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!
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—
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SOUTH FAYETTE
❘
WINTER 2018
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