For the past 25 years, Medicaid, a federal-state program for low-income people who cannot afford medical care, has been an important vehicle for providing health care for poor children. Schools can help familiarize parents about Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services and refer children with suspected medical…

Describes a program designed to help families care for their medically fragile infants and children in their homes, thus preventing the need for protective services involvement. (PCB)

Discusses the decline in infant mortality rates over the past 20 years among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Describes efforts by the Indian Health Service to work with communities and federal and state agencies to further reduce mortality rates. (PCB)

Notes that infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to hazards around the home or child-care center. Explains how caregivers can protect children from the potential hazards of buckets and bathtubs; buttons, balloons, and bottle caps; stoves and heaters; firearms; stairs and stools; medicines, cleaners, and paint; cords; doors; and other…

Notes that, although staff should always watch for playground hazards, routine checks for playground hazards should be conducted monthly. Presents a 51-item safety checklist developed by the American National Red Cross that allows child care workers to assess the safety of elements of the play environment such as playground design and arrangement,…

Explains the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid, which can help children and adults visualize the basics of sound nutrition. The pyramid chart places five food groups from top to bottom in inverse proportion to the number of servings that should be consumed. Special symbols are used to indicate fat content and added…

Reviews the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to specifically address the injuries sustained through vaccination. The compensation program allows special education for children permanently injured by vaccines. Analyzes selected cases. (57 footnotes) (MLF)

A study conducted in 1987 and two subsidiary studies in 1983 and 1990 examined the relationship between Mexican mothers' schooling and their attitudes to childbearing and childrearing. Results indicated that increased maternal schooling was related to the reception of more prenatal care, greater use of contraception, and smaller size of families.…

This reprint of a 1915 conference paper discusses the mother's role in the spiritual and moral development of her children, as well the right of all children to grow spiritually and morally, unimpeded by the power of adults. Stresses the civil rights of children, including their right to a nurturing, healthy environment. (MDM)

The K-2 MORE HEALTH community bicycle safety education program was conducted in nine Florida elementary schools, offering interactive education sessions and reduced-cost bicycle helmets. Researchers reviewed classroom teacher evaluations and observed helmet use at the schools. Results indicated that the program affected helmet use in participating…

Presents two drafts of the Russian government's "Conception of Preschool Upbringing." Suggests in the first draft that goals for renovating the Russian kindergarten include enhancing child health, educational goals, and living conditions. Explores in the second draft the roles of individual development, interaction, learning, labor, and…

Discusses problems with pediatric care of foster children that were identified in a survey of pediatricians in Connecticut. Reviews recommendations of the Health Advisory Committee to the Connecticut Department of Children and Youth Services. Describes several solutions that have already been implemented in Connecticut. (BB)

Children need to protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection can help enhance the eye's ability to filter out damaging rays, but sunglasses without such protection may allow in more harmful rays. The article presents guidelines to help parents select safe, appropriate sunglasses for their children.…

Parents and children need to learn about bicycle maintenance and safety to keep bicycles fit and safe. The article presents a checklist of important bicycle equipment safety items and makes suggestions about how parents and children can learn more about bicycle safety and maintenance. (SM)

The antecedent events, clinical features, prevalence, and complications of neonatal Klebsiella septicaemia in 73 infants admitted to a special care baby unit in Nigeria are retrospectively reviewed and compared with those of 72 infants who had no risk factors for sepsis admitted to the same unit during the same period. A nosocomial acquisition of…