Pediatrics

NIH's 2-pg asthma action plan handout for patients outlines a customized treatment plan (including medications) for three risk scenarios:  doing well, asthma is getting worse and medical alert.

This NIH wallet card for patients includes information on common warning signs of an asthma attack and questions for the patient's healthcare provider. It also provides space to record an asthma action plan, peak flow, and medicines.

This DHHS 5-pg fact sheet answers basic questions about breastfeeding including the health advantages of breastfeeding to both mother and child, how long to breastfeed, whether or not to supplement w/ formula or other foods, and what to do if the mother is ill. A section on postpartum depression is also included. 

DHHS 2-pg guide describes what to expect as far as weight loss/gain for newborns. It also includes a chart that displays the minimum number of wet diapers and bowel movements within the first 7 days of the baby's birth as a way to gauge whether or not a newborn is getting adequate milk. A blank chart for mothers to complete is also included.

This 6-pg color brochure from NIMH describes the signs, symptoms, and potential causes of ADHD. Treatment options, including medication and psychotherapy, are discussed, as well as how ADHD affects teens and how parents can help their teens with ADHD. Also included is information on how the disorder can manifest in adults.

This 1-pg printer-friendly handout lists the signs and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It mentions the need for family, teachers, and healthcare professionals to all participate in the evaluation. The treatment section focuses on the safety and efficacy of stimulant medication. 

This 4-page color brochure from NIMH answers students’ common questions about depression, including what it is, how it is treated, and how to help friends. Causes, symptoms, and types of depression are discussed, as well as efforts underway to help high school students who have the illness. Resources for more information are included.

This 1-pg, printer-friendly handout describes the types of cerebral palsy and how the diagnosis is made. It discusses the infectious, traumatic, and other risk factors for developing it. It also addresses the different kinds of therapy available to maximize potential and improve quality of life.

This 2-pg printer-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) fact sheet discusses fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASDs). It emphasizes the need for women to abstain from drinking any alcohol at any time during pregnancy to prevent FASDs. Physical signs of the condition are listed.

This 2-pg, color, trifold brochure aimed at adults discusses the differences between viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses. It dispels the common misperception that antibiotics can help with a cold or flu and discusses when antibiotics actually work best, in the treatment of bacterial infections. Cautions against taking unnecessary antibiotics as their overuse can result in resistant bacteria.

CDC’s trifold brochure explains the difference between bacteria and viruses, what antibiotics are, and how bacteria become resistant. It answers common questions about when a child does or does not need an antibiotic.

CDC’s Get Smart 4"x 6" prescription pad is actually a checklist for physicians to describe symptomatic relief for viral respiratory illness. It is designed for adults and parents of young children.

This 2-pg printer-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) fact sheet describes Asperger syndrome and differentiates it from other autism spectrum disorders. It lists the common signs of Asperger related to social interaction. Different types of therapy are described and early intervention is emphasized.

This 1-pg printer-friendly handout focuses on the common features of autistic disorder. It describes social, communication, and behavioral problems that are common in children with this condition. It also discusses early intervention programs and other treatment options that are available.

This 2-pg printer-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) card lists normal developmental milestones from birth through four years of age. Milestones are listed for 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 36 months and 48 months. It also includes a "Questions to ask your child's doctor" section.

This 2-page printer-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) fact sheet defines intellectual disability and describes some of the causes. Some of the signs of the condition are listed. A section addresses steps parents can take if they think their child has an intellectual disability.

This 1-pg handout from AAFP gives a brief description of conjunctivitis and tips for preventing its spread. Information on tx of viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis is also included.

This 25-pg color guide from NIH/WIN gives parents pointers on how to help their kids eat healthy and stay physically active. Parents also learn how healthy pregnancies benefit kids, how to model healthy behavior, and additional ways they can help kids who are overweight. Resources for more information on weight control are included.

The FDA's 2-page color handout describing celiac disease and its symptoms and complications, the agency's proposed definition of "gluten-free," and a list of naturally gluten-free foods.

This 2-page black and white PDF details food allergy symptoms in children. Common allergens are covered. Strategies are listed to support adequate nutrition despite food allergies. Adapted from the Nibbles for Health Nutrition Newsletters for Parents of Young Children, USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Available in English and Vietnamese.

This NIH/NIDDK 8-pg fact sheet defines lactose intolerance, who is commonly at risk for it, the symptoms and tests used to diagnose it (hydrogen breath test and stool acidity test). It covers how to manage lactose intolerance through dietary changes, lists which foods contain lactose, and provides information on how to get enough calcium through certain common foods.

This 2-pg color PDF details management of severe reactions and anaphylaxis in children. Specific instructions on shopping and food preparation are included. Advice for interacting with schools and other facilities is outlined, as well as guidance on preparing a child to self-manage severe reactions. Available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese.

This FDA 2-pg color handout describes flu transmission, signs, high risk groups, vaccination, and other preventive measures, and treatment (including appropriate use of medications).

CDC's 2-pg VIS describes the live, attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray), how it differs from the flu shot version, and the benefits of getting vaccinated, including the prevention of health complications resulting from influenza. The VIS explains who should get the LAIV and when, while also discussing LAIV precautions, risks and possible reactions. Steps to take if a person has a severe reaction are included. Available in multiple languages.

This 2-pg trifold brochure provides helpful information about the flu to parents of children with chronic medical conditions. Information on risk factors, flu symptoms, and what to do to protect from the flu is highlighted. Includes a section with advice on returning to school after illness.

CDC's 2-pg VIS describes the inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot) and the benefits of getting vaccinated, including the prevention of health complications resulting from influenza. The VIS explains who should get the flu shot and when, and under which circumstances the vaccine may not be recommended. It includes a section on flu shot risks and possible problems, such as allergic reactions. Available in large-type format and multiple languages.

This 2-pg trifold brochure defines influenza and gives information on symptoms and transmission in children. Advice on how to protect children from the flu is also provided.

This 2-pg flyer about influenza is geared toward patients with chronic medical conditions that can increase risk of complications. Treatment of influenza with antiviral medicines is discussed including their benefits and possible side effects.

This 2-pg color handout from NIH/WIN encourages teens to eat healthy to look and feel better, suggesting which foods to eat, which ones to avoid, and why. Tips are also offered on portion control, jumpstarting the day with breakfast, and packing healthy lunches and afternoon snacks. Resources for more information on weight control are included.

This NIH/WIN 6-pg brochure encourages parents to help their overweight child to learn healthy eating and physical activity habits that last a lifetime. It features tips for providing emotional support and ideas for fun physical activities, healthy meals, and snacks as well as when to consider a weight-control treatment program. 

The FDA's 1-page color handout designed for parents describes how to prevent child obesity by reading ingredient lists and nutrition labels, paying attention to portion size, and limiting fat intake.

This NIH/WIN 16-pg guide encourages teenagers to think of the relationship between food and physical activity in terms of "energy balance" for optimal health. Practical tips for healthy eating focus on high-energy foods vs unhealthy dieting. Daily physical activity suggestions are included as part of a practical checklist for use during the school day.

This NIH/WIN 6-pg brochure encourages parents to help their overweight child to learn healthy eating and physical activity habits that last a lifetime. It features tips for providing emotional support and ideas for fun physical activities, healthy meals, and snacks as well as when to consider a weight-control treatment program. 

CDC's 5-pg brochure addresses managing weight by substituting fruits and vegetables for higher-calorie foods in meals and snacks. It also suggests smart snacks and lists online resources.

The Endocrine Society and the Hormone Foundation's 2-pg guide, written for parents, tells how overweight and obesity are diagnosed in adults vs children and discusses treatment options for children who are overweight or obese. Parents are also informed about how pediatric overweight and obesity can be prevented.

Nemour's 3-pg handout for teens describes "jock itch" and factors that put people at risk for getting it. It lists the signs and symptoms and discusses treatment with both over-the-counter antifungals and personal hygiene measures. Specific hygiene measures are also emphasized as a way to prevent the condition.

This 4-pg handout lists the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of tinea cruris. It focuses on treatment with over-the-counter antifungal creams and lists several types. A section on behavior changes to prevent jock itch or its recurrence is also included. Diagnosis is briefly discussed.

BMJ's 3-pg handout defines ringworm and describes its symptoms. It focuses on treatment, including antifungal creams with and without steroids, and oral antifungal medications. It also includes a section on stopping the spread of ringworm or preventing its return once it is cured.