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Dorm Safety and Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is probably the last thing on your mind as you help your child prepare for college. Buying books and stocking up on necessities may top your list, but it’s a good idea to ensure your student is up-to-date on their meningitis vaccine. How Bacterial Meningitis Spreads According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people living in close quarters are more likely to spread this illness to one another. For example, you may have heard about the higher risk of meningococcal (or bacterial) meningitis for new college students. The risk is so serious that many colleges and universities require proof of a vaccine for new students moving into campus housing. This includes the University of Nevada, Reno. To clarify, all incoming freshmen under 23 years of age must show proof of their up-to-date meningitis shot. “Bacterial meningitis is considered a medical emergency, and anyone with the signs and symptoms should be evaluated in the emergency room immediately,” says Vanessa Slots, MD, Renown pediatrician. Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis Fever Nausea Vomiting Irritability Headache Confusion Back pain Stiff or painful neck Leg pain Light sensitivity Rash on the torso or lower extremities It’s important to know many of these symptoms for both bacterial and viral meningitis are the same. However, the viral type is more common, often clearing up in seven to 10 days without complications. Nonetheless, you should go to the emergency room to be looked at, as the signs are similar for both illnesses. Why is Bacterial Meningitis Dangerous? This illness moves quickly, and in some cases, it can seem like the flu or severe strep throat and take a few days to develop. Or, it can hit in just hours. “Bacterial meningitis has an overall death rate of 10 to 15 percent despite treatment with antibiotics,” Dr. Slots warns. Another critical point is problems after recovery can also be severe. Frequently these include brain damage, amputations, infections around the heart, seizures and shock.
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Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe on ATVs
In the state of Nevada, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are one of the pediatric population's top three mechanisms of injury. Kids under 16 are the leading victims of ATV incidents and fatalities because they cannot reach controls, cannot activate controls and they have a restricted field of vision. Tips to Safely Utilize ATVs ATVs are off-road vehicles used for activities such as off-roading and farm work. In the state of Nevada, it is legal for teens to ride them, even without a driver's license. However, even though it is legal for teens to ride these vehicles, it is not always safe. Here are a couple of tips and tricks to stay safe while using ATVs: Be at least 16 years old. Health and safety experts strongly discourage ATV use by anyone younger than 16. Operating an ATV demands that drivers be skilled at making quick adjustments, such as speeding up, slowing down and shifting their weight to help turn the vehicle. People under 16 are less likely to have the physical strength and decision-making experience necessary to drive an ATV safely. Get safety certified. Before you ride an ATV on a trail, learn how to do it safely in a controlled setting. Visit the ATV Safety Institute's website for course information. Ride an ATV that's right for your size and age. Full-size ATVs can weigh more than 600 pounds and be very difficult to handle. Select an ATV designed for you or your child's age group. This sizing can be found on the manufacturer's warning label right on the vehicle. Always wear an approved helmet and eye protection. The best helmets for ATV use have a full-face shield and meet Department of Transportation safety standards. Many helmets have flip-down visors for eye protection. If yours doesn't, be sure to wear shatterproof goggles and not just sunglasses. Wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves and over-the-ankle boots. ATVs have a high center of gravity and no safety cages, roll bars or seatbelts. If they tip, you can fall off. Protective clothing will help prevent scrapes and cuts if you get thrown from an ATV. Always ride at a safe speed on a trail meant for ATV use. When ATVs get going fast, they become less stable and more likely to tip. ATV tires are not meant for pavement or high speeds. Both factors can make turning an ATV difficult and dangerous.