April Health News
Mix Vinegar & Baking Soda, Add Elbow Grease
Spring Cleaning Made Easy, and Safe
Do you know what ingredients are in the cleaning products you buy? Probably not, as there are no federal governmental regulations requiring companies to disclose their contents. But harsh chemicals can take their toll on the indoor air quality of your home, are harmful to the environment and may irritate eyes and skin.
So how can you learn more about the cleaning products you plan to purchase? Certain retailers are making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. For example, in 2011 Whole Foods Market introduced the Eco-Scale Rating System, which are the first household cleaner standards offered by a retailer.
This season, don’t just spring clean your home; take stock of your cleaners and clean up your entire act. By opting for green cleaning products, you can help make your home a safer, healthier place. Here’s how:
• Do an audit: Take a look at the cleaning products you currently own. Just because a brand or product is well known does not make it a healthy option. A quick Internet search can reveal the safety attributes of a product’s ingredients — so long as the manufacturer has chosen to disclose ingredients. Toss anything problematic and make a shopping list of what you need to replace.
• Full disclosure: Avoid cleaning products that don’t disclose what ingredients they use. Look for brands that make it easy for you to know what ingredients are being used in the product you’re purchasing.
• Be informed: Know what ingredients to avoid entirely. Harsh ingredients like formaldehyde and chlorine can still be found in cleaning products today. Don’t know where to start? Take a look at the list of more than 40 ingredients that aren’t allowed in Whole Foods Market’s cleaning products — including chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates and triclosan.
• Lock-up: No matter the contents of your cleaners, it’s good practice to keep them stored in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Young children and pets should not be able to access your cleaning products supply.
• Do it yourself: A quick and easy way to know exactly what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. Luckily, only a few inexpensive ingredients are needed to make your own all-purpose cleaner. Simply mix one part water with one part vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oil, and you have an all-purpose spray. Baking soda is another great cleaner that has a mild scrubbing power and helps combat odors.
Don’t have the time to make your own cleaner? The Eco-Scale Rating system evaluates products for environmental impact, safety, efficacy, source, labeling and animal testing. By learning more about the products you use, you can green your spring cleaning, for a healthier home. (Credit: StatePoint)
April is National Autism Awareness Month
One in 68 children born in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, is an ideal time to learn more about the potential of people with autism, as well as support organizations that research the risk factors and provide services to patients.
To learn more about autism or how to host your own event, visit www.autism-society.org.
Be a better friend, neighbor or colleague to someone you know by becoming savvy about ASD.
A full array of Colorado resources can be found at the Autism Society of Colorado, at 720-214-0794 or online at autismcolorado.info. (Credit: StatePoint)
Learn About Alzheimer’s
If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s time to learn the facts. The Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado is offering several free education and support programs that provide information on detection, possible causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more.
The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s
Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to noon
Village at Lowry
150 Quebec Street
Living with Alzheimer’s: Early Stage for Families and Persons with Diagnosis – 2 PART SERIES
Wednesday, April 22 & 29 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sheridan Library, 3425 West Oxford Ave.
For more information or to register for classes call 800.272.3900, visit alz.org/co, or email kmoravek@alz.org
Don’t Wait, Vaccinate
Protect Infants from Deadly Diseases
It may seem like diseases like polio, measles and whooping cough are a thing of the past. But the 2014-15 measles outbreak is a stark reminder that these viruses still circulate and children who are not immunized are at risk.
During National Infant Immunization Week, April 18-25, pediatricians are highlighting the importance of protecting our most vulnerable children from infectious diseases.
“One of the most important decisions you can make as a parent is to immunize your child against disease,” says Sandra G. Hassink, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It’s best to immunize your child on time, according to the recommended vaccine schedule. These diseases are unpredictable, and we never know where they will pop up next in our communities. ”
Protection Begins Early
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend children be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases by the time they are two years old. Mothers can begin protecting their infants before they’re even born.
“Protecting your newborn should start during pregnancy. Infants don’t receive their first dose of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine until they are two months old, and they can’t receive a flu vaccine until six months. When pregnant women are immunized with these vaccines, that protection extends to their newborns,” says Hassink.
Expectant parents can also encourage their families to be vaccinated against flu and pertussis (also known as whooping cough), to provide a cocoon of protection around newborns.
Follow the schedule
Your pediatrician will outline the recommended schedule of vaccines. The first vaccine is Hepatitis B, which infants usually receive a day or two after birth. Your child’s first year will also include immunizations against influenza pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, rotavirus, pneumococcal, polio and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib).
The immunization schedule has been carefully designed so children receive each vaccine when it will produce the best response from their immune systems, and when the child is most vulnerable to a particular disease.
Delaying vaccines means delaying protection from these diseases. Talk with your pediatrician if you have questions about your child’s vaccines.
Ease tears
While vaccinations can cause discomfort, most babies calm down quickly after being held by parents and hearing their reassuring voices. Breastfeeding during or immediately following the vaccination can provide significant relief. Some pediatricians might offer remedies, such as a cooling spray or topical anesthetic cream.
Combination vaccines include up to five vaccines in a single vial, so fewer needles are needed.
Remember, any discomfort your baby feels is experienced as a single event, even if he or she receives multiple vaccines in a visit. Spreading vaccines over multiple visits will only increase the number of times your baby feels pain, and leave your baby unprotected longer.
“Infants are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases. Following the recommended immunization schedule ensures your baby will be protected as soon as possible,” Dr. Hassink said.
Learn more about infant and childhood immunizations at www.healthychildren.org.
Just as you never leave home without buckling your baby into a car seat, you should always protect your child from infectious diseases. (Credit: StatePoint)