Knowledge=Love

New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Please visit our new and updated Blog site at babymedbasics.com/blog/. Look forward to seeing all of you soon.

-Tara

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:51:00 +0000

- Attention Mamas and Mamas-to-be... MEDBASICS is proud to be a part of the NY Mom's World 2011 Baby & Toddler Bonaza! As featured speakers, MEDBASICS will explain why "traditional" emergency preparation leaves you dangerously unprepared for childhood medical emergencies, and more...If you haven't registered for the Baby and Toddler Bonanza yet, do it quickly as spaces are filling fast! This event is going to be "FABULOUS!" Don't miss it! Click on the image below for more details!

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:34:00 +0000

I walked into babysitting yesterday and the Hermanns had put up a beautiful Christmas tree, complete with glass bulbs and delicate ornaments. Lights were twinkling and candles were burning and it was beautiful. And my first thought was, "Great. Just great. There'll be no taking my eyes off Vivi now!"

Vivi is the youngest Hermann kid, who at 11 months is a little speed demon on all fours. Like every baby, she's curious about everything and most of it ends up in her mouth. So while the holidays are magical and absolutely my favorite time of year, they do bring along some extra safety challenges to take into consideration. Here are a few tips...

Make sure Christmas trees are in a secure stand and will hold up to a baby's tug on a lower branch. Keep the glass and other breakable ornaments up high out of baby's reach, and if you're going to hang soft ornaments on the bottom, try and do so with string, not metal hooks. Clean up fallen needles often.

All those lights mean extra wires! Inspect to make sure nothing is frayed, tape up the wire along walls so baby can't wrap it around herself, and make sure unoccupied outlets are covered.

Some of the beloved holiday plants are actually poisonous to people (and pets, so keep your eye on Fido too). Mistletoe, Jerusalem Cherry, holly berries, and amaryllis, while really pretty to look at, can have all sorts of unpleasant effects if ingested, and in some cases may cause death. The ubiquitous poinsettia, while not toxic, may cause a rash if the sap contacts the skin, and eating a few leaves could leave baby feeling sick.

Remember, houseguests and visitors may inadvertently bring potential dangers along with them. Suitcases left on the ground may contain medicines and small objects baby can ingest, so make sure everyone in the house knows to keep these things out of baby's reach.

So the holiday season doesn't have to mean stress and panic for your sitter or yourself. With a little extra awareness and vigilance, you can have your fruitcake and eat it too!

Happy Holidays!

-Zoey, sitter to the Hermann kids

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:26:00 +0000

-Recently our hearts broke for the family of the 4 month old little boy who died after being given drug store cough medicine. Read the tragic story here.

This winter, make sure you and everyone who cares for your child knows the ins and outs of coughs & colds.

* Don't give cough and cold medications to children under 4 years old unless prescribed by your Pediatrician. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), every year thousands of children under age 12 go to emergency rooms after taking over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. In response to safety concerns, the leading manufacturers of children's cough and cold medicines are voluntarily changing the labels on these products to state that they should not be used in children younger than 4 years of age. Previously, the labels stated that these medicines should not be given to children under age 2. Products with the old labels will not be removed immediately from store shelves but are expected to gradually be replaced with products bearing the new labels.

*Don't give your child two medications that contain the same ingredients. It's not uncommon for cough, cold and allergy medications to share some of the same ingredients so make sure you read the labels and understand what you're giving your child to avoid a potential overdose or reaction.

*Don't leave any medications where your child might be able to reach them. This goes for visitors too- ask house guests to keep medication out of the reach of children.

*Don't give honey to children younger than 1 because of the risk of botulism. Honey can be used to treat a cough in children 2 years and older.

*Saline drops or spray can help with stuffy noses.

*Popsicles or frozen Pedialyte Pops can help with dehydration and sore throats.

*Consult with your Pediatrician regarding diagnosis and treatment of cough and cold.

*When to Call 911
-if your child stops breathing or is struggling severely to breathe.
-if you infant is making grunting noises while trying to breathe.
-if nail bed, lips or mucous membranes turn blue or purple.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:59:00 +0000

MEDBASICS at MOMPREP!

This fall MEDBASICS has teamed up with
Rosie Pope Maternity & MOMPREP to offer parents & caregivers the MUST TAKE COURSE,
"Think Like an ER Doctor"

If you asked an Emergency Room doctor how they stay so calm, cool and collected during a medical emergency, what do you think they would say?

A. "I've spent my whole life preparing for this moment!"
B. "I'm not really a doctor but I play one on TV."
C. "I simply know the critical questions to ask and the necessary actions I should take."

Of course there is some truth in answer A and some entertainment value in answer B (love Grey's Anatomy- seriously? seriously.) but the correct answer is C which is fantastic news for parents and caregivers because these critical questions and actions that allow the ER docs to remain calm, cool and collected can be learned by you.

For the first time ever at MomPrep, MEDBASICS is providing the "Think Like an ER Doctor" course. Led by an Emergency Room Physician and Registered Nurse, you will learn the critical questions you need to ask and the necessary actions you should take to help your child in a variety of medical emergencies including, Anaphylaxis, Dangerous Rashes, Extremely High Fever, Head Injuries, Life-threatening Poisonings and more!

Find out exactly when you should call 9-1-1, when to call your Pediatrician and when monitoring your child at home is enough. Understand what ER doctors really want to know from parents and discover the insider's secrets to traversing the Emergency Room as painlessly as possible. Parents and caregivers should not miss this demystifying and empowering course.

Each participant will receive a MEDBASICS Critical Q&A (Questions & Actions) Pathway for each emergency discussed. We recommend taking this information wherever your child goes.

In New York City? Check out the MOMPREP Open House and Rosie Pope Maternity on the Upper East Side, November 3rd, 5:30-8:30!

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:49:00 +0000

The 20 Must Have Items for Your Baby's Emergency Care Kit

There are so many first aid kits on the market right now which is great but I look through them and mostly just see a lot of bandages! So as I'm building my first aid kit which by the way I'm now calling my (more appropriately named) Emergency Care Kit, I'm asking myself...

"What emergencies are most likely to occur and
what do I need to know and have on hand when they do?"

This kit is for your baby so personalize it. Provide emergency contact information, insurance, his/her medical history; blood type, list of medications and surgeries, immunizations etc. This information proves very useful if you're traveling and end up in an Emergency Department somewhere.

If your little one is taking prescription medication you will clearly need to save space in your pack for the medication, but also printed instructions and an emergency refill prescription (ask your doctor if this applies to your situation).

FEVER: What do you really need?
A reliable thermometer (and petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to lubricate the tip). The American Academy of Pediatrics say the days of glass mercury doo dads are gone. If you've not already done so, go buy a digital thermometer. As tempting as the forehead strips and ear thermometers are, please just buy a regular digital thermometer. A rectal temp provides the most accurate reading, particularly in infants under 1 year.
Your kit should include Infant Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen- give only if your baby is older than 6 months). Don't give aspirin as it can cause liver failure in children.

BLEEDING: Bring on the bandages! This list should cover everything from a big fall (think control bleeding on the way to the Emergency Department fall) to a skinned knee. In a true emergency if you don't have bandages, you can use a t-shirt, a blanket or your hands to hold pressure to the wound if necessary.
* Absorbent compress (2 5"x9" dressings)
* Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
* Roller bandages (2 rolls- a 3" and 4")
* Sterile gauze pads (5 3"x3" and 5 4"x4")
* Adhesive paper tape (1 roll, paper so you don't need scissors)
* Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
* Instant cold compress

BURNS:
Sunblock. My favorite is Blue Lizard which is a physical blocking sunscreen which works better (and is safer) than chemical blocking sunscreens. Also, the bottle changes colors allowing you to know when harmful rays are present and it's time to reapply. Sun protection is a daily commitment- even in the winter.
You can use the bandages from above to cover a burn to reduce the chance of infection. Also, go ahead and give your baby the Tylenol because you know what? Burns hurt.

POISON:
Must have- poison control phone number 1-800-222-1222
A bottle of saline solution or water for rinsing eyes
(notice this kit does not include syrup of ipecac or activated charcoal)

A FEW NECESSARY EXTRAS:
Hydrocortisone is good for itchy rashes
Hand sanitizer, lotion and lip balm
Wipes and an extra diaper... trust me, at some point you will thank me for this. Have you ever been traveling and realized you just used your last diaper? Ummm... tell me that's not an emergency!
Sting pads (you can create a paste with baking soda and water that does the same thing)
Guide to infant emergencies- we all know what we do on a daily basis and my guess is you're not administering emergency care to your child very often so it's a good idea to include a "what to do" guide like baby MEDBASICS travel version to walk you through situations like choking and CPR
Something to keep your little one distracted- stickers, a little toy, pictures of family

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:58:00 +0000

-*Knowledge=Love

This Fall, we challenge all of you to take the

MEDBASICS 9-1-1 Challenge!
What is it you ask? Simple.

Ok, it's you & a baby... maybe yours, maybe your niece, maybe a baby on the street. You notice this baby is choking, not breathing. What is your reaction? Panic? Frozen with fear? Hysterical? You try to call

9-1-1 but your cell phone is dead & there is no one around to help. It's up to you. Now what's your reaction? If it's anything but absolute confidence, YOU need to take the MEDBASICS' 9-1-1 Challenge Workshop!

MEDBASICS' workshops are EMPOWERING, enabling parents & caregivers to CONFIDENTLY be an active, crucial part of their child’s first response team.

At MEDBASICS, we understand that taking action can not stop at calling 911 and that part of loving your child is knowing what to do & how to help when they need you most.
* Ask about our Nanny Discount!

- Learn the most common infant emergencies & what to do if they happen to your little one.

- Find out how to prepare for emergencies even when you're traveling.

- Get the inside scoop for navigating the Emergency Room.

- Led by an ER Doctor & RN.

-Only $99 per person which includes a complementary baby MEDBASICS home pack ($35 value) Workshop is 2+ hours with lots of hands on practice time.

- We come to you! Gather 5 or more of your friends & family, order a pizza, open a bottle of wine or soda & let's get started!
(minimum 5 people per class)

"Every mom has nightmares about her mind going blank as her child chokes on a Cheerio. Baby MEDBASICS is a way to stop the anxiety."
-Cookie Magazine
************************************************************************************************
Schedule Now, Fall Workshops are filling fast!
e: tara@babymedbasics.com
p: 917-353-1932

"Thank you for facilitating such an informative class. Both my husband and I feel so much better now that we have the tools to implement the various procedures if necessary. I will be forwarding off your information to other parents who may be interested. Thanks again!"

-Jenny & Daren

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Stay Safe and Sound at Home & Around Town

** home ** shopping ** playground ** travel **

Home

1. Child proofing

Regularly conduct a complete safety walk-through of your home. Approach each room from the level of your child. Consider age & developmental milestones. What can you get into? What pretty shiny things do you see? Are cabinets unlocked? Cords dangling? Outlets exposed? What can you reach / pull over? What's in the trash can... razors, cleaning solutions, batteries? After completing the walk-through, make the necessary adjustments to your baby's environment.
If you must keep a firearm in the house, keep it unloaded and locked in a case. Lock ammunition in a separate location. If your child plays in other homes, ask if guns are present there, and if so, how they are stored.

2. SIDS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Because as many as 90% of SIDS deaths are caused by unsafe sleep practices, it is important that you and everyone who cares for your baby consistently follow SIDS prevention guidelines.

Make sure everyone putting your baby to sleep knows to place him on his back, not his belly or even his side. Everyone, every time.
Your baby's crib should be safety approved with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
Remove bumpers, blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Babies should sleep in a crib separate from siblings and parents.
Don’t over dress your baby. Use a sleep-sack instead of blankets.
Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime throughout the first year of life.
Provide daily tummy time which helps strengthen neck muscles.
For more information on SIDS, visit Firstcandle.org

3. Crib Safety

Tighten all the screws, bolts, and other hardware securely to prevent the crib from collapsing.
Strangle risks- Never hang anything with strings or ribbon over cribs and make sure the crib has no raised corner posts or cutouts.
The slats on the crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart to ensure baby's head doesn't get caught in between.
Use a mattress that fits snugly in the crib so your baby cannot slip in between the sides of the crib.

4. Fire Safety

Install smoke alarms outside every bedroom and on every level of your home, including the basement. Buy alarms with long-life lithium batteries. Standard batteries should be changed every year. Test alarms every month to make sure they are working properly.

I know we've all heard the fire safety/smoke alarm message since grade school, right? Well, I really want you to hear it today like it's the first time you have heard it. I feel passionate about smoke detectors more than ever after last fall... when it comes to "relaxed fire safety" I was one of the worst offenders. The smoke alarm would go off while cooking (frequently actually when I think about it!) & I would take the alarm down to stop the God forsaken noise & forget to put it back up. A day or two later, I would remember & replace it. Everything I felt about fire safety changed last October. My mother was visiting & we had just returned from my sister's in DC. To our credit, we actually had 3 smoke detectors in our apartment that night, the problem was 2 of them were in the hall closet awaiting new batteries and one was in the kitchen, on top of the refrigerator (umm...cooking episode). When I drug my exhausted 6 month preggy body into bed that night to sleep I had no idea I would wake to the sounds of NYFD firefighters banging on our door. In my confused sleepy haze I heard the banging & yelling, stumbled to the door to find 5 firefighters standing there. It was then that I realized our apartment was completely full of smoke. The apartment below us was on fire & smoke was tumbling in through our windows, floors & doors. We had no idea. We had no working smoke detector. We had taken our safety for granted. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the NYFD for keeping us safe. They did their part and I am now 100% committed to making sure I do mine.

Shopping

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents & caregivers follow these guidelines when shopping with children.

Never place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart.
Never allow a child to ride in the basket.
Never allow a child to ride on the outside of a cart.
Never allow an older child to climb on the cart or push the cart with another child inside.

That's a lot of nevers! Over cautious? It seems not. Most shopping injuries occur when a child falls from a shopping cart, the cart tips over, the child becomes entrapped in the cart, or the child falls while riding on the outside of the cart, according to the policy statement, "Shopping Cart-Related Injuries to Children." Each year, children are seen in the Emergency Room with shopping cart- related injuries. Head and neck injuries account for 74 percent of shopping cart-related injuries among children younger than 15.

To avoid injury on your next shopping trip, try the following alternatives:

Get another adult to come with you to watch the children while shopping.
Put children in strollers, wagons, or frontpacks instead of in shopping carts.
Ask older children to walk and praise them for behaving and staying nearby.
Leave children at home with another adult.
Shop online if local stores offer shopping on the Internet.

Playground

You've heard it, "it's all fun & games 'til somebody gets an eye poked out... 'til somebody gets a bloody nose... 'til somebody cracks their head open...

You can help keep the fun & games going for your kiddo's just by checking a few key things.

Is the equipment the right size for your child?
Can children reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part?
What's underneath the equipment? The best way to prevent serious injuries is to have a surface that will absorb impact when children land on it. This is especially needed under and around swings, slides, and climbing equipment.
Is wooden play equipment free of splinters and nails or screws that stick out?
Is the slide hot? Metal slides can get very hot from the sun and burn a child's hands and legs.
Are there rocks, glass, sticks, toys, debris, or other children at the base of a slide?
Are there other children swinging? Use caution in swing areas to prevent collisions.

Travel

Many Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAPs) are happy to see children who are traveling to their city. Here's a great link!

Finding a Pediatrician When Traveling- http://tinyurl.com/2g2h4fm

For more travel tips see our August blog post, Vacation Emergency Survival Guide.

1. Airplane

Supervision in a busy airport is a must, especially for the newly mobile little one.
When traveling by plane, place baby in a car seat or hold tightly in your lap during turbulance.
Avoid hot drinks on the plane such as tea & coffee which could burn your baby if spilled.
Watch baby's head! This unfortunately is a personal addition to the list after a trip to Missouri in August with sweet Vivienne. I totally hit her head on the overhead compartment when standing to exit... uggh, Mommy's sorry!

2. Car

Read about the specific features, how to install & use your particular car safety seat.
Check straps / harnesses with each car ride to ensure your little one is securely restrained.
Don't give your child snacks while she's in her car seat.
Remember to take your child with you when you get out of the car. I know it sounds obvious but every year children die from hyperthermia after being left in their car seat in the car.
See the AAP guide below:

Age Group

Type of seat

General Guidelines

Infants

Infant seats and rear-facing convertible seats

Infants should ride rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. At a minimum, children should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their infant-only seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat.

Toddlers/preschoolers

Convertible seats and forward-facing seats with harnesses

It is best for children to ride rear-facing as long as possible to the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer of their convertible seat. When they have outgrown the seat rear-facing, they should use a forward-facing seat with a full harness as long as they fit.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:08:00 +0000

-
CC Your Sitter: Pantry Perils

Being a sitter often means you're responsible for feeding your charges. If you don't have kids yourself, and you're NOT a medical professional like the people you babysit for (um, that would be me), then you might not know about all of the potential dangers hidden in the kitchen pantry. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates at least one child in the United States dies every five days from choking on food. The academy rates choking as the leading cause of death among children 14 and younger (keep in mind for every choking-related death, there are more than 100 visits to U.S. emergency departments for choking episodes). How's that for scary statistics? It's facts like these that have me cutting up Oliver's grapes into sixteenths. (Kidding, kind of.) Now I know the top food choking hazards for kids, and it's a good idea to make sure your sitter does too.

Hot dogs (especially cut into a coin shape), meats, sausages, and fish with bones
Popcorn, chips, pretzel nuggets, and snack foods
Candy (especially hard or sticky candy), cough drops, gum, lollipops, marshmallows, caramels, hard candies, and jelly beans
Whole grapes, raw vegetables, raw peas, fruits, fruits with skins, seeds, carrots, celery, and cherries
Raisins, dried fruits, sunflower seeds, all nuts, including peanuts
Peanut butter, especially in spoonfuls or soft white bread
Ice cubes and cheese cubes
Foods that clump, are sticky or slippery, or dry and hard textured
Food size and shape, especially round or a shape that could conform to the shape and size of the trachea (windpipe). A small child's trachea is approximately 1.25 inches in diameter.

Does this mean that you can never give your toddler a raisin again? Of course not, but use common sense and a lot of caution. Meal and snack-times should be calm, seated, and relaxing, not rushed and on-the-go. Make sure to supervise children when eating, and cut up food into small pieces. Remember, even if you know this already, don't assume your sitter does! Reminders never hurt.

~Zoey, sitter to Nicholas, Oliver, and Vivienne

P.S., Check out this article from CNN Health...

Labels urged for foods that can choke kids

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:30:00 +0000

- CC Your Sitter: Sitting Off-Site

As a sitter, one of the perks of the job is sometimes getting to travel along with the family on their vacations! I've done it a few times, and have picked up a few tips from experience that just might make your next vacation a little less stressful and a lot safer!

1. As always, make sure everyone is wearing her seat belt (and in an approved and properly installed child safety seat, if required) in cars at all times.

2. If your little one gets motion sickness in a car or on a plane, it's a good idea to bring an extra set of clothes, lots of wipes (useful any time, really) and have a plastic bag at the ready. (Just make sure the bag is kept away from babies at other times!)

3. On a plane, have a bottle ready and a pacifier on hand for when the pressure in the cabin becomes uncomfortable for baby. Sucking will help their ears pop, thus helping the Eustachian tube equalize the pressure on either side of the eardrum. Older kids can enjoy snacks--anything that they can chew and swallow. Yawning also helps.

4. If the kids aren't vomiting, they'll probably be whining. I like to play 'I Spy' with Oliver. Older kids can play the spelling version: "I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter "G", and younger ones can guess by color: "I spy with my little eye something blue." Cell phones can also provide hours of entertainment, even without apps. Oliver loves flipping my cell open and pushing random numbers.

5. Most importantly, the same rules that apply at home should apply on vacation too. Always make sure kids are supervised near any bodies of water, and keep the lines of communication open between parents and sitter. On a vacation, in a different location, it's easy to lose track of who's in charge of whom. So double check! Is Oliver with his mother in the back yard or should I be watching him? Who's got the baby? Sometimes it's easy to assume that just because there are several adults on the premises that the kids are automatically being supervised, but that's not necessarily so. Decide--verbally--who's in charge, so that there's no confusion. It's not a bad idea to use a clock to designate shifts. Mom and Dad are watching the kids from 2 to 3, and then the sitter takes over until 6, for example. This way, you and your sitter can both relax and enjoy the vacation!

Hope these help!

Zoey, sitter to Nicholas, Oliver, and Vivienne

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:46:00 +0000

-Vacation Emergency Prep 101

Before You Leave Home

*Create an emergency information pack:
(use your baby MEDBASICS pack, a bag or envelope but make sure you pack this in your carry on luggage- don't check it)

1. A list of current medications with dosage and an extra copy of prescriptions.

2. A list of allergies.

3. Phone number for family doctor.

4. Insurance company phone number and insurance identification cards. Call your insurance company to verify their policy for emergencies and doctor visits specific to your particular destination.

5. A few basic childproofing items for the hotel/guest room (outlet plugs, cabinet locks, cord rollers, etc).

Travel Day

1. Carry your own emergency care guide on airplane (baby MEDBASICS). Yes, you will have flight attendants but no you won't have 911. Ultimately you are accountable for your baby's safety so be prepared and don't leave it up to someone else.

2. *Carry the emergency information pack you so carefully created before leaving home (see above)

3. If your child has a severe allergy or medical condition place a medic-alert bracelet on your child.

4. Carry a portable first-aid kit and small bottle of alcohol-free hand sanitizer.

5. Pack 1 more diaper than you think you need (after your third flight delay... this, my friend, could be the biggest emergency you encounter).

When You Arrive

1. Make note of emergency numbers (not always 911) as well as your vacation address and the location of the closest hospital. You can ask a family member, friend or concierge for this information.

2. Suitcase dangers- Sometimes the biggest vacation dangers are actually packed in your suitcase. Make sure all medications, vitamins, cigarettes and cosmetics are out of reach from your little one. Ziplock bags are a start but don't qualify as child proofing. Lock medications in the room safe and place all items high on a shelf out of reach.

3. Hotel room/guest room dangers- Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around the room. See what your baby sees and make the adjustments as necessary. Are there dangling cords? Exposed outlets? Matches? Irons?
Check the temperature of the hot water as you don't know the hot water heater setting. By childproofing the room from the start you will make your life a lot easier and your baby's a lot safer. According to the National Safety Council, the number two cause of injury-related death among children is drowning so make sure to take precautions regarding any swimming pool, lake or ocean. Prevention + Attention saves lives.

4. Sun damage- Take extra care to make sure baby is covered up as you most likely be spending more time outside than usual. Apply sunscreen (at least 30 spf) every 2 hours and after swimming. Remember that your baby's skin is thinner than yours and therefore burns more quickly than adult skin.Bring hats and umbrellas for shade. Offer plenty of fluids and watch for signs of heat exhaustion/ heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), quick pulse, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness.

5. Resort babysitting- Only hire babysitters from a trusted source. Make sure a background check has been completed and that a copy of his/her current drivers license is on file. Trust your gut. If your sitter arrives and you don't have a good feeling either call for another sitter or cancel your evening. (I personally love sittercity.com) After your sitter arrives, allow time for your baby (and you) to adjust. I recommend leaving at least a 30 minute window. Make sure you provide the sitter with your baby MEDBASICS emergency care guide, a first aid kit with emergency information and your cell phone number.

There you have it, my crash course in vacation emergency preparation. Now, relax and enjoy (as much as you can...)

Boo or BooHoo?

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Knock. Knock.
Who's there?
BOO.
BOO WHO?
WHY ARE YOU CRYING?

Thank you Nicholas (my 10 year old) for that Halloween knock knock but the truth is safety is no joke. Know the best way to make sure your little one's BOO doesn't turn into BOO-HOO this Halloween? You got it... Prevention, Prevention, Prevention.

Your Top 5 Halloween Injury Prevention List

1. Bleeding Prevention
- Carving Jack-o-lanterns is super fun but can also be super dangerous if not properly supervised. Walk with me through the scene- Pumpkins? Check. Excited children? Check. Large sharp knives and saws? Check. Of course your kid wants to help carve and of course he thinks he's big enough to do it without your help. Not to don my Grinch costume but the truth is small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife or saw (at all) and older children should only be allowed to with close supervision (one adult:one child). I suggest buying one of the many kits available that come with tiny saws rather than using the family butcher knife. They are safer than knives although you can be cut by them as well. Little ones can still have lots of fun cleaning out the pumpkin and drawing a face on it, which you can carve for them. I'm not promising you won't have a small boo-hoo when you announce that you will be carving and not them, but I will promise that kind of boo-hoo won't send you to your local Emergency Department.

- Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.

2. Allergy Prevention
- If you're hosting a Halloween party this year check and see if anyone attending the party has food allergies to peanuts, dairy, shell fish to name a few. Many children with severe allergies carry epi (epinephrenine) pens. Make sure you know where the pen is kept and how to use it just in case. If you don't feel comfortable make sure the child is accompanied by a parent or caregiver who is.

- Avoid any candy with peanuts in your "give away" bowl.

- Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. When your child is little, supervision of "candy eating" is important for multiple reasons- to insure the candy has not been tampered with as well as to oversee potential allergic reactions and choking episodes.

3. Poisoning
- Dry Ice is wonderfully spooky for parties. It's recommended however if using dry ice in a punch bowl, make sure you keep any dry ice chips out of drinks as it can cause severe injury if ingested. I recommend not putting the dry ice in the punch bowl (makes sense to keep the poison out of things my children are drinking). You can still use the dry ice for effect, just put it in it's own cauldron and instruct children not to touch.

4. Burns
- Outdoor Jack-o'-lanterns with lit candles should be kept away from where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from anything that could be ignited- decorations, window treatments, coats, etc.

- Your child's costume should be fire resistant and free of loose flowing materials that could potentially brush over candles and catch on fire.

5. Pedestrian Accidents
- Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.

- Check that the eye holes on costumes and masks are large enough for good peripheral vision.

- Teach your kids basic everyday safety and remind them how the following rules apply to Halloween nights as well as daily living.

Don't get into cars or talk to strangers.
Don't run out into streets.
Do watch both ways before crossing streets.
Do cross only when the lights tell you to.
Do walk on sidewalks rather than on the street.
Do hold the hand of an adult when crossing busy intersections.

- Small children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween.

Btw, still looking for your own halloween costume? If you follow these tips, you can proudly announce that this Halloween you are going as the "safest Mom in the neighborhood". Share your knowledge and help keep this Halloween SAFE and HAPPY for everyone.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Wednesday's Results...

Which two are true and which one is not?

1. Babies can drown in only 1 inch of water. True

Unbelievable but believe it! One inch of water is enough water for your baby to drown. When it comes to water safety think beyond pools, lakes and bath tubs... think toilets, buckets of water, coolers, mop water. Do not leave your baby alone around water even briefly. We've all been tempted by the ease of "it'll just take a minute and I'll be right back, but many a drowning story started just like that. Don't risk it, take your baby with you or stay with your child.

2. Pools are where most infant drownings occur. False

Pools can pose a significant drowning risk but are not where most infant drownings occur (see #3). If you have a pool or are visiting somewhere with a pool here a few ways to keep your baby safe. Seemingly simple but make sure you know where your baby/toddler is at all times. Most pool drownings occur at residential pools and parents report not knowing their child was anywhere near the pool at the time. Safety gates are only safe if they remain closed. Make sure you and everyone who uses the pool closes the gate. Start teaching pool safety rules early and have baby where a life jacket. Designate one adult at a time to be a vigilant "lifeguard". Trade shifts as often as necessary but be clear who is responsible for what amount of time because inevitably on a busy fun summer day we all think someone else is watching.

3. Bathtubs are where most infant drownings occur. True

More than half of infant drownings occur in the bath tub. Once again, don't leave your baby alone in the bathtub ever, ever, ever. Make sure that you and everyone who cares for your baby follows this simple lifesaving rule.

know more. worry less.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Tuesday's Two Truths and a Non Truth

Today's topic- Drowning

Which 2 are true, which one is not?

1. Babies can drown in only 1 inch of water.

2. Pools are where most infant drownings takes place.

3. Bathtubs are where most infant drownings takes place.

Want to make a guess? I'll post the answers tomorrow.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:38:00 +0000

This EPA website is a summer must for all families!

Check out todays UV index for your city at http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Wednesday's Results...

Which two are true and which one is not?

1. You won't get a sunburn on a cloudy day so no need for sunblock. FALSE

Sunburns are caused by UV radiation not "sunshine". You can get a sunburn

even when the sun is behind the clouds. UV rays are usually most dangerous between the hours of 11 am- 3 pm. Sunblock, sunblock and more sunblock!

2. Hats keep out 50% of UV radiation. TRUE

Don't forget the sunblock on your face but throw a hat on for extra protection. This is great not only for children but for preggy moms and/or postpartum moms if you have the "pregnancy mask". The sun accentuates the hormonally induced color changes on your face. If you neglect your skin during the time, that "mask" can be extremely difficult for you and your dermatologist to get rid of.

3. Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun. Really. TRUE

Your baby's skin is thinner than yours and therefore burns more quickly than adult skin.

So if you have to be out with your 6 month old (or younger) for the day, what should you do? Dress him/her in light loose clothing, have a parasol on the carriage, have them wear a hat and keep them in the shade.

know more. worry less.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Tuesday's Two Truths and a Non Truth

Today's topic- Sun Smarts

Which 2 are true, which one is not?

1. You won't get a sunburn on a cloudy day so no need for sunblock.

2. Hats keep out 50% of UV radiation.

3. Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun. Really.

Want to make a guess? I'll post the answers tomorrow.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:07:00 +0000

A mother saves her six week old baby- an inspiring story.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Wednesday's Results... on Friday.

Which two are true and which one is not?

1. Give a cool alcohol bath to treat heat exhaustion. FALSE
The days of alcohol baths are long gone. Pediatricians no longer recommend this practice as the alcohol absorption may have toxic effects.

2. Heat exhaustion untreated may lead to heat stroke. TRUE
Signs of heat exhaustion:
pale, moist skin, usually a fever over 103 degrees, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps
Signs of heat stroke:
red, dry skin, usually a fever over 105 degrees, nausea, vomiting, headache, lethargy, rapid heart rate, seizures, coma and death are possible.

What should you do?
heat exhaustion: remove excess clothing, move to a cool place to rest, try to give fluids. If your child is unable to drink, IV fluids are most likely necessary- call you pediatrician.
heat stroke: remove excess clothing, move to a cool place to rest, try to give fluids, place ice bags under arms and on groin. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs to be treated by a physician, call 911 if you think your child is suffering from heat stroke.

3. Leaving children in a hot car- even for a brief period of time (yea, hi mom & dad- gotta love parenting in the 70's!) can lead to heat exhaustion. TRUE
Leaving a child in a hot car can indeed lead to heat exhaustion and if for any period of time will lead to heat stroke which can be fatal. Never, ever, ever leave your child in a car.

know more. worry less.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:38:00 +0000

National CPR & AED Awareness Week is June 1-7.

The American Heart Association set a goal to train 1 million people in CPR and help save more lives from cardiac arrest. Have you taken a class? If your child, mother, husband collapsed in front of you, would you know what to do? Could you save a life? Here's a link to CPR courses all over the United States- sign up today!

NYC parents- In honor of National CPR & AED week I'll be offering reduced rates on my group in home CPR training and will also give a free baby MEDBASICS travel pack to each participant. Just call 917-353-1932 or e-mail tara@babymedbasics.com to find out more.

know more. worry less.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Tuesday's Two Truths and a Non-truth

Fun In The Sun Can Be Exhausting!

Today's topic- Heat Exhaustion and your kids...

Which 2 are true, which one is not?

1. Give a cool alcohol bath to treat heat exhaustion.

2. Heat exhaustion untreated may lead to heat stroke.

3. Leaving children in a hot car- even for a brief period of time (yea, hi mom & dad- gotta love parenting in the 70's!) can lead to heat exhaustion.

Want to make a guess? I'll post the answers tomorrow.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:08:00 +0000

Join Us This Tuesday!
MEDBASICS at Baby Bites NYC
June 2, 2009 12-2 pm



	Every mom who attends this luncheon will take home a travel pack, your essential what to do guide to infant emergencies on the go.

is choking...

stops breathing...

is bleeding...

Do you know what to do? Does your babysitter?

Don't worry, if your baby needs medical help you can do it and Luke Hermann MD and Tara Summers-Hermann RN, BSN will show you how.

Discover the most common choking hazards and how the steps to saving your infant are different than saving your toddler. Learn why you hold direct pressure to a cut and find out the truth about tourniquets. When your baby has a fever, know when to call the doctor and how high is too high. Find out how to create a safer environment for your little one.

Other topics include SIDS, animal bites, falls, drowning, and allergic reactions.

Knowledge = Love

Love your baby, know what to do.

Tara Summers-Hermann, RN, BSN is the co-founder and President of MEDBASICS, LLC. After years of specializing in Cardiology , she traded full time nursing for full time motherhood with the birth of her first son, Nicholas. After a choking episode involving her son, she and her physician husband started MEDBASICS, LLC. Tara is an AHA Certified BCLS instructor with her primary focus being infant and toddler CPR/ first-aid courses. She lives in New York City with her husband Luke and 2 sons, Nicholas and Oliver. Luke Hermann, MD is the co-founder and Vice-President of MEDBASICS, LLC. Dr. Hermann is a practicing emergency physician on academic faculty at a major New York Hospital.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Wednesday's Results...

Which two are true and which one is not?

1. Brain damage from lack of oxygen (when your baby stops breathing) begins in 4 minutes and death shortly thereafter. TRUE

This statistic is why it is crucial to begin care as soon as possible when your child stops breathing. The American Heart Association states, if you are alone with your child, give 2 minutes of CPR then call 911. If someone else is with you have them call 911 while you begin giving CPR. A lot of parents believe that calling 911 is enough... it's not.

2. The average time for EMS to respond to a 911 call is 8 minutes. TRUE

There have been several studies conducted through the years regarding EMS response time. One interesting article I found was written by Gary Ludwig MS, EMT-P entitled, "EMS Response Time Standards" . Ludwig states, "First, there is no federal law regarding response times, and, after doing thorough research, I cannot find any state laws that pertain to response times. There are some contractual agreements between EMS providers and political subdivisions that stipulate response times, and some political subdivisions enter and ratify these contractual agreements into ordinances. But most of the contractual agreements or ordinances are directed toward private EMS providers. Most of these communities have established standards of eight minutes or less 90% of the time for ALS service. Some municipalities, especially in California, have even moved response time standards to 12 or 15 minutes for private EMS providers 90% of the time, but these are usually coordinated with ALS first response."

Parents, combine the information from question 1 with this knowledge and now you have a solid statistical reason for why you and everyone you know should be able to save your baby if necessary. Know what to do.

3. When trying to clear a blocked airway, if the object hasn't been removed after 5 minutes you should just stop trying. FALSE

If the obstruction is caused by food, it may start dissolving and become dislodged. No matter what the obstruction, becoming unconscious allows your baby's airway to relax slightly making it easier to clear the object. Do not give up. Remember medical help is on the way.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Tuesday's Two Truths and a Non-truth
It's about TIME!

1. Brain damage from lack of oxygen (when your baby stops breathing) begins in 4 minutes and death shortly thereafter.
2. The average time for EMS to respond to a 911 call is 8 minutes.
3. When trying to clear a blocked airway, if the object hasn't been removed after 5 minutes you should just stop trying.

Which 2 are true, which one is not? I'll post the answers tomorrow.

noreply@blogger.com (mommyMedBasics) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:56:00 +0000

One More Bicycle Safety Tip You Must Share With Your Little Ones...

Oliver (my 2 year old) and I were headed to Central Park Wednesday morning for a lovely game of mommy-son baseball. Per usual, he was riding his like-a-bike, helmet on, wearing brightly colored clothing, following "the rules" and looking absolutely darling doing it.

We had the walk signal and were crossing the street when all of a sudden he stopped right in the middle of Columbus Avenue... would not move. Wouldn't go back to where we started, wouldn't finish crossing the street to where we were going. The light was still red but cars were beginning to line up across the 3 lanes that make up Columbus. "Come on Ollie, lets go play baseball... come Oliver... hurry up Love, it's almost the cars turn to go..." Oliver by this point has whole heartedly committed to this impromptu game of chicken and after several requests I begin to feel panicked. "Why is he doing this?" I think as he's yelling at me in his 2 year old voice to "NO, go, just go". I realize I am totally having one of those "mom moments" that other people looooove to judge (and they were, believe me) but also realize my son is in real danger. So what the hell, I gave them a whole show... not only is my 2 year old sitting on his bike in the middle of traffic (light is going to change any minute- what mom allows that to happen?) but yes, this 2 year old has the angry screaming mother who then proceeds to lift & carry him by one arm, the like-a-bike in the other hand and run to the other side of the street... continuing to yell even after the goal of safety had been met. Yep, pretty proud moment for me.

Ahhhh, but there in lies the last bicycle safety tip... safety first kiddos- we moms will do anything to keep you safe. So please sweet children if you ever, ever decide to stop your bike in the middle of a busy street, know that your mother will show up as a total crazy person, yanking you to safety, screaming all the way. Do you really want that?

Real tip: When crossing the street (after stopping, looking and listening) your goal is to get to the other side of the street as quickly as possible... no dilly dallying in the street... ever.

know more. worry less.