All children need to be tested for lead at one year
old and two years old. Along with pediatricians, the Clinton County
Health Department helps identify children who have lead poisoning. When
children have high lead levels I can teach families how to keep their homes
clean of lead dust and what to eat to help decrease lead in the body. I
can help you in person at your home or offer you information that can be mailed
to you. Since it is National Nutrition Month, I have some information below
that is helpful to keep you and your children healthy!
Did You Know
Eating a healthy diet could help prevent childhood
lead poisoning? A diet rich in calcium, iron, and Vitamin C, can help
reduce the absorption of lead into the body. Lead poisoning can cause
learning, growth and behavioral problems in young children. Click here to find out the dietary
recommendations for your child.
This is How It Works
Lead dust is either inhaled, when it’s kicked-up
into the air, or ingested, when objects contaminated with lead are put into the
mouth. Once lead gets into the blood stream it tricks the body into
thinking it is calcium and gets absorbed into the bones, brain and nervous
system. Lead is also absorbed into the body faster on an empty stomach or if
the diet is high in fat.
Here’s What You Can
Do
·
Identify and remove
all sources of lead
exposure.
·
Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
before eating and before naps and bedtime.
·
Wash all fruits and vegetables before cooking or
eating.
·
Eat
four to six small meals or snacks throughout the day to keep your stomach full
and reduce the body’s absorption of lead.
o
Foods
high in calcium: milk or milk products, green leafy vegetables, salmon,
calcium-fortified foods like tofu, orange juice and soy milk.
o
Iron rich foods: lean red meat, eggs, fortified
cereals, bread, pasta, dried fruit, beans and lentils.
o
Don’t forget your Vitamin C! It is
commonly found in citrus fruits such as cantaloupe, strawberries, mangos,
and melons as well as in peppers, tomatoes and potatoes.
For more information call the Clinton County Health
Department at 518-565-4848 and ask to speak to a Lead Poison Prevention Program
Nurse or visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/leadpoisoning.
Noreen Wolansky, RN
Registered Professional
Nurse
