FDA/CFSAN's News for Educators – January/February 2016

January/February 2016 Welcome to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s (CFSAN) News for Educators! Check out our latest information and materials for educating your consumer groups. We also encourage you to share this bi-monthly update and invite your colleagues to sign up for future issues! Food Safety Be Ready When Winter Weather Hits. Much of the U.S. is experiencing a very strong El Niño, which has been creating hazardous weather conditions, including severe storms and flooding. FDA encourages you to be prepared by having a plan to keep your food and water safe should a blizzard or other severe condition occur. Check out these helpful tips and food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a weather or power emergency. Nutrition Stay Informed About Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements can be beneficial to your health, but taking supplements can also involve health risks. FDA does not have the authority to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed; so, consumers are urged to be informed about dietary supplements. Be sure talk to your healthcare provider before deciding to take a supplement and to discuss your own personal nutritional needs. Cosmetics  Know The Facts Before Getting A Tattoo. There are several types of tattoos available today, including permanent and temporary options. If you are considering a tattoo, it’s important to know that tattoos can have health effects, and some of these effects can last a lifetime. Download FDA’s Tattoos and Permanent MakeupFact Sheet to learn about tattoo risks, FDA’s role in monitoring tattoo safety, options for tattoo removal, and what to do if you experience a problem.

Free Webinar from NIH: Training for Youth Program Leaders Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active!® is a free curriculum from the National Institutes of Health that helps young people (ages 11 to 13) to better understand the complex media world and how it can influence their health. To equip educators to use the program, NIH is offering a free one-hour webinar for teachers, after-school professionals, leaders of youth-serving organizations, and others to learn about the program’s objectives and activities, gain tips for leading lessons, and hear success stories from a former Media-Smart Youth program leader. Participants may also earn CHES/MCHES Continuing Education Credit.