Most children can put into perspective tragic or sad events that don't impact them personally. However, some children may be at risk of more extreme reactions because of personal circumstances. Adults should contact a professional if children exhibit the following over an extended period of time.

Flashbacks, feelings of grief or depression and other symptoms can be attributed to the anniversary of a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, an accident or a natural disaster. LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser expects many people will suffer the "anniversary effects" of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After any disaster, children are most afraid that the event will recur, that they or someone they love will be hurt or killed, that they may be separated from those they love and be left alone. Here are strategies to help caregivers help affected children.

Hurricanes have brought crisis into the living rooms of all Americans. Once again, the trauma of such events has struck at the heart of America. Dealing with natural disasters is difficult enough for all to comprehend. The lives of all will be changed forever. It is incredibly more difficult when young people and children are involved and are the victims.

The most effective grassroots initiatives consistently return to several basic premises: Changing people's lives is labor-intensive work.

(Distributed 01/31/08) February is American Heart Month. Women will again “Go Red for Women” by wearing something red or special pin to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s no. 1 killer.

Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed 12/05/07) A certain type of staph infection (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus – MRSA) can easily be prevented with proper hygiene and heal with treatment, according to Terri Crawford, Northeast region nutrition agent with the LSU AgCenter.

Typically, providers require that children be kept from care for a minimum of 24 hours or until symptoms disappear.