HealthyLife Articles

Category: Family Life

  • Childproofing

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother with toddler.

    Chase a toddler around for a day. Now that’s exercise. Any new parent quickly learns that a toddler is into everything. It only takes a quick second for that child to get out of your sight and around something potentially dangerous.

    The nation’s emergency physicians treat children every day who are injured by something in their own home or someone else’s home. Now is the time to childproof it, advises the American College of Emergency Physicians.

    What you can do in your home right now to protect young children

    *  Use safety latches for drawers and cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms that may contain dangerous products like cleaning supplies, knives and sharp objects, and medicines.

    *  Use safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to help prevent children from going in areas that may have potential dangers. Make sure these gates meet current safety standards. (Gates that only press against walls, called pressure-mounted gates, are not secure enough.)

    *  Place protective childproof covers on all electrical outlets that are in reach of children.

    *  Make sure all electrical cords are out of a child’s reach and properly secure.

    *  Fasten all heavy bookshelves, televisions, cabinets, or anything that could pose a potential tipping hazard to a secure wall, making sure it cannot fall on a child.

    *  Use toilet seat lid-locking devices on all toilet seats to decrease drowning hazards.

    *  Use cordless window coverings to help prevent strangulation.

    *  Use corner or edge bumpers on anything with sharp edges, like furniture and fireplaces.

    *  Create a protective barrier around pools and spas that include at least a 4-foot-tall fence with self-closing and self-latching gates. It’s also a good idea to look into getting pool alarms as an additional layer of protection.

    But the best device of all? Make sure a responsible person is with children at all times.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Make The Grade This School Year

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of a group of school children.

    Start talking about the upcoming school year. Listen closely for fears or concerns, advises Dr. Amie Duncan of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “It is important that parents listen to and respond to their child’s potential anxieties about the new school year, especially if they are making a big transition such as from an elementary school to a middle school. It is perfectly normal to experience first day jitters,” she said. These feelings can be relieved with some of these suggestions.

    Preschoolers and kindergartners need to know what will happen.

    *  Visit the school together. Let them play on the playground, walk through the classroom, and meet new teachers.

    *  Go on a school shopping trip for a backpack and supplies. Assign a school prep area at home for supplies and lunchboxes.

    *  Tuck a small family picture in a backpack or lunch.

    *  Set bedtime and wake-up routines 4 weeks before school starts.

    *  Be positive and excited for the new school year.

    Elementary and middle-school children will need to adjust to new beginnings.

    *  Expect that your child may want trendy or “cool” school supplies.

    *  Take a quick trip to school before classes start to help find classrooms, lockers, the cafeteria, and the bus drop-off location.

    *  Right from the start, help your child get and stay organized. Choose places to store their backpack and a distraction-free area to complete homework.

    *  Talk to your child about high-risk behaviors, such as drinking, drug use, and sexual activity. Have this talk early and often.

    *  Encourage your child to choose to take part in at least one school club, sport, or other activity outside of school hours.

    *  Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with the school counselor right away if you have concerns about how your child is adjusting to school. Keep the lines of communication open.

    High schoolers need and thrive on positive reinforcement.

    *  Help your teen set realistic goals on how to earn the best grades and complete assignments.

    *  Stay organized. Buy a daily planner and teach your teen how to use it correctly or teach them how to organize their schedule with a tablet computer or laptop.

    *  Encourage your teen to get involved in at least one extracurricular activity or sport because it will help them meet people.

    *  Continue to support and encourage good study habits with regular homework/study times. Search for ways to offer positive support.

    *  Ask about what’s going on in your child’s life. (Use open-ended questions, rather than those that require only a “yes” or “no” response). Be an active listener without judging your child.

    *  Stay involved in your child’s school life and you will know what is going on, and how they are doing.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Kids From Choking

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of father and daughter eating oranges.

    Food-not toys-are the most common culprit of choking accidents in kids under 5. The reasons have a lot to do with a child’s anatomy.

    “Young children have underdeveloped swallowing mechanisms, immature teeth and narrow airways, which put them at a higher risk for choking on food,” said Dr. Nina Shapiro, a professor of head and neck surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine. “Plus, the diameter of a child’s airway is about the size of their pinky, so high-risk foods can easily block their tiny airways and prevent their ability to breathe.”

    The list of high-risk foods for children under age 5 years includes many kid favorites:

    *  Cheese sticks

    *  Chewing gum

    *  Chunks of meat or cheese

    *  Chunks of peanut butter

    *  Chunks of raw vegetables

    *  Dried fruit

    *  Grapes

    *  Hard or sticky candy and lollipops

    *  Hot dogs

    *  Nuts

    *  Popcorn

    *  Seeds such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds

    Here are some tips:

    *  Vegetables should be cooked and cut into small pieces.

    *  Hot dogs and cheese sticks should be cut lengthwise, then widthwise, and then into the shape of small moons.

    *  Grapes should be peeled and cut in half or quarters.

    *  Nut butters should be spread thinly onto crackers or bread.

    *  Young children should always be attended to by an adult when they eat and only eat developmentally appropriate foods.

    *  Children should sit up straight and not play or run while eating.

    If a child does choke and is unable to breathe, call 911 and perform the Heimlich maneuver. Even if the child seems to choke but then coughs and appears fine, the object may have become lodged, and the child should see a doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The One Question Parents Need To Ask

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of gun and bullets.

    Before you let your child play at another person’s house, you may ask some safety questions. For instance, you’ll probably want to know if adults are there, when they will be home, and what they will be doing.

    There’s another question that may be harder to ask, but your child’s life may depend on it: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?”

    The American Academy of Pediatrics says half of all U.S. homes contain firearms. More than a third of all accidental shootings of children happen in the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives.

    Follow these gun safety tips to help keep loved ones safe:

    *  Never keep a loaded gun in the house or in a car.

    *  Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Lock ammunition up in a separate location. Be sure your kids can’t get the keys.

    *  Put trigger locks on all guns.

    *  Know how to operate a gun before you load it.

    *  Don’t point a gun at another person.

    *  Unload the gun before setting it down.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 Keys To A Virtual Family Gathering

    FAMILY LIFE

    Couple waving in front of a computer screen while have dinner.

    While there is no true replacement for being with family & friends, the option to connect virtually is sometimes the best available. To get the most out of your virtual time, consider these tips.

    Have the right technology and try it out in advance

    You need a quality device setup for video chats, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. You also need a good internet connection.

    Choose an app that works for everyone

    There are so many video chat apps out there. The right one for you depends on the size of the group and the devices people are using. Shop around.

    Plan virtual activities that everyone can enjoy

    *  Pictionary

    *  Charades

    *  Scattergories

    *  Talent show

    *  Trivia

    *  Get-to-know-you-better questions

    *  Jokes or riddles

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 5 Ways To Fight Childhood Obesity

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of boy with a glass of milk and an apple.

    Parents should set the example and be persistent, said Dr. Felipe Lobelo, who specializes in nutrition, physical activity, and obesity at the CDC.

    1.Eat more fruits and vegetables.Serve vegetables your kids are most likely to eat.

    2.Spend less time in front of a screen.Place limits on the amount of time kids spend in front of a TV or computer-no more than 2 hours a day is a good guide.

    3.Exercise more.Just play outside for at least an hour a day.

    4.Eliminate sugary drinks.Avoid soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks. Encourage kids to drink water.

    5.Set the example.Good eating habits start at home.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Choose The Right Summer Camp For Your Child

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of child at summer camp.

    When school’s out for the summer, what will the kids do? Many families choose summer camp options for school-age children to help make summer an educational and fun experience. But choosing the right camp for your child can seem daunting with so many choices.

    To simplify your decision, consider these factors:

    *What type of camp works with your child’s personality?Some children only want to be gone for a day camp and come home in the evening. Others want to do overnight camps. This may depend on the child’s age and whether they are accustomed to being away from home.

    *How many children attend the camp?Some kids do better in small groups, while others enjoy the excitement of being around many people.

    *What are your child’s interests?Some camps focus on particular activities, such as sports, cooking, music or art. Some offer programs for special needs children. Look for one that offers activities they like to do.

    *How will your child get there?Is there a bus or other transportation offered?

    *What is your budget?Be sure you understand the total cost of the camp. Some may have extra charges for food, special outings, or transportation.

    *How are the staff trained on safety, supervision, and other issues?If your child will be near water, discuss life guards and safety precautions for swimming.

    Once you’ve decided upon a camp, ask about a packing list, particularly for overnight camps. Even day camps often ask the children to bring a bathing suit, water bottle, snack, sunscreen, or other supplies.

    Source: American Camp Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Recognize And Report Abuse

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of the word "Help" spelled out on a green chalk board.

    Child and elder abuse is a serious problem that affects people from all walks of life. One of the most important ways to protect victims from abuse is by making sure they get the help they need and by reporting cases to the authorities. Here’s how to recognize the different types of abuse and what to do in case you know someone who is a victim. This advice is from the General Services Administration of the U.S. government (www.USA.gov).

    Child Abuse

    Children who are victims of physical or emotional abuse often display mental and social development problems. In most cases, the abuse comes from their own parents or caretakers. Here are some of the signs of abuse:

    *Physical abuse:A child who suffers from physical abuse might have bruises, burn marks, broken bones and scars. They are often fearful of adults or certain people.

    *Sexual abuse:Victims of sexual abuse are forced to have sexual relations or engage in inappropriate physical contact with adults. Signs include feeling uncomfortable when changing clothes.

    *Emotional abuse:Children who experience emotional abuse are often victims of private or public humiliation and neglect. A child might show sudden changes in behavior and act violently.

    *Neglect:Children who are physically neglected show signs of lack of personal hygiene and bad health due to malnutrition, among other things.

    If you know or suspect that a child is a victim of abuse and is in immediate danger, call 911. To report a case of child abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

    Elder Abuse

    Elder abuse can occur in the victim’s home or at places such as assisted living facilities. People who abuse the elderly are usually people who know or take care of the victims. There are several types of abuse and all of them can have a profound negative impact on a person’s physical and mental health.

    *Physical abuse:As with child abuse, elders who suffer from physical abuse also might show bruises or other signs of injury on their bodies.

    *Sexual abuse:Elders who suffer from sexual abuse might become withdrawn.

    *Emotional abuse:This occurs when the victim is humiliated and treated with disrespect. The victim might feel useless or inferior and might suffer from depression.

    *Neglect:Elders show signs of physical neglect when caretakers fail to help them with their personal hygiene, food, clothing, and medications.

    *Financial abuse:Elders are often targets of financial fraud. This usually happens when people who take care of elders steal their retirement.

    If you know or suspect an elder is a victim of abuse and is in immediate danger, call 911. To report a case of elder abuse, call 1-800-677-1116 or visit the National Center on Elder Abuse atwww.ncea.aoa.gov.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Shopping Cart Spills Can Be Prevented

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother with toddler sitting in a shopping cart.

    Kids dangling over shopping carts reaching for candy, standing up, and riding underneath. Every 22 minutes a child goes to the ER with a shopping cart-related injury. A study in Clinical Pediatrics found that falls from a shopping cart accounted for the majority of injuries for children up to 4 years old, followed by running into/falling over the cart, cart tipovers, and entrapment of arms, legs, and fingers in the cart. The kids suffered concussions and other head injuries.

    Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said parents need to understand the dangers. He suggests these strategies:

    *  Always use the shopping cart safety straps. Be sure your child is snugly secured in the straps and that the child’s legs are placed through the leg openings. If parts of the cart restraint system are missing or are not working, choose another cart.

    *  Use a cart that has a child seat that is low to the ground, if one is available.

    *  Make sure your child remains seated. Stay with the cart and your child at all times.

    *  Avoid placing infant carriers on top of shopping carts. If your child is not old enough to sit upright in the shopping cart seat, consider other options such as leaving your child at home with another adult while you are at the store, using in-store child care areas, using a front- or back-pack carrier, or using a stroller.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Timeout-And Other Effective Ways To Discipline Your Child

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of young boy in a time out.

    As a parent, one of your jobs is to teach your child to behave. While this can take time, try not to get frustrated when your child does not behave. Instead, learn effective ways to discipline your child.

    When your child does not listen, the American Academy of Pediatrics says to try these techniques:

    *Natural consequences.It’s hard (for you), but let your child see what will happen if she does not behave (as long as it does not place her in danger). For example, if she throws and breaks her toy, she will not be able to play with it. It won’t be long before she learns to play carefully with her toys.

    *Logical consequences.These are the times when you will need to step in and create a consequence. For example, tell your child that if he does not pick up his toys, you will put them away for the rest of the day. Mean what you say. Be prepared to follow through right away. Be firm and respond calmly.

    *Withholding privileges.Tell your child that if she does not cooperate, she will have to give something up she likes. But never take away something your child needs, such as a meal. Choose something your child values that is related to the misbehavior. And take the item or privilege away right away if the child is younger than 6 or 7.

    *Timeout.Works well when a specific rule has been broken. Is best for children 2 to 5 years old, but can be used throughout childhood. Set the rules ahead of time. Choose a timeout spot (a boring place such as a chair but not a bathroom or bedroom). Do not discuss or negotiate. Set a time limit (1 minute for every year of age).

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine