NATIONAL PLAYGROUND SAFETY WEEK APRIL 26-30


In 2008, more than 40,000 children under 16 years of age were treated in emergency rooms due to fall-related injuries. Falls account for 80% of playground injuries and about 45% of injuries are severe, which include fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations, and amputations. Safe Kids reminds parents and caregivers to:

Make sure playground equipment is inspected frequently and kept in good repair. Remove hood and neck drawstrings from children‘s clothing and outerwear and don‘t let kids wear necklaces, purses, or scarves on the playground. Don‘t allow your kids to engage in any pushing, shoving, or crowding around playground equipment. Keep toddlers under age five in a separate play area, away from equipment designed for bigger kids.

Parents and caregivers need to keep kids in sight and in reach on the playground. Kids on a playground need undivided attention. For more information on Playground Safety, visit www.safekids.org.

Why Parents Should Think Twice before Giving Baby Birds for Easter

Easter traditions are of particular concern for children, placing them at risk for serious illness. Baby animals, including baby chicks and ducks, are sometimes given as gifts or put on display at this time. Because they are so soft and cute, many people do not realize the potential danger baby chicks and ducklings can be to small children. Young birds often carry harmful bacteria called Salmonella. And, each spring some children become infected with Salmonella after receiving a baby chick or duckling for Easter.   To read more: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/easter_chicks.htm

FREE Chronic Disease Self-Managment class starting soon!!!

Do you or someone you know have heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma...? The PCHD is offering a FREE Chronic Disease Self-Management 6 week workshop starting April 25th. Classes are highly participative, where support and success builds confidence in participants' to manage their disease. Click the link for more info!

http://www.plattecountyhealthdept.com/pdf/HDSPP%20Flyer.pdf

$7 Diabetes Education Classes

LIVE online diabetes education programs now available for just $7.  You will be given the opportunity to learn the American Association of Diabetes Education 7 Behaviors one class at a time.  Each class costs $7.  You pay only for the class you enroll in.

Step 1: Log on to http://www.takebettercareofyourselfkc.com/ and choose the Classes Tab
Step 2: Pick a class and time. Each class is 45 minutes
Step 3: Pay only for the class you want with a credit card
Call Chuck Termini for more information at 816.304.3193

FREE Child Care Training: Strategies for Special Needs Children

Lisa Robbins, PhD, will provide a 1 hour training on informational strategies useful for children exhibiting characteristics of autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays.

WHEN: April 20, 2011 from 6:15-7:15pm

WHERE: Platte County Health Department, 1201 East Street Parkville, MO

Registration Required.  Email sherrie.kisker@plattehealth.com

Clean & Healthy Produce Spray

The vinegar in this spray has natural anti-bacterial properties, while the lemon juice is a natural astringent.  The solution works to both breakdown and clean off pesticides.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1cup distilled white vinegar
1 tbsp baking soda
1/2 lemon
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large container.  Transfer to a spray bottle with a pump.  Spray on produce and let sit for 5 minutes.  Scrub and rinse.

Asthma Education Grant Provides Resources, Education, and Assessments

The Acting on Behalf of My Child to Control Asthma grant targets child care centers, families and caregivers of children diagnosed with asthma. The Platte County Health Department can provide education and resources, free to Platte County Child Care Centers/In Home Providers/Caregivers/Parents of children up to the age of 5. Participants will receive informational packets, an in-home or child care facility assessment along with home/center environmental action plans and asthma materials (AeroChambers, Nebulizer Tubing/Masks).

Participants will learn more about:

• Signs and symptoms of asthma
• What makes asthma worse
• Reducing indoor asthma triggers
• Using asthma medicines
• Helping your child control asthma

If you have any questions or would like to receive the one hour educational program please contact Sherrie Kisker, at 816-587-5998 Extension 322 or sherrie.kisker@plattehealth.com

Clay County Child Care Centers/Home Providers/Families (outside of KC city-limits) may contact Regina, Clay County Public Health Center at 816-595-4240 to set up an appointment for services available in Clay County.