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Healthy Childcare October-November 1999
Volume 2, Issue 6

 

Tummy Troubles

What are some ways to tell if a very young child has a stomachache or bowel problem?

One sign of tummy troubles is vomiting or diarrhea. Other signs are if the child is obviously straining or in pain trying to have a bowel movement, lies on her back and brings her knees up to her chest, or refuses to eat even favorite foods.

What signs would indicate that the parent should call the child's doctor?

If there is blood or pus in the stool or it appears black; if diarrhea lasts more than one day; if constipation lasts more than a week; if the child develops tears or hemorrhoids around the rectum.

What is one reason diarrhea can be serious for young children?

Diarrhea takes away fluid from the body and can cause dehydration.

What is one way to treat diarrhea or constipation?

Give fluids, especially water.

 

Being Prepared: The First Aid Kit

How can most injuries be prevented?

By creating and maintaining safer play areas, establishing safety rules, following individual children's health care plans, and supervising children properly.

Examples of life threatening emergencies are:

severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, poisoning, or head injury

What are four things a program should have available to provide appropriate first aid?

Caregivers trained in emergency procedures and pediatric first aid; a written emergency care plan; a well-stocked and accessible first aid kit; emergency medications or supplies prescribed for each child with special health needs.

Name several items that are recommended for a first aid kit:

Latex gloves, tweezers, bandages, sterile gauze pads, eye dressings, Syrup of ipecac, telephone numbers, etc.

 

Fun Fruits

List fruits that are goo d sources of Vitamin C:

Oranges, Mandarin oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, limes, strawberries, pineapple, and melons.

List fruits that are good sources of Vitamin A:

peaches, tangerines, apricots and plums

List fruits that are good sources of fiber:

Fruit juice with pulp, pineapple chunks, and apples or pears with the peelings

How many servings of fruit should a child eat each day?

At least 2 servings of fruit - fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced.

 

S.A.F.E. Playgrounds

What does S.A.F.E stand for?

Four basic principles: Supervision, Age appropriate equipment design, Fall surfacing, and Equipment and surfacing maintenance.

What two agencies have safety guidelines for playgrounds and equipment?

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

What loose fill materials are appropriate for surfacing under and around playground equipment?

At least 12" of sand, pea gravel, wood products (chips, mulch), or rubber products (i.e., shredded tires)

What size opening can be considered "entrapments" and is a strangulation hazard?

Any spaces or openings in equipment (such as areas between ladder rungs or railings) that are between 3-1/2" and 9" are considered entrapments and are unsafe.

 

Ask Your Pharmacist!

How can your pharmacist help you with your medications?

If you have a primary pharmacist, he or she can help you keep track of what you are taking; alert you to food and drug interactions, and help you in selecting OTC medications.

What are some things you should know about your medication?

Name of the medication; what it is supposed to do; when and how to take it; how long to take it; and possible side effects or allergic reactions.

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Last Revised: 7/23/08