The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency that has spread across Kentucky affecting all age groups. Scientific knowledge about this novel virus continues to evolve. The following guidelines are based upon what is known about mitigating risks of transmission across the Commonwealth to protect all populations. Protecting students and staff…

As more and more states contemplate the new school year following the Coronavirus lockdown, teachers, supervisors, and administrators have to determine strategies to safely open their schools. It is hoped that the advice will help guide stakeholders in their decision-making process to be better prepared to meet the current pandemic challenges in…

In this supplemental fact sheet, the Department of Education (the Department) reminds educators in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic that they should not opt to close or decline to provide distance instruction, at the expense of students, to address matters pertaining to services for students with disabilities. Rather, school systems must make…

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has established a working group to provide information and resources to parents, students, teachers, schools, and school personnel related to the possible outbreak of COVID-19 ("coronavirus") in school districts and postsecondary schools. Schools play an important role in disseminating…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made the assessment that COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be characterised as a pandemic and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories. While a lot is still unknown about the virus that causes COVID-19, we do know that it is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an…

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) annually publishes an immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 18 years that summarizes recommendations for currently licensed vaccines for children aged 18 years and younger and includes recommendations in effect as of December 15, 2009. The changes to the previous schedule are…

America has a serious weight problem. Two-thirds of adults and nearly one-fifth of children in the United States are overweight, placing them at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases including cancer and arthritis. Furthermore, obesity and its related health problems are placing a major strain on the U.S. health care…

Examines the epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapy related to common pet-associated diseases and injuries. Discusses transmission of pet-related health hazards and methods of treatment. Describes preventive measures aimed at safe animal care and control. (RJC)

Describes Lyme disease, which is spread most commonly by the deer tick; indicates symptoms, preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment. (SM)

This booklet provides information about diabetes and meal planning particularly designed for migrant individuals. The first section defines diabetes, explains different types of diabetes, lists results of uncontrolled diabetes, and describes the goals and components of a diabetic meal plan. The second section explains the exchange system of…

Offers suggestions on the sensitive issues involved in sex education: involve the community; incorporate it into the curriculum; provide clear, direct prevention messages; provide good instruction; discuss abstinence before condom use; do not teach anything that parents, administrators, and the school board do not know about; and do not delay. (SM)

In the United States, there is a schedule of four immunizations and several boosters against communicable diseases for children, but many children are not immunized against preventable communicable diseases. The article examines reasons for low immunization percentages, barriers to immunization, and possible solutions to the problems. (SM)

Provides teachers and coaches with basic safety information they must know when dealing with blood, focusing on: the likelihood of disease transmission; use of universal precautions when blood is involved (e.g., washing hands and wearing protective equipment); wearing gloves; cleaning up blood spills; and handling special situations (e.g., loss of…

This digest summarizes available information on the importance of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) prevention education efforts for students with disabilities. The digest notes these students' increased risk of HIV infection due to their lack of knowledge, misinformation, poor social skills, low self-esteem, poor judgement, and tendency to let…

Noting that a quarter of a million children in the developing world die each week and that millions more live with ill health and poor growth, this handbook presents practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. It is directed to those people who are in the position to communicate this information to families, such as health…