HealthyLife Articles

Category: Family Life

  • Video Warfare

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of two kids playing video games.

    Children learn from video games, say Iowa State University psychology professors. So parents may want to shop smart when choosing games for their children. Even if the content is unrealistic or cartoonish, kids learn good behaviors (playing drums) or bad behaviors (aggressive tactics) by practicing.

    Professors Craig Anderson and Doug Gentile-leading experts on the effects of video games on young people and authors of the book Violent Video Game Effects on Children and Adolescents, say, “Parents and researchers initially believed that what mattered most about violent games was how realistic and bloody they were. Our research now suggests that what matters most is whether you have to harm other characters to advance in the game.”

    Follow their advice to parents before making a video game purchase for children:

    *  Play the game, have someone else demonstrate it for you, or look at clips from the game on the game’s website.

    *  Then ask yourself the following questions: Does the game involve some characters trying to harm others? Does this happen frequently, more than once or twice in 30 minutes? Is the harm rewarded in any way? Is the harm portrayed as humorous? Are nonviolent solutions absent or less “fun” than the violent ones? Are realistic consequences of violence absent from the game?

    Two or more yes answers should cause parents to think carefully about the lessons being taught before purchasing that game for children. Some sports and fun music games may be better choices than warfare games.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Aging In Place For Older Adults

    FAMILY LIFE

    Smiling, happy older couple.

    Many people have a loved one who is an older adult. Sometimes an older adult may wish to stay in their home as they get older. This is possible for many older adults with some support from family members or friends.

    Here are some ways to help an older loved one stay in their home:

    *Be sure they can get around.Some adults may need a walker or electric scooter. Sometimes Medicare will help cover the cost of these mobility aids.

    *Help them find things to do.It can be boring and lonely at home alone. Help them learn how to do video calls with family and friends. When it’s safe to do so, help them get involved at a local senior center.

    *Get them daytime help if needed.Some people may need help with personal care, such as washing their hair. If a family member can’t be there each day, consider hiring a trained aide that can help them with everyday needs.

    *Consider an emergency alert system.This can call for help if your loved one falls or gets hurt.

    *Keep nutrition in mind.Be sure your loved one can get healthy food from the grocery store. Consider meal delivery services in your area that may be free or low-cost.

    *Make sure they go to appointments.Regular checkups are important, especially if the person has any health conditions. Drive them to their appointments if needed.

    *Check up on bills.Make sure their bills for insurance, utilities and other needs are getting paid on time. Find out what bills they have and offer to help get them organized and paid. Talk to them about scams, too. Tell them not to give out their social security number or other information to anyone over the phone.

    *Get rid of fall hazards.Consider ramps instead of stairs at the front door. Put grab bars in showers and bathtubs. Put plenty of night lights around their house and remove loose rugs from the floor. Encourage them to wear supportive shoes or non-slip socks around the house.

    Source: National Institute on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Backpacks. Crayons. Glue Sticks. Epipen?

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of 2 school kids in the classroom.

    For more and more school-age children the Epipen is becoming a necessity for completing the back-to-school supply list. In fact, allergic conditions are one of the most common medical conditions affecting children in the U.S.

    “Accidental exposure to allergens at school is a major concern for kids with severe allergies since any exposure could be fatal,” said Dr. Joyce Rabbat, pediatric allergist at Loyola University Health System.

    Food allergies are the most concerning for school-age children since allergens can be hidden in food or utensils and pots and pans could be contaminated without the child’s knowledge. Dr. Rabbat said that parents of children with food allergies should ensure an Allergy Action Plan is in place for the child at his or her school.

    This really could mean life or death to the child,” she said in suggesting that parents should make sure the school reviews the child’s health records that they provide from the doctor. She also suggests asking what the school does to prevent accidental exposure and that staff are trained to deal with an emergency situation.

    If the child is older and knows how to self-administer medications, Dr. Rabbat suggests talking to the school about allowing the child to carry the medication with them. If that is not allowed at the school, make sure the following medications are available:

    *  Epinephrine autoinjectors

    *  Antihistamines

    *  Albuterol rescue inhalers

    Also make sure a staff member, who is available at all times, is properly trained on to how to administer these medications and that your child is familiar with this person.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Family Life

    FAMILY LIFE

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Lightening The Load: Dividing Household Chores

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of couple ready to clean.

    Chores are a part of daily life for families. And, the way they are divided can have a big impact on your family relationships. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that sharing household chores was among the top three things that make a marriage work.

    This can be easier said than done in many households. Many families have to work outside the home, attend kids’ activities and deal with other demands every day. With all these things taking up time, chores may be an additional source of stress.

    First, have a good talk

    It’s easy to get angry or upset with someone for not doing enough chores.

    But before you do this, stop and think. Did you clearly tell them when and how you wanted this chore done? Have they been busy with other activities?

    Be kind and respectful when talking about chores; then you may find that the other person is more willing to take part. Try to look at things from their perspective. Perhaps they’ve been overwhelmed with other things or simply didn’t know that something needed to be done. Or, if you feel like you’ve been doing most of the work, ask if others can help take some things off your plate. Be specific with which chores you would like them to do and when.

    Get the kids involved

    Even small children can do chores. Toddlers can pick up toys and help make their beds. Preschool kids can help clean up spills, feed a pet and even take their laundry to the hamper. Older children may be able to wash dishes, and do laundry and fold clothes.

    Younger children often do well with a chore list so they know what is expected of them. If they can’t read yet, use pictures and stickers.

    Set aside a few minutes

    One strategy that works for many families is finding just 10 or 15 minutes a day to do some basic chores. This can be anything that needs to be done. Examples include picking up and putting things away, cleaning a bathroom or running the vacuum. You can even set a timer so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming. Make it fun by turning on music while you clean. Or, make it a “race” with little ones: who can pick up their room first? When the time is up, everyone can feel good about helping out around the house.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stepping Into The Stepparent Role

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of husband and wife and two children.

    Stepfamilies face unique challenges and situations, especially when the family is newly blended. If you’re just getting to know your new stepfamily, it may take some time for everyone to feel comfortable with the new situation, says the National Stepfamily Resource Center. The organization offers this advice for new stepparents:

    *Understand that bonding takes time.Children of any age may need to get used to their new family. Try not to get discouraged if things don’t go smoothly right away.

    *Communication is key.All families need good communication. This means listening to each other and addressing problems and arguments calmly and directly.

    *Show interest in your stepchildren.Attend their activities, listen to their opinions, and ask them specific questions about their day. Try new family activities together such as walks in the park, bike rides, or something everyone will enjoy.

    *Use compromise to solve problems.Don’t use a “my way or the highway” approach, or the stepchild may become distant or show difficult behavior.

    *See a family counselor or therapistif you need extra help.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Wellness Gifts

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of soccer ball with ribbon around it.

    Give presents that promote a healthy lifestyle. Keep health in mind when making your list and checking it twice.

    Ask for or give “Gift of Time Coupons” for shoveling snow, cooking a healthy meal, cleaning the house, and doing other active household chores throughout the year.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Babies, Pacifiers & Thumb Sucking

    FAMILY LIFE

    Baby sucking his thumb as father holds him.

    Many babies use pacifiers or their fingers to soothe themselves. But which is best and when should they stop?

    The thumb and finger habit

    Many babies will suck on a favorite thumb or finger. This is normal. There are some good things about this habit:

    *  You don’t have to buy a pacifier. And, you don’t have to worry about it falling on the floor and getting dirty.

    *  A baby always has it when they need it.

    There are some downsides to this habit, including:

    *  Babies may touch things and get germs on their hands. Then, these germs get in their mouth.

    *  Thumb sucking may increase the risk of ear infections.

    *  You can’t take it away when you want them to quit the habit!

    Using a pacifier

    Many babies get pacifiers right after birth and use them for months or years. They can be helpful because they:

    *  Can reduce pain during shots or blood draws.

    *  They may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

    *  You can take them away when you want them to stop using it.

    Pacifiers aren’t always good. They can:

    *  Cause problems with breastfeeding.

    *  Get lost or fall on a dirty floor or surface.

    *  Increase the risk of ear infections.

    *  Cause dental problems with long-term use (longer than 6 months).

    Your child’s needs

    Many parents find that they need to allow their baby to soothe with fingers or a pacifier. Without it, their baby may be fussy or may not sleep well. Keep these things in mind when weighing the pros and cons:

    *  It’s best to use pacifiers in babies under 6 months. After 1 year of age, babies should start to wean off the pacifier.

    *  Don’t put honey or anything else on a pacifier. Wash it often and especially after it touches the floor or dirty objects.

    *  Thumb and finger sucking can be hard to stop. If your child doesn’t stop by age 4, talk to their doctor.

    If you have questions about pacifier use or thumb sucking, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Best Prep For Your Kid’S Doc Appointment

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of parent holding baby on doctor's table.

    When somebody needs to see the doctor, it’s best to make the most of your visit, said Dr. Hannah Chow, Loyola University Health System pediatrician, who shares this advice:

    *  Ask your most important questions first. Bring a list of questions. Keep it short.

    *  Make good use of the office nurse. Sometimes the nurse can answer your questions by phone right away. A doctor may not be able to call you back until the end of the day.

    *  Make sure your phone number and address are correct in your chart.

    *  Never assume no news is good news regarding tests, labs, X-rays and other similar results. Always contact your doctor’s office if you do not receive a test result in the expected time frame.

    *  Fill out papers to the best of your ability. If the doctor needs to sign a release to the school to give your child medication, fill out which drug and which child.

    *  Don’t bring too many other children to the appointments.

    *  Schedule annual physicals early. Doctors’ offices get very busy for back-to-school and sports appointments.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Family Matters

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of family sitting on a couch with their pet dog.

    Your family is where you learn who you are and how to relate to others. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the human need to belong and have close, long-term relationships. Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, family experiences can promote or hinder your well-being.

    Tips to foster family well-being

    *  Live a healthy lifestyle together.

    – Plan for, shop, and eat healthy foods.

    – Exercise as a family if you can. Or, promote physical activity suited for each family member.

    – Get enough sleep.

    *  Plan to eat at least one meal a day together. Have each person talk about his or her day, such as stating the best part and worst part.

    *  Spend time together. Attend important events for each family member.

    *  Express care and concern. Be available to help each other out. Listen, listen, listen.

    *  Practice good manners. Say, “Thank you” and “You’re welcome.” Make it a practice to send thank you calls, notes, letters, or emails to others for gifts and other acts of kindness.

    *  Express affection. Say, “I love you,” “I care about you,” and “You mean a lot to me.”

    *  Discuss the value of the family as a whole. Encourage individual expression and development.

    *  Define clear, yet flexible roles for family members. Assign family chores.

    *  Keep the house as organized as possible.

    *  Discuss the need to adapt to changes and deal with stressful events.

    *  Seek professional help for problems the family cannot deal with on its own.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine