Leaves changing color are a beautiful sight, but knowing those falling leaves have to be raked? Not as exciting. But never fear! We’re here to help with the basics of fall yard care.
Whether you’re a green thumb or a lawn care novice, here are a few tips to maintain your yard this fall.
Continue ReadingReviewed by Lis Pordes, M.D.
Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time! It can, however, also be an exhausting and overwhelming period in your family’s life. We know sleep will be a priority for you and your baby. We want to help you make sure your baby gets safe sleep.
Where your baby falls asleep matters for the first year of their life. Sadly, more than 130 babies in North Carolina die each year of sleep related causes – many of which could have been prevented.
Follow these six tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep your baby safe and reduce the risk of a sleep-related death. And talk to others that take care of your baby about safe sleep recommendations.
Babies are safest sleeping in their own crib, bassinet or pack ‘n play – for every nap and every sleep. If you share a bed with your baby, you could accidentally roll over and suffocate them. Move the crib to your room to stay close. This can also help make breastfeeding easier.
While your grandma may say all her kids slept on their stomach and are fine, the science and recommendations now show that babies are much safer on their back. Anatomically, babies are less likely to choke when placed on their back than on their side or stomach. When they are able to roll back and forth (usually around six months), you don’t need to keep moving them to their back.
Leave blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads and other items OUT of the crib because they can be choking or suffocation risks. Consider a sleep sack instead of a blanket. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold, you can dress them in layers of clothing or use a wearable blanket. In general, you should dress your baby in only one layer more than you’re wearing. Place your baby on a flat and firm mattress with only a fitted sheet and no other bedding.
Smoking during pregnancy and second–hand smoke around your baby greatly increases their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Thirdhand smoke exposure is residue that’s left on clothing. Even that can be harmful to an infant. So make sure nobody smokes around your baby and that they change their clothes after smoking.
Using pacifiers and having a set bedtime routine can soothe your baby and help them fall asleep and stay asleep in their own safe sleep space. Some studies show pacifiers potentially reduce the risk of SIDS.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, and it has benefits for mom and baby. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and helps prevent asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes and SIDS. Breastfeeding can also reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Mecklenburg County Public Health is committed to promoting and protecting the health of moms, babies and moms-to-be to ensure more babies celebrate their first birthdays in our community. Following these recommendations will help keep your baby safe and healthy throughout their first year of life.
With the start of a new school year, it seems like everything is new. Whether that’s a new backpack, new classes, or new teachers. We’re here to tell you that it’s OK to recycle things every now and then (literally). Let’s just make sure you’re recycling right! Here are a few tips to keep in mind at school and at home.
Continue ReadingBiking on trails is a healthy activity for everyone, from seasoned pros to kids just learning the ropes. With more than 70 miles of greenway trails to explore, it’s important to understand the unspoken rules that all new bikers and seasoned riders should remember.
So before you head out the door, here are some tips to help everyone have an enjoyable experience on our greenways.
Continue ReadingIt’s time to have some fun in the sun! But let’s not be wasteful. While you’re enjoying the heat and all the activities that summer brings, remember to recycle right.
Besides the six items you can recycle curbside, here are some seasonal items you can bring to any Mecklenburg County full-service recycling center all year long.
Continue ReadingBy Alex Lankford, College Intern
Almost everybody knows someone graduating from a school or university this time of year, and Mecklenburg County is excited to have its very own class of graduates.
Congratulations to the newest class of MeckEmerge! Twenty-five dedicated County employees were honored for finishing the four-month program. They now know how to increase their success in future leadership roles.
At the graduation ceremony, MeckEmerge graduates spoke with the County Manager about leadership and the public sector. Supportive colleagues and mentors were also invited to cheer on the graduates.
Continue ReadingExcellence is a guiding principle at Mecklenburg County. It’s at the foundation of the work we do and the services we provide to the residents of our community. We measure excellence in many ways including through the MeckACTs awards, which started last year. It’s Mecklenburg County’s enterprise competency model that serves as the basis for how we select, develop, evaluate and recognize our team members across the County.
Four winners were selected out of 50 nominations. Human Resources vetted the winners to ensure criteria and eligibility were met. Finalists were selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council which includes human resources professionals in the Charlotte area.
Continue ReadingAre you an enthusiastic beginner or an experienced gardener? Either way, Mecklenburg County and its partners can help you grow your skills and passion in the garden.
Continue ReadingBefore you go there, this has nothing to do with what you normally think of when you think of bathing. Now follow me into the forest. (That wasn’t supposed to sound ominous, but I hear it now.) With Park and Recreation managing more than 8,200 acres of nature preserves, there’s a good chance there’s a forest near you just waiting for you to explore.
Continue ReadingEvery now and then, life gives us a little bonus – an extra 24 hours to do as we please. Whether it’s a leap day, a random day off or a well-deserved break.
So, what’s the game plan for this day off? Well, I’ve got nine ideas and don’t mind sharing them with you. Let’s go!
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