Approximately every 9 seconds, there's a woman being abused or assaulted. Domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women. There are more women being injured from domestic violence than women who are injured in car accidents, robberies, and rapes combined. It is estimated that 1/4 of women across the world will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. 

Domestic violence is defined as the violent abuse of a spouse or partner. The Hotline describes domestic violence as behaviors that "physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation". Typically, violent and abusive behaviors do not appear right away, but will emerge as the relationship grows. For a more detailed list on warning signs, check out this post on The Hotline. 

People choose to stay in abusive situations for many reasons, including: being afraid of what will happen to them if they leave, not having the adequate resources, or because they genuinely feel like they can change their abusive partner. If you know someone who's being abused, the best thing you can do is be there to support them. Remind them of what they deserve and CAN have outside of their relationship, and let them know that you are willing to help them secure the resources that they need. 

What about the children? Studies have shown that 3-4 million children are at risk for being exposed to domestic violence. Witness violence, especially violence between your parents, can have everlasting effects on children. Many children have watched one of their parents die at the hands of the other parent. On November 9, 2015, Dominique Thibodeaux Carter was murdered by her ex-husband while their 2 year-old daughter sat in the car. What About Us Children is a non-profit that was created to tell Dominique and Audrey's story and to help spread awareness for women and children victims of domestic violence. Please visit their site to learn more about how you can help and for upcoming events - https://www.whataboutuschildren.com/

If you are needing to speak to someone or would like to get help for a friend or relative, use the resources below - 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224
• https://www.domesticshelters.org/
• https://www.dosomething.org/
• http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/

It's National Sleep Awareness Week, so we wanted to share some facts on the importance of sleep and how you can improve you sleep habits. Did you know that improper rest can lead to many health complications, weight gain, and most important, being mentally impaired? 

For decades, scientists and medical professionals have stressed sleeping at least 8 hours a night, but that can definitely vary based on your age group. Younger children need a lot more rest in order for their bodies and organs to function properly and promote good brain activities. The average middle-age adult should aim for 7-9 hours, and seniors may need just a few additional hours.

The National Sleep Foundation lists the follow guidelines for each age group - 

• Newborns (0-3 months): Sleep range narrowed to 14-17 hours each day (previously it was 12-18)
• Infants (4-11 months): Sleep range widened two hours to 12-15 hours (previously it was 14-15)
• Toddlers (1-2 years): Sleep range widened by one hour to 11-14 hours (previously it was 12-14)
• Preschoolers (3-5): Sleep range widened by one hour to 10-13 hours (previously it was 11-13)
• School age children (6-13): Sleep range widened by one hour to 9-11 hours (previously it was 10-11)
• Teenagers (14-17): Sleep range widened by one hour to 8-10 hours (previously it was 8.5-9.5)
• Younger adults (18-25): Sleep range is 7-9 hours (new age category)
• Adults (26-64): Sleep range did not change and remains 7-9 hours
• Older adults (65+): Sleep range is 7-8 hours (new age category) 

When our bodies are not getting the proper amount of rest, we are at risk for an impaired memory, lack of alertness, and stress. Long term effects also include risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and depression. 

One of the biggest concerns from not getting the proper rest is being less alert than you normally would. The less you sleep the higher your risk for causing an accident. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who sleep only five or six hours in a 24-hour period are twice as likely to crash as drivers who get seven hours of sleep or more. Prior research has shown that about 20 percent of fatal accidents in the U.S. involve a drowsy driver. 

If you have trouble with falling asleep or if you feel like you are not getting enough sleep, here's some tips to try to incorporate into your routine. 

1. Create a schedule and stick to it.
2. Try exercising daily, but not close to your sleep time. 
3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals close to your bedtime.
4. Remove any distractions, such as cell phones and tablets and try placing them on the other side of the room.

If you are struggling with sleeping or if you may be facing any sleep-related issues, such as snoring, sleep apnea, or insomnia, seek advice from your doctor. If you do not have a primary care physician and you qualify for case management services, please contact Pam's Kids and we'll be glad to help.

Source: National Sleep Foundation, 

According to Harvard Medical School, about 114 Million Americans are currently taking supplements. That's almost half of the adult population. Are supplements necessary?

Although you can receive the necessary nutritional supplements from a proper and balanced diet, our bodies may still be lacking in certain areas. To help compensate for what we are missing, many people take a simple, daily multivitamin. According to a study in 2010, most adults and children lack in potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fiber. 

Some of the most popular supplements include: vitamin C, vitamin D, omega-3, multivitamins, and probiotics. Before purchasing supplements for you or your children, we'd suggest speaking with your primary care physician to determine if there is a need. Taking too much of a supplement could have adverse effects and result in health complications. If you do not have a primary care physician AND you qualify for case management services, contact Pam's Kids and we'll help to get you in the right direction.

Resources:

Examine - Do I need a multivitamin?

WebMD - How to choose a multivitamin 

This month, not only do we wear red for Valentine's Day, but we also wear red to raise awareness for heart disease.

Heart disease includes any condition that involves issues with your blood vessels, blood clots, or structural issues with your heart. Many factors contribute to heart disease, including: smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, the lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits. Heart disease can lead to further complications such as a heart attack or stroke. 

The symptoms of heart disease can vary based on the the component of the heart that is damaged. For a more comprehensive list of symptoms, please click here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118

Heart disease can occur at any age, so it's important that we take preventive measure in both adults and children. Heart.org has many steps that you can take, and breaks down the steps into different age categories. If you or your child may be at risk for heart disease and you do not have a primary care physician OR if you need help with a referral, please contact us! 

Although your child may not have all of their adult teeth yet, it's still important for them to have regular trips to the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see the dentist when their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday.

Your child's "baby teeth" are just as important as their adult teeth because their baby teeth (primary teeth) will allow them to speak clearly, chew their food naturally, and it will help to form the path for their permanent teeth. 

Early on, you may clean your child's teeth (or gums) with a soft cotton cloth. By the time teeth begin to form, it's important to use a soft-bristled tooth brush, which will help to remove plaque, bacteria, and excess food particles. 

Did you know that almost 42% of children ages 2-11 experience some form of tooth decay? Tooth decay, which includes cavities, is usually caused by unhealthy eating habits. However, one of the most common causes of tooth decay is "baby bottle tooth decay". This occurs when a child is given a bottle during bedtime. The milk and juice from the bottle will sit in your child's mouth throughout the night and create bacteria. To prevent this, the AAPD suggest that children drink the contents of their bottle at once, instead of sipping slowly. This helps to reduce the amount of time their teeth are exposed to the sugary substances. If possible, it would be best to give your child a small amount of water before bed time. 

For more tips on preventing pediatric tooth decay, good dental practices, and what to expect during your dental visits, please visit mouthhealthy.org. If you or your child do not have a dentist OR if you need help with setting your appointments AND you qualify for case management services, please contact Pam's Kids using the telephone numbers from our contact page.  

Additional sources: (1) 

Since it's discovery, honey has been used for both food and medicine. In today's time, we're seeing more and more skin and health products featuring honey as it's main ingredient. Here's our favorite top 10 benefits for honey! Also, linked below is a super adorable video of Happy, our favorite 8 year-old chef, featuring her superb honey garlic shrimp recipe! 

Our top 10 favorite reasons to use honey: 

1. Rich in antioxidants
2. Can help to lower cholesterol and inflammation 
3. Helps to suppress coughs
4. By replacing sugar with honey, you can lower your blood sugar and reduce your weight
5. Boosts your overall immunity
6. The natural sugars in honey are the perfect natural energy source
7. Makes for a great way to naturally heal wounds and burns 
8. Promotes sleep (naturally)
9. Helps to counter pollen allergies
10. A great moisturizer for skin and hair 

Click here to read more about honey's health benefits. 

Prior to making changes to your diet or lifestyle, we'd suggest consulting with your health care provider. If you do NOT have a health care provider AND you qualify for case management services, please contact Pam's Kids and we'll get you in the right direction. 

Did you know that over 20 million Americans suffer from some form of Thyroid disease? Thyroid disease is more common than heart disease and diabetes. According to Thyroid.org, at least 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, women are 5-8 times more likely than men to have thyroid problems, and 1 in every 8 women will have a thyroid disorder at some point in her lifetime.

The thyroid is a small endocrine-gland that sits in the lower part of your neck. Your thyroid makes the hormones that are carried to every part of your body and play a huge role in your brain's development, heart function, muscle control, and your overall energy. When your thyroid levels are either too high or too low, you may be experiencing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

Symptoms of thyroid disease include rapid weight loss or weight gain, anxiety, insomnia, irregular bowel movements, and more. For more detailed symptoms, check out this guide - https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease

If your thyroid is not working properly, that means other aspects of your body are not functioning properly either. If you do not have a primary care physician AND you qualify for case management services, please contact Pam's Kids and we'll get you in the right direction. 

Source: thyroid.org

As we prepare for the new year, we want to take some time to reflect on the goals that we have set for 2018. Although you do not have to wait until a new year to begin a new journey or set a specific goal, the new year is still the perfect time to reflect on how you've spent the last 365 days and determine how you would like to spend your next day, week, month, or year of your life. 

Goals are what move us forward in life. Goals are the first steps to every journey that we take. There are many different ways to plan your goals, but we wanted to create a simple worksheet that helps you to break down your goal, focus on your WHY, and then track the steps you'll take towards your goal as well.

Click here to download our printable goal tracking sheet. 

Also, for more details on setting and measuring your goals, take a look at the following resources - 

https://www.mindtools.com/page6.html

https://www.thebalance.com/goal-setting-your-guide-to-setting-goals-2948131

We're just a little over two weeks away from Christmas! Since most of us are shopping for gifts and toys during the holiday season, we wanted to share a few details to make sure your little ones are safe from any toy-related injuries. 

 "Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month.  The group encourages everyone to consider if the toys they wish to give suits the age and individual skills and abilities of the individual child who will receive it, especially for infants and children under age three" (Health Tradition). 

Here's a few pointers to keep in mind when shopping for toys this holiday season -

• Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Stuffed toys should be washable.
• Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.
• Art materials should say nontoxic.
• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
• When purchasing toys for children with special needs try to: Choose toys that may appeal to different senses such as sound, movement, and texture; consider interactive toys to allow the child to play with others; and think about the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it. Consult the “AblePlay” website at http://www.ableplay.org/ for more information.

For more details how shopping for safe toys, check out the following resources: 

Kids' Health - http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safe-toys.html# 

Health Tradition - https://www.healthtradition.com/december-is-safe-toys-and-gifts-month/

Image Source - Fisher Price

According to the CDC, this year’s flu season is estimated to be one of the worst. The flu virus is pretty common during the Fall and Winter months, and it tends to peak around December - February. To help with preventing you and your little ones from falling ill this season, here’s a few tips to keep in mind - 

1. Make hygiene a priority. Hand-washing is one of the best ways to cut down on the flu and other common viruses. To make sure your little ones are washing their hands well, have them to sing a song, such as their ABC’s or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and repeat the song again. That should cover at least 20 seconds of good scrubbing!
2. Practice other healthy habits such as eating a good dose of fruits and veggies and getting enough sleep. This will help to keep up your immune system, and a strong immune system helps to fight off germs. It's also recommend to incorporate a multivitamin into your routine, but it's best to consult with a medical professional before taking any vitamins or supplements. 
3. Avoid contact with individuals who are sick. If you or a child may be feeling ill, please try to stay home for 24 hours if you can. If you are still feeling ill or running a fever, it’s best to contact your medical professional. 

If you do not have a primary care profession or if you are in need of a medical services and you qualify for case management services, please contact Pam's Kids at pam@pamskidsllc.com or 1-800-758-8011 for more details.

December 1st marks the annual tradition of World AIDS Awareness Day. Globally, over 36 Million people are living with the HIV virus. Worlds AIDS Awareness Day, which was founded in 1988, is a day to remind the world that HIV still exists and it's vital that we remain awareness and active in fighting this epidemic. 

In the United States, over 1 million Americans are living with HIV, and 1 in every 7 of those infected are unaware of HIV status. Almost 20% of those newly diagnosed with HIV are women, and 45% of those women are African American and 24% are Hispanic.

Although scientists and healthcare professionals have made strides in helping to treat those with HIV, it's still important that we remain vigilant in increasing awareness surrounding the HIV and AIDS epidemic and that we continue to get regular HIV and STD testing. 

If you are eligible to receive case management services AND you are in need of getting help with treatment, counseling, support groups, or if you need a referral to an HIV testing site, please contact Pam's Kids at pam@pamskidsllc.com or via 1-800-758-8011.

Also, below are links to additional resources for more information on the HIV and AIDS virus. 

10 Facts on HIV from the World Health Organization - http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/hiv/en/

HIV Prevention and Testing Information from HIV.gov - https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics

Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission - https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-prevention/reducing-mother-to-child-risk/preventing-mother-to-child-transmission-of-hiv

blog resource: hiv.gov, image credit: www.worldaidsday.org