While one cannot control the water chemistry, he/she can control personal hygiene and facility cleanliness. Giardia and cryptosporidium (crypto) are only two of the many recreational water illnesses (RWIs) that can turn happy swim memories into serious illness situations. In this article, the author discusses three factors that determine how…

This article shares a story of a family with a child who has a spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, a form of cerebral palsy (CP) that affects all four limbs and torso with debilitating muscle dysfunction. It describes how the family cares for their child's incontinence. It also shares the experience of the child's mother, Kathy, who attributes…

Tooth decay in children is on the rise in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay rose 4 percent in the two-to five-year-old age group in the last four years. These statistics are disturbing to dental professionals because of the ability to prevent approximately 85 percent of tooth decay.…

The article describes products and procedures to help children or young adults cope with incontinence and examines the advantages and disadvantages of powered wheelchairs. Lists of incontinence device resources and mobility aid resources are included. (Author/CL)

Guidelines are offered parents in helping their disabled children assume increasing responsibility for dental care. Guidelines touch on toothbrushing, dentist visits, nutrition, and medication. (CL)

Suggestions are made to parents concerning special problems of grooming and hygiene as they pertain to handicapped children. (KW)

The mother of a cerebral palsied young man stresses the importance for an exceptional child's appearance being as near normal as possible. (SBH)

Problems in bathing a child who is physically disabled are described, and products that can assist are reviewed, such as reclining bath seats and bath lifts. A directory of bath and incontinence aids lists approximately 80 companies with codes for the types of products they make available. (JDD)

Suggestions are presented from parents on how to help children with disabilities (with particular focus on Downs Syndrome) learn good grooming habits in such areas as good health, exercise, cleanliness, teeth and hair care, skin care, glasses and other devices, and social behavior. (CB)

Suggestions are presented for helping disabled individuals learn to use or adapt toothbrushes for proper dental care. A directory lists dental health instructional materials available from various organizations. (CB)