels under control, you have to know what those levels are. To learn more about checking and recording your child's blood sugar levels, check out this article.
Talking to Your Child About Diabetes
The more you know about diabetes, the less anxious and better prepared you'll be to talk about it with your child, help your child manage the disease, and ultimately let your child take responsibility for diabetes care.
How to Give an Insulin Injection
Note: This step-by-step graphic is for educational purposes only. For specific guidance on giving an insulin injection, talk with your doctor.
Information for Spanish Speakers
New Spanish-language Page for Parents
Introducing www.girlshealth.gov/padres, a special section of girlshealth.gov dedicated to Spanish speaking parents of girls ages 10-16. It is filled with resources that will help you prepare for the issues your girls will likely face as they grow into adults.
Preschoolers
Pica
Many young children put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another. Kids with pica, however, go beyond this innocent exploration of their surroundings.
Delayed Speech or Language Development
Knowing what's "normal" and what's not in speech and language development can help you figure out if you should be concerned or if your child is right on schedule.
Sleep and Preschoolers
Preschoolers typically sleep about 10 to 12 hours during each 24-hour period, but there's no reason to be rigid about which 10 to 12 hours these are. The important thing is to help your child develop good habits for getting to sleep.
Babies and Toddlers
Breastfeeding FAQs: Getting Started
Here are answers to some common questions about beginning to breastfeed - everything from latch-on to let-down.
Nutrition Guide for Toddlers
While growth slows somewhat during the toddler years, nutrition remains a top priority. It's time to leave bottles behind and move into a new era where your child will eat and drink more independently.
Fitness and Your 2- to 3-year-old
Kids who enjoy sports and exercise tend to stay active throughout their lives. And staying fit can help improve your child's self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious illnesses later in life.
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Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
Content last updated March 15, 2008
