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Healthy Childcare April-May 2004
Volume 7, Issue 3

In Sickness and Health: Child Development Red Flags

Should I be concerned if a child misses a developmental milestone? Look for patterns of concern, rather than a single milestone.

What are some “red flags” for a 12-month old child? Child does not crawl; cannot stand with support; or does not say single words.

What are some “red flags” for a 3-year-old child? Child falls frequently or has difficulty using stairs; cannot build a tower of more than four blocks; or is unable to understand simple instructions.

What are some “red flags” for a 5-year-old child? Child cannot understand two-part commands using prepositions, such as “put the toy in the chest;” is unable to concentrate on any single activity for more than five minutes; cannot correctly give his or her first and last name, or talk about daily activities and experiences; or cannot build a tower of six-eight blocks, hold a crayon comfortably, undress, brush his teeth, or wash and dry his hands.

Safety First: Ipecac Policy Change

Should ipecac be kept in the first aid kit? No. It is not recommended.

What is the preferred treatment of poisoning? Hospital emergency rooms use activated charcoal.

Does ipecac work to remove ingested poisons? Research studies shows that on average, only 28% of poison was eliminated (vomited); it does not remove all poison.

What should I do in case of poisoning? Call the poison control number, and if urgent, call 911.

Nutrition Action: No for Nuts

What foods most commonly cause allergic reactions? Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.

What are the most common symptoms of food allergy? Skin problems (itching, rash, hives), gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, abdominal pain), and respiratory difficulties.

What information is included in a food allergy action plan? (1) Name, date of birth, teacher, and a photo of the child; (2) What symptoms to look for as signs of an allergic reaction and where they are most likely to appear; and (3) Actions to be taken in the event of an allergic reaction.

Should peanuts be banned from the childcare program? Peanut allergies can be life-threatening; if a child is allergic to peanuts, a total ban is recommended.

Medicine Chest: Facts about Bleeding

What is the best way to stop a nosebleed? Have the child sit up and lean the head slightly forward; then pinch the soft nostrils firmly, push toward the face, and hold.

Should alcohol be put on a cut? No. Alcohol or peroxide actually damages tissues and slows the healing process.

What is the best way to stop bleeding? Place a gauze dressing on the wound, hold firmly in place, and apply pressure.

What if the blood soaks through the gauze? Leave the gauze in place, and apply an additional gauze dressing. Continue to apply pressure.

Health & You: Medical Confidentiality

What does HIPAA stand for? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

What is the purpose of HIPAA? HIPAA protects people from having their medical histories accessed or made public without their permission.

What are some specific requirements? Notifying patrons of privacy rights and how their health information is used and/or disclosed; Adopting internal policies that support the uniform standards set forth by the government; Training employees about the new policies and procedures; and Training specific individuals to manage privacy-related complaints

Are all health procedures covered by HIPAA? No. HIPAA does not cover (for example) life insurance companies, worker’s compensation, automobile insurance plans that include health benefits, Internet self-help sites, or those who conduct screenings at pharmacies, shopping centers, hometown fairs, or other public places.