WNY Family Magazine March 2020 | Page 61

with lead dust and put their hands, toys or pacifier in their mouth. 4. Run cold water for at least 1-2 minutes in the morning and any time it has not been used for six or more hours be- fore drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Boil- ing water does not remove lead! For extra peace of mind use a water filter that guarantees it removes lead. Just be sure to replace the filter according to instructions. Water that comes out of the tap warm or hot can contain a much higher level of lead, so never use hot water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula. 5. Feed your child a healthy diet with plenty of low fat foods high in calcium, iron and vitamin C. Children may be less likely to absorb lead if their stomachs are kept filled with healthy food. Avoid empty stomachs which might absorb lead more easily into the body. Calcium is especially im- portant. (Foods high in calcium include: milk, yogurt, cheese, soymilk, leafy green vegetables, white beans, red beans, chick peas, and almonds.) s Happy Purely Pediatrics ~ Newborn home visits ~ Dr. Susan Wiepert 110 C North Seventh St., Lewiston, NY 14092 716-205-3282 www.purelypediatrics.com Gentle and Caring Dentistry for Children & Youth Ages 1-21 Pediatric Dentistry 6. Keep the area where your child plays, eats and sleeps free from dust. Wet mop floors and wet wipe windows and flat surfaces in your home at least every week. 7. Have everyone take off their shoes when entering your home to prevent lead-contaminated soil from getting in. 8. Children and pregnant women should not be home during renovations or if there is damage to painted surfaces such as walls, trim, or doors. 40% of homes in the US contain lead paint. If your home was built before 1978, when lead paint use was banned in homes, your house likely contains lead paint. Experts say homes built before 1940 can be especially worrisome in terms of potential lead poisoning — paint manufactured in those days had up to 50 percent lead. Monthly membership model of outpatient pediatric medical care – No copays or deductibles required 160 Elmwood Ave. • Buffalo, NY 716-436-2130 Accepting: Fidelis & Healthplex 1660 Hopkins Rd. • Getzville, NY 716-688-7721 APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE WITHIN 48 HOURS www.just4mepediatricdentistry.com 9. Outside, make sure kids play away from bare soil and from the sides of the house where chipped lead paint might be. Have kids play on grass or in a sand box rather than in dirt which likely contains lead from leaded gas emissions decades ago. Wash their hands after playing outdoors. 10. Beyond contaminated dust, soil, and water, exposure to lead can occur through a variety of less common sources such as: imported toys, imported glazed pottery, lead from occupational dust brought into the home, fishing weights and lures, and eating vegetables that may have taken up lead from soil in the garden. Parents of children interested in participating in this program are encouraged to call (716) 874-7200 or visit LEAD716.org. LEAD716 is made possible by the Learning Disabilities Asso- ciation of WNY and by grants from The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and The Cullen Foundation. March 2020 WNY Family 61