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Healthy Smiles
February is the perfect time to help your child brush up on good oral health habits because it’s National Children's Dental Health Month. In addition to promoting a sparkling smile, the National Education Association says good oral health also impacts academic success.
Reports show that students in the U.S. miss 51 million hours of school every year because of oral health problems. As a result, students who are absent miss critical instruction time — especially in early grades where reading skills are an important focus and the building blocks of future learning. And students who have experienced recent oral health pain are four times more likely to have lower grade point averages than their counterparts who have not.
That's why the NEA has partnered with the American Dental Association to celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health. Parents and children are encouraged to brush their teeth for two minutes, two times per day, and read for 20 minutes as a way of building good oral health and literacy habits. Visit mouthhealthy.org for more tips on a healthy smile.
Autism Awareness
Autism is a disorder impacting 1 in 68 children, but there is still much that is unknown about autism. Organizers in the Mid-South are trying to lift the cloud of mystery to bring parents, teachers, and caregivers more information on autism. The 2017 Mid-South Autism Conference will take place March 30 through April 1, 2017, at the Guesthouse at Graceland. Featured guest speakers are Jed Baker, an expert in social skills training and award-winning author of nine books on autism; Carol Kranowitz, author of the book, The Out-of-Sync Child; Derek Volk, author of Chasing the Rabbit, A Dad's Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum, along with his son Dylan Volk will share their story; and Michael Tolleson, savant artist who paints museum-quality paintings in 10-15 minutes, will also make a presentation. Visit midsouthautismconference.com for registration and additional information.