Sickness and Health: Flu Season

What individuals are at highest risk for getting the flu? Elderly people, very young children, and patients with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.

How does the flu differ from the common cold? People with colds rarely get fevers, nausea, or headaches, or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that comes with the flu.

How is the flu spread? Influenza is spread by either inhaling infected droplets in the air after an infected person has sneezed or coughed, or by coming in direct contact with an infected person's secretions such as through kissing, or hand contact with an item that someone with the flu has touched.

Which children should be immunized against the flu? Infants six-23 months of age, children 24 months-18 years of age who have chronic health problems, and children six months-18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Safety First: Winter Preparation

What is the best clothing for winter wear? Dress their children in layers of clothing to allow for "breathing" inside the clothing and for easy removal if a child becomes too hot. Jacket hoods should not have drawstrings that can catch on exposed surfaces and cause strangulation.

What should I check outside for safety? Check cushioning surfaces on the playground and rake, turn, or replace cushioning as needed. Remove dead or damaged limbs from trees. Rake and remove leaves or undergrowth that could fuel a fire. Repair cracks or holes in driveway, parking lot, and walkways.

What should I check inside for safety? Have your furnace checked by a qualified technician. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.

What are some items to have for power outages? Flashlights, extra batteries, extra food and water, extra medicine and supplies, First-aid supplies, cellular phone with extra batteries and/or a car charger, and battery-operated radio.

Nutrition Action: From Play to Table

What mealtime skills require large motor movements? Setting the table, passing plates and bowls, performing basic cooking tasks such as tearing, mixing, spreading, etc.

What mealtime skills require small motor skills? Self-feeding skills such as using spoons, forks and knives correctly without spilling or hurting themselves.

What mealtime activities promote socialization? Passing plates and bowls, waiting for a turn, listening to others, and meeting others' needs.

What should I teach young children about food and nutrition? Which foods are good for their bodies and why, and how to make healthy choices.

Medicine Chest: Healthy Development Milestones

What are milestones? Milestones are behaviors that emerge over time, forming the building blocks for growth and continued learning; specific actions, responses, and abilities that can be observed by adults and help indicate whether a child is developing as expected for age.

What if a child misses a milestone? You may need to refer children into early intervention programs. Referrals should be made early, but only after patterns of concern exist--not after missing just one milestone.

What kind of early intervention can help children? Physical therapy, play therapy, nutrition counseling, and speech and language therapy.

Health & You: Demystifying Food Labels

Why are terms like "lean," or "high calcium," printed on food labels? To advertise characteristics of the food believed to be attractive to some consumers. Use of these terms is strictly regulated by the federal government so they have to be truthful.

Is there any truth in health benefit statements like "This is a high calcium food, and calcium has been shown to lower the risk of osteoporosis?" The claims are strictly regulated by the federal government so they have to be truthful.

What is included in the nutrition facts panel? Nutrient and calorie content of one serving, serving size, calories, and amount of key nutrients in that serving.

What is the ingredient list? The label must list all ingredients in descending order by percentage of the total weight of the contents they comprise.