Social Issues That Trouble Today’s Teens

Social issues are problems that affect large groups of people and can affect how well a society functions, Verywell Family reported. Teens can face social problems just like adults can. They may even be more susceptible to these challenges because their brains are still developing and their bodies are changing quickly. Social issues and what we might think of a “teenage problems” can affect emotional and physical health. Depression According to the National Instituted of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 4.1 million adolescents in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. That means 17% of … Continue reading

HHS and OASH Provide The Basics Of Eating Healthy

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH) provided ways for people to eat healthy. Eating healthy means following a healthy eating pattern that includes a variety of nutritious foods and drinks. It also means getting the number of calories that’s right for you (not eating too much or too little). Choose a mix of healthy foods There are lots of healthy choices in each food group! Choose a variety of foods you enjoy, including: Whole fruits – like apples, berries, oranges, mango and bananas Veggies – like broccoli, sweet … Continue reading

5 Tips for Staying Safe this Summer

Summer vacation is in full force. The kids are out of school and many families spend time outdoors enjoying themselves. While you and your family are out and about, make sure you are following these summer safety tips. Summer Safety Tips Prevent Playground Injuries The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that emergency departments in the United States treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. Check to make sure the surfaces under the playground equipment are safe, soft, and well-maintained. Before letting your child run and play, take a minute to make sure the … Continue reading

Winter Safety Tips

Winter weather can be very serious. Several parts of the United States regularly experience freezing temperatures and large amounts of snow every winter. This kind of weather may look pretty in photos, but it can be dangerous to have to live in and deal with. Here are some winter safety tips that can help keep you, and your family, safe this winter. Snow Removal Safety The National Safety Council (NSC) has some safety tips regarding snow removal. They advise that people who are over the age of 40, and who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful when shoveling snow. … Continue reading

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 18-24, 2009

This week in the United States is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The goals of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week include: Raising awareness about lead poisoning Emphasizing the importance of lead screening for the highest risk children (children under the age of six) Reducing lead exposure in people of all ages Preventing childhood lead poisoning Eliminating childhood lead poisoning in the United States by 2010 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) estimates that 250,000 children in the United States have elevated levels of lead in the blood. This is … Continue reading

Tips for Preventing Summer ER Visits

Want to stay out of the emergency room this summer? I know I do. Across the United States, emergency care facilities see nearly a twenty percent jump in traffic during the summer months… and now that I think about it, the majority of my ER visits have been during the summer. Knowing is half the battle… preparation and prevention is the other half. (Sorry, G.I. Joe!) Here are some things you can do to make the summer months safer and healthier. Always drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a huge health issue during the summer months! Always wear sunscreen. Yes, … Continue reading

Flu Prevention Tips

Flu season is here again. Some women choose to have a flu vaccine, but others for many reasons, including allergies, religious beliefs or personal preference, may have chosen not to get the shot. The best thing you can do is take steps to prevent the flu. The tips in this blog are good for other winter bugs too. Eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system strong to fight off viruses. Include foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus and kiwi fruits. Foods rich in vitamins D and E, such as leafy green vegetables and almonds are good … Continue reading

Tips for Reducing Your Stroke Risk

A stroke can strike at any age — it isn’t just a problem for senior citizens. Women between the ages of forty-five and fifty-four are at especially high risk of a stroke. What can you do to protect yourself? Here are some tips from the American Stroke Association. Manage blood pressure. High blood pressure encourages plaque build-up… plaque can form clots that cause stroke. Get your blood pressure levels checked at least every other year. Manage cholesterol. High cholesterol also encourages plaque build-up… plaque can form clots. Get your cholesterol levels checked at least every five years. Quit smoking! Lighting … Continue reading

Staying Healthy on Trips Abroad

Whenever I watch those Food Network shows following people on their exotic food eating adventures I often wonder if they ever sample dishes that have made them sick. In a previous blog I shared with you what happened to my brother the last time he got thirsty in Bali. And his story is not unique. Sampling local cuisine from the far ends of the planet is one of the most satisfying aspects of foreign travel. But while the delicious scents may draw you in and your palate might enjoy the culinary masterpieces, your stomach may not always be happy with … Continue reading

Tip of the Day- Play a game of tag

It’s just a fact of life that most of us need more exercise than we get. Most of us see it as a “have to” rather than a privilege to be able to move our bodies and go about most of the activities that we want to each day. Just for today, enjoy your family, enjoy life, and enjoy your body. Gather the kids around you and play a game of tag. Inside or out, be as creative as you’d like but get up and move. Combining exercise with the things we love most gives us an added benefit. Not … Continue reading