Category: Uncategorized

As summer comes to a close, it’s time to think about going back to school. One of the most important things you can do for your child’s health is to make sure he or she is up-to-date on vaccines, which can protect against many dangerous diseases.

Vaccine requirements

Many states require that kids have certain vaccines (shots or immunizations) before they can come to school. The best way to ensure your child is fully protected is to talk to your child’s doctor. You can also find information about vaccines on the Centers for Disease Control website atwww.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Some diseases, such as mumps and polio, have become very rare thanks to vaccines. But outbreaks of some diseases are still happening, and immunization is the best way to protect your child from a serious illness. For instance, 2014 had a record number of measles cases and many outbreaks of whooping cough have been occurring in schools across the U.S.

Start vaccines on time

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers get a number of vaccines early in life to help protect them from 14 life-threatening illnesses. This includes measles, mumps, whooping cough and more, which used to be common – and very dangerous – for young children.

But vaccines aren’t just for little ones. As children get older, they may need “boosters” to help protect them as the first vaccine begins to wear off. And, certain vaccines like the flu shot need to be given every year for protection.

Vaccines protect everyone

When disease outbreaks happen, a vaccinated person is much less likely to get sick. If they do get it, they usually get a much milder case.

Getting all vaccines on time means you are protecting your own child and others around them. This is known as “herd immunity.” When 90 to 95 percent of people in a community are vaccinated, it’s almost impossible for these dangerous diseases to spread. But when vaccine rates go below 90 percent, diseases can take hold and spread. This weakens the immunity of an entire community.

If you’re not sure if your child needs vaccines, call your child’s doctor today and beat the back-to-school rush. Catch-up vaccines can be given, if needed, even if your child missed some shots before.

Concerned about vaccines?

The U.S. supply of vaccines is extremely safe and effective. When reading something about vaccines, be sure the information comes from a credible source with data to prove the statements. Many false claims have been made about vaccines. Some of these false claims can be found on the Internet even after they’ve been proven wrong. If you have questions, ask your child’s doctor or visithttps://ivaccinate.org

to get answers to many common concerns.

High blood pressure is a common problem. About half of American adults have it. In fact, many people have dangerously high blood pressure and don’t even know it. This is because high blood pressure often has no symptoms and puts you at risk of having a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

What is high blood pressure?

When your heart beats, it pumps blood through the blood vessels. High blood pressure means the force of your blood against the blood vessels is too high. Over time, this strains the heart and damages blood vessels.

What the numbers mean

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

*  Systolic blood pressure is the upper number. This measures how much pressure the blood is putting against blood vessels when the heart beats.

*  Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number. This is how much pressure the blood is putting against blood vessels between heartbeats.

Both numbers are important signs of heart health. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (upper number) and less than 80 (lower number). If either one is higher, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Can high blood pressure be avoided?

In many cases, a healthy lifestyle and medical care can control or prevent high blood pressure. This can lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke or other problems.

To keep blood pressure in check, follow these guidelines:

*  Lose excess weight if needed.

*  Don’t smoke.

*  Eat a healthy diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein.

*  Get exercise regularly. A minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days a week is best.

*  Avoid too much salt in your diet.

*  Avoid or limit alcohol.

*  Manage stress and use relaxation methods if needed.

*  Manage other health conditions like diabetes.

You don’t have to do this alone. Your doctor can help you with a plan to lower blood pressure. He or she may help you find ways to lose weight, and may give you diet and exercise guidelines to follow.

Sources: American Heart Association, American Academy of Family Physicians