HOW TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT YOUR CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

A healthy, resting adult takes 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Children, from school-age to preschoolers and younger, take many more. It’s normal for a toddler to take twice as many breaths as an adult, and an infant may take a full three times more.

Every breath matters, especially for their developing lungs, and approximately 75 million Americans live in communities with unhealthy air. In addition, the EPA reports that half of the 115,000 schools in the United States have problems linked to indoor air quality. So it’s not too surprising that 6.8 million American children have asthma, and the number is climbing.

How can parents and teachers help children breathe easier? Here’s what you need to know about air quality in and around schools and what you can do to improve it.

Indoors

Almost 55 million students and 7 million staff members spend their days in school facilities across the country. If you and your loved ones are among them, you might be inhaling a host of indoor pollutants including building materials (such as asbestos), cleaning products, radon and even mold. In addition to triggering health problems such as headaches and asthma, indoor air quality can affect children’s academic performance and increase absenteeism.

The good news: Administrators, teachers and families have tools to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. Many are similar to those you may use in your own home.

EPA offers an IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit that provides guidelines, best practices, sample policies and a sample management plan. Areas to focus on include improving HVAC systems, maintaining filters and carbon monoxide detectors, controlling moisture and mold, managing pests and carefully selecting cleaning and building materials.

EPA does not require schools to monitor their air quality, submit information about it or use these voluntary tools, so it’s important for parents to speak up. Share the action kit with your school and talk to decision makers about what they’re doing to improve indoor air quality. Here are additional recommendations for parents, particularly those whose children suffer from asthma.

Some states and school districts have specific policies or regulations to improve indoor air quality. To learn about your area, visit the Environmental Law Institute’s database of state indoor air quality laws or contact your state’s IAQ or IAQ Tools for Schools coordinator.

Outdoors

When students step outside school buildings for fresh air, that air might not be so fresh. Pollutants such as smoke, road dust, car exhaust and factory emissions can all add up to poor quality air. And some days are better than others.

How can you tell the difference? Check your local Air Quality Index. The daily index reports how polluted your air is and what it means for your health. Among other pollutants, the index tests for ground-level ozone (smog) and airborne particles, the two most hazardous types of air pollution.

Children are particularly sensitive to air pollution, so when air quality is rated orange – “unhealthy for sensitive groups” – it might be wise to limit prolonged periods outdoors and avoid heavy exertion, including outdoor sports.

Some school districts adjust recess and outdoor play based on air quality. Ask your children’s school about its air quality policies and share the EPA’s Air Quality Index Toolkit for Teachers. To find your Air Quality Index, search by zip code on AirNow.com, sign up for email alerts on EnviroFlash.info or check local weather reports on television or in the newspaper.

Do you see buses idling outside your children’s school? Diesel exhaust can damage lungs, irritate eyes and throats and trigger asthma or allergies, so check out these tips and tools for reducing bus idling. These resources are designed not just for schools, but for students, parents and community members as well. Talk to your kids about why air quality matters and encourage them to get involved, too.

Author,

Megan Boyle

These are not the top child health problems

Childhood obesity, bullying, and drug abuse are the top child health problems, according to respondents to a national survey for Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Michigan.The survey participants got it wrong on two of those priorities.  Their responses are more a reflection of what’s been getting media attention, rather than the real problems affecting America’s youth.

I was glad to see that childhood obesity, listed by 60 percent of the participants, achieved the number one ranking.  It’s hard to overemphasize the serious medical and mental health implications of this epidemic.However, those who listed bullying (58 percent) and drug abuse (53 percent) as the most serious child health problems got it wrong.Bullying is an important issue, but the prevalence is not increasing, and may in fact be declining. Schools are taking this problem very seriously, and many states have laws that help insure that our kids can go to school in an emotionally safe environment.

While drug abuse is a serious issue, it’s more of a symptom of underlying problems.If I was completing the survey, I’d list child abuse and neglect as the second most serious health problem for our kids. The overall rates of neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse remain alarmingly high.  This is a safety issue that demands our focused attention.

I’d rate stress as the third most significant health issue, one that is related to so many other problems identified in the survey.Childhood stress is difficult to comprehend. Most of our kids are privileged, entitled and raised in financially secure environments. They have economic advantages unknown to any other generation. With so many benefits, why is stress such a serious health issue?

I’d list stress as one of my top priorities because we are raising a generation of entitled and overprotected kids who are horrible at dealing with life’s problems. When confronted with difficulties, they respond by abusing drugs, smoking, bullying or developing mental health issues.

These problems are symptoms. We don’t need more education to teach kids that bullying, taking drugs, and smoking are bad. Instead, we need to teach our children better ways to deal with unpleasant feelings, difficult people, failure and frustration.

What kids are calling “stress” today was once viewed as just a normal part of living that kids figured out how to manage.

The solution is for parents to stop solving problems for their kids, and start teaching them how to deal with difficulties on their own. Your job is to do more coaching and less controlling, helping our kids to be strong and independent, not victims of life’s normal pressures.

Infant Fever After Shots

One of the natural reactions of immunization in infants is fever. Although parents do not like this, it is important to understand that it is a sign that the child's immune system is becoming stronger. Read on to know more.

Most parents loathe the discomfort that their infants undergo after they get their shots. However, it is important to remember that the advantages of immunization far outweigh its side effects. Infants are born with certain antibodies that fight infection. There are others that they receive from the mother's milk as they are breastfed. However, the protection from these antibodies are temporary. Hence, even if infant fever bothers you or your child, be assured that vaccines are important to build your child's immunity against a host of diseases, in future.

The Reason Behind Infant Fever

Vaccines are killed or weakened strains of disease-causing organisms that are introduced into the body. The body recognizes these organisms as foreign bodies. The immune system destroys these organisms and 'remembers' them so that the next time the individual is attacked by the organisms naturally, the body fights them back. Rise in temperature of the body is a sign that the body is fighting off the strain of organisms introduced through vaccines. Bacteria and viruses thrive inside the body at temperatures around 98.6°F. High temperature during fever helps to kill these germs.

 

Also the elevated temperatures help the body in producing more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents. Hence, infant fever after vaccination is just as much desired as is natural.

Reactions of the Body to Vaccines

Redness or swelling in the skin where the vaccine has been injected.

Soreness or tenderness of the area where the shot was given.

Mild to moderate fever.

Irritability and fussiness in the infant.

Loss of appetite, the baby refuses to drink milk. The baby shows unwillingness towards food.

The child may not show any interest in playing.

As the body temperature starts to drop, excessive sweating can be noticed. The child may look well then and may start smiling.

After getting a nasal spray vaccine, the child may have a runny nose. The child may suffer from congestion or may develop cough.

Infant fever after shots should not set panic in parents. The common reactions that are mentioned above subside in just a couple of days. Actually, it is a sign that the body's immune system is fighting against the organisms introduced into the body and is preparing the body for future infections. 

 

Although these reactions are mild, in very rare cases some infants may develop severe reactions to certain vaccines. Such reactions may manifest in the form of breathing problems, wheezing, hives, skin rashes, weakness, lethargy, seizures, fainting, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased irritability and irregular heartbeat. In case an infant does develop such reactions, a doctor must be immediately called. These reactions are triggered within a few minutes or hours of the shot.

Caring for Your Baby Post a Vaccine Shot

Vaccines are an integral aspect of proper baby care. It is a fact that immunization causes discomfort, but you can't avoid it. However, there are ways in which parents can reduce the anxiety and pain of their children. Besides the physical pain, shots tend to unsettle children. Give them emotional support by staying close to them. After the doctor is done with giving the shot, take the baby into your arms and press him close against your chest using your arms. This will soothe the baby and give him a sense of security.

Parents need to be careful while handling their infants, especially the area where the injection is given. Avoid contact with that area. In case there is swelling or redness in the spot, dip a clean cloth in ice water and apply it to that area. Not only would this reduce the baby's pain, but it would also calm the child. Give a few spoons of sugar solution (add a couple of teaspoons of table sugar to 3-4 ounces of water, boil it and let it cool down. Use it when at room temperature) to the baby after immunization as researchers have found that sugar solution has a calming effect on infants.

In case of infant fever after immunization, which is a very common phenomenon, monitor your child's temperature on a regular basis. Mild to moderate temperature is acceptable. Infants should be given plenty of liquids when they run a temperature. Avoid overdressing kids at such times. A cool cloth can be used to comfort the baby. Also consult your doctor if you are considering giving medicines to your child. To deal with the fussiness of a child who has just received his shots, Tylenol can be given. However, again I strongly advise that parents consult their doctor before administering any medicine to their infant.

Sleep (sufficient rest) plays a significant role in the functioning of the immune system. Studies show that insufficient sleep before or after getting a shot usually leads to a weaker immune response to the vaccine. According to the latest study reports, chances of infants sleeping longer were high when they were vaccinated after 1:30 p.m. And the infants who slept longer after receiving their shots, showed only a slight rise in body temperature over the next 24 hours. More studies are required to confirm the relationship between timing of immunization and immune response; but till then, there is no harm in trying 'afternoon immunization' for an infant.

Infant fever after shots is a natural reaction of vaccination. Parents shouldn't be overly anxious about it. Just try to make the child as comfortable as you can and consult the doctor so that you are sure that you know what is the best for the baby.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as a substitute for pediatrician's advice.

An In-Depth Look Into Baby Food Processors and Healthy Eating For Your Baby

Are you one of those meticulous moms and dads who are always trying to find out every last detail of what goes into their babies tummies? Well, if you are, then it is also pretty normal for you to want only the healthiest food items for your child, and most of the time, many of the pre-packaged and tinned products are not too good for you or your child.

With all the preservatives, additives, high sugar and salt content, not to mention the pesticides used to grow the produce before it's processed and packaged, and who knows what other kind of stuff the manufacturers put in their products, right?

Of course, you can't control everything. However, with a baby food processor, you can easily know and manage what your baby eats. If you are the one preparing your childs meals, then you can be sure that their meals are fresh and nutritious.

This just might be the solution to all of your worries. Think about it, having a baby food processor at home allows you to provide all the nutritional content of your babys' food whilst also saving you preparation time. A simple gadget like this could be the solution you've always been dreaming of.

With the use of a food processor like this, you can provide your little one with healthy and delicious homemade food bursting with goodness and not additives and pesticide residues. With a little practice and some additional preparation steps, you can make sure that feeding time for your picky little one will be a lot less hard work and may even condition your baby into looking forward to meal time.

Another nice thing about a food processor specifically aimed at making baby food, is that they come in different makes. Although, this may be a problem for some, making choosing one more difficult, it gives others a chance to have a good look at all the products. Most brands come as an electric appliance, which helps, making food preparation easier.

However, some brands also make non-electric manual food processors, which may not help with the speed of food preparation but definitely appeals to those of us who wish to be more eco-friendly or parents that travel frequently. With a manual processor, you can go out on a long trip without having to worry about where you are going to get healthy food for your baby .

Like most parents, your babys' health is always top priority, and that starts with what they eat. With a baby food processor, you can always be sure that they are getting good, safe, nutritious and healthy homemade food and what could be better than that.

Like most parents, your baby's health is always top priority, and that starts with what they eat. With a baby food processor, you can always be sure that they are getting good, safe, nutritious and healthy homemade food and what could be better than that.

As a new parent you probably have a multitude of questions, worries and wonders about your precious little one. If that sounds like you, go to this baby care site for all the answers to your questions, it certainly worked for me.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3072006

Baby Bronchitis

Baby bronchitis is as a result of exposure to pathogens causing the infection. These pathogens include viruses and bacteria. In order to treat baby bronchitis, the exact cause should be known first. This is by doing diagnosis in your nearest baby health center. The tests done at the center will let you and the doctor know the exact cause of the disease. The tests include sputum and blood tests. In extreme circumstances, a chest x-ray may be performed.

Once the diagnosis is complete, medication can be started. These include bronchodilaters, expectorant cough syrup and antibiotics. The antibiotics are given if the cause of the condition is bacteria pathogens. Baby bronchitis symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, expectorant cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. The most pronounced symptoms are coughing, shortness of breath, fever and wheezing.

Immediate action should be taken when a fever is reported. Baby bronchitis should not be self treated. Bronchitis is a dangerous disease that can lead to pneumonia and asthma. Babies with this disease should be taken care of well. This is to make them recover completely after the illness. Most babies lose a lot of weight when under bronchitis attack.

Extra effort is necessary for a baby to recover from the disease. As bronchitis is contagious, babies should be kept away from family members who have the disease. Extra caution to those who handle the babies is necessary. Frequent washing of hands and general body hygiene are the keys to avoiding spreading the disease. Baby bronchitis should not be home treated. A doctor should be the one to give the medication and the dosage should be followed to the letter.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1827105

Some Tips of Baby Care

Having a baby means giving much care for him if you would like to see him grow well. If you are a new mother who has a little bit of information about baby care, you need to read this article. It will give you tips about baby care; so, read it and take advantage from it.

Bottle feeding

If you give a bottle to feed your baby, you must be sure that the bottle is clean and sterilized. To make it clean, you need to scrub it with washing liquids then boil the bottle for 25 minutes. It could kill dangerous organism that could affect the milk.

Clothing

Choosing the right clothes is also important thing you must do. In season of winter, you need to choose trousers, sweaters and other woolens. The clothes which are worn in summer must be light cotton ones. If you use the right clothes for your baby, you could avoid the irritation so your baby will feel comfort.

Taking a Bath

Taking a bath process is not easy thing to do. When bathing, you must be sure that the water could access all of parts of the body. You need to scrub him with baby cream and baby cream. It makes your baby has a good smile so your baby will look so cute. Then, you need to apply a baby powder that could enhance the innocent looks.

Having the Time with Your Baby

The most crucial tips of baby care are time and attention. You need to give enough time and attention for your baby. It could show that you love and care for him. As you know that a baby has ability to recognize people's faces that are close with him.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3223956

Identifying Heartburn in Babies

Although aptly called 'heartburn', this ailment really is not really a heart problem. It is often called such because individuals who suffer from heartburn often complain of a burning sensation in their breast area. Heartburn is also referred to esophageal disorder. Seeing an adult suffering from heartburn is bad enough but more so if it were your little tykes who suffer from such ailment.

In infants, heartburn is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This is a common ailment in babies below two years old. In babies, symptoms of heartburn include cough, restlessness during sleep and irritability. The cause of heartburn at this early age may be attributed to stomach discomfort. An infant's stomach may have acidic contents that may move towards to the esophagus. A weak esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that connects the stomach, may be weak and cause such reflux.

A reflux simply means that intestinal fluids flow the wrong way. In infants, acid from their stomach is reverted back to his food pipe. When this happens, the symptoms of heartburn would soon follow.

You would often notice that your child would often spit out food or even vomit. They often cry out after a meal and produce a burping sound. If this happens, hold your baby upright when feeding him, this will keep the milk down his digestive system. Using a baby sling can also be of help.

Since heartburn is a disease related to food intake, it is important to keep watch of you're the food your child takes. Babies mostly rely on milk as food; you can give them milk in smaller amounts but on a regular basis. If you already started feeding your babies rice cereal, make it less diluted and thicken the formula.

Heartburn is more evident in premature babies. As in most cases, mothers play a vital role in the health of their babies. When either of the parents smoke, then your child will suffer the results of passive smoking. As always, breastfeeding is a great advantage for your baby' health and can prevent heartburn. Immediately head to your pediatrician at the first symptom of heartburn. Treatment can be administered, though in time, children would eventually outgrow heartburn.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/288525

Tips to Baby Care - Things You Should Know

Wonderful moment has arrived - you had a baby! Now what? Caring for your baby is a skill, lucky us it can be easily acquired and learned. Baby care and nurturing is going to fill your days for the first few month to the maximum, and here are some tips to help you reduce stress and make parenting more enjoyable!

• Talking to, touching, and holding your new baby in the delivery room is good for you and your baby.
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• This is a wonderful time to start breastfeeding. Tell your care giver not to let anyone else feed your baby so that your baby will only get your breast milk.
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• Your health care giver will examine your baby right after birth, checking appearance and color, reflexes, breathing, heart rate, and activity to see whether your baby needs any special care.
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• Ask to have your newborn placed beside you in bed. Touch and hold your baby, and get to know how your baby feels.
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• Your baby may look different from the way you expected. Ask the hospital staff if you have questions about the way your baby looks.
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• Ask the staff to show you how to take your baby's temperature and read the thermometer.
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• All infants should be protected against hepatitis B. Some doctors recommend the first shot be given before going home from the hospital.
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• You should take your baby to see the doctor when your baby is about 1 week old unless you are told to come in sooner. Call your baby's doctor right after your baby is born for an appointment.

Before you and your baby leave the hospital, a few drops of blood will be taken from your baby's heel to check for some rare problems.

You will need a car safety seat (marked "federally approved") to bring your baby home. It is the law-your baby must always be in an approved safety seat when traveling in a car, van, or truck. Ask your health care giver, the hospital where you deliver, or health department about programs that loan federally approved car safety seats.

If you or the baby's father have any questions about how to pick up, hold, feed, bathe, diaper, or dress your baby, ask the hospital staff to help you. Your new baby needs all of the love and comfort you can give. You cannot love a baby too much. Your entire family can share in the joy of this love.

Caring for your baby at home ...

Most newborn babies spend most of their time sleeping and eating. You want to make sure that baby has a safe place to sleep and is put to sleep in a safe position.

A safe crib will have slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and corner posts less than 5/8 inch high above the rails.

Baby should sleep on a firm mattress that fits tightly in the crib, cradle or bassinet.

Do not put pillows, comforters or other soft padded materials in the bed under the baby.

Put healthy infants to sleep on their backs or sides.

Keep the sides of crib raised when baby is sleeping in it.

Try to keep sleeping newborns away from pets, other children and large overstuffed toys.

Don't let people smoke around your baby. Your baby's lungs are delicate. Babies are not as resistant to respiratory infections as their parents.

Hopefully these simple tips will help you enjoy your new responsibilities to its fullest and fill your days with joy, not stress.

And now I invite you to discover some great baby gift ideas or perhaps explore your options for the baby shower gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/364185