Health Alert!

We have one reported case of pink eye (Conjunctivitis) in Room 4 on 2/6/12.

 What Is Pinkeye?

Pinkeye — also called conjunctivitis — is redness and inflammation of the clear membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. Pinkeye is most often caused by a virus or by a bacterial infection, although allergies, chemical agents, and underlying diseases can also play a role.

Is Pinkeye Contagious?

Viral and bacterial pinkeye are extremely contagious. It’s easily spread through poor hand washing or by sharing an object (like a towel) with someone who has it. It can also spread through coughing and sneezing. Kids diagnosed with infectious pinkeye should stay out of school or day care for a short period of time. Allergic pinkeye (caused by seasonal pollens, animal dander, cosmetics, and perfumes) and chemical pinkeye (from chemicals or liquids, including bleach and furniture polish) are not contagious.

Symptom: Eye Redness

Redness of the eye is the typical, telltale symptom of pinkeye. Pinkeye is a common condition that is rarely serious and unlikely to cause long-term eye or vision damage if promptly detected and treated.

Symptom: Swollen, Red Eyelids

The symptoms of infectious pinkeye typically begin in one eye and involve the other eye within a few days. Symptoms of allergic pinkeye usually involve both eyes. Swelling of the eyelids is more common with bacterial and allergic pinkeye.

Symptom: Lots of Tearing

Viral and allergic pinkeye are known for causing more tear production than usual.

Symptom: Itchy or Burning Eyes

You would know it if you felt it — that overwhelming itchy, burning feeling in the eyes, which is typical of pinkeye.

Symptom: Drainage from the Eyes

A clear, watery drainage is common with viral and allergic pinkeye. When the drainage is more greenish-yellow (and there’s a lot of it), this is likely bacterial pinkeye.

Symptom: Crusty Eyelids

If you wake up with your eyes “stuck shut,” this may be caused by the discharge that accumulates during sleep from pinkeye.

Symptom: Sensitivity to Light

Pinkeye can cause mild sensitivity to light. A person who has severe symptoms, such as changes in eyesight, severe light sensitivity, or severe pain may have an infection that has spread beyond the conjunctiva and should be re-examined by a doctor.

Symptom: ‘Something in the Eye’

You may notice a bothersome feeling like something is stuck in your eye. Or, a child may describe the feeling as sand in the eye.

Treating Pinkeye

Bacterial pinkeye is treated with antibiotic eyedrops, ointment, or pills to clear the infection. Most viral pinkeye cases have no specific treatment — you just have to let the virus run its course, which is usually four to seven days. Allergic pinkeye symptoms should improve once the allergen source is removed and the allergy itself is treated. Chemical pinkeye requires prompt washing of the affected eye(s) for five minutes and an immediate call to the doctor.

Easing Symptoms

To reduce pain and to remove the discharge of bacterial or viral pinkeye, use a cold or warm compress on the eyes. Make sure to use a different washcloth for each eye to prevent spreading any infection. And use clean washcloths each time. Clean the eye from drainage by wiping from the inside to the outside of the eye area.

How Long Am I Contagious?

With bacterial pinkeye, you can usually return to work or school 24 hours after antibiotics have been started, as long as symptoms have improved. With viral pinkeye, you are contagious as long as the symptoms last. Check with your doctor to be certain.

Preventing Its Spread

If you or your child has infectious pinkeye, avoid touching the eye area, and wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and throw away tissues after each use. Change linens and towels daily. Disinfect all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and doorknobs. Throw away any makeup used while infected.

http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-pinkeye

February 2012 Newsletter

Happy Valentine’s Day and

Happy Presidents’ Day!

Click below to read our February 2012 newsletter, which is filled with lots of important information!

LFP Feb 2012 news

Please be patient :)

Ms. Mo is back, but this time in the office. One of her duties is to maintain the website. She’s trying really hard, learning mostly by trial and error. So please be patient while she gets it all figured out. Thanks!

OUR NEWLY REFRESHED LOBBY – WARM AND WELCOMING!

Thank you April, Heather, and Stephanie for all your hard work painting, organizing and decorating the lobby. It’s beautiful and has brought many compliments!

Sellers Get Ready! Spring Resale Scheduled!

The Spring 2012 Resale has been scheduled for March 3rd.

January 2012 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Click here to see January 2012′s newsletter!

Keep the Dream Alive – MLK, Jr Day

Little Forest will be closed Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Have a wonderful and safe long weekend!

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Q&A Session November 3rd

Q&A Session for Little Forest Corporation members.
Join us for any questions or thoughts you have for our director.
When: Thursday, November 3rd
Where: Little Forest Playschool
Time : 6 PM

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