Frankenstorm Prompts Emergency Preparedness Reminders

Some nasty weather is pommeling the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Meteorologists are calling for a trifecta of Hurricane Sandy, snow storms and other bad weather. They've dubbed this perfect storm "Frankenstorm" as it's scheduled to make landfall on Halloween--October 31, 2012. This article was written about earthquake emergency preparedness, but these safety tips are similar to bad weather advisories. Use these to get your family storm ready. Read on  Emergency Preparedness for Hurricane Sandy, "Frankenstorm"

Alarming Number of Teens Use Opioids Nonmedically

Just more than 1 in 6 high school seniors has used prescription opioids, says a study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. That 17.6 percent have used opioids for any medical reason is scary enough, but 12.9 percent say they have used opioids nonmedically. It's terrifying to think that kids can access strong mind-altering drugs and use them recreationally. It's worrisome that they would even want to. Sure, kids are curious. But this goes beyond a little alcohol pot experimentation (both of which are bad enough). Opioids affect thinking and development. Even just one use can have disasterous, long-term consequences.  Do I sound paranoid? I am, with good reason. You should be too. Read on. Study Finds Alarming Number of Teens Use Opioids Nonmedically

What parents should know about childhood obesity

For a society that values tolerance, there's one population we're not very nice to--fat people. We treat fat kids especially badly. We rail against bullying, but then we shame overweight kids and guilt parents for making them fat. We make cruel, sententious remarks like "it's their fault for letting (insert name) get 'that way.'" I always want to retort "what way? Nice? Smart? Helpful? Cute?"

Oh right, fat. Because that's all that matters is that he's chubby. Never mind what an awesome person he is. And I'm not convinced that juvenile obesity is the epidemic we tout it as. Sure I've seen the grossly overweight adults on their hover-rounds. Their fat is more permanent, unless they make lifestyle changes. But among kids, there's more too it. Fat in kids is more transitional. Part of it might be a money-making ploy on the part of healthcare. But then I do tend to wear a tinfoil hat when it comes to government and national health initiatives. And I digress. The point is that not every fat kid may be overweight. Here are things parents need to know about fat kids and weight loss.  What parents should know about childhood obesity

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