Health Library

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• Blood Glucose Record

  If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record his or her blood glucose levels.

• Managing Home Health Care

  When kids need intensive health care after they're discharged from the hospital, family and caregivers should learn about the devices, equipment, and support they'll need.

• Clinical Trials

  Deciding to enroll your child in a clinical study will depend on its potential benefits and risks, as well as your child's particular illness. Learn more.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body's organs and structures.

• ECG (Electrocardiogram)

  Is your child scheduled to have an ECG? Find out how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

• Blood Test: Valproic Acid

  Doctors may order a blood test for valproic acid, an anticonvulsant drug prescribed mainly to prevent seizures, to see how the liver is processing the medicine.

• Blood Test: Prothrombin Time (PT)

  Doctors may order a PT test as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

• Blood Test: Magnesium

  Doctors do this test to assess blood levels of magnesium, which helps the muscles and nerves function, the heart maintain normal rhythm, the bones stay strong, and the body process energy and make proteins.

• Blood Test: Hemoglobin

  Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. A hemoglobin test can be done as part of a routine checkup to screen for problems and or because a child isn't feeling well.

• Blood Test: Glucose

  The blood glucose test, which measures the amount of sugar in the blood, may be done as part of a routine physical or to help diagnose diabetes.

• Blood Test: C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

  A C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test is used to identify inflammation or infection in the body.

• How to Shop for Health Insurance

  The government's healthcare marketplace, or exchange, is the new way to shop for health insurance. But just how do you find the best coverage and sign up? Get answers here.

• Preparing Your Child for Visits to the Doctor

  When kids know they're "going to the doctor," they might wonder about the visit. Here's how to prepare them.

• Getting Teens Involved in Their Health Care

  Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

  Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

• Balancing Schoolwork and Hospital Stays

  When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with some planning, you can help your child balance schoolwork with hospital stays.

• Financial Planning for Kids With Disabilities

  These steps can help take the anxiety and worry out of your child's financial future and make sure that your child will be taken care of even after you're gone.

• 504 Education Plans

  Kids who have special needs in the classroom may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan.

• How Can I Find a New Doctor for My Child?

  Find out what the experts say.

• Blood Test: Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)

  A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

• Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection and some autoimmune diseases.

• Helping Kids Get Ready for Surgery

  Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here's how parents can help them.

• How to Take Your Child’s Pulse

  Need to check your child's heart rate? Follow our guide and check with your doctor if you have questions.

• Ventricular Assist Device

  A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that takes over for the heart and pumps blood. This can give a weak or injured heart time to heal or support someone as they wait for a heart transplant.

• Heart Transplant

  If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.