Red Cross Offers Tips for Preventing Flu in Kids

Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.

The following information is from the Red Cross:  Health officials are reporting widespread influenza outbreaks in 47 of 50 states, up from just a week ago. One age group hit particularly hard is children, and the American Red Cross has some steps parents can teach their kids to help them avoid getting sick. WASHING HANDS Kids have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses. Parents should teach children proper hand washing techniques and how to correctly cover coughs or sneezes. Wash hands withsoap and warm water. When using soap and water: If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: SAFETY STEPS The most important thing parents can do is get children six months of age or oldera flu vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease …

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Red Cross Offers Tips to Help Prevent Holiday Fires

With trees, extra lights and candle in many Framingham homes this month, it's important to be aware of the fire hazards they present.

As beautiful as holiday trees and lights are, they present fire hazards many people may not be aware of. The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts is urging Framingham homeowners to use extra caution this time of year to keep the season merry and to prevent holiday fires. The Red Cross provided the following tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday: Christmas Tree Care Holiday Lights and Decorations Holiday Candles

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Hurricane Sandy Relief: How You Can Help

Here is how Massachusetts residents donations can aid victims in most affected areas.

While many Massachusetts residents lost power and those closer to the coast saw some flooding, the state was largely spared of catastrophic damage from Hurricane Sandy. Residents in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other coastal areas were not so lucky. Patch has gathered some local resources if you want to help in relief efforts. If you'd like to help on a more national level, organizations like the Amreican Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations and volunteers. If getting in to the thick of the action is more your style volunteers in New York City and New Jersey are being coordinated by phone.  To follow news from some of the most affected areas and see how local residents are faring, here are links to Patch sites: Do …

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Exploring Education

VIDEO: Jumping for Japan

Hemenway Elementary School students, staff and families raised $5,000. The money was given to the American Red Cross to help the earthquake victims in Japan.

Hemenway Elementary School recently presented a $5,000 check to the American Red Cross.  Hemenway families and children raised the money to help those in need in the wake of the earthquake in Japan.   Throughout the month of April, the children participated in a Jumping for Japan jumprope fundraiser during gym, parents held a bake sale and proceeds from the school store all contributed to the $5,000 check. During the Jumping for Japan fundraisers, the students jumped rope, participated in a long jump, and learned to triple jump.  

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5 Things You Need To Know Today

Dec. 30: Donate Blood Today

Today is the start of a four-day warm-up. Temperatures may hit 40 degrees today. Forecasters have it possible hitting 45 on New Year's Day.

1. Donate blood. The Red Cross says it is in short supply this holiday season. Plymouth Church is hosting a blood drive today from 2 to 7 p.m. 2. Matches continues today at Framingham High as part of the two-day Framingham Holiday Wrestling Tournament. Today's matches start at 9:30 a.m. with finals scheduled at 3:30 p.m. 3. The Framingham Public Library main branch is hosting Animation Alive: a computer technology workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this free workshop, for grades 4 and older. Participants will learn the principles of stop-motion animation, story-telling, and camera work while working in pairs to make a movie. Equipment, props and expertise provided, in this event sponsored by TD Bank. 4. Today …

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5 Things You Need To Know Today

Dec. 16: MidWinter's Eve Concert at Library

Give blood this holiday season. Plymouth Church is holding a blood drive today.

1. Framingham Library will host a concert by Barry and Beth Hall tonight at 7. The concert will feature Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic music, celebrating the winter season and its related holidays. The Halls will sing, play and talk about the variety of traditional instruments they use, including fiddle, flute, bouzouki, viola, mandolin and bodhrán. The Halls have been featured on NPR, PBS Television, BBC Television and at the Smithsonian Institution. Refreshments, provided by Trader Joe's will be served after the concert. 2. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Plymouth Church today from 2 to 7 p.m. 3. Framingham High's Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams travel to compete against Weymouth High this afternoon at 4:30 p.m…

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5 Things You Need To Know Today

Dec. 7: Give Blood This Holiday Season

School Committee, Rotary Auction, Selectmen and Jazz Jam tonight.

1. The Framingham Rotary Club will hold its 39th Annual Auction  tonight. Live bidding will be televised on Comcast Channel 9, Verizon Channel 43 and RCN Channel 3. 2. Selectmen are meeting tonight at 7,  inside the Memorial Building. On the agenda is the 2011 tax rate among other items. 3. Framingham School Committee is meeting tonight at 7:30 at the King Building. On the agenda is busing, budget and bullying. 4. The Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Plymouth Church from 2 to 7 p.m. 5. It's Jazz Jam at the Amazing Things Arts Center tonight from 8-11. Tonight's featured act is saxophonist Daryl Lowery. Born in NYC, he came to Boston to study at New England Conservatory. He has recorded with and/or performed with Dizzy …

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