HealthyLife Articles

Category: Family Life

  • Tips For New Empty-Nesters

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of couple sitting in front of their house.

    Busy parents may dream of the day when they can have time to themselves again. But sometimes when the last child leaves home, parents are left with feelings of sadness and loss. This is known as “empty nest syndrome.”

    Empty nest syndrome happens to many parents. But, there are some ways to help prepare for it and cope with it once it happens.

    Pick a hobby with your spouse.Having an empty nest means you and your partner have more time to do fun things together. This can help you improve your relationship too.

    Get support from friends and family.Talk to those who have been through the empty nest experience.

    See a doctorif you think you may have depression.

    Stay in contact.Talk to your child over the phone, in texts, or online whenever you can.

    Look for new opportunities.Have you been putting off taking a class, working toward a promotion, or other interests? Now may be the time to try it.

    Experts point out that an empty nest isn’t always a time of sadness. Many parents find they enjoy their newfound freedom, according to the American Psychological Association. With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch. And many parents are excited to get more time for their own goals once their children are grown.

    Source: Vanderbilt University Child and Family Center

    Not-so-empty nest

    The number of adult children living with their parents is higher today than ever. Between 2005 and 2011, the percentage of young adults living in their parents’ home went up, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The percentage of men age 25 to 34 living in their parents’ home rose from 14 percent in 2005 to 19 percent in 2011. For women of the same age, it rose from 8 percent in 2005 to 10 percent in 2011.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 “S”S For Being Active At Work

    FAMILY LIFE

    Two coworkers holding a set of dumb bells in hands.

    Many people have jobs that require sitting at a desk or being inactive for long periods of time. This can make it hard to reap the benefits of exercise, like having more energy and weight loss. But you can fit in fitness at work with just a few tricks.

    1.  Shoes. If you wear a dress or work shoes, bring your sneakers to work. Keep them under your desk and slip them on during your lunch break so you can take a brisk walk in comfort.

    2.  Stairs & standing. Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator. A few extra calories burned is better than none. Try to stand or walk when you don’t need to be sitting. This could be during a phone conversation, or going down the hall to speak to someone instead of calling or emailing them.

    3.  Schedule. Put time in your schedule to exercise. It’s one of the most important things you can do for YOU! If you don’t have enough time at lunch, find a way to exercise either before or after work. Write it down in your work calendar as a reminder that it’s an important commitment.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 6 Ways To Be A Good Houseguest

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of houseguest entering home with dessert.

    Each year, millions of Americans travel and visit friends and family members for the holidays. And with so many overnight visits this time of year, being a courteous houseguest is a skill that may come in handy. If you’re staying with a friend or family member, remember these tips:

    *Make plans well in advance.Don’t expect family members to drop everything at the last minute for your visit. Give them several weeks notice of when you will be coming (if possible) and don’t arrive earlier or stay longer than planned.

    *Consider a small gift.A bouquet of fresh flowers, a book, or an attractive fruit bowl are good host gifts to consider.

    *  Pay attention to house rules. Are there shoes by the door? Then you should take yours off when you enter.

    *Offer to pitch in.Ask if you can pick up some groceries at the store, or offer to pay for meals when going out.

    *Clean up after yourself.Don’t expect the host to do it all. Help clear the table after meals and wash dishes. The day of your departure, strip the sheets off the bed and offer to throw them in the laundry. Wipe off the bathroom counters after you use them. Put things back where you found them.

    *Send a note afterward.When you return home, send a short but sincere thank you note to your host.

    Source: The Emily Post Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Choosing Quality Child Care

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of Asian baby.

    Today, more children than ever live in households where both parents work. As a result, child care is a necessity for many families. You can make an informed choice with a little homework and preparation.

    First, think about the type of care you’d like.

    In general, your choices will include daycare centers, family child care homes and in-home care like a nanny, babysitter or au pair. There is no right or wrong answer, and no one option works for everyone. Consider your and your child’s personalities, as well as the cost of each choice.

    See it for yourself.

    If you’re considering a child care center or family home, ask about coming in for a visit. Seeing the environment yourself can often give you a better feel for the caregivers and the atmosphere. Do the children get constant supervision? Do they receive positive discipline?

    Look at group size.

    Each state has required caregiver/child ratios. See if you’re comfortable with the size of the group and ask about their typical ratios. Infants need one caregiver per four children at a minimum. The ratios get higher as the children get older.

    If you’re looking for a nanny or au pair, prepare for interviews.

    You should talk with each candidate to get a feel for their personality, child care philosophy and their training and education. You may wish to write a list of questions in advance, and take notes during each interview so you can refer to them later.

    Check health and safety guidelines.

    Caregivers should be up-to-date on CPR certifications. Ask about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and childproofing all areas for safety.

    Discuss illness prevention.

    Find out whether policies are in place to prevent the spread of illness. This may include requiring children to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to care, as well as other policies on specific symptoms and illnesses. Caregivers should thoroughly wash their hands after each diaper change  or using the bathroom, and before  preparing any food.

    The ultimate goal for any child care is to find one that keeps your child safe, healthy and happy.

    Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Aware

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How Was Your Day At School?

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother and her school-age child.

    Students are back in school, and now is the time for parents to develop routines to help their children succeed academically. Kimberly Greder, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialist, says parental involvement, more than income or social status, is a predictor of student achievement.

    *  Create a home environment that encourages learning. Set high but reasonable expectations for your kids.

    *  Get involved, with your kids, in school and community activities. Ask about homework. Visit with teachers and school counselors. Ask them what you can do at home to help your kids succeed.

    *  Ask your kids about their day at school.

    *  Encourage reading at home and be a role model.

    *  Watch who your kids hang out with. Make sure they are doing healthy activities.

    *  Get your kids involved in activities or sports to develop leadership skills and positive communication and conflict resolution skills.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sick Kid?

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother and child at the doctor's office.

    For many reasons, a child being home from school while sick can be stressful. Parents worry about the severity of their child’s illness and about the child missing school, all while trying to shuffle work schedules to be home.

    But when should kids stay home from school? Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson, pediatrician at Loyola University Health System, gives some guidelines to help parents make that decision.

    Pinkeye.

    Extremely contagious and is usually caused by a virus. One of the first signs of pinkeye is discomfort. Other symptoms include a sticky discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, and the area around the eye can look red and swollen. Stay home until the redness is gone.

    Stomach problems.

    Gastroenteritis or the stomach flu can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most often, it is caused by a virus. A child needs to rest and take gradual fluids to recover. Stay home until the vomiting and diarrhea are gone for 24 hours.

    Fevers.

    Most schools have a policy that a child can’t attend if they have a fever higher than 100 degrees F and the child needs to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Stay home and rest.

    Coughing.

    If a child has a steady cough, a hacking cough, or coughing fits, he or she should stay home. It’s also important for children and adults to be vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough). Go back to school with a minor cough, but practice good coughing skills such as coughing into a tissue or elbow and washing hands often.

    Sore throat.

    Many parents think sore throat means strep throat, but in 70% of the cases the pain is caused by a virus. Symptoms of strep also include headache, stomachache, and fever. Sometimes there is a sunburn-like rash on the throat. Stay home if the doctor has given an antibiotic and the child has been on it for 24 hours. If the sore throat is viral, return to school when the child feels better.

    Lice.

    Unfortunately those stubborn bugs mean no school for kids. They can quickly spread through a classroom. Children need lice treatment and combing to remove all nits.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Tips To Help Kids Succeed

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of kid holding an 'A' graded paper with thumbs up.

    Parenting is not an easy job, and it seems there are thousands of ways to do it. With so many parenting books and techniques available, how do you know what works? Sometimes, it helps to go back to the basics. You don’t have to be perfect or read every parenting book on the market.

    Years of research from medical experts says the following parenting tips will help keep your kids healthy and happy:

    *Be loving.Kids need love every day. Tell them you love them and give hugs and kisses.

    *Give them comfort.If a child is scared, help them to feel safe. Take steps to protect them and help them cope with fears.

    *Spend time with them.Set aside time each day to focus on them, and put the phones and devices away during this time. Point out good things they do. Be specific. For example, you might say, “I’m really proud of you for cleaning your room without being asked.”

    *Be a good listener.No matter what the topic, kids will feel valued if you look at them and listen to what they say.

    *Use a routine.Kids like to know what’s coming next. Set times for bed, meals and simple chores to help them feel secure.

    *Forgive mistakes.Help them by saying what they could do next time to avoid the mistake. Don’t criticize them as a person by saying, “you were bad.”

    *Have rules & stick to them.Parents, babysitters and other caregivers should follow the same rules. Don’t change them or let certain people break them. This only creates confusion and can lead to behavior problems.

    Even with the best advice, parents may need help from an expert. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Sometimes, talking to someone who can help makes a big difference. If you feel you need help with parenting, try the following resources:

    *  Your child’s pediatrician

    *  Your own primary doctor

    *  Local parenting classes at hospitals, schools or community centers

    *  A family counselor or minister

    *  Online support groups

    Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. It’s a sign that you want to be the best parent you can be, and that’s a good thing!

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 6 Ways To Help New Parents

    FAMILY LIFE

    Young couple holding newborn.

    New parents need the support to weather all the challenges & changes. Try these practical ways to help the new parents in your life.

    1.  Drop off freezer meals. A fresh meal is greatly appreciated, but having a stash of freezer meals is extra insurance for future tough days.

    2.  Clean the house. Whether you roll up your sleeves yourself or hire a service, a clean, tidy home can be a big load off a new parent’s mind.

    3.  Help with yard work. Rake, mow, prune, mulch, water, and weed so mom and dad can focus on the baby.

    4.  Hold the baby. Sometimes, all new parents need is someone else to snuggle and comfort the baby while they take a nap.

    5.  Give them a night out. Once the baby is old enough, the greatest gift you can give new parents is a chance to get away on their own and reconnect.

    6.  Provide a listening ear. New parents spend all day engaging with their baby. They need time to relax and chat with adults too!

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 7 Keys To Raising Stronger And Happier Kids

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of children at the playground.

    1.Build confidence daily (even for 5 minutes):It is the everyday things we do with our children that help them feel stronger and happier no matter what. Say affirmations together on the way to school or read a bedtime story every night that teaches about your child’s power within.

    2.Get them moving:Children need to move their bodies and get their energy released in a healthy way. Be sure they do something they love from making a garden to becoming a soccer star. (Let them pick it!)

    3.Sign them up for 1 weekly confidence-building activity:Your children’s weekly boost may be a sport like soccer or singing lessons. Most importantly, they need to see themselves succeed (really important) and also have a regular way to see themselves master a task. This builds outer and then inner confidence.

    4.See success together:Oprah always says that if you can believe it, you can achieve it. So help your children believe more fully in themselves. Do affirmations together like “I love me” and “I am amazing in every way.” Or, do a guided meditation, sing a song that sparks them up or draw a vision board. Let your creativity loose so you both become more self-assured.

    5.Get inspired:Do something inspiring together whether it is going to see magnificent waterfalls, flying a kite, or learning hula-hooping. By doing something that lights your children up, they learn how to build a new skill and you’ll see their confidence soar.

    6.Create an uplifting space:Decorate your children’s space so they see happy photos of themselves, their awards displayed, goals (or vision board) hung up and they have their favorite things all around them. By making the space feel good to your kids, they’ll realize this world is supporting them, their dreams can come true, and others want to see them succeed.

    7.Play more:Happier children know the importance of play whether they are outdoors helping their parents garden or playing tag with their buddies! So the more you help your children build skills, see their power within, and play in their daily lives, the happier they’ll be.

    Source: Maureen Healy, an emotional health and parenting expert, author of Growing Happy Kids: How to Foster Inner Confidence, Success, and Happiness

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine