Text Box: Most may be considered mild; however, even relatively mild brain injuries can result in health consequences such as impaired thinking, memory problems, and emotional or behavioral changes. "These injuries are very serious and should never be ignored," said CDC director Dr. Julie Gerberding. "Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after Text Box: the injury, or can take days or weeks to be noticed. Learn the signs and if you believe that you see any, see a health care provider right away." Concussions and other brain injuries can occur in any sport. To help coaches, parents, and athletes learn the signs, symptoms, and action steps to take when a concussion is suspected, CDC has created and is making available a new tool kit: "Heads Up: Text Box: Concussion in Youth Sports." The tool kit is free and includes essential and easy-to-use information about recognizing and responding to a suspected concussion. The "Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports" tool kit can be ordered and downloaded free-of-charge online at: www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports. For more information Text Box: Three in ten reported home fires started in the kitchen. Nearly half (44%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February. Source: National Fire Protection Association. Text Box: The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. December is the peak time of the year for home candle fires. Text Box: Log on to their website Http;//www.nfpa.org for Holiday Safety Tips and Audio clips relating to Christmas Tree and candle safety.tips Text Box: Play It Safe (continued from p.1) Text Box: Winter/Holiday Safety Text Box: Flu Season is Here (continued from p.1) Text Box: they are received between October and January. FLU CARE AT HOME MDPH is pleased to announce a comprehensive educational campaign to help Massachusetts residents be better prepared for the flu. The Flu Care at Home campaign includes: Text Box: An educational booklet for the public that will be distributed broadly across the Commonwealth. This booklet can also be downloaded from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website. Http://www.mass.gov/dph These materials will be available by the end of Text Box: vacci(continued on page 2 ) nated and encourages providers and other immunization partners to expand opportunities for vaccination. Flu season does not usually peak until February in Massachusetts, so flu shots can be helpful in preventing illness if

For information on where to get your flu vaccine,  log on to Massachusetts Flu Clinic website at http://flu.masspro. org                       

 

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Fall/Winter Parish Health