Vote for the Trisomy 18 Foundation in the Chase Community Giving Challenge January 21st, 2008

Dear Friends,

Your Help is needed – Vote for the Trisomy 18 Foundation in the Chase Community Giving Challenge so they can win $1 million dollars to save babies’ lives!

We have exciting news to share regarding an amazing opportunity for one of our partner organizations to receive $1 million to save babies lives! The organization is Trisomy 18 Foundation, whose mission is to guide the search for a cure and treatment for Trisomy 18 Syndrome. After Down’s Syndrome, Trisomy 18 is the second most common chromosomal disorder diagnosed in pregnancy with 1 in 3000 live births annually. It is a condition linked with high rates of stillbirth and infant deaths, heart defects and neurological problems and growth retardation.

Please take a minute to learn more and VOTE now! You can be the voice for children who have no voice. Now is your chance to speak for them in the world! The deadline for votes is midnight, January 22, 2010.

First Candle appreciates your support . . . in the belief that every baby should live.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Alert: Information for parents and caregivers, pregnant moms and child care providers January 11th, 2008

Information for parents and caregivers, pregnant moms and child care providers

Swine flu is a type of flu virus that causes respiratory symptoms that can spread between people. So far, most Americans have had mild illness, but some have had more severe illness. Young children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes or heart disease may have a higher risk for complications.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Body Aches
• Headache
• Chills and fatigue
• Occasionally vomiting and diarrhea

How to protect yourself  – teach your children these rules too!

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue – immediately dispose of the tissue
• Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick
• If there are confirmed cases in your community, stay away from malls, movie theaters or other places where there are large groups of people.

What to do if you or your  child is sick

• Unless you need medical attention, stay home. Do not go to school, child care programs or work.
• Drink lots of fluids
• Rest
• Stay away from others who are not sick
• Keep tissues and a trash bag within reach

If you develop any of these symptoms, seek medical care

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluid
• Extreme irritability
• No urination or tears
• Symptoms improved but then return

For more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
• For concerned parents and caregivers: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/parents.htm
• For pregnant women: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pregnancy
• For pregnant women: www.amchp.org/H1N1
• For child care providers: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/childcare.htm
• For clinicians and health professionals: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance
• www.pandemicflu.gov
• www.hhs.gov
• www.who.int/en