CherokeeCoSpring2008_Revised_Small

Cherokee County Spring 2008

beSafe Child

tM

Since 1994

al Free Me nts e for Stud squit! i @ hot bge 9!

See pa

Child Care guide Compiled by

1

Whataburger 1203 N. Dickinson Rusk, TX 75785 903-683-8040 Whataburger 627 S. Jackson Jacksonville, TX 75766 903-586-7211

2

Whataburger 938 W. Main Gun Barrel City, TX 75147 903-887-8700 Whataburger 1113 E. Tyler (Hwy. 31 E) Athens, TX 75751 903-677-3838

Whataburger 1717 S. Loop 256 Palestine, TX 75801 903-729-5737

Inside BeSafe Child Alcohol & Energy Drinks:

Know the Facts..................................... 4 Routine Doctor Visits - Good.............. 5 Poison And What To Do...................... 6 Lead Poisoning..................................... 7 Creative Ways To Help Children Stay in Shape................................................. 8

ON THE COVER: Children from the staff of Cherokee County Health Department with Dr. M. A. Bone, Medical Director FREE BOOKLETS AVAILABLE CALL 581-5704 OR 1-800-443-0131

Free Meal Drawing Page..................... 9 Delayed Vaccinations......................... 10 Perinatal Program..............................11 Children’s Health Insurance............. 12 Cherokee Child Care Centers........... 13 ACCESS Programs............................14 Protect Your Kids from the Sun........14 10 Ways to Prevent Child Abuse.......15

BeSafe Publications 566 C.R. 4103, Jacksonville, TX 75766 903-586-3767  1-800-233-8568 Fax 903-586-0333 www.besafechild.com

email: info@besafechild.com Publisher/Editor: Royce Ewing Graphic Design/Layout: Claudette Wooddell Office: Patricia Goar ©Copyright 2008

BeSafe Publications

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within these pages. We cannot, however, assume any liability for any kind of its validity or completeness or for additional or changed information subsequent to the date the information contained herein was submitted for publication.

BeSafe Publications welcomes your suggestions and inquiries. Articles from professionals in child safety are also encouraged. While we retain our copyright position, we do grant permission to responsible parties to duplicate our articles in the interest of child safety, health and good character.

3

Alcohol & Energy Drinks: Know the Facts Source: The Coalition, Lufkin, Tx. www.angelinacoalition.org

arents: Do you know what P your kids are really drinking? Some of the ever popu-

lar energy drinks that kids are purchasing at record levels are now being laced with alcohol. Which ones? Well, it’s difficult to tell because they look identical to the energy drinks with flashy can designs. Alcoholic energy drink producers have built on the popularity of nonalcoholic energy drinks. The beer industry is banking on brand confusion by marketing to youth who already are drinking energy drinks that contain record levels of caffeine. Chris Lilly, Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control said, “This new line of alcoholic beverage product is extremely similar in look and feel to the popular energy drinks that contain no alcohol. Our youth are at risk when clerks and retailers cannot differentiate between

nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages being sold.”

Some energy drink brands are even owned by beer companies like the energy drink MONSTER and 180 are owned by Anheuser-Busch.

What’s even scarier is that parents are not aware that you can buy alcohol in the energy drinks and don’t question their kids when they see them drinking them. They look so much like typical energy drinks that it would make it very difficult for parents to know that what their kids are actually drinking has alcohol in it. Plus, the type of marketing for these drinks includes the internet, text messaging, MySpace and Facebook. How many parents have a MySpace page or use text messaging as much as teens? This is how the beer industry is reaching out to youth to inform them of their products. And guess what?

It’s even cheaper to buy than their nonalcoholic counterparts – 25% cheaper in most cases.

So what’s exactly inside one of those alcoholic energy drinks? How about enough alcohol to equal two beers and enough caffeine to equal six Cokes. They are also concocted with a sugary sweet taste to mask the taste of beer.

What can parents do? Be aware of what your kids are drinking – always check the labels. Energy drinks have nutritional values on them.

Alcoholic ones don’t. Be aware of the health risks.

Caffeine and alcohol are not a good mix. The two combined together results in being drunk wide awake.

Never assume it’s just an energy drink – looks can be extremely deceiving.

Can you tell which can of energy drink has alcohol in it?

The beer industry is hoping that you can’t.

If you guessed Rock Star 21 and Sparks, you guessed right. But how are parents to be able to tell the difference when they are marketed to look just like a typical energy drink?

4

Routine Doctor Visits Are Good

Source: Brenda Elrod, R.S., Deputy Director NETPHD outine doctor visits have proven to be a great benefit to children, teenagers and adults. The idea is to have a family physician and have routine “well visits”. A routine well visit is designed to evaluate your child’s current health status and verify he or she is growing into a healthy adult. These “well visits” should not end when the child becomes a teenager and certainly needs to continue when the teenager becomes an adult.

A “well visit” with your doctor is a great time to ask questions about your well being or your child’s well being. You can find out what to expect as the child grows into a teenager. Young mothers use the “well child” visit as a time to be reassured their child is healthy. The doctor visit is also the perfect time for the child to receive routine disease preventing immunizations. Immunizations have proven to protect children from childhood diseases that historically caused premature death. Chicken pox, whooping cough, tetanus, and Hepatitis B are diseases that can be prevented with proper immunizations administered in the prescribed time frames.

A “well visit” with you doctor is also the perfect time to spot problems with you child’s health. Allergies, seeing, hearing or growth development issues can be diagnosed and interventions can be started that will make the child healthier. Prevention is always the best policy. By taking your child to routine doctor visits and establishing a medical history you may prevent unnecessary illness and suffering for your child.

“Well child” is usually for children from birth to about 7 years old. The next phase would be well-preteen for the child 8 years old to 12 years old. Preteen is the time when the child begins to transition form a baby to a teenager.

The next phase is the “well-teen” for 13 year olds to 18 year olds.

The “well teen” visits are crucial to evaluate the individual’s development into an adult.

R

This is a time of change for each child as they grow older, become more independent, experience new emotions and are exposed to the temptation of risky behaviors.

Risky behaviors include the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and even sexual activity.

As your child travels through life, it is very important to establish this routine of well visits and personal awareness of his or her health. Each individual has a tremendous amount of control over his or her health.

As parents, we must establish this control by being responsible for the “well child”, “well pre-teen”, “well teenager” visits so our children will establish this as young adults and continue the process for their children.

Healthier children can make healthier adults who in turn may have healthier children.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District strives to make our community the healthiest community in Texas. We can join together to make this happen. If you do not have a family doctor, please contact the District and every effort will be made to connect you to a medical home. You may qualify for access to our Community Health Clinics of Northeast Texas providing well care services for our community. Please call our Community Outreach Department at 903-535-0028 or visit our website at www.healthyeasttx.org for more information.

Anyone · Anytime · Anything

Dial 2·1·1 For HELP 5

Poison And What To Do

T

By: Dr. Kathleen Butler, Pediatrician ETMC First Physician in Lindale

here are approximately 2 million poisoning exposures reported in the United States per year. Most poisonings occur in the home and most are unintentional. Often these accidents occur when parents are busy and children are unsupervised or are visiting older relatives. In the majority of these cases the poison is ingested. Half of these incidents occur in children six years and under with only 2% of these resulting in deaths. In 2006, 89% of the teenage deaths from poisoning were intentional, and this same group accounted for 170,000 poisoning exposures.

Adults aged 20-59 account for over 70% of poisoning fatalities and adults over 60 years of age account for 16% of fatalities.

A poisoning is defined as any substance that enters the body through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin and that cause or has the potential to cause harmful effects.

Poisons come in many forms, such as plants, medications, vitamins or herbal substances, pesticides, household cleaners, cosmetics, etc. Symptoms to look for in poisoning are: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, abdominal pain, seizures. If you suspect this has happened, stay calm and do not give the child anything by mouth. If the child is alert, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; if the child is unconscious or not breathing call 911.

If your child is poisoned through swallowing something do not give them anything by mouth unless instructed by the Poison Control Center. If they have inhaled a substance get them out into the fresh air and away from fumes. If it is through skin contact, then remove contaminated clothing and place the affected area under running water for at least 10 minutes. If poison gets into the eyes rinse the eyes with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes and call poison control for specific instructions.

(Continued on next page)

6

Hospital stays can be shortened- here’s how...

LIKE THE OLD-TIME DOCTOR, WE MAKE HOUSECALLS...

FOR BOTH ADULT AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

We Provide Infusions For: ETMC TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES (ANTI-BIOTIC, CHEMO, PAIN MANAGEMENT, NUTRITIONAL AND HYDRATION THERAPIES.)

Pharmacy Solutions Kevin Dobbs, R.Ph. Call us for information 903 295-3338 800 280-3338 913 NW Loop 281 #117 Longview, Texas www.pharmacyIVSolutions.com

(Continued from previous page)

Do not give Syrup of Ipecac unless explicitly instructed to do so by the Poison Control Center. When you call the Poison Control Center they will want to know your name and phone number, the child’s age and weight, the name of the poison, the amount taken and the time taken, as well as any symptoms the child is having.

Keep your child and others safe by following these guidelines: keep products in original containers; use products as directed; store potential poisons out of the reach of children – locked up; install child safety locks; store foods and dangerous substances in separate places; dispose of old medications or hazardous products properly.

Keeping children safe from poisonings is not difficult, it just takes some simple guidelines: Don’t give medications to a child in the dark; Do not tell a child that medicine is candy; Do not assume that child safety caps will prevent a child from getting into a medication; Do not place hazardous substances in food containers; Do not underestimate your child’s curiosity or ingenuity – just because they never have gotten into anything doesn’t mean they never will.

More information is available through the Texas Poison Center Network at www.poisoncontrol.org or the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org/family/poistipp.htm

Anyone · Anytime · Anything

Dial 2·1·1 For HELP

LEAD POISONING: What You Need To Know

Source: NorthEast Texas Public Health District

rom paint to plumbing, the use of lead in F our society has been widespread. A highly toxic metal, lead can present a significant

threat to human health. Young children are at great risk because of their small body mass, developing central nervous systems, high metabolism, and habits - such as frequently putting their hands and other things in their mouths. According to the Centers for Disease Control, lead poisoning is one of the most common, and preventable, pediatric health problems today. An estimated 1 in every 11 children under the age of 6 has high blood lead levels.

Many of us are unaware of the dangers of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning happens when there is too much lead in the body and it is especially harmful to children under the age of 6 years old. Some sources of lead include lead-based paint, dust, outside dirt, drinking water and old car batteries.

Low levels of lead poisoning can often go undiagnosed. Even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s kidneys, stomach and brain, (causing slowed motor skills, lowered intelligence, and speech difficulties). Severe lead poisoning can result in convulsions, coma or death.

All children 6 months to 6 years of age should be checked once a year for lead poisoning. Your doctor will administer a simple blood lead test.

You can protect your child from lead by observing these safety measures: 1. Ask the retailer about any toys with paint, if they are safe. How does he/she know they are safe.

2.Clean-up chipping or peeling paint inside & outside your home.

3. Clean-up paint chips & lead dust on windowsills & on the floor near windows, doorways, and woodwork.

4. Wash your child’s toys and pacifier(s) often.

5. Don’t store food in open cans.

6. Run cold water for a few minutes before using it for cooking & drinking, or use bottle water.

7. Have your tap water tested for lead if your home has lead pipes, copper pipes w/lead solder, or brass fittings.

For more information, you can contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District at (903) 535-0028 or the National Lead Information Center Hotline at 1-800-LEAD-FYI (1-800-532-3394). You can also check out these Internet sites at: aecip.org, nsc.org, or epa.gov/lead.

7

I

Creative Ways To Help Children Stay In Shape

t’s important that children take steps to stay active and healthy.

Yet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that the percent of American children who are overweight has more than doubled since 1980. In fact, it’s estimated that about 15 percent of all children in the U.S. today are overweight, and carrying those extra pounds can lead to a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

So how can you help your kids fight the battle of the bulgeor avoid becoming overweight in the first place? Get creative and try these tips:

a number of foods out there that taste good and are good for them. They shouldn’t associate healthful foods with bad taste. Then, when you get home, have your kids help prepare a healthful dinner.

Be Smart Parents who are overweight are more likely to have children who are overweight. So you may want to think about leading by example.

Make smart lifestyle decisions and explain to your children the reasons you do the things you do. For instance, the next time you drive to the mall Eat Smart your children, park far Involve your kids in the meals you eat, with away from the entrance. Tell your kids every step of the way. Start by taking them grocery shopping. Discuss smart you parked far away because you like food choices and the importance of eat- to take walks during the day and that exercise helps keep you healthy and ing plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Let kids pick out some healthy happy. It may sound simple, but a little side dishes for dinners and teach them effort can go a long way. For more information visit the Web site to look at labels before they make a choice. Also, point out that there are www.secret slumberparty.com

8

EVERY KID IS A

WINNER

@ HOT BISQUIT

9

Delaying Vaccinations - Children At Risk

R

ventable diseases. But because ecent outbreaks in the U.S. of measles, immunization programs of the whooping cough and the flu among 20th century were so successyoung children have refocused Americans’ ful, many of today’s young ideas about the importance of vaccinations. parents have never seen these This is especially true because diseases such diseases as mumps, measles, polio and and do not understand rubella-virtually eradicated in that the risk for them this country-are just a plane is still real. ride away. In fact, the spread Children should be of measles went from 0 cases protected from 14 prein 2000, in the United States, ventable diseases by to 64 cases in 2007. age 2. Yet 2.1 million For a young child, regular children in the United vaccinations are an important States are not vaccipart of ensuring overall health. nated on time, putting Vaccines have been shown them at risk for serious to protect and save lives. Yet Protecting your child’s health illness. It is critical for despite the overwhelming means getting him or her vaccinated parents to realize that scientific evidence proving on time, every time. today’s vaccines are the benefits of immunizations, safe for children. In there are still parents who fact, when it comes to vaccines, the biggest question the value of vaccines. risk is being misinformed.

Why Vaccinate?

For more information, including the immuBefore the development of vaccines, thounization schedule, visit the Web site at www. sands of babies died or were seriously disecbt.org. abled every year from a variety of now-pre-

Do You Need Assistance In Paying For Your Child Care?

If you are working, training and/or going to school you may be eligible.

. . .. .

Must be working or have a combination of school and employment that equals 25 hours per week.

Must pay a portion of the cost of care based on family gross monthly income.

Must meet income guidelines.

Must meet other program criteria.

May be placed on a waiting list.

CCS Income Guidelines

Gross Monthly Family Size Income (Up To) 2 $2770 3 $3422 4 $4074 5 $4725 6 $5377 7 $5499

Counties served: Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.

For more information please call Workforce Solutions at 800.676.8283 Equal Opportunity Employer/Program 10

Auxillary Aids and Services are available upon request.

TDD 800.735.2989

Children’s Health Insurance Keeps Growing CHIP “Perinatal Program”

Texas residents who are pregnant, uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid may qualify for CHIP “Perinatal Program” benefits.

Coverage starts before the child is born and continues after the child is enrolled.

Benefits include: Up to 20 prenatal visits.

Prescription drug coverage based on current CHIP formulary.

Hospital facility charges and professional services charges related to labor with delivery only.

Preterm labor that does not result in a birth and false labor are not covered benefits.

Two postpartum visits for the mother.

Regular check-ups, immunizations and prescriptions for the baby.

A full list of covered benefits is available at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/chip/perinatal/indes.htm.

If you would like to apply for any State Programs CHIP/Medicaid, CHIP “Perinatal Program,” Women’s Health Program, Food Stamps, TANF or long term care please contact any of the Outreach Assistance Contact Numbers below in your county. Or you can call 1-800-647-6558.

You can also visit our website @ www.chipmedicaid.org.

. . . . . . .

New Ways To Apply for Any of the State Of Texas Programs

CHIP (Children’s Health Program)

CHIP “Perinatal Program” Women’s Health Program (Medicaid)

Medicaid Food Stamps Long Term Care TANF

Please Contact Us For More Information Cynthia (Abby) Farias Outreach Assistant (Covering Smith, Camp, Rains, Van Zandt, Wood Counties) (903) 535-0028 1-866-903-0028

Arnetta Garner Outreach Assistant (Covering Cherokee, Rusk, Anderson, Henderson, and Panola Counties) (903) 541-2454 1-866-903-0028

Or go to our website: www.healthyeasttx.org 11

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

$50 or less covers all your children for one year. Most families pay little or nothing at all. .Extend the enrollment from 6 months to 12 months. .Eliminate the 90-day waiting period for most children. .Increase the asset limit from $5,000 to $10,000 per household. .Increase the amount cars can be worth when determining eligibility. .Allow childcare expenses to be deducted from household income when determining whether children are eligible for the program.

Children’s Medicaid Children’s Medicaid provides free coverage for a wide range of health care services for children who qualify. It helps nearly 2 million Texas children stay healthy and get the care they need.

ChIP If your children get CHIP coverage, Your family will pay no more than $50 every year, and many families pay nothing. Depending on your income, you may have copayments for some services, such as prescriptions and visits to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Most copays range from $3 to $10.

Benefits Include: .Choice of doctors .Regular check-ups and office visits .X-rays and lab tests .Prescription drugs and medical supplies .Mental health care .Dentist visits, cleaning and fillings .Coverage for special health needs .Access to medical specialists .Coverage for pre-existing conditions .Shots and immunizations .Eye exams and glasses CHIP now offers prenatal care for unborn children of low-income women who do not qualify for Medicaid. One application covers both programs. We will look at your application and let you know if your children qualify for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP. Go to www.CHIPmedicaid.org and print an application, or call us at 903-535-0028 or 1-866-903-0028 NETPHD Website: www.healthyeasttx.org

Income guidelines for ChIP/Children’s Medicaid Family Members (Adults plus children)

12

May Qualify For Children’s Medicaid Annual Family Income

May Qualify For CHIP Annual Family Income

1

$10,210

$20,420

2

$13,690

$27,380

3

$17,170

$34,340

4

$20,650

$41,300

Guide to Licensed Child Care Centers

This Directory was produced by the Better Business Bureau Foundation as a public service to assist parents in their search for a licensed child care facility. The Better Business Bureau does not endorse or recommend any product, service or company; therefore, parents should not consider this Directory a recommendation of any child care center. Any portion of the listing is subject to change at any time.

The Better Business Bureau suggests you visit and tour the facility before making a decision. Check the current status of the facility’s license with the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services at 533-4173. This license should be posted in a conspicuous place and reflect the correct address of the facility.

The Monitoring Plan set by the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services is a good guideline when looking into a facility. It is indicative if the facility’s compliance with state guidelines. Ask to see their latest compliance report. It is a good idea to find out which items, if any, your facility was not in compliance with when corrections were made by the facility.

Remember, this information can also change at any time. Make sure to check their current monitoring plan with Protective Services.

Here are some things to look for when choosing a child care service: • Is the facility clean? Are the children clean? • Is there a safe place to play both indoors and outdoors? • Does caregiver share your views on discipline and religion? • Can they provide special care such as diet and medication? • Is this facility open to you and welcome to visits anytime?

If you have questions or would like a brochure from the Better Business Bureau on choosing child care, please call us at (903) 581-5704 or toll free 1-800-443-0131.

Hours & Drop After School Ages Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code) Phone Capacity Days Open Ins Care Accepted

Zip Code 75766

Charlotte’s Web Day Care Center 588 S. Ragsdale, Jacksonville, 75766

586-5026

73

Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00

No

Yes

12 mos. - 13 years

First United Meth. Readiness School 1031 SE Loop 456, Jacksonville, 75766

586-7756

90

Mon.-Fri. 7:15-5:30

No

No

Infant - Pre-K

For Heaven’s Sake Christian Learning Ctr. 2028 E. Rusk, Jacksonville, 75766

589-3957

68

Mon.- Fri. 6:30-6:00

Yes

Yes

Infant - School Age

Kids First Weekday Education 210 Philip St., Jacksonville, 75766

586-4844

78

Mon - Fri. 7:30-2:30

No

No

Infant - Pre-K

Kids R Us 315 Ragsdale, Jacksonville, 75766

586-7210

64

Mon.-Fri. 6:30-5:30

Yes

Yes

2 years - 13 years

Kids-N-Motion 1006 N. Jackson, Jacksonville, 75766

586-0113

322

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Yes

Birth - 13 years

Knee High Village 830 Canada St., Jacksonville, 75766

586-8542

55

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 years

Amy’s Child Care Center 1375 N. Dickinson, Rusk, 75785

683-6095

46

Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00

Yes

Yes

Infant - School Age

Betty’s Child Care 1100 Johnson Dr., Rusk, 75785

683-4760

34

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Yes

Toddler - School Age

Charlotte’s Web Too 1300 W. 6th St., Rusk, 75785

683-9691

68

Mon.-Fri. 5:30-6:00

Yes

Yes

12 mos. - 12 years

Cherokee County Christian Child Care 204 E. Third St., Rusk, 75785

683-4375

65

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

No

Yes

2 years - 13 years

Christ The Redeemer 247 Barron Street, Rusk, 75785

683-1404

51

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Yes

Toddler - School Age

Little Britches Learning Center 305 N. Main, Rusk, 75785

683-2220

31

Mon.-Fri. 5:30-5;30

Yes

Yes

Toddler - School age

Zip Code 75785

Tosh Insurance Agency, Inc. 205 W. San Antonio St. 505 Main St. Alto, TX 75925 Rusk, TX 75785 936-858-3346 903-683-5433 Insure Child Safety Through Education!

13

YOUTH SERVICES A DSHS funded Mental Health Program at ACCESS The ACCESS youth mental health program team includes psychiatrists, counselors, service coordinators, and trainers, all working together to help youth who have emotional, behavioral, or mental problems.

Services Eligibility Intake and screening Youth, ages 0-17 Crisis intervention Severe emotional, behavioral, or Psychiatric and medication services

mental disorders Counseling Serious difficulty in everyday Skills training

functioning Parenting skills Risk of removal from home Service coordination Fees Substance abuse counseling Charges for priority population are

based on ability to pay Insurance and Medicaic accepted

.. . . . .

.. .. .. ..

(903) 589-9000 5656 N. Jackson, Jacksonville MHMR Crisis Line 24-hour: 1-800-621-1693

Protect Your Kids From The Sun

nyone who has ever taken kids to the A beach knows that it’s fun for the kids, but can sometimes be a hassle for whoever is in

charge. For parents it can mean the constant chore of sunscreen application and reapplication. To curb the sun care battle and make sun protection a routine part of outdoor play, parents can take a few simple steps now to help ensure sun safety all summer long.

Sun protection is an essential part of any outdoor activity because the sun produces invisible rays known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), which cause sunburn and sun damage. Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, which makes right now the perfect time for parents to develop their summer sun care strategy.

“The more sun exposure children get, the greater their chances of long-term skin damage,” said Dr. David Leffell, Professor of Dermatology & Surgery at Yale School of Medicine. “When children are playing in the sun and surf, they have specific sun care needs.”

Here are some sun care tips to help create your family’s sun care strategy: • Cover all the bases-It’s easy to overlook 14

spots like your ears, neck, shoulders and the back of your neck, but they need sunscreen, too. So does your scalp, if your child has thin or short hair.

• Reapply, reapply, reapply -Slap on another coat of sunscreen as needed-and be sure to reapply after swimming, perspiring, vigorous activity or toweling off.

• Select sunscreens that can keep up with kids-When children are playing in the sun and surf, they have specific sun care needs.

Use waterproof sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, and look for products that are quick and easy to apply to squirmy kids. (Keep babies under 6 months of age out of the sun and consult a doctor before applying sunscreen.)

Families can enjoy the outdoors while staying safe by having a solid action plan in place that includes cover-up clothing, timely activities and the right sunscreen.

Additional sun care tips and information for better summers can be found at coppertone. com/sum mers.aspx.

10 Ways To Help Prevent Child Abuse

1. Be a nurturing parent.

Children need to know that they are special, loved, and capable of following their dreams.

2. Help a friend, neighbor, or relative.

Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand - take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

3. Help yourself.

When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control - take time out. Don’t take it out on your child.

4. If your baby cries.

It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby -shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.

5. Get involved.

Ask your community leaders, clergy, library, and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

6. Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.

7. Promote programs in schools.

Teaching children, parents, and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

8. Monitor your child’s television and video viewing.

Watching violent films and TV programs harm young children.

9. Volunteer at a local child abuse program.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-CHILDREN. 10. Report suspected abuse or neglect.

If you have reason to beleive a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department.

Prevent Child Abuse Texas PO Box 203624; Austin, TX 78720-3624 512/250-8438 512/250-8733 fax www.preventchildabusetexas.orgpcatx@preventchildabusetexas (email)

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services The STAR/UCAP programs at ACCESS, FUNDED BY Department of Family and Protective Services, works to reduce family conflict, prevent truancy, prevent runaway, reduce delinquent behavior, and prevent child abuse. The program helps families resolve problems within the home.

Services are provided at no charge.

. . . . . . .

Eligibility Youth, ages 0-17 Runaway Homeless Truant At risk of abuse or neglect In conflict with family Involved in delinquent offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies

. . . . . . . .

Services Intake and screening Crisis intervention, 24 hours Family counseling Skills training Linking with resources Emergency shelter Bilingual services Prevention programs

Services To At Risk Children/Universal Child Abuse Prevention at ACCESS 804 Main Street, Jacksonville, Texas (903) 586-3175 STAR Crisis Line 24-hour: 1-800-621-1693, ask for STAR services Services for Universal Prevention of Child Abuse are open to all ages, are free, and have no eligibility requirement. Call (903) 586-3175 to inquire about free local classes for parents or youth.

CALL 1-800-252-5400 to report child abuse.

15

Around-the-clock emergency care in Rusk & Jacksonville.

Any time of day or night, you’ll find care for a range of medical illnesses and injuries at the ETMC Rusk 24-Hour Emergency Center and the Level III trauma center at ETMC Jacksonville.

Certified emergency physicians equipped with advanced technology are always present to care

for emergencies both major and minor. With ambulance and Air 1 service, the ETMC Rusk 24-Hour Emergency Center and the Level III trauma center at ETMC Jacksonville offer a higher level of care and convenience for the people of Cherokee County.

ETMC Rusk 24-Hour Emergency Center 1325 N. Dickinson Drive • 903-683-3500

ETMC Jacksonville 501 S. Ragsdale St. • 903-541-5000

16

A not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life in East Texas communities. | www.etmc.org

One with East Texas.