Physical Fitness

Children tend to spend too much time watching television, playing video games, or playing on the computer. Lack of exercise, combined with poor diets has led to an epidemic of obesity in children. This is why physical fitness is so important. Regular physical activity has been proven to have significant health benefits, to include the reduction and prevention of chronic diseases such as, hypertension, child and adult diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and obesity the leading cause of death in people today. Physically fit children will instill physically fit adults in the future. It is never too early to encourage children to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and the best way to do this is to put down the remote control, put on your walking shoes and lead by example.

There are many ways children can benefit from physical fitness. The web site Kids Health gave some great tips on the benefits of physical fitness.

Improves strength and endurance
Builds healthy bones and muscles
Maintains healthy weight
Increase self-esteem
Reduces stress and anxiety
Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes

Physical fitness helps children master fine motor skills and gross motor skills such as walking, running in a straight line, climbing, jumping, throwing a ball, reaching for objects, gripping a bat or ball, holding a rope, eye hand coordination and games that help develop small muscle movements. All of these activities lead to confidence in children. Physical fitness also helps children master social skills by playing structured games with their peers and learning how to express good sportsmanship with each other, a skill they will use for the rest of their lives. Being physically fit helps children to be socially confident. Lastly, physical fitness helps children master mental skills by being physically fit, feeling good and having fun, which contributes to children by being confident about themselves and emotionally sound. We also know that when we are working out we are feeding our brain with extra energy and oxygen.

Children who do not benefit from regular physical activity or who are not active all together are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol. One way adults can encourage children to become more physically fit it’s to be physically fit their selves. Modeling good fitness habits will encourage children to be more like the adult. If that does not totally change the situation, here are some tips I found online at Kidshealth.org, and Pediatrics.about.com to encourage children to become more active. Take a walk in the woods, climbing on a jungle gym, the game of tag, swimming, group games like red rover or red light green light, ballet or any dance class as well as making bead necklace or crafts.
According to Australia’s center for health promotions, children should not spend more than two hours per day using electronic media for entertainment. This statement really hit home with me because so many parents use, electronic games, and TV as babysitters for their children. I am probably guilty at times of this as well. Whether you are in Australia or Texas the problems of children’s fitness are the same. After all we are just setting up our children for many health problems due to inactivity.

Children who are active have stronger muscles and bones. They are less likely to become over weight as an adult and less likely of developing health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure problems. Children who are physically active and stay that way have a better outlook on life, stress, and have better coping skills.

References

http://illnoiseearlylearning.org

http://lets-explore.net/

http://kidshealth.org/

http://pediatrics.about.com/

http://chdf.org.au/

Good Nutrition and Eating Habits

Abstract

Good nutrition and eating habits are important for the growth of a child. It is what a child eats now that affects their bodies for the rest of their life. Having adequate nutrition can prevent heart disease, diabetes, childhood obesity and adult obesity, hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, and many forms of cancers.




Infants

Good nutrition starts as early as infancy. The best nutrition for infants is breast milk if possible. Breast milk provides sugars, fats, protein and vitamins that are just right for infants. If breast milk is not possible, infant formula is used to provide adequate nutrition. The FDA makes sure that infant formula has all the nutrients that an infant will need to grow strong healthy teeth and bones. As the infant grows, they will need more than just formula or breast milk. Starting infants on nutritious food such as, Iron-fortified, single-grain baby cereal, strained/pureed vegetables and fruit, strained meats/poultry, soft prepared baby foods, egg yolk, yogurt, and cottage cheese, all will help the infant develop into a healthy toddler.
Toddlers

Toddlers need about 1000-1400 calories a day. The Food Guide pyramid is a good resource to use in providing what children need on a daily bases. Toddlers should have daily servings of grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat or beans for proper nutrition. Toddlers should have seven milligrams of iron each day. Iron can be found in red meat, dark poultry, tuna, salmon, eggs, enriched grains, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Adequate nutrition in the toddler stage will help them develop into a healthy preschooler.

Preschooler

Preschoolers should have the recommended daily amount of food from each food group. This age group of children should have 1 to 11/2 cups of fruit and vegetables, 3-5 oz of grains, 2-4 oz of meats and beans, and 2 cups of dairy or dairy products.
If children do not have the recommended daily amounts of food or adequate nutrition, the children can suffer from things like an iron deficiency. They are also very active at this stage and need good nutrient ion in order to think and play.


Developing Healthy Eating Habits
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“Teacher and parents have a great influence on what children learn to eat. Modeling healthy eating to children of all ages can help children develop healthy eating habits themselves” (Robertson p313, 2007). If healthy food choices are presented to a child the child will have a positive perspective on what healthy foods are. Because children are “influenced by what they see and hear” (Robertson p313, 2007), teachers should take the opportunity to teach and review the Food Pyramid guide to their children. Educational materials can be used to teach children about healthy eating habits by having circle time, watching educational videos on nutrition, and cooking projects. Another way to provide positive food and healthy eating is when it is snack or meal time the teacher can sit down with the students and talk about the food they are eating.


Making cooking fun is one way to involve children in learning about healthy eating. It is fun for the whole family or class. Letting children be apart of things will keep and hold their attention. Here are some recipes that the whole class or families can do together.

Funny Face Pizza

Ingredients:
English muffins
Pizza sauce
Grated mozzarella cheese
Blanch broccoli spears
Sliced cooked sausage or pepperoni
Slice mushrooms
Roasted peppers
Black olives

Preheat oven to 500 degrees
2. Place English muffins on cookie sheet pan
3. Spoon 3 table spoons of pizza sauce and spread over English muffin. Sprinkle small amount of grated mozzarella cheese. Arrange pizza toppers to make a funny face: Broccoli or sausage for hair, mushrooms for a nose, pepperoni eyes, and black olives for pupils. Add more cheese on top to help secure the toppings.
4. Place cookie sheet in oven and back until bubbly; 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and enjoy. Serve with apple sauce
The nutritional value of this recipe includes grains, dairy, vegetables, meats and fruit.
This recipe was found at www.familyfun.com



Banana Dog

Ingredients
Whole-grain hot dog bun
Peanut butter
Wheat germ or sunflower seeds
Banana
Jam
Milk

1. Spread a whole-grain hot dog bun with peanut butter, sprinkle with wheat germ or sunflower seeds and top a whole peeled banana and squiggle of jam. Add a side of milk to make a healthy snack.
This recipe follows the nutritional guidelines. It provides grain, meat dairy and a fruit.
I found this recipe at http://www.familyfun.com/


Sandwich on a Stick

Ingredients:
Bread
Cheese
Lunch meat (1/2 inch thick)
Grape tomatoes
Lettuces
Pickles
Olives
1. Cut up cubes of bread, cheese, and lunch meat.

2. Slide the cube of bread onto a skewer with the other ingredients followed by another cube of bread.
3. Set out a side of mayo, mustard, or another type of dipping sause
Serve with a fruit cup
This recipe is fun to make and fun to eat. It meet all the nutritional needs for a nutritious meal. It has a serving of fruits , grains, dairy, meats, and vegetables
I found recipe at http://www.familyfun.com/

References

Robertson C, (2007). Thomson Delmar Learning, Safety, Nutrition, & Health in Early Education

http://www.familyfun.com

CPR and Choking Emergencies

Choking scenario



You have just served lunch to your 3-year-old class. The children are eating hot dogs, when one of the children gets a piece of hot dog lodge in their throat. The child becomes stressed because very little air is passing through the airway. The child is now choking, the first thing the teacher must do is ask the child if they are ok. If the child is responds or is coughing, try to see if they can cough up whatever is blocking the airway. If the child cannot answer you or is unable to produce a productive cough, and tell the child calmly what you are going to try to help them. Depending on the size of the child, stand or kneel behind the child and place your arms around them. Make a fist with one hand; put the thumb side of your fist on the child’s abdomen above the navel but below the breastbone. Place your hand over the fist and give quick upward thrusts into the child’s abdomen until the object is removed. This maneuver is called the Heimlich. If the object is not forced out and choking persists causing the child to become unresponsive, then more serious action must be taken including 911 calls.



Head Trauma


The teacher has just taken the 4-year-old class out to the playground for recess. When one of the children, was playing on the jungle gym falls hitting their head on the ground, it results in a head injury. I am required to take action. The child is knocked unconscious and not breathing. The teacher should first ask the child if they are ok, then call 911. If the child is not responsive and is clearly unconscious, then check the airway. First look, listen, and feel for any breathing signs. If the teacher gets no breathing response then the tongue could be blocking the airway. Be very careful in trying to open the child’s airway. Use the head lift/chin lift technique to move the tongue out of the way. Once the airway is cleared but the child is still not breathing, the teacher must help the child breath. While the head is still tilted pinch the child nose and cover the child’s mouth with yours. Make sure you create a seal and give two breaths. Make sure the breaths are smaller as the child’s chest is small. After you do the two breathes and the child is still unresponsive, check for a pulse. The teacher will do this by placing two fingertips on the child’s carotid artery for approximately 3 to 8 seconds. If you do not fill a pulse the heart is not beating. It is now time to begin compressions. This must be done very carefully on a child and placement is crucial. The teacher must place two fingers at the bottom of the rib cage and place the heal of the other hand on top of the fingers. Rule of thumb is 30 compressions followed by two breaths. Make sure to do five cycles of this before checking for breathing and pulse or signs of consciousness. The only time CPR should be stopped is when EMS arrives.

Advance Planning

Advance planning is crucial when an emergency situation occurs. It is important that at least one staff member is properly trained in CPR and first aid as state law requires. It would be better if all staff members were trained properly in both CPR and first aid. If an emergency happens and only one person is trained and that person was not there that day then the emergency could have life-threatening complications, which could have been prevented, by just having every staff member trained properly in CPR and First aid. It is important that one if not all staff members are trained for all types of situations that could become an emergency, such as bee sting. Another way to have advance planning in an emergency situation is to have AED- (automated external defibrillator). This device is very expensive, and not all childcare centers will have them. All staff members should have training to know how to use it. When you are advance planning have a staff meeting for all staff to have an input on different scenarios that could happened and talk through how you would handle them then set guidelines for training in that scenario.

Preparedness of Crises

There are other steps adults must take to ensure they are prepared to handle these kinds of crises. It is important that if an emergency situation occurs you don’t want to become part of the problem. All situations need to be handled calmly and professionally. It is important to plan for adequate staffing and supervision. The Adult that is serving food needs to make sure that the food is appropriate size for young children. Make sure all parent phone numbers are up to date and medical authorization is in the file for each child. All first aid kits should be check weekly and well equipped for use. The adults should consider the developmental level of the children so is not to have activities above their developmental level. If transportation is used then the adult should make sure there is a working seat belt for every child. It is always good to go over safety tips with children so they are aware of what not to do.
In both cases one must be prepared for anything. Classes in first aid and CPR are very important and should be provided and required for all employees to maintain a safe environment for all children in the child care center or school.

Scenarios

Scenario #1


You are a teacher at a childcare facility. A severe thunderstorm has developed causing torrential rain, dangerous lighting, and high winds. This storm has created a tornado that places the childcare center in its direct path. This tornado has generated strong winds in excess of 200 mph, which has put the children and staff in immediate danger from flying glass, structural damage, and flying debris.

Risks, Plans and Family Involvement
First, I would have a disaster drill once a year with my parents. They would be told in advance when the drill would take place and it would be treated as if the real thing was in progress. Alarms would sound, the center would lock the doors and no one after the lockdown has occurred will be allowed inside for the safety of the staff and students. No strangers will be admitted during this time. This would be how we would show and express our concern for our children and how important our policies are in ensuring staff and student’s safety. The risk that would be discussed with parents and staff concerning an approaching tornado would include safety zones and items needed to ensure everyone’s safety. Secondly, we would be the use of a battery operated radio to listen to the weather report in each classroom, a flashlight and walkie-talkies for all lead teachers. I would assess risks by making sure all teachers know that children must be moved quickly to an established interior room in the childcare center that is free from windows and doors leading to the outside. If more room is needed to accommodate all the children in care that day the hallway would be an alternative location. Mattress from the infant room would be used to place over children to protect them from falling debris in the hallway. I would make sure all doors are secure and lockdown would occur until the all clear alarm is sounded. Every classroom will have hanging next to the door an escape route and an explanation of what to do no matter the circumstances. Teachers will practice tornado drills twice a year as mandated by the state of Texas. Documentation written describing what drills took place and how quickly they were able to get into place. Once in place the director or person in charge would call both the fire and police department and notify them of the number of children and staff in the building. Parents will be called once the all clear is given and the damage has been assessed. Lastly, one way to involve parents would be to have a fund raiser for the purpose of stocking up on supplies needed for a disaster like a tornado. Water, foods that do not need to be prepared and first aid kits for each classroom will be furnished with the help of parents. One risk that we hope never happens is the loss of lives but knowing how powerful a tornado can be is the reason we must be prepared.

Why Be Prepared?
The boy scouts pride their selves on being prepared always and in any situation. As childcare teachers we should have the same motto. Parents are entrusting us with their most prized possession, their children. Being prepared could be the difference between life and death. Being prepared ensures that we get from point A to B in a timely manner. The consequences of not being prepared could include death of a staff member or a child in the childcare center. It could also be in the form of emotional stress that could have been avoided had a plan been in place. Another risk could be a child being released and unaccounted for if parents are not made to sign their child out before lockdown goes into effect during the storm. Once lockdown takes effect no parent may remove their child from the facility. Parents are made aware of the policy during the practice drill. Another issue could be PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, for both staff and children if protocol is not followed and the disaster last for many hours. We have seen this from Hurricane Rita, Katrina and now Ike.

Complications
Once the all clear has been given it does not mean everything will return to normal. Power could be out for days, water could be contaminated and mosquitoes might be an issue, which is common in the Gulf Coast. Another complication could be the loss of employment for a long period of time. Damage to the center could be so severe that it is not able to open for an extended amount of time. Another possible complication could be children and staff developing different viral and bacterial infections due to the standing water or close quarters one may have to share for an extended amount of time. Food to the center may not be delivered on time due to roads being blocked or under water.


Scenario #2

The second scenario is also common near the Gulf Coast. South of Houston is an area filled with chemical plants. Several times a year a chemical leak sends area schools, homes and childcare centers go into a lockdown of sorts. The chemicals being released are very often dangerous to inhale or could be an irritant to ones lungs and eyes requiring hospitalization. Older and the very young would be most at risk in this type of disaster. Children with a predisposition to asthma or breathing problems might need emergency assistance immediately.

Risk and Potential Complications

The risk that has to be assessed in this type of disaster is the heating and cooling equipment at the center. Knowing how to shut the system off so not to allow the vapors from the chemical spill to leak into the building and cause contamination is a risk factor that must be considered before the event actually happens. If there is a central air unit in the center, knowing if they shut it off would keep out the vapors is very important. If window units are used it may be necessary for an employee to put on a protective mask and cover the unit from the outside. Tape may have to also be used to close off any cracks around the unit. Children or staff that is prone to upper respiratory infections may be at risk for having a life threatening event. In the event they did have such an episode, medical treatment may or may not be able to get to the center in a timely manner. In the case of propane leaks, people are asked to not drive until it has completely cleared. This could result in death. Masks for sensitive personnel and children should be on hand and all windows should be caulked as well. Due to risk of contamination and the need to keep parents updated the following will occur. I would have a disaster drill once a year with my parents. They would be told in advance when the drill would take place and it would be treated as if the real thing was in progress. Alarms would sound, the center would lock the doors and no one after the lockdown has occurred will be allowed inside for the safety of the staff and students. No strangers will be admitted during this time. Once in place the director or person in charge would call both the fire and police department and notify them of the number of children and staff in the building. Parents will be called once the all clear is given and the damage has been assessed.
Parent Notification Information

Upon enrollment parents would be made aware of the factories in the area and what they make. This would help parents to understand why we take the time to have drills and to prepare staff. Parents would understand lockdown occurs and no child will be released until the all clear is given. Parents will be called as soon as the all clear sounds. If their child has been transported to a medical facility, they will need to pick up their child from the facility. If they are still housed at the childcare center, then upon signing their child out they will be able to remove their child form the facility.

Consequences

The boy scouts pride their selves on being prepared always and in any situation. As childcare teachers we should have the same motto. Parents are entrusting us with their most prized possession, their children. Being prepared could be the difference between life and death. Being prepared ensures that we get from point A to B in a timely manner. The consequences of not being prepared could include death of a staff member or a child in the childcare center. Death in this case could be prevented by securing the air system and the building. Not knowing what chemical plants are near my center could result in not being able to provide a secure building in case of a leak.

Steps

Turn off and secure the air or heating system connected to the building. A mask should be given to all staff and children with a history of breathing problems. Police and fire departments will be notified on numbers present and if anyone might be having distress due to the leak.

Safety Practices and Policies

Toys and foods are a choking hazard for young children. So many children as old as six years of age still put objects into their mouths causing a potential choking hazard. “Toys such as marbles, balloons, plastic bags, and toys with long cords that can be wrapped around a child’s neck are choking hazards” (Robertson, 2007, p. 97).
Foods are another chocking hazard. “Some common foods that pose a choking threat are hot dogs, grapes, peanuts, raw vegetables, hard candy and gums and popcorn” (Robertson, 2007, p. 97).

Choking policy -“Remove all loose parts from toys. Always use a choke testing device on small toys before adding a questionable toy to the child’s environment. Check toys games, and art supplies for broken pieces and throw them away. Children must not run with anything in their mouths. Styrofoam cups should not be used, children like chew on them”(Robertson, 2007, p. 115). Foods should be cut up in bite size pieces and chewed well. Do not allow children to play while eating. Do not allow hard candy or gum to be eaten.
Teachers should use a checklist to observe and modify the children’s environment while they are in the teachers care to prevent situations. Teachers should also provide parents with newsletters with safety tips they can use at home as well. This checklist should include the area the children in at the time, the surroundings clean, dirty, equipment in proper working order.
Are environment has many toxins that can poison our children. Poisoning can occur in many ways through “ingestion, contact with substance, inhalation, animals, insects, reptile bites and injection” (Robertson, 2007, p. 108).
Poison policy-
“Always supervise children. Keep all poisons out of children’s sight and reach and in
a locked area. Safety locks should be used at all times. Keep the child’s environment
free of insects and animals. Always monitor the environment for items such as rusty
nails and needles. Have the poison control center number posted to the phone where it
is visible to all childcare workers. Avoid using art supplies that are dried out and
could be easily inhaled. Avoid using materials that contain lead that can cause poising
if in jested.” (Robertson, 2007, p. 101and 110). There are many measures that can be used to prevent poisoning by following the poison policies that have been put into place by the childcare center. “Use only non-toxic paints and glues. The risk of poisoning can be reduced by proper storage, supervision and the use of less poisonous products” (Robertson, 2007, p.110).
Drowning is a serious hazard that can occur in just a small amount of water.
Drowning policy –
“Any equipment that uses water such as toilets, sinks, tubs, buckets and pools should
be cleaned often. Never leave standing water unattended. Never leave a child
unattended while they are in a pool, bathtub or around buckets of water. Toilet lids
should be kept closed when not in use. Always monitor the bathroom setting. Keep
the lids on water tables when not in use. Pools should be fence with at least a 5 ft
tall or higher fence. Remove toys from pool areas when children are out of the pool.
All wadding pools should be drained immediately after use and properly stored.
Supervision at all times when children are in a body of water.”(Robertson, 2007, p.95, 148). Safety devices should be present around any pool. Have written permission from parents before letting children go swimming. All childcare workers should be CPR certified. Supervision for making sure safe practices are followed can promote safety and protection. Water safety awareness days can help parents keep children safe.
“Fire is the leading cause of death among children and 35% of burns happen to children”(Robertson, 2007, p.111). Fire and Burn policy-The teacher should monitor all things in the center that can be a fire and burn risk. “Smoke and fire detectors should be installed and checked regularly. Have fire drill on a regular bases. Fire extinguisher should be easily at hand. Barriers should be placed around heaters, radiators, hot pipes and grills. Never leave matches or lighters in reach of a child. All electrical outlets must have covers. All flammable liquids should be stored in safety cans and out of children’s reach. No hot drinks should be carried around children”(Robertson, 2007, p.113-114).
Families can be educated by having fire prevention week. This will allow families to hear about fire and burn safety.
Many Children have gotten hurt on the playground due to faulty equipment.
Playground Equipment Safety policy –“Must be adequate supervision at all times. Adequate fall zones must in be in place. Adequate use of swings. Age appropriate activities must be filed and implemented. All platforms must have guardrails. Broken, cracked, bent surfaces must be replaced. All loose nuts, bolts and nails should be fixed or replaced. Zones must be adequate size. Warn out parts must be replaced. All open tubes or pipes must be caped”(Robertson, 2007, p.139). Playground safety is essential in childcare centers and following safety policies will keep the children safe. Families can be educated on backyard play set safety as well as bicycle safety by news letters and modeling safety rules.

References

Robertson C, (2007). Thomson Delmar Learning, Safety, Nutrition, & Health in Early Education