Monday Morning Report
 
 

First5la.org

 

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or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Katie Kurutz, public affairs officer, at kkurutz@first5la.org
or (213) 482-5902.


  Calendar

Click events below to view full listings.
  Best Start LA Request for Qualifications Information Session
January 7, 2009 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm

  2009 Summit on Creating Disaster Resiliant Communities
January 15, 2009

  March of Dimes Conference for Health Professionals
January 26, and 27, 2009 all day

  Certified Infant Massage Instructor CIMI® Training
January 28, 29, and 30, 2009 from 8:00am - 4:30pm

  Developing Self-Care Skills in Toddlers and Pre-school Aged Children with Special Needs
March 7, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

  Introduction to the SCERTS Model: A Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Approach for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
March 20, 2009 from 8:30am - 4:00pm

  Childhood Grief and Traumatic Loss Conference
March 26, 2009 from 8:00am - 5:00pm

  Introduction to "Floortime"
April 4, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

  Food Allergies & Intolerances in Children
May 2, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

  2009 Childhood Obesity Conference: Creating Healthy Places for All Children
June 9, 10 , 11 and 12, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

December 15, 2008
 
News and Announcements
   
 
Research Brief
Metamorphosis Research Brief: Belonging Communities
First 5 LA research partner, the Metamorphosis Project, recently released a research brief suggesting that feeling "at home" in a community makes better parents. More »
   
 
Expolitation of Infants and Toddlers
Sexual Exploitation of Infants and Toddlers
American culture continues to sexualize children at earlier and earlier ages, and law enforcement is seeing a parallel trend in the commercial sexual exploitation of kids. Learn how infants and toddlers are at risk. More »
   
 
Community Forum
Community Forum: Is Society to Blame?
In no other place are racial health disparities more prevalent than in the African American community's infant mortality rates. Recently a group of researchers gathered to explore why. More »
   
 
Campaign Wrap Up
Read Early, Read Aloud Literacy Campaign Wraps Up
First 5 LA has wrapped up November's Read Early, Read Aloud early literacy campaign and we'd like to share some photos and a synopsis of the campaign events. More »
   
 

Evie's Desk

 



Holiday Safety Tips

Evelyn Martinez December is a busy time of year, and keeping up with holiday demands can be distracting for all of us, especially parents. To help remind parents of the importance of keeping children safe through the season, here are some helpful tips I found online. The tips were assembled by the Nemours Foundation, one of the nation's leading pediatric health systems.

Poisoning
Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, and other plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, immediately call your doctor or the National Poison Center: (800) 222-1222.

Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. Many adults host holiday parties where alcohol is served. Parents must take care to remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible. Because kids imitate adults, many may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. Children become "drunk" much more quickly than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.

Choking and Swallowing
Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel, and small toys are potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. The general rule of thumb is that if it's small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, it's too small to play with.

Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under age 4.

The needles of holiday trees can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them.

Fire
Keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand so that it doesn't tip over (or isn't knocked over by kids or pets) and keep it away from all heat sources such as electrical outlets, radiators, and portable space heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled "fire-retardant." Unplug all lights, both indoor and outdoor, and extinguish all candles at night before you go to bed.


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