Healthy Foundations Fall 2006

To Your Health: 49 Habits of ‘Naturally Thin’ People; Reach for That Cup of Joe to Prevent Diabetes; Are Mercury Dental Fillings Safe?; The Flu Shot Is In

Pharmacy Corner: Take Advantage of the Price Assurance Program; Remember to Verbally Request Your Lab Benefit; Common Painkillers May Increase Risk of First Hospital Admission for Heart Failure

Safety First: Managing Your Child’s Allergies; Prep Your Skin for Winter; School Bus Safety

The Alternative: Meditate on This

For Your Benefit — Insureds: Good Health Is Just a Click Away With HealthAtoZ

For Your Benefit — Employers: Want to learn more about high–deductible health plans and HSAs? Visit www.starmarkinc.com

School Bus Safety

For 23 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. School buses are the safest way for children to get to school. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are nearly eight times safer than passenger vehicles.

But there are inherent risks. Children must take care when boarding or leaving the bus, and it is essential that adults and children know traffic safety rules.

Laws exist to protect children getting on and off the bus, and to protect you from a tragedy. Check with your school or police department for more information on your state’s laws.

Here are some general rules:

Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.

Vehicles are required to stop when traveling in the same direction as the bus. In some states, vehicles moving in the opposite direction on a divided roadway are also required to stop. Check the law in your state.

Never pass on the right side of a stopped school bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.