Sickness and Health - Keep an Eye on Kids' Vision

What is vision screening? It is a general check of the eyes and vision. It is not to diagnose vision problems, but to help identify suspected problems

When should young children have vision screening? At a minimum, screening should occur at birth, at 6-12 months, during the third year, and age five.

What are the different types of "eye doctors?" An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including diagnosis, management, and surgery of ocular diseases, disorders, and injury. An optometrist, often referred to as an "eye doctor," is licensed to practice optometry, not medicine. The optometrist traditionally examines the eye to check vision and prescribe corrective lenses, and screen vision to detect certain eye abnormalities such as glaucoma, color perception, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. An optician is a professional who can fill prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.

What are signs or symptoms of eye problems? Squinting, frowning, excessive blinking or excessive eye rubbing; shutting or covering one eye with a hand; holding objects too close to the eye; tilting or thrusting the head forward; extreme sensitivity to light; crossed or misaligned eyes, or abnormal movement of the eyes; inflamed, watery, crusted, or red-rimmed eyes; a white pupil (center part of the eye) instead of black.

Safety First- Preventing Abuse in your Childcare Program:

What is abuse? Physical abuse is an intentional act against a child that produces physical harm. Neglect is the failure to provide food, shelter, a safe environment, education, and/or health care.

Does abuse often occur in childcare programs? Fortunately, no. Almost all child abuse occurs in the home. Only 2 percent of cases occur in childcare programs or foster homes.

How can I prevent abuse from occurring in my program? Complete background checks on all employees; forbid corporal punishment, conduct daily visual health checks on all children, and educate yourself and staff to recognize and avoid emotional abuse.

What if I suspect a child is being abused? In most states, child caregivers are required to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Nutrition -Action - No More Dirty Dishes!

Why do some sinks have three separate basins? The separate basins are used for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes. Separate dish tubs can be used if you do not have a three-basin sink.

How can I sanitize dishes? There are several immersion methods, including: clean hot water, chlorine solution, iodine solution, and quaternary ammonium compound solution. Check the water temperature, and be sure the chemical solutions are correctly mixed.

How hot does the water need to be to sanitize? At least 170 degrees F. If using a dishwashing machine, check the manufacturer's recommendation.

Should dishes be towel dried? No. Dishes should be allowed to air dry. Be sure they are stacked so the water drains out quickly.

Medicine Chest - Enhancing Self-Esteem:

Shouldn't self-esteem be developed at home by the parents? Yes; however, it is estimated that while at home most children will average eight negative events (name calling, being berated) for every positive event (compliment, praise).

What can I do to promote healthy self-esteem? You are a role model. children watch every action. They can learn to encourage others and be respectful of all people.

How can I help each child? There is so much to do every day. Give each child at least a few minutes of one-on-one time each day, and acknowledge all children throughout the day with smiles, eye contact, and friendly caring words.

How can I discipline children? Do not focus on negative behaviors. Instead, redirect their energies to constructive activities. Be sure the children know it is the behaviors that are undesirable, not them!

Health & You- Kick the Smoking Habit

What does tobacco use do to the body? Increased blood pressure and heart rate; narrowing of blood vessels (which lowers skin temperature); increased respiration; decreased reactions to stress; increased alertness and concentration; release of glycogen (the body's stored energy source) from the liver. Tobacco use also causes increased risk of premature death and disability from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory disease and it is the leading cause of cancers of the larynx, mouth, and esophagus, and can contribute to cancers of the bladder, pancreas, kidney, stomach, uterine, and colon. Smokers tend to have more upper respiratory infections (colds and flu) and reproductive problems, more depression, and increased discomfort during exercise. Smoking also causes premature facial wrinkling.

What is the best way to stop smoking? Quitting cold turkey has been shown to be the most effective way to stop smoking. Other options to help you stop include cutting back (inhale less, smoke fewer cigarettes, choose a low-tar and low-nicotine cigarette); participate in a smoking cessation program; use self-help methods such as books or videotapes; ask your doctor to prescribe the nicotine patch, nicotine inhalers, or antidepressants; find a group-based behavior modification program.