Childproofing your home...

It's never too early to start childproofing your home! Below you will find a handy checklist to help make your living space safer for your infant and toddler.

Around the house...
o Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector (CO detector)
o Install or test Smoke Detectors (test monthly)
o Fire Extinguisher
o First Aid Kit
o Emergency Telephone Numbers in an easy to reach place
o Escape Route mapped out
o Childproof Locks on all cabinets containing poisons, glass, or sharp objects (like knives)
o Plastic Plates to cover outlets
o Padding or Bumpers to cover sharp edges on furniture
o Nonslip Pads under rugs
o Slip Resistant Infant Bathtub

In the nursery...
o Be sure the bassinet has a wide, stable base and sturdy bottom.
o Check the bassinet surface for sharp edges
o Are the bassinet’s legs secure?
o Is the mattress firm and does it fit snuggly?
o Be sure to remove all soft/fluffy bedding/pillows from bassinet & crib
o Does your changing table have a safety strap?
o Is there soft carpeting under the changing table…in case of a fall?
o Are all baby wipes and other changing supplies out of your baby’s reach when they are placed on the table?
o Are the slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart on your baby’s crib?
o Be sure there are no cutouts on your crib that can trap your baby’s head or limbs.
o Is the crib mattress firm?
o Does the crib mattress fit firmly?
o Is the crib away from windows, heaters, lamps, cords, wall decorations or any other furniture that your
baby will eventually be able to climb?

Seven Signs Your Children Love You!

According to babycenter.com there are seven ways that your children show they love you. We all know the obvious ways but this list shows some not so obvious way and you might be a little surprised.

1

Your newborn stares into your eyes.

He's actually working hard to memorize your face. He doesn't understand anything else about the world, but he knows you're important.

2Your baby thinks about you even when you're not around.

Between 8 and 12 months old, she'll start to scrunch her face and look around when you leave the room — and she'll smile when you return.

3Your toddler throws wicked tantrums.

Nope, those screaming fits don't mean he's stopped loving you. He wouldn't be so hurt and angry if he didn't trust you so deeply.

4Your toddler runs to you for comfort when she falls down or feels sad.

Kids this age may not truly understand the meaning of "I love you," but their actions speak louder than words.

5Your preschooler gives you a gift.

A flower picked from a garden, a finger-painted heart, a sparkly rock, or another small token is his way of saying you're special.

6Your preschooler wants your approval.

She'll start to be more cooperative around the house, and she'll look for chances to impress. "Look at me!" will become a catchphrase.

7Your grade-schooler trusts you with secrets, like his first crush or his most embarrassing moment.

You're his confidante, even if he shies away from your hugs in public.

So there you have it, yes your children do love you very much even when it doesn't seem like, they really do. Enjoy them every single day and it gets better when they give you grandchildren.

VA Links Parkinson’s to Agent Orange

Veterans Affairs officials added three new illnesses Tuesday to the list of diagnoses connected to Agent Orange, allowing quicker health care claims for Vietnam veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease, hairy cell leukemia, and ischemic heart disease.

It follows a study by the nongovernmental Institute of Medicine. The group has been studying the effects of Agent Orange since the early 1990s and this summer suggested a link between those diseases and the toxic Agent Orange chemicals.

In a statement, VA secretary Eric Shinseki said the additions bring to 12 the number of "presumed" sicknesses linked to Agent Orange. Others include prostate cancer and Hodgkin's.

Veterans with those conditions will not have to prove any connection between their sickness and their military service when filing a health benefits claim.

"We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to service, and we will," Shinseki said. "Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence."

At the height of the Vietnam War, U.S. military commanders used Agent Orange -- a nickname for a host of herbicides -- to destroy the thick jungle canopy concealing guerilla fighters.

The chemicals were later linked to serious health problems in both civilians and troops, and later in their children, as well. Military records estimate that more than 2.6 million U.S. servicemembers may have been exposed to Agent Orange between 1965 and 1970.

VA officials said that up to 250,000 veterans may benefit from the latest change. In a statement, Veterans of Foreign Wars national commander Thomas Tradewell Sr., a Vietnam veteran, called the additions a significant change and praised Shinseki for the move.

"The VA is saying ‘we believe you,' which will enable more veterans to receive the healthcare and benefits they earned and deserve," he said.

http://www.stripes.com/

•••TODAY'S POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE•••

Whatever relationships You have attracted in Your life at this moment, are precisely the ones You need in Your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving Your own evolution.