For Patients/Families

Resources and Educational Materials

Patient/Family Education Materials by Category

This section contains broad-ranging information Children's Hospitals & Clinics has developed about pediatric medicine. Here you will find plain talk about medical conditions or procedures, first aid, and the like. Many topics have illustrations and detailed instructions about how to provide care at home, and when to call for medical advice. Some topics offer links to Hmong, Somali, and Spanish versions.

The information in this section duplicates information given to the parents of Children's patients during their child's care in one of the hospitals or clinics.

This section has medical information, not medical advice. If you or your child has a health problem, contact your clinic. Use these materials only under the guidance of your child's health care provider.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z


Conditions and Illness

Adrenal Insufficiency: Hormone Replacement Therapy:  How to treat it; includes medicine schedule chart.
Anaphylaxis:  How to prevent and treat life-threatening allergic reactions.
See Also: Asthma
Apnea of prematurity:  Pauses in breathing of babies born too early.
See Also: Caffeine (Cafcit), Surfactant
Appendicitis (Possible):  Signs of appendicitis.
Asthma:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  A chronic lung disease in which the airways are extra-sensitive to exercise, allergies, colds, etc.
See Also: Asthma trigger control, Asthma Medicines, Inhalers, Nebulizer Treatments, Peak Flow Meter, Secondhand Smoke: Protecting Your Family
Asthma Action Plan:  (Spanish)  Information about how to recognize early warning signs of an asthma episode, asthma medication, and when to seek help.
See Also: Asthma, Asthma Medicines, Inhalers, Nebulizer Treatments, Peak Flow Meter, Secondhand Smoke: Protecting Your Family
Asthma trigger control:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Triggers cause asthma episodes. This section describes asthma triggers and how to control them to reduce the number and severity of episodes.
See Also: Asthma, Asthma Medicines, Inhalers, Nebulizer Treatments, Peak Flow Meter, Secondhand Smoke: Protecting Your Family
Autonomic Dysreflexia:  AD is a set of symptoms that can follow a spinal cord injury: how to recognize an AD episode and what to do.
Bleeding Disorders: Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia:  Provides general informtion about Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, inlcuding diagnosis, treatment, and how to care for your child at home.
Bleeding Disorders: Iliopsoas Bleed:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Provides information about an iliopsoas bleed, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Caring for a child with a heart defect or other cardiac condition.
See Also: Cardiac Catheterization: Care at Home, Cardiac Surgery: Care at Home, Cardiomyopathy, Warfarin (Coumadin), Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis: Prophylaxis
Cardiomyopathy:  Blot clot treatment and prevention.
Cardiomyopathy:  A condition of the heart muscle: diagnosis and treatment.
Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Prevention:  (Spanish)  Information for families on how to prevent Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs)
Chiari I Malformation:  
Chickenpox:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Describes chickenpox and how to treat it.
See Also: Fever
Chlamydia in Newborns:  Signs and treatments of eye infections and pneumonia caused by chlamydia.
See Also: Conjunctivitis, Eye Drops, Eye Ointment, Pneumonia
Clavicle Fracture:  Treatment for a broken collar bone.
Concussion:  Information on the signs and symptoms of a concussion, along with how to care for a child with a consussion at home.
Congestive Heart Failure:  (Somali, Spanish)  Causes, signs, and treatments for a heart unable to pump blood effectively.
See Also: Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home, Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Conjunctivitis:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Describes conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, and how to treat it.
See Also: Eye Drops, Eye Ointment
Constipation:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Defines constipation. Explains the causes and how to treat it.
Cradle Cap:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Describes cradle cap and how to treat it.
Croup:  (Spanish)  Swelling inside the voice box and windpipe, making it hard to breathe. Explains what to do and what to watch for.
See Also: Fever, Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds)
Diaper Rash:  (Hmong, Spanish)  How to prevent and treat diaper rash.
See Also: Diarrhea
Diarrhea:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Loose bowel movements. What to do and what to watch for.
See Also: Diaper Rash, Diarrhea Reference Chart, Rotavirus, Vomiting
Diarrhea Reference Chart:  Information about specific bacteria, parasites, or viruses that cause diarrhea, how it is spread, and how long it is contagious.
See Also: Diarrhea, Rotavirus
Digoxin (Lanoxin):  Used for patients with congestive heart failure and heart rhythm problems.
Eczema:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Chronic dry, itchy skin condition that comes and goes. How to treat it and what to watch for.
See Also: Allergy Medicines
Febrile Seizures:  (Spanish)  Seizures caused by fever.
See Also: Fever, Seizures
Fever:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  What to do for a fever--the body's natural response to infection.
See Also: Febrile Seizures
Gastroesophageal Reflux:  (Hmong, Spanish)  The backup of stomach contents into the esophagus.
See Also: Choking Infant (Up to 1 Year), H-2 Blockers, Proton-pump Inhibitors
Genetic Conditions:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  The basics of genetics, genetic conditions, and genetic testing
See Also: Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Handwriting Warm-Ups:  
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome:  A serious infection that destroys red blood cells and platelets and may cause kidney damage.
See Also: Dialysis
Immune Globulin - Intramuscular (IMIG) :  Immune Globulin
Imperforate Anus:  Corrective treatments for a newborn whose anal opening is missing or abnormally placed.
See Also: Fecal Pouch Emptying, Pouch Change: One Piece, Pouch Change: Two Piece (Using Newborn Pouch and Wafer)
Impetigo:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Impetigo is an infection of a sore or scratch on the skin: how to treat it.
Infant Pulmonary Function Test:  
Influenza (Flu) (MN Dept of Health):  General information for patients and families about influenza (flu) provided by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) in Premature Infants:  Bleeding inside a baby's brain ventricles: causes and signs.
Jaundice in Newborns:  (Spanish)  A blood condition that can result in yellowish skin color.
Kawasaki Disease:  A disease with rash and fever. It can affect the heart if not treated.
Kinesio Tape:  
Latex Allergy:  Latex is the sap of the rubber tree: How to recognize a latex allergy and what to do about it.
Lice:  (Hmong, Spanish)  What to do if your child's scalp has these insects. Includes steps to rid lice from the home.
Meningitis:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes: signs and treatments.
Multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO):  Some bacteria have strains that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Discusses how it is spread and ways to control it.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis:  (Spanish)  A serious infection of the intestine, often in premature babies: diagnosis and treatment.
See Also: Pain in Infants
Neurofibromatosis Type 1:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Causes, how it is diagnosed, problems it causes, and treatment.
See Also: Genetic Conditions
Newborn Withdrawal:  Describes newborn withdrawal or neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Otitis Media:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  How to treat otitis media or middle ear infection.
See Also: Fever, Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds)
Pain in Children and Adolescents:  (Hmong, Somali)  Causes of pain and what to watch for. Taking a "team approach" to increasing comfort.
See Also: Anesthetic Cream (EMLA; LMX4), Epidural Analgesia, Fever, Patient-controlled Analgesia, Helping Children Cope with Medical Procedures
Pain in Infants:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Causes of pain and what to watch for. Taking a "team approach" to making your baby as comfortable as possible.
See Also: Anesthetic Cream (EMLA; LMX4), Epidural Analgesia, Fever
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:  (Spanish)  Occurs when a certain blood vessel in a baby's heart does not close normally after birth.
See Also: Cardiac surgery: Care at Home, Pain in Infants
Pertussis:  Signs and treatments for the respiratory infection also known as chooping cough.
See Also: Nebulizer Treatments
Pinworms:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Defines pinworms and explains how to get rid of them.
Plagiocephaly:  Medical name for a flattenend head in babies. Discusses causes and treatments.
See Also: Torticollis
Pneumonia:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  A lung infection caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus: signs and treatment.
See Also: Fever, Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Infant):  A lung condition that causes breathing problems, most often in premature infants.
See Also: Pain in Infants, Surfactant
Respiratory Syncytial Virus:  (Hmong, Spanish)  A virus that causes respiratory infections: signs, treatments, and prevention.
See Also: Bronchiolitis, Pneumonia, Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds)
Retinopathy of Prematurity:  (Spanish)  A disease affecting some premature babies eyes. Explains the disease, treatments, and the importance of eye exams.
Ringworm of the Scalp:  (Hmong, Spanish)  How it is diagnosed and what to do for it.
See Also: Ringworm of the Skin
Ringworm of the Skin:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  How it is diagnosed and what to do for it.
See Also: Ringworm of the Scalp
Rotavirus:  (Hmong, Spanish)  A viral infection causing severe watery diarrhea.
See Also: Diarrhea, Diaper Rash, Diarrhea Reference Chart
Scabies:  (Spanish)  A contagious skin disease caused by mites: signs and treatments.
Seizures:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Electrical disturbances in the brain: types of seizures, what to do, and what to expect in the hospital.
See Also: Diazepam (Valium); Rectal, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbital, Febrile Seizures
Sepsis:  An infection in the blood: signs and treatment.
Sickle Cell Pain Control:  Guidelines for fluids, medicines, and pain-relieving aids.
See Also: Pain in Children and Adolescents
Sore Throat:  (Spanish)  Explains the difference between a viral sore throat and strep throat, and what to do for each.
See Also: Drinking liquids: Helpful Hints for You and Your Child
Sprains and Strains:  How to care for a sprain (injury to joint ligaments) and a strain (injury to muscles or tendons).
See Also: Crutches
Sturge-Weber Syndrome:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Causes, how it is diagnosed, problems it causes, and treatment.
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis: Prophylaxis:  (Spanish)  Precautions to take when a child has a heart condition and is scheduled for dental work or some surgeries.
See Also: Cardiac Catheterization: Care at Home, Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home, Cardiac Surgery: Care at Home
Supraventricular Tachycardia:  Signs of a fast heartbeat, and what to do.
Thrush:  (Hmong, Spanish)  A yeast infection in the mouth; how to treat it.
Toe Walking (Idiopathic):  
Tracheoesophageal Fistula:  Occurs when a newborn's trachea and esophagus have developed abnormally: diagnosis and treatment.
Tuberculosis:  (Somali)  A bacterial disease usually affecting the lungs: signs, diagnosis, precautions, and treatments.
See Also: Tuberculosis Skin Test
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Causes, how it is diagnosed, problems it causes, and treatment.
See Also: Genetic Conditions
Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds):  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  How to treat colds and prevent their spread.
See Also: Croup, Fever, Otitis Media
Urinary Tract Infection:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Signs of urinary tract infection vary by age. How to prevent and treat them.
See Also: Urodynamic Studies
Vesicoureteral Reflux:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Occurs when urine backs up from the bladder toward the kidneys. Includes diagrams to help explain this condition. Explains tests that may be needed.
See Also: Urinary Tract Infection, Urodynamic Studies
Vomiting:  (Hmong, Spanish)  How to treat vomiting.
See Also: Diarrhea