Parent Magazine Flagler January 2022 | Page 21

Winter Wellness

Tips to avoid common coldweather health hazards .

By Carolyn Tillo and Emilie Pennington
Look out for little ones .
Daniel Thimann , MD , a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Wolfson Children ’ s Hospital , outlined some tips for keeping children safe .
“ My most important reminder to parents is to let kids be kids , but pay attention to what they are doing ,” Dr . Thimann said . “ There ’ s a lot going on this time of year , so it ’ s easy to get distracted . Most of the injuries we see in the Emergency Department can be prevented by having a child wear his or her seatbelt in the car and helmet while riding a bike . Parents should use safe sleep practices when putting babies to bed ( baby on his or her back , no pillows or blankets in the crib ).”
Dr . Thimann warned adult supervision is especially critical when kids are swimming . On the playground , injuries may result from falls off monkey bars or jungle gyms . If you have a trampoline , Dr . Thimann says to be careful and only allow one jumper at a time . Parents can also consider placing a net around the trampoline .
Guard your heart .
Adults also need to take charge of their own health this time of year so they can better care for others . George Le-Bert , DO , a noninvasive cardiologist with Baptist Heart Specialists , said increased alcohol consumption during the holidays could lead to atrial fibrillation , an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke , blood clots or heart failure . Dr . Le-Bert said monitoring your diet and avoiding overconsumption of food and alcohol is crucial .
Monitor your mental health .
During the winter , people may experience depression , including seasonal affective disorder ( SAD ) or post-holiday blues , according to experts with expressive therapies at Baptist Behavioral Health . As people try to reach their goals and resolutions , they may also experience anxiety .
Kristi Seybolt , MS , LMHC , manager of Inpatient Social Services for Wolfson Children ’ s Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville , says to prioritize three to five meaningful goals to focus on throughout the year . By setting SMART goals that are specific , measurable , achievable , relevant , and time-bound , you will increase the likelihood of attaining your goals .
To help with depression and anxiety , you can try to find gratitude in what is happening in your life now , and shift your mindset to the present , Seybolt said . Focus on finding creative or social outlets that help you unwind like creating art , listening to music , taking a workout class or joining a book club .
“ Find a set time for creativity and leisure ,” Seybolt said . “ Develop a daily or weekly schedule with a designated time and try to stick to it .”
Protect your overall health .
Eating right , meditating and exercising can also help improve your health during the winter months , according to Marylin James , DO , a family physician with Baptist Primary Care .
“ Eat what ’ s in season ,” Dr . James said . “ It ’ s always important to stay in sync with nature if you wish to maintain balance and stability within your body .”
Dr . James recommends eating soups regularly , with lots of herbs and other superfood ingredients like ginger , turmeric and garlic . These ingredients help soothe conditions where you develop excessive phlegm , including bronchitis , sinusitis and common colds .
Getting moving , even when it ’ s a little cooler outside than Floridians are accustomed to , is also important . Dr . James recommends at least 20 minutes of exercise every day .
JANUARY 2022 | 17