Vitality - Spring 2015 - (Page 15)

Timely Tips STAY ON THE DEFENSIVE No one gets the measles anymore, right? The disease, thought to have been eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, is making a comeback. In the ﬁrst eight months of 2014, there were nearly 600 conﬁrmed cases, many of which were associated with travelers to the U.S. from the Philippines. Another long-preventable disease, pertussis (whooping cough), is also on the rise. More than half of cases occur in kids who haven't been immunized. Call your child's pediatrician today to check for up-to-date immunizations. Crib Notes A recent study shows that one in three infants is not put to sleep on his or her back, a practice recommended to reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants ages 1 month to 1 year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these safe-sleep tactics: * Lay your baby on his or her back. * Use a ﬁrm sleep surface. * Do not share your bed with your baby. * Remove soft objects and loose bedding from the crib. * Consider offering a paciﬁer at nap time and bedtime. App SNAG A VACCINE APP Can't remember which vaccination comes when? Download the free CDC Vaccine Schedules app for iOS devices, which updates with new guidelines automatically, at citizensmemorial.com/vitality, or search for "CDC Vaccine Schedules" in the App Store. Question Corner Should I consider getting allergy shots? If you suffer through each spring with seasonal allergies-or if you have allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma or allergic reactions to bee venom-immunotherapy might be worth a shot. PHOTOGRAPHY BY THINKSTOCK AND GETTY IMAGES Allergy shots work like a vaccine, basically introducing the troublesome allergen to your system in increasing doses. Over time, your body gets used to the offender without overreacting to it by having a full-blown allergy or asthma attack. C I T I Z E N S M E M O R I A L .C O M | 15 http://www.citizensmemorial.com/vitality http://www.CITIZENSMEMORIAL.COM

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Vitality - Spring 2015