Lead poisoning is a serious problem that affects many communities, including Cuyahoga County. Even though there have been improvements in reducing lead exposure, many children are still exposed.

Lead is especially harmful to children under six years old. It can cause lasting damage to their brains and nervous systems, leading to learning disabilities, behavior issues, and other health problems. Often, lead poisoning doesn't show obvious signs, which is why regular testing is so important.

As parents, we strive to create a safe and healthy environment for our children. One concern that often goes unnoticed but poses a real risk to children’s health is lead exposure, which is especially harmful to young children and their developing bodies and brains.

While lead exposure is a serious issue, being proactive with your child’s nutrition and environment can make a difference. By ensuring they eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, you can help protect them from the harmful effects of lead and stay ahead of lead exposure.

Raising children with strong self-esteem isn’t just about giving them praise when they succeed; it’s about fostering an environment where they feel valued, capable, and loved for who they are. In today’s fast-paced world, where kids are constantly bombarded with images and messages that can undermine their confidence, it’s more important than ever for parents to actively nurture a healthy sense of self-worth in their children. 

It’s not news to most parents that they should be reading to their child. Most are well versed in its benefits, like how it builds vocabulary and critical thinking. But how do you get your young child to like reading? How do you teach them to reach for a book instead of the iPad or TV remote?