September 2019 Vol. 14 / No. 3
Dear Friends,
Back-to-school season is upon us, bringing with it the anticipation of new experiences for the kids in our lives. While many parents and caregivers can’t necessarily select which school a child will attend, we can choose to advocate for healthy changes. In this issue, we feature several ideas for helping to make that happen, including my Top 5 Back-to-School Tips. We may each be just a single voice raising awareness, but finding other similarly passionate people means our efforts will be amplified.
As we continue working toward a greener and safer planet for our kids, we’ve partnered with the Coalition for Healthier Schools to make our voices stronger. This national forum and platform brings together a powerful array of groups supporting new policies and actions to ensure all schools are environmentally safe and healthy. The environment in which children learn is as important as what they learn. If kids are being subjected to toxic exposures at school, such as lead, asbestos, and other indoor pollutants not only does it lead to increased absences, it can disrupt focus, motivation, and performance. Read more about how you can help improve your child’s school environment at healthyschools.org
No matter how harried your family’s school days are, they can be made smoother with some old-fashioned, wholesome foods. Whether in a packed lunch, afterschool snack, or quick dinner after a long day, check out these healthy recipes for inspiration! We’ve also included 10 tips for making quick and easy school lunches.
As we look back on this summer at the Center, we’re thankful for our interns and ready to move ahead with new projects and initiatives to protect our children’s health. And our Medical Advisor, Ben Kligler, MD, updates us on sunscreen safety, which is important year-round for people of any size or age.
Wishing you health and wellness during this most transitional of seasons,
Deirdre's Top 5 Back to School Tips
For a healthier back to school, check out my top 5 tips here. Read more
Choosing The Right Sunscreen
Summer is drawing to a close but some recent news about sunscreen is important and needs our attention. Read more
Green Thumbs Up at Hackensack Community Garden
The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center®, takes part in planting the first community garden in Hackensack, NJ. Read more
Back To School Cleaning Tips For Moms
As a young child I always remember when I first started to notice the Back To School signs in the department stores. i knew summer was almost over and I was not happy about it. Read more
Back to School Food Tips
Finding foods that are easy to pack – and that your child will actually eat – can sometimes be a challenge. Below are a few tips to make the job a little easier, and healthier. Read more
New and Improved Zinc-Free Floor Finish
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GTC® Introduces its new 25% solids floor finish. Better durability, Green Seal Certified, low odor and exceptional shine! Read more
Summer Internship at the Center
We have been working on understanding the true meaning of environmental health, and aiming to make Hackensack University Medical Center a “healthier,” more sustainable place. Read more
Environmental Health Legislation
Legislation is an important tool for improving environmental health nationwide. Click here to take action and get involved.
Healthy Recipes