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Current News Archive
3/8/10
News you need to know from the CDC about salt
Sodium intake from processed and restaurant foods contributes to increased rates of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Decreasing sodium intake to within recommended limits could prevent thousands of deaths annually. In recognition of February as American Heart Month, CDC is highlightin... read more
3/3/10
News you need to know about You Tube parental controls
Watch and learn how to use YouTube's new parental controls and safe search features. read more
2/24/10
News you need to know about Teen Road Safety
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, nine teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers... read more
2/17/10
News you need to know about folic acid and pregnancy
Did you take your folic acid today? The CDC urges every woman who could become pregnant to get 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of folic acid every day. There are 3,000 pregnancies affected by spina bifida or anencephaly, which are neural tube defects caused by the incomplete development of the brain and sp... read more
2/9/10
News you need to know about Birth Defects
1. Did you know that birth defects are common? Fact: Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies every year and cause 1 in 5 infant deaths. For many babies born with a birth defect, there is no family history of the condition. 2. Did you know that a woman should take folic acid during her teens and throug... read more
2/1/10
News you need to know about pregnancy and fitness
Is it okay to be physically active while I'm pregnant and after I have my baby? Yes! If you are a healthy pregnant or postpartum woman, physical activity is good for your overall health. For example, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, keeps your heart and lungs healthy du... read more
1/27/10
News you need to know about Teen Acne
There are many myths about what causes acne. Some people blame foods for their outbreaks. Some think that dirty skin causes it. But there's little evidence that either has much effect on most people's acne. People of all races and ages get acne. About 4 of every 5 people between the ages of 11 and ... read more
1/19/10
News you need to know about teen fitness and a higher IQ
Being physically fit at age 18 is linked to a higher IQ, a new study finds. The researchers also showed that fitness predicts greater educational and professional achievements later in life. Earlier studies have found links between physical fitness and mental functioning in animals, children and old... read more
1/13/10
News you need to know about cell phone use and brain cancer
By Dr. Walt Larimore A new study shows no link between increased cell phone use and brain cancer incidence. The first week of December, most new outlets reported, as did NBC Nightly News on 12/3, "There's been speculation for years that there's been a link between" cell phones and brain ... read more
1/6/10
News you need to know about surviving winter weather
Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall. When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become ... read more
12/21/09
News you need to know about sleep positions for babies
Do you really need to put your baby to sleep on his back?   What about letting your baby to sleep on her side instead?  Well more studies are showing that when it comes to safe sleep for infants, there's one clear choice – a choice that has cut the death rate for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) ... read more
12/16/09
News you need to know about insufficient sleep
In a recent study, 11.1% of U.S. adults reported insufficient sleep or rest for all 30 of the preceding 30 days and if you are like most people sleep becomes an even lower priority during the holiday season.  It is important to remember, especially this time of year, that sufficient sleep is not a l... read more
12/2/09
News you need to know from the CDC about how to have a healthier home
Is going in your attic to get out the Christmas decorations or anything else for that matter an adventure of the "un-fun" kind?  Well, if you get your attic in order you'll not only have less clutter to deal with, you'll also have a healthier home. Yes, by doing a few simple things in your... read more
11/11/09
News you need to know about Vitamin D
Did you know that according to a recent study published in Pediatrics, 70 percent of American children are at an increased risk for bone and heart disease because of low levels of vitamin D? In adults, there has been an increased interest in associations between low vitamin D levels and all sorts o... read more
11/4/09
News you need to know about what not to buy for Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner and you've probably already started making a mental list of gifts for your children. As you are out and about this holiday season shopping for your children, we encourage you to stay away from Violent Video Games. Playing violent video games can increase a perso... read more
10/28/09
News you need to know about antibiotics
Q: What is an antibiotic? A: Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobial drugs, are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin, in 1927. After the first use of antibiotics in the 1940s, they transformed medical care and dramatically re... read more
10/21/09
News you need to know about underage alcohol use
Although the use of alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of 21, its use constitutes one of the principal public health issues for persons aged 12 to 20 and reduction of underage alcohol use is a top public health priority of the Federal Government.  Many of the efforts to prevent or reduce u... read more
10/14/09
News you need to know about MRSA Infections
As your children head back to classrooms and sports venues, we encourage you as a parent to learn how to recognize and prevent skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. It is estimated that Americ... read more
10/5/09
News you need to know about the TYLENOL® Recall
McNeil Consumer Healthcare and FDA notified consumers of a nationwide recall of certain Tylenol products as a precautionary measure because of potential manufacturing problems. The company initiated a recall of certain oral suspension products distributed between March 2008 and June 2008 due to the ... read more
9/30/09
News you need to know about lead poisoning
Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the main sources of exposure for lead in U.S. children. Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978. All houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes a pro... read more
9/22/09
News you need to know about healthy habits for flu prevention
Elmo offers his flu prevention tips in a video PSA from the CDC on staying happy and healthy. Share this video with your child to help them practice habits such as washing their hands and sneezing into their elbow. For additional information on the Current Flu Situation and how to stay healthy, p... read more
9/11/09
News you need to know about ADHD
Almost every parent at some point in their child's life wonders if their child has ADHD. The reality is we all have moments where we find it hard to focus. As a mom, you are your child's best advocate and if you find yourself pondering this question often, we have some resources that can help. ADHD... read more
9/9/09
News you need to know about breastfeeding
A woman whose mother or sister had breast cancer has a higher risk of having breast cancer herself. And although a woman can't control genetics, she can do some things. One study indicates breastfeeding is among them. Alison Stuebe of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill looked at data o... read more
9/2/09
News you need to know about this fall's popular tv shows
As parents, we need to be aware of the kinds of things our children are watching on TV. And it's no secret that every year, the shows continue to push the envelope in terms of acceptable programming. Remember, the content usually gets worse in the late fall, as networks ramp up for the ratings wars.... read more
8/26/09
News you need to know about how social networking is affecting teens
Common Sense Media released the results of a national poll of teens and parents on social networking behaviors on August 10, 2009. The poll, conducted by The Benenson Strategy Group, illustrated that kids increasingly connect with friends, classmates, and people with similar interests through social... read more
8/19/09
News you need to know about iMOM Morning...
In today's world, moms are busier than ever, and so are their kids. iMOM Morning is your chance to connect with your children over a fun, casual breakfast at their school. It's an opportunity to spend time with your child, and other moms and kids, to discuss a variety of interesting and relevant top... read more
8/11/09
News you need to know about finding a balanced weight
More than one third of U.S. adults are obese. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body uses. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will help you prevent and control many diseases and conditions. The key is FINDING A BALANCE in your lifestyle that includes healthy eating a... read more
8/4/09
News you need to know about kids and concussions
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a "ding" or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You can't see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be no... read more
7/29/09
News you need to know about Prenatal Nutrition
Every woman who has experienced pregnancy remembers the often unusual cravings and the insatiable appetite that accompany it. While there's nothing wrong with satisfying that appetite, it's important for mothers-to-be to remember that "eating for two" doesn't just mean eating more than nor... read more
7/22/09
News you need to know about vaccines
August is back-to-school month for most children. August is also National Immunization Month. And, in order for your children to become highly healthy you must be well-informed about the facts about immunizations. It seems that almost every month newspaper articles and television programs depict t... read more
7/15/09
More news you need to know about Swine Flu
For children, going back to school means learning new lessons, making new friends, and experiencing new adventures. Unfortunately, going back to school also means being exposed to new viruses as children interact daily with hundreds of other children.  And this year, with the ever-increasing spread ... read more
7/8/09
News you need to know about loud noise
How many times did your parents say, "Turn it down! You're going to go deaf listening to that music!"?  They were right. A recent report from the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the American Academy of Family Physicians informs us about noise-in... read more
7/1/09
News you need to know from the CDC about ticks
When you're outside this summer, prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of tick-borne disease by following these tips: Gardening, camping, hiking, just playing outdoors – These are all great spring and summertime activities, but don't forget about the ticks that may be in the same environment. For... read more
6/18/09
News you need to know from the CDC about dating violence
Healthy relationships are about trust, honesty, and compromise. Sounds simple enough, but sometimes kids don't see relationships in such black-and-white terms. Between "I just called to say hi," and "Why aren't you texting me back?" lie many shades of gray that adults can help ki... read more
6/17/09
News you need to know from the CDC...
Early recognition of developmental disabilities such as autism is key for parents and providers. CDC realized the impact on families and invested in a campaign to help parents measure their children's progress by monitoring how they play, learn, speak and act. For more information on learning the... read more
6/10/09
News you need to know from the NIH about migraines
Nearly anyone can be at risk for headaches. Tightened muscles in the shoulder, neck, scalp or jaw cause the most common type of headache, tension headache. Migraines can be particularly painful - light, sound, and even movement can be sources of major discomfort. Cutting down on caffeine and maintai... read more
6/2/09
News you need to know from the CDC about summer fruits and veggies
Summer is a great time to enjoy everything the season has to offer, including an abundance of fresh, tasty produce at its peak! As part of a nutritious, seasonal dinner, try cutting up and grilling fresh peppers, sweet onions, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and more. For dessert, follow up with... read more
5/28/09
News you need to know from the CDC about avoiding mosquitoes
When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can carry. Take the common sense steps below to reduce your risk: avoid bites and illness; clean out the mosquitoes from the pl... read more
5/21/09
News you need to know from the CDC about Food Allergies
Food allergy is a potentially serious immune response to eating specific foods or food additives. Eight types of food account for over 90% of allergic reactions in affected individuals: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Reactions to these foods by an allergic person ca... read more
5/13/09
News you need to know from the CDC
Young people who are victims of electronic aggression, such as posting of embarrassing photos and chat room harassment, may be at higher risk for behavioral problems such using alcohol, receiving school suspension, or experiencing in–person victimization. Aggression is no longer limited to the schoo... read more
5/4/09
News you need to know from the CDC about Swine Flu
In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC's Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.     The information provided in this video by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ... read more
4/21/09
News you need to know from the CDC about STDs
STDs are caused by infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact and can be passed through oral, vaginal or anal sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year in the United States – almost ha... read more
12/15/08
Active Girls Get Big Boost from Vitamin Supplements
Before your daughter gets her game face on, make sure she's getting enough calcium and vitamin D.  A recent study found that female Navy recruits who did not take calcium and vitamin D supplements, were 25 percent more likely to have stress fractures.  With an increasing number of girls participat... read more
11/5/08
Denise Jonas - 2008 iMOM Inspiration Award Winner
Denise Jonas is the mother of the Jonas Brothers – Kevin, Joe and Nick, and son number four – known as the bonus Jonas – Frankie.  The Jonas Brothers have become wildly popular with tweens and young teens through their music.  And while they really are talented, it is their character that attracted ... read more
11/1/08
New studies reveal: What they see is what you get…
Most parents are aware that young people in America are consistently exposed to an enormous amount of objectionable content through the media.  Television shows, the Internet, music, and video games that contain graphic and explicit themes of violence, sex, vulgar language and illegal behavior are b... read more
10/29/08
Movies: To See or Not to See?
There are a lot more dynamics to this question than the simple one of whether or not a movie is acceptable for your child's viewing. When kids are on the front side of adolescence, peer acceptance and not wanting to be on the outside-looking-in when it comes to friends weighs heavily on their heart.... read more
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