The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is growing near epidemic levels in children, with children as young as elementary and middle school ages developing risk fators for this disease. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science reports that individuals born in the United States in 2000 face a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with diabetes at some point in their lives estimated at 30 percent for boys and 40 percent for girls at current obesity levels. The risk is even higher among ethnic minority groups; of Hispanic children born in 2000, about 50 percent are expected to become diabetic.

Informacion en español

Clean Hands - A Critical Issue

Protect yourself and your children from infection. Use the hand hygiene guidelines below, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent or reduce the rate of infection. These simple guidelines can be easily adapted to the school environment and carried through in the home environment.

The single most important thing we can do (81 KB)

Everything you need to know about handwashing, you probably learned in preschool (89 KB)

Video - Why Don't We Do It Into Our Sleeves?

Recommended Hand Hygiene Techniques

Alcohol-based hand rubs/gels - Application is the key. Apply to palm of one hand. Rub hands together covering all surfaces until dry. The volume used is based on the manufacturer. Let it dry!
Handwashing - Wet hands with water, apply soap, and rub hands together for at least 15 seconds. Rinse and dry with disposable towel. Use towel to turn off the faucet.

Hand hygiene for yourself and your children should occur:

Upon arrival at school
Immediately before and after eating
After using the toilet
After contacting any body fluids, including wet or soiled diapers, runny noses, spit, or vomit
After handling pets, pet cages, or other pet objects
Whenever hands are visibly dirty or after cleaning
After removing gloves used for any purpose
Before giving or applying medication or ointment
Before going home

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

Currently, the HPV is not required for school or daycare attendance in Texas.

Vaccine Advisory from Texas DSHS
Vaccine Information Statement from the CDC - English or Español
Information from the Gardisil vaccine manufacturer

Meningococcal Vaccine

Information is available online from the CDC . The CDC recommends the meningococcal vaccine for all 11 and 12 year olds.

This is current information on the increased risk of meningitis for children who receive cochlear implants.