Fall 2009

Health Bits

Petting Zoos Attract Kids—and Germs

There are few sights more adorable than watching your little one snuggle that cute baby chick at a petting zoo. But animals—even healthy ones—shed a variety of bacteria that can be toxic to your toddler. That includes a specific kind of E. coli, which can cause serious illness, such as diarrhea, in young children. Here’s how to enjoy petting zoos safely:

Look, but don’t pet. Chicks aren’t the only potential source of infection. You should also avoid touching young cows, all reptiles and amphibians, and any animals that appear to have diarrhea.
Leave baby items in the stroller. To avoid infection, don’t bring children’s pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups, or toys into any of the animal areas.
Eat elsewhere. Enjoy food and drinks only in animal-free areas.
Wash hands thoroughly. Reputable petting zoos should have handwashing stations at the exits. Be sure to use them.

Kids Get Less Active as They Get Older

Researchers looked at the daily activity of children from 10 cities when they were 9, 11, 12, and 15 years old. At ages 9 and 11, almost all met the recommended daily minimum for exercise: 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. But their activity fell by about four minutes a day each year, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported. By age 15, just 31 percent of the kids met the activity guidelines, even on school days. To get your kids moving:

Set an active example yourself.
Visit parks and other spots that invite activity.
Plan family walks and active games.

Keep It Cool in the Kitchen—Avoid Scald Burns

Researchers looked at data from children younger than age 5 who were admitted to a Chicago hospital for scald burns (other than tap water scalds). Top reasons for scalds included children pulling dishes or cookware onto themselves, children getting burned while being carried, children removing a hot item from a microwave, and children having something hot spilled on them by someone else, Pediatrics says. To avoid scalds in your kitchen:

Do not carry children and hot liquids at the same time.
Turn pot handles to the back of the range.
Keep hot food and drink out of reach of children.