Now is the right time to be an advocate for young children  

    With the 2009 legislative session beginning this week, now is the right time to make sure issues that affect our young children—public funding for child care financial assistance (child care subsidies), Smart Start funding, More at Four funding and early intervention and health services—don't experience deep cuts in this weakened economy.

   That's why it's important to make sure we convey key messages that resonate with legislators. One powerful message, is the return on investment message:  

   During a weakened economy is the wrong time to cut the state’s ‘best earning stock’ —early childhood care and education.

   Tough times mean making decisions that offer the greatest return on investment (ROI). Research by economists from prestigious universities and research think tanks, such as Harvard University and the Brookings Institution, have shown that the public return on strategic investment in quality early childhood education and care can return up to $12 for every $1 invested. What other public investment has this type of long-term return? This research also demonstrates that at-risk children who participate in high-quality early learning are more likely to graduate from high school, earn higher wages as adults, and are less likely to need remedial education, use public assistance or be involved in crime.

   For more information on other key messages this session and advocay tips, check out these resources:

• Smart Start 09 Legislative Messages     
• A Dozen Ways to Advocate for Young Children and their Families.
• Strategies for child advocates
• Representation in Durham County

   Did you know that dental disease is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is five times more common than asthma, but it is also easily prevented with proper oral care and healthy habits. Unfortunately, one in five children in North Carolina is starting kindergarten with untreated dental decay.

   Many parents think the condition of a child’s baby teeth is not important, but poor dental health can affect the overall development of a child’s teeth. It can also cause unnecessary pain, problems with eating and speech, less success in school, and lower self-esteem” says Sarah Nahm, a Registered Dietitian working with the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Kids Program, a Smart Start funded dental health education program.

   The American Dental Association recommends that children should have their first dental check-up by the time they are one year old, and every six months thereafter. “By seeing children at this early age, dentists have a better chance to catch future problems.

   They check for possible decay, normal growth and development of the teeth, and show parents proper brushing technique for their children” says Nahm.

   But timely dental visits are just one piece of the puzzle. Healthy eating habits and regular tooth care also have a significant impact on oral health. For example, eating fruits and vegetables helps keep teeth clean, while foods that are sugary, sticky, and starchy can promote tooth decay. Frequent snacking and consumption of sugary drinks can also be bad for teeth. “It is important to have set meal and snack times, and to make water your beverage of choice for thirst” added Nahm. In addition to this, brushing after meals and flossing on a daily basis are important for keeping a healthy mouth. 

   Share this information with Durham County residents who have young children, and encourage them to make a dental appointment with the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Kids program at the Durham County Health Department. Healthy Smiles, Healthy Kids provides low cost clinical dental services to children and expecting mothers of low income families, or who are uninsured or underinsured. Free group education on nutrition and dental health is also available. For appointments call 560-7681. For nutrition education call: 560-7791.

    February is Children’s Dental Health Month! Take advantage of this time to make your children’s mouths matter! Make a pledge to keep teeth cavity-free!