National Back-to-School Month

By Terry Orr

While driving to Silver Diner for breakfast this morning - our local all news radio station mentioned that one local school district starts their new school year today – while two other major areas would begin the last week of August and the remaining school districts after Labor Day.

So many things to consider and to get accomplished in a short time – clothes, supplies, health (eyes, shots, physicals, hearing, and more), new routines (study, sleep, early wake ups, packing backpacks, et al) and getting into the right, positive attitude – to name a few.

There is significant amount of help online – local, state, federal, organizations, blogs and websites to satisfy almost everyone.  Some of those are provided below under Resources, References, Links and Tips section below.

Many folks will be able to tailor a couple of the checklist to meet most of their individual needs.  We highly recommend checking with each school your children will be attending for any specific requirements – such as what foods can be brought; clothing restrictions; medical and medicines requirements; schedules and points of contacts.

Safety is once again an important topic to review with the whole family to cover any new material and refresh everyone the importance of Think Safety First.  Safety Checklist from the National Safety Council has an excellent list and here are some highlights:

[http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/SafetyObservances/Documents/Back%20to%20School/Back%20to%20School%20Safety%20Checklist.pdf ].

Transportation Safety

Walking to School

Riding a bicycle to School

Riding the bus to School

School Safety

Preventing backpack-related injuries

Preventing playground-related injuries

There are other important manners to consider as well:

Check-ups and Immunizations

Take your child in for a physical and eye exam before school starts

Make sure your child’s immunization shots are up-to-date

Keep your child’s health documentation handy

Plan Healthy Breakfasts and Lunches

Huge challenge these days with all the do’s and don’ts regarding what a child is allowed to bring their lunch – due to allergies and other health related issues.  Breakfast is such an important meal – and having a hot one has so many benefits.  Many kids are out of the house by 7 AM – so when do they find time for that all-important meal of the day?

So Mom and Dad, how do you resolve this dilemma?

Have you already got your planning activities undercontrol?

Resources, References and Links:

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back-to-School.shtml

http://kids.usa.gov/grown-ups/for-parents/get-involved/index.shtml

http://www.momagenda.com/printable/back-to-school.pdf

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/family-health-12/back-to-school-prep

http://singleparents.about.com/od/yourchildseducation/tp/btschecklist.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/back-school-complete-checklist-parents/story?id=11407354

http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/762-back-to-school-checklist

http://www.parentfurther.com/blog/back-to-school-checklist-for-parents

http://www.parents.com/app/checklist/?checklistId=3002e

http://people.richland.edu/jodell/notes.html

http://www.arc.sbc.edu/notes.html

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/taking-notes-5-college-success-tips/

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

(Google Image) 

By Nurse Diane

I was due later that week for an appointment with the gynecologist when early one morning I received a call from his office: I had been rescheduled for early that morning at 9:30am. I had just packed everyone off to work and school and it was around 8:45 already. The trip usually took about 35 minutes so I didn't have any time to spare. As most women do, I'm sure, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So I rushed upstairs, threw off my dressing gown, wet the washcloth and gave myself a wash in "that area" in front of the sink, taking extra care to make sure that I was presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment. I was in the waiting room only a few minutes when he called me in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure all women do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended I was in Hawaii or some other place a million miles away from here. I was surprised when he said: "My...we have taken a little extra effort this morning, haven't we?" but I didn't respond. The appointment over, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day went as normal, some shopping, cleaning and the evening meal, etc. At 8:30 that evening my 14 year old daughter was getting ready for a school dance, when she called down from the bathroom, "Mom, where's my washcloth?"I called back for her to get another from the cabinet. She called back, "No, I need that one that was here by the sink. It had all my glitter and sparkles in it."

(Google Image) 

Going to the gynecologist can be a very embarrassing procedure for some, however it is a very necessary examination used to detect any possibility of cancer.  Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs.  Five main types of cancer affect a woman's reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. In 2008, 83,662 women in the United States were diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, and 27,813 women died from it. . When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.

(Google Image) 

There is no way to know for sure if you will get a gynecologic cancer. That's why it is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you, so you can recognize the warning signs or symptoms of gynecologic cancer.

(Google Image) 

If you have vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, talk to a doctor right away. You should also see a doctor if you have any other warning signs that last for two weeks or longer and are not normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.

Some warning signs to look for include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge;
• Pelvic pain or pressure;
• Abdominal or back pain;
• Bloating;
• Change in bathroom habits;
• Burning or itching of the vulva; and or
• Changes in color of the vulva or rash sores or warts.

Prevention:

• Some gynecologic cancers are caused by the human pusillanimous (HPV) a very common sexually transmitted infection. Vaccines protect against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulva cancers. It is recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls. (Note: The vaccine can be given to girls beginning at age 9.) It also can be given to females who are 13–26 who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. Ideally, girls should get three doses of this vaccine before their first sexual contact.
• Annual PAP smears should also be performed by the age of 30, sometimes even younger if there is a history of gynecological cancers in the family.
• If you have any questions about the screenings or your possibility of risk, check with your doctor.

(Google Image) 

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and you are encouraged to schedule a checkup with your gynecologist, or let your wife, mother, aunts, girlfriends, any female in your life know that their health is very important and prevention and early detection is necessary for a long healthy life.   For more information about gynecological cancers, visit this site:  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/index.htm