Health Watch

Keep Your Child Home And CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IF...

  • Fever 101 degrees or above
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Pinkeye
  • Strep throat
  • Vomiting
  • Persistent headache
  • Ringworm
  • Head lice

Children may return to school when a physician gives permission

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE...

Immunization

The Michigan State Immunization Requirements for students entering school in the fall 2010 have changed!

Parents are urged to take their children to a health care provider and get up-to date with their immunizations during the summer.

Vaccine-preventable disease continues to occur in Michigan and may unfortunately result in disability or death. Immunization is a powerful cost-effective measure to protect children from disease. To prevent outbreaks from occurring in school settings and other places where children congregate, a high percentage of children must be immunized.

Visit the immunization resource page for more information

H1N1

Detroit Public Schools has been coordinating with the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion (DHWP) and Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s CATCH Pediatric Mobile Team to develop a plan to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. The district is also preparing a plan in the event of an outbreak.

Visit the H1N1 resource page for more information

Bacterial Meningitis

Watch for the following signs and symptoms for Bacterial Meningitis:

  • High Fever
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Confusion
  • Stiff Neck
  • Vomiting
  • Sleepiness

These symptoms may develop over several days or they may take 1 to 2 days to become evident. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Bacterial Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal chord and the fluid that surround s the brain. Bacterial Meningitis is spread directly by close personal contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person. Meningitis cannot be spread just by casual contact or breathing the air where the infected person has been.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) - The Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas caused by heating and cooking appliances, furnaces or car exhaust fumes. To prevent CO poisoning in your home:

  • Never use ovens and ranges to heat your home - even for a short time.
  • Get your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a qualified technician.
  • Open the flue when you use the fireplace.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill inside your home.
  • Never leave a car, lawn mower or snowblower engine running in the garage - even if the garage door is open. Fumes can build up quickly and enter the living area of your home.

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • poor coordination
  • fatigue and weakness
  • headache
  • confusion and disorientation
  • nausea and dizziness

If you suspect CO poisoning:

  • Leave the home immediately.
  • Open doors and windows.
  • Call the fire department from a neighbors home.
  • Get immediate medical attention.

Lead Poisoning

Lead Poisoning is a sickness that is most harmful to children under the age of 6 years. It happens when kids breathe or swallow lead dust, or eat soil or paint chips that contain lead.

Lead is found in dust and chips from lead paint, old furniture, toys made of lead or painted with lead paint, dirt near roads and buildings, and food and drinks stored in some glazed dishes.

Have your child tested for lead poisoning if they show the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Stomach aches & cramps
  • Muscle & joint pain
  • Changes in school performance
  • Behavior and learning problems (hyperactivity)
  • Hearing problems
  • Slowed growth

Lead may also cause anemia, hearing loss, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), convulsions, coma and death. For Lead Testing Call the City of Detroit Health Department at 876-4200

Health tips for everyone in the family

  • Take your child to a physician every year for a physical examination.
  • Have your child visit a dentist at least once a year.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Cover your mouths when you cough or sneeze.
  • Do not share hats, combs, eating utensils, drinks, food, other personal items.
  • Make sure your child eats a good breakfast.
  • Never eat unwrapped food or candy.
  • Store and prepare food properly
  • Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.

 

Health Watch

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