HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Family Life

Talking To Teens About Alcohol

FAMILY LIFE

It’s not always easy, but it’s important to talk to your teenage children about the dangers of underage drinking. It can result in violence, sexual assault, brain development problems and even serious injury or death.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 35 percent of 15-year-olds have had at least one drink in their lives. Even if your child has never tried alcohol, many teens deal with peer pressure and need to know how to say no. Talking with your child may help prepare them to deal with these situations.

The National Institutes of Health recommends the following tips for talking with your teen about drinking:

* Have open conversations about alcohol. Remain calm and answer questions honestly.

* Anytime the subject of alcohol comes up, use it as a chance to talk about it again. The message to avoid alcohol needs to be repeated.

* Tell your child about the dangers of alcohol. These include harming the body and brain and putting them in dangerous situations. Tell them underage drinking is against the law.

* Try “what if” situations. Ask them, “What if James asks you to try just a sip of beer?” Have them practice their response.

* Stress they should never get in a car with a person who has been drinking, even if they “just had one drink.” Alcohol affects teens differently than adults.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When Petting Pets Causes Disease

SELF-CARE CORNER

Salmonella, E. coli, and roundworms are among the nearly 20 different diseases that people most commonly get from their pets, said Jason Stull, assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with limited immune function are most at risk for animal-borne, or zoonotic, diseases.

Since different species of pets-dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians-carry different types of diseases and at different stages of life, Stull and his colleagues suggest that families talk to both their doctor and veterinarian about what pet is the safest choice for their family.

Here are some safe tips for pet ownership:

* Wear protective gloves to clean aquariums and cages and to remove feces.

* Wash hands after pet contact.

* Don’t let your pets lick your face.

* Cover playground sandboxes when not in use (cats love them).

* Avoid contact with higher risk animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals.

* Regularly clean and disinfect animal cages, feeding areas, and bedding.

* Put litter boxes away from areas where food is eaten and prepared.

* Schedule regular veterinary visits.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Signs Of Reye’S Syndrome

Children’s Health

Be on the lookout for Reye’s Syndrome after the flu or chickenpox. Reye’s Syndrome does not happen very often. But you should know about it. Look for these signs:

* Vomiting over and over again. Or vomiting that does not stop.

* Loss of pep and energy.

* Acting very, very sleepy.

* Acting very, very cranky.

* Striking out at others.

* Acting strange.

* Convulsions.

(Note: If your child shows signs of Reye’s Syndrome, get medical care fast!)

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Childproofing

FAMILY LIFE

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

January 23, 2026
Getting Kids To Donate Old Toys

FAMILY LIFE

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

January 23, 2026
National Preparedness

WELL-BEING

Floods, tornadoes and hurricanes are common stories in the news. Would you and your family be ready for these weather disasters and other unexpected events, such as a house fire or a terrorist attack?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the US Department of Homeland Security wants you to learn what you need to do to be prepared for a variety of disasters. Its website,www.ready.gov, takes you through the following steps to make preparation easier:

* Be informed

* Make a plan

* Build a kit

* Get involved

Each of these areas covers what to do when you are at home, as well as other locations. These include workplaces, schools, and college campuses. You will also find out ways to address caring for pets, aiding family members with access and functional needs and safely shutting off utilities.

Pre-financial disaster planning is also important. Disasters leave many people without access to finances or with expensive damages. Learn what documents, such as your house deed and insurance policies to keep in a safety deposit box or other safe place away from your home. Make copies of important documents and keep them in your emergency kit or an emergency financial first aid kit (EFFAK). Get a complete list of what to put in the EFFAK fromwww.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/29791.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has many resources and tools to help you be prepared for disasters. Access these fromwww.cdc.gov/features/beready.

Some disasters strike without warning, so get started today to be prepared.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Should Kids Have Caffeine

FAMILY LIFE

Many kids love the sugary sweet taste of soda, sports drinks and energy drinks. And, many of these drinks also contain various amounts of caffeine. Is it okay for your child to consume these drinks?

No, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Because these drinks can actually be harmful, the AAP says children and teens should avoid them. Here’s why:

* Caffeine can be harmful to a child’s developing brain and heart, according to the AAP.

* Soda contains extra sugar and calories that can lead to weight gain and tooth decay.

* Energy drinks contain caffeine and other stimulants which can be harmful to children. Often, the caffeine content is not listed and can be higher than a cup of coffee.

* Water is a better option for kids playing sports. Sports drinks are usually not needed and often contain extra calories. Only children who exercise very hard for long periods may need a sports drink to replenish lost electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) agrees. Caffeine can interfere with a child’s sleep. The AND adds that caffeine can lead to a cycle of lack of sleep and consuming more caffeine to get through the day. If your child is low on energy, the AND recommends a short nap or getting to bed earlier at night.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Telling Kids About Tragedy

FAMILY LIFE

Talking to kids about scary events and disasters is important when they’re old enough to understand. Kids may have more fear of an event if they don’t know any details. They may imagine something much worse than what happened.

Although telling kids some details may help, the American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s important that you filter the information you give your child. Think about the child’s age, personality and what they will be able to cope with. These steps can get the conversation started:

*Ask the child what they know about the event.This can help you separate facts from fiction. It gives you a way to explain the things they already know in a way that is direct but not scary.

*Avoid any graphic details.Although the media may share lots of details that are graphic and scary, children should be shielded from these things.

*Don’t be too vague.Saying “something happened that was bad” doesn’t give enough information. Instead, name the place where it happened and tell them that some people were hurt. The police/firemen/ government, etc. are helping people and working to keep us safe.

*Keep it open ended.Tell them if they have any questions, they can ask you.

Is your child coping?

After a disaster, some children have a hard time coping. These red flags may be a sign that your child needs help:

* Trouble sleeping, nightmares or being very tired all the time

* Unusual aches and pains, such as headache or feeling “sick” often

* Appetite changes

* Social changes, such as aggression or being clingy

* Frequent feelings of sadness or fear

Talk to your child’s doctor if you notice any of these changes.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When The Wind Blows

WELL-BEING

When a winter blizzard (or any natural disaster) leaves you without power, are you prepared to weather the storm?

Know these facts from the University of Nebraska Extension service:

* Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Once the power goes off, the refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it’s unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it’s half full) if the door remains closed.

* Keep an insulated cooler on hand and gel packs or water-filled and frozen milk cartons in the freezer to cool perishable items. Outside sub-freezing temps will also preserve frozen food if the power stays out for days.

Stock one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Also stock up on staples that don’t need to be refrigerated such as canned foods (and a hand-held can opener), soups, dried or smoked meats, dried fruits and vegetables, powdered or evaporated milk, peanut butter, trail mix, granola bars, pet food, and ready-to-eat cereals.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Self-Care Medicines & Supplies For Children

Children’s Health

Here is a list of medicines and other things you should keep at home.

* Store items in a handy, dry place, but out of children’s reach.

* Check the expiration dates often. Throw away and replace outdated items.

* Find out what kind and how much of each medicine you can give your child. Ask your child’s doctor. Ask the pharmacist. Read and understand the medicine’s label. Brand names are often listed. Store brands are just as good.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

* Acetaminophen. An example is Children’s Tylenol®. Or have ibuprofen. Examples are Children’s Advil® and Children’s Motrin®. Stock the right kind for your child’s weight.

* Antihistamine tablets or syrup. An example is Benadryl®.

* Cough medicine. Ask your child’s doctor which one(s) you should stock.

* Decongestant tablets or liquid. Do not give to children under 2 years old. An example is Dimetapp®.

Basic Supplies

* Antibiotic ointment.

* Antiseptic ointment or wipes.

* Bandages of different sizes.

* Eye dropper.

* Medicine spoon & dropper.

* Cold pack.

* Cotton-tipped swabs.

* Elastic wrap and closures.

* Flashlight.

* Roll of adhesive tape.

* Rubbing alcohol.

* Sterile gauze pads and a roll of gauze.

* Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

* Thermometer (digital or ear).

* Tongue depressor.

* Toothache medicine. An example is Anbesol®.

* Tweezers.

* Vaporizer (cool mist).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026