Rss Feed
Tweeter button
Facebook button

Too Much Hygiene May Affect Immune System, Study Suggests

September 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Too Much Hygiene May Affect Immune System, Study Suggests

Antimicrobial used in many products such as soaps, toothpaste tied to raised allergy risks in kids

Children and teens who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps that contain the chemical triclosan may be at increased risk for hay fever and other allergies, a finding that suggests that being too clean can actually make people sick, researchers say.

The study also found that exposure to higher levels of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) may weaken an adult’s immune system.

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent widely used in products such as antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, medical devices and diaper bags. BPA, which is used to make many types of plastics and other consumer products, is believed to affect human hormones.

In this study, researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health analyzed data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

They compared levels of triclosan and BPA in the urine with cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody levels and diagnosis of allergies or hay fever in adults and children over age 6.

“We found that people over age 18 with higher levels of BPA exposure had higher CMV antibody levels, which suggests their cell-mediated immune system may not be functioning properly,” study first author Erin Rees Clayton said in a university news release.

The investigators also found that children and teens with higher levels of triclosan were more likely to have been diagnosed with hay fever and other allergies.

The study findings are published in the Nov.

30,2010 online edition of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

“The triclosan findings in the younger age groups may support the ‘hygiene hypothesis,’ which maintains living in very clean and hygienic environments may impact our exposure to microorganisms that are beneficial for development of the immune system,” principal investigator Allison Aiello, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, said in the news release.

Aiello noted that triclosan may change the microorganisms to which people are normally exposed in such a way that children’s immune system development is affected.

“It is possible that a person can be too clean for their own good,” Aiello suggested.

 

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Early Oral Hygiene for Excellent Dental Health

August 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Excellent oral hygiene keeps the teeth healthy for a long time. Most dental diseases start from bacterial infection. To prevent bacteria buildup, the teeth and mouth should be cleaned regularly. The following are the three major indicators of good oral hygiene: the teeth are white and free of debris; the gums are pink and not sensitive when brushing and flossing; and chronic bad breath is not present.

Aside from consulting a dentist regularly, several at-home techniques are practiced to promote dental health from a very young age. A two-year old child should already be taught how to brush and floss. This will prevent bacteria from accumulating and attacking the teeth’s surface. Children should learn how to take care of their teeth early because they are especially vulnerable to cavity. Their parents must teach them these basics.

Brushing and flossing must be done twice a day. Each technique has a different impact on the teeth. Brushing mainly removes fresh debris from the teeth, including bits of food and minerals stuck in between teeth after meals. Dentists in cities like Bartlett are stringent with this oral hygiene practice because it plays a great role in preserving the dental structure.

Flossing is a supplementary procedure to brushing. The nylon filament passed between the teeth removes all debris that the brush was unable to dislodge. It reaches normally inaccessible spots in the mouth and keeps bacteria from reaching the gingiva or gum. A bartlett dentist recommends flossing to prevent gingivitis and severe periodontal diseases. Flossing scrapes away hardened plaque and tartar that serve as breeding grounds for bacteria.

Parents must be aware of how significant fluoride is in maintaining their children’s dental health. Without fluoride to regularly mineralize their teeth, bacteria can easily accumulate and produce destructive acids. Bartlett dentists and their colleagues elsewhere recommend the use of fluoride-rich toothpaste during brushing and mouthwash for gargling.

A balanced diet is also of tremendous importance in keeping excellent oral hygiene. The teeth cannot achieve optimum health simply through brushing and cleaning. Healthy food gives the teeth immunity against bacterial infection. According to Bartlett pediatric dentistry practitioners and other professionals in the field, a child must eat a balanced diet even before his or her first tooth emerges. 

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preschool Facility Hygiene Tips–3 Ways to Keep Your Preschool Environment Healthier

August 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Debbie Davis

Preschoolers are about as cute as they come. But keeping a preschool facility a clean and healthy place means taking action on many different levels. Here are a few tips that will help keep your preschoolers bright eyed and bushy tail because their preschool environment is a healthy place to be.

Sanitize Common Surfaces Daily-There are sanitizing wipes that make this job easier than it sounds. Use them to wipe off changing areas, door knobs, tables and chairs, windows or surfaces on which children might put their mouths. The wipes should contain at least 60 percent alcohol, and this should be done at a time when children are not present.

Practice and Model Good Personal Hygiene-Make sure are tissues readily available for sneezes, coughs, and runny noses. Practice sneezing into your arm rather than into hands. This will greatly reduce the number of germs that can spread when joining hands or using hands on common such as crayons and toys. Stress eating from their plate and cup rather than sharing food or utensils.

Make a routine that always includes washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom. It’s also a good idea to have them wash their hands whenever they enter the room. This reduces the number of germs that will come into your room from other places.

Filter the Air-This a part of germ control that is not addressed frequently enough. We are all human, and much as we may try, sometimes sneezing and coughing are going to send viruses airborne. It’s a fact of life. Many times these germs fall on various surfaces and can thrive outside the body for quite a few hours.

Other times they attach to airborne particles already in the air such as dust, mildew and mold spores, pollen and even pet dander (brought in on clothes of children who own pets) and are inhaled or ingested by an unsuspecting victim. By filtering the air, not only do you remove particles that can often aggravate those with allergies and asthma, but you also remove the viruses.

Because the H1N1 virus seemingly targets the young, they are doubly vulnerable. Like them, their hygiene habits are a work in progress. So clearing the air consistently with a medical grade high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier is one more way you can you can be assured that your preschool environment is as healthy as it can be.

And because many preschools are located in basements of churches, they are often used by other adults and children after the preschoolers are gone. Having an air purifier run 24 hours a day means not only are you able to remove germs from the preschoolers when they are there, but you can drastically reduce the number of germs that would be waiting for them when they return the following day.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a germ free world. But reducing the germ count gives our little ones much more of a chance at staying healthy.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Practice Proper Hygiene to Stay Healthy

August 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ever since we were little children our parents and teachers have told us over and over again to practice proper hygiene, and they were right in doing so. Personal hygiene is so important that ignoring it can result to various health problems. Now, if you don’t know where to start, let me help you.

I can’t force you to take a shower especially if you’re the type of person who is used to go on for days without a bath. But let me remind you that regular cleansing is important if you want to stay healthy. Taking a bath allows you to get rid of skin germs that might cause you unwanted disease. It also allows you to well, look like a real human being.

Taking care of your skin is also very important especially since it is the visible part of your body. Avoid leaving it dry-looking by applying a good amount of lotion after every bath. Don’t hesitate to use perfume too especially if you have body odor. Also, keep your skin protected from the sun too by using protective covering whenever you go outside.

Brushing your teeth regularly is also a way of improving your personal hygiene – your oral hygiene to be specific. Make it a habit of brushing after every meal or before you start and end your day. It will not only keep your teeth look white as snow, it will also keep your breath fresh round the clock.

Long fingernails are favorite hideouts of dirt and bacteria. If you can manage it, have both your fingernails and toenails trimmed at least twice a month. You should also take note that fingernails grow twice as fast as toenails especially during the summer. Also, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before using them to put food in your mouth.

Proper hygiene helps you stay healthy and fresh but it doesn’t just end there. By practicing it you can be sure to attract friends, clients or even a lifetime partner. You may react and say that it’s so simple but keep in mind that the basic or the simple things in life are always the most effective.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , ,

Your Baby and Good Dental Hygiene

July 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are a brand new parent, it is both an exciting time and a frightening time. There’s nothing quite like the realization that there is a little person in the world who is completely dependent on your care, and that when it comes to her health the buck stops with you. Once her first tooth erupts at around six months, proper dental hygiene is suddenly added to your to-do list. Here’s a quick overview of and what to do regarding your baby’s healthy teeth.

Should I brush her teeth?
Generally, a brush is not needed until your baby starts cutting her upper teeth as well. A simple swipe over her teeth with a clean cotton cloth after every meal should be enough. It’s hard to believe, but children as young as a year old can already get cavities! So the best thing you can do to prevent such problems is to not let her suck on bottles of formula or juice other than at meal time.

Even baby formulas contain sugar, and too many new parents allow their babies to take bottles to bed to facilitate falling to sleep. Her teeth are then bathed in sugar all night long, and her oral health may be greatly compromised. Bottom line: Don’t brush; just swipe. And only allow bottles of juice, milk or formula at meal time.

When should she go to the dentist?
The answer to this question depends on who you talk to. Pediatricians generally advise by age three, but pediatric dentists suggest no later than by age one. So really, it’s up to you to make a judgment call in this regard. Certainly, if your baby is a special needs child or has worrisome habits such as thumb sucking: then by all means visit the dentist no later than her first birthday.

To encourage a lifelong trust of dental professionals, a pediatric dentist is preferred over a family dentist. A pediatric dentist’s practice and office setting is totally geared toward the treatment of children and making kids feel comfortable, and the staff is thoroughly trained in making your baby’s experience a fun and positive one.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , ,

The Truth about Soft Toy Hygiene

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The BBC Article

I recently read an article on the BBC website titled “Soft Toys Can Spread Disease”. The article relates to the recommendation by Dr Dagmar Zeuner (director of public health for NHS Hammersmith and Fulham) that:

“We do not advocate providing communal soft toys in clinical waiting areas as they give serious diseases such as measles an easy route to spread from one child to another.”

My initial thoughts were that this BBC article was trying to latch onto another example of social paranoia that was written purely for the catchy headline and inevitable panic it will cause. But when I started reading the article it made me think… soft toys in communal hospital areas? Where countless infected children may play with the soft toys and spread bacteria? It makes sense, when you think about it, that soft toys should not be the first choice for child entertainment in a hospital waiting room? Soft toys are essentially a giant sponge! If I was going to invent something which could be used to capture bacteria and transport them around, it would probably look something like a soft toy!

“Infection control in ambulatory care” by Candace Friedman

So with this in mind I dug a little deeper… I wanted to know if there was any real validity in the statements made on the BBC article. I started searching for information relating to the risks of soft toys and infections and came across this book extract on Google Books from “Infection control in ambulatory care” by Candace Friedman:

There are many concerns about the risk of cross infection from toys. Although actual incidence of disease transmission directly links to toys has been rare, it is known that microorganisms can survive for extended periods of time on environmental surfaces. After a busy morning in a physicians office, one study found that toys appeared unclean, that 10% were contaminated with pathogens, and that bacteria were cultured more frequently from soft toys than from hard toys.

So it would appear that soft toys are indeed the perfect carrier for bacteria! But why not keep toys in clean state? Surely that would make them safe for out kiddies to enjoy? The above quote goes on to say:

Another found higher contamination levels on soft toys, that neither machine washing and drying nor autoclaving were adequate to totally reduce microorganisms on soft toys and that soft toys in waiting rooms became contaminated much more quickly than hard toys.

There are many experts believe that in order to avoid allergies developing and to build up immunity; children and babies actually need to be exposed to some dirt and germs. But it stands to reason that toys in communal medical waiting room areas should be avoided by your children. They are the perfect breeding ground and transporter for infection.

In Conclusion…

The department of Health have issued guidance which covers flu pandemics, which advises that “soft toys and magazines should be removed from waiting rooms”. However, the decision on whether toys are removed rests with the individual NHS organisations. So here are a few tips which I picked up whilst doing my research:

1 Bring your own child’s toys to waiting room areas such as hospitals, schools, dentists, hair dressers etc.
2. Wipe down all toys which your child might want to play with using effective anti bacterial wipes.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask whether toys have been adequately disinfected.

Sources:

Soft Toys and excellent levels of knowledge regarding such issues: http://www.cuddlykingdom.com/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8070299.stm

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=fAQbla86fzkC&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=soft+toys+infections&source=bl&ots=SBNSKp6n8C&sig=YrS7KgEbw_JQGyH1FqumppQogVs&hl=en&ei=LEglSo71F5qsjAflvJTcBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , ,

Importance Of Hygiene For Children

July 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Gen Wright

When your child is little, he or she will lose most of their baby teeth. The idea that this would be the time to start them caring for something they are going to lose anyway may seem a tad futile, but it is perhaps the most important time in one’s life for dental health. If you do not believe that, ask anyone with bad teeth what their dental hygiene habits were like as kids, and they will probably tell you they were not made to brush their teeth with any regularity. If you want to instill good habits in your children at a young age, then you really need to make sure that they are taking care of their teeth from the earliest memories of childhood. Brushing an 18-month old’s teeth every night may not seem like it is going to have a long lasting effect, but you would be surprised at just how much a kid remembers in his subconscious. Do not take chances with your youngster’s dental hygiene, or he could one day be subject to the following:

Gum Disease

This health condition is considered an attack on the gums, which causes decay and weakness of the teeth as a whole. Not teaching your children good dental habits early in life is one factor that can lead to gum disease because it typically results from poor care. Patients with gum disease experience a great deal of pain and the nature of their condition is unsightly. You never want your children to be afraid to smile, but gum disease will cause them to feel just that.

Gingivitis

This inflammation of the gum is characteristic of one, who has had pour hygiene from childhood. While it is not confined solely to those individuals, bad habits breed bad repercussions. With gingivitis, the simple act of brushing one’s teeth gently with a soft bristled brush can cause one to bleed. In addition to this, the gums and teeth as a whole can become very sore and cause one to have trouble eating and drinking things that are hot or cold.

Cavities

These holes of decay that can be found in the teeth can be very painful when they are left untreated. At best, taking care of a cavity is a very costly procedure that can put a financial burden on you and your family. At worst, it could lead to a full scale root canal, which is an expensive operation that requires the nerve to be deadened, the tooth removed, and a cap put on in its place.

There are a number of problems that can befall your little ones with poor oral care. Don’t let that happen. Train them early to take care of their teeth, and they will thank you.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , ,

This Why Dental Hygiene is Important for your Kids

July 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dental hygiene is a must for everyone, especially children. Keeping your child’s teeth clean by brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to protect them from damage and decay. It can be difficult for parents to get children to do what they need to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. With proper care and cleaning, not only will their teeth look great, but they will also be healthy. Otherwise, they could face a variety of health concerns including tooth aches, the loss of their teeth and in the case of a very bad infection, it could become fatal.

Everyone has the same rules when it comes to caring for their teeth. Dental hygiene includes having a dentist clean your teeth at least two times per year. Daily brushing and flossing is a must as this helps to remove bacteria as well as plaque from the surface of the teeth. If allowed to remain there, that plaque can build up and cause tooth decay, gum disease or many other unhealthy conditions. Dentists can demonstrate proper teeth cleaning procedures to your child and you can reinforce them by brushing your teeth with them.

Because our teeth are so important to our well being, it is incredibly important that we take into consideration how well they are cared for. Providing your teeth with good care means getting to the dentist and caring for them on a daily basis. Together, you and your child can be sure that your teeth remain as healthy as possible. Dental hygiene needs to be foremost on your mind, right alongside caring for your health.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , ,

Dental Hygiene and Oral Health For Kids

July 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Children also have their share of oral care checklists like the grownups. Dental hygiene and oral health care starts at infancy, and as they grow we should help them learn how to properly brush their teeth and take care of their oral health. We should know by now that children and babies are not immune to oral health problems. If we take a look at many studies, we can see that one of the most common ailments of children is tooth decay or cavities.

Proper dental hygiene and oral care would mean encouraging healthy eating habits, brushing and flossing, and making an appointment with a pediatric dentist. These three should be part of a parent’s checklist regarding a child’s health and wellness. Babies and kids usually like to eat anything and stick anything into their mouths. Until the time comes when they can brush their teeth on their own and learn how to take care of their health, it is the job of the parents, with the help of pediatric dentists, to guide the children with the correct practices and habits.

What we eat affects our teeth, and the same goes for the children. Tooth decay, for example, is mainly caused by the food we take in. Those with sugar and starch, like sweets and cakes, are the big culprits of this dental ailment. We should encourage our children to minimize their intake of food like these. It is inevitable for kids to like sweets and other damaging food, however, and so enforcing proper brushing and flossing after eating is important.

With a baby that doesn’t have any teeth yet, all we need to do is wipe the mouth gently to clean it. When you child grows teeth, there’s brushing and flossing to take care of. Make sure that your child brushes his or her teeth for more than two minutes, and the brush used is personally his or her own. Sharing of a toothbrush is not recommended. As for flossing, this is especially helpful for children with broken or jagged teeth. For the young ones that can’t do all the flossing on their own yet, the parents can floss the back part of their teeth while the children is learning how to floss the front.

A trip to the pediatric dentist is also heavily recommended. There may be many things you are uncertain about as to how to take care of your child’s oral health, and the dentist is the right person to ask. Even a mere dental consultation can be very significant to your child’s oral hygiene. There may also be serious dental attention that your children needs. For example, there are some babies that are born with neonatal teeth, and this will require certain dental hygiene or a removal. The pediatric dentist can also help you if you have problems with your child in his or her teething stage.

After our children have learned how to brush and take care of their teeth and mouth on their own, all we need to do is check if they are keeping up with the oral care practices everyday. It is important that dental hygiene and oral health care become a daily habit for our children.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Keep Hygiene in the Budget When Paying For College

June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Jeremy Smith

College life can sometimes test even the best budgeting skills of college students. When they must pay for tuition, books, a place to live and food, other necessities are difficult to afford. Personal hygiene items are usually expensive and are sometimes pushed to the bottom of the list when it comes to having money for college. Going without these items hardly seems like an option, so creative thinking, finding discounts and hunting for low prices on items like shampoo, soap and other toiletries is critical when the budget is small.

Sharing ExpensesFor college students who live in a house or apartment with roommates, it is often easy to get everyone to chip in money for some basic necessities, such as paper towels, toilet paper and soap. Some people are fussier, however, when it comes to shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and toothpaste. When the group can agree on what brands to buy and where to buy them, it is always more affordable. Students might consider looking for online shopping deals to find the best prices or using coupons to pay less for the better brands.

Buy BulkWhile the price tag is higher on bigger bottles of things like shampoo, shower gel and the like, buying in bulk is cheaper in the long run. These items will always be needed, so it is more economical to buy in bulk than it is to buy smaller bottles more frequently. Students can look for hygiene items on sale or find discounts with Target, Walmart or Bath and Body Works coupons.

GiftsAlthough razors and toothbrushes are not exactly gift material, college students can put things like shower gel, hand lotion and bubble bath on their holiday and birthday wish lists. Family members may look for smaller items as stocking stuffers. They may want to give them necessities are difficult for students to buy for themselves. These are personal and practical gifts that take a little bit of thought and effort to choose, but will last for at least a few weeks or months.

Asking for HelpWhile college students like to flex their independence, sometimes they just need to ask for help. Letting Mom and Dad know that shampoo is at the bottom of the grocery list is one surefire way to receive some. No parent likes the idea of their son or daughter walking around with greasy hair and a permanent and real grunge look. The best time to broach this subject might be while they are home on break or up for a visit on the weekend. Parents, too, may be able to find some online deals and use special coupons to help their children stock up on personal hygiene items.

Filed Under: Child Health Services Tagged With: , , , ,
« Older Posts