The World Health Organization (WHO) has made the assessment that COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be characterised as a pandemic and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories. While a lot is still unknown about the virus that causes COVID-19, we do know that it is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an…

This guide offers information that can help parents raise drug-free children. Parents may read it from front to back like a book, or pick a topic from the Table of Contents and go directly to that page. This guide includes: (1) An overview of substance use among young people, with a special focus on how it affects academic performance; (2)…

"Ergonomics" is a body of knowledge about human abilities and limitations and how these abilities and limitations should be applied to the design of equipment, machinery, and other devices to ensure safe, comfortable and effective use. Most homes and schools today are equipped with computers for student use. Backpacks have become the…

Describes head, body, and crab lice so parents can recognize and respond to the problem in their children, noting that head lice are common in grade school children. The article includes an insert that describes 10 steps in recognizing signs of lice and providing treatment. (SM)

Skin cancer in the United States is epidemic. About 90% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. The age of patients developing melanoma is dropping dramatically. Parents must protect their children from the sun during all outdoor activities year round. The article presents recommendations for preventing skin cancer. (SM)

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a national public education campaign focusing on the problem of injuries related to playground equipment. The article presents several of its recommendations for playground safety and provides instructions for obtaining a free brochure. (SM)

Weight-related problems, including eating disorders, disordered eating, and obesity, are prevalent among adolescents. School and community-based educators and health care providers have an important role to play in the prevention of weight-related problems in youth. This article includes: 1) a brief overview of weight-related problems in…

Presents a series of exercises to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful hand disorder caused by stressful and repetitive motions. (SM)

Describes Lyme disease, which is spread most commonly by the deer tick; indicates symptoms, preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment. (SM)

The most important part of any babysitting job is everyone's safety while the parents are gone. The article makes suggestions about what parents should ask prospective babysitters before hiring them and discusses issues that parents must cover with babysitters before leaving them alone with the children. (SM)

The Surgeon General, the Nation's top public health officer, is appointed by the President of the United States to help protect and promote the health of the Nation. The recently published "Surgeon General's Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking" [ED496083] highlights underage alcohol use as a major public health and…

Computer use can affect students' health. Recommends instruction on safe computer use, placement of computers to minimize children's exposure to magnetic field. Preventive measures are suggested to help children avoid eye strain and repetitive strain injuries. (SM)

The National Fire Protection Association offers a quiz on fire safety designed to help people learn about the major fire dangers and change the way they respond to them. Recommends that families sit down and take the quiz together, focusing on the correct answers provided. (SM)

Presents a brief quiz for parents to see if their child's school building is taking basic steps to ensure a safe learning environment (e.g., Is the building locked? Are strict guidelines in place when students participate in field trips? Is adult supervision always maintained on playgrounds?). Suggested action plans are included. A sidebar offers…

The article presents suggestions for home safety checks, recommending that parents look for harmful agents and safety hazards, and suggesting that they teach their children safety awareness. Safety tips are also offered for visits outside the home. (SM)