Be You

Details: Published on Wednesday, 08 August 2018 17:15

Be You

This world needs you to Be YOU! You have unique passions and abilities that can change our community for the better. Let us help by giving you resources for emotional support, suicide prevention, anti-bullying, substance abuse, and domestic abuse.

Take the Healthy Holiday Challenge

Try four weeks of moving and shaking, eating healthy, and most importantly, making family memories. (You can also check out our ideas for staying active over winter break.)

Practice Gratitude

Each day over the holiday break, encourage your kids to write down or draw a picture of something for which they are thankful.

Set Healthy Goals for 2020

Use New Year's Day as an opportunity to get your kids thinking about their health and happiness goals for the coming year.

24 Hour Youth Crisis Hotline

Youth Crisis Text Line - 741-741

Synergy Services: 816-741-8700, 888-233-1639, website

How Stress Affects Your Health

Emotional Support Groups

Mourning Star(loss of a child support group)

Green Valley Baptist Church

3110 Cook Rd. St. Joseph, MO 64506

First Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Contact: Melody Townsend at 816-387-1147 or Janis Consolver at 816-596-0123

Grief & Loss Support (open to anyone grieving a loss)

Call Sister Barb Conroy with Hands of Hope Hospice at 816-271-7190 before attending.

Widowed Too Young (for those 60 and younger that have lost a spouse)

Call Sister Susan Holmes with Hands of Hope Hospice at 816-271-7190

Out of the Darkness (a group for those who have lost loved ones to suicide)

6:30 pm, Wyatt Park Christian Church, 27th and Mitchell, 816-232-3374. Meet the 2nd Thursday of each month.

American Association of Suicidology (resources for survivors of suicide)

website

Suicide Survivor Support - Kansas City, MO (resources for survivors of suicide)

913-681-3050, website

Learn more about warning signs here

Sexual Assault / Domestic Abuse

Women's Domestic Violence Support Group (only for women staying at the shelter)
YMCA, 816-232-4481
Safe Haven DV Center
816-321-7050
Synergy Services
800-491-1114, website
Help for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.thehotline.org, 1-855-812-1011 (VP), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Shyness Resources

The Shyness Institute

website

5 Ways to Shake Shyness

website

Test Anxiety

What is test anxiety?

It's being so afraid of, or worried about a test, that the performance suffers.

Effects of test anxiety

grades
body, such as headache, or stomach upset (butterflies)
mind, such as feeling of panic, anger, depression, or memory lapses

Some common explanations

poor study habits
fearing failure
comparing yourself to others
worrying about the future

How to prepare

take part in every class
keep up with assignments
ask questions if you are confused about a concept, or idea
take notes, and review them
talk to your professor early, find out what the format of the test is, or the material that might be presented, ore even practice tests

Make a study plan

schedule short blocks of study time
study in a well-lit spot, with no noise
flash cards, outlines, or charts can help retain information

By-stander effect

The by-stander effect is when a situation occurs where there is potential harm to an individual; people in groups are less likely to assist, as opposed to a single individual exposed to the situation.

Prevent Bulling

Four Ways to Report School Violence

Missouri School Violence Hotline

CALL: 1-866-748-7047
ONLINE: Fill out a form - 24/7
DOWNLOAD: the free "MO ReportIt" App from your App store
TEXT: to 8474111 using keyword, "ReportIt." Include school name and city. (Message & data rates may apply through your carrier. Tips terms and conditions.

TIPS CAN BE ANONYMOUS

Depression/Suicide

Suicide Fact Sheet
MO CommCare Crisis Line - 1-888-279-8188
Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Mental Health Crisis Line. Serving Missouri. 24 Hour Hotline - 1-888-279-8188
Veterans: 1-800-273-8255 (then press 1), website
CommCare Crisis Hotline, In Association with BHR 24 hours / 7 days 1-88-279-8188, 1-800-955-8339 - TDD (line for the hearing and speech impaired.

Other Resources:

Depression Resource List for Teens

More then Sad: Teen Depression

Access to information on recognition and treatment of depression; fact sheet and resource list for teens - website

Mental Health America (MHA)

Mental Health America (MHA) is the leading advocacy organization addressing the full spectrum of mental and substance use conditions and their effects nationwide. Website provides information on how to recognize symptoms of depression, how you can help yourself or a friend, types of treatment and warning signs of suicide.

website

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Website hosts a discussion group for teens who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, like depression, and want to connect with other teens who can relate to what they’re going through.

website

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. Link to a brochure available in HTML or PDF format that helps you figure out the differences between a sad mood and depression. Also provides a workbook that you can fill in to help you better understand how to manage your depression and track your progress throughout treatment.

Kids and Mood Disorders, The Storm in My Brain

Working Toward Wellness Workbook

HelpGuide.org

HelpGuide is a free, non-commercial resource for people in need. Website contains information on symptoms, how to help a depressed friend, and how to talk to your parents about depression. Also includes links to other helpful resources.

Teenager's Guide to Depression, Tips and Tools for Helping Yourself or a Friend

Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs, Recognizing Depression and Getting the Help You Need

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Recognizing and Treating the Winter Blues

KidsHealth.org

KidsHealth is an award-winning website produced by the Nemours Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children's health. Website is a good source of understandable, accurate explanations of the factors that contribute to depression.

Regular Sadness vs. Depression

Note: Many of these sites also contain information on teen depression for your parents

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. Your call is free and confidential. Even if you are not in a suicidal crisis, you can call the Lifeline if you just need to talk to someone who cares, are concerned about a friend, or need a referral to a mental health professional in your area.

English Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Spanish Language Lifeline Number / Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al: 1-888-628-9454

website (English) website (Spanish)

More Resources from KidsHealth.org

Substance Abuse

NA Meetings in Savannah, Missouri

First Baptist Church - New Hope Group

500 East Pawnee, Savannah, MO 64485

Sunday at 8 pm - New Hope Group Basic Text Open

Thursday at 8 pm - New Hope Group Topic Open

Tuesday at 8 pm - New Hope Group Topic, Discussion/Participation Open

Addiction Awareness LLC

- a Dual Diagnosis Substance Abuse Rehab in Saint Joseph, MO

3442 Ashland Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO 64506

816-749-4060

website

Family Guidance Center

- a substance abuse rehab service

901 Felix Street, Saint Joesph, MO 64501

816-236-2431

website

Saint Joseph Safety and Health Council WIP

- a substance abuse rehab service

118 South Fifth Street, Saint Joseph, MO 64501

816-233-3330

website

Preferred Family Healthcare Inc Saint Joseph Adolescent Program

- a substance abuse rehab service

3510 Frederick Ave. Saint Joseph, MO 64506

816-364-6007

website

Eastern Kansas HCS Saint Joseph CBOC

General health service

3302 South Belt Highway Suit P, Saint Joseph, MO 64503

800-952-8387 x 51680 - intake line: 800-952-8387

website

National Drug Helpline

Free 24/7 drug and alcohol help to those struggling with addiction. Call the national hotline for drug abuse today to receive information regarding treatment and recovery.

1-888-633-3239

The Recovery Village

24 hour drug abuse helpline

866-948-9865

St Joseph Metro Treatment Center

3935 Sherman Ave. St. Joseph, MO 64506

website

Opioid Addiction Treatment

New patients - 877-284-7074

Existing patients - 816-233-7200

Fax 816-233-7303

St. Joseph Metro Treatment Center

Outpatient Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Program

3935 Sherman Avenue St. Joseph, MO 64506

816-233-7300

website

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

National Helpline - 800-662-HELP (4357)

website

Eastern Kansas HCS Saint Joseph CBOC

3302 South Belt Highway

Saint Joseph, MO 64503

800-952-8387

website

Guidance Center Recovery Services Atchison

a Dual Diagnosis Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment

201 Main Street

Atchison, KS 66002

913-367-1593

website

Valley Hope Atchison

1816 North 2nd Street

Atchison, KS 66002

913-367-1618

website

Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)

600 Thomas Avenue

Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027

913-684-6586

Guidance Center Recovery Services

500 Limit Street

Leavenworth, KS 66048

913-682-5118

website

Mirror Inc Hiawatha

601 Utah Street

Hiawatha, KS 66434

785-742-7551

website

Eastern Kansas VA Healthcare Systems Addiction Treatment Program

4101 South 4th Street

Leavenworth, KS 66048

913-682-2000

Family Guidance Center

109 East Summit Drive

Maryville, MO 64468

660-582-3139

website

New Beginnings Counseling Group Inc DBA New Beginning Counseling Center

318 North Main Street

Maryville, MO 64468

660-562-3000

website

Preferred Family Healthcare Inc Liberty

7 Westowne Street

Liberty, MO 64068

816-407-1754

website

Tri County Mental Health Services

6060 North Oak Trafficway

Kansas City, MO 64118

816-468-0400

Norcon Family Counseling

40A Westwood Drive

Liberty, MO 64068

816-781-2349

Tri County Mental Health Services Main Office

3100 NE 83rd Street

Kansas City, MO 64119

816-468-0400

website

Tri County Mental Health Services

1505 NE Parvin Road

Kansas City, MO 64116

816-452-6550

Northland Dependency Services LLC

26 South Gallatin Street

Liberty, MO 64048

816-781-8999

website

Blue Valley Behavioral Health

116 West 19th Street

Falls City, NE 68355

402-245-4458

website

Eat Healthy

Details: Published on Wednesday, 08 August 2018 16:40

Eat Healthy

When you Eat HEALTHY, you feel better! We want to provide you with tips to add fruits and veggies to your diet, instructions on reading nutrition labels, ideas on switching from sugary drinks to water, and so much more!

Tips to eat more fruit and vegetables

Wash and cut fruits and vegetables ahead of time for a quick snack.
Keep fruits and vegetables in sight in the refrigerator or on the counter.
Ask for tomatoes or extra veggies on sandwiches.
Add extra fruit to a lite yogurt smoothie.
Serve raw vegetables with low or nonfat dip.
Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables . . . each color (red, orange, green, etc.) contains different nutrients.

Add Color to your Meals!

Fruits and vegetables add color, texture and taste to just about any dish. They are great by themselves or make a smart addition to any meal. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a worthwhile goal. Eating a variety of different colors every day is a new way of thinking about meeting the goal.

RED Fruits and Vegetables

Red fruits and vegetables contain essential compounds that promote heart health, healthy aging and memory, and urinary tract health. They also reduce the risk of some cancers. Make a pot of vegetarian spaghetti sauce to fill your week with the benefits of red fruits and vegetables.

Try adding some red fruits and vegetables to your favorite dishes today!

GREEN Fruits and Vegetables

Green fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of potent phytochemicals, such as lutein and indoles, as well as varying amounts of vitamins A, C, E and K, beta-carotene and B vitamins. These substances can help lower cancer risk, improve eye health, and keep bones and teeth strong.

Vitamin K, perhaps the star of all vitamins found in green vegetables, is important for blood clotting, keeping bones strong, and may help prevent hardening of the arteries, which can cause a heart attack.

When selecting green vegetables, keep in mind that the darker the green, the more nutrients they contain.

ORANGE Fruits and Vegetables

These nutrient all-stars offer a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytonutrients, which are good for your skin, eyes and heart, and may decrease your risk of cancer. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant. It gives these sunny fruits and vegetables their bright color. Experts say beta-carotene is not only good for eye health, but it can also delay loss of mental sharpness and protect skin from sun damage.

Choose at least one orange fruit or vegetable every day to get the folate and vitamin A your body needs to maintain good health.

BLUE and PURPLE Fruits and Vegetables

These vibrant foods get their color from natural plant pigments called “anthocyanins” which have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Other studies have shown that eating more blueberries is linked with improved memory function and healthy aging.

Tips to include calcium-rich milk or yogurt in your diet

Serve low or non-fat milk to drink at each meal for children
Keep milk ice cold. Kids are more likely to drink it.
Use nonfat fruit-flavored yogurt as dip for fruit.
Make your own smoothies by blending your favorite frozen fruit with yogurt and nonfat milk.
Layer fruit and yogurt in a tall glass to make your own parfait. Top with a sprinkle of whole grain cereal

MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. This means:

Focus on variety, amount, and nutrition.
Choose foods and beverages with less saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Start with small changes to build healthier eating styles.
Support healthy eating for everyone.

Eating healthy is a journey shaped by many factors, including our stage of life, situations, preferences, access to food, culture, traditions, and the personal decisions we make over time. All your food and beverage choices count. MyPlate offers ideas and tips to help you create a healthier eating style that meets your individual needs and improves your health. For a colorful visual of MyPlate and the 5 food groups, download What's MyPlate All About?

Tips to switch from fruit juice and soda pop to water

Serve water between meals instead of sugary drinks.
Fill reusable water bottles to bring in the car or on the go.
Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge.
Put a slice of orange, lemon or lime to add flavor.
If your children are involved in sports, insist on water not "sports drinks."

Quick Tips for Kids on Reading a Nutrition Facts Label

Adults aren’t the only ones who should pay attention to nutrition facts labels. When it comes to picking prepackaged snacks, teaching kids how to read the nutrition label, can help them choose healthier snacks. This video explains a few important tips about reading calories, serving size, and nutrient contents on a the label, so kids will have the information they need to make smart nutrition decisions.

Links you should know:

Importance of Variety

Choosing Foods and Beverages

Be Active

Details: Published on Wednesday, 08 August 2018 15:37

Be Active

We want to inspire you to Be Active!

Whether you need ideas for activities, tips to reduce screen time, or just want to know why it's so important, we have the information you need!

Moderate physical activities include:

Walking briskly (about 3/12 miles per hour)
Bicycling (less than 10 miles per hour)
General gardening (raking, trimming shrubs)
Dancing
Golf (walking and carrying clubs)
Water aerobics
Canoeing
Tennis (doubles)

Vigorous physical activities include:

Running/jogging (5 miles per hour)
Walking very fast (4 1/2 miles per hour)
Bicycling (more than 10 miles per hour)
Heavy yard work, such as chopping wood
Swimming (freestyle laps)
Aerobics
Basketball (competitive)
Tennis (singles)

You can choose moderate or vigorous intensity activities, or a mix of both each week. Activities can be considered vigorous, moderate, or light in intensity. This depends on the extent to which they make you breathe harder and your heart beat faster.

Only moderate and vigorous intensity activities count toward meeting your physical activity needs. With vigorous activities, you get similar health benefits in half the time it takes you with moderate ones. You can replace some or all of your moderate activity with vigorous activity. Although you are moving, light intensity activities do not increase your heart rate, so you should not count these towards meeting the physical activity recommendations. These activities include walking at a casual pace, such as while grocery shopping, and doing light household chores.

Learn more here.

Tips to Be More Active

Take a walk to the water cooler (and drink another glass of water instead of soda!)
Park in a spot that forces you to walk a few extra steps to the store or office.
Plan an active family time . . . like going to the park, playing musical chairs, working in the garden.
There are 1,440 minutes in every day. In order to meet this goal, you need to devote less than 5 percent of that time doing something - anything - that gets you to breathe a little harder and your heart to beat a little faster.

Benefits of being active

Better sleep
More energy
Improved self-esteem
Stronger muscles and bones
Less body fat

Learn more here.

10 Tips for becoming more active as a family

Download PDF

Tips to reduce screen time:

Start by cutting out 15 minutes a day each week to get down to less than 2 hours.
Come up with fun ideas to do as a family in place of screen time. Start a family game night or go to a nearby park or playground.
Encourage everyone to try something new: redecorate a room; do a puzzle; color; help with dinner or other household chores.
Keep cell phones parked during dinner and overnight.
Take TVs and computers out of bedrooms.
Parents need to be good role models: read a book, play a musical instrument, build something together.

Learn more here.

14 Diseases You Almost Forgot About (Thanks to Vaccines)

Details: Published on Thursday, 28 June 2018 11:56

#14. Diphtheria

Most of us only know diphtheria as an obscure disease from long ago, thanks to the diphtheria vaccine babies get. This vaccine, called DTaP, provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). While preventable, diphtheria does still exist. It can cause a thick covering in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe or swallow. Diphtheria can also lead to heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Make sure to vaccinate to help keep this dangerous infection from your kids.

Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more about Diphtheria.

#13. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a disease that causes an itchy rash of blisters and a fever. A person with chickenpox may have a lot of blisters—as many as 500 all over their body. Chickenpox can be serious and even life-threatening, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Even healthy children can get really sick. Vaccinating kids at an early age is especially important to keep your children healthy.

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the chickenpox shot for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 12 through 15 months and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more about Chickenpox.

#12. Mumps

Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. This is due to swelling of the salivary glands. Other symptoms include fever, head and muscle aches, and tiredness. Mumps is a contagious disease and there is no treatment. Mumps is still a threat today—every year, people in the United States get mumps. In recent years, mumps outbreaks have occurred in settings where there was close, extended contact with infected people, such as being in the same classroom or playing on the same sports team. The MMR vaccine protects you and your family against mumps, measles, and rubella.

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the MMR shot for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 12 through 15 months and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more about Mumps.

#11. Rotavirus

Rotavirus is contagious and can cause severe watery diarrhea, often with vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, mostly in infants and young children. Children can become severely dehydrated from the disease and need to be hospitalized. If a dehydrated child does not get needed care, they could die. Rotavirus is one of the first vaccines an infant can get; it’s the best way to protect your child from rotavirus disease.

Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the vaccine (depending on the brand) for best protection. For both brands, babies should get their first dose at 2 months of age and a second dose at 4 months. If they are getting the RotaTeq vaccine, they’ll need a third dose at 6 months.

Learn more about Rotavirus.

#10. Pneumococcal Disease

This disease is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It causes ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and even meningitis, making it very dangerous for children. The germs can invade parts of the body—like the brain or spinal cord—that are normally free from germs. Make sure you keep kids safe from this dangerous disease by vaccinating.

Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (also called PCV13) for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and at 12 through 15 months.

Learn more about Pneumococcal Disease.

#9. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly for babies. Whooping cough can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing, which often makes it hard to breathe. Its “whooping” name comes from the sharp breath intake sound right after a coughing fit. In babies, this disease also can cause life-threatening pauses in breathing with no cough at all. Whooping cough is especially dangerous to babies who are too young to be vaccinated themselves. Mothers should get the whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy to pass some protection to their babies before birth. It is very important for your baby to get the whooping cough vaccine on time so he can start building his own protection against the disease. Since 2010, between 15,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough were reported each year in the United States, with cases reported in every state.

The DTaP vaccine provides protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP shot for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more Whooping Cough.

#8. Measles

Did you know your child can get measles by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to two hours after that person has left? Measles is very contagious, and it can be serious, especially for young children. Because measles is common in other parts of the world, unvaccinated people can get measles while traveling and bring it into the United States. Anyone who is not protected is at risk, so make sure to stay up to date on your child’s vaccines to minimize the risk of coming into contact with an imported case.

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the MMR shot for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 12 through 15 months and 4 through 6 years.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should have one dose of the MMR shot before traveling abroad. Infants vaccinated before 12 months of age should be revaccinated on or after their first birthday with two doses, each dose separated by at least 28 days.

Learn more about Measles.

#7. Hib

Hib (or its official name, Haemophilus influenzae type b) isn’t as well-known as some of the other diseases, thanks to vaccines. Hib can do some serious damage to our kids’ immune systems and cause brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. Hib mostly affects kids under five years old. Before the vaccine, over 20,000 kids were infected each year. That’s about 400 yellow school busses worth of kids! Of these kids, one in five suffered brain damage or became deaf. Even with treatment, as many as one out of 20 kids with Hib meningitis dies. Get your child vaccinated to help them beat the odds!

Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of the Hib vaccine for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (for some brands), and 12 through 15 months.

Learn more about Hib.

#6. Rubella

Rubella is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. If an unvaccinated pregnant woman gets infected with rubella, she can have a miscarriage or her baby could die just after birth. Also, she can pass the disease to her developing baby who can develop serious birth defects. Make sure you and your child are protected from rubella by getting vaccinated on schedule.

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the MMR vaccine for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 12 through 15 months and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more about Rubella.

#5. Hepatitis A

The Hepatitis A vaccine was developed in 1995 and since then has cut the number of cases dramatically in the United States. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease and is transmitted through person-to-person contact or through contaminated food and water. Vaccinating against hepatitis A is a good way to help your baby stay Hep A-free and healthy!

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the hepatitis A shot for best protection. Your child should get the first dose at 12 through 23 months and the second dose 6 to 18 months after the first.

Learn more about Hepatitis A.

#4. Hepatitis B

Did you know that worldwide more than 780,000 people per year die from complications to Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is spread through blood or other bodily fluids. It’s especially dangerous for babies, since the hepatitis B virus can spread from an infected mother to child during birth. About nine out of every 10 infants who contract it from their mothers become chronically infected, which is why babies should get the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. All pregnant women should be tested and all babies should be vaccinated.

Doctors recommend that your child get three doses of the Hepatitis B shot for best protection. Typically, your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: within 24 hours of birth, 1 through 2 months, and 6 months. Your child may get a fourth dose depending on your baby’s birth weight or the brand of vaccine the doctor uses.

Learn more about Hepatitis B.

#3. The Flu (Influenza)

Flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu can affect people differently based on their immune system, age, and health. Did you know that flu can be dangerous for children of any age? Flu symptoms in children can include coughing, fever, aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not to mention, every year in the United States, otherwise healthy children are hospitalized or die from flu complications. In fact, CDC estimates that since 2010, flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years have ranged from 6,000 to 26,000 in the United States. It’s important to know that children younger than 6 months are more likely to end up in the hospital from flu, but are too young to get a flu vaccine. The best way to protect babies against flu is for the mother to get a flu vaccine during pregnancy and for all caregivers and close contacts of the infant to be vaccinated. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year—protect yourself and your loved ones.

Doctors recommend that your child get the flu vaccine every year starting when they are 6 months old. Children younger than 9 years old who are getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of flu vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.

Learn more about Influenza.

#2. Tetanus

Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw and can be fatal. Parents used to warn kids about tetanus every time we scratched, scraped, poked, or sliced ourselves on something metal. Nowadays, the tetanus vaccine is part of a disease-fighting vaccine called DTaP, which provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP shot for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more about Tetanus.

#1. Polio

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease that is caused by poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free. But, polio is still a threat in some other countries. Making sure that infants and children are vaccinated is the best way to prevent polio from returning. Make sure your baby is protected with the polio vaccine.

Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of the polio vaccine (also called IPV) for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years.

Learn more about Polio.