Health & Safety
eNews from GCC of PTAs
December 2012- Vol 3, Issue 2
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| Dear Friends, |  This edition of Health & Safety can connect you with community resources supporting a healthy weight, school gardens, and safety issues for your family or other children with whom you work. Experts are telling us that this year's flu season has begun early, but also that the flu shot is particularly well adapted for the flu strain seen in our area. What does this mean? That if you haven't had your shot yet, it isn't too late! Read below for more details about the flu.
Finally, we'd love to highlight you and the work you do every day in our community. Does your work have a positive impact on health or safety in Guilford County? If so, please tell us how and send some photos our way. Let us help others by sharing ideas and resources. We also want to celebrate all that you and we accomplish throughout the school year. Questions are also welcome if you are looking for more information on a particular topic or resource. Help us make this newsletter YOUR newsletter.
Have a most happy and healthy New Year, and we'll be back in February!
In Health,
Nancy Kondracki, MS, RD, LDN
GCC of PTA's Health and Safety Chair
and Michele Alvarino, Committee Member
*Article submissions are welcome from any non-profit organization. The deadline is the 5th of each month.
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| Countdown to the Holidays | |
 The kick-off of the sixth annual Eat Smart, Move More...Maintain, Don't Gain! Holiday Challenge is fast approaching!
The Holiday Challenge began November 19th, 2012 and runs through December 31st. Sign-up and receive bonus recipes. Sign up here.
Promotional materials, including advertisement fliers, drop-in news articles, and the Holiday Challenge worksite guide, are available for download from the Eat Smart, Move More NC Website. If you have any questions about the Holiday Challenge, contact Daniella Uslan at (919) 707-5245.
In 2011, more than 3,000 people from 95 North Carolina counties took part in the challenge, and over half were first time participants. At the end of the program, 89 percent reported maintaining their weight throughout the season.
This holiday season, add to the success -- join and promote the Holiday Challenge! |
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| Kick-start your weight loss in 2012 with Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less! | 
Two great options are offered.
1. Smart Move More Weigh Less Online is a 15-week weight management program based in research and proven to work. Online, real-time, interactive, weekly sessions with personalized support and resources. Emphasis on small lifestyle changes for eating and physical activity behaviors-NOT a diet.
What's in it for you?
*Convenient classes offered at early morning, lunchtime, and evening time slots and accessible from home, work, or anywhere with Internet access.
*Personalized support from a masters-level instructor trained in weight management/behavior change. --Fun and motivating classes in an interactive, real-time format.
*Magazine in full-color that captures the salient points from each lesson, recipes, and more.
*Journal to help participants keep track of their weight, foods eaten, and physical activity.
(Group discount of up to 33%-contact Kelly Nordby for more information.)
2. you a participant in the State Health Plan? If so, you are eligible to participate in a 15-week weight loss class that costs less than an ice-cream sundae!
The next series begin in January or February and go through May or the end of the school year.
Guilford is one of only 5 counties offering this research-based interactive class that teaches strategies for eating smart and moving more.
Several schools have already taken advantage of this exciting opportunity over the last 3 1/2 years.
Imagine a healthier you in 2012 and call or e-mail today. For details visit the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less website or contact Kelly Nordby at (919) 707-5397 to schedule a class series at your school or workplace.
Top Five Rules to Survive the Holiday Party
Are you ready for a fun filled holiday celebration or are you turning into a nervous wreck? Do you have anxiety about making your way through the endless spread of food with your holiday goals intact?
Have no fear-you can make it through holiday celebrations without throwing caution (and your goals) out the window! With this holiday party survival guide you can make your way through the buffet line without adding inches to your waistline-all it takes are a few tips and a plan. Let's get started!
Rule #1: Survey the scene. How many times have you stepped up to the buffet and filled your plate only to get to the end of the table and have no room left for something you really wanted to try? Before joining the line and especially before placing any food onto your plate, take a peek at what food is offered. Make a mental note of the one or two dishes you really want to try. Once you have a mental map of what your plate will look like, and then start to fill your plate.
Rule #2: Downsize and supersize. Start by grabbing a smaller, appetizer-sized, plate. You'll fit fewer rich foods on your plate and keep your calories in check. Supersize the veggies on your plate. Vegetables-and also fruit-are lower in calories and will fill you up, not out.
Rule #3: Don't drown! In gravy, sauces, and high-calorie dressing, that is. Heavy sauces can drown out even the healthiest vegetables. Choose smaller portions (maybe even just a bite to taste) of creamy and cheesy casseroles. The same rule applies for creamy salad dressing: use just a little or better yet, choose a lower-calorie vinaigrette.
Rule #4: Keep hands occupied. Hold your glass of water with one hand and your plate with another. With your hands full because you are balancing food and a drink, it will take you longer to eat and will cut down on mindless snacking.
Rule #5: Stay on the far side of the room away from the food. Once you've made your plate, find a place to stand or sit as far as you can manage away from the food. There's something to that old phrase "out of sight, out of mind". Catch up with friends and family away from the serving line where food isn't within arm's reach. Wait at least 20 minutes before deciding whether or not to go back for another small bite.
Source: Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less |
| School Garden Workshop held at the Edible Schoolyard on November 8th | |
 Here's what you've been missing if you aren't part of the School Garden Network:
At the November workshop Jenn Phillips from Greensboro Montessori modeled "Plant Parts Lesson" strategies which can be modified for various grade levels. Jenn also brought her worm bin to demonstrate vermiculture for us, a very controlled, effective way to compost.
(She'll provide the worms to anyone wanting to start up!)
Members of the Edible Schoolyard staff Hailey Moses and Justin Leonard led participants on a tour of their fantastic gardens followed by hands-on gardening tips from Karen Neill, Guilford County Cooperative Extension's Urban Horticulturalist and gardening expert. Next, FoodCorps service members Leah Klaproth and Eliza Hudson presented a hands-on lesson "sensual soils" lesson, very creative and experiential.
Given all the positive feedback we've received, we will be scheduling more workshops in the early spring. If you have any requests about times of day and days of the week that work for you we will do our best to accommodate you. Also let us know what you would like covered.
Lindley Elementary's Holiday Market
Cynthia Nielsen, School Garden Network Coordinator, NC Cooperative Extension, Guilford County
(336) 299-1680
http://go.ncsu.edu/sgn
http://www.gcschoolgardens.blogspot.com/
The School Garden Network works to promote, support, and expand hands-on school garden programs in Guilford County.
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| Public Health Updates |  Keep Children Safe from Lead
Your child's health can be threatened by many things. Lead is one such threat. Lead poisoning can make it more difficult for your child to learn. It can cause your child's muscles and bones to grow improperly. Your child's coordination, hearing, and ability to speak can also be affected.
How do children become lead poisoned?
Putting their hands or other objects in their mouths. Lead dust can be in the dirt and get on your child's hands and other objects like toys. Also, some toys and toy jewelry have been found to contain lead.
Eating food that has been cooked, served, or stored in pottery that has a leaded glaze may also contain lead:
*Drinking formula or eating baby foods made with hot water directly from leaded pipes.
*Living in or visiting homes built before 1978. The paint used in older homes likely contains lead.
*Handling window mini blinds that contain lead. Even the dust from these blinds contains lead.
*Some products like chapulines (sold specifically in Oaxaco, Mexico) and imported products like Mexican candy contain lead. Vero Mango, Limon 7, Canel's Gum, Lucas Acidito, Pelon Pelo Rico are examples of candies that have dangerous levels of lead. Traditional home remedies like Greta and Azarcon also contain lead.
Family members may have lead on their clothes from certain types of jobs; this can increase your child's chances of being exposed:
*battery or automotive parts manufacturing
*automotive repair
*renovating and remodeling homes (construction jobs)
*plumbing
*demolition work
*leaded paint removal
Even some hobbies like making pottery, stained glass, fishing lures or sinkers as well as refinishing furniture may increase a child's exposure to lead exposure.
If you have a lead-related job or hobby, keep your work area clean. Wash your hands and face before eating or drinking. Remove and wash all clothing separate from the children's clothing. Keep children away from these areas.
You can protect your child from lead. Wash your children's hands often and their toys daily. Wet mop floors and wet wipe window sills and frames every 2 to 3 weeks. Don't let children play in bare soil. Build a sand box and cover the box when not in use, play in the grass, and cover bare areas with mulch. Use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Don't allow your child to chew on window sills or eat paint chips.
Have your child's blood tested for lead. The Guilford County Department of Public Health offers FREE blood lead testing for children under the age of six at 1100 E. Wendover in Greensboro and 501 E. Green Drive in High Point.
Bring your child 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm weekdays except holidays. No appointment is needed. The blood test is a simple finger stick. Know your child's lead score.
If you have questions about lead call the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777. Our interpreters can help get your questions answered.
From Rebecca Rice (336) 641-3540
Community Health Educator for the Healthy Homes Lead Prevention Program Think Toy Safety This Holiday Season Have your children already prepared their toy wish list for Christmas? As a parent, you want your children to have toys they will enjoy playing with without the threat of injury. To help you make wise and safe toy selections this holiday season, use these tips from Safe Kids Guilford County and Guilford County Department of Public Health. Get information about toy recalls. Go to www.cpsc.gov and click on Sign up for Safety News and Recall E-mail announcements to get toy recall information sent to your e-mail address. This site also has information on current toy recalls. Report safety concerns about toys to the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov. Avoid second-hand toys. If you buy toys secondhand or get hand-me-downs, visit www.cpsc.gov to make sure the toy hasn't been recalled for safety reasons. If a new toy comes with a product registration card, mail it in right away so the manufacturer can contact you if the item is ever recalled. Other precautions to take: *Buy toys that fit the age of the child. All toys are clearly marked if they have small parts; do not buy toys with small parts (or allow a child under age 3 to play with those kinds of toys belonging to an older sibling). *Identify dangerous small parts. Use an empty toilet paper roll cylinder to test toys with small parts. Do not let small children play with anything that can fit into this cylinder. *Inspect toys to make sure they are in good repair. Do not let young children play with toys that have straps, cords, or strings longer than 7 inches, due to the risk of strangulation. *Actively supervise children. Caregivers should actively watch children playing with any toy that has small parts, moving parts, electrical or battery power, cords, wheels, or any other potentially risky component. Simply being in the same room as your child is not necessarily supervising. Active supervision means keeping the child in sight and in reach and paying undivided attention. *Practice proper storage. Teach children to put toys away after playing, to help prevent falls and unsupervised play, and make sure toys intended for younger children are stored separately from those for older children. Toy chests should be equipped or retrofitted with safety hinges that prevent the lid from closing on a child who is leaning over the open chest; if a chest does not have safety hinges, remove the lid. For more information about toy safety, protective equipment and choking, visit Safe Kids. Have a safe holiday season. Lynne C. Beck, BS, RHEd; Media Relations Manager and Community Health Educator Guilford County Department of Public Health www.guilfordhealth.org www.askguilfordhealth.com |
| Hot off the presses is the new MyPlate for Preschoolers mini poster! | 
You can download the 2-sided, full-color mini poster on the MyPlate for Preschoolers page. For your convenience, here is the direct link to the PDF.
Have a happy and healthy year from everyone at ChooseMyPlate.gov. |
| New on MedlinePlus | |
What to look for and how to help if your child is being victimized:
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| Winter Wellness |  Arm Yourself against the Flu Millions of people in the U.S. get the flu each year. The flu is caused by an influenza virus. Most people catch the flu when they breathe in tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. You can also catch the flu if you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. The flu mostly causes symptoms in the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of the flu usually appear quickly, about 1 to 7 days after you come in contact with the virus. The first symptom is a fever between 102 and 106 degrees. An adult usually has a lower fever than a child with the flu. Other common symptoms include body aches, chills, dizziness, headache, and lack of energy. Nausea and vomiting may also occur with the flu. Between day 2 and 4 of the illness, the fever and aches and pains begin to go away and new symptoms appear. These symptoms include dry cough, increased breathing symptoms, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. These symptoms (except the cough) usually subside in 4 to 7 days. The cough and tired feeling may last for weeks. The flu can make asthma, breathing problems and other long-term illnesses worse. Taking steps to prevent the flu is essential in avoiding getting sick this season. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine. If you are exposed to the virus or get the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. Avoid sharing food, utensils, etc. Cover your cough with a tissue and throw away after use. Use hand sanitizer often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if possible. See your healthcare provider if you experience severe flu symptoms or health complications.
Prepare for Positive Impact
The holidays can be a time of great joy, celebration, and togetherness with family and friends. However, for many people, the holidays prove to be a time of additional responsibilities, increased stress, heightened emotions, and departure from a healthy lifestyle. During this hectic season, it is vital to take steps to impact physical, mental, and emotional health in positive ways.
Manage stress: Attempt to recognize triggers of stress, such as increased demands on your schedule and finances. In some cases, simply anticipating triggers and taking action to manage holiday stress can help minimize unpleasant symptoms.
Prevent financial pressure: Create a budget to avoid overspending. Plan early so you do minimal impulse buying. Consider initiating a family gift exchange instead of buying for every member of extended families. Knowing your limits and shopping early for bargains can help you feel better about your spending in January when credit card bills start arriving.
Cope with holiday blues: Loneliness, absence of loved ones, and conflicts within families are frequently magnified by expectations. Try to keep expectations realistic, seek out loving friends or family members and acknowledge feelings of grief or sadness.
Maintain healthy habits: Engage in regular physical activity, which can burn calories and reduce symptoms of stress. Get plenty of rest and try to take some time out of your hectic holiday schedule for yourself. Spend time doing what you like to do. You will feel revived and refreshed afterward.
Don't let the holidays be a time of dread. Make plans to be social, spend time with family and friends, and set realistic expectations for your interactions. Also keep your budget in mind when shopping and try to plan out your spending well before you hit the stores to lower the stress level and prepare yourself for a positive impact during the holidays.
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Happy Holidays Everyone!
Sincerely,
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Nancy L. Kondracki, MS, RD, LDN
Health & Safety eNewsletter Editor
GCC of PTAs |
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