Author Archives: Mara Gerke

Most parents will bandage a bazillion boo boos and ease a host of heartaches, perhaps even before noon. It’s part of the job. In doing so, we may become so accustomed to pulling out the old first-aid kit that we almost forget there are some things a kiss on the forehead and a colorful bandage cannot fix. Some symptoms are subtle signs of a more severe injury or illness—one that could become dangerous or even fatal without treatment. The following are six symptoms you should never ignore. Keep in mind, symptoms may vary from child to child, and the best guideline is to seek medical attention whenever you suspect an emergency. more...

Most people consider their bowel habits a repugnant topic. However, constipation is among the most common gastrointestinal concerns in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, you likely have constipation. Dry or hard stools also indicate constipation, for which salt water is a potential treatment. more...