March Safety
Illness Info

Illness Information

  

Safety Tip
 

Diarrhea

Taken from www.webmd.com

 

Minor changes in your child's intestines can cause an episode of diarrhea. The body's way of clearing from the intestine what it perceives as an infection, diarrhea can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection (possibly from contaminated food or drinking water), a food allergy, an antibiotic, or anxiety. Viral gastroenteritis is often the culprit, with vomiting for up to the first 24 hours.

No matter what the cause, the most important thing to do is avoid dehydration; infants are at greatest risk. Symptoms of dehydration include: sunken eyes, dry skin and dry mouth, drowsiness, persistent crying in an infant, dark yellow urine, limited urination and skin that may be wrinkled and have no tone. Seek immediate medical attention if you think your infant is dehydrated.

It is critical that your child replace lost fluids with frequent, small amounts of an oral rehydration solution. You can make an inexpensive electrolyte drink at home: In a glass, combine one tablespoon of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a little hot water. Add one cup of cold water and one tablespoon of orange juice. Or, you can buy Pedialyte or Rice-a-lyte.

Symptoms/Signs:

·        Loose or runny stools, generally preceded by abdominal gas and cramping

Consult Your Doctor If Your Child:

·        Has black or bloody diarrhea.

·        Has severe abdominal pain with diarrhea.

·        Shows signs of dehydration.

·        Has diarrhea that lasts for more than 48 hours after following home treatment procedures.

·        Has recurrent episodes of diarrhea.

·        Has diarrhea after taking a new medication.

·        Is an infant with diarrhea and a fever over 100 degrees F.

·        Is an infant who feeds poorly, has diarrhea episodes, appears listless, and is less responsive to you.

Home Care Ideas:

·        To prevent dehydration, provide electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte,
Rice-a-lyte). Do not give apple juice.

·        Eliminate electrolyte solutions as soon as diarrhea begins to subside.

·        For breastfed infants, continue feeding as usual, but offer oral rehydration fluids first. For formula-fed infants, eliminate all but electrolyte solutions for 8-12 hours.

·        For children and infants who have begun eating solid foods, offer rice or rice cereal, bananas, applesauce, crackers, and toast as tolerated. Avoid fruits, caffeine drinks, milk, and fatty foods for the first 24 to 48 hours.

·        Reduce your child's physical activity; strenuous exercise increases bowel activity.

·        Over-the-counter diarrhea medications are not generally considered safe or effective for children.

·        Consult your child's doctor for specific advice.

·        To prevent food-borne infections, be sure food is properly prepared and stored.

·        Wash your child's hands with soap and water before and after handling food, and after using the toilet.

 

Clean all food preparation areas (e.g., countertops, cutting boards, sinks)
carefully.

   

Safety Tip

Bicycle Purchasing

taken from the American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that any bike must be the correct size for the child for whom it is bought. To keep your child safe, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

1. Do not push your child to ride a two-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. A bicycle of the wrong size may cause your child to lose control and be injured.

2. Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new bike.

3. Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.

4. How to test any style of bike for proper fit:

a. Sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebar, your child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground.

b. Straddling the center bar, your child should be able to keep both feet flat on the ground with about a 1-inch clearance between the crotch and the bar.

c. When buying a bike with hand brakes for an older child, make sure that the child can comfortably grasp the brakes and apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike.

5. Consider a helmet standard equipment. When buying your child’s first bike, also be sure to purchase an ANSI- or Snell-approved helmet.

6. Consider the child’s coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster brakes until your child is older and more experienced.