For so many Americans who lost their jobs and their insurance, Medicaid is an important safety net. Now imagine you lost both your job and your insurance benefits and your child gets sick, but you have the Medicaid safety net. So, you call your doctor, only to be told that your doctor’s office can’t see your child because he or she cannot see any more Medicaid patients. You are told this is because the state can’t afford to pay the costs for the services. (more…)

Kids spend a good part of their day playing outside in the summer. But before they go outside, it’s important to protect them from the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun.

Do you know the difference between sunburn and sun poisoning?

The symptoms of sunburn may include redness, swelling of the skin, pain, blisters and peeling skin days after the burn. If your child gets sunburn, give him or her a cool bath or place cool washcloths on the sunburned area. You also can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Apply a moisturizer, like aloe or hydrocortisone cream to the sunburned skin. If the skin blisters, don’t break them open, because they can get infected. It’s also a good idea to keep your child out of the sun until the burn is healed. (more…)

There’s still time this summer to hit the road or take to the skies for a family trip. Whether it’s a short visit to grandma’s house or a trip across the country, traveling with children can be challenging. When embarking on a family trip, consider selecting a destination that’s geared toward children.

Whether you are traveling by car, plane, train or bus, the key to an enjoyable trip with your child is to plan ahead. Advanced planning will ensure a successful, fun vacation and reduce the stress associated with traveling as a family.

Here are some things you can do to ensure you and your children have an enjoyable and memorable experience: (more…)