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Childcare and Illness
Keeping Kids Healthy in Daycare
By Donna Smith
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."
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