Here is a quick look at some headlines from this week impacting the lives of kids 0-5 and their families. The purpose of these stories is simply to inform, and they do not necessarily reflect First 5 Kern's areas of support or efforts towards these issues.

Follow First 5 Kern on social media for more kid-centric information.

Now for the headlines........
EXPANDED FAMILY LEAVE PLAN STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE

More information emerged recently on Governor Newsom's plan for the much-publicized expansion of family leave. CalMatters broke it down with this article , which explains how both parents are being included in the plan.

Additional stories you may want to check out include this one out of Sacramento, explaining how the push to extend family leave is gaining momentum. This story from Business Insider , as you might expect, delves into the plan from a business/corporate perspective, even explaining how the lack of a national policy on this front has urged many employers to create their own plan in order to lure quality employees.
OPIOIDS TO BLAME FOR INCREASE IN BIRTH DEFECT?

The dangers of opioids seem to be growing, but a recent study has tied it to a startling birth defect which is apparently on the rise (although still very rare). Forbes explains a possible opioid correlation with gastroschisis, a serious birth defect that results in a hole in the wall of a baby's belly.

January is also Birth Defects Prevention Month , and the CDC has also released a guide for moms-to-be with tips on how to prevent them.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BABY IS IN PAIN

It's not easy communicating with a newborn. That's why this US News & World Report on how to tell if your baby is pain is an interesting read. It references recent research and is full of links to other content - a very useful article for parents, families and caregivers of newborns.
EMERGENCY C-SECTIONS LEADING TO PPD INCREASE?

There are two kinds of c-section: elective, and emergency. This study out of the UK found an increase in post-partum depression among women who had the emergency version of the procedure. The trauma involved may play a role.
CALIFORNIA'S FIRST SURGEON GENERAL PIONEERED RESEARCH ON ACEs

In what could be a boon for awareness of kids' medical issues across the state, California's first-ever surgeon general is a pediatrician . Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is a pioneer on the study of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their physiological impact on a growing child.

If you are interested in learning more about ACEs, check out Dr. Burke Harris' compelling TED Talk on the issue a few years ago.
RUTGERS CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO DECREASE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES

Despite the fact that maternal deaths are decreasing worldwide, they have more than doubled in the U.S. since the late 1980s. This campaign by a Rutgers alum who lost his wife in 2011, seeks to reverse that with their annual awareness event.
POTTER THE OTTER

BONUS FUN NEWS: Potter the Otter's Market Adventure is now an animated story This is just one of many different books featuring the beloved aquatic mammal.

Potter the Otter is a program of our friends at First 5 Santa Clara, and teaches kids how to stay healthy. Visit PotterTheOtter.com to check out his books, activities, videos, and more.
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...about First 5 Kern
First 5 Kern was established in 1998 when California voters passed Proposition 10, which levied a 50-cent tax on tobacco products. Revenues generated from the tobacco tax are used to fund local programs in the areas of health and wellness, early childcare and education, and parent education and support services that promote early childhood development for children ages zero to five.

For more information on First 5 Kern and the agencies we support, please visit www.First5Kern.org   and follow us on social media.
Special thanks to Vecteezy for assistance on graphics