Health Tips for November 7

Health Tip: Evaluating Your Child's Vision

Vision problems in a young child may be difficult to identify, especially before the child starts school. But the earlier these problems are found and treated, the better off your child will be.

The Nemours Foundation offers these warning signs for vision problems in young children:

• Rubbing the eyes frequently.
• Sensitivity to light, or difficulty focusing.
• Problems following an object.
• Eyes that are frequently red.
• Frequent tearing.
• An eye pupil that is white instead of black.

Health Tip: If Your Child Takes Medicine

While pharmacists can't diagnose an illness or condition, they can recommend over-the-counter medications or discuss side effects.

The Nemours Foundation suggests talking to your pharmacist whenever your child needs to take medication. Here are the foundation's safety suggestions:

• Store medications in the kitchen or in a closet -- never in the bathroom or another area with lots of moisture. Always keep medicines out of your child's reach.
• Keep medications in their original containers, so you can reference safety instructions and expiration dates.
• Throw away expired prescriptions, or any that your child has finished taking.
• Talk to your pharmacist about safe ways to make medication taste better for children.
• Administer liquid medications with a medication syringe, instead of a spoon.
• If it says "refrigerate" on the drug your child is taking, be sure to keep it cool while you're on the road.
• Never combine more than one drug in the same container.