1. August 2012
KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Volume 1, Issue 5
BACK TO SCHOOL
While children in some parts of There are some things to consider
the country have already returned before choosing a hand sanitizer.
to school for the 2012-2013 For example, for a hand sanitizer
academic school year, others are to be effective, it must contain at
gearing up to begin soon. As least 60 percent ethyl alcohol
temperatures begin to drop and as (Wanjak, 2009). Sanitizers that
parents help their children contain less ethyl alcohol can
prepare for a successful academic leave up to 50 percent of germs.
year, many have noticed “new”
items listed on the school supply Table of Contents
list to include: disposable It is also important to remove CEO’s Corner ............... 2
drinking cups, Clorox Wipes, and rings before using sanitizer
because these are favorite spots Highlights ......................... 2
hand sanitizer, just to name a few,
although particular type of for bacteria to hide. Finally, when
supplies listed will depend on the possible, it is always best to wash
Featured Articles:
your child’s age and grade level. hands with old-fashioned soap
Hand sanitizer seems to be a fairly and water but hand sanitizer Healthy Recipes.............. 3
common item on school supply should be used when this is not Body Wellness................ 4
lists, regardless of grade level. possible to reduce the risk of
spreading germs. ........................................... 5
Why? Of course, when the
weather changes, we are more
prone to encountering others with When used properly, teaching
colds and, perhaps, even the flu. your child to use hand sanitizer
appropriately may reduce his/her
Many healthcare professionals tendency to become sick during
support the use of hand sanitizer the school year and thus, increase
and now, many teachers are your child’s overall school
supporting its use in the attendance which can ultimately
classrooms as well, and to reduce lead to better academic
the spreading of germs that can performance.
lead to illnesses, such as the H1N1
virus. Reference
Our Mission and Vision
Wanjak, C. (2009, October 27). Do
hand sanitizers really work?. Live To increase disease
Science, Retrieved from http:// awareness among
www.livescience.com/5822- children and parents;
fighting-flu-hand-sanitizers- To promote healthy
work.html behaviors, reduce the
spread of infections,
and to reduce health-
Renee Sullivan, M.A., CCLC
related issues in our
nation’s children.

2. Page 2
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
CEO’s Corner...
community to learn to support
Howdy!
such a family in their fight to find
Each day, I find myself a better health approach in
remembering how blessed I „am to helping their child. I can go on
have a great team of women and on talking about the
around me to support this importance of human relations in
organization and carry its helping the healing process but I time every day and try to
mission to the fullest. August is a will limit myself for now. I‟m accommodate her needs the best
great month. It is a month of looking forward to revisit the you can? I ask that question
opportunities and I‟m hoping, a subject at a later time. because at this time, there is no
month for a new milestone. easy way, one must get use to it
Have you ever had a child with
and must accept and hope for
I‟m always pleased to bring more food allergy? Almost half dozen of
the best.
good news to you all each and Americans have children with
every month and hope that you food allergy which can be quite Our Organization focus in all
frustrating. Dealing with eczema aspect of health and we are
enjoy reading us as much as we
and your child‟s irritability is the increasingly focusing ourselves
enjoy writing these articles for
number one reason I decided to in raising awareness in mental
you. Good news this month! The
write about this. Today, I was health illnesses. I have invited a
IRS has informed us in a letter
trying to fix a meal for my child mother whom all 3 of her
that we should expect to children have mental illness. She
and I got so frustrated because I
receive our exemption status didn‟t know what to cook for her. will be joining us during the
in the upcoming months. We When I go to the supermarket, I health conference to share her
are eagerly awaiting that spent hours reading over struggles and how she got
exemption so that we can ingredients to make sure I don‟t empowered raising her children
expand our vision. give her anything that could be and becoming the women she is
harmful. today. Please review our
If you are like me you children activities, events and
As I was rushing to get home and
understand the importance of videos and provide us with your
get ready for work, I didn‟t have
health education to our suggestions.
enough time to read so I walked
community and you strive to out of the store with practically Thank you for letting us be your
promote that along the way nothing. I went home and made prime choice for disease
each day. August 25th as part her some spaghetti with plain education in the community
of our board members arrival tomato, corn and chicken. I
to the Boston area, we are wonder sometimes how the poor Cheers and Peace to You!
girl feels inside when I tell her
organizing a health conference By
“No, you cannot have fish, or eggs
and we are hoping for a
or beef.” I wonder how she feels Jeannette Bryant, CEO
success. I think the real reason when I refuse to give her what I‟m
why we fight so much about eating. She loves to have the same
the health of our children is to meal I „am having but because of
secure a better health for all in her allergies, she never gets it.
“We strive to partner with
the future but also to eliminate Her cries break my heart and it schools, churches, and
health disparities. Next month, hurts seeing her mad over what organizations to focus on the
I can see myself writing an article she can and can‟t eat. It irritates health and well-being of our
on bipolar disorder in children or me and makes me want to children”
autism. It is a challenge for many scream, yell at somebody to fix
families who happen to have a things, make things better for her. We are seeking NEW Enrollment!
child with mental disorder and it How do you handle your child‟s
We are seeking Volunteers for various roles.
becomes important for the allergies? Take it one step at a
Contact us and Volunteer!

3. KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Page 3
LUNCH BOX RECIPES FOR KIDS
Roast beef + fruit Mediterranean Couscous + fruit
Sandwich: 2 oz. lower-sodium roast beef, lettuce, 2
slices tomato, 1/2-oz. slice white cheddar, 2 Make-ahead couscous can yield several lunches.
teaspoons light mayo on whole-grain bread + 2 CL Couscous Salad (3/4 cup) + 2 tablespoons
pineapple and strawberry fruit kebabs + 1/2 oz hummus + 8 whole-wheat pita chips + 1 cup fresh
grapes
Stats: 430 calories, 2.2g sat fat, 715mg sodium
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/lunch-box- Linda Oldenburg, Cooking Light
recipes-kids-
00412000072333/
page5.html
Roast Turkey
Breast Wrap Pizza + Carrot Crunch
Wrap: 1 oz. oven roasted turkey breast, 1/2
oz. low sodium ham, 1 slice crumbled center Low-fat ranch doubles as a dip for both pizza and
cut bacon, 1 tablespoon guacamole on half a veggies.
whole wheat wrap (such as Flatout) + tomato
mozzarella skewer (cut one lower sodium ½ CL Pizzadilla + 10 baby carrots + 1 tablespoon
part-skim mozzarella stick into fourths and low-fat ranch + 1 (4-oz.) cup unsweetened apple-
skewer with cherry tomatoes alternately) + 8 sauce
vanilla wafers
Stats: 250 calories, 3.4g sat fat, 594mg sodium
Stats: 439 calories, 6g sat fat, 795 mg sodium

4. Page 4
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Body Wellness
“Immunizing Children for School”
Susan Ruiz, M.S.
As we move through August, we parents will soon be faced with preparing our children for the new
school year. Of the many hurdles parents jump over during this time of preparation, immunizing your
children or providing proof of immunizations, represent a challenge to parents. Sometimes it is because the
vaccination records are misplaced or parents have not kept up with the regular childhood vaccination
schedule. Regardless of the reason, now we must meet our local and state requirements for entry into the
school system.
In the midst of it all, parents may ask, “Why do I need to get my child immunized anyway”? According to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), vaccinations are the most effective means of preventing childhood
illness. Historically, advances in medical knowledge have established what basic illnesses children need to be
vaccinated against to give them a fighting chance at a healthy, happy life as an adult. When we think of
vaccinations, certain diseases come to mind: Chickenpox, Polio, Mumps, Pertussis (Whooping Cough),
Diptheria, and Measles. Basic childhood vaccination schedules (available online from the CDC) help to
educate parents so that all children are protected from these diseases.
The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,
recommend the following vaccinations for children preparing to enter kindergarten:
2 or 3 doses of the oral rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix or Rotateq)
5 doses of the DTaP vaccine
3 or 4 doses of the Hib vaccine
4 doses of the Prevnar 13 vaccine
4 doses of the polio vaccine
2 doses of the MMR vaccine
2 doses of the chicken pox vaccine (Varivax)
2 doses of the hepatitis A vaccine
yearly flu vaccines, available as a nasal spray once kids are at least 2 years old
While these recommendations are necessary to prevent outbreaks, parents still are faced with uncertainties
regarding whether or not to vaccinate, it is always advisable to seek the advice of your child’s medical doctor.
He or she will be able to track the ages to what vaccinations are recommended. They are in the best position
to address the special needs of children with a compromised immune system (due to an infection or disease),
and for those children who are on medication.
If your child has an illness that weakens his or her immune system (often due to certain childhood diseases
such as HIV or cancer), they could potentially be at risk for contracting the disease that a current vaccination
could prevent; there still is no better resource to turn to than your child’s medical doctor. Vaccinations to
protect the child will be addressed according to the child’s medical condition and current medication
regiment.
Parents are often bombarded with various news reports that seem to target a certain vaccination .
Vaccinating your child is a tremendous and fairly simply step that all parents can take to ensure your child
grows into a healthy adult. It’s time to talk to your child’s doctor to see if your child is up to date. The new
school year will be upon us soon enough, are your child’s vaccinations current?

5. KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Page 5
Immunizing Children for School Providing Safe Drinking Water for Your Family
Lastly, in the midst of the rush to get everything KNOW YOUR WATER SOURCE
•Find out if the pipes in your home or apartment building are
together for school, don’t forget to safeguard your
made of lead or contain lead solder.
child’s immunization records. A vaccination record
•Send tap water samples to your local EPA-certified labora-
should be maintained with the child’s birth tory for testing, or buy a water test kit.
certificate and social security card as these •If your water is supplied by a public system:
documents are vital pieces of your child’s history ◦Ask your supplier what chemicals and parasites are tested
that will be needed when they transition from for and how the water is treated.
childhood to adulthood. In the event they must ◦Obtain a Consumer Confidence Report on your water qual-
show proof of vaccinations (such as for entry into ity from your public water authority.
the military) and they cannot provide proof, these •If your water supply is a private well: ◦Test your water yearly
vaccinations will be required again. for pesticides, metals, coliform bacteria and other possible
contaminants.
Vaccinating your child is a tremendous and fairly
◦Avoid using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals near
simply step that all parents can take to ensure your
your well's supply source as they can pollute your ground-
child grows into a healthy adult. It’s time to talk to water.
your child’s doctor to see if your child is up to date.
The new school year will be upon us soon enough, IMPROVE YOUR WATER SUPPLY
are your child’s vaccinations current? •Install water treatment filters or conditioning systems.
◦Several types are available, depending on what contami-
nants are present.
Reference •Consider buying a water distiller.
How Vaccines Prevent Diseases : http:// •Flush your pipes by running cold water for at least one min-
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/vaccine-decision/ ute.
prevent-diseases.html •Do not use hot water from the tap for cooking or drinking,
as toxins are more likely to leach into hot water.
•Make sure formula is prepared with safe water since boiling
Vaccination Schedules per the Centers for Disease increases the lead concentration. Infants are at particular risk
Control: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/ of lead poisoning because of the larger amount of water they
index.html consume relative to their body size.
Required School Immunizations: •If necessary, install shower/faucet filters since babies can swal-
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/vaccine- low water when bathing.
decision/prevent-diseases.html •Immediately dispose of household chemicals like batteries,
fluorescent bulbs, used motor oil, etc., at your municipal haz-
http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/law.htm ardous waste depot. (Do not leave them around your home
where they may contaminate your water supply.)
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/immunizationsched
ule/a/immunization_schedules_statistics.htm IMPROVE YOUR WATER SUPPLY
•Read the label of your bottled water. "Spring" water comes
from one or more underground sources and some bottled
Immunization Schedules:
water may come from a "municipal source" or from a
http://pediatrics.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi "community water system," and may have had additional treat-
=1&sdn=pediatrics&cdn=health&tm=76&gps=148_ ment.
10_979_411&f=20&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=1 •Avoid plastic bottles with the following recycling codes #1
&bts=1&st=15&zu=http%3A//www.cdc.gov/vaccine PET, #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Polycarbonate, which may leak
s/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm suspected carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
•Look for safer plastic bottles, such as #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE,
Immunizations and Children with Compromised and #5 PP.
Immune Systems:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety- Read more: http://www.healthychild.org/live-healthy/checklist/
prevention/immunizations/pages/Weakened- providing_safe_drinking_water_for_your_family/
Immune- #ixzz1sbN9gsgz
Systems.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-
0000-0000-0000-No+local+token

6. Page 6
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Kids Be Aware, Inc.
P. O. Box 123456
Boston, MA 01100
Monthly Highlights
We are seeking NEW “We strive to partner with schools, churches,
Enrollment!
and organizations to focus on the health and
We are seeking Volunteers for
various roles.
well-being of our children”
Contact us and Volunteer!
We are on the Web!
Visit us at: www.kidsbeaware.org
We are also on Facebook!
KBA Board Members
Jeannette Bryant CEO kidsbeawarenow@gmail.com 781-535-2448
Tiffany Henderson Treasurer donald_and_tiffany@yahoo.com 678-431-6543
Florette Dihewou Board Secretary dflorette3@yahoo.com 774-242-8480
Susan Ruiz Chair susan.ruiz@waldenu.edu 301-302-4215
Teresa Godley-Chase Co-chair teressa.godley-chase@waldenu.edu 240-515-4222
Renee Sullivan Co-Chair renee.l.sullivan@gmail.com 478-718-1306
Regina Rainey Board Member reginarainey@ymail.com 864-303-2151