HEALTHY
A p u b l i c a t i o n o f S o u t h e r n L a ke s N ews p a p e rs • Fa l l 2 0 1 9
Lifestyles
• Stay healthy • Get your shots • Prevent head injuries
Special Back to School edition
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Fall 2019
Why immunizations are important Measles is not something that garnered much attention outside the medical community in recent decades. However, in 2019 a series of measles outbreaks put the spotlight back on this highly contagious infectious disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between Jan. 1 and May 31, 981 individual cases of measles had been confirmed in 26 states in the United States. That marked the greatest numbers of measles cases reported in the U.S. since 1992. And the U.S. is not the only country in North America facing a measles problem, as the Public Health Agency of Canada reported that, as of mid-May, 54 cases of measles had been reported in the country in 2019. Perhaps most surprising, measles was declared eliminated in 2001, leading many to wonder what’s behind the sudden outbreaks so long after the disease had seemingly vanished. The CDC reports that the majority of people who got measles in 2019 were unvaccinated. While measles was declared eliminated nearly 20 years ago in the United States, the CDC notes it’s still common in many parts of the world. When unvaccinated travelers visit countries where measles is still common, they can bring the disease with them, ultimately allowing it to spread in communities where large groups of people are unvaccinated. Regardless of why people choose to avoid vaccinations, it’s important to note some of the reasons why health organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization urge all children and adults to be immunized. Immunizations save lives The CDC notes that advancements in medical science have made it possible for humans to protect themselves against more diseases than ever before. Once-fatal diseases have now been eliminated thanks to safe and effective vaccines. Immunizations protect loved ones Some people cannot receive certain immunizations due to allergies, illness, weakened immune systems, or other factors. Such individuals are vulnerable to disease, and especially vulnerable if their loved ones who can be vaccinated do not receive their recommended immunizations. Immunizations save money The human toll of failing to be immunized can be fatal, and the financial toll can be heavy, too. Children with vaccine-preventable diseases may not be allowed to enroll in certain schools or daycare facilities, forcing parents to make decisions that can affect their ability to earn a living. In addition, medical bills that result from long-term illnesses can be substantial. The majority of health insurance plans cover vaccines for adults and children at little or no cost, and even uninsured families can receive free or inexpensive vaccines through certain government programs. (METRO CREATIVE)
6 things VACCINATIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
As misinformation continues to spread about vaccines, medical experts are reminding parents and the general public that vaccinations save lives. “Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that vaccines are among the most effective, safest interventions to prevent illness and protect public health,” says Dr. Patrice A. Harris, president of American Medical Association. To help dispel misconceptions about vaccinations, the AMA is offering answers to six commonly asked questions.
Are vaccines safe? Yes, vaccines prevent individual illness and protect the health of the public. Currently, the U.S. has the safest vaccine supply in its history, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common side effects are typically very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site.
Is it true that if everyone else is vaccinated, my family doesn’t need to be? No. Vaccines not only protect the child or adult who receive them, but also the health of their communities. Some people cannot be vaccinated -- including very young children, cancer patients and those who are immunosuppressed. When immunization rates are high, people in these categories are protected because they’re less likely to be exposed to the disease. As evident from recent measles outbreaks in several states, when individuals aren’t immunized as a matter of personal preference or misinformation, they put themselves and others at risk of disease.
What vaccinations do my children need? Children should be vaccinated
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Want to keep your family healthy and your community safe? Be sure to check your immunization status and stay up-to-date with vaccines.
according to the recommended schedule of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is designed to protect young children before they’re likely to be exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases and when they’re most vulnerable to serious infections. For the latest recommended childhood vaccination schedule, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules.
What’s the earliest age they can be vaccinated? Children can receive their first flu vaccine starting at 6 months old. The recommended age for the first dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is 12 to 15 months of age.
If you live in a community experiencing an outbreak, or if you travel internationally, your baby may be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age. Talk to your pediatrician for additional information about when early vaccination may be appropriate.
Hasn’t the U.S. eradicated the major diseases that require vaccines? One of the country’s greatest public health success stories is the remarkable decrease in infectious diseases as the result of vaccines. Unfortunately, that
See VACCINATIONS, Page 4
3 great ways to get kids motivated to move more Getting regular physical activity helps children meet developmental milestones and promotes mental and physical wellness. However, forming this healthy habit works best when you get started early. To motivate your kids to move more, consider the following ideas:
Go on an outing At least some of the time, be sure to select active outings. This way, physical activity will become a natural part of your family’s lifestyle. For example, go skating or rock climbing instead of to the movies.
If you’re going on a picnic, hike or bike to the picnic site and bring along frisbees, balls and other toys and games that keep people moving.
Put on your dancing shoes It’s easy to get kids moving and grooving with fun dance games. Especially those that incorporate innovative and interactive tech such as the new VTech Kidi Star Dance. By wearing motionactivated bands, kids can learn 20 cool dance moves step-by-step by following the animated dance instructor.
Once kids learn the moves, they can put them together and dance along to the included music. Color-changing lights flash along to the music to make kids feel like a star. Play four motion games or create music through movement by playing 14 different effects, including drums and magical fairy sounds. Give the second band to a friend and challenge them to a game or dance-off. Connect your own MP3 player or load songs using a microSD card to add more music so kids never get bored.
See MOTIVATED, Page 4
Fall 2019
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
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Back-to-school
ESSENTIALS TO HELP KEEP KIDS HEALTHY New backpack? Check. Cool new shoes? Check. The right 24-pack of crayons? Check. As a parent, you want to give your child everything needed for a successful new school year, and sometimes that means thinking outside the crayon box. Are you keeping these less obvious things front of mind? “Being a mom means being prepared, especially as kids begin to explore their independence,” said Whitney Port, TV personality, fashion designer and author. “I try my best to keep my son Sonny healthy through any of life’s adventures, and this means thinking beyond the standard lists.” Every parent wants their child to feel their best. That’s why it’s important to add a few key items to your back-toschool supply list that help keep your child healthy:
Water bottle Staying hydrated is important for kids of all ages, so add a new water bottle to your supply list to help encourage your children to drink up. If you let your child pick out the water bottle (from a few choices) that may encourage them to use it more too. Many teachers even allow students to keep water bottles at their desk, so they can stay hydrated without having to leave class to visit the drinking fountain. Bonus: A cool water bottle may discourage kids from wanting sugary alternatives.
Sunscreen Sunburns can occur in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What’s more, sunburn can happen at any time of year. Moms of younger students may want to stock up on sunscreen and apply to kids before school, paying attention to exposed
areas like the face and neck. For older kids, consider tucking a sunscreen stick in their backpack, particularly if they play after-school sports outdoors.
Topical antiseptic Whether at home, at school or during extracurricular activities, kids are bound to get minor cuts and scrapes. It’s important to stock your first aid kit with products to help handle any mishaps. When it comes to treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns, Betadine, a topical antiseptic, is your first line of defense to help prevent infection and support healthy healing. It also has a no-sting promise. Learn more at betadine.com.
HEALTHY
Fall 2019
Lifestyles
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Healthy snacks The start of school means packing snacks and lunches again. To encourage healthy eating at school and on-thego in the morning and evening, stock the kitchen with nutritious snacks that give kids energy while fighting hunger pangs. Chopped fresh fruit and veggies are always a smart choice that are easy to eat on the run. Other filling and wholesome ideas include nuts, whole wheat crackers, popcorn and dried fruit. “My child’s health is a top priority,” Port said. “For me that means staying one step ahead and anticipating any mishaps. That’s why it’s important to remain mindful of what I’m buying for Sonny, whether it’s sunscreen to avoid sunburns or first-aid supplies like Betadine antiseptic cream to help prevent infection, to give me peace of mind that he is safe and healthy.” (BPT)
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Above: The kids are heading back to school and there are a few essentials every child needs to stay healthy and strong. STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Fall 2019
• Vaccinations
(Continued from page 2) success has led some parents to stop vaccinating their children against diseases like measles, meningitis, polio and diphtheria. However, these diseases still exist, and can still debilitate and kill. If people stop getting vaccinated, diseases that were once considered eradicated could reemerge – which is what’s been happening with measles outbreaks across the U.S.
I’m an adult, do I need to get vaccinated? Yes, adults need vaccines too. Sometimes immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Adults may also need vaccinations because of their age, job, travel and health conditions. Talk with your doctor to determine which vaccines you need, and visit www2a.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched for an online assessment tool. More information can be found at cdc.gov/vaccines. (STATEPOINT)
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Physical activity is not only great for you, but it’s also a lot of fun. By incorporating games and activities into evenings and weekends, parents can play an active role in getting kids motivated to move more.
• Motivated
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Take evening walk
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Instead of heading straight for the couch in the evenings, make a ritual of taking a short walk first. This is a great chance to chitchat, get some fresh air and even promote
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Fall 2019
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Fall 2019
The average high school football player experiences 592 head impacts in one season, says the CDC. STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Avoid head injuries during sports play Participation in scholastic sports can be great for students, making a positive impact on their school careers both on the field and in the classroom. Sports can keep athletes physically fit, help develop confidence and assist students with making friends. However, as with all physical activities, safety must be made a priority by athletes, their parents and their coaches. Brainline, an organization offering information about brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, estimates that as many as 3.8 million concussions occur during competitive sports and recreational activities each year in the United States. Experts suggest that around 50 percent of concussions may go unreported. Although sports injuries rarely lead to fatalities, the American Association
of Neurological Surgeons says the leading cause of death from sports-related injuries is traumatic brain injuries among children and adolescents. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts normal function of the brain, offers AANS. A concussion is a type of TBI in which the head and brain move back and forth from a blow, bump or jump. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that children and teens make up 70 percent of all sports-related concussions treated in emergency rooms. Concussions can occur in any sports, but are prevalent in cycling, football, hockey, rugby, soccer, and basketball, according to data published in 2013 in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine.
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Concussions also can occur in the sport of cheerleading, which has changed dramatically in the last 20 years as participants perform increasingly difficult acrobatic stunts. Preventing traumatic brain injuries involves diligence on the part of parents, student athletes and coaches. • The AANS says helmets reduce the risk of head injury by at least 45 percent and brain injury by 33 percent. Wearing safety gear while participating in sports is essential. • Sports teams can focus on safety through hard work and dedication rather than a “win at all costs” mentality that may entice players to take risks that lead to injury. • Rules should be enforced, especially
those for fair play and safety. Striking other athletes in the head or using their head or helmet to contact another athlete, or other illegal contacts, should result in reprimands. • Students should recognize their skill sets and not try dangerous moves that can put their health at risk. • Athletes can consult with coaches to learn maneuvers and strategies that can reduce risk for injury, such as safe tackling techniques and using spotters when strength training. Should a head injury occur, athletes should not return to play until they have been evaluated and cleared by a health professional. It is better to be out one game than risk permanent injury.
(METRO CREATIVE)
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Kid-friendly weekend getaways in the great outdoors
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
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Weekend getaways in the great outdoors can be a great way for families to break from the norm and spend some quality time together while getting some fresh air. Such trips are popular, as the U.S. Travel Association notes that nearly three out of four domestic trips are taken for leisure purposes. The following are a handful of getaway ideas the whole family can enjoy.
Hiking By 2015, the United States was home to nearly 240,000 miles of hiking trails on federal and state lands. Hiking opportunities also are abundant in Canada, where the 2016 General Social Survey found that 44 percent of Canadians go hiking in a given year, making it the country’s most popular outdoor activity. When exploring potential hiking destinations, parents should look for parks with kid-friendly trails. Many parks have paved trails on flat surfaces, which are ideal for families with small children.
Rivers and lakes Escaping to a nearby river or lake for a day on the water can make for a memorable, family-friendly getaway. Look for activities like fishing and bring your own rods or rent from nearby bait and tackle shops. If cruising is more your family’s style, look for boat tours that offer a chance to explore local history while giving the whole family a chance to relax on a boat and soak up some sun.
Zoos and aquariums According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, there are more than 220 accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada. That makes it easy for families that live just about anywhere to plan day trips to local zoos, where they can spend the day soaking up some sun and marveling at exotic wildlife. (METRO CREATIVE)
Caution around school buses and during busy school mornings and afternoons should be emphasized. STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Back-to-school
SAFETY GUIDELINES
A
s children head back to school, they and their parents have lots to do to be ready for the first days of school. Clothing and supplies may be top priorities, but families also should focus on safety as the first day of school draws close. The following are some key tips families can keep in mind to ensure a healthy and happy upcoming school year.
School bus safety
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Weekend getaways are great ways for families to spend time in the great outdoors and take advantage of local attractions. With some simple investigation, families might find there are lots of local attractions within driving distance of their homes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that school buses are the safest way for children to travel to and from school. The majority of school busrelated injuries occur while students are boarding and getting off the bus. Over the last 10 years, the NHTSA says nearly two-thirds of school-age pedestrians who were fatally injured by school buses or other vehicles were hurt after being struck while entering or exiting the bus. While at the bus stop, children must remember to stay at least five large steps away from the road and wait to board until the driver says so. When leaving the bus, students should make sure there is no oncoming traffic and wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing busy streets.
While on the bus, observe the rules and stay seated at all times. Keep the center aisle clear of backpacks.
Walking/biking safety Students may walk or bike to school if the school permits. School tends to begin during the morning rush hour, so students must exercise extreme caution when walking or biking to school. Stick to sidewalks whenever possible when walking. Cyclists should follow the rules of the road, including riding in the same direction as traffic. Choose the safest route as a family and practice it before the first day of school, advises the security company ADT.
Backpack safety Choose an ergonomically designed backpack to enhance safety and comfort. Backpacks should weigh no more than 5 to 10 percent of the child’s body weight, advises the National Safety Council. Rolling backpacks should be avoided since they are a tripping hazard. With a new school year on the horizon, students and their parents can discuss school safety so the year starts off on the right foot. (METRO CREATIVE)
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