Sunday, November 30, 2008

Vaccine Safety Awareness

Making the decision to vaccinate or not requires a lot of consideration. To ensure that both you and your physician are fully aware of the risks involved and the additives in the particular vaccine that will be administered, consider requesting that your physician complete this Physician's Warranty of Vaccine Safety before you make the final decision.
To find out more about vaccine safety, please visit www.safeminds.org.
Physician's Warranty of Vaccine Safety
I (Physician's name, degree)_________________________, _____ am a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of ________________ . My State license number is _______________, and my DEA number is _______________. My medical specialty is ______________________ . I have a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of all the medications that I prescribe for or administer to my patients. In the case of (Patient's name) ___________________________ , age _________________ , whom I have examined, I find that certain risk factors exist that justify the recommended vaccinations. The following is a list of said risk factors and the vaccinations that will protect against them:
Risk Factor Vaccination:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

I am aware that vaccines typically contain many of the following fillers:
  • Aluminum hydroxide
  • Aluminum phosphate
  • Ammonium sulfate
  • Amphotericin B
  • Animal tissues: pig blood, horse blood, rabbit brain, dog kidney, monkey kidney, chick embryo, chicken egg, duck egg, calf (bovine) serum
  • Betapropiolactone
  • Fetal bovine serum
  • Formaldehyde
  • Formalin
  • Gelatin
  • Glycerol
  • Human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
  • Hydrolized gelatin
  • Mercury thimerosol
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Neomycin
  • Neomycin sulfate
  • Phenol red indicator
  • Phenoxyethanol (antifreeze)
  • Potassium diphosphate
  • Potassium monophosphate
  • Polymyxin B
  • Polysorbate 20
  • Polysorbate 80
  • Porcine (pig) pancreatic hydrolysate of casein
  • Residual MRC5 proteins
  • Sorbitol
  • Sucrose
  • Tri(n)butylphosphate
  • VERO cells, a continuous line of monkey kidney cells, and washed sheep red blood
and, hereby, warrant that these ingredients are safe for injection into the body of my patient. Reports to the contrary, such as reports that mercury thimerosol causes severe neurological and immunological damage, are not credible. I am aware that some vaccines have been found to have been contaminated with Simian virus 40 (SV40) and that SV40 is causally linked by some researchers to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and mesothelioma in humans as well as in experimental animals.

I hereby give my assurance that the vaccines I employ in my practice do not contain SV40 or any other live viruses. (Alternately, I hereby give my assurance that said SV40 or other viruses pose no substantive risk to my patient.)

I hereby warrant that the vaccines I am recommending for the care of (Patient's name) _______________ _______________________ do not contain any cells from aborted human babies (also known as fetuses).
In order to protect my patient's well-being, I have taken the following steps to guarantee that the vaccines I will use will contain no damaging contaminants.
Steps taken:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

I have personally investigated the reports made to the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) and state that it is my professional opinion that the vaccines I am recommending are safe for administration to a child under five-years-old.

The bases for my opinion are itemized on Exhibit A, attached hereto, "Physician's Bases for Professional Opinion of Vaccine Safety". (Please itemize each recommended vaccine separately along with the bases for arriving at the conclusion that the vaccine is safe for administration to a child under five-years-old.)

The professional journal articles I have relied upon in the issuance of this Physician's Warranty of Vaccine Safety are itemized on Exhibit B, attached hereto, "Scientific Articles in Support of Physician's Warranty of Vaccine Safety". The professional journal articles that I have read which contain opinions adverse to my opinion are itemized on Exhibit C, attached hereto, "Scientific Articles Contrary to Physician's Opinion of Vaccine Safety". The reasons for my determining that the articles in Exhibit C were invalid are delineated in Attachment D, attached hereto, "Physician's Reasons for Determining the Invalidity of Adverse Scientific Opinions".

Hepatitis B:
I understand that 60 percent of patients who are vaccinated for Hepatitis B will lose detectable antibodies to Hepatitis B within 12 years. I understand that in 1996 only 54 cases of Hepatitis B were reported to the CDC in the 0-1 year age group. I understand that in the VAERS, there were 1,080 total reports of adverse reactions from Hepatitis B vaccine in 1996 in the 0-1 year age group, with 47 deaths reported. I understand that 50 percent of patients who contract Hepatitis B develop no symptoms after exposure. I understand that 30 percent will develop only flu-like symptoms and will have lifetime immunity.

I understand that 20 percent will develop the symptoms of the disease, but that 95 percent will fully recover and have lifetime immunity. I understand that 5 percent of the patients who are exposed to Hepatitis B will become chronic carriers of the disease. I understand that 75 percent of the chronic carriers will live with an asymptomatic infection and that only 25 percent of the chronic carriers will develop chronic liver disease or liver cancer, 10-30 years after the acute infection. The following studies have been performed to demonstrate the safety of the Hepatitis B vaccine in children under five-years-old.

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

In addition to the recommended vaccinations as protections against the above cited risk factors, I have recommended other non-vaccine measures to protect the health of my patient and have enumerated said non-vaccine measures on Exhibit D, attached hereto, "Non-vaccine Measures to Protect Against Risk Factors".

I am issuing this Physician's Warranty of Vaccine Safety in my professional capacity as the attending physician to (Patient's name) ________________________________. Regardless of the legal entity under which I normally practice medicine, I am issuing this statement in both my business and individual capacities and hereby waive any statutory, Common Law, Constitutional, UCC, international treaty, and any other legal immunities from liability lawsuits in the instant case. I issue this document of my own free will after consultation with competent legal counsel whose name is _____________________________, an attorney admitted to the Bar in the State of _________________.

__________________________________ (Name of Attending Physician)

__________________________________ L.S. (Signature of Attending Physician)

Signed on this _______ day of ______________ A.D. ________

Witness: _______________________________ Date: _____________________

Notary Public: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Positive Parenting Idea of the Day

You, as a parent, must become actively involved in your children’s use of television.
 


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Friday, November 28, 2008

Positive Parenting Idea of the Day

You need to systematically plan (and take!) time away from your children to care for yourself and your other relationships.
--Michael H. Popkin, Active Parenting Now

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Thursday, November 27, 2008

A little reminder for all of us!

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'
DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.
SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'
DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.
SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'
DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'
SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straig ht to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities. '

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? After a while, the man had calmed down, and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often The man went to the boy's room and knocked.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.
'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

I knew where this was going as I was reading it but I still got blubbery at the end. Thought I would pass along so someone else could get blubbery too



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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

We really mean it - no toxic toys for our kids!

Dear MomsRising.org member,

You can't take your eyes off them for a second. No, I'm not talking about the kids. This time, it's the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) monkeying around with toxic toys.
Remember in August, we celebrated a major victory in banning the sale of toys containing the toxic chemicals phthalates starting on February 10, 2009? Well, put the champagne back on ice because we just learned that the CPSC is misinterpreting the law and saying that stores can continue to sell down their inventories of these toxic toys as long as they were manufactured before the February deadline.

Tell the CPSC to stop monkeying around with our kids' health and get these banned children's products out of our stores as the law intended. Send a letter to CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord: www.momsrising.org/really_ban_phthalates

Phthalates, plastic-softening chemicals, have been linked to serious health problems including early puberty (a risk factor for breast cancer), birth defects and testicular cancer. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was intended to ban sales of these toxic toys starting on February 10, 2009. Congress clearly intended the law to implement a full ban, so that parents would be confident that no toy on any store shelf contains toxic phthalates, and children would no longer be put at risk. Yet now the law is being interpreted as that it's okay to sell toxic toys as long as they were manufactured before the February deadline. This monkeying around with our kids' health isn't cool. No toxic toys should be sold after that February deadline at all.

Forward this email to friends and family so we can all have our voices heard to stop toxic toys. The more people who weigh in, the faster we'll be able to get the CPSC to reverse its interpretation and agree to a full ban.

Don't forget to tell the CPSC to prioritize the health of our kids over the profits of toy companies. www.momsrising.org/really_ban_phthalates

Thanks for your work on behalf of our children's health.

-- Donna, Julia, Joan, Kristin, Katie, Ashley, Mary, Nanette, Gretchen, Lisa, and the MomsRising Team

P.S. For information about how to avoid phthalates in children's products, see http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=4132341#tips
Please fell free to send this info on to all your friends. And thanks to the Breast Cancer Fund for all their great work to protect our families from toxic products!

P.P.S. Do you have a budding artist in your family? This January, just in time for inauguration, students pre-K through 12th grade are invited to enter a national art contest to promote children's healthcare. Fifty entries will be selected to be featured at exhibits in D.C.'s Union Station and a Congressional office building. For more information see http://iwanttobehealthytoo.org/blog/


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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Recalls

This message consists of the following:

1. Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner Recalled by DuPont Due to Leaking Cap; Poses Risk of Severe Skin Irritation (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09055.html)

2. JCPenney Recalls Arizona(r) Newborn and Infant Pants Due to Choking Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09056.html)

********************************************************

1. Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner Recalled by DuPont Due to Leaking Cap; Poses Risk of Severe Skin Irritation

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2008
Release #09-055

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 241-2780
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner Recalled by DuPont Due to Leaking Cap; Poses Risk of Severe Skin Irritation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner Bottles

Units: About 20,000

Manufacturer: DuPont, of Wilmington, Del.

Hazard: Pressure can build up in a full or nearly full bottle of the acidic cleaner when it is stored in elevated temperatures over an extended period of time, which can result in the cleaner leaking from underneath the cap. If the product comes into contact with skin, it can cause severe skin irritation.

Incidents/Injuries: Lowe's has received two reports of leaking bottles at two different Lowe's stores. One consumer reported temporary skin irritation. Another consumer reported skin peeling.

Description: Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner is used to clean ceramic and porcelain tile and grout. It was sold in silver-colored one quart plastic bottles. "DuPont" and "Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner" are printed on the front of the bottle. UPC code 6-69009-71003-9 is printed on the back label.

Sold at: Lowe's stores from March 2008 through October 2008 for about $7.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner bottles if there are signs of leakage. Even if there are no signs of leakage, consumers should use gloves when handling the recalled bottles and contact DuPont to receive a free replacement bottle cap. Consumers should not return the product to Lowe's.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact DuPont toll-free at (888) 241-2780 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.stonecare.dupont.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09055.html

********************************************************

2. JCPenney Recalls Arizona(r) Newborn and Infant Pants Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2008
Release #09-056

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 333-6063
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

JCPenney Recalls Arizona(r) Newborn and Infant Pants Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with J.C. Penney Corporation, Plano, TX, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.

Name of Product: Arizona(r) Newborn and Infant Denim Pants

Units: About 24,000

Importer: JCPenney Co., of Plano, Texas

Hazard: The metal snap at the waist can detach posing a choking hazard to infants.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Arizona(r) brand newborn and infant girl's and boy's denim pants. They were sold in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months. Only those pants made in Bangladesh are affected; pants made in China are not included in the recall. The country of origin is located on a label sewn into the waistband.

Sold Exclusively at: JCPenney stores nationwide and at www.jcp.com from July 2008 through October 2008 for about $15.

Manufactured in: Bangladesh

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pants and return them to any JCPenney store for a full refund. Pants purchased through the firm's Web site may be returned to the Catalog Desk at any JCPenney store.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact JCPenney toll-free at (888) 333-6063 anytime or visit JCPenney's Web site at www.jcp.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09056.html



********************************************************

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.


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WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.


When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.


When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'


I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS, BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES.

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT .

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influence the life of a child.



How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by
sending this to someone else, you will probably make
them at least think about their influence on others.
Live simply. Love generously.

Care deeply. Speak kindly.


Leave the rest to God.



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Monday, November 24, 2008

Why Teach Children So Young?

Ten reasons why it is never too early to start teaching your preschooler
  1. It's fun. Play is how a child learns so make playtime rich with learning activities.   The creative parents will have just as much fun as the children.
  2. It's easy. A walk in the park, digging in the sandbox, pulling out the crayons and paper - learning happens naturally, every day.
  3. Bonding.  What better way to bond than to share a favorite picture book with the baby in your arms without distractions.
  4. Children learn quickly. You've heard the saying "minds like sponges."
  5. Learning brings understanding and order to what may seem like a chaotic world. 
  6. Boost to child's self-esteem! "I can do it by myself!"
  7. School preparedness. Even if the child has not started to read by kindergarten, laying the groundwork early will provide all the tools they need for a successful start to school.
  8. Smooth Sailing. Early learning leads to stress-free kindergarten and first grade for parents and child...(and teacher).
  9. Important years. There is more and more evidence that the first three years are very important in laying the groundwork for future success in life.
  10. Independence. Learning promotes independence in play and regular daily activities. 


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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Reading Rockets: Healthy Hearing

Before children learn to read, they learn the sounds of their language by listening and speaking. These skills provide the foundation for later literacy. A child with hearing impairment has trouble processing or expressing language, and is likely to have difficulty learning to read. An estimated 10-15 percent of all school-aged children have some type of hearing loss. Some of these children are born with a hearing problem, but healthy young children can develop hearing loss at any time as a result of:
  • frequent ear infections,
  • infectious diseases like measles, meningitis, or flu,
  • head injury,
  • exposure to loud noise or music.
Many children with acquired hearing loss are not diagnosed properly or early enough. Learn the signs that your child may have developed a hearing problem.
  • You have to raise your voice consistently to get your child's attention.
  • Your child complains of ear pain or is pulling on his ear.
  • Your child watches your face carefully when you are talking and turns his head so that one ear is facing the direction of your voice.
  • Your child frequently asks for things to be repeated.
  • Your child talks in an unusually soft or loud voice.
  • Your child turns up the television or CD player louder than usual.
  • Your child confuses sounds that are alike, and is having problems with spelling and phonics.
  • Your child seems inattentive at home or at school, and may say he doesn't like school.
If you or your child's teacher suspects that your child has a hearing problem, first visit your pediatrician for a check up. An ear infection requires immediate treatment.
Have your child's hearing evaluated by a certified audiologist, who will determine the severity of the hearing loss.
If your child acquires a long-term or permanent hearing loss, you should seek out a certified speech-language pathologist who will measure your child's speech and language skills and help develop special remedial programs, if needed.
More resources:
  • To find a certified audiologist or speech-language pathologist, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's online directory.
  • ASHA also offers Listen to Your Buds, a website that teaches children to protect their hearing through safe use of portable audio players. http://www.listentoyourbuds.org/
  • For more information on speech, language, and hearing, visit ReadingRockets.org/article/c522
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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Join PTA in Supporting Inclusive Schools Week

PTA joins more than 50 other organizations as a partner in Inclusive Schools Week – December 1-5, 2008. The theme for this year's activities is "Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools Benefit All Children."
Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) at Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). It is held each year during the first week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference and other factors. The week also provides an opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.
Resources:


  • Learn more and get ideas to celebrate this week at inclusiveschools.org/week.




  • Review PTA's resources for improving diversity on PTA.org.





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    Friday, November 21, 2008

    Is Your PTA an Outstanding Advocate for Children?

    n recognition of the hard work PTAs do on behalf of children, the PTA national office will present the second annual Outstanding Advocacy Awards at the March 2009 National Legislative Conference. Apply now for an Outstanding Advocacy Award.
    For more than a century, PTA members have been a powerful voice for the health and education of children. Advocacy efforts ensure that all children continue to thrive in safe and nurturing settings. In recognition of that hard work, the PTA national office will present the second annual Outstanding Advocacy Awards at the March 2009 National Legislative Conference. The 2009 Outstanding Advocacy Award will be presented to PTAs that strongly advocated for a policy, regulation, or piece of legislation in support of PTA's mission and goals.
    Two awards will be presented: one to a state PTA and one to a unit, council, district or region PTA. The state PTA will receive $1,000 and the unit, council, district or region chosen will receive $500 to cover direct expenses for PTA advocacy work. In addition, recipients will each receive two all-expense paid trips to the 2009 National Legislative Conference and be recognized at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill on March 12. Criteria and application materials are available at pta.org/AdvocacyAward. Deadline for nominations is December 1, 2008.
    To learn how you can attend the 2009 National Legislative Conference, visit pta.org/LegislativeConference.


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    Thursday, November 20, 2008

    Simple Ways to Raise Responsible Children

    Teaching responsibility to your children might not be as familiar as teaching math or reading. However, parents can help children understand what it means to be responsible. Terri Khonsari, a speaker and author of Raising A Superstar: Simple Strategies to Bring Out the Brilliance in Every Child, provides four steps for raising a child who understands responsibility.
    1. Start giving your children small tasks and chores when they are young. Add to their responsibilities as they get older. Children have a natural desire to help, and you can take advantage of their willingness when they are little. Ask them to take care of certain duties and hold them accountable. Teach them to do things because it helps them and those around them, and not because they get something material from you. Chores can start with very simple things like having them empty trash cans or put their own plate away, and later on they can graduate to washing the dishes or making the salad for dinner.
    2. Model the responsible behavior you want your child to emulate. Children can see right through hypocrisy. If there is a discrepancy between your behavior and your teachings, they will copy your actions rather than follow your words. Be responsible in your own life; show care and dedication toward your job, your family, and the commitments that you make to your children and their school. Do you take care of your responsibilities with passion and show enthusiasm for doing what you need to do? Take care of your responsibilities and show your kids you can have fun at the same time.
    3. Communicate with your children about responsible behavior. Let them know when you see them being responsible. Point to specific behaviors that you notice them excelling in. Children don’t know what it looks like to be responsible until you tell them and show them. Help them understand what you expect and make them feel they are being rewarded for doing the right thing, even if it is just a pat on the back. This will encourage them to continue being responsible and even strive to improve in other areas. Make responsibility a strong value for your whole family and announce it during your family quality times.
    4. Believe in your children and show them that you believe they can be responsible. They will pick up on your belief and tend to fulfill expectations. Encourage your kids to do new things for themselves and for the family, and help them achieve their goals in the right way. Not only you will help them become responsible, you will boost their confidence as well.
    It doesn’t hurt to have a chart to help remind everyone what their responsibilities are. That way there is no excuse to forget to do homework, feed the cat or take out the trash. As good habits are formed, you will be laying the foundation for your children to grow into dependable, responsible adults.
    Terri Khonsari is the bestselling author of Raising A Superstar: Simple Strategies to Bring Out the Brilliance in Every Child. To learn more about Terri’s work visit http://www.raisingasuperstar.com/ and sign up for more free tips on raising happy, healthy and successful children.



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    Wednesday, November 19, 2008

    more recalls!

    This message consists of the following:

    1. GE Recalls to Inspect and Repair Wall Ovens Due to Fire and Burn Hazards (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09046.html)

    2. Lithium-Ion Batteries Used with Bicycle Lights Recalled By DiNotte Lighting Due to Burn Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09045.html)

    **************************************************

    1. GE Recalls to Inspect and Repair Wall Ovens Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

    NEWS from CPSC
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 18, 2008
    Release #09-046

    Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 569-1588
    CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
    CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

    GE Recalls to Inspect and Repair Wall Ovens Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

    Name of Product: GE(r), GE Profile(tm), Monogram(r) and Kenmore(r) Wall Ovens

    Units: About 244,000

    Manufacturer: GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky.

    Hazard: The extreme heat used in the self-clean cycle can escape, if the wall oven door is removed and incorrectly re-attached by the installer or the consumer. This can pose a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

    Incidents/Injuries: GE is aware of 28 incidents of minor property damage in which adjacent kitchen cabinets have been damaged. No injuries have been reported.

    Description: This recall involves GE wall ovens sold under the following brand names: GE(r), GE Profile(tm), Monogram(r) and Kenmore(r). The wall ovens were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The following model and serial numbers can be found inside the oven on the left interior wall. For microwave combination ovens, the serial number can be found on the left interior wall of the microwave.


    Brand | Model | Serial Number Begins With
    GE/Profile | JCT915, JT912, JT915, JT952, JT955, JT965, JT980*, JTP20, JTP25, JTP28, JTP48, JTP50, JTP86 | TD, VD, ZD AF, DF, FF, GF, HF, LF, MF, RF, SF, TF, VF, ZF
    Monogram | ZET3058, ZET938, ZET958
    Kenmore (All modelnumbers start with 911) | 4771, 4775, 4781, 4904, 4905, 4923* | 2T, 2V, 2Z 3A, 3D, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3L, 3M, 3R, 3S, 3T, 3V, 3Z

    * Lower oven only


    Sold at: Home builders and appliance stores nationwide from October 2002 through December 2004 for between $900 and $3,600.

    Manufactured in: United States

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the oven to make sure they do not have an incorrectly re-attached wall oven door, which will not open into the flat position. If the wall oven door is incorrectly re-attached, consumers should not use the self-clean cycle and call GE for a free repair. Consumers can continue to use normal baking or broiling function in the oven until the oven is repaired.

    Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (888) 569-1588 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday ET, or visit the firm's Web site at www.GEAppliances.com

    To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09046.html


    **************************************************

    2. Lithium-Ion Batteries Used with Bicycle Lights Recalled By DiNotte Lighting Due to Burn Hazard

    NEWS from CPSC
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 18, 2008
    Release #09-045

    Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 822-7694
    CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
    CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

    Lithium-Ion Batteries Used with Bicycle Lights Recalled By DiNotte Lighting Due to Burn Hazard

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

    Name of Product: DiNotte Lighting Lithium-Ion batteries used with bicycle lights

    Units: About 1,700

    Manufacturer: AA Portable Power Corp., of Richmond, Calif.

    Distributor: DiNotte Lighting, of Hampton, NH

    Hazard: A loose wiring connection and improper venting can cause the battery to overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

    Description: DiNotte Lighting Lithium-Ion battery with nylon bags are used with DiNotte 5W Li-Ion bicycle lights and DiNotte 3 LED police lights. The DiNotte logo is printed on the battery cable connector.

    Sold at: Bicycle and recreation stores nationwide and by Internet retailers from February 2006 through March 2007 for between $200 and $400.

    Manufactured in: United States and China

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the battery and contact the company to receive a free replacement battery.

    Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact DiNotte Lighting at (866) 822-7694 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm's Web site at www.dinottelighting.com, or email the firm at service@dinottelighting.com
    information about all types of recalls, visit www.recalls.gov

    To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09045.html


    **************************************************



    ********************************************************

    The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

    To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

    -----------------------------


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    Tuesday, November 18, 2008

    Positive Parenting Idea of the Day

    Positive Parenting Idea of the Day
    Being the Best Parent You Can Be…One Idea at a Time
    It is important to give children some guidance about how they might use whatever money they earn now and in the future.
    -- Kerby T. Alvy, The Positive Parent: Raising Healthy, Happy and Successful Children, Birth through Adolescence.

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    Monday, November 17, 2008

    From: Kids Health.org: Kids eating healthy

    Good nutrition and a balanced diet help kids grow up healthy. Whether you have a toddler or a teen, here are five of the best strategies to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits:
    1. Have regular family meals.
    2. Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.
    3. Be a role model by eating healthy yourself.
    4. Avoid battles over food.
    5. Involve kids in the process.
    But it's not easy to take these steps when everyone is juggling busy schedules and convenience food, such as fast food, is so readily available.
    Here are some ways to incorporate all five strategies into your routine.

    Family Meals

    Family meals are a comforting ritual for both parents and kids. Children like the predictability of family meals and parents get a chance to catch up with their kids. Kids who take part in regular family meals are also:
    • more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and grains
    • less likely to snack on unhealthy foods
    • less likely to smoke, use marijuana, or drink alcohol
    In addition, family meals offer the chance to introduce your child to new foods and to act as a role model for healthy eating.
    Teens may turn up their noses at the prospect of a family meal — not surprising because they're trying to establish independence. Yet studies find that teens still want their parents' advice and counsel, so use mealtime as a chance to reconnect. Also, consider trying these strategies:
    • Allow your teen to invite a friend to dinner.
    • Involve your teen in meal planning and preparation.
    • Keep mealtime calm and congenial — no lectures or arguing.
    What counts as a family meal? Any time you and your family eat together — whether it's takeout food or a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings. Strive for nutritious food and a time when everyone can be there. This may mean eating dinner a little later to accommodate a child who's at sports practice. It can also mean setting aside time on the weekends, such as Sunday brunch, when it may be more convenient to gather as a group.

    Stocking Up on Healthy Foods

    Kids, especially younger ones, will eat mostly what's available at home. That's why it's important to control the supply lines — the foods that you serve for meals and have on hand for snacks. Follow these basic guidelines:
    • Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine, aiming for the goal of at least five servings a day. Be sure you serve fruit or vegetables at every meal.
    • Make it easy for your child to choose healthy snacks by keeping fruits and vegetables on hand and ready to eat. Other good snacks include low-fat yogurt, peanut butter and celery, or whole-grain crackers and cheese.
    • Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
    • Choose whole-grain breads and cereals so kids get more fiber.
    • Limit fat intake by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
    • Limit fast food and other low-nutrient snacks, such as chips and candy. But don't completely ban favorite snacks from your home. Instead, make them "once-in-a-while" foods, so kids don't feel deprived.
    • Limit sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Serve water and low-fat milk instead.

    How to Be a Role Model

    The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and not overindulging in the less nutritious stuff, you'll be sending the right message.
    Another way to be a good role model is to limit portions and not overeat. Talk about your feelings of fullness, especially with younger children. You might say, "This is delicious, but I'm full, so I'm going to stop eating." Similarly, parents who are always dieting or complaining about their bodies may foster these same negative feelings in their kids. Try to keep a positive approach about food.

    Don't Battle Over Food

    It's easy for food to become a source of conflict. Well-intentioned parents might find themselves bargaining or bribing kids so they eat the healthy food in front of them. A better strategy is to give kids some control, but to also limit the kind of foods available at home.
    Kids should decide if they're hungry, what they will eat from the foods served, and when they're full. Parents control which foods are available to the child, both at mealtime and between meals. Here are some guidelines to follow:
    • Establish a predictable schedule of meals and snacks. It's OK to choose not to eat when both parents and kids know when to expect the next meal or snack.
    • Don't force kids to clean their plates. Doing so teaches kids to override feelings of fullness.
    • Don't bribe or reward kids with food. Avoid using dessert as the prize for eating the meal.
    • Don't use food as a way of showing love. When you want to show love, give kids a hug, some of your time, or praise.

    Get Kids Involved

    Most kids will enjoy deciding what to make for dinner. Talk to them about making choices and planning a balanced meal. Some might even want to help shop for ingredients and prepare the meal. At the store, teach kids to check out food labels to begin understanding what to look for.
    In the kitchen, select age-appropriate tasks so your child can play a part without getting injured or feeling overwhelmed. And at the end of the meal, don't forget to praise the chef.
    School lunches can be another learning lesson for kids. More important, if you can get them thinking about what they eat for lunch, you might be able to help them make positive changes. Brainstorm about what kinds of foods they'd like for lunch or go to the grocery store to shop together for healthy, packable foods.
    There's another important reason why kids should be involved: It can help prepare them to make good decisions on their own about the foods they want to eat. That's not to say that your child will suddenly want a salad instead of french fries, but the mealtime habits you help create now can lead to a lifetime of healthier choices.
    Check out some healthy recipes for kids of all ages.
    Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
    Date reviewed: November 2007


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    Sunday, November 16, 2008

    Be A Parent, Not A Friend

    One parenting problem that is very prevalent today is the confusion between fulfilling the role of a parent and the role of a friend. It is natural to want to give you children everything, but never saying no can lead to seriously spoiled children who will not understand the ways of the world when they are out on their own.
    It is your job as a parent to teach your children the facts of life—good or bad—so that they can make their own good decisions in the real world. It is simply not fair to expect children to be able to make decisions that negatively affect their lives when they are not prepared to make those decisions. You have a pretty good idea of what is best for your children, and certainly a better idea than they do. It is your responsibility as the adult to pass the love and knowledge you have experienced in your own life to your children to give them the best opportunity to lead a successful life.
    The principles you instill at a young age will follow your children throughout life. When they are little you make them brush their teeth, eat their vegetables and clean their rooms, not only because you know that these things are good for them, but also because you want them to one day learn to do them without being told. There are many times in life when we have to do things we do not want to do, and by not sugarcoating this idea when your children are young, they will be more accepting of it as they grow and mature into adults.
    Never saying no doesn’t build friendship with your children. It may content them in the moment, but in the long run it will only make them selfish and rude. Never using the word no gives your child a handicap that will make it harder for him or her to succeed in life. No one will want to befriend, date, hire or live with a selfish person.

    Playing the role of disciplinarian may not seem like a way to bond with your children, but once they grow past the stage when you are responsible for making their decisions, friendship can grow. They will respect you for making the good decisions for them that they were not able to make on their own. Let their peers be their friends. Their peers certainly are not going to act as parents, so this all-important chore is left to you.
    Parenting is a grand struggle between giving to your child and instituting discipline. The balance will be different for everyone, but it is important to keep reevaluating what needs to be done and take steps to reestablish and maintain that balance.



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    Saturday, November 15, 2008

    Baby Learns to Read with help from Signing Time

    http://www.signingtime.com/baby-learns-to-read/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nov08news 

    Last March, viewers of NBC’s Today Show watched in awe as 17-month-old Elizabeth Barrett read to them. Elizabeth’s parents attribute her early reading in part to Signing Time.
    According to the Today Show, "Katy Barrett and her husband, Michael, are speech pathologists, and when Elizabeth was born they started teaching her sign language along with spoken language. They read to her often, and her favorite television program — the only one her parents let her watch — was a PBS show called ‘Signing Time,’ which teaches kids sign language."
    After the Barretts appeared on the Today Show, Signing Time invited Elizabeth to be a part of Baby Signing Time 3 & 4, where she was able to demonstrate her sign language skills.
    For the past six years, Signing Time has been dedicated to sharing the amazing benefits of sign language with all children. Thousands of parents like the Barretts are seeing that children can accelerate their language and reading development through the unique blend of sign language, written word, song and video modeling used in Signing Time.
    Read What Rachel Thinks of This Reading Phenomenon
    Read and view the March 2008 Today Show clips.



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    Friday, November 14, 2008

    summaries of articles related to child well-being in North Carolina

    GENERAL NEWS AND INFORMATION
    --------------
    Fayetteville Observer
    Company nips part of child support
     
    RALEIGH — North Carolina’s attorney general and the State Bar are investigating a Nevada company that offers to help collect child support in return for a one-third cut of the monthly payments.
     
    Some parents told The News & Observer of Raleigh they thought the company, Child Support Services of Wake County, was a government agency. One customer said she signed a contract with the company that would have cost her more than $10,000 in lost child support payments. The local government agency that handles child support would have charged her no more than $25.
     
    “I feel so stupid, but I was totally lied to. I was scammed,” said Paulette Turlington of Raleigh.
     
    Authorities in three states have received complaints. The company and its owner, Stuart C. Cole, have been ordered to shut down in Florida. Georgia authorities are investigating the company.
    -------------------------------
    HEALTH
    --------------
    Raleigh News & Observer
    Get whooping cough shots, state says after Chatham hit
     
    With at least 16 suspected cases of whooping cough in Chatham County, health leaders are again emphasizing the need for vaccinations against the potentially fatal disease.
     
    For the first time this year, North Carolina required children in sixth grade to get a booster shot for pertussis, which is also called whooping cough for the distinctive high-pitched sound patients make during severe coughing spells.
     
    "In 2007, we did have one death of a child" from pertussis, said Dr. Leah Devlin, state health director. "That is just unacceptable in a vaccine-preventable illness."
    --------------
    WFMY
    NC Scores "F" On Premature Birth Report Card
     
    Greensboro, NC -- A report issued by the March of Dimes foundation shows NC having a failing score with the number of preterm births.
     
    North Carolina falls below the national average of a "D". The report shows that no states received an "A" with the only state to recieve a "B" being Vermont.
     
    The March of Dimes says NC "faces a crisis level of premature births that is driving up health care costs and special education budgets; preventive action is needed immediately".
     
    NC was given the grade based on a preterm birth rate of 13.7%, far from the objective of 7.6%.
     
    "It is unacceptable that our nation is failing so many preterm babies," said Jennifer L. Howse, PhD, president of the March of Dimes. "We are determined to find and implement solutions to prevent preterm birth, based on research, best clinical practices, and improved education for moms."
    --------------
    Raleigh News & Observer
    UNC children's specialty clinic opens in Raleigh
     
    RALEIGH - N.C. Children’s Hospital opened a new children's specialty clinic in Raleigh today.
     
    North Carolina Children’s Specialty Clinic, an outpatient facility, is an extension of N.C. Children's Hospital's outpatient pediatric clinic located at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.
    The clinic is located at 4414 Lake Boone Trail in the medical office building next to the Rex Birthing Center, according to a media release from N.C. Children’s Hospital.
     
    "...this clinic represents something unique in addressing the state-wide shortage of pediatric subspecialists," said Alan Stiles, chief physician at N.C. Children’s Hospital and pediatrics chairman at the UNC School of Medicine, in the release. "Not only will it allow us to bring very specialized pediatric care closer to home for thousands of Triangle-area families, the clinic will also help expedite the care of children..."
    --------------
    WECT-TV
    Obese kids have old arteries

    Kids these days are 13 going on 45, at least when it comes to their arteries.
     
    According to research presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association's annual scientific sessions in New Orleans, obese adolescents had arteries more representative of someone three decades older.
     
    "These data further illustrate the potential detrimental effects of obesity and its related risk factors, particularly components of the metabolic syndrome, on cardiovascular disease in children," said Dr. Carl Lavie, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention director of the Stress Testing Laboratory at Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans.
    -------------------------------
    SAFETY
    --------------
    The Associated Press
    18 killed in toy-related incidents
     
    WASHINGTON (AP) — At least 18 children under 15 years old died in toy-related accidents in 2007.
     
    The majority of these deaths were caused by blocked airways, drowning or accidents involving motor vehicles, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission data.
    Many of the incidents were not caused by the toys, but occurred while the children were playing.
     
    Fourteen of the 18 children were boys.
    --------------
    Washington Post
    Toy Recalls Drop 46 Percent
     
    Toy recalls are down 46 percent from last year, when manufacturers and retailers were forced to clear shelves of toys containing lead paint, dangerous magnets and in one case, a chemical that left children temporarily comatose.
     
    But federal safety regulators said yesterday that parents should still be on the lookout for toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard for children, including uninflated or broken balloons. They should also supervise children around scooters, ride-on toys, and battery chargers and adapters that come with electronic toys.
     
    While naming those items as the top toy hazards, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said the number of toy recalls had dropped to 74 in 2008 from 138 in 2007.
    -------------------------------
    EDUCATION
    --------------
    Rocky Mount Telegram
    Hunt says he's not interested in Obama Cabinet
     
    RALEIGH, N.C. — Former Gov. Jim Hunt said Wednesday he's not interested in becoming Barack Obama's education secretary but wants to keep advising his administration on education issues.
     
    Hunt, who served a record four terms as governor through 2001, had been on several lists of potential Cabinet members following Obama's presidential victory last week.
     
    Returning from a three-day trip to Seattle for a Gates Foundation event attended by Obama education advisers, Hunt told The News & Observer of Raleigh he still expects to work closely with the U.S. Education Department, but he'll do it from North Carolina.
     
    "I just spent several days with the top Obama people," Hunt said. "Many encouraged me to do it. I told them I would not go to Washington."
    -------------------------------
    ECONOMIC SECURITY
    N.C. Policy Watch Radio
    Action for Children on Funding Health Care in a Budget Shortfall
     
    Interview with Tom Vitaglione, Action for Children North Carolina Senior Fellow.
    --------------
    Charlotte Business Journal
    Economic times demand more financial education
     
    With the recent volatility on Wall Street, those of us trying to survive on Main Street must become more financially literate. If the hallowed halls of banking and lending institutions can crumble, so can our respective personal financial frameworks.
     
    For the last two years, consumer spending has outpaced after-tax earnings, and we carry approximately $2.5 trillion in debt, excluding home mortgages. We can, and must, teach the next generation to do better.
     
    When did you first learn the financial facts of life? Are you a responsible steward of the economy, and will you teach your children to do the same?
     
    Unfortunately, research indicates that only 43 percent of parents have discussed the importance of prioritizing needs and wants with their kids, and a surprising 42 percent of parents haven’t taken any steps to discuss financial basics with their children (according to Capital One’s 2006 Back to School Survey).
     
    Many parents assume — incorrectly — that their children learn money-management skills as part of their school’s curriculum, when in fact, fewer than half of U.S. states require even a basic economics course, much less personal financial literacy education.
    -------------------------------
    CHILD MALTREATMENT
    --------------
    The Charlotte Observer
    Child Labor Going Largely Unchecked
     
    Nery Castañeda tackled a job that was never intended for kids his age.
     
    One afternoon last fall, the 17-year-old Guatemala native ran a machine to grind damaged pallets into mulch. When a co-worker at the Greensboro plant returned from another task, he didn't see Nery – until he looked inside the shredder.
     
    “A person shouldn't die like this,” said older brother Luis. “…He came with a dream and found death.”
     
    Decades after the enactment of regulations designed to prevent such tragedies, thousands of youths still get hurt on American jobs deemed unsafe for young workers. On a typical day, more than 400 juvenile workers are injured on the job. Once every 10 days, on average, a worker under the age of 18 is killed, federal statistics show.
     
    Enforcement has waned, despite new evidence that many employers are ignoring child labor laws. U.S. Department of Labor investigations have dropped by nearly half since fiscal year 2000.
    --------------
    Charlotte Observer
    Federal, state lawmakers vow to get tougher on child labor
     
    Federal and state lawmakers said this week they will push to strengthen the government's power to keep youths out of dangerous jobs and punish employers who violate child labor laws.
     
    In Washington, some members of Congress want to beef up child labor inspections. In Raleigh, some legislators – along with the current and incoming governors – said they will move to stiffen fines for violating child labor laws. The maximum penalty of $250 per violation in North Carolina hasn't changed in nearly three decades.
    “The employment of underage workers in high-risk, physically dangerous jobs as uncovered by The Charlotte Observer is alarming,” N.C. Gov.-elect Bev Perdue said. “The need is clear – there must be tougher enforcement of our state's child labor laws and stiffer penalties for any business or industry caught breaking them.”

    Thank you,
    Action for Children North Carolina


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    Thursday, November 13, 2008

    News from CPSC - Press Release, CPSC Public Calendar

    **************************************************

    This message consists of the following:

    1. Shop CPSC Toy Safety Tips Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09040.html)

    2. CPSC Public Calendar Vol. XXXVI No. 7 (http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html)

    **************************************************

    1. Shop CPSC Toy Safety Tips Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts

    NEWS from CPSC
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 12, 2008
    Release #09-040

    CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
    CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

    Shop CPSC Toy Safety Tips Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - The holidays are here and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has its list. Parents and gift buyers are encouraged to check it twice. Today, CPSC issued its annual holiday safety messages, joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Safe Kids Worldwide, to remind parents to be diligent when making holiday shopping choices.

    "CPSC, CBP and industry activity has been with one goal in mind, to keep the toys our children play with the safest in the world" said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Vigorous inspection of toys, testing and law enforcement have made toys the safest this season."

    For 2007, the Commission has reports of 18 toy-related deaths and CPSC staff estimates that there were about 170,100 hospital emergency-room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15. Most of the deaths were associated with airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Most of the injuries were lacerations, contusion and abrasions; the head and face was the area most frequently affected.

    The top 5 toy hazards:

    * Scooters and other Riding Toys - Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.

    * Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts - For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

    * Balloons - Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.

    * Magnets - For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

    * Chargers and Adapters - Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

    Once the gifts are open:

    * Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.

    * Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

    * Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

    With the increased popularity of second-hand stores and on-line vendors, gift-givers should be especially vigilant to prevent the sale or purchase of hazardous products that have been recalled, banned or do not meet current safety standards. Before placing products in the second-hand market, check its recall status at www.cpsc.gov. Buyers should make sure their gifts do not include any of the recalled toys or children's products on CPSC's web site.

    Also, at this web site, consumers can keep up-to-date on dangerous products by signing up to have recall announcements sent directly to their email account. Choose to receive all recall announcements or children's product recalls only. Consumers also can call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-CPSC. For information about all types of recalls, visit www.recalls.gov

    To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09040.html

    **************************************************

    2. CPSC Public Calendar Vol. XXXVI No. 7

    CPSC Public Calendar
    Vol. XXXVI No. 7

    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Bethesda, Maryland 20814

    November 12, 2008

    Commission Agendas

    There are no Commission briefings or Commission meetings scheduled for the week of November 17, 2008. For a recorded message concerning the latest agenda information call (301) 504-7948.

    Meetings Between Commission Staff and Outside Parties

    All meetings listed below are open to the public unless otherwise stated. For information on a specific meeting or to attend a meeting, please call the contact person listed for that meeting.

    Abbreviations: we use asterisks (*) to identify meetings for the current week which have not appeared before in the printed Public Calendar. If the meeting involves discussion of a "substantial interest matter," defined by CPSC's Meetings Policy, we show the date when we posted notice of the meeting on the Master Calendar. The Master Calendar is in the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, telephone (301) 504-7923. We indicate whether a meeting is of substantial interest by the symbol (S); we use the symbol (N) to indicate non-substantial interest meetings. The Commission offices are located in the Bethesda Towers Building, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland.

    Under the Meetings Policy, a staff person holding or attending a substantial interest meeting must file a log of the meeting with the Office of the Secretary within 20 days.

    Week of November 17 thru November 23

    Tuesday and Wednesday, November 18-19

    Acting Chairman Nancy Nord, Gib Mullan, Director, Office of Compliance and Field Operations, and Richard O'Brien, Director, Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs, attending and participating in the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization's (ICPHSO) 4th European Meeting and Training Symposium; Brussels, Belgium. For additional information contact Frederica Clair, (301) 504- 7522. (S)

    Future

    Thursday, December 4

    This meeting will review the new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) with regard to phthalates, including, but not limited to, the scope of products covered, test methods to determine phthalate levels and the use of phthalates in children's products more generally; 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Bethesda Towers, 4th Floor Hearing Room 420. Pre- registration is required. The meeting will also be available live via webcast. For registration and additional information visit, http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/phth.aspx

    Addendum

    Meeting notices printed in this section did not reach the Office of the Secretary in time to meet the Tuesday noon deadline for the previously printed Public Calendar. Under the CPSC Meetings Policy, however, staff persons, including Commissioners, can meet the seven-day notice requirement by placing notice of the meeting on the Master Calendar at least seven days before the meeting. The Master Calendar is in the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, Bethesda Towers Building.

    In addition, the policy allows the Office of General Counsel to waive the seven-day notice requirements of meetings of the staff personnel, and individual Commissioners can waive the requirements for themselves and their personal staff.

    Wednesday, November 5

    Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and Joe Martyak, Chief of Staff, met with Neil Goldberg, Goldberg Segalla, Cheryl Possenti, Goldberg Segalla, Jim Walter, Mattel's senior vice president of Worldwide Quality Assurance, Mick Monahan, Senior Counsel of Regulatory Affairs for Mattel, to discuss the new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA); 1:00 p.m., Bethesda Towers, room 724. The meeting was requested by Neil Goldberg. For additional information contact Autumn Moore, (301) 504- 7040 or e-mail amoore@cpsc.gov. Posted on Master Calendar 11/5/08. (S)

    Friday, November 7

    Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel, met with the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. to discuss certification of products under Section 102 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA); 1:30 p.m., Bethesda Towers, room 702. For additional information contact Cheryl Falvey, (301) 504-7642. (OGC approved waiver of seven-day notice.) Posted on Master Calendar 11/6/08. (S)

    Thursday, November 13

    Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel, speaking before the ABA Section of Litigation Products Liability Committee, Women in Products Liability Conference on The Impact of the CPSIA on Handling a Product Recall; 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY. For additional information contact Cheryl Falvey, (301) 504-7642. Posted on Master Calendar 11/6/08. (S)

    Friday, November 14

    John Gibson Mullan, Mary Toro, Matthew, Office of Compliance and Field Operations, and Vincent Amodeo, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, meeting with representatives from the Bicycle Products Suppliers Association (BPSA) to discuss requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act; 1:30 p.m., Bethesda Towers, room 714. The meeting was requested by the BPSA. For additional information contact Mary Toro, (301) 504- 7586. Posted on Master Calendar 11/7/08. (S)

    To see the public calendar on the website, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html

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    The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

    To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.



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