National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February 24 - March 1. During this time, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) highlights the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors, like genetics. NEDA also likes to call attention to some of the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders.

• Anorexia nervosa: when a person becomes too thin by not eating enough because they think they are overweight.
• Bulimia nervosa: involves periods of overeating followed by purging, sometimes through self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives.
• Binge-eating: out-of-control eating.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. During this month, the ADA focuses on providing oral health education to all children, especially those from underserved families.

• Keeping teeth and gums healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily.
• Going easy on between-meal snacks. When you do snack, try to eat the snack at one time rather than nibbling on it over a long period.
• If possible, brush right after eating. If brushing is not possible, at least rinse your mouth well.

This week kicks off a year-long campaign sponsored by Shriners Hospitals for Children designed to help prevent gasoline burn injuries. Children ages 13 and older are in the highest at-risk group for incidents involving gasoline and other flammable substances.

• DO use gasoline only to fuel an engine.
• DO remember that gasoline vapors can be ignited by a spark, flame, or other source of heat that is located many feet away.
• DON’T use gasoline anywhere near a barbecue grill.
• DON’T use gasoline to light a barbecue grill or to start or accelerate a fire.
• DON’T use gasoline as a cleaning fluid or solvent.
  
  Burn Awareness Week Shriners Hospitals for Children children