In Sickness & Health Diphtheria & Young Children:

What is diphtheria?  It is a disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory area.

Is diphtheria common in the U.S.?  No, it is not common. But it is still common in other countries that do not immunize against the disease.

How is it spread?  Diphtheria is usually passed from person-to-person by droplet spray (e.g., coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing) or by droplets which contaminate other objects such as toys.

When do children receive diphtheria vaccine?  It is included in the DTaP vaccine, given during the first year of life, with booster at 18 months and 4-6 yrs. It is also recommended for adults as a booster every 10 years.
           
           
Safety: Using Bulletin Boards to Teach Safety

What are possible safety topics for bulletin boards?  Buckling a seatbelt, recognizing traffic signs, fire safety, emergency drills, sun safety, safety gear, etc.

How can I involve children in creating a bulletin board?  Ask children to give ideas, provide artwork, pose for pictures, collect items to include on the board, or paint the background cover.

What are some safety concerns related to the bulletin board?  Avoid flammable materials, small objects that can cause choking, sharp materials, heavy objects that could fall, etc. Also, bulletin board must be securely anchored to the wall.

If I should not use staples or tacks, then what is a safe way to attach items to the bulletin board?  Use double-sided tape, felt on felt, and hook-and-loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro).

Nutrition Action: Managing Food Allergies in Childcare

Why do food allergies cause symptoms in the body?  The body’s immune system mistakes a food protein as a dangerous invader, so it produces chemicals to protect the body. These chemicals trigger the allergic reaction (symptoms).

What foods most often cause allergy?  90 percent of all food allergies are caused by eight food items – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat

How common are food allergies?  Food allergies are most common in children under age three. An estimated 1 of every 17 young children has a food allergy.

What are some ways to accommodate a child with food allergies?  Ask families for help in preparing menus, organize kitchen space to keep foods separate, have a written care plan for the child in case of exposure to the food, closely supervise children to avoid sharing of foods (especially if foods from home), etc.

Medicine Chest: CMV in the Childcare Setting

How can I know if I have CMV?  There may be no symptoms. CMV usually causes little or no illness, especially in children.

Why is CMV a concern in childcare?  Although it generally causes no illness, CMV can affect unborn children (i.e., during pregnancy).

How can I find out if I have CMV?  Ask your doctor to perform a blood test and find out if you are immune.

If I am not immune, how can I prevent infection?  Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, and promote handwashing among your children and other adults. Consistently follow standard precautions in childcare.

Health & You: The Thyroid

Where is the thyroid gland located?  In front of the neck, just below the larynx (i.e., Adam’s Apple).

What does the thyroid do?  It is directly responsible for the metabolism of every cell in the body, and is involved with body temperature, blood pressure, and weight.

What are symptoms of underactive thyroid?  Fatigue, dry skin, depression, weight gain, constipation.

What are symptoms of overactive thyroid?  Irritability, anxiety, insomnia, racing heart, increased perspiration.