Links to Reliable Health and Parenting Resources
The Internet can be a valuable source of health and parenting information. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult and time-consuming to find up-to-date information you can trust. The following sites are good places to start searching when you have health or parenting questions:
- Medical Information
- Parenting Information
- Safety Information
- Family Resource Center Library Online Catalog
- Community Resources and Agencies
- Other Useful Links
- Guides to Internet Searching
Medical Information
Children's Hospitals and Clinics' Patient/Family Education Materials - easy-to-read handouts on medical conditions, procedures, first aid, medications and more – several of which have been translated into Hmong, Somali and/or Spanish
Children's Physician Network - health information for parents, teachers, kids, and teens – including information on growth and development and emotions and behavior
MedlinePlus & MedlinePlus Espanol - links to information on over 650 conditions, diseases and wellness topics, drug information, medical encyclopedia, medical dictionaries, health news, directories of doctors, dentists, hospitals and other health organizations – compiled by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
Healthfinder - links to carefully selected information and Web sites from over 1,500 health-related organizations – available in English and Spanish
Familydoctor.org - information from the American Academy of Family Physicians on common medical concerns – available in English and Spanish
InteliHealth - Harvard Medical School's consumer health information, including a special section on children's health
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - includes sections on understanding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), alerts and advisories, treatment information, and links to additional resources
SafeMedication.com - complete, easy-to-read information on more than 800 drugs from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists - including instructions on how to administer different types of medications and to how use medications safely and effectively
CureSearch – information (in English and Spanish) on specific types of childhood cancer and treatment stages, including tips on navigating the healthcare system and finding support
Genetic and Rare Conditions Site – information on genetic conditions/birth defects, national and international support organizations, genetic counselors and geneticists, and other resources – compiled by the University of Kansas Medical Center
Parenting Information
Children's Physician Network - health information for parents, teachers, kids, and teens – including information on growth and development and emotions and behavior
"Facts for Families" from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – concise, up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families – available in English and Spanish
Minnesota Parents Know - trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help children learn and grow from birth through high school
Parent Further – practical information and everyday steps to raising successful kids and teens from the Search Institute
Parenting Newsletters – age-specific parenting information from the University of Wisconsin, including a section on grandparents raising grandchildren – available in English and Spanish.
Questions About Kids – tip sheets that provide answers to common questions about young children – available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali
Shoulder to Shoulder: Raising Teens Together – parenting tips, resources, news, research and more
Zero to Three – Science-based information and tools designed to help parents and caregivers nurture their young children's development
Safety Information
Making Safe Simple - safety and injury prevention tips from Children's very own experts
Automotive Safety Program - information about child safety seats including videos on how to install car seats, frequently asked questions about car seats, recall information, and special needs transportation
Car Seats: Information for Families - a guide to choosing the most appropriate car seat for your child from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Car Seats Made Simple - information on how to choose and install a seat, common errors, what the law requires and frequently asked questions – available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali
Seat Check - listings of nationwide car seat safety inspection locations where certified inspectors provide guidance on proper child restraint use and installation. Enter your state or zip code to find a location near you
Family Resource Center Library Online Catalog
For additional reading material, search The Family Resource Center Library online catalog (select Family Resource Center in the catalog dropdown list at the top of the page)
Community Resources and Agencies
The Arc of Minnesota - programs, services, and support for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota - services and resources for parents of children with Down Syndrome including information in English and Spanish and an online newsletter
Minnesota Online Special Needs Directory - a comprehensive online guide to finding resources of all kinds for children and young people in Minnesota with disabilities and other special needs.
PACER Center - resources and programs that address special needs for all stages of childhood and all disabilities
Special Olympics Minnesota - information about year-round sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities including a calendar of events
United Way 2-1-1 – information about health, housing, jobs, school, money, family, and community resources and support services in the Twin Cities
Other Useful Links
Angel Flight – free, non-emergency air transportation for families who need access to specialized health care services and meet specific acceptance criteria
CaringBridge – a free Internet service that helps patient families create a personalized, secure Web page to keep friends and relatives updated on their child's condition
Children's Medical Organizer – a secure, online personal health record that can be used to store and retrieve health information for all members of a family including health history, appointments, medication records, test results, insurance information, etc.
Metro Transit – "how to ride" information including routes, schedules, and a quick trip planner for Minneapolis/St. Paul area buses and light rail
Minnesota Health Information – a "clearinghouse" of health information including resources to help consumers find information on quality and cost in health care and references on staying healthy and managing personal health conditions
Exceptional Parent – information, support, ideas, encouragement and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities
MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network – helps parents who have a child with any disorder, medical condition, mental or emotional disorder or rare diagnosis make connections with other parents whose children have the same or a similar condition
OneLook – online dictionaries
Guides to Internet Searching
Consumer Guidelines: DocTom's Top Tips for Online Health Searching
Staff in the Family Resource Center are also available to assist families with Internet searches.
The Great Clips Family Resource Center
Minneapolis
2nd floor, behind Welcome Center
(612) 813-6816
The Kelsey Lynn Roberg Family Resource Center
St. Paul
Suite 403, 4th floor,
Garden View Medical Building, adjacent to Children's - St. Paul
(651) 220-6368
Please Note: Information and resources provided by the Family Resource Center are intended for reference purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or instruction. Please discuss specific concerns or questions with your health care provider(s).
