Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center: Public/Community Health Department

09/17/2025

School is back in session, weather is changing which can increase cases of respiratory viruses.

Key steps to Prevent:
1) Hand washing
2) Cleaning high touch surfaces

09/17/2025

Check this site out to learn 9 signs that your teen may be va**ng.

If you have young children or teens, it’s probably crossed your mind. Is my child va**ng and how do I know?

07/14/2025

Come check out these items donated by Freemont Methodist Church!!

06/28/2025

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🚫 Why Kids, Teens, and Adults Should Avoid or Limit Energy Drinks

🔋 What Are Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, and others contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants like taurine, guarana, and B vitamins. They are marketed to boost energy, focus, and athletic performance—but at a serious health cost.

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⚠️ Health Risks for Children and Teenagers
1. Unsafe Caffeine Levels
• Kids are more sensitive to caffeine. Even small amounts can cause:
• Heart palpitations
• Sleep disruption
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends no caffeine for kids under 12 and no energy drinks for minors at all.
2. Increased Risk of Heart Issues
• Studies link energy drinks to elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even cardiac arrest—especially in those with underlying conditions (often undiagnosed in youth).
3. Mental Health Impact
• Energy drink use is associated with:
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Aggressive or risky behavior
• Substance misuse in teens
4. Sleep Disruption
• Poor sleep caused by energy drinks can harm learning, emotional regulation, and physical development.
5. Addiction Risk
• Habitual use can lead to dependency due to the combination of caffeine and sugar/stimulants.

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⚠️ Health Concerns for Adults
1. Heart and Blood Pressure Problems
• Energy drinks have been linked to arrhythmias and spikes in blood pressure, even in healthy adults.
2. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Many energy drinks are loaded with sugar, which can contribute to insulin resistance and obesity.
3. Mental Health Side Effects
• Energy drinks may worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
4. Misuse with Alcohol
• Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is common and dangerous—it masks intoxication and increases the risk of alcohol poisoning and risky behavior.

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👶 Why This Matters for Parents
• Role Modeling: Kids mimic adult behavior—if parents regularly consume energy drinks, kids are more likely to try them.
• Accidental Access: Leaving these drinks in the home or car increases the chance of accidental consumption by younger children, which can lead to ER visits.

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✅ Safer Alternatives
• Water and infused water (with lemon, cucumber, berries)
• Herbal teas or decaf teas
• Whole fruits for natural energy boosts
• Adequate sleep, physical activity, and a balanced diet

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👨‍⚕️ Bottom Line

Energy drinks are not safe or necessary for children, teens, or most adults. Reducing or eliminating them protects physical and mental health and helps build healthier lifelong habits.

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06/27/2025

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🌊 Water Safety: Drowning Can Happen in Seconds

Drowning is silent, fast, and can happen in any type of water. Whether it’s a bathtub, backyard pool, lake, river, or even a small bucket—constant supervision saves lives.

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⚠️ Why Water Safety Matters
• Drowning is a leading cause of death for children under 5.
• It can happen in less than 2 inches of water and in under 30 seconds.
• It often occurs silently—no splashing or yelling, like you see in movies.
• It affects all age groups, not just kids.

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🛁 You Can Drown In:
• A bathtub
• A pool or hot tub
• Buckets or water containers
• Lakes, rivers, creeks
• Oceans and wave pools
• Even a small inflatable kiddie pool

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👁️ Always Watch—Always Be Within Arm’s Reach
• Designate a Water Watcher: An adult whose only job is to watch the water—no distractions.
• No phones, no books, no multitasking.
• Never rely solely on floaties or pool toys to keep a child safe.
• Empty kiddie pools, buckets, and tubs immediately after use.

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🛟 Tips for All Ages

For Young Children:
• Always supervise, even if there’s a lifeguard.
• Teach basic water safety and start swim lessons early.
• Use life jackets—not floaties or water wings—for safety.

For Older Children and Teens:
• Never swim alone—use the buddy system.
• Avoid rough play in or near water.
• Be aware of currents, drop-offs, and cold water shock in natural bodies of water.

For Adults:
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Learn CPR—it can save a life before help arrives.
• Teach kids to respect water, not fear it—but always stay cautious.

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🚨 In Case of Emergency:
• Call 911 immediately.
• If trained, start CPR until help arrives.
• Never delay getting someone out of the water if they’re unresponsive.

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💧 Safe Fun Starts With Awareness

Every body of water carries risk. Let’s keep each other safe—watch the water, stay alert, and never assume someone else is watching.

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06/22/2025

Check on your family members!!

Elders here are some tips for you to stay safe as well.

06/21/2025

Please check this link out for more information on heat.

Extreme heat can cause children to become sick in several ways. Make sure to protect your child from the heat as much as possible, watch for symptoms, and call your doctor if you see any develop.

06/20/2025

More heat safety tips!!!

‼️‼️NEVER leave your children in an unattended vehicle.‼️‼️

06/20/2025

Please please stay safe over the next few days!!!

‼️‼️ children 6 months and younger cannot self regulate their body temperature as well as older infants/children‼️‼️

If your shadow is short seek shade as that is when the sun is at its highest intensity.

06/17/2025

Food distribution, 1 box per household.

Wellness/Prevention parking lot.

Drive thru.

Omaha Tribe of NebraskaCarl T. Curtis Health Education Center

06/16/2025

As we approach the 4th of July, please remember that safety is key to preventing injuries from fireworks. Celebrate responsibly and keep safety a priority for you and your loved ones

06/12/2025

Screening is not just for elders!!

Screening starts at age 18 and continues through all adulthood.