Child Health & Safety Radio

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and terrorist attacks are disruptive and frightening. But when disasters strike the anxiety for providers of child care and parents whose children may be across town and out of communication is heightened. The best time to think about how to handle a crisis is now. Tune in as we provide some practical tips on what providers and parents should do to prepare for the unthinkable.

This segment takes a look at school meals, the current laws which govern them and the challenges of promoting and providing healthier food in schools.

In this segment we separate fact from fiction about treating head lice infestations in children. Our guests also discuss the wisdom and efficacy of maintaining "no nit" policies for schools and child care settings.

Young kids and teens have historically pushed the envelope with risky behaviors at some stage in their development. But today's youth are taking risk taking to a whole new level with substances that are legal, but as dangerous and more problematic than illicit drugs. Learn more.

Kids today are facing so many health issues on so many different fronts that in order to be successful in school and in life, knowing how to stay healthy has become a core competency. But many schools either have no health education program or a program taught by an untrained facilitator. This segment explores the challenges and offers solutions.

Kids today are facing so many health issues on so many different fronts that in order to be successful in school and in life, knowing how to stay healthy has become a core competency. But many schools either have no health education program or a program taught by an untrained facilitator. This segment explores the challenges and offers solutions.

Parents and child care providers are warned to avoid spreading germs and we constantly encouraging children to wash their hands. But hand washing is not enough. Tune in and learn the three best ways to limit the spread of germs among children in child care settings, schools and at home.

Sleep can be a peaceful time for babies and mothers in need of a break. But sleep time is also a potentially dangerous time for babies left alone. This segments takes a look at some of the biggest sleep risks to babies and provides guidance for establishing practices and policies that ensure safe sleep.

Mental health is perhaps the biggest health issue among tweens and teens today. Obesity, drug use and many of the high risk behaviors we typically see in adolescence are often just the manifestation of an underlying mental health issue. This segment talks about mental health intervention and services available to students.

Fires often breakout suddenly, unexpectedly and can travel quickly. The time to ensure that your family knows what to do is now. This segment covers the basics your family needs to know to safely survive a home-based fire.

There are many assumptions that parents hold about child care centers which can prove harmful to their children's health and safety. This segment offers a useful checklist for selecting a child care center.

There are diseases that can be transmitted via bug bites and many that can not. This segment will give you a basic overview along with practical prevention tips.

Over the counter drugs, prescriptions drugs, emergency medication, teachers, coaches and child care providers are all subject to dealing with administering medications to students. School policies and state policies vary widely and there is much school personnel need to know. This segment provide practical guidelines.

Every year children die from heat stroke resulting from being in left in cars, vans and buses. Most people are aware of the risks, so the exposure is often accidental. Listen as our guests share tips for avoiding accidentally placing children in danger.

Drowning is a leading cause of death and summer activities increase the risks. This segment covers some of the greatest areas of risks and tips for ensuring that your child is really safe from drowning.

Child Obesity is a growing problem impacting increasing numbers of children and earlier and earlier ages. Our guest advises that prevention begins with healthy eating habits and model those habits for children begins with parents, teachers and care givers.

Selecting the right pet for a classroom is more complex than it may seem on it's face. Risk of disease, knowledge of the animal's needs state regulations, care after school and during school breaks must all be considered. Tune in and find out what you need to know before bringing that pet to school.

There are multiple diseases which routinely afflict children that can be avoided by simply washing their hands. This segment covers the basics educators, care givers and health consultants need to know.

Cases of skin cancer have risen dramatically and sunscreen is a an important part of the solution. In this segment we talk about the basics you need to know to protect children from UV exposure while balancing the need and desire for fun in the sun.

When it comes to peanut allergies uneducated child care providers pose a serious risk to the lives of afflicted children in their care. Understanding the fundamentals of screening for peanut allergies, identifying and responding to allergic reactions and prevention are essential. This segment covers the basics every child care provider, child care consultant and parent needs to know.

Play areas are supposed to be fun and educational, but poor design, inappropriate application and lack of proper maintenance can turn a play area into a safety hazard. Though all play areas pose some safety risks; this segment provides guidelines for minimizing hazards and ensuring that play areas are age appropriate.

It's a basic question which every child care provider and parent should be able to answer. This segment answers the question from both the child care providers point of view as well the parent's. Before beginning the search for child care listen in. If you're a child care provider, make sure you are prepared to answer the questions informed parents will be asking.

Pest problems in child care environments present special problems for anyone caring for young children. In this segment we discuss the latest insights on safely managing pest and provides specific strategies for child care providers, child health consultants and parents.

Ann Slattery is a graduate of UAB School of Public Health with a Masters and Doctorate in Environmental Health/Toxicology and Board certified Clinical Toxicologist and has worked in the Regional Poison Control Center for 28 years.