HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Kids’
Health
• Stop the spread of germs – Sanitizing frequently touched surfaces (door
handles, sinks, countertops) and handwashing can help combat the spread
of germs to other family members. Providing sick children with a comfy
space to recover, away from other children, can help prevent contamination
of highly trafficked areas of the home.
• Stay moisturized in dry weather – Try limiting bath time and make
sure the water isn’t too hot. Follow your bathtime routine with an
ointment or cream, instead of lotion. Most lotions have added ingredients,
including fragrances and alcohols, which can cause skin irritation. Opt for
something as simple as petroleum jelly or a mineral oil to lock in moisture
throughout the day.
• Keep up with vitamin D – Vitamin D helps the body take in calcium and
build strong bones as well as fight infection, and plays a role in heart health.
But, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a majority of the
population is vitamin D deficient. Wintertime can bring on less outdoor play
(meaning less exposure to sunlight) and most don’t receive enough vitamin
D through diet alone. Talk to your child’s health care provider for proper
supplement dosage amounts.
• Keep moving – Bundle up to go outside and sled ride or go for a walk.
Blowing bubbles isn’t just for the summertime, and if it’s cold enough,
they will freeze! You can also set up activities inside the house to keep kids
occupied, or look to your local community center for fun indoor activities.
• Stay hydrated – According to a study published by Medicine and Science in
Sports and Exercise, exposure to cold temperatures can lessen your body’s
response to thirst. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and make
children more susceptible to illness. Serve warm drinks such as soup broths
or warm cider after being in the cold, and always have water available.
• Dress in layers – Babies and children should be dressed in one more layer
of clothing than an adult. Packing on too many additional layers can cause
sweating, making your child colder! Start with a moisture-wicking base
layer, followed by wool, down, or fleece and a water/wind-resistant outer
layer for optimal warmth.
• Get some Zzs – An adequate amount of sleep is important for everyone,
especially when you’re sick. Offer quiet activities such as books, puzzles,
coloring, or a movie to allow for some much-needed downtime. Encourage
naps when possible to increase resting time.
• Skip sharing (food and drinks) – Encourage your kids to wash their hands
before lunch to limit germs spreading to food. Also, remind your children
to keep their hands from touching their face and the faces
of others.
• Elbow trick – Teach kids to turn
their heads to sneeze or cough
into a tissue or into their elbow to
limit the spread of germs.
• Know when outdoor play is
safe. Green Zone: 30 degrees
or higher – Safe to play outside
with layers, but come inside
to warm up every 40 minutes.
Yellow Zone: 20-30 degrees – Take
caution to monitor children for
signs of shivering and come
inside every 20-30 minutes.
Red Zone: Below 20 degrees
– Stay inside!
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health. There are several conditions
that are linked to oral health including
endocarditis and cardiovascular disease.
When bacteria from your mouth—or
other parts of your body—spread
through your bloodstream, they can
attach to your heart, causing an infection
in the inner lining called endocarditis.
Research suggests that poor oral
health is linked to clogged arteries and
stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is
critical for warding off bad breath and
poor health. It is important to brush at
least twice a day, floss, eat a healthy diet,
replace your toothbrush every three to
four months, and avoid tobacco use to
maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting your
dentist for regular cleanings can also
ensure that oral hygiene is at its best.
Heart Health
We are all aware that it is important to
eat healthy and stay fit for heart health.
A diet rich in plant foods and low in
processed food and animal products
lends itself to a happy heart. Paired with
cardiovascular exercise, you’ve got it
made for a healthy body. But have you
ever thought of staying positive as a way
to keep your heart healthy? A research
study at the University of Illinois shows
that people with optimistic attitudes have
higher odds of having ideal cardiovascular
health when compared to pessimistic
people. The study analyzed “the mental
health, levels of optimism, and physical
health of 5,100 adults ranging from 45
to 84 years of age. Heart health scores—
based on American Heart Association-
approved metrics, including blood
pressure and body mass index—increased