Children hit their heads frequently. Most of the time, the injury is minor, usually involving only the scalp, and nothing needs to be done. Sometimes, the injury is more serious, involving the skull and/or brain inside, and medical attention is required.
Answering the questions below will help you understand the difference between minor and serious head injuries and will help you decide what to do if your child has a head injury.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Fever in Infants
Fever is very common in children under 12 months of age, and is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection.
The normal body temperature is 98.6F, or 37C. Doctors generally say that there is a fever when the temperature is 100.4F (38C) or higher.
The best way to take an infant's temperature is rectally with a digital thermometer (never use a glass mercury thermometer). Taking the temperature under the arm, or using an ear thermometer, is less exact.
If your baby has a fever, this guide can help you think about what might be causing it and help you decide if and when you should call the doctor. Please note that this is not meant to take the place of calling or visiting your doctor. If your child has a chronic illness such as sickle cell anemia, or is being treated for any serious illness, you should not use this guide but instead call your doctor immediately.
The normal body temperature is 98.6F, or 37C. Doctors generally say that there is a fever when the temperature is 100.4F (38C) or higher.
The best way to take an infant's temperature is rectally with a digital thermometer (never use a glass mercury thermometer). Taking the temperature under the arm, or using an ear thermometer, is less exact.
If your baby has a fever, this guide can help you think about what might be causing it and help you decide if and when you should call the doctor. Please note that this is not meant to take the place of calling or visiting your doctor. If your child has a chronic illness such as sickle cell anemia, or is being treated for any serious illness, you should not use this guide but instead call your doctor immediately.
Fever in Children
Fevers are very common in children. They are usually a sign that the body is trying to fight an infection.
The normal temperature of the body is 98.6F, or 37C. Your child's temperature may vary during the day and may increase a little when he's bundled up or very active. Generally, doctors say that there is a fever when the temperature is greater than or equal to 100.4F, or 38C.
Use a digital thermometer to take your child's temperature; never use a glass mercury thermometer. Most children aged three years and older can hold a thermometer under their tongue. If your child is younger than that, or you're having difficulty with the oral method, talk to your doctor about the best way to take his temperature.
Use this guide if your child is over a year old. If he or she is younger than 12 months of age, visit our Fever in Infants guide.
The guide is designed to help you understand what may be the cause of your child's fever and the actions you should consider. Remember -- this guide is not meant to take the place of a call to or visit with your doctor. If your child has a chronic medical problem, such as sickle cell anemia, or is being treated for cancer or any other serious disease, you should absolutely call the doctor rather than using this guide.
The normal temperature of the body is 98.6F, or 37C. Your child's temperature may vary during the day and may increase a little when he's bundled up or very active. Generally, doctors say that there is a fever when the temperature is greater than or equal to 100.4F, or 38C.
Use a digital thermometer to take your child's temperature; never use a glass mercury thermometer. Most children aged three years and older can hold a thermometer under their tongue. If your child is younger than that, or you're having difficulty with the oral method, talk to your doctor about the best way to take his temperature.
Use this guide if your child is over a year old. If he or she is younger than 12 months of age, visit our Fever in Infants guide.
The guide is designed to help you understand what may be the cause of your child's fever and the actions you should consider. Remember -- this guide is not meant to take the place of a call to or visit with your doctor. If your child has a chronic medical problem, such as sickle cell anemia, or is being treated for cancer or any other serious disease, you should absolutely call the doctor rather than using this guide.
10 Tips for Handling Guilt
1. I somehow caused this problem!We know that autism can't be caused by a lack of love. But was it that tuna you ate when you were pregnant? The vaccines you allowed your pediatrician to give your child? Since we don't know what causes autism, it can be easy to decide it was your fault. Chances are, though, that genetics -- something you can't control -- plays a significant role!
zSB(3,3)
2. I can't leave any stones unturned!What if that new therapy you just read about was THE therapy -- the one that would have cured your child if only you'd tried it? No one wants to think they denied their child a cure for a lifelong disability. But remember that one-on-one time with a loving adult is always a plus -- and it's unlikely that that new high-tech "cure" is the next penicillin!
3. I should be spending this time on therapy!You picked up a book while your child was watching TV -- and now you feel guilty. After all, every second counts, and you should be engaging him all day long. It's a nice idea, but even superparent can't be on call for their child 18 hours a day and still stay sane and healthy. Remember that your health and welfare count too!
4. I should be spending this money on therapy!You broke down and bought that new jacket -- and now you wonder why you didn't spend the money on therapy...autism books...learning toys...or something else for your autistic child. But your child is only one member of your family. You worked hard for your money, and your child will never miss that one extra session of therapy!
5. I should be making time for my other kids and my spouse!If you're the primary caregiver for a child with autism, you may be too overwhelmed to give other family members the time and attention they crave. While it really is important to make time for others in your life, it's also ok to ask for a few minutes to regroup...take a walk...or otherwise clear your mind. Your kids and spouse deserve your focussed attention -- something that's tough to give when you're still in "therapy mode!"
6. Other people do more for their autistic child!And other people are thinner, fitter, richer and have bigger homes too! Comparing yourself to other families can be helpful if those others offer support and ideas -- but it can be destructive if it leads to a constant sense of guilt. Remember: you may not know your neighbors financial or personal resources, which may be much greater than yours.
7. I should be pushing for more (fill in the blank) for my autistic child!Depending upon what you read or who you listen to, you'll hear conflicting advice about what your child needs. More inclusion or less inclusion; more or different therapies; more or different activities, play dates, and so on forever. But even a typically developing child can get overwhelmed -- and an autistic child needs fewer transitions, less intensity and more structure than most. Maybe you do, too...!
8. I should be learning more about autism!There's always more to learn. And if you live in a metropolitan area, there are always seminars, support groups and events to attend. But there's more to life than autism -- and it might make sense, just for once, to hire a sitter and go to the movies with your "significant other!"
9. I should be working faster!Publicity about the importance of early intervention has caused a panic among parents. The suggestion is that there's a window of opportunity early in life -- and that that window closes sometime around age three. The truth is, though, that kids (and even adults) continue to develop and grow. While early intervention is important, it's not the only key to your child's ongoing success!
10. I should give up more for my child!It's true that some families give up everything for their autistic child. They mortgage their homes, give up their careers, and end any "extras" to pay for therapies. This is, of course, a valid choice. But not every autistic child needs such a high level of commitment to thrive and grow. Your decision needs to take into account not only your
zSB(3,3)
2. I can't leave any stones unturned!What if that new therapy you just read about was THE therapy -- the one that would have cured your child if only you'd tried it? No one wants to think they denied their child a cure for a lifelong disability. But remember that one-on-one time with a loving adult is always a plus -- and it's unlikely that that new high-tech "cure" is the next penicillin!
3. I should be spending this time on therapy!You picked up a book while your child was watching TV -- and now you feel guilty. After all, every second counts, and you should be engaging him all day long. It's a nice idea, but even superparent can't be on call for their child 18 hours a day and still stay sane and healthy. Remember that your health and welfare count too!
4. I should be spending this money on therapy!You broke down and bought that new jacket -- and now you wonder why you didn't spend the money on therapy...autism books...learning toys...or something else for your autistic child. But your child is only one member of your family. You worked hard for your money, and your child will never miss that one extra session of therapy!
5. I should be making time for my other kids and my spouse!If you're the primary caregiver for a child with autism, you may be too overwhelmed to give other family members the time and attention they crave. While it really is important to make time for others in your life, it's also ok to ask for a few minutes to regroup...take a walk...or otherwise clear your mind. Your kids and spouse deserve your focussed attention -- something that's tough to give when you're still in "therapy mode!"
6. Other people do more for their autistic child!And other people are thinner, fitter, richer and have bigger homes too! Comparing yourself to other families can be helpful if those others offer support and ideas -- but it can be destructive if it leads to a constant sense of guilt. Remember: you may not know your neighbors financial or personal resources, which may be much greater than yours.
7. I should be pushing for more (fill in the blank) for my autistic child!Depending upon what you read or who you listen to, you'll hear conflicting advice about what your child needs. More inclusion or less inclusion; more or different therapies; more or different activities, play dates, and so on forever. But even a typically developing child can get overwhelmed -- and an autistic child needs fewer transitions, less intensity and more structure than most. Maybe you do, too...!
8. I should be learning more about autism!There's always more to learn. And if you live in a metropolitan area, there are always seminars, support groups and events to attend. But there's more to life than autism -- and it might make sense, just for once, to hire a sitter and go to the movies with your "significant other!"
9. I should be working faster!Publicity about the importance of early intervention has caused a panic among parents. The suggestion is that there's a window of opportunity early in life -- and that that window closes sometime around age three. The truth is, though, that kids (and even adults) continue to develop and grow. While early intervention is important, it's not the only key to your child's ongoing success!
10. I should give up more for my child!It's true that some families give up everything for their autistic child. They mortgage their homes, give up their careers, and end any "extras" to pay for therapies. This is, of course, a valid choice. But not every autistic child needs such a high level of commitment to thrive and grow. Your decision needs to take into account not only your
BUATKAN RENUNGAN
Assalammualaikum......and selamat pagi....... hayatila,fikirkanla dan fahamilah..... Berapa ramai yang sanggup menyuapkan ibunya.... Berapa ramai yang sanggup mencuci muntah ibunya..... Berapa ramai yang sanggup mengantikan lampin ibunya.... Berapa ramai yang sanggup membersihkan najis ibunya....... Berapa ramai yang sanggup membuang ulat dan membersihkan luka kudis ibunya.... Berapa ramai yang sanggup berhenti kerja untuk menjaga ibunya..... dan akhir sekali berapa ramai yang sembahyang JENAZAH ibunya...... Seorang anak mendapatkan ibunya yang sedang sibuk menyediakan makan malam di dapur lalu menghulurkan sekeping kertas yang bertulis sesuatu. Si ibu segera mengesatkan tangan di apron menyambut kertas yang dihulurkan oleh si anak lalu membacanya. Kos upah membantu ibu: 1) Tolong pergi kedai : RM4.00 2) Tolong jaga adik : RM4.00 3) Tolong buang sampah : RM1.00 4) Tolong kemas bilik : RM2.00 5) Tolong siram bunga : RM3.00 6) Tolong sapu sampah : RM3.00 Jumlah : RM17.00Selesai membaca, si ibu tersenyum memandang si anak sambil sesuatu berlegar-legar si mindanya. Si ibu mencapai sebatang pen dan menulis sesuatu di belakang kertas yang sama.
1) Kos mengandungkanmu selama 9 bulan - PERCUMA2) Kos berjaga malam kerana menjagamu - PERCUMA3) Kos air mata yang menitis keranamu - PERCUMA4) Kos kerunsingan kerana bimbangkanmu - PERCUMA5) Kos menyediakan makan minum, pakaian, dan keperluanmu -PERCUMA Jumlah Keseluruhan Nilai Kasihku - PERCUMA Air mata si anak berlinang setelah membaca apa yang dituliskan oleh si ibu. Si anak menatap wajah ibu,memeluknya dan berkata, "Saya Sayangkan Ibu". Kemudian si anak mengambil pen dan menulis "Telah Dibayar" pada mukasurat yang sama ditulisnya.
"Jika kamu menyayangi ibumu, "forward"kanlah Email ini kepada sahabat-sahabat anda.1 orang : Kamu tidak sayangkan ibumu2-4 orang : Kamu sayang ibumu5-9 orang : Bagus! Sayang jugak kamu kepada Ibumu10/lebih : Syabas!Kamu akan disayangi Ibumu
1) Kos mengandungkanmu selama 9 bulan - PERCUMA2) Kos berjaga malam kerana menjagamu - PERCUMA3) Kos air mata yang menitis keranamu - PERCUMA4) Kos kerunsingan kerana bimbangkanmu - PERCUMA5) Kos menyediakan makan minum, pakaian, dan keperluanmu -PERCUMA Jumlah Keseluruhan Nilai Kasihku - PERCUMA Air mata si anak berlinang setelah membaca apa yang dituliskan oleh si ibu. Si anak menatap wajah ibu,memeluknya dan berkata, "Saya Sayangkan Ibu". Kemudian si anak mengambil pen dan menulis "Telah Dibayar" pada mukasurat yang sama ditulisnya.
"Jika kamu menyayangi ibumu, "forward"kanlah Email ini kepada sahabat-sahabat anda.1 orang : Kamu tidak sayangkan ibumu2-4 orang : Kamu sayang ibumu5-9 orang : Bagus! Sayang jugak kamu kepada Ibumu10/lebih : Syabas!Kamu akan disayangi Ibumu
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Window Safety Checklist
Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children. While some falls occur from windows, it is important to realize that in the event of a fire, a window can also save a child's life. This is why windows play a critical role in home safety. Print out this checklist and use these tips to help keep your family safer around the windows and patio doors in your home.
Has your family developed an emergency fire escape plan?
Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it regularly. In the plan, include two avenues of escape from every room. Remember children may have to rely on a window to escape a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances. Make sure you have identified a safe meeting place outside.
Do you keep windows shut when children are around?
You should keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. Also, set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows and/or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause a serious injury.
Do you leave, or have you left, windows open because you thought the insect screen provided a safeguard from a fall?
Don't rely on insect screens to prevent a fall. Insect screens are designed to provide ventilation while keeping insects out; they are not designed to, nor will they prevent a child's fall from a window.
Is there furniture placed under or near windows in your home?
Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.
Do any windows in your home have guards, security bars, grilles or grates?
These windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement.
Inspect your home's windows carefully. Are any windows in your home painted or nailed shut?
Never paint or nail windows shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.
Do you have any window unit air conditioners in bedroom windows or other windows in your home that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency?
Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.
Did you know that strategic landscaping may lessen the extent of injury sustained in the event a fall does occur?
Plant shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass under windows to cushion potential falls. The surface can greatly affect the degree of injury sustained from a fall
Has your family developed an emergency fire escape plan?
Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it regularly. In the plan, include two avenues of escape from every room. Remember children may have to rely on a window to escape a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances. Make sure you have identified a safe meeting place outside.
Do you keep windows shut when children are around?
You should keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. Also, set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows and/or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause a serious injury.
Do you leave, or have you left, windows open because you thought the insect screen provided a safeguard from a fall?
Don't rely on insect screens to prevent a fall. Insect screens are designed to provide ventilation while keeping insects out; they are not designed to, nor will they prevent a child's fall from a window.
Is there furniture placed under or near windows in your home?
Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.
Do any windows in your home have guards, security bars, grilles or grates?
These windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement.
Inspect your home's windows carefully. Are any windows in your home painted or nailed shut?
Never paint or nail windows shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.
Do you have any window unit air conditioners in bedroom windows or other windows in your home that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency?
Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.
Did you know that strategic landscaping may lessen the extent of injury sustained in the event a fall does occur?
Plant shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass under windows to cushion potential falls. The surface can greatly affect the degree of injury sustained from a fall
5 Steps to Bone Health
5 Steps to Bone Health
1. Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
4. Talk to your doctor about bone health
5. Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate.
1. Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
4. Talk to your doctor about bone health
5. Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate.
Identifying Children with Elevated Blood-Lead Levels
Children should not be used as lead detectors. For decades, nothing was done to prevent lead poisoning until a child was finally identified as lead poisoned. Thankfully, those days are almost over. Now, there is a greater focus on fixing up the nation's older housing stock before a child is poisoned. But there are some 38 million homes that still contain lead-based paint, with about 25% of all US housing containing actual lead exposure hazards. This means that it is inevitable that many more children will continue to get exposed to lead year after year, while work on housing proceeds and public education about how to prevent childhood lead poisoning continues as well.
The health effects of exposure to lead can be devastating, both to the child with an elevated blood lead level, and to that child's family. Those health effects get worse and worse if nothing is done to eliminate the lead exposure problem. Therefore, the first essential step is to identify each and every child with a lead problem. This can only be done by getting children tested for the presence of lead in their blood.
Since we know that the peak ages of risk for lead poisoning are between 12 months and 24 months of age, these are the most important points in time in which to get children tested. Ideally, all children under the age of six should be tested at least once. However, where resources are lacking or old housing is scarce, it may make more sense to promote a targeted approach to screening children for lead, focusing on children who are more likely to be exposed to lead, primarily because of where they live. In a 1997 guidance document, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set out its policy recommendations for a targeted screening approach. CDC's recommendations include a specific focus on screening children who live in neighborhoods where there is a substantial percentage of housing built prior to 1950.
Other CDC recommendations include screening children who live in or regularly visit a home built prior to 1978, where recent or ongoing renovations or remodeling are occurring. Also, children who are enrolled in Medicaid are known to be at greater than average risk for lead poisoning and must be screened.
There are two acceptable methods that can be used to screen children for exposure to lead. The preferred method is taking a venous blood sample. The alternative, called the fingerstick (or capillary) method, is generally considered to be a less accurate method, and it requires special care to insure against contaminated samples. For instance, the child's fingers must be carefully cleaned prior to taking a blood sample via the fingerstick method. Also, a fingerstick that reveals a blood-lead level above 10µg/dL must be followed by a venous sample to confirm the result
The health effects of exposure to lead can be devastating, both to the child with an elevated blood lead level, and to that child's family. Those health effects get worse and worse if nothing is done to eliminate the lead exposure problem. Therefore, the first essential step is to identify each and every child with a lead problem. This can only be done by getting children tested for the presence of lead in their blood.
Since we know that the peak ages of risk for lead poisoning are between 12 months and 24 months of age, these are the most important points in time in which to get children tested. Ideally, all children under the age of six should be tested at least once. However, where resources are lacking or old housing is scarce, it may make more sense to promote a targeted approach to screening children for lead, focusing on children who are more likely to be exposed to lead, primarily because of where they live. In a 1997 guidance document, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set out its policy recommendations for a targeted screening approach. CDC's recommendations include a specific focus on screening children who live in neighborhoods where there is a substantial percentage of housing built prior to 1950.
Other CDC recommendations include screening children who live in or regularly visit a home built prior to 1978, where recent or ongoing renovations or remodeling are occurring. Also, children who are enrolled in Medicaid are known to be at greater than average risk for lead poisoning and must be screened.
There are two acceptable methods that can be used to screen children for exposure to lead. The preferred method is taking a venous blood sample. The alternative, called the fingerstick (or capillary) method, is generally considered to be a less accurate method, and it requires special care to insure against contaminated samples. For instance, the child's fingers must be carefully cleaned prior to taking a blood sample via the fingerstick method. Also, a fingerstick that reveals a blood-lead level above 10µg/dL must be followed by a venous sample to confirm the result
Lead in Water
Drinking water can sometimes contribute to elevated blood-lead levels. The EPA has estimated that on average up to 20% of a child's total lead exposure can potentially be attributed to lead-contaminated water. While water is rarely the primary source of exposure to lead for children with elevated blood-lead levels, it is nevertheless important to note that formula-fed infants are at special risk of lead poisoning, if their formula is made with lead-contaminated water. Similarly, schools and daycare centers are particularly important places to check for lead-contaminated water, since such facilities provide water to young children all day long. Pregnant women should also take special care to avoid ingesting lead, since lead crosses the placenta and can affect the fetus.
Although there is no "safe" level of lead in water, the EPA has established an "action level" for lead in drinking water at 15 parts per billion. All drinking water that does not come from wells is treated before it reaches the service lines that direct the water to individual residences, thereby removing any lead that may be present in the water at its source. However, lead can still leach into drinking water from certain types of plumbing materials, such as lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets and some water meter components.
Lead pipes remain in use underground—as "service lines"—in many older communities throughout the US. They can leach lead if the water running through them is corrosive, thereby contaminating the water entering the home. These service lines are the responsibility of the local water authority, which is responsible for annual sampling to ensure the lead action level is not exceeded and is also responsible for replacing old lead pipes if a significant lead problem is detected.
Inside many homes, water pipes are made of copper and are bonded together with lead solder. Because the use of lead solder was only banned in the US in 1987, millions of US homes contain lead-soldered copper pipes—and hot water can cause the lead to leach out from this solder. Accordingly, one should avoid cooking with hot water. Also, concerned consumers can "flush" standing water out of the pipes and down the drain, for at least thirty seconds to a minute, prior to using it for cooking or drinking purposes. (This "flushing" method should be applied for an even longer time period when a consumer lives in a high-rise, or whenever water has to travel through greater lengths of pipe than what one would generally find in a typical free-standing home. Also, it is important to note that if there is lead leaching out from the service lines, flushing may require several additional minutes to effectively drain the lead-contaminated water from the system.)
Brass plumbing materials, such as faucets and some water meter and well pump components, are also likely to contain some lead—in fact, as much as 8% lead. In such cases, the lead tends to leach out when the component is newly installed, rather than years later. Some water filters are very effective in keeping lead at bay. Consumers should research individual filters before buying them, to verify whether or not they are appropriate for use in minimizing exposure to lead. Consumers should also carefully follow filter manufacturer directions, to ensure filters are replaced in a timely fashion.
Although there is no "safe" level of lead in water, the EPA has established an "action level" for lead in drinking water at 15 parts per billion. All drinking water that does not come from wells is treated before it reaches the service lines that direct the water to individual residences, thereby removing any lead that may be present in the water at its source. However, lead can still leach into drinking water from certain types of plumbing materials, such as lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets and some water meter components.
Lead pipes remain in use underground—as "service lines"—in many older communities throughout the US. They can leach lead if the water running through them is corrosive, thereby contaminating the water entering the home. These service lines are the responsibility of the local water authority, which is responsible for annual sampling to ensure the lead action level is not exceeded and is also responsible for replacing old lead pipes if a significant lead problem is detected.
Inside many homes, water pipes are made of copper and are bonded together with lead solder. Because the use of lead solder was only banned in the US in 1987, millions of US homes contain lead-soldered copper pipes—and hot water can cause the lead to leach out from this solder. Accordingly, one should avoid cooking with hot water. Also, concerned consumers can "flush" standing water out of the pipes and down the drain, for at least thirty seconds to a minute, prior to using it for cooking or drinking purposes. (This "flushing" method should be applied for an even longer time period when a consumer lives in a high-rise, or whenever water has to travel through greater lengths of pipe than what one would generally find in a typical free-standing home. Also, it is important to note that if there is lead leaching out from the service lines, flushing may require several additional minutes to effectively drain the lead-contaminated water from the system.)
Brass plumbing materials, such as faucets and some water meter and well pump components, are also likely to contain some lead—in fact, as much as 8% lead. In such cases, the lead tends to leach out when the component is newly installed, rather than years later. Some water filters are very effective in keeping lead at bay. Consumers should research individual filters before buying them, to verify whether or not they are appropriate for use in minimizing exposure to lead. Consumers should also carefully follow filter manufacturer directions, to ensure filters are replaced in a timely fashion.
Health Effects on Children
Children under the age of six—and fetuses—are those at greatest risk of the health effects associated with exposure to lead. They are particularly vulnerable because at that age, their brain and central nervous system are still forming. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that interferes with the development of these systems as well as the kidney and blood-forming organs. Exposure to lead causes a wide range of health effects, and one of the interesting things about lead is that those health effects vary from child to child.
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in April, 2003, indicates that children can lose IQ points at levels of lead in blood below the present official CDC level of concern of 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). More than ten years ago, the National Academy of Sciences wrote that "There is growing evidence that even very small exposures to lead can produce subtle effects in humans [.and] that future guidelines may drop below 10µg/dL as the mechanisms of lead toxicity become better understood." (Measuring Lead Exposure in Infants, Children, and Other Sensitive Populations, National Academy Press, 1993, page 3.) As it turns out, today there is widespread recognition of the fact that there is no such thing as a "safe" level of lead exposure.
Even low levels of exposure to lead can result in IQ deficits, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, stunted or slowed growth, and impaired hearing. At increasingly high levels of exposure, a child may suffer kidney damage, become mentally retarded, fall into a coma, and even die from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning has been associated with a significantly increased high-school dropout rate, as well as increases in juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.
It is often difficult for a parent to realize on their own that their child may have too much lead in their blood. The symptoms of lead poisoning can be subtle—they are often easily confused with other, less worrisome problems. For instance, a child may exhibit symptoms similar to those associated with the flu, such as stomach aches and headaches. Other typical symptoms include irritability and loss of appetite. The bottom line is: the only way to know for sure whether or not a child has a lead-related problem is to get the child tested for lead.
Currently, there is no known effective treatment for children who have blood lead levels under 45µg/dL—the vast majority of children exposed to lead. Kids whose lead level is greater than or equal to 45µg/dL should immediately receive chelation therapy, a medical treatment that draws some of the lead out of their system.
One way to reduce the impact of lead exposure is to reduce the amount of lead that gets absorbed or retained by the child. On average, children under six will absorb/retain about 50% of the lead they ingest. That percentage can be reduced through good nutrition, including adequate levels of calcium, iron, vitamin C, and zinc. The consumption of fatty foods should be kept to a minimum, although children under the age of two actually need some fat in their diet. And a child whose stomach is empty will absorb/retain more lead than a child who has just eaten.
Similarly, pregnant women should be careful to minimize their exposure to lead, as lead crosses the placenta and adversely affects the developing fetus.
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in April, 2003, indicates that children can lose IQ points at levels of lead in blood below the present official CDC level of concern of 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). More than ten years ago, the National Academy of Sciences wrote that "There is growing evidence that even very small exposures to lead can produce subtle effects in humans [.and] that future guidelines may drop below 10µg/dL as the mechanisms of lead toxicity become better understood." (Measuring Lead Exposure in Infants, Children, and Other Sensitive Populations, National Academy Press, 1993, page 3.) As it turns out, today there is widespread recognition of the fact that there is no such thing as a "safe" level of lead exposure.
Even low levels of exposure to lead can result in IQ deficits, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, stunted or slowed growth, and impaired hearing. At increasingly high levels of exposure, a child may suffer kidney damage, become mentally retarded, fall into a coma, and even die from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning has been associated with a significantly increased high-school dropout rate, as well as increases in juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.
It is often difficult for a parent to realize on their own that their child may have too much lead in their blood. The symptoms of lead poisoning can be subtle—they are often easily confused with other, less worrisome problems. For instance, a child may exhibit symptoms similar to those associated with the flu, such as stomach aches and headaches. Other typical symptoms include irritability and loss of appetite. The bottom line is: the only way to know for sure whether or not a child has a lead-related problem is to get the child tested for lead.
Currently, there is no known effective treatment for children who have blood lead levels under 45µg/dL—the vast majority of children exposed to lead. Kids whose lead level is greater than or equal to 45µg/dL should immediately receive chelation therapy, a medical treatment that draws some of the lead out of their system.
One way to reduce the impact of lead exposure is to reduce the amount of lead that gets absorbed or retained by the child. On average, children under six will absorb/retain about 50% of the lead they ingest. That percentage can be reduced through good nutrition, including adequate levels of calcium, iron, vitamin C, and zinc. The consumption of fatty foods should be kept to a minimum, although children under the age of two actually need some fat in their diet. And a child whose stomach is empty will absorb/retain more lead than a child who has just eaten.
Similarly, pregnant women should be careful to minimize their exposure to lead, as lead crosses the placenta and adversely affects the developing fetus.
Window Safety
A child’s fall from a window is a tragic occurrence. Sadly, several such tragedies have occurred this summer across the country.
Windows, however, also play a vital role in home safety, serving as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency. The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council reminds parents that windows play a vital role in home fire safety, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if other safety measures are not followed.
Recognizing the important role windows play in emergencies, legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring that specific windows be designated as points of escape. The size and placement of windows designated as points of escape in a residence are also governed by building codes. The ability to easily open windows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escape through a window.
The comprised of members representing the NFPA, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, the Screen Manufacturers Association, and other organizations, was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety.
Windows, however, also play a vital role in home safety, serving as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency. The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council reminds parents that windows play a vital role in home fire safety, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if other safety measures are not followed.
Recognizing the important role windows play in emergencies, legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring that specific windows be designated as points of escape. The size and placement of windows designated as points of escape in a residence are also governed by building codes. The ability to easily open windows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escape through a window.
The comprised of members representing the NFPA, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, the Screen Manufacturers Association, and other organizations, was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety.
Coffee
Coffee grows in dozens of countries around the world. Some varieties have earned a special reputation, often based on a combination of rarity, unusual circumstances and particularly good flavor. These coffees, from Jamaican Blue Mountain to Kona to Tanzanian Peaberry, command a premium price. But perhaps no coffee in the world is in such short supply, has such unique flavors and an, um, interesting background as Kopi Luwak. And no coffee even comes close in price: Kopi Luwak sells for $75 per quarter pound. Granted, that's substantially less than marijuana, but it's still unimaginably high for coffee.
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