A Little More About Illness

I have been hearing a lot of parents say that their child is catching everything that is going around right now.  The Toddler 411 book (my go-to reference for all things toddler) starts the chapter on Common Infections with this:  Infections: coming to a toddler near you.

Toddlers seem to be magnets for germs which cause infections and illnesses.  This is because they have not yet built up an immunity to germs.  However, every fever does not necessitate a visit to the doctor's office.  Here are some red flags offered by Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields (authors or Toddler 411) for when a doctor's visit is necessary.

• You cannot figure out why your child is running a fever
• Fever lasts more than three days in a row
• New fever after being fever fee for over 24 hours
• Irritable or lethargic
• Not urinating at least every eight hours
• Blood/mucus in the poop
• Sore throat without cough and runny nose
• Pain with urination
• Severe pain anywhere
• Fever and a rash
• Fever of 104 degrees or greater

Generally a fever is caused by a virus, so if none of the above scenarios apply, you probably don't need to rush to the doctor's office.  But if it means your peace of mind then a co-pay is worth it.

Prevent the spread of germs by following these guidelines:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your coughs
• Wash hands after using the bathroom
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Do not share drinks or food
• Kiss at your own risk
• Cook foods properly
• Clean kitchen counters/cutting boards 

One of the most common childhood ailments is Otitis Media or middle ear infection.  There are some risk factors you can control to prevent middle ear infections.  

• When your child has a cold or flu, fluid can accumulate in the Eustachian tube (a tube between the middle ear and throat).  Good hand washing techniques can keep bugs from taking up residence there.
• Exposure to other children in a setting such as a day care may expose them to drug-resistant bacteria.  Make sure your child is vaccinated and using good germ prevention techniques.
• Second-hand smoke irritates the entire respiratory tract.  Smoke also irritates the Eustachian tubes, making them swollen and inefficient.
• Research shows that constant sucking of a pacifier creates a backup of fluid in the throat and Eustachian tubes.  If your child must have their binky, then limit it to bedtime and naptime.
• Drinking from a bottle while lying down allows fluid from the back of the throat to end up in the Eustachian tubes.  The fluid is a set up for infections.  Resist the urge to prop the bottle for your little ones, they should be slightly inclined while drinking from a bottle.  Even better, switch to a sippy cup by the first birthday.

Back to School Stuff

The older kids are back in school and bringing home all kinds of things, papers to sign, new friends phone numbers, germs, sickness . . . .  Just a quick reminder that as we visit the homes throughout the district we want to bring knowledge, ideas, support, an occasional toy, but not germs or sickness.  If you have sickness in your home and are scheduled to see one of our service providers or service coordinators, please call and cancel.  We are happy to reschedule appointments when everyone is well.  Everyone gets so much more out of our visits when no one is dealing with sneezing, coughing, upset tummies or anything like that.  We will do the same for you.  While a "little cold" may just slow down one child a little bit, that same cold can land another child in the hospital.  So in an effort to protect all the little ones in early intervention, here is our sickness policy again.

Illness Procedure 

Davis School District - Early Learning Center 

DAVIS EARLY INTERVENTION 

115 South 200 East 

Farmington, Utah 84025 

Our staff works with many babies and toddlers who get sick very easily. Because of this fact, it is very important for everyone to remember to cancel home or center visits if ANYONE in your family is sick. Please call to reschedule if any of the following symptoms are present: 

! fever of 101 degrees or more 

! stomach/flu-like symptoms such as throwing up or diarrhea 

! very sleepy or tired; fussier than usual 

! a sore throat

 ! bad cold 

! coughing 

! red eyes with discharge

 ! thick green mucus from the nose 

! skin rash 

! oozing fluid or pus 

! head or body lice; pinworm or scabies 

! mouth sores 

If anyone in your family is showing any of the signs listed above or isn’t feeling well, call to cancel the visit by 9:00 AM. Please help us keep everyone healthy. 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Early Learning Center Layton 801-402-5514 

Early Learning Center Bountiful 801-402-5432 

Early Learning Center Farmington 801-402-5408

September Community Activities

Here are a few community activities to enjoy along with all your end-of-summer traditions.

Layton F.E.S.T. (Farmers, Entertainment, Shopping, & Trucks) - Friday nights from 5:30 to 9:30 at Layton Commons Park (through October 2)

Family First Monday at Fountain Square at Station Park in Farmington.  Activities from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.  The theme for September is "Celebrate's COOL"

Centerpoint Theatre in Centerville is hosting a Fairy-tale Festival September 11th and 12th. Admittance to the festival is free as are many of the activities.  Registration for special events and booths is required.  More information at www.centerpointtheatre.org