Sickness and Health - Conjunctivitis

What is pink eye? Pinkeye, or "conjunctivitis" is any inflammation of the "conjunctiva," which is the membrane that lines the eyelids and the eyeball.

Is it contagious? Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by a bacteria or virus and is contagious. Conjunctivitis, or irritation due to dirt or debris in the eye, or due to allergies, is not contagious.

Can a child with pinkeye attend childcare? The parent should take the child to a doctor for diagnosis. A child with infectious conjunctivitis should be excluded from child care.

How can I prevent the spread of pinkeye? Wash hands thoroughly and frequently.

Safety - Poisonous plants & Seeds

What are some indoor plants that are not safe for childcare? Dieffenbachia, mistletoe, philodendron, aloe.

What are some indoor plants that are safe for childcare? African violet, coleus, corn plant, yucca, wandering Jew, rubber plant, spider plant.

What are some outdoor plants that are not safe for childcare? Holly berries, morning glory, daffodils, lantana, elephant ear.

What parts of fruits contain toxins? Apple seeds, peach pits, cherry pits, unprocessed cotton balls.

Are acorns safe to eat? No.

Nutrition - Food Storage and Safety:

What is the correct temperature of a refrigerator? Refrigerator should be 35-40 degrees F; Freezers should be 0 degrees F.

How long will leftovers last? Most foods should be eaten with 2-3 days.

How long can foods be left at room temperature? Food should be quickly cooled and refrigerated within two hours. This time is even shorter in hot weather conditions.

What is a safe temperature for keeping foods hot or cold? Keep hot foods hot ­ above 140 degrees F. Keep cold foods cold 40 degrees F or colder.

Medicine Chest - Thoughts about shots:

What vaccine does the DtaP immunization contain? It protects against three diseases - diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

When do children start getting vaccinations? Most vaccinations begin at about two months of age, although Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth.

Do adults need vaccinations? Adults should receive a tetanus booster every 10 years.

Does polio still exist? Yes. And the vaccine given now is injected, not oral (drops).

Staff Health - Herbs & vitamins:

Are herbs safe? Herbs and vitamins are not always regulated like medications, and therefore may have more or less of the ingredient than listed, or may contain undesirable ingredients, such as mouse hairs.

Is it a good idea to take herbs and vitamins? Herbs and/or vitamins can help some people. Talk with your doctor before you take these.

If I take vitamins, do I still need to eat a lot? Vitamins do not provide calories - and calories (from food) are what give you energy.