Protecting your family from lead exposure Protecting your child from lead exposure means keeping them healthy and protecting their brain development. Lead exposure comes from touching, swallowing or breathing in lead dust. Lead can be found in older homes, plumbing, water, paint, dirt, toys, home remedies, makeup and candy. Lead can have harmful effects on young children and pregnant women. Exposure can affect a child’s brain and can cause pregnancy complications. Children with lead poisoning often look healthy but might have headaches, feel tired, misbehave and have difficulty paying attention or learning. Protect your family from lead exposure by removing harmful items that may include lead, washing hands often, limiting play in dirt and doing your best to keep your home clean and dust-free. Good nutrition can help slow lead absorption. Make sure your child WELLNESS FOR ALL Talking with your primary care provider Practicing good communication with your primary care provider (PCP) is an important way to embrace your health care journey. Clear and honest communication between you and your PCP can help you both build a safe connection. Talking about your concerns can help you make informed choices about your health care. We know that talking with your PCP is not always easy. Below are some examples of questions to talk about with your PCP if you have health concerns during your visit. Question Example What am I feeling that I want the PCP to check? My left ear aches each time I blow my nose. When did it begin? It started about a week ago when I first caught a cold. What makes it better or worse? It feels worse when I blow my nose and feels better in the morning after I shower. What questions do I have, and what worries me? When will I start to feel better? Does the medicine have side effects? Other tips for your visit to the doctor: ■ Bring a list of all the medications you are taking. ■ If you have any medical needs, such as wheelchair access, or require language assistance or interpreting services, let the doctor’s office staff know so they can help you. For more information about how to protect yourself and your family from lead exposure, visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/docs/5things-508.pdf. eats meals high in iron, calcium and vitamin C. Ask your child’s doctor to give you information on lead exposure and have your child tested at ages 1 and 2 years old. If your child is past this age, they should be tested by age 6. Living Healthy 7
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