HealthyLife Articles

Category: Family Life

How To Teach Children Gratitude

FAMILY LIFE

Children may often want every new toy and thing they see. But you can help teach them gratitude with these tips:

1.Make getting things a surprise.This helps kids see something as a gift, not an entitlement. For instance, “surprise” them with a trip to the park or their favorite dessert on special occasions.

2.Be careful with choices.Allowing children to choose something big, such as a vacation destination, will make them think they can get whatever they want. Instead, the adults can choose the vacation plans and present it as a surprise.

3.Talk about what made them happy each day.This teaches kids to be thankful for good things. It can be as simple as playing at recess, seeing a friend or enjoying what they ate for lunch.

4.Serve others as a family.Community charity programs such as working at a food bank are a great way for kids to see how much they have. Also, do smaller things like bring meals to neighbors who are going through a hard time.

5.Show them how to be positive.Being demanding, whiny or jealous quickly turns into being ungrateful for what they have. You can point out positives in nearly any situation to teach them how to find it themselves. “It’s really hot today, but I’m so glad we have cold water to drink” is a great example.

6.Insist on saying “please” and “thank you.”Give them positive reinforcement every time they use these words. This helps to teach them the importance of showing gratitude and respect for other people.

7.Give them chores to do.Yes, kids are busy, but simple things like putting away their clothes, helping with dishes and picking up their toys are valuable lessons. Chores teach kids that it takes work to keep up a household and that they should contribute. Even five to 10 minutes of chores a day is helpful.

8.Consider gifts of “experiences” instead of “things.”Not sure what to get them because they already have so much? How about tickets to a movie or show? Or a trip to a water park for a day? Chances are, they will remember those fun experiences far longer than any toy or gadget.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Family Life 3

FAMILY LIFE

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Helping Children Connect With Nature

Family Fitness

Being connected to the natural world offers a bounty of physical and emotional health benefits, for both adults and children. Encourage your kids to explore and experience the unpredictable magic of Mother Nature.

Tips to help give kids the benefits of playing outdoors in nature:

*Go green (or blue):Get to any sort of natural space close to home and take a simple trail walk or nature hike. That could be a city park, nature reserve, playground with green space, near a lake, or a county, state, or national park. Ask kids to search for interesting rocks or to spot animal tracks in the dirt. No matter how much, even small degrees of contact with trees, plants, insects, and water can deliver benefits to you and your children.

*Make a list and set a date:Once you have made a list of more natural spaces available to you, look at your calendar and see if you can schedule some regular outings with your children for family time in the outdoors!

*Play simple games:You don’t need any special equipment or expertise to play games, such as I spy, hide-and-seek, and pick up sticks. For something a little more organized, go for a scavenger hunt or try geocaching.

*Be a photographer:Bring along a camera or phone so the kids can take photos, then post on social media later to help relive the fun they had.

*Engage the senses:Encourage them to make a list of all of things that they hear, see, smell, and touch in the park, on the trail, or near a lake. When you can’t make it to a park or other outdoor space, your child can benefit from monitoring an indoor plant or a small container garden.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Home Safe Home

Home Safety

Protect your family from accidents, injuries, and intruders.

You should feel safe, protected, and comfortable in your home, even when things go wrong. Make sure you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and your family. Lock the doors, even when you are home. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Plan an escape route in case of a disaster.

Safety Tips:

* Use a peephole at the front door.

* If you live alone, arrange for daily contact with a neighbor or relative.

* Post emergency numbers and teach children how to call 9-1-1.

* Stock first-aid supplies.

* Keep chemicals out of your children’s reach.

* Lock guns in one place and bullets in another.

* Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

* Use grab bars and safety mats or nonskid tape in your tub and shower.

* Keep stair areas well-lit. Keep all walkways clear of clutter.

* Make sure there is a clear path for walking from room to room.

* Never leave young children alone in the bathtub or on a bed or table.

Ways to get through a disaster faster:

Write down a plan. Rehearse it and hope you never need it!

* Create separate plans for different disasters, such as a house fire, flood, tornado, etc. Practice drills for each plan with the family.

* Take a first-aid course.

* Choose a check-in person who is unlikely to be involved in the same event.

* Plan two places to meet. Choose one at or near your home. Choose another one at a location farther away, in case you can’t get home.

* If you have kids in school, find out about the school’s crisis plan. Make sure the school has current phone numbers for you and other caregivers. Sign forms that allow the release of your kids to family members or friends.

* If you have pets, plan for their safety.

Action Step

Set up plans to be ready for weather disasters. Contact your cell phone carrier to see if you can get free Wireless Emergency Alerts.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safety Matters For You & The Environment

Home Safety

* Follow safety advisories for foods that are contaminated with harmful substances, such as methylmercury in fish and harmful bacteria in produce, etc. You can find out about these fromepa.gov.

* Use seatbelts and safety-approved car seats when riding in vehicles.

* Keep poisons and other harmful items locked and out of reach of children.

* Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and garage.

* Don’t run cars and lawn mowers in the garage. Don’t use gas ranges for heat.

* See that Halloween costumes do not obstruct vision. Use non-toxic makeup instead of masks. Do not leave lighted candles exposed. In the dark, wear light-colored clothing or reflective tape on clothing to be visible.

* Get more safety tips from the National Safety Council atnsc.org.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is Your Relationship Healthy?

FAMILY LIFE

Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re in a healthy relationship. This can include a romantic partner, friend or family member.

Know the good

Some signs of a healthy relationship include:

* You feel good about yourself when you’re around that person.

* You feel safe telling them how you feel about things.

* They listen to you, and you listen to them.

* You feel valued by them.

* You trust them, and don’t think they would do something to betray you.

* You can disagree or argue, but you don’t insult each other. Neither person uses personal attacks.

Unsafe signs

Ask yourself whether you see any of these signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship:

* They say hurtful things to you. They make you feel bad about yourself.

* They stop showing love or care when they are mad.

* They blame you for feeling bad about something they did or said. They may say you’re “too sensitive,” or, “you made me do it.”

* They hurt you physically, such as pushing or hitting.

* They keep you from seeing family or friends.

* They threaten you or try to control you. They want you to fear them.

If you’re not sure if you’re in an abusive relationship at home, reach out for help.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go tothehotline.org.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Caregivers

Caregivers

Caregivers: Take Time for Yourself

How to Choose a Quality Hospice

What Our Aging Parents Fear Most

Caregiving Takes a Toll on a Marriage

Care for the Caregiver

Life After Stroke: 9 Tips for Caregivers

Balancing Work & Caregiving

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Youth Sports Safety

Family Fitness

Every year, millions of children are injured while playing sports and doing physical activities. Most of these injuries could be prevented.

Wearing a safety helmet helps prevent a closed head injury when biking, inline skating, etc.

Some states and localities have mandatory laws for helmet usage.

All helmets sold in the U.S. must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. There must be a sticker on the inside stating this. The fit of the helmet is not tested by the standards, so you should try the helmet on your child’s head before buying.

Learn more about safety helmets from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute athelmets.org.

Get youth sports safety guidelines from the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute atacsm.org/nyshsi/best-practices.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Home Safety Checklist

Home Safety

* Keep your doors locked.

* Use a peephole in the front door.

* If you live alone, arrange for daily contact with a neighbor, relative, etc.

* Clearly post emergency numbers. Teach children how to call 9-1-1, etc. for help.

* Stock first aid supplies. In case of accidental poisoning, call the Poison Control Center (800.222.1222) for advice.

* Install smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector. Check them every 6 months. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

* Never smoke in bed or when you feel drowsy. Better yet, don’t smoke at all!

* If you use a space heater, make sure it has an emergency shut off.

* Plan an escape route in case of fire. Practice it with all household members every couple of months.

* Keep flashlights handy.

* Use night lights.

* Keep stair areas well lit.

* Have snow and icy patches cleared from the sidewalk and steps.

* Be careful or stay home if it is icy or slippery outside.

* Monitor your medication use. Let your doctor know if medicine(s) affect your vision, balance, etc. If prescribed sedatives or tranquilizers, be careful when you take them. They can increase the risk of falls.

* Don’t get up too quickly after lying down, resting, or eating a meal. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness.

* Wear nonslip, snug-fitting shoes and slippers.

* Use safety mats or nonskid tape in your tub and shower. Install grab bars in the shower and tub, too.

* If you use a shower bench, use one with rubber tips on its legs.

* Before getting in the tub, test the bath water. Make sure it is not too hot.

* Never lock the bathroom door.

* Use a cane or walker, if necessary.

* Install handrails on both sides of the stairs. Keep clutter off stairs.

* Don’t use loose area rugs. See that carpet on stairs is nailed down securely.

* Arrange furniture so there is a clear path for walking. Test if furniture is sturdy enough to lean on.

* Clear away phone or electrical wires from walk paths.

* Use a step stool with a safety rail.

* Be alert to spills or wet floors.

* To pick up things, bend at your knees and keep your back straight. Don’t stoop.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Avoiding Stranger Danger Isn’T Just For Kids

Home Safety

Always be on alert and aware of your surroundings.

You don’t have to be paranoid that people are out to get you, but you should be cautious to avoid being robbed, carjacked, raped, and even killed for nothing more than a pair of shoes. Protect yourself and those you love.

At home:

* When you move into a new home or apartment, change all locks right away.

* Use deadbolt locks on doors. Secure windows so they can’t be opened more than five inches from the outside.

* Keep shades or curtains drawn after dark and turn on outside lights.

* Install motion sensor lights that turn on when someone passes by.

* Don’t open your door to anyone you don’t know.

* Don’t list your first name in the phone book. Keep your name off your mailbox.

On the go:

* Carry a cell phone with you. Make sure it’s charged.

* Walk tall on the streets and stay alert. Avoid walking alone at night, dark alleys, and people who look suspicious.

* Carry a whistle or stickpin.

* Make sure your car has plenty of gas.

* If your car breaks down, call for help. Stay inside with the doors locked and the windows up. Turn on your flashers and wait for police or other help to arrive.

* If someone approaches your car, crack your window and ask him or her to call for help. Don’t let the person into your car.

* Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

* If you are going on a date with someone you just met, meet him or her in a public place.

Action Step

Use common sense. Don’t jog, bike, or hike alone in secluded areas day or night. Instead, join a club or ask a friend who shares the same interests to join you.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026