Health Library

Articles In This Section

• West Nile Virus

  The threat of West Nile virus has made getting a mosquito bite a cause for concern. What is West Nile virus, and what can you do to prevent it?

• Keeping Kids Safe in Cars

  Learn how to protect kids by properly using car seats and booster seats.

• Mosquito-Borne Diseases

  Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

• Outdoor Water Safety

  Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. Here are some tips based on the type of water.

• Playground Safety

  Following these safety guidelines can make neighborhood playgrounds entertaining and safe for your kids.

• Pool Safety

  Having a pool, pond, spa, or hot tub on your property is a huge responsibility when it comes to safety. Here’s how can you keep kids – yours and others – safe.

• Preventing Abductions

  It's important to teach your kids to be cautious without filling them with fear or anxiety. Here are ways to lessen the chances that your child will be abducted.

• Preventing Dog Bites

  Teaching kids a few basic dog manners will help them enjoy safe encounters with Fido.

• Scorpion Stings

  If a scorpion stings someone, the area of the sting will hurt and may get swollen or red, depending on the type of scorpion.

• Spider Bites

  Spiders rarely bite people. When they do, it’s usually in self-defense because they’re being crushed by a human. Usually, their venom is not strong enough to hurt humans.

• Summer Safety Center

  Here's your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about how to keep kids safe during summertime.

• Sun Safety

  By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.

• Tick Bites

  When a tick bites, the person won’t feel it happen. Always check your kids (and yourself) for ticks after spending time in the woods.

• Tick Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

  Boy, your child's freckles really stand out in the sun — yikes, that one is actually a tick! What should you do?

• Water Park Safety

  Water parks are a lot of fun and a great way to spend time outside. Here's how kids can enjoy them safely.

• Water Safety

  Kids need constant supervision around water — whether the water is in a bathtub, pool, the sea, or a water park. Here's how to keep them safe.

• How to Handle Sunburn

  You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do.

• Jellyfish Stings

  Ocean dips are a cool part of summer, but jellyfish can spoil the fun. Here's how to handle a sting from by one of these mysterious sea creatures.

• How to Choose & Use Sunscreen

  With all the options out there, choosing a sunscreen for your kids can be tricky. Here's what you need to know.

• All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety

  ATVs are off-road vehicles often used for recreation. But kids 16 and younger shouldn't ride them. Find out why, and more, here.

• Are Insect Repellents With DEET Safe for Kids?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Bee, Wasp, and Ant Stings

  Bee, wasp, and ant stings can cause temporary discomfort and pain, but most don’t lead to serious or lasting health problems.

• Bug Bites and Stings

  Most bug bites and stings are just annoying. But some can cause infections and allergic reactions. It's important to know what to watch for, and when to get medical attention.

• Cold, Ice, and Snow Safety

  Winter isn't a time to just stay indoors and wait for spring. Follow these tips to keep safe outdoors in cold weather.

• Drowning Prevention

  Drowning is a leading cause of death in children and teens. It happens fast and is usually silent. Here's how parents can help prevent drowning.

• Fireworks Safety

  Before your family celebrates a holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

• First Aid: Insect Stings and Bites

  Being stung by a bug is often just irritating and doesn't require medical treatment. But kids who are highly allergic to stings may need emergency medical care.

• First Aid: Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac

  Mild rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants can be treated at home. But severe and widespread rashes require medical treatment.

• First Aid: Spider Bites

  Most spider bites cause mild reactions, but some can cause serious illness or allergic reactions. Here's what to do if you think your child was bitten by a spider.

• First Aid: Tick Bites

  Some ticks carry harmful germs that can cause disease. Find out what to do if your child is bitten by a tick.

• Frostbite and Frostnip

  You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.

• Halloween Candy Hints

  For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat? There isn't just one right answer.

• Halloween Safety Tips

  From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time. But it can pose dangers to young revelers. For a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.

• How Can I Protect My Family From Ticks?

  Find out what the experts say.

• How to Handle Heat Illness

  In hot weather, a child's internal temperature can rise and cause heat exhaustion, which can progress to heatstroke if not treated quickly.

• Poison Ivy

  Most people get a reaction to poison ivy. Check out this article for tips on what to do and how to avoid poison ivy.