“February is dedicated to the work of perianesthesia nurses. Perianesthesia nurses specialize in helping or caring for patients who are entering or recovering from anesthesia.

A perianesthesia nurse, also known as a PACU nurse, specializes in caring for patients before, during, and after anesthesia, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the surgical process.

These nurses help many patients and families all the time and deal with normal and adverse reactions to sedation multiple times a day. They are extremely passionate about the work they do, which is why, this week, the American Association of Perianesthesia Nurses, is stressing the importance of celebrating the exceptional work practiced by these nurses.”

Legacy Health Services (https://lhshealth.com/2019/02/perianesthesia-nurse-awareness-week/)

The nation’s 60,000 perianesthesia nurses will highlight and celebrate their work during PeriAnesthesia Nurse Awareness Week (PANAW), which is observed throughout the United States the first full week of February.

Perianesthesia Nurses care for patients before and after procedures requiring anesthesia, sedation, and analgesia. Approximately 40 million surgical procedures take place in the U.S. each year.

The work environments these nurses work in consists of  a few areas that are critical:

“Improving your indoor air quality is not as difficult as it seems, and most of the steps you need to take don’t require a technician’s assistance. Create a system of regularly cleaning the ducts and vents of your H.V.A.C. unit as dust and mold may have built up over time. Install an air cleaner for your home if you don’t already have one. That will help reduce air pollutants and allow you to breathe easier. Additionally, regularly service your unit to clear it of dust and debris, and enable it to run efficiently.

Good indoor air quality is crucial to general health

An H.V.A.C. system helps filter out allergens, dust, dander, and other contaminants from your indoor air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, good indoor air quality helps reduce the risk of health conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and lung and heart complications.”

National Today (National Care About Your Indoor Air Month – National Today)

February is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month, which makes this a great time to talk about the importance of indoor air quality testing. But you really should care about the indoor air quality of your home and workplace as well as your child’s school every day of the year.

“Over the last several decades concern over indoor air quality has grown and with good reason,” the folks at the National Air Duct Cleaners Association say. “On average, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors where, according to the EPA, the air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Yes, you read that right – the air you breathe inside your home can be more hazardous to your health than the air you breathe in the great outdoors.

Most people think car fumes and the smoke billowing out of factory smokestacks are the biggest drivers of air pollution, but you probably have products inside your home that are releasing volatile organic compounds into the air.

“Things like burning candles, spraying hair spray, and using cleaning products can negatively impact your indoor air quality. Over time these contaminants, plus dust, dirt, and pet dander, can build up inside your air ducts where they can be recirculated through the air 5 – 7 times per day,” officials at the National Air Duct Cleaners Association say.

The Top 10 Indoor Air Quality Facts and Stats:

• 91% of the global population breathes heavily polluted air.
• About 7 million people die every year as a result of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
• Up to 3.8 million deaths occur annually due to smoke exposure from cooking fires.
• Pneumonia and ischaemic heart disease are the most common causes of premature death brought on by indoor pollution.
• Almost 3 billion people worldwide use stoves or open fires that pollute the air when cooking.
• The US’s air quality trends seem to have improved nationwide in the past four decades, according to air pollution statistics from the US.
• The yearly number of deaths caused by polluted indoor air has dropped by over a million over the last three decades.
• In 2016, 60% of the world had clean cooking fuels available.
• High-efficiency particulate air filters remove 99.97% of airborne bacteria, dust, mold, and pollen particles as small as 0.3 microns.
• The American indoor air quality market should hit $12.2 billion by the year 2023.

Importance of Indoor Air Quality

“Indoor air quality” refers to the quality of the air not just in a home, but includes also school, office, or other building environments. The potential impact of indoor air quality on human health nationally can be noteworthy for several reasons:

• Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors,¹ where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. ²
• People who are often most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors. ³
• Indoor concentrations of some pollutants have increased in recent decades due to such factors as energy-efficient building construction (when it lacks sufficient mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate air exchange) and increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners.

91% of the global population breathes air that’s heavily polluted. 

(WHO)

According to indoor air pollution facts, the World Health Organization says that air pollution represents a notable danger to the climate and people’s health. Based on areas where air pollution is monitored, over 80% of the urban population breathes poor-quality air, as per the WHO’s indoor air quality standards.

2. About 7 million people die every year as a result of indoor and outdoor air pollution.

(WHO)

According to the WHO’s indoor air quality statistics, low- and middle-income countries suffer the most from air pollution, including indoor and ambient air pollution. The combination of the two causes acute respiratory infections, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and more.

3. Up to 3.8 million deaths occur annually due to smoke exposure from cooking fires.

(EC Europa, NCBI)

According to statistics on air pollution, the developing world suffers from premature death and disease due to poor home indoor air quality. Households in low- and middle-income countries rely more on burning fires, including coal, dung, and wood.

They also rely on hazardous stoves that can produce a lot of pollutants, such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. Contaminants like these can cause respiratory illnesses and even cancer.

4. The most dangerous indoor air pollutants include benzene, carbon monoxide, environmental tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, lead, naphthalene, and radon.

The European Commission deems these pollutants as the most concerning. It notes that more air pollution statistics from throughout the world should be gathered on their combined effects, thus allowing space for better indoor air quality regulations and guidelines.

5. Pneumonia and ischemic heart disease are the most common causes of premature death brought on by indoor pollution.

(WHO)

Some indoor air quality statistics are bleak, but they must be brought to light. The leading causes of the 3.8 million deaths mentioned above are ischaemic heart disease (27%), pneumonia (27%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20%), stroke (18%), and lung cancer (8%).

“Marijuana high

According to the CDC, getting “too high” is rarely life-threatening. But large amounts can intensify its effects on you. For instance, you might have:

• High blood pressure
• Racing heart
• Intense hallucinations
• Severe vomiting
• Anxiety or panic attack
• Paranoia
• Not understand where you are or what’s going on”

WebM.D. (Marijuana: Effects on the Body)

Marijuana Awareness Month takes place every February and aims to spread knowledge about the negative effects of marijuana use. Several surveys carried out in the U.S. reveal that millions of people use marijuana, making it the most widely used illicit drug in the country. Marijuana use is on the rise in the U.S., causing a rise in addiction too. The popularity of the drug is a result of the perceived myth that the drug is harmless because of its recent legalization in some states.

Where does marijuana come from and how it effects the body in a negative way:

Marijuana is made from the hemp plant, cannabis Sativa, containing the psychoactive chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds. Inhalation (smoking) is the most common method of cannabis consumption including joints, pipes, blunts, bowls, bongs, dabs, and vaporizers. Food products can also be made with cannabis as well as sprays and pills.

Effects can include lack of balance and coordination, distorted senses, increased appetite, impaired judgment, elevated heart rate, anxiety, etc. Dangers of marijuana include: anxiety, loss of motivation, impaired short-term memory and learning, slowed thinking and reactions, and addiction.

The legalization of marijuana varied drastically between states as of 2025, with some lawmakers approving its use entirely, others allowing its use only for medical conditions, and some still punishing possession of the drug by a prison sentence.

“The month serves as a reminder that owning a pet is a long-term commitment that requires time, effort, and financial resources. It aims to educate pet owners about the importance of providing proper care, including regular veterinary visits, appropriate nutrition, and socialization opportunities. Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) & the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) support this initiative by promoting awareness & providing resources for pet owners.

Whether your pet lives indoors or outdoors, they need food, water, shelter, and the opportunity for socialization and exercise. Don’t collect more pets than you can care for, even if you have the best intentions.

Provide proper medical care for your pet, including preventative care like shots and parasite control. Spay or neuter your pet if you don’t plan to breed them then take steps to prevent accidental breeding if you don’t.”

Dogster (Responsible Pet Owners Month 2026: When It Is & How It’s Celebrated – Dogster)

February is “Responsible Pet Owner” month, and that got us thinking: how do we view responsible pet ownership? While there isn’t an exact definition for it the America Kennel Club gives each of us a great starting point for how we view pet ownership: “Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it’s a responsibility.” Whether you own a dog or a cat one thing is for sure, owning that pet comes with great responsibility.

“Each February, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry celebrates NCDHM by promoting awareness of children’s oral health and the importance of preventive care.

Every February, National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) shines a spotlight on the importance of children’s oral health. But the truth is, keeping kids’ smiles healthy isn’t just a one‑month job; it’s something parents and caregivers work on every single day.

Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease in children. Left untreated, it can cause infection, trouble eating or sleeping, missed school days, and long‑term health issues. Luckily cavities, and the pesky Mouth Monsters that cause them, can be kept at bay with a few simple habits you can do at home.

Why the Age 1 Dental Visit Is So Important

The AAPD recommends that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Even though the Age 1 Visit is important, many parents simply aren’t aware that dental visits should start so early. Since cavities can form as soon as teeth erupt, early guidance can help prevent pain and more complex treatment later; help set the stage for positive dental experiences as your child grows.

Daily routines at home are your first line of defense against the Mouth Monsters. Parents can begin wiping gums with a soft cloth even before teeth erupt and transition to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears. A smear of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for children under three, with a pea-sized amount for older children.

Fluoride is safe, effective, and one of the best tools for preventing cavities.”

America’s Pediatric Dentists (MCT | National Children’s Dental Health Month)

During the month of February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month.

National Children’s Dental Health Month, with the 2022 theme being “Sealants Make Sense.”

The month is a national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.

Irene Hilton, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention’s advisory committee on dental sealants, said sealants are an equitable way to prevent caries.

“Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of caries by 80%,” Dr. Hilton said. “If your dentist recommends dental sealants, it is part of a comprehensive caries management approach. I am excited that this year” National Children” Dental Health Month theme is about dental sealants, so more families are aware of this cavity-preventing treatment.”

New parents often ask, “When should my child first see a dentist?” It’s never too early to start focusing on your child’s oral health! The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental home for their child by their first tooth or first birthday. During this time, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any dental concerns at the primary visit and the dentist will gently swab the child’s mouth to check their gums and any erupted teeth. As the child starts teething, the dentist will be able to monitor their progress and implement preventative measures for any concerns with your baby’s teeth.

Protect Tiny Teeth

Baby teeth are so important because of their key role of saving space for a child’s permanent teeth. They stay in a child’s mouth for 8-10 years and also affect their speaking, chewing, and, of course, smiling. Baby teeth can also indicate a child’s overall quality of health. Untreated tooth decay can cause oral infections that enter the bloodstream and lead to other serious health problems, while also allowing bacteria to spread to new adult teeth.

While daily brushing is an important part of a child’s oral hygiene routine, bacteria that causes tooth decay can still linger between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why it’s so important to help your kids incorporate flossing in their daily routine.

One significant oral health risk for infants and young children under the age of 1 is from baby bottle tooth decay. This occurs when your child consumes sugary liquid and bacteria in their mouth consume the sugar and produce acid. This acid attacks the enamel on baby teeth can trigger tooth decay after continued exposure. Liquids that contribute to this condition include milk, formula, fruit juice, soda, and any other sweetened drinks. If your child needs to sleep with a bottle, water is the safest option without any risk.

Parents, Did You Know?

Early childhood tooth decay has become the most common chronic childhood disease, impacting more children than asthma. According to the ADA, more than 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach Kindergarten. Additionally, kids who suffer from poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school as a result of dental pain.

The State of Pennsylvania has tried to tackle this oral health epidemic by requiring each child to receive a dental examination before enrolling in school, as well as in the 3rd and 7th grades. However, without regular six-month check-ups and establishing healthy oral health habits at an early age, small cavities can lead to much larger problems in little mouths.

Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health 

Our doctors take pride in serving patients in such vital years of early childhood. As pediatric dentists, they’ve had additional training beyond dental school to work specifically with babies and children in monitoring early oral development. We recommend the following oral health tips to start your little ones on their journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

• Schedule routine check-ups. If it’s been more than six months since your child has seen a dentist, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
• Clean your baby’s gums daily. Until those teeth come in gently wipe a damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria after each feeding.
• Start brushing with the first tooth. Begin brushing your baby’s teeth when you see one coming in with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
• Brush twice each day for two minutes. Children ages 2-6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise kids younger than six years old while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.
• Begin flossing. Once your child’s teeth touch, you can start flossing in between them.
• Snack healthy! Fruit juice, sports drinks, fruit snacks, and sticky candies all pose serious threats to your child’s teeth. Give kids calcium-rich snacks like cheese or low-sugar yogurt. If you have to resort to candy – a chocolate bar is preferable to gummy or sticky sweets that can get lodged in between the teeth, even after brushing.
• Keep them hydrated! Avoid sugary drinks and stick to good old-fashioned water. Water helps to rinse away any sugar or particles that can lead to cavities. Many municipal water sources also contain fluoride, which is recommended by the American Dental Association and U.S. Surgeons General, among others, as an efficient way to prevent tooth decay. In fact, the theme of this year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month is celebrating 75 years of water fluoridation.
• Replace your child’s toothbrush every three to four months.