School health
Featuring tools such as an indoor air quality checklist and town hall meeting action items, the Coalition for Healthier Schools in August released the national “Coalition's 2012 Action Kit for back to School and Beyond.” The kit is aimed at parents, educators and activists who wa nt to work to boost federal, state and local policies to address poor conditions within schools and to improve children's health and ability to learn. Find the kit at www.healthyschools.org/coalition.html.
Youth smoking
A new e-book from the youth smoking prevention program “Real Parents. Real Answers.,” aims to inform parents about how stress can lead to smoking among children and teens and how to effectively help their children make healthy choices. The e-book and more information are available at www.RealParentsRealAnswers.com.
Yoga
A new National Institutes of Health video addresses the science behind yoga and gives insight into yoga's safety and effectiveness. Released by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the video explains findings such as the growing body of evidence that yoga may be beneficial for lower back pain. The video is available at http://nccam.nih.gov/video/yoga.
Dental care
The “Dental Care and Oral Health Sourcebook, Fourth Edition” was released in July with updated mouth and tooth care guidelines for effective hygiene, nutrition and decay prevention. The book also includes facts about tooth pain, dental fillings, orthodontia, cosmetic procedures, root canals, dental implants and other information. Learn more at www.omnigraphics.com or by calling 800-234-1340.
Mental health disorders
The “Mental Health Disorders Sourcebook, Fifth Edition” includes a discussion on how the brain works, the components of mental wellness and the processes that lead to illness as well as information about the major types of mental illness and their treatments. Among other topics, the book also includes information on the relationship between mental health and chronic illnesses and a list of crisis hotlines and directory of mental health organizations. For more information, visit www.omnigraphics.com or call 800-234-1340.
Food safety
Six booklets with food safety advice for populations most at risk for foodborne illness are now available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Created with the Food and Drug Administration, the booklets each contain 24 pages of practical guidance on how to prevent foodborne illness and are aimed at such populations as older adults, transplant recipients, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS or diabetes. The booklets, which have been distributed to physicians, are available free at www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/risk/index.html or by calling 888-674-6854.
Childhood diseases and disorders
The “Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook, Third Edition” provides current information on common disorders affecting the physical, mental and developmental health of school-age children. Topics include infectious diseases, asthma and allergies, cancer, diabetes, growth and developmental disorders, mental health and conduct disorders and guidelines for promoting wellness and preventing injuries. Find more information at www.omnigraphics.com or call 800-234-1340.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
