Bacteria causing infections persist on toys, surfaces

reported from: The United Press International Two bacteria that cause colds, ear infections, strep throat and more serious infections persist longer on dishes or toys than thought, U.S. researchers say. Senior author Anders Hakansson at the University at Buffalo's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and colleagues found Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes persist on surfaces for far longer than appreciated. The findings suggest additional precautions might be necessary to prevent infections, especially in settings such as schools, day care centers and hospitals. Read: MORE

Covering Kids and Families

About CKF:
We are an outreach program designed specifically to assist individuals with completing paperwork required for Hoosier Healthwise, Health Advantage, and Healthy Indiana Plan. Our goal is to ensure that all families have access to affordable healthcare. We have Community Outreach Workers, including bi-lingual staff assigned to areas within Marion County and the seven surrounding counties.

Who Is Eligible?
There are specific household and income guidelines for each program. An Outreach Worker can assist you with determining eligibility.

How to Refer Clients to Covering Kids and Families
Joakima Doss
Office: 317-221-2041
Fax: 317-221-3188
Email: jdoss@hhcorp.org

Guidelines for outside play in inclement weather - BRRRRR!

Hi everyone! You know that as I am writing this blog entry it is all of 6°F the wind is blowing from the NW at 9-10 MPH and the wind chill is -7°. All this information just by going to weather.com and typing in my zip code. For parents and providers it is important to know when the conditions are safe for little ones to be outside playing.

Here is what the state guidlines say:

"■ 470 IAC 3-1.1-38 Activities for healthy development
Authority: IC 12-13-5-3
Affected: IC 12-17.2
■ (b) Opportunity shall be provided for children to play outdoors daily except when:
(1) the severity of the weather poses a safety or health hazard; or
(2) when there is a health related reason documented by a parent, legal guardian, or
physician for a child to remain indoors.
♦ Intent:
To meet the developmental needs of children for vigorous outdoor play. (Caring
for Our Children) Children shall play outdoors daily when weather and air quality
conditions do not pose a significant health risk. Outdoor play for infants may
include riding in a carriage or stroller; however, infants shall be offered
opportunities for gross motor play outdoors, as well.
Weather that poses a significant health risk shall include wind chill at or below 25
degrees F and heat index as identified by the National Weather Service.
Air quality conditions that pose a significant health risk shall be identified by
announcements from local health authorities or through ozone (smog) alerts.
Such air quality conditions shall require that children remain indoors where air
conditioners ventilate indoor air to the outdoors. Children with respiratory health
problems such as asthma shall not play outdoors when local health authorities
announce that the air quality is approaching unhealthy levels.
○ Assessment Method:
Observe to see if children play outside. Interview the caregiver to determine
when and how often children are outside for play. Review the home’s daily
schedule for outside play."

Or to put it another way - today is TOO COLD for children to playing outside. The Iowa Dept. of Public Health has a great chart on their webiste to help determine if conditions outside are right for play.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us and we will get you the answers you need.

Latino Community Development

Friday, December 19, 2008, 10:00AM -6:00pm

Indiana State Fairgrounds (Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion)

We are reaching out to the business community in order to gain support for this very worthwhile event. Available resources (churches, services, programs etc.) provide medical, legal assistance and education with the belief that this will lead the community to a better life. Our desire is to share the spirit of Christmas and put smiles on the thousands of children that are in need.

Estamos invitando a los negocios de la comunidad para apoyar este evento magnifico que vale la pena. Recursos disponibles (Iglesias, Servicios, Programas etc), medicos, asistencia legal, educacion con la creencia que esto los conducirá a una mejor calidad de vida. Nuestro deseo es compartir el espiritu de la Navidad y poner sonrisas en los miles de niños que estan necesitados.

Training on Preventing Childhood Obesity

Hi Everyone,
I just received a notice from our friends at WFYI and United Way about a free training that they are doing for in home child care providers that live in the 46201 or 46208 zip code area. The training will be on Tuesday, December 16 from 9 am - 11:30 am at the John Boner Center. The topic is Preventing Childhood Obesity. They will provide Free Food, Door Prizes and Free Child Care. This free training is available to the first 25 providers who register by calling 921-1232. The Free Child Care is limited to 5 children (ages 1-5) per provider. Have a great day and try to stay warm. I hear that snow is possible tomorrow.
Mindy