Aspire Children's Environmental Health Center

06/18/2026

Check out the ASPIRE Center June 2026 newsletter! This edition helps you become Smoke Ready! https://beav.es/fDe
See past issues and sign up for our newsletter: https://beav.es/N9T
College of Health - Oregon State University | Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families | Children's Environmental Health Network

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Spending time in nature is one of the best things you can do for your health…

But make sure you are prepared.

Mosquitoes and ticks are more active in warmer months and the diseases they carry are more widespread than many people realize.

A few simple habits can go a long way:

✅ Apply insect repellent
✅ Wear long sleeves and pants on trails
✅ Do a full-body tick check after every outing
✅ Empty any standing water around your home

Graphic by CDC

06/17/2026

Wildfire smoke and other air pollution can affect health, especially for children and teens.
This new guidance helps families and youth-serving organizations, such as schools and athletic leagues make informed decisions about outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

Before heading outdoors, check air quality conditions and use this guidance to help decide when outdoors activities are safe: https://ow.ly/xMex50Z9xsW

Check current and forecasted air quality at https://ow.ly/NWQ850Z9xAN or https://ow.ly/v4Fy50Z9xsY.

06/17/2026

Children cannot vote, but YOU can. We need political leaders at all levels of government who put the health of children, their future, and their families first. Check out the new Voter Guide for Children’s Environmental Health to find out how you can protect kids’ health and their environments in the 2026 elections. When children thrive, we all thrive!

Learn more in the comments.

06/17/2026

Heat is here, Oregon — stay safe! ☀️ 🌡️

✅ Stay in the shade or an air-conditioned space when possible
✅ Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
✅ Never leave kids or pets in cars — not even for a minute
✅ Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
✅ Wear sunscreen to protect your skin

06/17/2026

New Study: Blood lead levels in young children in the United States declined in the last decade, but state data reveal that children of color and children from low-wealth families are still exposed to higher levels of lead, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health. No level of lead in children's blood is safe.

https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/epdf/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308468

Authors include PRCCEH Co-Director Aimin Chen, PhD, MD and researchers from Harvard University, Drexel University, George Mason University, Brown University, Project TENDR and more

05/26/2026

18 likes, 1 comment. "How to Make and Use a DIY Air Cleaner"