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9/9/10
Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries (Tinsworth 2001).
Occurrence and Consequences
About 45% of playground-related injuries are severe–fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations,... read more |
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9/2/10
After the hepatitis A vaccine was introduced in the mid-1990s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw cases fall. But people are still contracting this contagious viral disease of the liver.
Hepatitis A can give adults nausea, vomiting and stomach pain for up to six months – and, in so... read more |
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8/26/10
We all want to keep our children safe and secure and help them live to their full potential. Knowing how to prevent injuries from sports and recreation activities, one of the leading causes of child injury, is a step toward this goal. Taking part in sports and recreation activities is an important p... read more |
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8/19/10
We all want to keep our children safe and secure and help them live to their full potential. Knowing how to prevent leading causes of child injury, like road traffic injuries, is a step toward this goal.
Every hour, 150 children between ages 0 and 19 are treated in emergency departments for injurie... read more |
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8/12/10
Learning About Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X is a group of genetic disorders that can affect individuals and their families in many ways because they are all caused by changes in the same gene, the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The group of fragile X conditions includes:
Fragile X ... read more |
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8/5/10
Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can't compensate for it and properly cool you off. Heat exposure can even kill you: it caused 8,015 deaths in the United States from 1979 to 2003.
These are the main things affecting your body's ability to cool itself ... read more |
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7/29/10
Whooping Cough Epidemic Hits California: Six Babies Die
In several of my past blogs, including two earlier this week (Low immunization rates linked to epidemic spread of whooping cough and Parents who refuse vaccines put other people's children in harm's way), I've warned of the potential dangers, ... read more |
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7/22/10
Preventing Diabetes
More than 20 million people in the United States suffer from type 2 diabetes and tens of millions more are at risk. This video, from the CDC, offers simple steps that can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, such as choosing healthier foods, increasing physical activity and losing... read more |
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7/15/10
Tetanus: Make Sure You and Your Child Are Fully Immunized
Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria. When the bacteria invade the body, they produce a toxin, or poison, that causes painful muscle contractions. Tetanus infection mainly affects the neck and abdomen. Tetanus is also called "lock... read more |
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7/8/10
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the voluntary recall of a number of popular crib models on Jun 24, 2010. The cribs' drop-side design is a potential hazard for infants and toddlers because the drop sides can easily fall out of position, forming a small gap or opening altogether. S... read more |
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7/1/10
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Increases in Teens
An alarming new study sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife foundation revealed a reverse in teen drug abuse trends, showing a slight increase for the first time in several years.
The 2009 Partnership/MetLife Foundation A... read more |
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6/24/10
A recent study confirmed what many already suspected. TV is a great threat to children's education and development. Researchers found that toddlers who spend too much time watching TV could struggle more in school, especially where test scores are concerned.
The article, published in the Archives... read more |
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6/17/10
Key Facts about Hurricane Readiness
You can't stop a tropical storm or hurricane, but you can take steps now to protect yourself and your family.
If you live in coastal areas at risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage you to begin preparing yourself for hurricane se... read more |
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6/7/10
This week Denise Jonas launched a new program for iMOM called iMOM Operation Summer.
To find out more and sign up click here!
read more |
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6/3/10
The CDC urges pregnant women not to drink alcohol any time during pregnancy. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink and no safe kind of alcohol.
Women also should not drink alcohol if they are planning to become pregna... read more |
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6/1/10
A fun, free, no-pressure strategy to make your summer the best it can be!
iMOM Operation Summer is our gift to you. We have created a summer program that will help you accomplish what every mother desires for their family…a little fun…a little bonding…a little training…a lot of memories! Our miss... read more |
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5/27/10
Did You Know?
A new CDC report found that an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the U.S. each year. This is about 4,700 TBIs each day.
Fifty-two thousand people die each year from traumatic brain injuries, representing nearly one-third of all injury dea... read more |
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5/20/10
May is Asthma Awareness Month
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is the most common long-term disease of children, but adults have asthma, too. Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. If you... read more |
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5/13/10
May is National Foster Care Month
For the first time in almost two decades, the President is recognizing May as National Foster Care Month – a time to "recognize the promise of children and youth in foster care" as well as "the professionals and foster parents who demonstrate the de... read more |
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5/6/10
Meningococcal disease is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all 11-18 year olds. Kids should get this vaccine at their 11-12 year old check-up with other preventive services. Kids 13-18 years old who haven't gotten the vaccine can get it ... read more |
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4/29/10
Tree Pollen
Trees are the earliest pollen producers, releasing their pollen as early as January in the Southern states and as late as May or June in the Northern states.
Trees can aggravate your allergy whether or not they are on your property, since trees release large amounts of pollen that can ... read more |
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4/22/10
iMOM Cover Girl Denise Jonas!
iMOM Ambassador Denise Jonas is on the cover of Guideposts Magazine! This down-to-earth mother of the world-famous Jonas Brothers has a lot of great things to say about being mom to Kevin, Joe, Nick and Frankie. Denise also shares why she became involved with iMOM. ... read more |
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4/15/10
Data Shows 1 in 278 Children Have Cerebral Palsy
Learn more about the signs and causes of cerebral palsy and what to do if you think your child might have it.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and keep their balance and posture as a result of an injury ... read more |
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4/8/10
Are You Getting Enough Calcium?
You may be avoiding dairy products because of lactose intolerance. Or you might have other reasons. But dairy products are a major source of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that are important for your body. If you're avoiding dairy products, you need to take s... read more |
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3/31/10
Get ready now for unpredictable spring weather.
Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Spring temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Extreme weather changes can sometimes occur within the same day. Days filled with sun and gentle breezes c... read more |
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3/25/10
Easter Chicks: Cute to Play With, May Carry Germs
Peep, chirp, quack! Live baby poultry, such as chicks, ducklings, goslings, and baby turkeys, often carry harmful germs called Salmonella. After you touch a chick, duck, or other baby bird, or anything in the area where they live and roam, WASH YOU... read more |
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3/18/10
Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Dating violence often starts with teasing and name calling. These behaviors are often thought to be a "normal" part of a relationship. But these behaviors can lead to more serious violence like physical assault and rape.
Wh... read more |
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3/8/10
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 |
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3/3/10
Watch and learn how to use YouTube's new parental controls and safe search features.
read more |
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2/24/10
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 |
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2/17/10
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 |
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2/9/10
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 |
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2/1/10
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 |
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1/27/10
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 |
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1/19/10
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 |
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1/13/10
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 |
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1/6/10
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 |
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12/21/09
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 |
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12/16/09
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 |
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12/2/09
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 |
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11/11/09
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 |
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11/4/09
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 |
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10/28/09
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 |
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10/21/09
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 |
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10/14/09
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 |
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10/5/09
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 |
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9/30/09
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 |
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9/22/09
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 |
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9/11/09
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 |
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9/9/09
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 |
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9/2/09
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 |
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8/26/09
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 |
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8/19/09
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 |
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8/11/09
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 |
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8/4/09
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 |
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7/29/09
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 |
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7/22/09
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 |
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7/15/09
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 |
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7/8/09
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 |
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7/1/09
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 |
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6/18/09
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 |
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6/17/09
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 |
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6/10/09
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 |
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6/2/09
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 |
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5/28/09
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 |
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5/21/09
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 |
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5/13/09
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 |
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5/4/09
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 |
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4/21/09
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 |
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12/15/08
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 |
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11/5/08
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 |
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11/1/08
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 |
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10/29/08
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 |
