Keep Kids Safe
On the Lookout For Lazy Eye
About 2-4% of children suffer from amblyopia, or 'lazy eye', a condition
that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. When detected early,
amblyopia treatment is highly successful in restoring and retaining good
vision for life.
In recognition of amblyopia awareness month in August, Prevent Blindness
America wants to educate parents on the subtle warning signs of amblyopia
early on and give kids the earliest, most effective treatment possible.
Warning signs can include:
- Complaints of blurry vision
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- A turning eye or crossed eyes
- Double vision
- Squinting or closing one eye, especially in sunlight
- Coordination problems
Amblyopia can only be diagnosed through an examination by a qualified eye
care professional. Since the condition usually appears early in life, you
should have your child's vision checked at least once before age 3 and again
before age 5.
Prevent Blindness America also sponsors the 'Eye Patch Club', a support
program that helps families cope with amblyopia. Log on to
www.preventblindness.org to join.
Smart Snacking
If too many sodas, candies and high-fat snacks are working their way into
your child's diet, it's time to take advantage of summer's bounty of fresh
fruits and make snacking nutritious as well as delicious.
There are so many seasonal fruits to choose from, notes the American
Dietetic Association, that your child can select a different fruit every
day. This can also be a great way to introduce your child to new foods and
tastes while adding vitamins, minerals and fiber to his diet. Choose from
apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapes, nectarines,
oranges, peaches, pineapple, plumbs, strawberries and watermelon.
For more healthy eating ideas for the whole family, visit www.eatright.org.
www.eatright.org
Summer vacation doesn't have to be 'no brain' season. Head for the local
library and open up new worlds of knowledge and fun.
The Lake County Public Library offers summer reading programs for all ages
and a variety of children's programs and activities at each of its 12 area
branches. For specifics and locations, visit www.lakeco.lib.in.us.
Local libraries in Crown Point, East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Lowell and
Whiting also offer summer events. Why not drop by your neighborhood library
today, where you open up new horizons (and a good book) free of charge!
Cosmetics & Tattoos: How Smart Are You?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration challenges teens to test their
knowledge about safety of makeup, hair dyes and tattoos.
- Can mascara cause eye infections, injuries or blindness?
- Can tattoos be erased with lasers?
- Is it OK to use hair dyes on eyebrows and eyelashes?
- Are all product ingredients approved by the FDA?
- What does the term 'hypoallergenic' really mean
Test yourself and learn about the safest ways to use cosmetics by visiting
www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/default.htm and click on the cosmetics quiz link.
If you ace the quiz, you can receive a special 'Smart Consumer' certificate.
If not, you'll learn valuable information that can help protect your health
and safety when you use cosmetics.
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