Sickness and Health - Diarrhea

What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is frequent and watery bowel movements.

Is diarrhea infectious? Diarrhea can be caused by many things. Sometimes it is infectious (can be spread from child to child) and sometimes it is not.

What are some causes for non-infectious diarrhea? Diarrhea can be caused by use of antibiotics, food allergies, food ingredients, or even eating too much or too fast.

How can I help prevent diarrhea? Hand washing is the best way to prevent spread of diarrhea. Also, cook all meats, poultry, and egg products thoroughly to prevent E.coli and salmonella.

Safety - Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?

Where is the safest place during an earthquake? This may be under a sturdy table or desk, and away from exterior walls, shelves, and windows.

Why are flooded roads dangerous? Flooded roads can be deeper than they look, or can have strong undercurrents that sweep your vehicle off the road.

Where is the safest place during a tornado? Go to a small room on the lowest flow, away from windows, and near the center of the building

What is a NOAA weather radio? This radio transmits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and can have an alarm to let you know if weather conditions are dangerous in your area.

Nutrition - Food Service Cost Saving Tips

How can I save money through portion control? It you plan, prepare, and serve the correct amount of food for the number of children you have, then you will waste less food and save money.

What are scoops? Scoops are utensils that measure portions based on the number of scoops it takes to make one quart.

Are all serving spoons alike? Serving spoons are not identified by portion, and have no standard size or shape.

What is a standardized recipe? A recipe is "Standardized" when it has been adapted for use in your kitchen. You know exactly how much food it makes and how many children it can serve in your program.

How can children serve themselves and still have portion control? Select serving utensils that are easy for small hands to grip. Place a rubber mat under bowls so they don't slip and slide. Demonstrate and assist children as they learn to serve themselves.

Medicine Chest - Children and Stuttering

Is stuttering normal? Many children go through times when they stutter as they develop their language skills.

How can I help a stutterer? Model slow and unhurried speech when talking with the child. Set aside time when you can listen and talk with each child individually.

Should a stutterer have special help? A language specialist or speech-language pathologist may be able to help a child who stutters.

Staff Health - Facts about Cancer Screening:

What are signs of skin cancer? Any change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole or growth, or a sore that does not heal properly.

What are signs of oral cancer? Sores or pain in the mouth that do not go away in a few days; red or white patches in the mouth; numbness or swelling in the mouth or jaw.

How often should women check their breasts? Monthly, and have an annual check-up by a physician.

Should men check themselves for certain cancers? Men should do monthly exams of their testicles and see a doctor if they notice any changes in the texture, size, or shape.