Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1524982
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 21 Reduce your child's risk of absorbing lead from the environment by serving foods rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C. POWER FOODS: Iron: lean red meats, beans and lentils, tofu, whole grains, fish, chicken, turkey. Calcium: milk and yogurt, cheese, tofu, kale, spinach. Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, melons. VDH.VIRGINIA.GOV/LEADSAFE HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO LEAD? The symptoms of childhood lead exposure are not often visibly appar- ent, as most children have no immediate symptoms. But the impacts can be long-lasting. This is why parents who believe their children may have been exposed to lead in any amount should contact their healthcare pro- vider to get a blood lead test. Blood lead testing is recommended for children at ages 1 and 2, or up to age 6 if a child has not previously been tested. All children enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid or the WIC program should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 or 2. The earlier you test, and potentially remediate any lead exposure your child may have, the less impact this toxin will have on your child. HOW CAN I PREVENT LEAD EXPOSURE AT HOME? Tips for reducing exposure in the home include: • Wet-wipe and wet-mop around windowsills and entryways on a daily basis. • Wash children's hands and toys regularly. • Do not allow children to play in bare soil. If they do, wash their hands and clothes immediately. • Cook nutrient-dense meals full of iron, calcium and vitamin C. Nutrition deficiencies have been linked with higher lead absorption, and a full stomach absorbs less lead than an empty one. • Ask adults who participate in jobs and hobbies that put them at risk for lead exposure to remove their shoes before entering the home, and to change clothes immediately after returning home. • When performing renovations, use an EPA-certified lead contractor for all renovation and repair projects that could disturb lead-based paint or other lead hazards in the home. LEAD CAN COME FROM UNEXPECTED SOURCES In 2023, multiple reports of children with elevated blood lead levels led the FDA to discover elevated lead levels in apple cinnamon applesauce pouch- es. This led to a recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches sold under the WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis brand names in November 2023. The FDA traced the lead contamination to the cinnamon in these products, and the contaminated products were removed from the market. It's always a good idea to check periodically for recalls, as lead is sometimes found in surprising places. A good source is www.cpsc.gov/recalls.