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JANUARY 2012 SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR COVERAGE
National Eye Care Month 
Summary: Optometrists and ophthalmologists nationwide have named January as National Eye Care Month. This month-long event strives to educate American citizens about the importance of proper eye care. Good vision is something that many of us take for granted, and there are many steps every individual should take to ensure that their eyes remain functioning at their optimal capacity.
Suggested angle(s): Regular vision testing is important for everyone, including children. Early detection of potential problems, as well as teaching children proper care of their eyes and eyesight is critical for a lifetime of good vision.
Potential interviews/locations: Pediatric eye care physicians and other practitioners can offer insights and tips on this important topic.
National Staying Healthy Month
Although we can all agree that it's important to stay healthy every month, January has been declared as National Staying Healthy Month.
Suggested angle(s): What better way to kick off the new year than with a focus on good health? While it's often adults who make New Year's resolutions, why not encourage children to start thinking about their own health and how they can work to stay their healthiest during 2012? A special child obesity program is gaining traction and key tips from that effort can be shared. Critical discussions about the importance of vaccines also need to occur. Too many parents are opting out of important immunizations and don't understand the short- and long- term consequences.
Potential interviews/locations: AzAAP members can offer tips, ideas, activities and more to involve children in learning more about health and how they can stay well.
National Milk Day - January 11, 2012
The drinking of milk by humans most likely began with the domestication of animals in the Middle East in about 4000 BC. Cheese making was practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans and, over the following centuries, milk use spread throughout Europe. Dairy cattle were first brought to the United States in the 1600s.
Suggested angle(s): Bottom line, milk provides essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals important to children's healthy development. Today, myriad fun and tasty products exist - in addition to the traditional tall glass of cold milk - that families can enjoy to reap the benefits of milk in their diets. Other popular beverage options - from soda to energy drinks - have had a significant impact on childhood obesity and less than adequate diets. The Arizona Chapter's childhood obesity initiative is keenly focused on getting families to stop including any sugary drinks in their child's diets.
Potential interviews/locations: AzAAP members can offer information on wholesome beverage and food options.
FEBRUARY 2012 SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR COVERAGE
National Heart Month
According the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) February is National Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability.
Suggested angle(s): Children can and should embrace the idea of keeping one of their most vital muscles healthy and strong. Good exercise, proper nutrition and other concepts need to be taught at an early age as ways to maintain a healthy heart throughout their lives.
Potential interviews/locations: AzAAP members can offer tips, ideas, activities and more to involve children in learning more about health and how they can stay well.
National Children's Dental Health Month
With a theme of "Rock Your Smile," the American Dental Association is behind the 2012  National Children's Dental Health Month during February 2012.
Suggested angle(s): Beyond just a great smile and pearly white teeth, proper dental care plays an integral role in maintaining overall good health. In addition to problems associated with teeth and gums, poor dental hygiene can negatively impact many of the body's major organs like the kidneys.
Potential interviews/locations: Health care professionals can share tips and tactics for how to make good dental health a part of every child's daily regime and not just a chore that parents must remind them to do.
National Snack Food Month
Since 1989, the National Snack Food Association and the National Potato Promotion Board, folks that bring us potato chips and pretzels, as well as a host of other goodies, have been celebrating National Snack Food Month.
 Suggested angle(s): Health care professionals well-versed in dietary issues - particularly for children - recognize that it's not practical to encourage children not to snack at all. In fact, it's not only part of being a kid, but snacking is also a necessary source of needed energy during an active person's day. However, all snacks don't all have to be laden with fat, salt and calories. Many tasty, nutritious snack foods can be enjoyed guilt-free and provide the nutrition that kids need.
Potential interviews/locations: AzAAP members can offer tips, ideas, activities and more to involve children in learning more about health and how they can stay well.
COMING UP FOR MARCH
"National Nutrition Month"
"Read Across America Day" (3/2/12)
"International Goof-Off Day" (3/22/12)
"National Doctor's Day" (3/30/12)
For more information on these issues or arranging an interview, please contact one of the following people:
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