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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2408 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Flu-Fighting Facts About Kids In Child Care Centers (NAPSA)—More parents are learning just how important it is for children to get an annual flu vaccination—and that it’s especially important for children who spend time in child care centers. Some parents don’t realize how serious the flu can be—even for healthy children. Over the past four flu seasons more than 300 children have died from influenza. And more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized due to the flu each year. To help educate the public about the importance of vaccinations, the National Association of Child Care Professionals (NACCP) has joined together with Families Fighting Flu (FFF) to launch a nationwide campaign— Fighting Flu in Child Care Settings: Building Blocks to Increase Influenza Awareness. As part of the program, child care center directors will individually track flu vaccinations for children within their centers, thus encouraging healthy preventive practices, starting at a young age. Such practices are expected to result in a healthier child care center environment and, potentially, a healthier community. “Vaccinating children against the flu is the single best way to protect them and their families from the virus,” said Richard Kanowitz, FFF president. Kanowitz’s 4-yearold daughter, Amanda, died suddenly in March 2004 from influenza. “Unfortunately, many parents underestimate the seriousness of the flu.” Influenza, or “the flu,” is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). The flu virus tends to spread from November to April, with most cases occurring between December and March. The flu is often confused with A Picture-Perfect Turkey (NAPSA)—The first step in roasting a picture-perfect turkey, say the experts, is to start with a quality roaster. Here are some tips to help you choose one: • Avoid flimsy disposable roasters that can be unsafe and environmentally unfriendly. Instead, choose a Granite Ware roaster, which is very inexpensive, environmentally safe and will last a lifetime. Catching the flu can be serious. Children who spend time in child care centers should be vaccinated against the flu. the common cold, but flu symptoms tend to develop quickly and are usually more severe than the typical sneezing and congestion associated with a cold. Influenza is often accompanied with fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also common symptoms in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children from 6 months up to age 5 get vaccinated against the flu every year. In addition, children with certain medical conditions, household contacts (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.) and outof-home caregivers of children age 0 up to age 5 should also get vaccinated against the flu every year. This campaign is made possible by an educational grant from sanofi pasteur. For more information, visit www.naccp.org or www.families fightingflu.org. Choose a heavy roaster that is designed to accommodate the weight of a turkey. • Porcelain-on-steel roasters provide an even heat distribution for uniformly cooked, beautiful turkeys. Most hardware and retail stores carry a line of speckled porcelain-on-steel roasters called Granite Ware. • Dark-colored roasters absorb the oven’s energy and evenly distribute it. • Roast your turkey at a constant 325 to 350 F. A 16- to 24pound turkey takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound. • Add water or broth to the pan to baste with and to keep the meat moist. Baste every 30 minutes. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure thorough cooking. The deepest portion of the breast should read 170 F; the thigh, 180 F. • Once finished, let the bird rest for about half an hour so the juices settle before carving. Seniors Can Take Steps To Avoid Falls (NAPSA)—How likely are you or an elderly loved one to suffer a fall? According to the National Institutes of Health, more than one in three people age 65 or older fall each year, and over 1.6 million will visit an emergency department for fall-related injuries. “Falls threaten what seniors value the most—their independence,” says Scott Perry, president of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a national insurer specializing in seniors. “A fall can lead to a broken hip or another injury that can change a senior’s life in an instant.” Perry’s company sponsored a study, Aging in America, which found that while the overall top aging fear was Alzheimer’s disease, more than half the respondents worried over losing their physical abilities as they aged. Women in particular had a much higher fear of slipping and falling than men. Bone and muscle changes that come with age put seniors at an increased risk of severe injuries from falls. There are, however, simple steps that seniors can take to reduce their risk. Fallproof Your Home Begin prevention efforts in your home, where most falls occur. Clear your stairs and floors of all objects, including seemingly harmless ones, such as toys and magazines. Keep electrical cords out of sight and remove—or secure to the floor—small throw rugs. In addition, the National Safety Council recommends these steps for safety in the kitchen and bathroom: • Wipe up spills immediately. • If you must reach for something up high, do so with the aid of Veer Getting enough exercise can help you stay strong and avoid falls. a sturdy step stool with handrails. • Keep a night-light on in your bathroom. • Install grab bars by toilets and in the shower and tub. Take Care Of Yourself Enlist the help of your health care providers in planning your fall prevention strategy. Have your eyes checked regularly to correct deficits. Review medications with your doctor so you’ll know how to reduce any side effects—such as dizziness—that can cause a fall. Your doctor can also identify exercises to improve your strength and balance. The Home Safety Council notes that gentle exercise programs, such as tai chi, have been shown to improve balance and strengthen muscles safely. Finally, consider purchasing a personal alarm in case you fall and can’t get up. Many hospitals have such programs in place. As with all your fall prevention strategies, don’t wait until you fall to take action. For more tips for seniors, visit www.Bankers.com and click “Senior Resources.”