Tag: healthy children

Limiting your exposure to smoky air is the healthy thing to do

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

PowerlineFirePocatello

Wildfire season has arrived, and with it, the smoky air that can make it difficult to breathe. Air quality is a big deal this time of year, and it changes depending on where the wildfires are and which way the wind is blowing. It often feels like there’s no escape from the smoke, which can cause irritating symptoms for healthy people and more serious health issues for people with heart and lung disease. So, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from smoky air whenever possible. Continue reading “Limiting your exposure to smoky air is the healthy thing to do” →

A Closer Look At Your Health: Idaho moms do a good job of breastfeeding their babies

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

Idaho’s breastfeeding rate is one of the highest in the nation, and that’s something we like to celebrate during National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Breast milk is best, if possible, and we’d like to keep encouraging new moms to consider breastfeeding their babies.

Why is breastfeeding so much better than anything else?

Breastfeeding is the natural, normal way to feed a baby, and it provides a multitude of health benefits for moms and babies. Breast milk provides nutrients that aren’t available any other way and boosts a baby’s immune system. It reduces the risk for a variety of infectious diseases, ear infections and diarrhea. It’s also great for the mom, who often loses pregnancy weight faster and has a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It’s good for the environment because there’s no packaging or factories needed to produce it. And – the best part – it’s ready whenever your baby is hungry!  Continue reading “A Closer Look At Your Health: Idaho moms do a good job of breastfeeding their babies” →

Time to check immunization records as kids head back to school

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

This month is National Immunization Awareness Month. As summer is winding down and kids are getting ready to go back to school, be sure to check immunization requirements, especially for kindergartners and seventh graders. It’s also a good time to check records for everyone in your family. Getting immunized is a safe and important step to protecting our families and ourselves against serious and even deadly diseases throughout our lives.

What vaccines do we need, and when?

Check with your doctor, or visit www.immunizeidaho.com for immunization schedules for all age groups, including adults. Remember that immunizations not only protect the people who receive the vaccines, they also help protect those not able to be vaccinated because they have weakened immune systems, as well as those who are most vulnerable for serious complications, such as infants and young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.  Continue reading “Time to check immunization records as kids head back to school” →