Your health
Resolve to quit: Despite all the progress that's been made to change the perception of smoking, nearly half of all U.S. children are exposed to secondhand smoke each week. And often it's from Mom or Dad.
A survey from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Legacy Foundation, an anti-smoking public health organization, found:
• Among parents who smoke, only 53.5 percent ban smoking in the home and 22.5 percent prohibit it in the family car.
• More than a quarter of smokers reported their child had been exposed to secondhand smoke at home.
Young children exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and more prone to asthma, ear infections and cavities.
The American Legacy Foundation and Parents magazine are teaming up to offer Parents Quit for Good, a free online smoking cessation program. Visit ParentsQuitForGood.com starting today, or check out the January issue of Parents.
New year, new baby? Many couples think twice about starting a family during tough economic times, but that doesn't mean the biological clock stops ticking. A woman's fertility declines drastically after age 35. Pulling Down The Moon, specialists in holistic fertility care who work in partnership with medical doctors, is offering several free classes for women who are thinking about becoming pregnant. Topics include what to eat to boost fertility; guidelines for weight loss and gain while trying to conceive; yoga for fertility, and massage techniques for couples to reduce stress and strengthen intimacy.
"We urge women to utilize these DIY tools and not allow a troubled economy to get in the way of fulfilling their family building dreams," said Tami Quinn, former fertility patient and co-founder of Pulling Down The Moon.
Centers are located in Arlington Heights, Naperville and Chicago. For a class schedule or to register, call (312) 321-0004 or visit fcionline.com.
Save your neck: Winter sports injuries send thousands to the ER each year and can lead to permanent brain damage, paralysis or death. In 2007, snowboarding and sledding caused the most head injuries; snow skiing and snowboarding led for neck injuries.
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommends these precautions:
• Wear helmets or protective head gear approved by the ASTM for your sport 100 percent of the time.
• Don't participate if you are ill, very tired or have consumed alcohol.
• Drive snowmobiles slowly and only on marked trails.
• Ice skate only in designated areas and check for cracks and debris.
• Use only sleds that can be steered and never go down a slope head first.
• Follow all signs and warnings on ski slopes, sledding hills and ice rinks.