Huron Regional Medical Center

"Many parents worry when their child's temperature rises," says Jesse Van Heukelom, MD, pediatrician at the HRMC Physicians Clinic. "Fevers, however, are part of your child's natural immune response. They simply indicate your child's body is fighting an infection." Fever By the Numbers The American Academy of Pediatrics defines fever as an oral temperature of 100 degrees, a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees and an under-the-arm temperature of 99 degrees. In most cases, you only need to treat fever if your child is uncomfortable. A dose of an over- the-counter fever reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and a lukewarm bath are typically enough to manage fevers. Fevers in infants age 3 months and younger warrant a doctor's visit. You should also call your child's doctor if the fever lasts for more than five days, if your child isn't eating, drinking or playing normally, or if the fever rises higher than 104 degrees. To make an appointment with Dr. Jesse, call the HRMC Physicians Clinic at (605) 353-7660. Dedicated to Diabetes Education Designed to bring attention to a condition that affects almost 8 percent of adults in South Dakota, the diabetes education event is sponsored by HRMC and other businesses and healthcare organizations in Beadle County. "This event will provide educational opportunities for all people in our community," says Dennise Brock, RN, education coordinator at HRMC. "We want this to be an annual event that focuses on improving the health of patients with diabetes, no matter their culture or way of life." Why Education Matters Whether you've been newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing your condition for years, diabetes education is key to ensuring you avoid the negative consequences of type 2 diabetes. "Diabetes increases your risk for stroke, heart attack and kidney disease," says Brock. "It also affects eyesight, mouth health and risk of infection. Getting On November 21, a community-wide group of healthcare workers will host a diabetes education event for the Huron area. information about lifestyle changes – including diet and exercise – helps you reduce your chances of facing these conditions." Even if you don't have diabetes, learning more about the condition can be good for your health. You might be among the 35 percent of South Dakotans who have prediabetes, a condition that puts them at higher risk for diabetes. Less than 5 percent of those people know they have prediabetes. This event will also have information about preventing diabetes. "If you have a loved one with the disease, come and get the information to equip yourself," says Brock. "Diabetes not only affects the person diagnosed, but the whole family." This diabetes education event began as a population health initiative of the South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Diabetes Coalition and is being piloted in Huron. To learn more about the event, visit www.huronregional.org. 100.0 When Fever Strikes Your 6-year-old's forehead feels warm, and your household thermometer confirms your suspicions. Your little one is running a fever. What now – should you take your child to the doctor? w w w. h u r o n r e g i o n a l . o r g welloneconnection 3

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