Your HEALTHmatters

No level of lead is safe for children. Exposure to even a small amount of lead can make it harder for your child to learn and pay attention.

Children can be exposed to lead in many ways, like:

• Living in a home built before 1978 containing lead-based paint
• Chewing on toys, jewelry or other items that may contain lead
• Touching the skin, clothes or shoes of family members who work with lead-based products

Does someone in your family work with lead? They may bring it home on their skin, clothes or shoes. Your child may be exposed just by touching them.

To protect children from lead poisoning:

• Repair chipping or peeling paint in your home
• Regularly wet-mop areas where your child plays
• Frequently wash your child’s hands, pacifiers and toys
• If you work with lead-based products, shower and change your clothes before going home
• Get your child tested if they have recently visited another country

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 14 and under. Water safety matters — in the bathtub, at the pool, and around beaches and lakes. The good news is you can keep your whole family safe by following these water safety tips.

• Supervise your child closely: All children need constant supervision near and in water (including bathtubs). That includes children who have had swimming lessons. This is because drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Pick a responsible adult who can give their full attention while watching kids near water. Skip the phone, the book and the chat.
• Teach your child water safety skills: Tell your child to only swim when there is an adult watching.
• Start swim lessons early: Find no-cost or low-cost swimming lessons for adults and kids through your city’s parks and recreation department.
• Use a life jacket: Kids should wear a life jacket whenever they are near or in the water. Foam toys or air-filled floaties should not replace a life jacket. Anyone on a boat or taking part in water sports should always wear a life jacket.
• Avoid drinking alcohol: Adults who supervise children around water need to focus on keeping them safe. Drinking alcohol makes it harder to notice when kids are in danger and respond quickly enough to save them from drowning.

Taking care of your mental health and addressing substance use helps you handle stress, be happier and achieve your goals.

You can get support like talk therapy, medicines and more. You pay $0 for these services.

Ask for support when you notice mood or behavior changes that affect your ability to:

• Take care of yourself
• Stay on top of your to-do’s
• Build healthy relationships