Health

Is Your Child a Digital Addict? Here’s What You Can Do

 

Photo: Nicole Ruggiero

By: Andrea Petersen - Aug. 6, 2019

 

It can be hard for children to move on from screen time, but it doesn’t always have to be a battle.

When Meghan Cirrito tells her sons that their time watching “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” on their Kindles or the family’s iPad is over, it tends not to go over very well.

“They’re completely outraged, shouting about how unfair life is and how mean I am,” says Cirrito, 42, a stay-at-home mother of two boys, ages 5 and 8, and a community activist in Long Island City, Queens. That is, they’re outraged if they’re not outright ignoring her. “They act like you do not exist, nothing exists” except the device, she says, “which is so creepy.”

Most parents of young children can relate to this scenario: their zombie progeny zoned out in front of a screen — then the tussles and tantrums that result when they take the device away. Transitions from one activity to another can be tough for little kids, but the move away from digital devices is often another level of excruciating.

[Are you anxious about how technology affects your kids?  We want to hear from you.]

“These typical sweet young things really take on a different persona when they take away the screens,” says Rebecca Rialon Berry, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at N.Y.U. Langone Health.

The intense sounds, colors and rapid movement of digital content can make it much more immersive and entrancing than the real world — and therefore much more difficult to disengage from, Dr. Berry said. Interactivity — touching a screen and making something happen — is particularly riveting for young children. Kids will “keep doing it,” says Dr. Dimitri Christakis, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. “It is intensely gratifying.”

Plus, many apps and video games give rewards in the form of points or virtual stickers, and getting those rewards can be fun. “The purveyors of games and apps are very well aware they are monetizing our children’s attention,” Dr. Christakis said. “They build in design features that make them difficult to put away.”

So what’s happening in a kid’s brain when all this is going on? Pleasurable activities cause the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends a signal to the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in planning and organizing tasks. The message is “do that again, get more of that,” says Dr. Christakis. (Dopamine release isn’t specific to screen time, of course. For kids, it could occur when they get praise from parents or eat a snack when hungry.) Then, when parents put a stop to the games or YouTube videos, kids’ dopamine levels drop. “The withdrawal of it is experienced as painful,” Dr. Christakis says. “You experience transient withdrawal like you’re coming down from a high.”

Young kids don’t have enough of an ability to regulate their emotions to consistently navigate that transition without freaking out. In a study by researchers at the University of Washington involving 27 parents of children ages 1 to 5, 93 percent of parents said that their child “throws a tantrum, whines, or resists ending screen time at least occasionally.” And 37 percent said screen time “almost always ends in a fight.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 18 to 24 months not be exposed to digital media — with an exception for video-chat — and that children 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day. The organization also recommends that parents watch media with their kids to help them understand it. (O.K. But how are parents of toddlers ever supposed to shower?) Studies have linked excessive use of media by preschoolers to a higher risk of obesity, shorter amounts of sleep, and cognitive, language and emotional delays.

So how can parents take away a device without causing a tantrum? It helps to make screen time a predictable and scheduled part of children’s routines, says Paul Donahue, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Scarsdale, N.Y. (For example, one “Curious George” episode a day while Mom or Dad is making dinner.) In another study by the University of Washington researchers, 28 families with children ages 1 to 5 completed a diary about their children’s transitions to and from screen time over two weeks. They found that when screen time is planned, kids are much less upset when it’s time for it to end.

Dr. Berry suggests making a plan with your children to do something fun when screen time is over, like having a snack or going to the park. Then, before the video or app begins, remind them that they’ll get to do that activity if they can turn off the iPad without losing their cool. Letting kids do something enjoyable after screen time will be much easier than expecting them to go right to dinner, a bath or bed. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screens during meals and to shut them off at least one hour before bedtime.) It can also be helpful to have a reward chart, where kids get stickers for handing over the device without freaking out.

Many parents warn their kids when screen time is almost over. But the diary study by the University of Washington researchers actually found that toddlers and preschoolers were more upset when parents gave warnings before it was time to put away the screen. Alexis Hiniker, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher and an assistant professor at the university’s Information School, says she doesn’t think warnings are inherently problematic, but that parents often use them as a last resort when they’re winging it. In these cases, warnings can spur a power struggle and “could remind the child of who is in charge and that they don’t have a say,” says Dr. Hiniker.

Dr. Hiniker still suggests that parents give their kids warnings, but recommends that families involve children in the process by letting them choose when warnings will happen (10 minutes vs. 5 minutes before screen time is over, for example), and then letting them set the timer and weigh in on which activity to do when the video or game is over.

Cirrito has started using the timer on her family’s Amazon Echo to tell her sons how many minutes of video time they have left. She says the timer has helped. “They hand it over a little more easily,” she said. “It is almost Pavlovian.”

And it may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t try to end kids’ screen time when they’re in the middle of a game or video, says Sarah E. Domoff, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Central Michigan University, who, along with colleagues at the University of Michigan and Iowa State University, has developed a scale to measure screen media “addiction” in children age 4 to 11.

It also helps to shut off the autoplay feature on Netflix and YouTube, says Dr. Hiniker, who has conducted research that found it was harder to limit or end screen time when the next video automatically popped up.

Parents need to stay strong and stick to their plan even when faced with vociferous whining, says Jenny Radesky, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan. “If you’re intermittently rewarding your children’s request for prolonged media time and they know Mom might say ‘yes,’ future transitions are likely to be rockier,” says Dr. Radesky, who, along with Dr. Christakis, is a lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ media guidelines for young children.

A screen-time session that’s too short can also lead to tantrums, says Dr. Donahue. “It takes a while for kids to transition in and focus on what they are doing,” he says. “If you say, ‘You can have it for five minutes, then I’m going to take it out of your hands,’ that is creating too much frustration.” He recommends sessions of 30 to 45 minutes.

So what happens if you follow this advice and your kid still throws a fit? Stay calm and walk away, suggests Dr. Berry. And if the tantrums happen repeatedly, you may have to take drastic measures, says Dr. Donahue. “You may have to say, ‘We’re not going to have the device for a while,’” he says. A few no-device days should suffice and “help the child understand that screens are a privilege,” he says.

Then, when giving electronics back to children, Dr. Donahue suggests parents explain that the return is only on a “trial basis to see if they are ready to handle them again.”


Andrea Petersen is a journalist in New York and the author of “On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety.”

 

Source:

New York Times - https://parenting.nytimes.com/childrens-health/child-screen-time?action=click&module=Smarter%20Living&pgtype=Homepage&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=362eebb2-89a6-45ac-b866-ff59c44a82b0

Filed Under: Health | Healthy Lifestyle

Teen Suicide: Understanding the Risk and Getting Help

Teenagers have their whole lives ahead of them, they’re often told. The idea that a teen could be thinking about ending that life might be hard for their friends, families, or other people in their community to believe.

But the risk of suicide should be on the radar of anyone who interacts with teens, says Dr. Jane Pearson, a mental health expert at NIH.

The rate of teen suicide has increased over the last decade. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults in the United States.

Experts don’t know why this rate has been rising. But NIH-funded researchers are working on better ways to find and help teens who are thinking of suicide.

“There are some very effective treatments for youth who are suicidal,” Pearson explains. “We’re trying to figure out how to make those treatments more accessible for more youth.”

Who’s at Risk?

Many things can increase the risk of suicide in teenagers. One major risk factor is experiencing a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Most people who die by suicide have struggled with a mental health condition.

Other risk factors include a family history of suicide, violence, or substance abuse. Teens also experience many stressful life events for the first time. These can include a breakup with a romantic partner, trouble at school, violence, or conflicts with friends.

“Teens don’t have the life experience to know that these things will be temporary, that they’ll get through it,” Pearson says. And they might think they’d rather be dead than feel the way they do at that moment in time, she adds.

Persistent misunderstandings about suicide can also keep teens from getting the help they need, adds Pearson.

“Many people think that a teen talking about or attempting suicide are so-called gestures, or cries for attention,” Pearson explains. They don’t think that the teen is in real danger.

“That’s definitely a myth,” says Dr. Cheryl King, a suicide-prevention researcher at the University of Michigan. “If someone has been repeatedly suicidal or talking about it for a long time, that should have us more concerned rather than less concerned.”

Knowing When Teens Need Help

Some of the warning signs that a teen is thinking about suicide are talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being trapped or in unbearable pain (see the Wise Choices box for more signs).

If you are concerned about a teen who may be thinking about suicide, start a conversation, says Dr. Joan Asarnow, a suicide-prevention researcher and clinical psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“A conversation can just start with ‘are you OK?’ or ‘is there something that feels like it’s too big of a problem?’” Asarnow explains.

Pearson recommends that people start these conversations early, when they first start to feel that something’s wrong with a teen. “It’s going to be easier to help somebody before they’ve really decided on a course of action to kill themselves,” she says.

But many teens have suicidal thoughts that go unrecognized. King and other NIH-funded researchers are studying ways to better identify teens at risk of suicide.

King is testing a new method to screen teens who come into hospital emergency rooms for suicide risk. While most teens don’t see a mental health specialist, she says, “roughly 1 in 5 goes to the emergency department at least once a year. So, it’s a particularly good place for suicide-risk screening.”

This is especially true because risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse and dangerous driving can land teens in the emergency room, King explains. And teens who engage in such behaviors are at higher risk of suicide.

Other researchers are looking at ways to use technology to identify when teens already known to be at risk of suicide are most vulnerable. For example, one team is testing whether smartwatches can detect when teens’ emotions are affecting their body before the teens themselves feel distressed.

“New technologies may provide us with a way to intervene at the moment where the kids really need it, without depending on them to reach out on their own,” Asarnow explains.

Keeping Teens Safe

Treatments are available that can help teens at risk of suicide. “Underlying mental health issues like depression and trauma are treatable conditions, and there are ways we can help youths with these troubles once we know about them,” says King. Talk therapy and medications can both be effective for many people.

NIH-funded researchers have also developed therapies that can help very high-risk teens—those who have already attempted suicide, sometimes more than once.

Asarnow and her colleagues recently showed that types of intensive counseling for teens and their families can reduce the risk of another suicide attempt by about a third. This counseling, based on treatments called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), teaches coping strategies and life skills.

Involving the family in suicide prevention seems to be more effective than just treating the teen, Asarnow says. Her program counsels and teaches parents as well as the teens in their care.

One thing any family can do to help protect a teen thinking of suicide is to talk with a health care provider about putting together a safety plan, she adds. A safety plan is a document the teen and trusted adults create together. It includes coping strategies and contact information for people who have agreed to help in times of crisis.

A safety plan also includes commitments from the family to keeping the teen’s environment safe, such as limiting access to medications and firearms.

The decision to harm oneself is often made in a split second. A safety plan “makes the best decisions the easy things to do,” Pearson explains. “The family wants that, and the teen wants that.”

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. You can also text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Experts recommend both parents and teens store these numbers in their smartphones.

The more warning signs, the greater the risk of suicide.

·        Talking about wanting to die

·        Looking for ways to kill oneself

·        Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

·        Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

·        Talking about being a burden to others

·        Abusing alcohol or drugs

·        Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless

·        Having trouble sleeping

·        Withdrawing or feeling isolated

·        Having extreme mood swings

·        Giving away belongings, including treasured objects

Get your teen help from a mental health professional or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. You can also text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Source: newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/09

NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison

Building 31, Room 5B52

Bethesda, MD 20892-2094

nihnewsinhealth@od.nih.gov 

Tel: 301-451-8224

Filed Under: Health

Better Nutrition Every Day: How to Choose Healthier Foods and Drinks

 

We make countless decisions every day, both big and small. When it comes to deciding what to eat and feed our families, it can be a lot easier than you might think to make smart, healthy choices. It takes just a little planning.

The foods and drinks we put into our bodies are our fuel. They provide us with energy and nutrients—like vitamins, minerals, and proteins—that our bodies need to function and thrive. Research shows that healthy food and drink choices are especially important for children’s growing bodies and minds. Healthy choices have both immediate and long-lasting benefits for you and your family.

“My best advice is for parents to be good role models by eating healthy and being physically active with their children,” says Dr. Holly Nicastro, a nutritionist at NIH. “Keep healthy foods around the house for meals and snacks. Involve children in the meal planning and cooking, and they will be more likely to eat the meals.”

“Parents can begin teaching their children about healthy eating from the day they are born,” says Dr. Donna Spruijt–Metz, whose research at the University of Southern California focuses on preventing and treating obesity in minority youth. “Setting a good example is very important.”

Healthier Choices

All foods and drinks can fit into a healthy diet. But when making choices for you or your family, try to choose ones that have lots of nutrients and aren’t too high in sugar, fats, and calories. These include fruits; vegetables; whole-grain cereals, breads, and pastas; milk, yogurt, and other dairy products; fat-trimmed and lean meats; fish; beans; and water.

Some foods and drinks should be consumed less often. These include white bread, rice, and pasta; granola; pretzels; and fruit juices. Others are best to have only once in a while—like french fries, doughnuts and other sweet baked goods, hot dogs, fried fish and chicken, candy, and soda.

“Healthier diets don’t have to cost more, provided that you have the right attitude, make the right food choices, and try to cook at home,” says Dr. Adam Drewnowski, a nutrition expert at the University of Washington in Seattle. With some planning, he says, you can prepare meals that are tasty, affordable, and nutrient rich.

Get the whole family to help slice, dice, and chop. NIH has developed several resources to help you learn how to improve your eating habits (see the Links box in the sidebar). You might be surprised how easy healthy cooking and snacking can be.

Outside the Home

These days, much of our food isn’t eaten at home. It’s eaten on the go. One easy way to get the nutrients you need is to pack healthy lunches—both for yourself and your kids.

“You can work with your child to make a lunch using whole-grain bread, wraps, or pita pockets filled with lean meats or cheese, vegetables, and nut butters or spreads, such as hummus,” Nicastro says. “Pack vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, and cucumbers or any fresh fruit that’s currently in season. Teens can learn to pack their own lunches with a healthy variety of foods.”

If your kids buy lunch, talk to them about making healthy choices when buying food from the school cafeteria and vending machines. “Parents should encourage their children to choose the important food groups for lunch: a lean protein, fruit and vegetable, whole grains,” Nicastro says. “If a salad bar is available, this is a great opportunity for kids to make their own salad with vegetables, lean protein, and fruit.”

If you have a busy day with your family planned, pack healthy snacks in a small cooler or tote bag before you leave. Consider water, fresh fruit, veggies, and low-fat cheese sticks. Pack small portions of unsalted nuts, whole-grain crackers, or a low-sugar cereal.

Fast-food restaurants can also be a challenge, but sometimes fast food is your only option. At restaurants, use the menu labels and information about calories and other nutrients to make healthier food and beverage choices. Healthy choices can include salads, sliced fruit instead of french fries, and grilled options instead of fried.

Using Labels

When you’re grocery shopping, the Nutrition Facts label is a great resource to help you compare foods and drinks. It can help you confirm whether products marked with healthy-sounding terms really are healthy. For example, “low-fat” foods aren’t necessarily healthy; they can be very high in sugar and calories.

Use the Nutrition Facts label to help guide you to limit the nutrients you want to cut back on, such as sodium or added sugar. You can also use it to make sure you’re getting plenty of the nutrients you need, such as calcium and iron.

When reading the label, start at the top. Look at the serving size. Next, look at the calorie count. Then move on to the nutrients, where it lists the amount and daily values experts recommend.

Remember that what you might eat or drink as one portion can be multiple servings. For example, if you eat one bag of chips but the label says there are three servings in a bag, you need to multiply all the numbers on the label by three to find out how many calories you just ate.

Working Together

Sometimes it can be hard to find healthy food and drink choices when shopping locally. People in some communities have been working together to make it easier to find healthy foods in their neighborhoods.

For instance, in some neighborhoods, people have joined together to tend community garden plots. “Learning to garden, planting rooftop gardens, box gardens, or small planters can provide some easy growing veggies like tomatoes right at home,” Spruijt–Metz says. “Another possibility is finding a fruit and vegetable truck that would be willing to come to the neighborhood.”

Take time to build healthy eating decisions into every aspect of your family’s life. If you’re a parent or guardian, start talking with kids at an early age about health and nutrition. And practice what you preach. Make healthy food and drink choices yourself so you can set a good example for your kids.

“Food provides our bodies with needed nourishment. Teaching children to read labels while shopping as they get older is a good way to help them learn to shop for healthy foods,” Spruijt–Metz says. “Teaching them to cook simple, tasty, and healthy meals when they’re young is a skill that will stay with them throughout their lives.”

 

Source:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/special-issues/eating/better-nutrition-every-day

Filed Under: Health | Healthy Lifestyle | Nutrition

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

 

What Are the Symptoms?

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include—

  • Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
  • Pain in any area of the breast.
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
  • A new lump in the breast or underarm.

 

If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.

 

Are you worried about the cost? CDC offers free or low-cost mammograms. Find out if you qualify.

 

How Can I Lower My Risk?

Some main factors that influence your risk for breast cancer include—

  • Being a woman.
  • Being older (most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older).
  • Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

 

Most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors and no history of the disease in their families. There are things you can do to can help lower your breast cancer risk.

 

Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening.

 

Fast Facts About Breast Cancer

  • Each year in the United States, more than 245,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. See detailed statistics.
  • Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
  • Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.

 

 

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/

Filed Under: Health | Healthy Lifestyle

HHS Secretary Azar Statement on Illnesses Associated with E-Cigarettes

 

August 30, 2019

 

As of August 27, 2019, health departments from 25 states have reported 215 possible cases of pulmonary illnesses from users of e-cigarette products, resulting in one death, and additional reports are under investigation. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement:

 

“HHS and the Trump Administration are using every tool we have to get to the bottom of this deeply concerning outbreak of illnesses in Americans who use e-cigarettes. More broadly, we will continue using every regulatory and enforcement power we have to stop the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. This situation, and the rising tide of youth tobacco use, is a top public health priority for the Trump Administration and every leader at HHS.”

 

Further Background from HHS

  • On Friday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Health Alert Network sent out a bulletin with information gathered for the use of clinicians and Americans interested in following the issue.
  • No single substance or e-cigarette product has been consistently associated with these illness reports.
  • CDC and FDA are working closely with local health departments to investigate, including ongoing testing at FDA laboratories.
  • Clinicians should report any new cases as appropriate to their state or local health department.
  • The general public can report any unexpected issues with e-cigarettes to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.
  • The CDC recommends that, while the investigation is ongoing, Americans who use e-cigarettes and are concerned about these specific, potential risks of illness should consider refraining from their use, and should not buy them off the street or modify them or add substances in ways not intended by the manufacturer.
  • In general, youth, young adults, and pregnant women should never be using e-cigarettes, and Americans who do not use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarettes.

 

 

The joint statement from CDC Director Robert Redfield and Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-federal-and-state-collaboration-investigate-respiratory-illnesses-reported-after-use-e.

 

CDC’s Health Alert Network bulletin: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00421.asp.

 

CDC's information on Electronic Cigarettes: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes

 

 

 

Source:

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2019/08/30/secretary-azar-statement-illnesses-associated-with-ecigarettes.html

Filed Under: Health

Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes

 

Before the Talk

Know the facts.

Be patient and ready to listen.

  • Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
  • Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture.
  • It’s OK for your conversation to take place over time, in bits and pieces.

 

Set a positive example by being tobacco-free.

  • If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit. For free help, visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

 

Start the Conversation

Find the right moment.

 

A more natural discussion will increase the likelihood that your teen will listen. Rather than saying “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen what he or she thinks about a situation you witness together, such as:

  • Seeing someone use an e-cigarette in person or in a video.
  • Passing an e-cigarette shop when you are walking or driving.
  • Seeing an e-cigarette advertisement in a store or magazine or on the internet.

 

 Ask for support.

  • Not sure where to begin? Ask your health care provider to talk to your teen about the risks of e-cigarettes.
  • You might also suggest that your teen talk with other trusted adults, such as relatives, teachers, faith leaders, coaches, or counselors whom you know are aware of the risks of e-cigarettes.
  • These supportive adults can help reinforce your message as a parent.

 

 Answer Their Questions

 

Here are some questions and comments you might get from your teen about e-cigarettes and some ideas about how you can answer them.

Why don’t you want me to use e-cigarettes?

  • Science shows that e-cigarettes contain ingredients that are addictive and could harm different parts of your body.
  • Right now, your brain is still developing, which means you are more vulnerable to addiction. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and using nicotine can change your brain to make you crave more nicotine. It can also affect your memory and concentration. I don’t want that for you!
  • E-cigarettes contain chemicals that are harmful. When people use e-cigarettes, they breathe in tiny particles that can harm their lungs.
  • The cloud that people exhale from e-cigarettes can expose you to chemicals that are not safe to breathe.
  • I don’t say this to scare you, but I want you to have the facts because nothing is more important to me than your health and safety.

 

What’s the big deal about nicotine?

  • Your brain is still developing until about age 25. The Surgeon General reported that nicotine is addictive and can harm your brain development.
  • Using nicotine at your age may make it harder for you to concentrate, learn, or control your impulses.
  • Nicotine can even train your brain to be more easily addicted to other drugs like meth and cocaine.

 

Aren’t e-cigarettes safer than conventional cigarettes?

  • Because your brain is still developing, scientific studies show that it isn’t safe for you to use any tobacco product that contains nicotine, including e-cigarettes.
  • Whether you get nicotine from an e-cigarette or a cigarette, it’s still risky.
  • Some e-cigarette batteries have even exploded and hurt people.

 

I thought e-cigarettes didn’t have nicotine – just water and flavoring?

  • I used to think that too. But many e-cigarettes have nicotine. There are also other chemicals in them that can be harmful.
  • Let’s look at the Surgeon General’s website on e-cigarettes (E-cigarettes.SurgeonGeneral.gov) together so you can see for yourself.

 

I (or my friends) have tried e-cigarettes and it was no big deal.

  • I appreciate your honesty. In the future, I hope you (or your friends) will stay away from e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, including cigarettes. Science shows that e-cigarettes contain ingredients that are addictive and could harm different parts of your body.
  • Next time we go to the doctor, let’s ask about the risks of nicotine, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products.

 

You used tobacco, so why shouldn’t I?

  • If I could live my life over again, I never would have started smoking. I learned that people who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to develop, and die from, certain diseases than people who don’t smoke. This was really scary, so I quit smoking.
  • Quitting was really hard, and I don’t want you to go through that. The best thing is to not start at all.

 

Keep the Conversation Going

 

Many parents find that texting is a great way to reach their teens. Here are some suggestions for text messages that might catch your teen’s attention. And, you can easily share pages of the website (E-cigarettes.SurgeonGeneral.gov) with your teen.

 

Connect and encourage.

  • You always liked science. Check out the science about e-cigarettes and young people: E-cigarettes.SurgeonGeneral.gov.
  • Getting off nicotine is hard but I’m so happy I quit. Don’t make that mistake and get addicted. Smoking and tobacco use, including using e-cigarettes, are unsafe for young people.

 

Remind and repeat.

  • Most teenagers don’t use e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes with nicotine can mess with your brain, and your brain is still developing until you are at least 25.
  • You might be tempted by e-cigarette flavors, but inhaling certain flavorings that have been found in some e-cigarettes can be harmful.

 

Share facts and resources.

  • Just learned that many e-cigarettes have nicotine in them. That’s the drug that makes cigarettes so addictive. Nicotine can also mess with your brain development.
  • Just saw a report from the Surgeon General that e-cigarettes can mess with how your brain develops and might even affect your mood and focus. Please don’t use any products that contain nicotine.
  • Hope none of your friends use e-cigarettes around you. Even breathing the cloud they exhale can expose you to nicotine and chemicals that can be dangerous to your health.

 

 

 

 

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health - https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipsheet_508.pdf

 

Additional Information From the CDC regarding e-cigarettes: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/

Filed Under: Health

Healthy Eating on a Budget

 

Create a Grocery Game Plan

Making a plan before heading to the store can help you get organized, save money, and choose healthy options.

Plan Your Weekly Meals
Make a Grocery List
Save More at the Store

 

Shop Smart to Fill Your Cart

To get the most for your dollar, follow the tips in this section as you shop at your favorite food store.

Tips for Every Aisle
Understand the Price Tag
Read the Food Label

 

Prepare Healthy Meals

Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a quick snack for yourself, it's easy to make it healthy. 

Kitchen Timesavers
Cooking for Your Family
Tasty and Low-cost Recipes

 

Additional Resources

Find additional tips and resources:

Sample 2-week Menus
Resources for Professionals

 

 

Source:

United States Department of Agriculture - https://www.choosemyplate.gov/budget

Filed Under: Health | Healthy Lifestyle | Nutrition

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM).  This important initiative encourages everyone to make a plan in order to know what to do during an emergency.  This year’s theme of “Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters" reminds us that we should all take action to prepare. We are all able to help first responders in our community by training on how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes – where we live, work, and visit.   

This is a nationwide, month-long effort started by the Ready Campaign https://www.ready.gov/september. September's NPM is in its 16th year, encouraging households, businesses, and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies. We never know when an emergency will take place, as witnessed in the past with Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, and currently with ongoing weather-related devastation and active shooter incidences across our country.

National Preparedness Month provides us with a great reminder to be proactive and be prepared because a disaster or emergency could have life-threatening implications. 

 

Week 1: Sept 1-7                      Save Early for Disaster Costs

Week 2: Sept 8-14                    Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters

 

Week 3: Sept 15-21                  Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters

  • Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away from home: ready.gov/kids
  • Help your kids to learn how to communicate during an emergency.
 

Review these topics with them:

 

Sending text messages

Emergency contact numbers

Dialing 9-1-1 for help

 

Week 4: Sept 22-30                  Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness

  • Take classes in lifesaving skills, such as CPR/AED and first aid, or in emergency response. Visit www.redcross.org for details.
  • Join an Emergency Response Team in your community, donate to a reputable organization of your choice, and volunteer to respond to disasters and help your fellow Americans. Visit NVOAD.org to learn more.
  • Teach preparedness curriculum in your school. Download everything you need for grades K-12 through the Ready Kids program.
  • Promote preparedness online by sharing preparedness tips on your social media account with Ready’s online social media toolkit or public service announcements.
  • Take a free online independent study course through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute and gain more knowledge to help your community become more prepared.
  • Check-in with neighbors to help each other out before and after a storm.

https://www.ready.gov/get-involved

  • Ulster County Department of Health ServNY Volunteer Registry seeks health and mental health professionals to serve as volunteers in the event of a declared Ulster County emergency: https://apps.health.ny.gov/pub/servny/ to sign up or call 845-334-5538 for details.

 

Source:

Ready - https://www.ready.gov/

Filed Under: Health

HUD Celebrates One Year of Smokefree Apartment Living

 

By: Editorial Staff  |  July 30, 2019 

July 30 marks one year since HUD implemented a smokefree housing rule that protected close to two million public housing residents.

For more than a decade, the American Lung Association has been working hard to protect everyone in public housing from secondhand smoke exposure. This multi-faceted effort included years of advocating for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make all federally subsidized housing, including public housing, smokefree.  And once the rule was finalized, the Lung Association mobilized to assist public housing properties with implementation of smokefree policies and supporting HUD's smokefree public housing rule.

The public housing rule marked a big step in the fight for healthy air for all. Exposure to secondhand smoke poses well-documented, serious health threats to both children and adults. Not only does secondhand smoke cause more than 41,000 deaths per year, the Surgeon General reports that it can cause or worsen a number of diseases and conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease and asthma. 

This is why the American Lung Association has been a longtime supporter of making multi-unit housing smokefree. In 2009, HUD turned to the Lung Association and American Academy of Pediatrics to assist in the development of two toolkits for landlords/managers and residents of federally-owned and subsidized housing for properties that were ready to go smokefree voluntarily. HUD's encouragement of voluntary smokefree policies resulted in over 600 Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) adopting policies prior to HUD's smokefree housing rule – which translated to thousands of residents breathing clean air in their homes. It also demonstrated to HUD that smokefree policies were a win-win:  better health for residents and fewer maintenance costs for properties.

But everyone has the right to clean air, so the fight was far from over. The Lung Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics continued advocacy efforts and finally, HUD's smokefree housing rule came to fruition on November 30, 2016 and officially took effect February 3, 2017. Once it was in effect, there was an 18-month implementation period during which all PHAs needed to put smokefree policies in place.

Following the announcement, the Lung Association stepped up to assist PHAs with application of the rule and to provide smoking cessation support to residents. This led to the Smoking Cessation for Low-Income Housing Residents Initiative in 14 states with the Anthem Foundation, the Smokefree at Home Project supported by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and in partnership with Mental Health America and the Smokefree Public Housing Initiative in 10 states with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.

"The HUD policy coming into place was the perfect opportunity to work together again to bring information and resources to public housing managers and public housing residents, the people who need it most," said Keri Schneider, American Lung Association Manager of Health Promotions and project manager of the Smoking Cessation for Low-Income Housing Residents Initiative in Wisconsin.

Through these multiple initiatives, the Lung Association has provided technical assistance to nearly 3,000 properties containing 111,600 units. One public housing resident in Milwaukee was particularly vocal about her involvement in the program supported by the Anthem Foundation. "I'd been struggling to finally quit," said Dorise Hardin in Wisconsin. "It gave me the push I was looking for, and it gave me the class that helped me start to stop smoking. I can do this, it's time." Dorise has been smokefree for a year and continues to go to meetings to talk with other community members about the harms of tobacco. "Now that I've given myself a chance, I can breathe. I can breathe, and I like that."

After more than a decade of advocacy for the passage of the HUD smokefree housing rule, the American Lung Association is proud to have played a leadership role in this public health victory and worked on the ground to help make the transition a success, protect vulnerable residents from secondhand smoke and help residents who smoke begin their healthier, smokefree lives.

 

NYS SMOKERS’ QUITLINE: 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487)

https://www.nysmokefree.com/

 

Source:

American Lung Association - https://www.lung.org/about-us/blog/2019/07/hud-anniversary.html

Filed Under: Health | Healthy Lifestyle

NYS Disability and Health Program Releases Physical Activity Resources

 

The NYS Disability and Health Program would like to share two physical activity resources recently released.

 

The Inclusive Fitness Toolkit was developed from work completed under the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Inclusive Fitness Initiative by project grantees: Cornell University’s Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, Daemen College, and SUNY Upstate Medical Center. The goal of the Initiative was to enhance access to and inclusion in community fitness/wellness programming by individuals with developmental and other disabilities.

 

This toolkit is designed to help fitness/wellness professionals consider the needs of individuals with developmental and other disabilities when designing and implementing programs and services. It contains information about the legal, human and practical aspects of inclusion. The contents of the toolkit are designed for use by individual fitness professionals and may also be used for conversations and/or in-service training with staff, colleagues, and clients. You don’t need to be a decision maker in the organization to use this toolkit; everyone from janitorial staff, to receptionists, to part-time instructors, to gym owners, anyone who interacts with customers and clients will find information they can use!

 

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) recently released a 25-minute seated workout on their YouTube page.  This video will guide you through several strength and cardio activities to increase your heart rate and help you meet your physical activity goals.

 

Everybody needs physical activity for good health. Most adults with disabilities are able to participate in physical activity, yet nearly half of them do not get any aerobic physical activity. Adults with disabilities are more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities. Physical activity can help reduce the impact of these chronic diseases. Disability does not have to equal poor health1.

 

 

Sources:

NYS Disability & Health Program Team – https://www.health.ny.gov/community/disability/

 

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) -

[1]https://www.nchpad.org/1732/6857/Find~Your~Own~Path~to~Physical~Activity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGhMIr_guNI

Filed Under: Fitness | Health | Healthy Lifestyle

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