Volume 7 Issue 2 Page 2 of 2
Spring 2007
(cont. from page 1)
Mild symptoms of a food allergy include eczema, rhinitis (stuffy nose), abdominal pain, headaches, congestion, irritability, hives, lip swelling and sore muscles. A severe reaction to a food is referred to as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. During this type of attack, numerous areas of the body (i.e. skin, lungs, bowel and heart) are affected within minutes or up to two hours of contact with the offending substance. The child may experience vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the mouth and throat and difficulty breathing.
Is it a cold ?
Sometimes it's difficult to determine whether your child has allergies or a recurring cold. If the symptoms persist for more than three months, disturb your child's sleep, decrease her quality of life or interfere with her normal activities, she most likely has allergies.
Avoid allergy triggers
One of the most effective ways to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. Here's how:
Ground the pet
- Keep animals out of the bedroom and off the furniture
Beat the dust
- Throw pillows in the dryer
- Wash sheets in hot water (ideally above 130 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Clean carpets (including the under pad)
- Use dust mite covers on bedding, mattresses and furniture
- Vacuum regularly (at least once a week) using a vacuum with a HEPA air filter
- Don't sweep - you'll just move dust around the room
Zap mold
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas.
- Turn on the bathroom fan for 15 minutes after a bath or shower.
- Watch out for mold in houseplant soil and planters.
Please Help
... us find others just like you to work as a nanny. If you know anyone interested in finding a rewarding and important job caring for children, call us. When we successfully place your referral, we will compensate you $75 for a permanent position, and $25 for a temporary position . Call us with the candidate's name and telephone number, or have her call us. She needs to let us know that you referred her. Our toll free number is 800-765-6269 . We always have great, interesting positions available. Be sure the candidate has childcare experience beyond his or her own family members, is a non-smoker and has a valid driver's license.
Eliminate other allergens
- Don't smoke or let others smoke around your kids
Put a lid on seasonal allergies
- Bathe your child before bed to remove pollen from his hair and skin
- Keep windows and doors closed during peak season for your child's specific
allergy (e.g. pollen in spring).
Treating allergies
When avoiding the allergen is impossible, or your child's symptoms won't subside, you can turn to medications like antihistamines or decongestants. Nasal sprays and a steamy bath can help relieve sinus congestion. But make sure to speak with a physician before giving any medicine to your child.
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Spring Reading Suggestions
Dandelion Adventures, by Patricia
Kite
Seven dandelion seed parachutes are blown by the wind to different
places and begin to grow. Many interesting facts about dandelions
are included.
My Spring Robin, by Anne Rockwell, Harlow Rockwell (Illustrator) Before finding the robin she is searching for, a child discovers other interesting fauna and flora in her backyard.