Articles Index
What Parents Should Know About Swine Flu and Children
Concern over the swine flu (H1N1) continues to grow in child care settings, school districts, and communities across the country and world. As a result, young children--who don't understand anything about the swine flu--can become scared or anxious. It's important to talk with your child, even very young ones, to show them positive ways they can keep healthy and free from getting sick.
Keeping your child safe from cryptosporidium exposure in swimming pools
Swimming pools may provide refreshing summertime fun and relaxation, but they may also carry the waterborne illness called cryptosporidium (a.k.a. "crypto")that causes diarrhea. Good hygiene, proper sanitation, and common sense can help prevent an outbreak and promote swimming pool safety.
UV safety: Tips for protecting your family's eyes from the sun
We've gotten better about protecting our skin from the sun with sunscreen, but don't forget to protect your eyes as well. Exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of an assortment of eye-related ailments and even cancer.
Ozone Action: Are Kids Safe Outside?
Parents and child care providers, take heed! Are you monitoring your area's air quality and do you know what to do--and what not to do--in the event of unhealthy air conditions? Child care providers should be especially aware of ozone alert days. Certain levels dictate that young children and those with health conditions remain inside.
1 in 5 American 4-Year-Olds Are Obese, New Study Finds
A startling new study says that 1 in 5 4-year-olds in America are obese, and even more alarming is the rate is 1 in 3 among American Indien children.
Child's Weight Affects School Attendance
There's another reason to add to the list as to why kids thrive at their optimal weight: a new study shows that obese kids miss more days at school. Read about this new study and its absenteeism findings.
Make Sure Summer Safety Guidelines Are in Place Before Enrolling Kids for Camp
You've checked our child's summer camp and feel confident about its operations, activities, and overall safety. But what if a medical need arises? Whether it's summer daycare, enrichment camp or a longer-term resident camp, parents need to make sure written health policies and medical protocols are in place, counselors/staff are properly trained, and that camper information is up-to-date.
Child Health: Hand Sanitizers and Washing Go Hand in Hand
What's best? Good ol' hand washing or hand sanitizer. No surprise here, the answer is "both." When used together, your chances of coming down with a case of the germies is minimized.
Food Allergies Increasing in Kids
About 1 in 26 children now has food allergies, according to a recent report, which has parents and providers alike all abuzz.
Limes, Grapefruit and Even Celery Don't Mix Well With Sun
Many of us enjoy a limeade or lemonade, savoring the last enjoyment of sucking on the fruit slices. But before you head out into the sun, be sure to carefully wash your hands and around your face or else you might end up with what appears to be a case of poison ivy or bad sunburn.
Can Daycare Help Lessen Kids' Cancer Risk?
A new study says that kids in childcare build a stronger immunity system, which can help lessen the likelihood of them developing a common form of childhood cancer.
Many Children Don't Receive Proper Medical Care
Many kids don't get proper medical care, according to a survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Deaths Rise of Kids Accidentally Left in Car
When temperatures rise, so does the the likelihood of kids accidentally left behind in a carseat and dying from heat exhaustion. Parents and relatives aren't the only ones who forget their youngsters; child care providers have also accidentally left kids behind.
Kid Play is Beneficial
The next time you hear that unstructured kid play was all your tots did all afternoon, instead of getting mad, be glad! Free kid play promotes healthy brain brain development and encourages creativity and social skills.
Kids and Hearing
If your child seems to tune things out, the problem might be with his hearing. Although there are symptoms of hearing loss, they often go unnoticed or are written off as slow development. The truth is that hearing loss can be the cause of slow development. If left undetected it can lead to speech and language disorders, poor performance in school and delayed social skills.
Booster Seats Keep Kids Safe
"Boost for Life" is the awareness theme being used for urging parents to use child safety booster seats for children in the four-to-eight year range. Statistics show that the majority of kids who should be riding in booster seats aren't.
West Nile Virus Means It's Protection Time
West Nile Virus Activity is occurring across many parts of the country, and now is the time to use repellent and eliminate mosquito breeding.
How Asthma-Friendly Is Your Child-Care Setting?
Children with asthma need proper support in child-care settings to keep their asthma under control and be fully active. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has developed a checklist for parents to use to find out how well their child's care setting assists children with asthma.