Spring 2011
Healthy Kids West Virginia
West Virginia Child Care Nurse Health Consultants Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 1
RSV Season Is Upon Us By: Glenna Bailey, RN
RSV stands for Respiratory Symptoms are similar to a cups, glasses or utensils and
Syncytial Virus and as the cold and include fever, cleaning and disinfecting
name indicates is a viral wheezing, coughing and runny surfaces on a regular basis.
infection of the respiratory nose. Persons who are
Since children are infectious Inside
tract. It is the most frequent infected and have difficulty
before symptoms begin, there is This
cause of respiratory infections breathing or symptoms that
no need to exclude children
in infants and children under 2 worsen should see a doctor. Issue:
unless they have a fever that
years of age. It can however, Premature babies and
affect people of all ages. In children with a weak immune
prevents them from participating RSV Season is Upon 1
most cases symptoms are system are at greatest risk for in daily activities. Refer Us
mild, but in people who have developing complications. parents to any exclusion policy
compromised immune in your parent handbook for Are we 2
In most mild cases, there is no guidelines. Feverphobic??
systems, it could result in
specific treatment except for
more serious conditions such
relief of symptoms. Since it is Days to Celebrate 2
as pneumonia.
a viral infection, antibiotics are this Spring
RSV is highly contagious and not effective. Children who
is spread by direct contact of a have severe symptoms may
How WIC can Help 3
surface that an infected need to be hospitalized and
your Family
person has contaminated by receive oxygen therapy and
touching, coughing or breathing treatments.
Healthy Spring 3
sneezing on it. It is also
The spread of RVS can be Snack Ideas
spread by droplet inhalation
lessened by frequent hand
generated by a coughing or
washing, proper disposal of Ask the Nurse 4
sneezing infected person.
used tissues, not sharing
First Anniversary of 4
Did you Know.. April is National Autism Awareness Month? Autism is a complex Let’s Move!
developmental disability that generally surfaces during the first three years of life. It
affects the child’s ability to communicate and interact with others, however, the Movement Ideas to 5
disease varies in degree and affects every individual differently. If you have any Share
concerns regarding your child’s ability to interact with others discuss them with your
Pediatrician. Get to Know your 6
CCHC
Any topics you would like to see or Any topics that you feel would Check out our website ~
ideas you would like to share in make a great training? Feel free www.wvearlychildood.org
the Healthy Kids West Virginia to let us know. We are always
newsletter? Let us know by email- looking for new ideas!
ing or calling Sarah, Glenna or
Feel free to make copies of this
Christy. Our contact information
newsletter to distribute to other
can be found on the back page.
child care providers and parents.
Are We Feverphobic??? By: Sarah Hicks, RN
A clinical report in the March issue of the child, are they able to be active with a temperature of 104 degrees or
Pediatrics published by the American and play, are they hydrated, do they higher. Children with temperatures
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have signs of serious illness? below those ranges should be treated
discusses fevers and the possibility When giving fever-reducing based on well-being, activity level,
of overuse of fever reducers when it medications, it is important to follow hydration levels, and signs of illness
comes to managing fevers. The instructions very carefully. For as recommended by the child’s
article states that fever is one of the administration in a child care setting, health care provider.
most common symptoms managed make sure that you are following the What do you feel about the findings
by pediatricians and one of the most regulations and recommendations in this article? If you’d like to read
frequent causes of parent/caregiver from Medication Administration the entire article visit ~ http://
concern. Studies have found that training. Acetaminophen and www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/
parents/caregivers may administer Ibuprofen are the most common and full/127/3/580
fever reducers even when there is most effective fever reducers in
minimal or no fever, due to their children. However, both medications
belief that the child must maintain a do carry risks if administered
“normal” temperature. improperly. Studies have found that
The AAP feels that fevers are a almost half of parents administer
normal benefiting part of the incorrect doses. Dosing should
infectious process and helps to fight always be based on weight, and not
infection, and that alone it is not an the child’s age. Another finding in
illness. They state that fevers do not this article was that many parents/
worsen the course of illness or cause caregivers wake sleeping children to
long term neurologic complications. administer fever-reducing
So, the AAP feels that when treating medications, however, 80% of
a child with a fever, the goal is to pediatricians asked would prefer the
increase comfort, rather than child continues sleeping and dosed
focusing on the “number” or getting upon waking if needed.
the child’s temperature back to Fever is cause for immediate
“normal.” When deciding about concern and physician care is
treatment, it is recommended to look necessary when heat stroke is
at the overall picture of the child, not suspected, when a child less than 3
just the number on the thermometer months of age has a temperature of
~ what is the general well-being of 100 degrees F or higher, or any child
Days to Celebrate this Spring!!!
March is…. April is…. May is….
National Nutrition Month National Autism Awareness Month Family Wellness Month
Save Your Vision Month National Child Abuse Prevention Clean Air Month
Month Better Sleep Month
National Infant Immunization Month National Asthma and Allergy
Also Celebrate…
National Oral Health Month Awareness Month
National Poison Prevention Week
March 21st-27th Also Celebrate… Also Celebrate…
Youth Violence Prevention Week National Playground Safety week Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation
March 22nd-26th April 18th-24th Week May 3rd-7th
Food Allergy Awareness Week May 9-
15th
Page 2 Healthy Kids West Virginia
How WIC can Help Your Family By: Meagan Hoover, WIC Community Outreach Specialist
WIC Nutrition is a valuable program for education classes to keep clients well informed clients we are able to work with, the more
families across the nation providing need- on healthy nutrition practices. the merrier!
ed assistance with healthy living and life- There are a multitude of ways to qualify. The Children who eat healthy and lead ac-
style choices. Financial support with most common way to become a WIC client is tive lifestyles reap many benefits. They
healthy foods is only part of the worth- to fit the guideline requirements. These will be are at lower risk for childhood obesity and
while services offered at WIC. WIC also available at your local WIC office. A family of diabetes. They are statistically proven to
has lactation consultants on staff to give four can make up to $40,793 a year and still have better cognitive development. Wom-
advice on breastfeeding difficulties, medi- qualify! What the general public may not be en who eat healthy while pregnant give
cal staff to check iron levels and growth aware of are the less obvious qualifying fac- birth to healthy babies. Women who re-
development for both pregnant mothers tors. Families that have children with a medical tain healthy eating habits after giving birth
and children, nutritionists to offer guid- card or that already receive food stamps or are return to pre-baby weight quicker and
ance with a variety of subjects-especially TANF eligible qualify, and foster children quali- suffer less from post partum depression.
healthy eating and exercise, and nutrition fy. We do not have only a certain number of WIC wants to help you help your family.
Healthy Spring Snack Recipes ~ By: Christy Freed, RN
Egg Heads
Grapefruit Gals
Ingredients Ingredients
Grapefruit Hard-boiled eggs
Grapes (for hair and eyes) Round crackers
Maraschino cherry (for nose Vegetable and herb
garnishes
Raisins or banana (for mouth)
Instructions
Instructions
Stack a hard-boiled egg slice on a round cracker and
Arrange red or green grape clusters around the top for hair.
add whatever garnishes you have on hand. Our
Add red grape eyes, a maraschino cherry nose and a big grin made
favorites include chives, alfalfa sprouts, sunflow-
of raisins or bananas.
er seeds, and dill.
These Recipes and Pictures were obtained from Family Fun Magazine ~ For more ideas/recipes go to www.familyfun.com
The Apprenticeship for Child Devel- The Be Choosy WV Project is still
opment Specialist Program is a train-
ing opportunity for those working in accepting applications !!
early care and education. Through
In order to combat the high rates of childhood
the ACDS program, you will receive
classroom and on-the-job training to
obesity in WV, the Be Choosy WV Project
help develop your skills and gain knowledge that hopes to implement the Choosy Kids program in child care centers
you will use to open new doors for future opportu- across the state. More information on Be Choosy can be obtained at
nities. For more information, please contact Sher- www.choosykids.com. Contact your Nurse Health Consultant to sub-
rie Barrett at 304-523-0433 or sbarrett@rvcds.org. mit an application for your center.
Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 3
Ask the Nurse…. By: Christy Freed, RN
How can I tell if my child’s cough is just a cold or allergies or something more serious such as Pertussis
(Whooping Cough)?
Pertussis, commonly called Whooping Cough, is a disease that can affect people of all
ages. Children receive a series of vaccinations against the disease in infancy, but it is
possible to contract the disease as an infant prior to vaccination or after the age of 11
when the vaccination wears off. Pertussis causes a severe cough that can lasts for
months. The cough can be so severe that it can cause rib injuries, ruptured blood ves-
sels in and around the eyes, and even syncope (fainting). Pertussis is caused by bac-
teria and is treated with antibiotics. Most people recover without any long term prob-
lems, though pneumonia can develop.
Pertussis begins with cold like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery
eyes. However, unlike a cold, after 3-5 days when these symptoms improve the cough will become more se-
vere. In between coughing spells the individual will have no symptoms. The individual may also make the
characteristic “whooping” sound when they breathe in. If your child has a mild cough that is accompanied by
cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes it is most likely not Whooping cough. However,
any cough that is persistent and severe should be evaluated by your child’s Pediatrician.
Did you know.. May 24th to 30th is Buckle Up America! Week. Child restraints
can increase a child’s chance of survival in a car accident by 54 to 80%.
Children under the age of 8 and under 4 ft 9 inches tall are required by WV
law to use a booster seat and all children should be safely secured with a seat
belt.
First Anniversary of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign By: Christy Freed, RN
First Lady Michelle Obama is keep fruit in children’s reach for day, try new fruits and
celebrating the 1 year snacks, take a walk with their vegetables, drink lots of water,
anniversary of her Let’s Move! families after dinner, plan a do jumping jacks to break up
campaign to combat childhood weekly menu, turn off the television time, and help make
obesity. Let’s Move! is a television during meal times, dinner. Health care profession-
comprehensive initiative that and talk to their child’s school als are encouraged to join Let’s
focuses on teaching parents, about organizing a health team. Move!, make BMI
children, schools, and health Schools are encouraged to measurement part of routine
care professionals how to create a school health advisory visits, talk to patients about
initiate good nutrition and council, join the Healthier US breast feeding and introducing
exercise habits at a young age Schools Challenge, make the solids, prescribe activity and
to promote health throughout school a healthy workplace, health habits, and be leaders in
the life span. Each category is include nutrition and physical their communities. For more
given 5 simple steps to education in the school day, information and ideas to help
promote healthy habits. and plant a garden. Children make your children healthier
Parents are encouraged to are encouraged to move every visit www.letsmove.gov.
Page 4 Healthy Kids West Virginia
Movement Ideas To Share!
(Please copy and distribute to families and other Child Care providers)
Infants Toddlers
Buzzing Bees:
Tickle Time
Have children buzz around with el-
bows flapping searching for flowers and
Gather items with a variety of interest-
nectar. When they've gathered all their
ing textures, like cotton balls, feathers, nectar have them fly back to the hive to
tissues, a comb, or any piece of fabric. feed the queen bee which can be the
Then place your baby on a blanket on adult.
the floor — or in her crib — and gently
brush the objects across her tender tum-
my, leg, or cheek. Your running com-
mentary makes this game even more in-
teresting, so talk it up!
Preschoolers School-Age
Move the Ball
Musical Chairs (with Place four cones of
name recognition) different colors in the
four corners of the
A Variation on musical Chairs: No child
room or yard/
likes getting out. This game eliminates this
playground, leaving ample space around the
problem as well as encouraging name recog- cones. The children gather in the middle of the
nition. Set up the chairs as in a normal area with a very large vinyl ball. The teacher
game of musical chairs, but fix each child's calls out a color cone. The children must decide
name card on a chair so they can see it. how they will get the ball from the middle of the
Start the music with the children moving room to the cone. They must choose a way that
around the chairs. When it stops they must involves the cooperation of everyone. When they
find the chair with their name on it. Move have reached the first cone, the teacher calls out
the names each turn ( you may need the another color cone and they repeat the process,
but cannot use the same movement twice. (i.e. -
help of your aide to do this speedily). For
We already carried the ball together, now we
beginners add an individual sticker on the
must think of something new.)
name card to aid recognition.
Do you have any cheap or free movement ideas you’d like to share? Let Sarah, Glenna, or Christy
Know, and we’ll include it this section of the newsletter in the next issue.
Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 5
West Virginia Child Care www.wvearlychildhood.org
Nurse Health Consultants
How Can a Child Care Nurse Health
Glenna Bailey, RN Consultant (CCHC) Help Me?
611 7th Ave Suite 322
Huntington, WV 25701
304-972-6300
Help providers develop strategies for car-
gbailey@rvcds.org
ing for children with special health needs
Covers Link, Connect, MountainHeart Develop or update health and safety poli-
South counties of McDowell, Mercer, cies for child care providers
Monroe, Summers, Raleigh, Fayette Provide health education and wellness
and Wyoming. programs
Provide up-to-date information on the lat-
Sarah Hicks, RN est guidelines, policies and information
8 Memorial Dr regarding child health and safety
Parsons, WV 26287
Offer support through telephone consulta-
304-972-6200 tions or on-site visits
shicks@rvcds.org
Covers MountainHeart North and Conduct child care staff training
MountainHeart South Counties of Provide Medication Administration Train-
Braxton, Nicholas, Webster, ing
Pocahontas, and Greenbrier Provide communicable disease infor-
mation
Christy Freed, RN Develop health care plans for children
521 Market St, #7 with special needs
Parkersburg, WV 26101 Provide health and safety education for
304-710-9065 parents and children
cfreed@rvcds.org
Covers Catholic Community Services
and Choices
Get to know your CCHC
Glenna Bailey Sarah Hicks Christy Freed
1. Favorite Spring Flower? Magnolias, I fell
1.Favorite Spring Flower? Daffodils have 1. Favorite Spring Flower? Roses, my
in love with them when I went to WV
such a variety of blooms and colors, that grandparents always grew them
Wesleyan. They were in full bloom at then
they really light up spring meadows and end of Spring semester and smelled won- when I was a child and my sister and
gardens. derful. I would get to pick one each time we
visited their house.
2. Favorite thing about Spring? The re- 2. Favorite thing about Spring? No more
newal of the mountains with dogwoods snow! 2. Favorite thing about Spring? Finally
and redbuds blooming en masse . being able to take my daughter out-
3. Favorite Health Website? side to play again after being inside
3.Favorite Health Website? : California www.kidshealth.org or
all winter.
Childcare Health Program. www.askdrsears.com, as well as the Cali-
www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/ fornia Child Care Health Program. 3. Favorite Health Website? WebMD