Attention Child Care Providers

Watch the mail for the year end "2010-2011 Child Care /Preschool Immunization Status Report."

If you have questions or need assistance with the form, call the Health Education Department, 816-587-5998 Extension 322. The child care health care consultants are available to come on site and assist with reviewing immunization records.

As a reminder: Keep a copy of the completed form for your files and email, fax, or mail a hard copy to sherrie.kisker@plattehealth.com  for Platte County Child Care Health records.

If your center has not received the form by January 7, 2011. Contact Sherrie for further assistance.

Click below for immunization schedules:

http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Immunizations/2010-2011_School_Requirements.pdf

Fast Food Facts- One Stop Shop for Fast Food nutritional info!

Fast Food Facts is your source for the most up-to-date nutritional information on ALL your favorite fast food for dieting and weight control; sugar levels for diabetics; carbs (carbohydrate) for low-carb dieters; and health & nutrition class projects for students and teachers. Click on the link to visit their website: http://www.fastfoodfacts.info/

Dangerous alcoholic energy drinks will soon be off store shelves in America

On Wednesday, November 17, 2010, officials from the Federal Drug Admininstation, the Federal Trade Commission and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau took unprecedented action by notifying four producers of alcoholic energy drinks that their products were adulterated and constituted a "public health concern". They were deemed unsafe because of the addition of caffeine as a stimulant. The companies were given 15 days to respond or face product seizure.


We are happy to report that the four producers, Phusion Projects, United Brands, Charge Beverages and New Century Brewing have stopped shipping the seven different products that according to the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy were "designed, branded and promoted to encourage binge drinking."

For more information on the dangers of energy drinks and alcohol visit:  http://www.marininstitute.org/alcopops/energy_drink_report.htm

New federal website shows men how to stay healthy

Data shows that men are 24% less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly and 30% more likely to be hospitalized for potentially preventable conditions such as congestive heart failure and complications from diabetes. Healthy Men, a new website developed by Healthcare Research and Quality and the Ad Council , helps men learn what preventive medical tests they need and when they need to get them.  The website includes the latest recommendations on screening for colorectal cancer, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and other diseases.  Check it out today!

FREE flu vaccines

To celebrate our Veterans, we would like to offer FREE flu vaccines to retired and active military the WEEK OF VETERAN's DAY (Nov 8-12, 2010 (we will be closed on Nov 11)!!!! Thank you for all you do for our country.

Platte County Senior Health Fairs are coming!!!!

The annual Senior Health Fairs are coming this month. Click on the link below for the location, time and dates. Hope to see you there!!

http://www.plattecountyhealthdept.com/pdf/Senior%20Fair%20Flyer%202010.pdf

Thinking of Quitting (smoking)???

Register now to sign up for this FREE informational class on Nov. 18th.  Please click on link below for more information.

http://www.plattecountyhealthdept.com/pdf/Thinking%20About%20Quitting%20Flyer%2011182010.pdf

Asthma & First Aid training is FULL

The FREE Asthma and First Aid training classes are now full.  If you would like to be on the waiting list please contact the Health Education Dept. 
http://www.plattecountyhealthdept.com/pdf/Asthma%20and%20First%20Aid%20Training.pdf

Make sure to sign up for the Health Education blog to be the first to know about our future classes and trainings!!

ATTENTION: Child Care providers... FREE First Aid & Asthma Training

Click on the link below to register for an upcoming Childcare Provider training: http://www.plattecountyhealthdept.com/pdf/Asthma%20and%20First%20Aid%20Training.pdf

Hurry this class will fill up FAST!!!

NEW RESOURCE FOR MISSOURIANS WITH PRE-EXISTING HEALTH CONDITIONS

NEW RESOURCE FOR MISSOURIANS WITH PRE-EXISTING HEALTH CONDITIONS


As you may have heard, there is a new resource available for

Missourians with pre-existing health conditions. The Missouri Health Insurance Pool, (MHIP) has run a state-mandated high-risk pool since 1991. Federal funding from the Patient Protection and

Affordable Care Act has allowed MHIP to create a second, federal pool. This new pool, funded by $81 million in federal money, offers rates about 30 percent lower than the state pool. Further, it places no restrictions on coverage of policyholders’ pre-existing conditions. To be eligible for the new federal pool, an applicant must:

Be a Missouri resident; Have a pre-existing condition; and Be without health insurance for at least the past six months.

MHIP has contracted with RightChoice, a subsidiary of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, to administer the program and Catalyst Rx to provide prescription drug coverage. The state pool has more than 4,000 members. MHIP has projected that the new federal pool can

accommodate approximately 3,600 members between now and 2014, including 1,000 members by the end of 2010. Both the

federal and state high-risk pools will be available until 2014, when the new federal law requires health insurance companies to offer coverage to all applicants, regardless of health status, at standard market rates. For more information on MHIP plans or to apply for coverage, call 800-821-2231 or visit http://mhip.org/.

Pregnant Women & the Flu

Vaccination Helps Protect Pregnant Women from Flu


Pregnant women everywhere know the importance of taking steps to maintain good health. However, one step that is too often overlooked is the need for pregnant and postpartum women to get vaccinated against the flu.

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other trusted health care providers play a big role in educating expectant mothers on the risks of flu and the importance of vaccination. That’s why today, leaders from some of the most trusted organizations in the health field released a letter, urging all health care providers to promote vaccination in pregnant and postpartum women.

Their message is simple:

1. Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant

2. Pregnant women should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies against flu

3. Influenza vaccine is safe during any trimester

Last year pregnant women accounted for 5% of H1N1 flu-related deaths and 7% of flu-related hospitalizations, despite representing only 1% of the U.S. population. Pregnant women with influenza are also at increased risk of developing serious complications, including hospitalization and death.

Get a copy of the letter or learn more at http://www.flu.gov/.

CPR classes

Effective November 1, 2010 our CPR class fees will increase to $35.00 per individual.
Please visit our Health Education blog http://www.plattehealthed.blogspot.com/

HHS Launches First of Its Kind Consumer Focused Website in Spanish

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today unveiled CuidadodeSalud.Gov, the first website in Spanish of its kind to help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.  Click the link below:
http://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/enes/

PTA Healthy Lifestyles Grant---CHECK IT OUT!!

PTA HEALTHY LIFESTYLES GRANT


The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Healthy Lifestyles grant promotes good nutrition and regular physical activity in order to address the

nation's childhood obesity epidemic. This grant emphasizes the

important role families can play in keeping their children healthy and ready to learn. In celebration of PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month each

November, National PTA offers PTA Healthy Lifestyles Grants of up to $1,000 to local PTAs. To find our more click on this website http://pta.org/pta_healthy_lifestyles_grant.asp

Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

As of today, July 22, 2010, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits manufacturers from distributing for sale any tobacco products labeled or advertised as "light," "low," or "mild."


We'd like to ask for your help in putting out the myth on light, low, and mild cigarettes. No matter what they taste, smell, or look like, all cigarettes are harmful to your health. There's no such thing as a safe cigarette.

Please visit http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/MisleadingDescriptors/
Here, you'll find:

o A 30 second audio PSA, Put Out the Myth: There Is No Such Thing as a Safe Cigarette

o A sharable button with links to regulatory, health, and smoking cessation information

o Webpage content syndication information

o Basic consumer fact sheet

Would you like to know how to maintain a healthy weight, use tools to shop and plan for nutritious meals?

Visit Aim for a Healthy Weight to calculate your BMI, check out the menu planner, how to become more physically active and much more!

Sunscreen and Childcare Regulation

Please see the following clarification from the Section of Child Care Regulation (SCCR) regarding application of sunscreen in child care:


If a child care provider chooses to put sunscreen on children, the following licensing rules at centers need to be followed:

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(A) The provider is not required to administer medication but may choose to do so.

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(B) All medication shall be given to a child only with the dated, written permission of the parent(s) stating the length of time medication may be given.

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(D) All nonprescription medication shall be in the original container and labeled by the parent(s) with the child’s name, and instructions for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages.

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(E) All medication shall be stored out of reach of children or in a locked container.

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(F) Medication shall be returned to storage immediately after use.

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(H) Medication shall be returned to the parent(s) or disposed of immediately when no longer needed.

19 CSR 30-62.192(3)(I) The date and time(s) of administration, the name of the individual giving the medication and the quantity of any medication given shall be recorded promptly after administration. This information shall be filed in the child’s record after the medication is no longer necessary.

For Family Homes, these rules are the same, but the #‟s are: 19 CSR 30-61.185(3)(A), (B), (D), (E),(F), (H),and (I).

LE rules also support the above. 19 CSR 30-60.060(10)(A) through (G)

Although SCCR can’t require providers to administer sunscreen, we do require that they protect the children from over-exposure to the sun. If they choose not to use sunscreen, they’ll have to demonstrate other ways that the children will be protected from the sun, such as shaded areas, hats, long sleeves and pants, and changing the time of day that the children go outside.

Eat This, Not That for Breakfast

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/37821281#37821281

Prevent Summer Tragedies----NEVER Leave Your Kids Alone in a Car

Did you know that a child’s body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s?  Visit Safe Kids.org to learn how hot your car's temperature can increase in just 10 minutes!

Preventing injuries: at home, at play, and on the way.

We added a new site under our Favorite Links!

Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents.  This resource will provide you with science-based recommendations to help persons aged 6 years or older improve their health through physical activity.

New Bill to Ban Sugary Drinks at Child Care

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/state&id=7466582

Infant Death Prompts Recall

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

1. Infant Death Prompts Recall of Ring Slings Made by Sprout Stuff Due to Suffocation Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Sprout Stuff, of Austin, Texas, is announcing the recall of about 40 Sprout Stuff infant ring slings. CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using these slings due to a risk of suffocation to infants.

CPSC and Sprout Stuff are aware of one report of a death of a 10-day-old boy in the recalled sling in Round Rock, Texas in 2007.

The Sprout Stuff infant ring sling is fabric/natural muslin and comes with or without a shoulder pad. The sling is worn by parents and caregivers to carry a child up to two years of age. "Sprout Stuff" is printed on the back side of the tail's hem.

Sprout Stuff sold the recalled infant slings, which were made in the United States, directly to consumers between October 2006 and May 2007 for between $35 and $45. Sprout Stuff is directly contacting known purchasers of the recalled infant slings.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled slings and contact Sprout Stuff to return the sling for a full refund. Contact Sprout Stuff toll-free at (877) 319-3103 anytime, email the firm at sproutstuffrefunds@gmail.com or contact the firm by mail at Sprout Stuff Refunds, P.O. Box 612, Buda, Texas 78610.

Do not attempt to fix these carriers.

Additional Message from CPSC: On March 12, 2010, CPSC issued a warning about sling carriers for babies. Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate. CPSC has determined that a mandatory standard is needed for infant sling carriers. While a mandatory standard is being developed, CPSC staff is working with ASTM International and concerned companies such as Infantino to quickly develop an effective voluntary standard for slings. There currently are no safety standards for infant sling carriers.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10254.html

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 319-3103

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

7 Nasty Germs That Could Land Your Kid in the Hospital—and How to Avoid Them

Some of these infections are making a comeback in kids. Here's how to protect your children

Know the FACTS before you head to the pool for Summer Fun!!

Knowing the basic facts about recreational water illnesses (RWIs) can make the difference between an enjoyable time at the pool, beach, or water park, and getting a rash, having diarrhea, or developing other, potentially serious illnesses. 

http://www.dhss.mo.gov/RecreationalWater/HealthySwimmingBrochure.pdf

Free continuing education on Autism

Autism Module from the Thompson Center


Free continuing education on Autism is available on the Thompson Center website. This on-line training will fulfill one clock hour of credit for child care providers. CCHCs may wish to access and review this module. We may work with the Thompson Center to create a Lesson Plan for group training. See information about the on-line module below.

A free online training module on Understanding Autism in Young Children is now available

This module is an overview of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the criteria used to diagnose children with ASD. Family members, childcare providers, school personnel and others who interact with young children are encouraged to take this training module to learn more about the signs of ASD. The is hosted on the University of Missouri Extension website. To view the training you will need to register for an Extension Passport and select the Understanding Autism course to view. There is no charge for the Passport or to view the training. It is recommended that you bookmark the module once you have logged into to view it. To log back into the module once you have begun it, click here. The module is also available in DVD format for use by training professionals, click to download a dvd order form.

The Understanding Autism training was developed by the Mid-Missouri Rapid Response Initiative, which is funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities. An online module was created from the training through a partnership with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelpomental Disorders, University of Missouri Extension, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities Office of Autism Services

Children's Giraffe Blanket Recalled by Rashti & Rashti Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target Stores

Children's Giraffe Blanket Recalled by Rashti & Rashti Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target Stores

Target Recalls Storage Trunks Due to Strangulation Hazard

Target Recalls Storage Trunks Due to Strangulation Hazard

Childcare training

The May 22nd Childcare training is full, but we are still accepting people for the waiting list.

Recalls: Simplicity Cribs and Baby Gap swimsuits

1. Simplicity Cribs Recalled by Retailers; Mattress-Support Collapse Can Cause Suffocation and Strangulation

One Infant Death Reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the recall of all Simplicity full-size cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames. This recall includes fixed-side and drop-side cribs. These cribs pose a risk of serious injury or death due to entrapment, strangulation, suffocation and fall hazards to infants and toddlers.

The crib's tubular metal mattress-support frame can bend or detach and cause part of the mattress to collapse, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged, entrapped or fall out of the crib.

To read more, click here.

2. Simplicity Cribs Recalled by Retailers; Mattress-Support Collapse Can Cause Suffocation and Strangulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Graco®-branded drop side cribs made by LaJobi

Units: About 217,000

Manufacturer: LaJobi Inc., of Cranbury, N.J.

Hazard: The drop side hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop side and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing a risk of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall from the cribs when the drop side detaches or fails to lock.

To read more, click here.

3. Gap Recalls Baby Swimsuits Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Baby swimsuits

Retailer: Gap Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The swimsuits have halter straps that were manufactured too short causing the plastic ring located at the neck of the swimsuit to press against the child's throat and obstruct the airway. This poses a strangulation hazard to the child.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two consumer complaints. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The baby swimsuits were sold in two styles: number 706260 is blue and white and number 700452 is red and white. The style number can be found on the label located on the swimsuit. Both swimsuits were sold in infant sizes up to 24 months and are made of a synthetic knit stretch fabric of polyester and spandex. The straps are made of the same material as the body.

Sold at: The babyGap, GapKids, Gap, Gap Outlet stores nationwide and online at www.gap.com from February 2010 through April 2010 for between

$17 and $20.

Manufactured in: Indonesia and China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled swimsuits away from children and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Contact Gap to return by mail if purchased online.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Gap toll-free at

(888) 747-3704 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and Saturday between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., visit the firm's website at www.gap.com or email Gap at custserv@gap.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10215.html

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 747-3704

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recently revised the Day Care Immunization Rule, 19 CSR 20-28.040.

Effective July 1, 2010 the following new requirements will be implemented for incoming enrollees:




• Age appropriate pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for children attending day care, preschool, or nursery schools caring for ten or more children. Age appropriate refers to the right or suitable age for which a particular vaccine is recommended.



• For all children who have had varicella (chickenpox) disease, a licensed doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) may sign and place on file with the child care facility a written statement documenting the month and year of previous varicella (chickenpox) disease as satisfactory evidence of having had the disease. Parental or guardian statements of disease will no longer be acceptable beginning July 1, 2010.



It is important to emphasize to parents that children should receive all immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP schedules can be obtained at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm.



Enclosed is a chart of the immunization requirements. For additional information, contact the Bureau of Immunization Assessment and Assurance at (573) 751-6124.

Free Day Care Training for Providers- May 22

Keeping Child Care Centers Clean & Healthy
Register today, limited seating is available!
Call Sherrie or Stacy at 587-5998 ext. 322 or 309

What will your hand sanitizer do for you?

Nine-year-old proves what ads won’t admit – sanitizers sorta suck


http://www.barfblog.com/blog/141793/10/04/21/nine-year-old-proves-what-ads-won%E2%80%99t-admit-%E2%80%93-sanitizers-sorta-suck

A fourth-grade student in Olympia, Washington has won her local science fair by demonstrating that hand sanitizers suck at killing E. coli.

Nine-year-old Celia Vernon won her class science fair at Roosevelt Elementary with an experiment involving a live sample of E. coli. Under the guidance of her father, a biologist with a background in microbiology, Vernon tested several solutions on E.coli, including Purell brand hand sanitizer.

In a side-by-side comparison with common bleach, the E.coli on the Purell side survived. On the bleach side, it died.

The Vernons say they have no bone to pick with Purell, but were surprised to learn it doesn't kill one of the main dangers associated with exposures from using bathrooms.

A spokesperson for the makers of Purell told KING 5 News that it stands by its claims to kill 99 percent of germs and suggested we contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A CDC spokesperson says they have not studied hand sanitizers specifically on E.coli and recommend hand sanitizers only when soap and water are not available.

I know 99 per cent sounds cool, but considering the volume of bacteria out there, it don’t mean squat.

http://www.king5.com/news/education/Fourth-Grader-Gives-Hand-Sanitizers-Poor-Grade-On-E-Coli---91642329.html

21.apr.10


barfblog

Doug Powell

Support Healthy Kids Challenge

Nestle Pure Life water is pledging $5 (up to $50,000) to Healthy Kids Challenge for each person who goes online at the link http://www.nestle-purelife.us/ and pledges to drink one less sugar soda and one more water a day for the coming year. You have to provide your name and e-mail address, no costs involved, can get tips, e-mail updates, coupons, or not.  If each of you would consider doing this and getting your friends, family, co-workers, and THEIR friends, family, and co-workers to do this, it would help the HKC cause so much to have more funding to work in schools to help educate kids with nutrition and physical activity.  Visit HKC website: http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/

What's Your Numbers???

More than likely you know your cell phone number and your street address, right?  Do you what your blood pressure numbers should be to be considered healthy?  Do you know what your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride numbers should be to be considered healthy?  Don't delay any longer...learn your numbers TODAY!
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/bp/bp.htm
  
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbc/HBC_Treatments.html

CPR & First Aid

Sign-up today for the upcoming CPR and First Aid classes on April 13th.  Pre-registeration is required.  Call 587-5998 ext. 309 or ext. 322

Did You Know We are on Twitter?

All Platte County Health Department services provide content to our Twitter account.  You can follow us at www.twitter.com/plattehealth. Enjoy!

Follow Us on our New Blog!!

Welcome to the Platte County Health Department's Health Education blog. This blog is an outreach and education tool of the Health Education division of the Platte County Health Department. This division promotes healthy behaviors and prevention of disease through distribution of information. Moreover, the division provides programs, screenings, community presentations, classroom education, and professional trainings.


Visit back here frequently for more information!

What is Health Education???

The Health Education Division promotes healthy behaviors and prevention of disease through distribution of information. The Division provides programs, screenings, community presentations, classroom education, and professional trainings. To contact our Health Educators, phone (816) 587-5998 and dial extensions 309 or 322.