HealthyLife Articles

Category: Family Life

  • No Family Dinner? Other Options To Try

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of laughing family as dad feeds daughter a piece of fruit.

    Today’s families are busier than ever. Parents’ jobs, kids’ activities, social events, and homework seem to leave little time for anything else.

    Research shows that sitting down as a family for dinner is good for everyone at the table. The Family Dinner Project says sharing a family meal is good for the brains and health of all family members. But some families simply can’t make this happen every night. So what should you do? Don’t give up on finding time for each other. There are other options for family bonding that don’t need to happen at the dinner hour.

    *Consider breakfast.If everyone is home in the morning, why not take a few extra minutes to enjoy a family breakfast? It can get everyone off on the right foot.

    *Try weekend lunches.If dinner only happens once or twice a week, weekend lunches can be a great choice too. A picnic outside in the warmer months makes for a fun change of pace.

    *Think about your schedule.If you can’t get everyone together for a meal at least twice a week, consider rearranging activities or saying “no” to some commitments. The benefits of family meals together are worth the effort.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Summer With Less Screens

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of grandparents playing basketball with grandkids.

    When the kids are home from school for the summer, it can be hard to avoid technology. Kids (and adults) are used to constant entertainment from the television, computer, smartphones and tablets. But, reducing screen time can have many benefits for families:

    *  Boredom is a great way for kids to learn to be creative. If they’re always entertained by a screen, kids don’t have a chance to be bored and to learn how to entertain themselves.

    *  Sitting in front of a screen means time not spent getting exercise.

    *  Some studies suggest that too much screen time can lead to behavior problems, lack of good thinking skills, and sleep problems.

    It’s not always realistic to avoid screens completely. If you can’t, look for ways to limit screen time. Try these tips:

    *  Choose certain times of day to be screen-free. For instance, you can choose to let kids have 30 minutes of screens after lunch, but morning is for screen-free play.

    *  Watch the clock. Decide on a daily limit of screen time, such as two hours, and stick with it. Consistent rules help kids know what they can expect each day, so there is less complaining.

    *  Visit the library. If you can get kids to read books they like, they won’t miss screens as much.

    *  When you do watch TV, watch shows together as a family. Choose educational shows when possible.

    Have a plan

    A family media plan can help you stay on track with screen time. Create yours atwww.healthychildren.org/English/media.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Our Aging Parents Fear Most

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of eldery man in wheel chair cooking at his stove.

    Seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than death, according to a new research study, Aging in Place in America, commissioned by Clarity and  The EAR Foundation.

    The study looked at the attitudes and anxieties of the nation’s elderly. The children of seniors also fear for their parents, with particular concern about their emotional and physical well-being should they have to enter a nursing home.

    One of the most significant findings of the study is that, when asked what they fear most, seniors rated loss of independence (26%) and moving out of their homes into a nursing home (13%) as their greatest fears. These two possibilities are a much higher concern than death, which was the greatest fear for only 3% of seniors surveyed.

    Other key findings include these:

    *  Most seniors want to age in place. That means they want to grow older without having to move from their homes. More than half are concerned about their ability to do so.

    *  Seniors cited three primary concerns that could jeopardize their ability to live independently: health problems, memory problems and inability to drive or get around.

    *  Many seniors said they are open to or would like to use new technologies that enable independence. More than half would consider the use of technology in their homes-specifically, sensors-to monitor their health and safety.

    *  Most Baby Boomers fear their parents will be mistreated in a nursing home and fear they will be sad. Almost two-thirds of Boomers provide some kind of help or support for their aging parents.

    “These findings tell us that, above all else, older Americans value their ability to live independently,” said Peter Bell, president of National Aging in Place Council. “As a society, we must find ways to help our parents and grandparents live their latter years at home.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Bounce House Dangers

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of a bounce house.

    If your kids like to moonwalk and jump in those ever-present birthday-party experiences called bounce houses, know about these dangers. A child goes to the ER every 45 seconds because of bouncing injuries.

    Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital say inflatable bouncers are the cause of a 15-fold increase in injuries to kids-mostly broken bones, strains and sprains but also head and neck injuries. The findings were published in Pediatrics.

    Injury patterns for inflatable bouncers are similar to those the docs see on trampolines, which have national safety guidelines. Bounce houses have no guidelines. So set your own rules.

    The researchers suggest parents should consider the risks before allowing their children to use an inflatable bouncer.If you allow your child to use an inflatable bouncer, limit use to children 6 years of age and older. Make sure an adult is there to supervise while the bouncer is in use and allow only one child on the bouncer at a time. If more than one child will be on the bouncer at the same time, the children should be about the same age and size.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Getting Active As A Family

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of family jogging.

    One of the best ways to prevent weight problems in children is to make exercise and activity a family event. Not only can parents set a good example, but it helps everyone get healthier while bonding and having fun together. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers some tips:

    *  Find some free time. Being active together just twice a week can have health and emotional benefits. Try to find some 30-minute time slots and put your activity time on the calendar.

    *  Don’t make too many changes at once. To get everyone on board, start gradually and be sure to celebrate each time you make a healthy change.

    *  Ask for the kids’ ideas. Ask your kids about where they’d like to walk or bike. Talk to them about sports or activities they want to try.

    Remember, any time you make a change toward more activity and less screen time, you’re helping everyone in your family lead a healthier life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Parenting A Teen

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother and daughter talking.

    It’s not easy parenting a teen. Your teen’s brain is still developing until about age 25, according to the National Institutes of Health. These are areas that control judgment, decision making, and impulse control. What’s a frustrated parent to do? NIH News in Health suggests these actions:

    *  Respect your teen’s opinions. Nonjudgmental communication shows your love.

    *  Be honest and direct with your teen when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking, and sex.

    *  Respect your teen’s privacy.

    *  Have meals together.

    *  Help your teen make healthy choices and plan ahead for difficult situations.

    *  Meet and get to know your teen’s friends.

    *  Compliment your teen and celebrate your child’s efforts and accomplishments.

    *  Limit time your teen uses video games, texting, and instant messaging.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sun Safety Tips Forinfants & Babies

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of toddler swimming.

    Hari Cheryl Sachs, M.D., a pediatrician at the Food and Drug Administration offers this advice:

    *  For infants younger than six months old, avoid exposure to the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense.

    *  Even though it is best to keep infants out of the sun, if you do take your infant outside, stay in the shade. When it is sunny outdoors, create your own shade with the canopy of the stroller, shade visor on a backpack or sling or an umbrella.

    *  Check with your baby’s pediatrician about sunscreen use for your baby. “If your pediatrician agrees, said Dr. Sachs, you can apply a small amount of sunscreen-with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15-to small areas such as the cheeks and back of the hands.” Sachs suggests testing your baby’s sensitivity to sunscreen by first trying a small amount on the inner wrist.

    *  Avoid combination sunscreens that contain insect repellants like DEET. Young children may lick their hands or put them in their mouths. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old. The academy also suggests dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. Tight weaves are better than loose.

    Source: FDA Consumer Updates

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What To Do Whenkids Say No

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of little girl sitting in a time out.

    When a child says no to a request, sits and does nothing when expected to do something, and continues a behavior that the child has been asked to stop, that’s defiance, according to Dr. Daniel Waschbusch of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute and professor, Penn State College of Medicine. Here are some strategies for dealing with defiance:

    *  Address the issue before it gets worse.

    *  Establish rules. Have house rules that are very clear about the things that are most likely to lead to conflicts or to noncompliance. Kids will know that’s the rule and that battle won’t have to be fought over and over again.

    *  Give clear commands. Rather than saying “Would you mind going up to your room and picking up your toys sometime?” say “Go to your room and pick up your toys right now.” Be clear and concise, and give a specific time frame.

    *  Give instruction when you’re sure you have their attention. Don’t give an instruction while the child is playing video games. Chances are they’re going to be attending to the video game and not to you.

    *  Give them warning. It’s better to warn a child in advance that they are going to bed soon rather than waiting and telling them it’s time to go right now. Any warning can make a big difference.

    *  Reward the positive.

    *  Have a game plan. Prevent a situation from escalating by preparing strategies in advance. Doing this removes thinking on the spot and relying on emotions. Avoid intensifying a conflict by having your playbook ready.

    *  Think long term. Think about it as an ongoing process. Keep at it. Improvements will be seen over time but don’t expect everything to get better by a certain date. Behavior doesn’t change overnight. And remember, sometimes it gets worse before it gets better.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Bullying: How To Take Action

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of kids wispering and pointing towards a classmate whose head is down.

    Bullying can be hard to address, especially if it’s happening to your child. Knowing how to deal with bullying can help you support your child and stay calm about it. This is important because bullying can happen more than once.

    Dealing with bullying in the right way can help you (and your child) put a stop to it. If your child is being bullied, take the following steps:

    *  Talk to your child about what happened. Without interrupting or giving your opinion, let your child openly talk about what was said or done in the bullying situation. Be sure you understand the whole story. Support them as they talk by telling them you want to help, and by keeping your actions as calm as possible.

    *  Tell the child that bullying is not their fault. No one deserves to be bullied.

    *  When giving advice, use clear examples. Role playing can be very helpful in teaching a child what to do. Never tell them to fight back or use violence. This doesn’t help the situation and can get your child in trouble or hurt.

    *  Ask your child how you can help them feel safe again. Try not to single him or her out by making changes in their routine, such as switching classes or buses. Instead, try taking other steps, such as changing seating arrangements in school or on the bus.

    *  Talk with the school or organization. State your concerns and ask them how they feel it can be addressed. Remember that the school staff cannot “discipline” other kids. Even if you want to, avoid talking with the bullying child’s parents. School officials can talk with them and be a neutral moderator.

    *  Consider getting professional support for your child. Sometimes a school counselor or mental health expert can help a child who has been bullied.

    Bullying should never be ignored. Kids who are bullied may be at higher risk for health problems like:

    *  Depression

    *  Anxiety

    *  Sleep problems

    *  Loss of interest in activities

    Their grades may also suffer. Kids who are bullied are more likely to miss school or drop out.

    Source: Stopbullying.gov

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Getting Kids To Donate Old Toys

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of happy child placing toys in donation box.

    After the holidays, many families find their house overrun with toys. If your kids received new toys as gifts and have old toys they don’t use anymore, consider donating the toys to families in need.

    Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to do this. Many parents find that children struggle to give up old toys. Even if they haven’t touched it in months, they may be unwilling to give the toy away.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these tips to get kids on board:

    *Make giving a part of family life.Try volunteering for a local charity as a family throughout the year. Talk to the kids about causes you support.

    *Talk to the kids about ways to give.Talk to your child about local charities that could use their old toys. A church nursery, children’s shelters, a child care center, and children’s hospitals are just a few options.

    *Ask for the kids’ help.Take some time to sort through old toys with your child. Try the “give one, keep one” approach so they can decide for themselves what stays and what goes.

    *Only donate toys that are safe, not broken, and clean.

    Tips for teaching gratitude to kids

    *Do small things for friends or neighbors.Have your children bring fresh food to a neighbor who lives alone, or help them rake leaves without asking for anything in return.

    *Talk to them about what they are thankful for each day.This can help parents too.

    *Say “thank you” to others whenever appropriate.This helps them learn by following your example.

    *Send thank-you notesand teach kids to send them after receiving birthday or holiday gifts.

    *Have them do age-appropriate chores.This gives kids an idea of all the work it takes to keep a household running.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine