Volume 4, Issue 1
September, 2010
SCOPE FOR PARAS, CUSTODIAL, PLANT OPS., BUS DRIVERS AND OTHER EDU. EMPLOYEES
BACK TO SCHOOL
It's school time again! You're probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these "new" worries only stick around for a little while, but the germs might stay forever.
Coughs & Colds
Everyone's had a cough before, right? Coughs often come with a cold. And they usually go away without causing too much trouble. But sometimes the illnesses that cause coughs can make kids, especially little kids and babies, really sick.
It's a bacterial infection of the respiratory system, which includes your lungs and breathing tubes. Whooping cough got its name because kids who had it would cough a lot, and in between coughs they'd make a "whoop" sound when they tried to get a breath
How Is Whooping Cough Spread?
Pertussis bacteria can live in the saliva in your mouth and the mucus in your nose. Kids usually catch whooping cough by breathing in tiny droplets that are released into the air by other people's coughs and sneezes. You can't see them, but they're there.
A lot of colds are spread through tiny droplets in the air, too. It's a good reason to cover your mouth and nose whenever you sneeze or cough.
What Are the Symptoms?
The first symptoms of whooping cough are like a cold — sneezing, runny nose, slight fever, and a cough that may get worse at night.
But unlike a cold, whooping cough sticks around and within 2 weeks the cough gets stronger. The person has fits of coughing that seem to go on and on. In between coughs, the person may make a "whoop" sound when taking a breath. The coughing can be so bad that the person throws up.
What Is a Cold?
A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory system. This just means it affects the nose, throat, and ears. A cold virus gets inside your body and makes you sick. There are over 200 viruses that cause colds. The rhinovirus the most common cold virus, but there are more than 200 viruses that cause colds. Because there are so many, there isn't a vaccination, or shot, to prevent you from getting colds.
Source: http://kidshealth.org/
School Bus Safety
It's that time of year again — school is in session. And for many students, that means a trip on the school bus each day.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the greatest risk is not riding the bus, but approaching and leaving the bus.
Here's a quick refresher for drivers, it's always about being alert.
· When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
· When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking more about getting to school, than getting there safely.
· Watch for children walking in the street, especially in areas where there are no sidewalks.
· Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
· Be alert for children arriving late for the bus who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
Crockpot Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef, cooked
1 lb. beef kielbasa, chopped
½ cup green pepper, chopped
3 cans Bush’s chili beans, not drained
2 cans 16 oz. tomato sauce
1 packet chili seasoning
1 lb. beef kielbasa, chopped
½ cup green pepper, chopped
3 cans Bush’s chili beans, not drained
2 cans 16 oz. tomato sauce
1 packet chili seasoning
Preparation:
Mix together in crockpot and cook on High 6-7 hours. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, or saltine crackers.
Serves: 6
Texas AFT Member Benefits
AFT PLUS Member Benefits
AFT PLUS is the name of the member benefit programs available to AFT members and their families. Many of the programs are provided through Union Privilege, the benefit arm of the AFL-CIO; others are unique to AFT and are coordinated directly through AFT PLUS. Explore the site and learn more about the savings and services available to you as a union member.
If you have questions about any benefits please contact Barbara Lightheart, Texas AFT Benefits Director, 1-800-222-3827 or belightheart@texasaft.org
Discounted Mortgage Service
AFT+ and Chase Bank have teamed up to offer a variety of mortgage services at discounted rates.
AFT+ and Chase Bank have teamed up to offer a variety of mortgage services at discounted rates.
Call your local Chase Bank and ask about the AFT/Union Plus program
Get Involved in your Union:
Become an AFT e-Activist
Log on to:http://www.aft.org/getinvolved/enews.cfm