Be aware in April

1) National Child Abuse Prevention Month (www.preventchildabuse.org)Child abuse is not something that only monsters do. It's an act any parents could be capable of. You can do your part to help prevent or stop it with these tips:

• Nurturing and Attachment: Encourage parents to play and talk with their children
• Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development: Talk about what parents can anticipate at different ages
• Parental Resilience: Offer healthy ways to cope with stress
• Social Connections: Connect caregivers with others for support
• Concrete Supports: Help families access needed resources

2) National Autism Awareness Month (www.autism-society.org) There are five related pervasive developmental disorders: Autism, Asperger's Disease, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified. Be aware that some children with developmental difficulties may have a PDD. The earlier their diagnosis, the earlier the intervention can begin.

3) YMCA's Healthy Kids Day on April 14 (www.ymca.net/about_the_ymca/ymca_healthy_kids_day.html)The YMCA opens its doors to one and all today, to encourage kids to exercise, play, and have fun while not watching TV or playing a video game.

Also:
April 22: Earth Day (www.earthday.net/)
Alcohol Awareness Month (www.ncadd.org/)
Cancer Control Month (www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp)
Sexually Transmitted Disease Month (www.ashastd.org/)
Foot Health Month (www.apma.org/s_apma/index.asp)
April 15-21: National Volunteer Week (www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nvw/)