1An Advertising Supplement to The Laurinburg ExchangeThursday, July 25th, 2019

Create a Safe SleepEnvironment for Baby Did you know that the features of your baby’s sleep area can affect

his/her risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death, such as suffocation?

Reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death by creating a safe sleep environment for your baby.

How can you make a safe sleep environment?

Always place baby on his or her back to sleep for all sleep times, including naps.

Room share—keep baby’s sleep area in the same room next to your sleep area. Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.

Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved* crib, bassinet, or portable play area, covered by a fitted sheet.

Keep soft objects, toys, pillows, crib bumpers, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.

Don’t let baby get too hot during sleep. Dress your baby in no more than one layer more of clothing than an adult would wear to be comfortable. A one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket can be used.

*Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissionwebsite for more information about safety-approved baby sleep areas:http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/

Learn more about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death at

http://safetosleep.nichd.nih.govhttp://www.scotlandcounty.org/680/Safe-Sleep

Scotland County Health Department1405 West BoulevardLaurinburg, NC 28352(910) 277-2440http://www.scotlandcounty.org/148/Health-Department

This ad was provided wiTh TiTle X funds.

Various ingredients in many popular sunscreen can enter the bloodstream after just one day of use, according to a recent study published in the medical journal JAMA. The study conducted by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research examined 24 healthy volunteers who were randomly assigned to a spray or lotion sunscreen that contained avobenzone, oxybenzone or octocrylene or a cream sunscreen that contained the chemical ecamsule. Volunteers applied their sunscreen to 75 percent of their bodies each day for four days. By the end of the first day, five of the six participants who applied the ecamsule cream had levels of ecamsule in their blood that are considered significant. Participants who applied the other sunscreen, especially

those who used products that contained oxybenzone, also showed significant levels of the chemical in their bloodstreams by the end of the first day. These findings are significant, as the chemical oxybenzone has been shown to be a common cause of contact allergies. Oxybenzone is also being studied for its potential connection to other conditions, including lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys and shorter pregnancies and disrupted birth weights in babies. However, scientists who responded to the study warned that it should not prevent people from applying sunscreen, as the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that more Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined.

DID YOU KNOW?

A Special Supplement to

JULY 2019

2 An Advertising Supplement to The Laurinburg Exchange Thursday, July 25th, 2019

Few things are more satisfying than biting into a fresh tomato right from the garden or seasoning a meal with herbs picked from a windowsill greenhouse. Restaurants recognize the value of such experiences, and more and more are relying on locally sourced products in their kitchens. The farm-to-table movement is not new, but it has gained momentum as consumers become increasingly enamored with the flavor and environmental impact of locally sourced foods. The National Restaurant Association found that farm-to-table food was one of its top 10 trends for 2015. Furthermore, the group says that one in five consumers are willing to pay more for local food, and 41 percent admit that locally sourced ingredients influence their decisions when choosing where to dine. Newcomers to the farm-to-table dining experience may not understand all the fuss surrounding this popular trend. The following are some of the key benefits of farm-to-table.• Peak freshness and ripeness: Local produce ripens on the plant and can be harvested at the last possible minute before it turns up on a plate. This helps ensure that it contains the highest amount of nutrients and flavor, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Food that has to travel further is often picked well before it is ready, ripening on the way to stores or other vendors.• Better for the environment: Food that needn’t travel far before reaching diners’ plates saves roughly 500 gallons of diesel fuel to haul produce a distance of 1,500 miles. This conserves fossil fuels and prevents harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere.• Supports neighboring farms: Supporting farm-to-table restaurants and other eateries keeps business local in two different ways. It not only benefits local restaurants, but it also directly supports neighboring farms, fisheries and other suppliers.• Accessibility to seasonal choices: Farm-to-table eating provides a wide variety of in-season foods. This can translate into tastier foods because

they are grown and harvested during their optimal growing season.• Reduces factory farming: According to O.info, the informational resource powered by Overstock.com, farm-to-table and local farming can reduce reliance on large, profit-driven corporations that may focus on maximum production over animal health and welfare. Local farms may be more inclined to treat their animals well and institute sustainable practices.• Learn about the community: A person might live in an area and never know that a local vineyard is in the vicinity or that a producer of straight-from-the-hive honey is nearby. Exploring farm-to-table resources can open people’s eyes to local businesses doing great work in and around their communities. Farm-to-table is a popular movement that people are embracing for various reasons.

The various benefits of farm-to-table

One of the joys of grilling is the chance to develop your own technique. Some people guard their grilling techniques as if they were safeguarding state secrets, while others are proud to tell friends and family how they made those burgers so tasty. Marinating foods is one grilling technique that some swear by while others avoid. The efficacy of marinating is a topic of much debate. Some grilling enthusiasts wouldn’t think of cooking meat or poultry on the grill without first marinating it, while others say marinades don’t penetrate deep enough into the meat to provide any noticeable benefit in regard to taste. Those loyal to marinating should always emphasize safety when doing so. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that more than 128,000 Americans visit the hospital for food poisoning every year. Unsafe marinating increases the risk of food poisoning, but these strategies, courtesy of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, can help marinade devotees avoid such a fate.• Choose your dish wisely. Metal dishes should be avoided when marinating, as

the acid in the marinade can react with the metal, posing a health risk. Reusable glass containers are both eco-friendly and safe to use as marinating dishes.• Marinate foods in the refrigerator. Don’t let foods sit out on the kitchen counter while they marinate. Keep them in the refrigerator, ideally on the bottom shelf at or below 40 F. Doing so reduces the risk of food poisoning via unsafe levels of bacteria.• Travel smart. If taking marinating foods to a nearby park or friend’s house, transport them in a cooler, even if traveling a relatively short distance. Pack the marinating foods in ice and keep them out of direct sunlight.• Do not reuse marinades. Marinades are not supposed to be reused on cooked foods. If you want to reuse marinade on food that’s already cooked, it must first be boiled to destroy any harmful bacteria. Some people stand by marinating as a great way to improve the taste of grilled foods. If you plan to marinate, emphasize safety to avoid food poisoning.

How to safely marinate when grilling out

3An Advertising Supplement to The Laurinburg ExchangeThursday, July 25th, 2019

Scotland CountyHealth Department

Now Offering

Child Health Clinic Services

Appointments available beginning August 5th, 2019

- All Children ages 2 months to 18 years old

- Dental, hearing, vision screening, and developmental screenings

- Immunizations

- Kindergarten/school physicals

- Accepting Medicaid, Self-pay

- Sliding fees based on income

Call 910-277-2440Monday through Friday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Heat IllnessAwareness

Contact: Kathie Cox, Health Educator/Heat Prevention Specialist

Scotland County Health Department • 1405 West Blvd.

Laurinburg, NC 28352 • (910) 277-2440

Heat Cramps• Severe,sometimes

disabling,crampsthattypicallybeginsuddenlyinthehands,calves,orfeet

• Hard,tensemuscles

What You Should Do:• Movetoacoolerorair

condionedarea.

• Sipwaterslowlyuntilthe

crampsgoaway.

What You Should Do:• Movetoacoolerlocation.• Liedownandlossenyour

clothing.• Applycool,wetclothsto

asmuchofyourbodyaspossible.

• Sipwater.• Ifyouhavevomitedand

itcontinues,seekmedicalattentionimmediately.

What You Should Do:• Call911immediately

- this is a medical emergency.

• Movethepersontoacoolerenvironment.

• Reducetheperson’sbodytemperaturewithcoolclothsorevenabath.

• DoNOTgivefluids.

Heat Exhaustion• Heavysweating• Weakness• Cold,pale,andclammy

skin• Fast,weakpulse• Nauseauorvomiting• Fainting

Heat Stroke• Highbodytemperature

(above103oF)*• Hot,red,dryormoist

skins• Rapidandstrongpulse• Possible

unconsciousness

Herbal remedies may be used to treat symptoms of many conditions and can often be a viable tool in an overall health plan. But there is a dearth of research evaluating the use of herbal medicines, particularly in clinical trial. However, The Mayo Clinic says about one-half of adults in the United States reports having used at least one dietary supplement in the previous month, though research indicates that only about 34 percent of people who take herbal supplements tell their doctors about it, even those who are taking a prescription medication. Just because a substance is naturally derived does not make it entirely safe to use in all instances. In fact, many herbs can interact poorly with other drugs. According to the article “Use of Herbal Medicines and Implications for Conventional Drug Therapy Medical Sciences,” published in 2013 by researchers at the University of Texas and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, although many benefits can be derived from the use of herbs, potential areas of concern include possible product contamination and/or adulterations, potential toxicity and high potential of known and unknown drug/herb interactions. Herbal medicines are not standardized and monitored like prescription and over-the-counter medication, so safe use cannot be guaranteed. The information provided here should not replace the advice of a qualified physician. However, these are some known medication-herbal interactions that can occur.Heart healthSeveral popular supplements, including Coenzyme Q-10, St. John’s Wort and Danshen, can interact with common heart medications. It is important to read how these herbs can interact with Warfarin, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, and digoxin, among others. Interactions can include everything from reductions in drug efficacy to increased risk of bleeding to irregular heartbeat, states the Mayo Clinic.Women’s healthWomen who are going through menopause and have experienced hot flashes, painful menstruation and other vaginal conditions may take black cohosh. But there is concern that black cohosh may enhance liver toxicity when taken with certain medications, such as astorvastatin, acetaminophen and alcohol, according to Drugs.com.

Colds and respiratory healthHistorically, goldenseal has been used for various health conditions of the skin, ulcers and respiratory infections. Goldenseal is a potent inhibitor of liver enzymes. A 2012 review from the National Institutes of Health found that goldenseal has a high herb-drug interaction risk.Mental well-beingHerbal remedies may help people treat anxiety, insomnia and depression. Kava and St. John’s Wort are two herbs used for these conditions. There is some evidence that use of kava while taking CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines and sedation drugs, can increase risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression, says NIH. St. John’s Wort has many documented significant interactions with oral contraceptives, coumadin, immunosuppressant drugs, and benzodiazepines, among others. Taking St. John’s Wort in conjunction with other antidepressants can lead to serotonin-related side effects. Although herbs can be used successfully, caution is needed when combining them with other medications. They should be treated just as any drug and discussed with a medical professional or pharmacist prior to use.

Herbs and some meds don’t mix

DID YOU KNOW? Although dieting to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight is a year-round effort, many people opt to ramp up their dieting in the summer. That’s because clothes get lighter and shorter in summer, which also serves as swimsuit season. A focus on physique and being healthy comes back into focus. According to experts at the Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, calories are a measurement of energy. The number of calories in foods equates to the energy that the foods supply. If the energy isn’t used to fuel physical activity or metabolic processes, it may be stored for later, often in the form of fat reserves. In order to maximize weight loss, many people try to eat as few calories as possible. However, this can be dangerous. According to Kelly Brownell, Ph.D., a professor

of psychology at Yale University and author of “The LEARN Program for Weight Management” (American Health Publishing Co.), women should not consume fewer than 1,200 calories a day, and men 1,500 on average. Cutting calories dra-matically may lead to muscle loss, reduce the amount of nutrients acquired by the body, contribute to feelings of listlessness, and slow down metabolism as the body reacts to conserving residual fuel. A low-calorie diet also can put a person at risk for heart problems and gallstones. Coach Calorie, a diet and exercise advice site, advises against following blanket weight-loss advice about eating less and moving more, as it’s not a one-size-fits-all regimen. Before beginning a weight-loss regi-men, speak with a doctor and/or professional dietician. These people can create a diet and weight-loss plan that is healthy and effective and won’t cause detrimental side effects.

4 An Advertising Supplement to The Laurinburg Exchange Thursday, July 25th, 2019

Being the new kid in school can be a tall order for youngsters. Children who change schools may face a host of challenges that studies suggest can affect both their social and academic development. In a 2010 study that followed students who entered kindergarten in 1998 through 2007, the Government Accountability Office found that 13 percent of students changed schools four or more times by the end of eighth grade. Such mobility can adversely affect students, as a study of 13,000 students in the city of Chicago found that children who had changed schools four or more times by the sixth grade were roughly a year behind their classmates. In addition to the toll transferring schools can take on their academic performance, students also may experience difficulty assimilating into their new schools. Though there’s no formula to make such transitions easier, parents can try various strategies to help their kids successfully adjust to new schools.• Speak with children about the transition. Pathways.org, a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing free child development information to parents and health professionals, recommends parents speak with their children about transitioning to a new school. Encourage children to share what excites and worries them about the transition. The way parents discuss transitions can go a long way toward shaping how kids view the change.• Stay true to your routine. Pathways also recommends parents of students who are transitioning to a new school do their best to replicate first day of school routines from years past. Some familiar traditions might help calm kids’ concerns about their first day in a new school.• Assimilate into a new community before the school year begins. The education resource Edweek.org notes that the most common causes of students changing schools are residential moves related to parents’ jobs or financial instability. Parents on the lookout for a new job or those who may need to relocate for financial reasons may want to delay moving until the current school year has ended. Moving between school years gives families time to acclimate to their new communities. That means kids will

get time to make new friends. Some familiar faces on the first day at a new school can go a long way toward alleviating the fears children may have.• Volunteer at your child’s new school. Parental involvement at school can have a profound impact on children. The National Education Association notes that children whose parents are involved at school are more likely to perform academically than students whose parents are uninvolved. In addition, such students are more likely to have good attendance and exhibit stronger social skills than children whose parents do not involve themselves in their children’s school. It stands to reason that students transferring to a new school may benefit from parental involvement even more than other students, as seeing their parents approach a new school with excitement and energy may inspire children to follow suit. Transitioning to a new school is not easy for many students. But parents can help smooth that transition in various ways.

How to ease kids’ transition to a new school

Finding the right backpack is an essential component of back-to-school shopping. Children may have their own ideas of what’s in style, but parents should look for backpacks that are functional before factoring in style. Marrying form and function together can be challenging, but it’s necessary to prevent students from developing back problems. But parents must give consideration to more than just the size of their children’s backpacks. Depending on school schedules, students may be carrying backpacks for up to 10 hours per day, five days per week. Backpacks may be filled with several pounds of stuff, such as textbooks, binders, laptops, and other supplies, potentially leading to injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 14,000 children are treated for backpack-related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that the weight of a backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child’s body weight. But many students pack their bags with much more weight than that.Improperly sized, worn and overstuffed backpacks can injure joints and lead to neck, back and shoulder injuries. They also may affect children’s posture. • Choose a streamlined model. Select a backpack that will get the job done without much added bulk. Many backpacks have been designed to hold technological devices as more and more schools integrate technology into the classroom. A less bulky bag might be lighter and easy to carry.• Consider shopping at a sporting goods store. Employees at camping and sporting goods retailers understand how to fit backpacks for hikers and outdoor adventurers. They can help measure a student and find a pack that will fit his or her body frame. Also, these retailers may have a wider selection of backpacks than some other stores, increasing the chances of finding the right fit.• Select a pack with a waist strap. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the body is not designed to carry items hanging from shoulders. By using the waist strap in conjunction with taut shoulder straps, students can distribute the weight in their backpacks over their hip bones

instead of the shoulders. The padded and adjustable shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide. All straps should be used each time the pack is worn.• Backpacks should be loaded properly. Heavy items should be near the center bottom to distribute the load, rather than placed on top. Students should only carry what is necessary, visiting lockers or desks as needed to lighten their packs. Backpack fit and functionality is something parents should take seriously when shopping for school supplies.

School time requires having all of the necessary supplies, clothing and gear ready for the year. In addition, preparing for a new school year often involves providing updated physical health information to the school administration. The requirements for health screenings and reporting may vary between school districts. Some physical examinations need to be conducted annually, while others may only need updating at certain intervals, such as when kids transition from elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school. Updated physical forms also may be required at the start of a sports season.Health screenings are intended to detect problems that may interfere with learning. Physical exams may indicate issues that can hamper progress or shed light on undiagnosed problems that may require further assessment and necessitate customized learning plans to help students succeed. Physical exams are also a way to ensure students’ immunizations are up to date.According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, physical exams typically are completed by students’ primary care providers. Some school districts offer free or low-cost health assessments through school providers as well. Students who will be traveling for school may be required to meet the health requirements of their destination country. For example, medical students admitted to a Canadian university may be required to get a medical exam, according to the Government of Canada. Visiting the doctor, nurse practitioner or a school-provided medical professional may not make school-aged children too happy. To make the process go smoothly, consider these suggestions.• Work with physicians who have access to electronic health records. EHRs are secure technology that provides easy access to vaccination records, health history, appointment reminders, and even prescription information. Some providers even make it possible for patients to directly

access their health information through a secure login, helping save time.• Make appointments during school hours. After-school appointments are peak times for pediatric offices and medical clinics. Sign students out of school early to visit the doctor for medical exams. The staff likely will be less harried, and you can spend more time asking questions and completing forms. Schools may not count the absence if a doctor’s note is provided.• Don’t forget the forms. Bring the right paperwork so that the staff can fill out what is necessary for the school, camp or sports league. • Know your insurance guidelines. Physical exams may be part of routine well visits. Insurance companies institute their own policies regarding how frequently physicals can be conducted (usually annually). Be sure to schedule the appointment accordingly.Physical examinations are on many parents’ back-to-school to-do lists. Certain strategies can make physicals easier for adults and children alike.

Student physical examination tips

Avoid back injuries by choosing the right backpack