RUSSELLVILLE, AR -- Child Development, Inc. is preparing to help families and children stay healthy, help parents know what to do when their child is sick, and help cut down on unnecessary emergency room visits.

Through the “I CAN Help My Child Stay Healthy” program, CDI is committed to providing health care training to 100 families, according to Sandra Johnson, project coordinator and the agency’s nutritionist. Head Start or Early Head Start families who are chosen for the training will learn tips and techniques from how to accurately measure medicine to how to use and read a digital thermometer.

Those who receive the training will also be given the publication “What to do when Your Child Gets Sick,” an easy-to-read and easy-to-use guide to treating illnesses and injuries – from cold and flu to hernia or a bump on the head. The guide gives basic information on what can be done at home as well as when to call the doctor or nurse or to visit the ER.