Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we're talking about fall allergies. If you suffer from allergies, there's a good chance your children will also have allergies. And while you may take steps at home to reduce allergy exposure, your children could still face allergens at day care centers.
Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says the more sterile the environment at a day care center, the better. When choosing a center, look for tile flooring instead of carpeting and check for water leaks that may encourage mold growth or cracks in walls that may allow cockroaches to get inside. Day care workers can help reduce allergen exposure by having children wash their faces and hands after they've been playing outside. Hepa filters to help clear allergens from indoor air will improve the center's environment, and mattress casings can help reduce children's exposure to dust mites.
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October 2006
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