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Toxins in household dust may be harmful to kids
Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.
BPA in canned foods could harm children, group says
Measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) were found in a variety of canned goods, including some that claimed to be BPA-free, according to an analysis released this week by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.
Toxic toys? Health group finds high lead levels
Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead in them, according to a California-based advocacy group — a finding that may give consumers pause as they shop for the holiday season.
Keeping Kids Healthy in Daycare
Keeping Kids Healthy in Daycare
With more and more children in daycare settings than ever before, how can we keep our children healthy? Not only are toys, blankets and cups shared, but also germs. What are the most serious childhood illnesses parents need to worry about?

"Children in daycare are certainly at higher risk for contagious diseases than a child cared for in his own home," says Cathy Giessel, a nurse practitioner and member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners and the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. "However, there is some evidence to suggest that the frequent colds children get while in childcare may offer some protection against asthma and allergies in the future." Giessel says this theory is known as the Hygiene Hypothesis.

Another benefit of more frequent colds in childcare during early life is the child may have less colds when he starts kindergarten, she says. And remember the dangers of secondhand smoke. "Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke from tobacco are at greater risk for colds, bronchitis and asthma," says Giessel. "Be sure others do not smoke around your child."

Giessel says communication with your childcare provider is a vital factor to your child's health. "Your childcare provider should communicate with you daily about changes in your child's health that may be of importance," she says. "A childcare provider who will pick up the phone to let you know about fever or serious accidents is crucial. You should feel comfortable to drop by the childcare setting at any time to check on your child."

"The most serious illness facing your child will be the one that results in the most significant injury and long-term detriment, says Giessel. And she points out that there is no general list that can be compiled because each person is vulnerable in different ways.

And handwashing is key. "Frequent handwashing is the key to preventing many contagious diseases," says Giessel. "A childcare provider that washes their hands after diapering children and wiping runny noses is your ally. There are numerous communicable diseases that are vaccine preventable. These diseases could be spread readily in a daycare setting."

According to Giessel, most American children are vaccinated to prevent hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, pneumococcal disease and chicken pox. But because of our increased mobility, it is still possible to be exposed to an unvaccinated child with one of these illnesses, so following the recommended vaccination schedules is important for a child in daycare settings. Giessel says influenza immunization is also recommended annually for children under 2 years of age and those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

 

Accidents Happen

While not a disease or illness that can be passed from child to child, accidents cause death and disability to countless children each year. "Prevention relies on adult surveillance and intervention," says Giessel. "Choking is a major hazard to toddlers who explore the world with their mouths. Toys that fit easily into a toilet paper tube are too small for your child to play with, [and] avoiding hard, bite-size foods can also help prevent choking." Examples of such foods are hot dogs cut into circles, nuts, popcorn and raw vegetables such as carrot sticks. Another safety risk is balloons. "Latex balloons are the No. 1 toy that results in fatal choking events in the United States," adds Giessel. Developmentally appropriate accident prevention can be easily researched in many parenting references.

Giessel says in the childcare setting, look for low student-to-teacher ratios. "The fewer children the childcare provider has to watch, the more time they will have to closely observe your child during play," she says. "Soft surfaces in the playground area are important in preventing fractures from falls. And finally, seatbelts should be worn at all times when in motorized vehicles."

To help keep your children's bodies healthy so they can fight illnesses and to combat childhood obesity, nutrition should be at the top of parents' lists. "Prevention begins with the adults in the family setting an example of physical activity and healthy diet habits," says Giessel. "Good nutrition goes a long way toward disease prevention."