To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Katie Kurutz, public affairs officer, at kkurutz@first5la.org or (213) 482-5902.
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Click events below to view full listings.
Constructing Connections, Los Angeles Collaborative Partners Meeting
July 27, 2009
from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Community Partnerships in Addressing Perinatal Mood Disorders: Clinical and Integrative Perspectives
August 4-7, 2009
all day
October 1, 2009
from 8:00am - 4:30pm
October 10, 2009
from 11:00am - 2:00pm
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Antelope Valley Welcomes Needed Health Resources
Last month, community leaders in the Antelope Valley broke ground on a much needed Community Health and Wellness Center. A Health Forum was held to begin a dialogue about health in the region. More »
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Bienvenidos' Supervised Visitation Program
One of the first participants in First 5 LA's Social Enterprise Academy recently launched a social enterprise venture that is estimated to earn more than $200,000 this fiscal year. More »
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Lactation Accommodation for State Employees
SB 257 (Pavley - Santa Monica) will raise awareness of lactation accommodations for state employees and will enforce existing law in a non-punitive and educational manner. More »
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Infant First Aid
As we near the end of July, our Summer Safety Month, I'd like to offer a few more tips on how to care for an infant or toddler who may need first aid. For a brand new parent, providing first aid to an infant may be daunting since new babies seem so delicate. Below are some simple guidelines:
- Scrapes and Cuts: If the wound doesn't appear to need stitches and isn't bleeding heavily, wash it with gentle soap and water, then pat dry. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic like Neosporin, and cover with a Band-Aid. If you notice any signs of infection like redness, swelling or pus, see your pediatrician.
- Minor Burns: Run cool water over the affected area to soothe pain. Don't apply ice because it damages skin tissue, causing more discomfort. To protect the skin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover with a bandage. If bubble blisters appear, don't drain them because open ones are easily infected.
- Sunburn: When outdoors, babies and toddlers should always be protected from the sun with a hat and 30 SPF sunscreen. Note that sunscreen isn't recommended for infants under 6 months. Instead, keep your baby out of direct sunlight and dress him or her in protective clothing. But if your baby does get a sunburn, soothe it with an aloe vera-based cream. You can also administer over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol, unless your pediatrician advises otherwise. If vomiting or fever occurs, it means the burn is severe and you should see your pediatrician.
- Bug Bites: Most insect bites and stings look like firm, raised bumps. Care for a bee sting by gently scraping out the stinger with a sterile pin or tweezers. Put a cold compress on the area to relieve pain. Note that many kids are allergic to bee stings. If rapid swelling or wheezing occurs, get medical help immediately. Mosquito bites are especially common in babies -- the bugs are actually attracted to the hemoglobin in infant blood. Clean and dry the bite, then apply an over-the-counter itch relief cream, like Benadryl ointment. To keep your child from scratching, cut his or her fingernails and keep them clean.
- Knots and Bruises: Apply an ice compress to the area to help numb pain and reduce swelling. To relieve soreness, administer an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If your child seems lethargic, disoriented, or vomits after bumping his head, seek medical care to check for a concussion.
- Motion Sickness/Nausea: It's best not to give babies and toddlers medication for nausea. Doctors say it can make stomach upset worse. Simply let your child rest and call your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or don't subside within a few hours.
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