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As hearts swell with the season, our charitable donations rise. In this time of personal philanthropy, resolve to make a regular donation at the bank as well.

The blood bank.

Because of the perishable nature of blood and its components, the supply must be replenished regularly. "So now is the time for a New Year's resolution to donate blood at routine intervals, preferably twice a year," says Dr. Ravi Sarode, a pathologist who heads the Transfusion Medicine and Coagulation Laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

"To jog your memory, you might schedule your blood donations to coincide with your birthday and wedding anniversary or some other personal and perennial event to time your visits to the blood bank at five- or six-month intervals," says Dr. Sarode.

"The shelf life for platelets is only five days and, therefore, there is often a shortage of this critical blood component, especially during a long holiday season," Dr. Sarode says. "When you donate whole blood, you help three or four patients because whole blood is then divided into three or four of its major components, such as red cells, platelets and plasma. You can choose to donate either whole blood or only platelets or red cells."

(12-30-08)

Exploding champagne corks may add a dramatic flair to a holiday party, but they can also cause serious eye injuries such as ruptured globes, detached retinas and painful bruising. Dr. Preston Blomquist, an ophthalmologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, recommends the following safety tips:

• Chill champagne and sparkling wine to at least 45 degrees; a cork in a cold bottle is less likely to pop unexpectedly.
• Hold the cork down with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood.
• Point the bottle away from people, and hold it at a 45-degree angle.
• Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle, grasp the cork and slowly and firmly twist to break the seal. Hold the bottle firmly with one hand and use the other hand to slowly turn the cork with a slight upward pull. Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Counter the outward force of the cork by applying slight downward pressure just as the cork breaks free from the bottle.

(12-30-08)

With the holidays upon us, watching our spending isn't our only challenge. We also need to keep our waistlines in check. Dr. Linda Michalsky, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center, offers tips to help keep in shape both during and after the holidays:

• Move! Gather your friends and relatives for a talk-as-you-walk after the meal and circle the buffet table two or three times before getting seconds or dessert.
• Limit intake to half or less of normal portions except for your favorite dish.
• Wait 15 to 20 minutes before going back for seconds or dessert, and limit both. If you cut a piece of pie or cake in half, someone will grab the other half immediately.
• Use smaller plates. If you only have large plates, leave some room so that part of the plate is visible.
• Drink water between other beverages.
• Choose a seat away from the food tables.
• Bring low-calorie foods you like.

(12-23-08)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently joined Target, of Minneapolis, Minn., in announcing a new notification system for communicating product recalls in Target stores nationwide. Target's innovative safety and recall notification program involves posting signs throughout its stores that direct guests to gift registry kiosks near the Guest Service desk to learn about recalled products.

Through the kiosk system, guests in Target stores will have easy access to notices of new or past recalls for all product categories and can print copies of safety and recall notices to take with them.

Target will continue to post safety and recall information at Target.com, provide links to the CPSC and related Web sites and send e-mails to guests who have purchased recalled products online. To further increase awareness of recalls, Target has introduced a new process for eligible Target REDcard account holders, which provides recorded phone messages for guests who purchase an item that has been recalled.

CPSC would also like to urge consumers to sign up to receive automatic e-mail updates on recalls. "We have several subscription lists so consumers have more choices in the types of messages they can receive to ensure their families are safe," says Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.

By logging on to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx consumers can tailor the type of e-mail notification they prefer, based on product type. Subscription lists include the following:

• All CPSC press releases, including recalls
• All recalls only
• Only those recalls involving infant/child products
• Only those recalls involving products used for sports and recreation
• Only those recalls involving products used outdoors
• Only those recalls involving household products
• Only those recalls involving specialty products

At the gift registry kiosk or at www.target.com, Target guests can also search for recall information based on specific product categories.

(12-23-08)

Despite dramatic decreases in the number of fatal child poisonings over the past several decades, approximately 86,000 U.S. children were treated in hospital emergency departments in 2004 after ingesting drugs, cleaning products and/or other poisonous substances, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.

For the study, researchers reviewed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, related to unintentional poisonings in children, ages 4 and younger, who were treated in hospital emergency rooms.

The review found that about 70 percent of the poisonings involved children ages 1 or 2; more than half involved boys; and 13.3 percent resulted in hospital admission. Nearly 60 percent of the poisonings involved oral prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs or supplements.

The study authors state that child poisoning remains a "serious health concern," and that additional research is needed to better understand the circumstances surrounding unintentional poisonings, and improvements made to child resistant packaging.

(12-23-08)

Mothers – often the family's primary health care decision maker – recognize the great value in getting their families vaccinated against influenza throughout the winter months and even into early spring, according to a survey commissioned by the American Lung Association as part of its Faces of Influenza immunization awareness initiative.

"Mothers play an important role in keeping their families healthy, including getting them vaccinated against influenza each year, and our survey shows they believe in the value of immunization for their loved ones through the winter and spring," says Dr. Norman Edelman, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association.

National Influenza Vaccination Week was December 8-14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage physicians to continue giving influenza vaccinations through the end of the year and beyond. Each year, approximately 226,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with complications from influenza, and an average of 36,000 people die – including about 100 children. The CDC reports that annual influenza vaccination rates have historically decreased following the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, visit www.facesofinfluenza.org.

(12-23-08)

According to the American Dental Association, only 12 percent of Americans floss daily. ChicagoHealers.com practitioner Dr. Kevin Boehm has patients often asking about the significance and importance of flossing. As we've learned, it is extremely important to floss, and over the past 10 to 15 years, a large amount of research has brought systemic reasons for the importance of flossing to light.

"Flossing has obvious benefits including a decrease in tooth decay since floss can reach where toothbrushes cannot," says Dr. Boehm. "Flossing can be a simple process if done right and can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease."

Dr. Boehm also emphasizes a lesser known fact in that a lack of flossing can affect the immune system. Gum disease producing bacteria hides in the spaces below the gum line and can enter the blood vessels of diseased gums. An increased risk of heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis and heart valve or muscle damage are possible. Additional risks can include adult-onset diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney infections.

Dr. Boehm provides the following tips for flossing properly:

• Foot of Floss: Simply take about 12 inches of floss and wrap it around a couple fingers.
• Slide Around: In an up/down sliding motion, floss all the sides of the teeth. Be careful to go under the gum line to break up the bacteria's hiding places.
• More Than Just the Teeth: Remember that flossing not only helps save the teeth, but keeps the rest of the body healthy too.

(12-23-08)

Families are experiencing the emotional stress that comes with economic upheaval. From job loss to spending cuts, current economic times can negatively impact children's emotional well-being. But how can you recognize the symptoms of depression in your children and get your family through this difficult time?

According to Henry Ford Health System psychologist Dr. Victor Gardner, the main symptoms of depression in children involve persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness as well as mood changes, similar to adults. Here are additional symptoms to watch out for:

• Social withdrawal
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia, (sleeping too much)
• Increased emotionality/crying spells
• Problems concentrating
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches that seem to have no physical cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

"In children, depression may be expressed more so through persistent anger or irritability as well as angry 'acting-out' behaviors," says Dr. Gardner. "Significant changes in peer relationships, self-mutilating behavior (like superficial cutting on arms or legs) and abuse of alcohol or drugs may also be seen in extremely depressed children."

For tough topics, like a job loss or move, Dr. Gardner explains it is important to talk to children in an age-appropriate manner. "Children are often able to detect signs that something is wrong at home and if left uninformed about their parents' employment or economic status, children may become overwhelmed with negative thoughts or assumptions about their family situation," says Dr. Gardner. "When informing kids about job loss, parents should reassure their children that steps are being taken to cope with this situation, including seeking out other employment opportunities and making changes in their spending habits."

Parents can also inform their children that they are not alone in these challenging economic times, that this situation is likely to be temporary and that people have rebounded from situations like this before.

Another difficult topic may be expectations about the upcoming holidays or birthdays. Dr. Gardner suggests that parents should initially acknowledge and empathize with any feelings of disappointment their children may experience when informed about plans to reduce holiday spending. "Parents can then reassure their children that the reduction in the amount or type of gifts they may receive has nothing to do with the degree to which they are loved," says Dr. Gardner.

Parents can also admit to mistakes of overspending in the past or of emphasizing material goods, instead of focusing on the true reason for the holiday season. Likewise, parents can help children see that as a result of the economy, many families are making similar changes in their spending.

"If parents are concerned about their child's mood or any significant changes in behavior, they should consult with a pediatrician or family physician as soon as possible," says Dr. Gardner. "The pediatrician or family physician can provide a brief screening for depression and determine the need for mental health counseling, psychiatric consultation and/or placement on antidepressant medication."

But, there are things parents can do to help their families through a difficult time, including the following:

• Get your child involved in some physical exercise, walking or recreational activity, which have been found to relieve symptoms of depression.
• Encourage healthy eating.
• Seek advice and consultation with a mental health provider if the child's symptoms of depression persist and appear to be negatively impacting his or her daily functioning, school performance, family interactions or relationships with friends.
• Make sure that your child is compliant with any medication he or she may be prescribed by a psychiatrist to treat depression.

"Try to prevent your child from spending extended periods of time in isolation or away from positive influences. And, most importantly, keep communication channels open," Dr. Gardner says.

To promote positive communication with your child:

• Spend time with your child.
• Stay attentive and involved.
• Be empathic and caring and let children know that you are concerned about their emotional well-being.

(12-23-08)

Nearly half of all children in the United States are still exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) each week, according to a new survey from the American Legacy Foundation®, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence and researchers from Mississippi State University.

The groups say that while America has come a long way in changing the social perception of smoking in the past 10 years, children are still exposed to secondhand smoke at alarming rates, and they are encouraging parents who smoke to quit for good.

The Social Climate Survey of Tobacco has found that 42 percent of children are exposed to SHS each week, and there are public settings where children could be exposed that are still not smoke-free.

"Children especially deserve smoke-free environments, and all public places where children eat and play should be protected from secondhand smoke," says Dr. Jonathan Klein, director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Julius B. Richmond Center for Excellence. "Adults have the power to make healthier decisions for their children, and there needs to be more done to protect children in homes and cars from the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Other key findings include the following:

• While 75 percent of U.S households prohibit smoking in the home and car, that leaves 25 percent of American homes and cars unprotected.
• More non-smokers prohibit smoking in the home than smokers.
• More than one quarter of smokers report that their child had been exposed to secondhand smoke in their home.
• Among parents who smoke, only 53.5 percent prohibit smoking in the home and even fewer (22.5 percent) prohibit smoking in the family vehicle.
• 8.1 percent of U.S. parents report that their child was exposed to SHS in an indoor public place in the past seven days.

Over the years, studies have concluded that SHS can be just as harmful as cigarette smoking. It is estimated that SHS exposure causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States. Even more disturbing is the fact that young children who are exposed to SHS are at a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities. Infants are at a higher risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

"The effects of secondhand smoke are serious and should not be minimized," says Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, the only national public health foundation solely dedicated to reducing tobacco use in the United States. "Addressing this issue starts with helping adult smokers and parents quit. Most know they are dealing with a tough addiction, so pediatricians and others can provide the tools and resources for parents to re-learn their life without cigarettes."

Today's research coincides with the launch of a new partnership between Parents® magazine and the American Legacy Foundation, Parents Quit for Good. The program provides a free quit plan for moms and dads powered by the foundation's online cessation program, Become an Ex. The program launches just in time to help parents plan their New Year's resolutions to quit smoking.

This new collaborative will be featured in three upcoming issues of Parents starting in January, and includes a new Web site, www.ParentsQuitForGood.com where moms and dads can receive step-by-step assistance in identifying their own smoking triggers, in finding new ways to get through the day without cigarettes, and avoiding weight gain along the way.

(12-23-08)

With the holidays fast approaching, shoppers nationwide are looking for easy, affordable and meaningful ways to give gifts to friends and family. Americans stressed at crowded malls are also trying to find ways to add significance to the holidays. So World Vision, an international aid organization working with children and families, offers Americans some alternatives to cope with the holidays as the recession deepens.

According to a recent World Vision gift-giving survey, four out of five U.S. adults prefer to receive a meaningful gift this holiday season. More than seven out of 10 Americans plan to spend less on gifts, but almost half of those surveyed say that given the current economic climate, they're now more likely to give a "charitable gift," something that helps other people instead of a traditional gift like clothing or home electronics.

Here are the top 5 ways to help your family cope with the holiday recession:

1. As a family, select a charitable organization that you'd like to support, and make a donation online.
2. Consider do-it-yourself gifts (for teachers or friends) that you can make with your children.
3. Lend a hand to a neighbor or shut-in by shoveling their sidewalk or delivering hot chocolate.
4. Give the gift of your time and set aside a few hours to volunteer as a family at your local charity.
5. Buy gift certificates for friends to do family-friendly activities like going to the movies or ice-skating.

World Vision's Devin Hermanson is seeing a return to meaningful giving through World Vision's Gift Catalog, where sales are running ahead of 2007. "The holiday season can be a stressful time of year. There are gifts to purchase and wrap, cookies to bake, and family to visit but as the economy struggles, let's remember our friends and neighbors in need," says Hermanson.

For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

(12-23-08)