The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning about salmonella in small turtles. The warning comes amid an outbreak of the disease that has resulted in at least 15 reported cases across 11 states, including five hospitalizations.

Cats and dogs might be the most common pets in the U.S., but sometimes kids want something a little more exotic—and often parents give in to their pleas.

If your child is desperate for a pet with a hard shell rather than a furry coat, think twice before bringing a small turtle into your home. Not only is it against the law to sell these little guys as pets, but they could also make you sick.

Why Small Turtles Carry Salmonella

According to the CDC, several people in the current outbreak said they purchased turtles with shells less than four inches long before they got sick. Three purchased their turtles from a website called myturtlestore.com.

 Although it’s against federal law to sell or distribute turtles of this size as pets, they can be found illegally online and at stores or flea markets.

Even a turtle that looks clean and healthy can carry salmonella germs in their waste. This is true for pet turtles of any size, not only the small ones. If the germs spread to the turtle’s body, anyone who touches it can get sick if they subsequently touch their mouth or food without washing their hands. The germs can also spread to the turtle’s tank water and anything else the creature might come into contact with.

Common salmonella symptoms are diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These can start within a few hours of swallowing the salmonella germs, but sometimes the onset takes up to six days.

Your little one grows and develops in so many ways during their first year, and that includes moving on from their bottle and/or the breast. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a sippy cup as a transition between a bottle and an open cup.1

Every child develops at their own pace, but if your infant has good head control, can pick up and grasp items, and is able to sit well in a high chair, the time might be right for a sippy cup, says pediatrician and international board-certified lactation consultant Jessica Madden, MD, IBCLC, who is medical director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. In her experience, the earliest this usually happens is around age 6 to 7 months.

When Should I Transition My Child to a Sippy Cup?

It’s really up to you when you make the move, but Adrianna Bravo, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and senior medical advisor for Inspire Diagnostics, recommends doing it before your child’s first birthday.

If your child is breastfed, you don’t necessarily need to stop breastfeeding before the sippy cup transition. “A breastfed child should be using a sippy cup by 12 months but can choose to continue to breastfeed as well,” says Dr. Bravo.

The AAP advises switching to an open cup (such as a two-handled cup) as soon as your child can manage it, usually before age 2.

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, happens when body temperature gets out of control and the sweating process malfunctions. Usually, sweating cools the surface of the skin when the water in sweat evaporates. Without this, the body can’t cool down, and body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.1

Most kids spend lots of time outdoors during the hot summer months, so it’s important to know how to prevent heat stroke, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the illness that your child may not be able to communicate to you. Let’s take a look at what they are and what to look for.

What Causes Heat Stroke?

There are two types of heat stroke, explains pediatrician Florencia Segura, MD, FAAP: classic (non-exertional) heat stroke and exertional heat stroke.

“Classic heat stroke happens more commonly in children with excessive environmental exposure to heat,” says Dr. Segura. “It’s more common in young children because they can’t escape from hot environments. A too typical and tragic example is a child restrained in a car seat left unattended in a vehicle. Temperatures inside closed vehicles rapidly rise to dangerous levels.”

Exertional heat stroke is more common in older children and teenage adults who take part in strenuous exercise during high temperatures and humidity. “The highest rate of heat illness in high school athletes is found among American football players, with a majority of these episodes occurring in August,” Dr. Segura says.2 Sweating during hot weather can lead to dehydration because sweat loss exceeds fluid intake.

Childhood is full of “firsts,” and your child starting kindergarten is up there with one of the biggest. “It’s the start of a partnership between the parent and the child’s educational experience,” says Adrianna Bravo, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and senior medical advisor for Inspire Diagnostics. “This is an experience that will last for a long time—at least until high school and possibly into higher education.”

It’s understandable that this milestone often comes with a substantial dose of nerves—for the child and their parent. It brings new routines and faces, an unfamiliar environment, and a whole set of new expectations. Some children settle into kindergarten almost instantly, but it takes others a little longer—and that’s completely normal. If you treat your child with compassion and offer comfort and support when needed, you’ll help make the transition easier.

It may also help to have an understanding of the skills you might look for in your child before kindergarten, so let’s take a look.

Kindergarten Readiness

Before we do a deep dive into specific skills, you’re likely wondering what it actually means for your child to be “ready for kindergarten.”

Dr. Bravo says that readiness can be divided into three categories: academic (language and math) social-emotional, and behavioral. “Through organizing these categories, you can create an informal checklist which is tailored to your child,” she explains.

The Common Core State Standards, hosted and maintained by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), provide parents and educators with the standards for mathematics and English language arts.

Each state has its own guidelines for kindergarten readiness. For instance, Utah Education Network provides checklists for self-help skills (eating independently, cleaning up after self), small motor skills (holding pencils and other items correctly, turning a single page in a book), large motor skills (walk in a straight line forward and backward, hop, jump, walk, and run) and social and emotional skills (share and take turns, show concern for others).1

In terms of academic standards, Pennsylvania’s guidelines state that kindergarten teachers expect children to be able to recognize eight to 12 letters (both upper and lower case), write their own name with most of the letters correct, count to 20, and know most written numbers from one to 10.2

The current standards for kindergarten readiness support the idea that certain academic milestones provide an advantage later in life. But this is necessarily the case, says Kelly Fradin, MD, pediatrician and author of “Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through COVID-19.”

“As a culture, we put an emphasis on achievement, with many parents feeling that their children’s developmental progress reflects on their parenting or on their potential for success in life,” Dr. Fradin says. “But we know that’s not the case for many children.”

Dr. Fradin points out that in many areas, parents are forced to choose whether to send a child to kindergarten or wait a year, and this becomes problematic. Some families delay in the three to six months before the cutoff, leading the classroom to skew older and a wider age range, which can be more difficult for teachers and for the youngest students, she explains.

If we’re starting to phase out the traditional concept of kindergarten readiness, what can be expected in its place? According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the focus should be on a healthy state of mind, rather than the academic basics.3 To help their children achieve this, the NAEYC encourages parents and caregivers to be responsive to all areas of their child’s development, including emotional, social, cultural, physical, and cognitive.

Parents across the U.S. are struggling to get their hands on baby formula, including brands like Similac and Enfamil. According to an analysis by Datasembly, the out-of-stock rate on baby formula was 31% in April 2022, up from 11% in November 2021.1 It’s natural for parents to panic when they can’t buy their baby’s food. And switching brands isn’t always easy, particularly when babies have allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues and can only tolerate certain types of formula.

Why Is There a Baby Formula Shortage?

The answer is multifaceted. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained global supply chains, induced labor shortages, and increased demand for many products. On top of that, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and related international sanctions have made certain products scarce.

The formula shortage was further exacerbated when Abbott recalled batches of its Similac formula and subsequently shuttered a factory in Michigan per FDA direction.

How Are Companies Responding to the Formula Shortage?

In response to the shortages, some manufacturers have asked parents not to stockpile formula as it further reduces in-store and online inventory. Abbott Laboratories, who make Similac formula, tweeted, “We are doing all we can to ensure ongoing and consistent distribution of our products. We encourage families to purchase only what they need to ensure that all families are able to access these critical products to feed their babies.”  On Twitter, an Enfamil customer-service representative told concerned parents that the company is “experiencing obstacles in the production and shipping of some of our products as the pandemic continues to cause issues with the supply chain.”

The Infant Nutrition Council of America further acknowledged supply issues in a statement: “Broadly, there are reports of challenges across retail supply chains, from transportation and logistics to some anecdotal evidence suggesting pantry-loading behaviors, which can put increased pressure on in-store inventory.”

Why Formula is Critical

“For families who cannot breastfeed or choose not to breastfeed, feeding your infant with baby formula is the best and recommended way to assure the child safely receives all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development,” says Adrianna Bravo, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and senior medical advisor for Inspire Diagnostics.

Formula is a safe and effective way to feed and nourish a baby, so access to formula is extraordinarily important, says Kelly Fradin, MD, pediatrician and author of Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through COVID-19.

“During the first year of life, a baby triples in weight, grows 50% longer, and the brain doubles in size,” Dr. Fradin explains. “Babies are more vulnerable to infection due to the immaturity of their immune system, so formula that is free of contamination by pathogenic bacteria is of utmost importance.” Also, a baby’s kidneys aren’t yet fully developed, and the balance of electrolytes and nutrients provided via formula is essential to prevent dangerous consequences like seizures.2

What to Do If You Can’t Find Formula

Dr. Fradin advises parents to ask for help when they have difficulty finding the formula they need. Pediatricians often have some stock supply for emergencies or may be able to direct families towards community resources for formula. On instagram, @theformulamom has established a message board to connect parents with supply. Many local Facebook groups are facilitating swaps, too.

“While it’s not ideal, many babies can switch to a new formula if their typical formula isn’t available. Infants on hypoallergenic formula may also benefit from a newly available, more cost-effective store brand hypoallergenic option,” Dr. Fradin says.

Dr. Fradin says parents should seek help before offering alternatives. “Before six months, formula and breast milk are really the safest options for feeding your baby,” she says. “Between six and 12 months, while babies can have some water and foods, formula provides iron essential to brain growth and a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats fortified with other nutrients.”

By age six months, most infants can begin eating certain solid foods prepared in an age-appropriate way.4 “Eating foods will lessen the demand the body has for nutrients in the formula, allowing the infant the leeway to intake less formula,” says Dr. Bravo. “Talk to your pediatrician or health care provider about supplementing with foods.”

When a baby is nearing a year, offering more food is an option, but Dr. Fradin still likes to see around 18 oz of formula a day. “One of the most important things is that parents don’t water down formulas, because overly diluted formulas aren’t safe,” she warns. “Homemade formulas, toddler formulas, and cows milk are not adequate substitutes.”

Dr. Bravo agrees that the infant’s safety has to be the main priority. “Do not make your own baby formula at home,” she says. “Formulas are prepared with very specific and careful consideration to infant nutritional needs, which are not easily calculated or created using standard ingredients and products found in most homes. Feeding an infant an imbalanced formula can be unsafe to the health and wellbeing of the infant.”

If there is a formula to be found, but not your preferred brand, you might consider a short-term switch to the available brand.  “Talk to your pediatrician or care provider about how to make the switch in a way that is safe and comfortable for the baby and you,” says Dr. Bravo. “Often a gradual transition works well, and your provider can provide that guidance.”

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday the state’s school mask mandate will be lifted on March 7.

“Masking continues to be an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID and should be used in many circumstances,” the governor said. “In the coming weeks, the Department of Health will also be updating its guidance to help school districts make the best decisions as to whether and when masks should be worn.”

Murphy said the state is ready to take this step due to declining Omicron cases and hospitalizations, as well as vaccination rates and availability among children.

“Early March traditionally means the weather starts to warm up at least a bit… which will give schools a little bit more flexibility to increase ventilation, be more creative with that, and further decrease the risk of COVID spread,” he said. “Perhaps most importantly, this is a huge step back to normalcy for our kids.”

The governor said it’s up to individual school districts to make the final decision.

“We are not removing the ability of individual district leaders to maintain and enforce such a policy within their schools, or any private child care provider from maintaining such a policy within their business, should community conditions require,” he said. “Likewise, any student, educator, or staff member or visitor who chooses to continue masking up while indoors may freely do so.”

Murphy also encouraged schools to “take swift disciplinary action against those who may try to demean or bully anyone who chooses to wear a mask.”

The teachers’ union, the NJEA, released a statement saying it’s encouraged by the data and cautiously optimistic, adding it wants the governor to “continue to analyze the data and do whatever is necessary to best protect the health and well-being of students and staff. That includes the possibility of maintaining or re-imposing the mask mandate for schools after March 7.”

Dr. Adrianna Bravo is a pediatrician who has been offering guidance to districts around the country and says local policies don’t have to be on or off, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported.

“Move it the way you would a dimmer switch. Maybe we begin to take our masks off slowly in some of our lower-risk situations, but we keep our masks on a little bit longer in some of those higher-risk moments,” Bravo said.

In Hoboken, masks can come off Monday, but some said they’ll leave them on.

“I think it’s about time,” resident Rob Phillips told CBS2’s Alice Gainer.

“Like the gym, yeah definitely. Restaurants probably. Depends how busy it is,” Rianna Jobamputra said of where she’ll continue to don a face covering.

Students and parents at Kearny High School said they will be relieved to return to real face-to-face instruction.

READ MORE:New York Lifting Mask Mandate For Businesses; Keeping In Schools For Now, Hochul Says

“For kids, maybe it’s a good thing as long as they are vaccinated,” Jack Corbett said.

“Our faces are how we communicate with each other. So I think it would be very helpful and a good thing for them to look forward to,” Jennifer Fonseca said.

The decision signals a major effort to get the state back to normal. COVID cases and hospitalizations have rapidly decreased since peaking in early January.

New Jersey reported 1,895 new positive cases and 18 new confirmed deaths Sunday.

“I don’t think we are closer to the end of the pandemic. I just think that because of the vaccines, that may help,” Karen Loaiza said.

Throughout the pandemic, Murphy imposed some of the country’s strictest COVID-related measures. Masks in schools proved to be among the most divisive, riling up parents and elected officials.

“I teach 7-year-olds, so I’m constantly telling them to keep their masks up. So I think it would be something they look forward to,” teacher Susana Peso added.

Senate Republicans are circulating a “Give It Back” petition, calling for the governor to lift the mandate now, instead of waiting until March.

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Monday afternoon he’s recommending to end the state mask mandate on Feb. 28.

“In particular what that means that the protocols for masks that will be worn in schools and child care centers, as of the 28th, no longer by order of the state of Connecticut. It will be up to you. … It will be up to superintendents in schools, and mayors to make that election, themselves,” Lamont said.

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she will make an announcement on Wednesday regarding the state’s indoor mask mandate, which is set to expire Thursday.

COVID-19 testing has become a routine part of our daily lives as we continue to navigate a world that is stricken by the virus. Adding to the stress is in the most recent variant of concern—Omicron—the number of mutations in the virus may have outpaced current testing measures.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a list of COVID PCR tests that may not accurately detect the Omicron variant, presenting people with a false negative result.

Verywell spoke to Adrianna Bravo, MD, FAAP, pediatrician, and senior medical advisor for Inspire Diagnostics, about the science behind why Omicron is slipping through the testing cracks.

Does Omicron Affect COVID Tests?

To understand how Omicron affects COVID tests, we have to start by explaining how standardized testing for COVID works.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the gold standard and the most accurate form of testing for COVID-19. It identifies the virus by looking for specific genetic codes, or RNA, that is unique to COVID-19.

Rapid antigen testing works a little differently; instead of looking for genetic code, these tests look for molecules on the virus’s surface—the infamous spike protein.

When the virus mutates, parts of the genetic code change. Many tests search for several different markers on the code, but if one of the markers has mutated, it may go undetected.

Bravo told Verywell that Omicron’s numerous mutations are different from the genetic markers that the current PCR tests use.

“The Omicron variant has a significant number of mutations—30 plus,” Bravo told Verywell. “When we look at those mutations, some of them are on the portion of the genetic code that some PCR tests use to detect the virus.”

Bravo said that if the specific portion of the genetic code that the test is made to detect happens to be one of those 30-plus mutations, then the test may not see the virus and a person might get a false-negative test result.

Encouragingly, though, Bravo said that many PCR tests look for several portions of COVID’s genetic code. Looking for more sections means there’s a greater likelihood of detection—which is why the FDA specifically warned about COVID tests that look for just one section of the genetic code.

So far, rapid antigen tests seem to be working in the face of Omicron. While rapid antigen tests are less accurate than PCR tests across the board, they appear to be just as good at detecting Omicron as they were at detecting the Alpha or Delta variants of the COVID virus.

Do We Need New Tests?

According to the FDA, research on how Omicron could affect COVID tests is ongoing. Based on what we know so far, there are tests in use that are able to detect the variant.1

For example, antigen tests do not seem to be as affected by the mutations of Omicron as molecular tests because the spike protein is still very much present (and that’s what antigen tests look for).

Even though antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR tests, the ability to test sequentially increases their value. Geoff Trenkle, D.O, CMO, and the founder of Total Testing Solutions, told Verywell that the ability to get results back quickly is one reason that rapid tests continue to be useful.

“For more accurate rests, we always recommend doing rt-PCR testing—especially if you are symptomatic,”‘ said Trenkle. “Rapid testing is less accurate as a rule of thumb, but if you need a result quickly, it is very helpful. If you’re asymptomatic and want to visit relatives, any test is better than no test at all.”

Bravo agreed, adding that “rapid antigen tests are a great tool for surveillance of the virus. If you’ve done something high risk—such as a big gathering—you can start taking the test two to three days later at home, and then testing 24 hours after that to ensure you haven’t picked up something.”

Does the Variant You Have Matter?

According to Bravo, all tests are processed in the same way. The variant is determined by whether the test picked up on one or more genetic markers. Again, while most tests look for two to three genetic markers, the tests that the FDA is concerned about are only look for one.

Doing more testing, whether PCR or rapid antigen, will not tell you which variant you have—but that’s probably fine. Bravo said that information is really more of interest to health care professionals and researchers than it would be for you.

“A positive is a positive,” said Bravo. “Follow the same pathway of isolating, contact tracing, and taking care of the community around you to not spread it to others.”

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.