Ways to Help Make Mother’s Day Healthy

Make Mother’s Day a special day of health—and keep up the good habits all year. You deserve it! (And your loved ones will benefit, too.)

Sunday, May 12, is Mother's Day, and the start of National Women's Health Week. National Women's Health Week (May 12-18) encourages women of every age to make their health a priority and take simple steps to live a safer and healthier life. Celebrate your health with these tips.

Eat healthy.

Whether you're enjoying breakfast in bed or going out for a special meal in a restaurant, remember to eat healthy. Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Also, most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.

Sleep well.

You need your beauty rest—and for more reasons than beauty. Insufficient sleep is connected to a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. How we feel and perform during the day is related to how much sleep we got the night before. How much is enough? Adults need 7-9 hours, according to these sleep guidelines for different age groups.

Move more.

Shake things up with physical activity—whether brisk walking, running, dancing, biking, swimming, gardening, or something else that will help you get the recommended minimum 2½ hours of moderate physical activity each week. You should also do muscle strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.

Share history.

Connecting socially is sometimes a part of Mother's Day activities. A family get-together is a chance for you to reconnect, have fun, and share memories. Take the opportunity to learn and pass on your family health history, which is a written or graphic record of the diseases and health conditions present in your family. Family members share genes, behaviors, lifestyles, and environments that together may influence their health and their risk of chronic disease. Knowledge is power.

Enjoy outdoors.

Are you passionate about the outdoors? Gardening, enjoying the sun, and walking can be great ways to enjoy the outdoors, get physical activity, and beautify the community. Learn ways to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors and stay healthy and safe.

Content from CDC

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

Human infections with a new avian influenza A (H7N9) virus continue to be reported in China. The virus has been detected in poultry in China as well. While mild illness in human cases has been seen, most patients have had severe respiratory illness and some people have died. No cases of H7N9 outside of China have been reported. The new H7N9 virus has not been detected in people or birds in the United States.
An investigation by Chinese authorities is ongoing. Many of the people infected with H7N9 are reported to have had contact with poultry. However some cases reportedly have not had such contact. Close contacts of confirmed H7N9 patients are being followed to determine whether any human-to-human spread of H7N9 is occurring. No sustained person-to-person spread of the H7N9 virus has been found at this time.
Human infections with avian influenza (AI, or “bird flu”) are rare but do occur, most commonly after exposure to infected poultry (Bird-to-human spread). Limited person-to-person spread of bird flu is thought to have occurred rarely in the past, most notably with avian influenza A (H5N1). Based on this previous experience, some limited human-to-human spread of this H7N9 virus would not be surprising. Most important, however, is that this transmission not be sustained (ongoing).
Influenza viruses constantly change and it’s possible that this virus could become able to easily and sustainably spread between people, triggering a pandemic. CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners. CDC takes routine preparedness actions whenever a new virus with pandemic potential is identified, including developing a candidate vaccine virus to make a vaccine if it were to be needed. CDC also has issued guidance to clinicians and public health authorities in the United States, as well as provided information for people traveling to China. This is an evolving situation and there is still much to learn. CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
On April 19, 2013, HHS Secretary Sebelius determined there is significant potential for a Public Health Emergency related to Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus.

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Basic Information
H7N9 Frequently Asked Questions…

TravelersTravelers' Health…

Additional Information
Links to Publications, Resources, and WHO FAQ related to H7N9…

Health Professionals
Guidance and info for public health professionals, clinicians and laboratorians

In The News
Spotlights, Telebriefings…

H7N9 ImagesElectron Micrograph Images of H7N9 Virus from China…

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H7N9: What should I do?

• CDC does not have any new or special recommendations for the U.S. public at this time regarding H7N9. CDC will keep you updated. Stay informed.
• Since H7N9 is not spreading easily from person to person at this time, CDC does not recommend that people delay or cancel trips to China. The World Health Organization also is watching this situation closely and does not recommend any travel restrictions.
• CDC advises travelers to China to take some common sense precautions, like not touching birds or other animals and washing hands often. Poultry and poultry products should be fully cooked. CDC will update its advice for travelers if the situation in China changes. This guidance is available at Avian Flu (H7N9) in China.

Content from Flu.gov

FoodNet report shows increases in some foodborne germs, no change in others

New Food Safety Data for 2012

Each year, roughly 1 in 6 people in the US gets sick from eating contaminated food. To understand trends in what germs are making people sick, CDC analyzes data from FoodNet, a surveillance system in 10 sites covering about 15 percent of the U.S. population. By targeting the germs that are making people sick with regulations and changes in industry practices, the country’s food supply can be made safer for everyone.

• In 2012, Campylobacter infections increased 14 percent and Vibrio infections increased 43 percent compared with a baseline period of 2006-2008.
• Rates of a dangerous type of E. coli, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157, which had previously been decreasing, returned to levels similar to those seen in 2006-2008.
• Rates of the other pathogens tracked in FoodNet have not changed significantly compared with the 2006-2008 rates.

To protect yourself from these and other foodborne germs, clean hands and surfaces well, separate raw meats from produce and other fresh foods, cook meat to the proper temperature and refrigerate leftovers quickly. To prevent Campylobacter and Vibrio infections, make sure chicken and other meats are well cooked, avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized soft cheese, and make sure shellfish are cooked for safety before eating.
For more information on preventing food poisoning, visit FoodSafety.gov, CDC's food safety page, and Fight Bac!

Content from CDC

Seven Ways to Prepare for Spring Allergies

Seven ways to prepare for spring allergies Now that spring has sprung – at least for some of us – the pollen counts are rising and allergy season soon will be in full bloom. Here’s a slide show from Everyday Health that’ll help you and the public you serve deal with allergies.   Content from NPHIC

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 10, 2013. Is your emergency preparedness stockpile up to date?
When it’s time to change your clocks because of daylight saving time, use it as a reminder to check your preparedness kit to make sure your emergency stockpile isn’t missing any items and that the food hasn’t expired. APHA’s Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign is reminding people to refresh their emergency supplies before a disaster occurs.

If you haven’t created a stockpile yet, now is the time to create one! (And as always, don’t forget to check the batteries in your smoke alarms.)

This information is good year-round: You don't have to wait for the clock change to update your stockpile. So think about having these materials at your next health fair or community meeting!

FREE MATERIALS FROM APHA

Check out our FREE materials and tips you can share! Select our individual resources below, or download them all in English in one PDF toolkit.

• Stockpiling fact sheet (PDF) English or Spanish

• Stockpiling checklist (PDF) English or Spanish

• Water stockpiling fact sheet (PDF) English or Spanish

• Budget stockpiling fact sheet (PDF) English or Spanish

• Pets stockpiling fact sheet (PDF) English or Spanish

• Cold & flu supplies fact sheet (PDF) English or Spanish

• Grocery shopping list (PDF) Grocery list

• Stockpiling recipes (PDF) Stockpile recipes

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. If everyone who is 50 years old or older were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, about 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk?

The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases with age. More than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives, but many people are not being screened according to national guidelines.
If you're 50 years old or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer could save your life. Here's how—

• Colorectal cancer screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer is prevented.
• Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment often leads to a cure.

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. You could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why having a screening test is so important. Symptoms for colorectal cancer may include—

• Blood in or on the stool (bowel movement).
• Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away.
• Losing weight and you don't know why.

These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer. If you're having any of these symptoms, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.

When Should You Begin to Get Screened?

You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then keep getting screened regularly until the age of 75. Ask your doctor if you should be screened if you’re older than 75.
Some people are at a higher risk than others for developing colorectal cancer. Having any of these things may increase your risk—

• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
• Genetic syndromes, like familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (also known as Lynch syndrome).

If you think you may be at high risk for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about when and how often to get tested.

What Are the Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer?

Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends these tests to screen for colorectal
cancer—

• Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
• High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), stool test, or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (every year)
• Sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years).

How Can I Pay for Screening Tests?

Many insurance plans and Medicare help pay for colorectal cancer screening. Check with your plan to find out which tests are covered for you. To find out about Medicare coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control Program provides access to colorectal cancer screening to low-income, underinsured, or uninsured men and women aged 50–64 years in 25 states and four tribes.

Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign

CDC's Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign informs men and women who are 50 years old or older about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests.

Multiple Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep joins the Screen for Life campaign, appearing in new public service announcements (PSAs). Ms. Streep talks about how much there is in life that we can’t control, but says here’s something we can: colorectal cancer. She describes her own screening experience, and urges men and women to get screened beginning at age 50.
These new PSAs are the latest additions to a rich suite of Screen for Life resources for patients and health professionals. Print materials, including fact sheets, brochures, and posters, can be viewed, printed, and ordered online. Television and radio public service announcements can be viewed and heard online.

Content from CDC

How to Prevent Accidental Poisoning At Home

Poison control centers report that more than half of the incidents they handle each year involve children under the age of six. The majority of these poisoning injuries result from the inadvertent ingestion of common household substances. Learning to reduce the likelihood of a poisoning incident in your home is an essential part of safe parenting and childcare provision, simply because even the most closely-watched children can find a way to get into dangerous things during the split second an adult’s back is turned.

Keep an Eye on Medications
The prescription medications that safeguard your health and the over-the-counter pills that ease minor aches and pains can be a blessing to ailing adults, but present a very serious danger to young children. Making sure that all of your household medications are stored in a place children cannot reach and are inside child-resistant containers is imperative. It’s also very important to make sure that you keep an eye on visitors’ belongings. When Grandma stows her pills in a daily dosage container with a simple flip-top and tosses it in her purse for easy access on the go, there’s very little keeping an inquisitive child from ingesting those medications. This especially holds true for toddlers and preschoolers that may have learned to associate “Grandma’s Purse” with “candies and sweets.” Make sure that visitors have a safe place to store their bags while they spend time in your home.

Clean Up Your Household Cleaner Shelf
Keeping all of your household cleaners in the cabinet under the sink is both wildly common and quite convenient. Even if you spring for the cabinet locks touted by baby-proofing experts as infallible, it’s important to keep in mind that no baby-proofing product is immune to failure. Installing cabinet locks is a great idea that can keep children from accessing a variety of unsafe objects, but moving the chemical cleaners to a high cabinet is the most effective way of keeping them out of kids’ reach.

Check the Paint
Buying older houses in rebounding neighborhoods is a popular trend for lots of reasons. Older houses have character, the price point can be more manageable than a shiny, new McMansion and they’re generally packed with charming features. Before moving into your new-to-you home, however, you’ll want to make sure that none of the paint inside it contains lead before you start scraping. Using a lead testing kit is your safest bet, especially if you suspect that the existing paint is a relic from a society that wasn’t so aware of the danger of lead.

Food Poisoning is Still Poisoning
Just because food is intended to be ingested doesn’t mean that it can’t be poisonous. Making sure that you are well informed regarding safe food handling practices and that all foods you feed your child are kept at the proper temperature and prepared in such a manner so harmful bacteria is eliminated is essential to his health. It’s also important to make sure that your child isn’t able to access the contents of the garbage can. Adults might think that the off-putting smell of a garbage can is enough to repel anyone, but the curiosity of an inquisitive child knows no bounds.

Monitor Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When you change your clocks and the batteries in your smoke detector at the beginning and end of daylight savings, make sure that you also change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector and test it to ensure full functionality. Carbon monoxide is tasteless, odorless and colorless, so the only way to truly protect your family from accidental poisoning is to make sure that your first line of defense, your detectors, are working.
Kitchens, bathrooms and garages are the most common sites of accidental household poisonings. Paying special attention to these areas of your home and making sure that any potentially dangerous substances are stored far out of kids’ reach can help you prevent a poisoning emergency in your home. It’s also imperative that you store all chemical products in their original containers, as they contain important information that your physician or poison control specialist will need to ensure that your child gets the proper treatment in the event of an inadvertent poisoning emergency. Parents and childcare providers should also know how to spot the signs of poison ingestion, which consist of burns or redness around the mouth and lips, a chemical smell on kids’ breath, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion and other strange behavior, including difficulty breathing, seizures and unconsciousness.

Content from NannyBabysitters