Health & wellbeing

• Australia is known as the "Allergy capital of the world". Food allergies in particular are thought to be increasing. More children than adults suffer from allergies.
• Allergies


  • Interfere with concentration, sleep, social functioning, recreational activities
  • If untreated or unresponsive to treatment, diminish opportunities for infant and child growth and development
• Allergy


  Immune response to a substance that is not inherently threatening to human health
• Allergen


  A substance (antigen) that leads to an allergic reaction
• Atopy


  Tendency to develop allergic reactions
• Anaphylaxis


  Extreme life threatening reaction
• Typical allergy symptoms


  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Blocked or runny nose
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irritated eyes
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever)


  • Can lead to poor quality sleep/snoring, recurrent ear infections in children, complications in control of asthma
  • Treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, salt water nasal sprays
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)


  • Extreme itchiness
  • Children who outgrow may later develop asthma or allergic Rhintis (hay fever)
  • Often treated with petroleum jelly, antihistamines
  • Secondary infections can occur and may require antibiotics
• Symptoms of insect stings and bites

  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Flushed skin
  • Tingling/itching inside mouth
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Australia has the most deadly ant in the world, The Jack Jumper
• Approximately 10% of infants and up to 8% of children in Australia have food allergies. Percentages and types of allergy can vary depending on ethnic/cultural background. Food allergies can be fatal if there is an anaphylactic reaction. Many centres and schools have a 'nut free' policy. If in doubt, it is important to avoid eating nuts before having close interactions with children.
• Allergy


  Causes an immune response, intolerances do not
• It is sometimes difficult to determine if someone has an allergy or intolerance without testing. Individuals with intolerances are often portrayed as 'wimps', but feeling sick after drinking a glass of milk is unpleasant. We have enough food options in most parts of Australia to avoid such suffering.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

  Substances that become gases or vapours at room temperature or similar low temperatures
• An increasing number/quantity of VOCs are found in homes and workplaces. Allergic reactions include throat and nasal discomfort, conjunctival irritation, headache. VOCs can exacerbate symptoms of asthma. Some links with severe illnesses of the nervous system, links to cancer unknown.
• Studies have been conducted overseas to investigate VOCs in schools and child care. Higher than acceptable levels sometimes found. Increased pressure to renovate/refurbish contributes to VOC levels.
• What we can do about VOCs in child care and schools

  1. Ensure good ventilation

  2. Choose carpet, paint, rubber flooring etc with low VOCs

  3. Allow a good period for ventilation before using a refurbished room

  4. Air computers or similar before introducing to the classroom

  5. Reduce use of deodorisers, insect sprays etc
• Latex allergy


  • Some children are allergic to band-aids
  • Staff in childcare sometimes develop allergies to latex gloves
  • Choose low allergy gloves
• Sunscreen allergy


  • Approximately 1% of children are allergic to sunscreen
  • If the reaction occurs immediately, wash to remove the sunscreen and apply petroleum jelly or similar
  • The reaction may be delayed
  • Consult a doctor regarding appropriate sunscreen
  • Centres/schools should use the sunscreen required for that child, not the sunscreen provided by the centre/school
• Medical management of allergies

  1. Avoid the substance causing an allergic reaction

  2. Use prescribed medication as part of a management plan developed in consultation with the parents and clinicians

  3. In the case of anaphylaxis, an EpiPen might be used and an ambulance called
• EpiPen


  Contains epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Casula staff - Ensure that casual staff are included in anaphylaxis training
• Prevention


  Negative health prevention health outcomes for children. It doesn't create a crisis and you don't get any acknowledgement for it.
• Teachers have a very important role to play in prevention
• Recent events


  • 2019 schools strike for climate inspired by Greta Thunberg
  • Black lives matter gained greater momentum in 2020
  • Pandemic
• Children around the world decided to go on strike because of the disgusting abuse of climate and the impact of climate change. They saw this as the adults using it for profit.
• Black lives matter draws attention to the people who are black and are more likely to have a range of infant mortality, be in poverty and poorer outcomes.
• Decisions around the pandemic are made by medical officers and epidemiologists who look at how the virus is taking hold and the strategies like cleaning which have proved less effective.
• We don't know the long-term effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
• In childcare, if a child is sick with flu-like symptoms they must stay home, and adults can work from home if they are ill to stop the spread.
• Information provided by the World Health Organisation

  • Wide range of information on coronavirus and other illnesses/diseases
  • Strategies used by other countries
  • Warning about vaccine hoarding by high-income countries
• High-income countries were the first to begin vaccinating the public, with almost no low-income countries doing so.
• The Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.
• It may be difficult to diminish infant and child mortality, especially in indigenous communities.
• Parents and children should have access to education and support on child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, hygiene, and accident prevention.
• Children should be taught to wash their hands after meals and when using public transport.
• NHMRC


  National Health and Medical Research Council, intended to promote health, prevent harm, encourage best practice and reduce waste. They follow a rigorous evidence-based approach and reflect community attitudes and concerns.
• Councils may have their own initiatives and small grants that can be helpful for children's education.
• National Quality Areas


  • Educational program and practice
  • Children's health and safety
  • Physical environment
• In the peer review process, reviewers will ask for areas to be fixed up or won't approve the article if it can't be fixed, to maintain standards.