HealthyLife Articles

Category: Family Life

Low Or No-Cost Family Outings

FAMILY LIFE

Depending on your budget and the size of your family, fun outings can be cost-prohibitive. Try these low or no-cost options for family fun.

Farmers market

In addition to strolling among the stalls, many farmer’s markets offer live music and free kid-friendly activities.

Bird watching

Invest in a pair of binoculars and a bird guide book, and you have all you need to start a new family hobby. You can even make bird bingo cards for a fun family competition.

Zoo free days

A few times a year, most zoos offer free admission days. You can also check at your local library to see if they have free zoo tickets.

Movie in the park

Many towns schedule free family outdoor movie nights at local parks. Pack blankets, pillows, and popcorn for a night under the stars.

Geocaching

All you need is a GPS device and a geocaching app to get started. Plus, everyone will learn valuable skills while searching for your next cache.

Cookout at the park

Check if your local park has firepits or grills you can reserve for a cookout. Invite family and friends to join for added fun.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Child Safety

Child Safety

Do This, Not That

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

* Injuries are the leading cause of death in children and teens.

* Each year, nearly 9 million children aged 0 to 19 years are seen in emergency departments for injuries. More than 9,000 children die as a result of being injured.

* Injury treatment is the leading cause of medical spending for children.

The leading causes of injury death differed by age group.

* For children less than 1 year of age, 2/3rds of injury deaths were due to suffocation.

* Drowning was the leading cause of injury death for those 1 to 4 years of age.

* For children 5 to 19 years of age, the most injury-related deaths were due to being an occupant in a motor vehicle traffic crash.

Most child injures are preventable. Use the tips in this section to keep your children safe at home.

General Guidelines

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Safe – Prevent Falls Checklist

Home Safety

* Do regular exercise to improve strength and balance.

* Ask your care team if conditions you have or medications you take raise your risk for falls. Ask how to lower the risk.

* Install handrails on both sides of the stairs.

* Keep stair areas well lit. Install a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.

* Make sure that carpet on stairs is nailed down securely.

* Keep stairs clear of clutter.

* Install grab bars in the shower, tub, and toilet area.

* Use a shower bench that has rubber tips on the legs.

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

* Use a bath mat with suction cups or use nonslip adhesive strips in the tub/shower.

* Don’t use any loose area rugs.

* Keep lamp switches within easy reach.

* 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 night lights.

* Only use step stools with handrails.

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

Note: Let your health care team know if you have had a fall.

Other Home Safety Tips

* Keep emergency phone numbers posted.

* Stock first aid supplies.

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

* Install smoke alarms. Check them every 6 months. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage.

* Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and garage.

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

* Plan an escape route in case of fire.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Only You Can Prevent Christmas Tree Fires

Home Safety

Every Christmas season, many families tragically lose their homes because of Christmas tree fires. Here’s how to prevent them.

To choose a tree:

* Pick the freshest tree you can find. Hold the tree by the trunk and tap it against the ground. If needles drop profusely, look for another tree.

* Keep the tree outdoors with the trunk in water as long as possible. Once you bring the tree into a heated building, it will dry out more quickly.

* Indoors, keep the trunk in water. Check the water level daily, and refill when needed.

* Don’t stand the tree near a fireplace, wood stove, heat register, or electrical wires.

To decorate the tree:

* Purchase only tree lights bearing a UL label from Underwriters Laboratory, which shows they meet safety standards.

* Check for broken bulbs, worn-out insulation, and damaged sockets. Replace or repair as necessary.

* Never attach electrical lights to an artificial, metal tree. Don’t overload extension cords.

* Discourage children from touching a decorated tree-it may tip over.

* To discourage pets from attacking the tree, avoid shiny decorations, and don’t place tinsel or ornaments on the lower branches.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make A New Thanksgiving Tradition

FAMILY LIFE

As much as we love Thanksgiving, most of us do not love the way we feel afterward. Heartburn, bloating, and sleepiness are common complaints after the holiday feast.

But, a simple family tradition could mean a better day for everyone. Instead of collapsing on the couch in a food coma, get the whole family out for a walk!

Walking after your Thanksgiving meal has several benefits:

1. Taking a walk right after eating may improve digestion. Physical activity stimulates the digestive system and keeps food moving through properly.

2. A post-meal walk may prevent a big spike in blood sugar. This means there is less chance of a “sugar-crash” later.

3. Walking may reduce your risk of disease, help you maintain a healthy weight, and even lengthen your life.

4. Being active as a family is an opportunity to strengthen bonds and enjoy uninterrupted quality time together.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Children Of Parents With Aud

Child Safety

Children of persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are more likely than others to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs.

It is common for children of parents with AUD to blame themselves for their parent’s drinking problem. In truth, children do not cause the problem, can’t control it, and can’t cure it.

To help cope with being the child of a parent with AUD, contact Al-Anon /Alateen at al-anon.alateen.org.

A person with AUD needs professional help. To learn more about alcohol treatment options visitalcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Burglarproof Your Home

Home Safety

Don’t be an easy target for thieves.

Most home burglaries are the work of amateurs who are looking for a quick in and out. Make it look like someone is at home, especially while you are away.

Dos:

* Inspect all locks on exterior doors. If they can be opened with a screwdriver or a credit card, replace them with single cylinder deadbolt locks.

* Install outside lighting with motion sensors around the house and garage.

* Consider installing an alarm system. Make sure the sign for it can be easily seen from the street.

* Close and lock windows. Put a metal or wooden rod between windows and frames, especially in door walls.

* Keep shrubs in front of windows no higher than three feet tall. This makes it hard for a burglar to hide in them.

* Engrave a personal contact code on your TV and other valuables to make them harder to sell and easier to trace.

* Join or start a neighborhood watch group.

If your home will be vacant for several days or longer:

* Ask a relative or a neighbor you trust to watch your house. Consider leaving a key with one of them and ask them to do a periodic walk-through.

* Put a stop on delivery of mail and newspapers.

* Arrange for someone to mow the lawn or clear snow from the driveway and sidewalk. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.

* Preset automatic light timers to keep the house well-lit during the evening and make it look like someone is home.

* Keep a radio on while you are gone. Set it to a 24-hour news or talk station.

* Find out if your local police department keeps a “vacant house list.” This alerts police to drive by and check on your house if you are gone for a week or longer.

Action Step

Store valuable items in places not easily seen. As an extra preventive measure, put valuable jewelry in a bank safety deposit box.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Plan For Summer Safety

Home Safety

* Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

* Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

* Learn to swim and teach your children how to swim.

* Check the depth of the water before diving into a pool. Don’t dive into water that is less than 9 feet deep. Never dive into an above-ground pool.

Dos

* Watch a professional fireworks display in person or on TV.

* Wear and have children wear a personal flotation device when you are on a boat, water ski, etc.

Don’ts

* Don’t play with fireworks or let your children play with fireworks.

* NEVER leave a child alone near a pool or water, not even for a few seconds.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
A Parents Guide To Gaming

FAMILY LIFE

Gaming is a popular past-time among this generation of kids. As a parent, here are some things to know to keep gaming safe.

* Moderation is key. Set healthy limits on how much video game time you allow your kids.

* Know what they’re playing. Some games are better than others. If your kid struggles with mental health, help them find better games.

* Prioritize sleep. It’s common for gaming to interfere with healthy sleep habits. Set boundaries that prioritize sleep.

* Take breaks. Teach your kids to schedule regular breaks into their gaming time. Stepping away is good for mental health.

* Stay connected off-line. Keep your kids grounded in the real world by engaging in screen-free activities together.

* Game with your kids. Get involved with your kids’ interests by gaming with them (in moderation!).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Easy Ways To Childproof Your Home

Child Safety

Is your home safe for curious children?

To see your home from a toddler’s point of view, get down on your hands and knees and crawl around. Look for conditions that can lead to burns, falls, electric shock, entrapment, or poisoning. Then take steps to prevent harm. Some suggestions:

* Cover all toddler-height electrical outlets with plastic outlet covers.

* Install childproof locks on cabinets where household cleaners, chemicals, and other items that could harm children are stored.

* To prevent scalding burns, lower the thermostat on the water heater to 120ºF or lower.

* Store medicines and alcohol in high, out-of-reach places. Never leave them on a countertop, a table, or other places children can get them.

* Toddlers should eat and drink from plastic dishes and cups only.

* Don’t place a child’s crib or bed next to a window. An active or curious toddler could accidentally fall out.

* Keep all sharp objects like scissors, knives, or pins out of a toddler’s reach.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026