HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Family Life

  • 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

  • Helping A Depressed Family Member

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of man talking with a counselor.

    Depression is a medical condition that can be serious. The National Institutes of Mental Health say depression can affect how you feel, think and cope with daily life. Eating, sleeping, socializing and working can all be difficult for someone with depression.

    If a member of your family has depression, there are ways to support them.

    Tip #1:

    Don’t tell them to “just snap out of it.” Experts believe depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This may be due to genetics or it may be triggered by a stressful event such as death of a family member, divorce or abuse. Sometimes, a cause cannot be found. It’s important to understand that the person’s everyday actions may be affected by this disease, and they can’t make it just go away.

    Tip #2:

    Take medical care seriously. Treatment for depression often involves medication  and/or therapy. It can take some time to find the treatment that works for your family member. Whenever possible, offer to go with them to doctor appointments. Support them in following their treatment plan. Do what you can to make sure they take medications as prescribed without forcing or arguing.

    Tip #3:

    Offer to take them out, but don’t push. Many people with depression struggle to get out of bed each day or leave the house. But, with treatment, it is possible to start enjoying life again. Ask the family member if they’d like to do something simple, such as go to the store or park. If they decline, wait a few days and offer again. Eventually, they may say yes.

    Tip #4:

    Listen when they want to talk. If your family member wishes to talk about his or her feelings, let them do so without judging or offering advice. Simply listen to their thoughts and feelings without trying to “fix” anything.

    Take loved ones’ comments about suicide or self-harm seriously. Many times a person will confide in a loved one prior to committing a harmful act.

    With help from a doctor, depression can be treated. Let your family member know you care, and ask them to get the medical help they need. Proper medical care can help them get on the path to a healthier, happier life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • National Safety Month

    WELL-BEING

    Image of worder wearing proper hard-hat and protective eye glasses.

    Each June, the National Safety Council celebrates National Safety Month. This year’s theme is “Safety: It takes all of us.” Join the Council and thousands of organizations across the country to reduce the risk of these key safety issues:

    Week 1: Prevent prescription drug abuse

    *  Ask your doctor about the risk of addiction when he or she advises prescription painkillers. Take these medicines only as prescribed.

    *  If you suspect a co-worker is abusing prescription drugs, contact your Employee Assistance Program or Human Resources. Signs of abusing these drugs include:

    –  Lack of focus or attention

    –  Poor judgment

    –  Missing work often

    Week 2: Stop slips, trips and falls

    *  Follow your workplace’s safety guidelines.

    *  Keep walkways and stairs free from clutter, water and other falling hazards.

    *  At home, use grab bars and safety mats in your tub and shower and next to the toilet.

    Week 3: Be aware of your surroundings

    *  Scan your area for potential hazards.

    *  Follow workplace safety rules for storing objects securely and safe use of machines.

    *  Pay attention at all times. Do not get distracted when working or when you walk, especially when using your cell phone.

    Week 4: Put an end to distracted driving

    When you are driving, focus on the road. Do not use your smartphone or cell phone for texting or talking. Hands-free talking does not make driving safer. Your mind is still sidetracked.

    *  The National Safety Council suggests that you change your voicemail greeting to something like: “Hi, you’ve reached (insert your name). I’m either away from my phone or I’m driving. Please leave a message.”

    *  Avoid other distractions, too. Examples are eating, talking to passengers, grooming, reading (including maps) and adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.

    Bonus week: Summer safety

    *  Limit exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, as directed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays.

    *  Follow directions to use outdoor tools and the lawn mower safely.

    *  Drink plenty of water to help prevent heat-related problems.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sick Kid?

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother and child at the doctor's office.

    For many reasons, a child being home from school while sick can be stressful. Parents worry about the severity of their child’s illness and about the child missing school, all while trying to shuffle work schedules to be home.

    But when should kids stay home from school? Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson, pediatrician at Loyola University Health System, gives some guidelines to help parents make that decision.

    Pinkeye.

    Extremely contagious and is usually caused by a virus. One of the first signs of pinkeye is discomfort. Other symptoms include a sticky discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, and the area around the eye can look red and swollen. Stay home until the redness is gone.

    Stomach problems.

    Gastroenteritis or the stomach flu can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most often, it is caused by a virus. A child needs to rest and take gradual fluids to recover. Stay home until the vomiting and diarrhea are gone for 24 hours.

    Fevers.

    Most schools have a policy that a child can’t attend if they have a fever higher than 100 degrees F and the child needs to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Stay home and rest.

    Coughing.

    If a child has a steady cough, a hacking cough, or coughing fits, he or she should stay home. It’s also important for children and adults to be vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough). Go back to school with a minor cough, but practice good coughing skills such as coughing into a tissue or elbow and washing hands often.

    Sore throat.

    Many parents think sore throat means strep throat, but in 70% of the cases the pain is caused by a virus. Symptoms of strep also include headache, stomachache, and fever. Sometimes there is a sunburn-like rash on the throat. Stay home if the doctor has given an antibiotic and the child has been on it for 24 hours. If the sore throat is viral, return to school when the child feels better.

    Lice.

    Unfortunately those stubborn bugs mean no school for kids. They can quickly spread through a classroom. Children need lice treatment and combing to remove all nits.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Greatest Gift

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of multi-generation family about to have dinner.

    Forget that fancy wrapped gift box. The chance to spend time with loved ones can be more valuable than the most expensive gift, says Sheri Bridges, professor of marketing at Wake Forest University.

    Memories of the occasion will live on long after the contents of a ribbon-wrapped box have been forgotten or discarded.

    How to give the gift of memories this holiday? Bridges offers a few ideas.

    *Take a day trip.Go to the zoo, a favorite restaurant in a nearby city or visit a town with quaint shops. Follow-up by giving the gift of a photo book of the trip, and as the years pass, the pictures become reminders of the feelings and fun of time spent together.

    *Offer tickets to a football or basketball game, a play or a musical performance– anything that isn’t part of the recipient’s normal routine.

    *Do chores.Baking cookies, wrapping gifts, taking down decorations, straightening up the garage, cleaning out closets-any task that seems hard when performed alone can become fun when shared.

    *Relax and recharge.Take a relative or friend to get a massage, pedicure or facial. Spend time together while getting pampered.

    *Time alone, together.Unless you make a special effort, it can be hard to find time to spend with family and friends. Watching a favorite movie, sipping hot chocolate in front of a fire, playing Scrabble-these are things that require a real time commitment and focus, and say, “I am putting you first now.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Why Do Mosquitoes Always Bite Me?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Close up image of person itching arm.

    It has to do with how you smell, but scientists still don’t know why some breeds are attracted to different smells, said Jason Pitts, professor of biological sciences at Vanderbilt University.

    The source of the aromatic compounds that produce body odor are bacterial colonies that exist on human skin, particularly in dark, moist areas such as the armpits and between the toes. Pitts and his colleagues have discovered that mosquito antennae are filled with hundreds of tiny odor receptors, which are individually tuned to detect specific odors.

    Just as mosquitoes may love you, they may not love natural repellants such as clove oil, citronella, lemon grass, eucalyptus, castor oil, peppermint, lavender, and cedar oil. But almost all of these are less effective than the synthetic repellant DEET, and they need to be reapplied more frequently.

    Bet you didn’t know these pesky insects have a long-range system that allows them to track down potential prey from more than 100 yards away. The mosquitoes do so, in part, by sensing the carbon dioxide in human breath. When we exhale, our breath contains more carbon dioxide than the surrounding air, and mosquitoes can detect this difference-especially if you’ve had a beer or other alcoholic drink.

    To avoid mosquito bites, CDC gives the following advice:

    *  Use an insect repellant when you go outdoors. The FDA approves ones with DEET, picaridin. IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the product label’s directions.

    *  As much as possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. For extra protection, spray clothes, not your skin, with repellant that contains permethrin.

    *  Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn or take extra care to use insect repellant and protective clothing during these times.

    *  Keep mosquitoes outside the house. Use screens on windows and doors or use air conditioning.

    *  On a regular basis, empty water that collects in outdoor buckets, flowerpots, pool covers and bird baths. Mosquitoes like stationary water.

    © 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

  • Choosing A Family Pet

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of Hispanic family with a pet dog.

    Pets aren’t just for kids. Owning a pet can improve your family’s health in many ways, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). Pets can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and offer companionship to all members of your household. Before you choose one, think about these factors.

    All pets need daily care.They need attention, food, and a place to sleep. Dogs need to be walked and taken outside daily. Cats need a clean litter box. Veterinary visits and vaccines are important. Look into the pet you want, and make sure you’re ready to do everything it takes to keep the pet healthy. It’s a daily commitment that you’ll need to stick with for many years.

    Make sure everyone in the family is ready.Caring for a pet is best done with everyone’s help. Are your kids ready to help feed a dog and walk it? Are the parents ready for veterinary costs, cleaning up after the pet, and arranging for pet care during vacations?

    With certain reptiles, small animals and birds, proper hygiene is very important.Some pets, such as birds, reptiles and amphibians, can spread illness to humans. Visitwww.cdc.gov/healthypetsfor information about preventing illness.

    As long as you carefully consider all the care your pet will need, you can make an informed choice about your next furry friend.

    Source: American Humane Association

    A heart for dogs

    One study looked at 421 adults who’d had heart attacks. A year later, dog owners were much more likely to still be alive than were those who did not own dogs, regardless of the severity of the heart attack.

    Source: National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Helping Your Child Succeed At School

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of school children with backpacks.

    Although learning may be easier for some children than others, any child can find success at school with some extra help from their family. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these tips to help your child get a great education.

    Make reading a priority.

    Reading to your child helps them become a better learner. When they’re old enough, let them read to you. Don’t let reading be a chore. Make it a fun time for them by allowing them to choose books they enjoy. If they have difficulty reading aloud, offer to take turns reading to give them a break.

    Be involved.

    Ask your child about their class, their friends, and what they like about school. Attend parent-teacher conferences. If you’re concerned about how your child is doing, ask the teacher how you can help.

    Get them to bed on time.

    Children need the right amount of sleep for learning and good health. Lack of sleep affects the immune system, brain, and emotional control. To find out how much sleep your child needs, visitsleep.org/articles/how-much-sleep-children.

    Power their bodies with healthy food.

    Be sure your child eats a healthy breakfast each morning. Pack their favorite fresh fruits and vegetables in their lunches. Avoid soda and sugary drinks. A healthy diet can boost energy levels and help them stay alert.

    When a child is too sick for school

    Your child gets up in the morning and says she doesn’t feel well. It can be difficult to decide when your child truly needs to stay home, especially if  she doesn’t appear sick. In general, a child should stay home if she:

    *  Has a fever greater than 99.5 degrees

    *  Isn’t feeling well enough to participate in activities

    *  Has an illness that could spread to other children

    *  Has no appetite

    *  Has diarrhea, vomiting or nausea

    Often, you’ll have to use your best judgment to decide if your child should go to school. If he seems “not like himself” or you’re concerned about any symptoms, it’s usually best to play it safe and keep him home.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • New You

    WELL-BEING

    Image of smiling man.

    Why wait to create a new you? Live your best life now. This advice comes from researchers at Washington University:

    *Learn something new.Take a class in a subject you enjoy or are curious about. Check your community colleges for noncredit continuing education classes. Rekindle your love of learning.

    *Volunteer.It’s good for your physical and mental health whether you’re building a house for someone, ladling out soup for the homeless, or collecting canned goods. You’ll make valuable community connections.

    *Get your social media house in order.The Internet and social media have opened up exciting new avenues to connect with others and new vistas to share preferences in films, books, and music. Have fun. But be cautious. Check your default privacy settings. Log out and see what your profile looks like to the outside world. Make sure passwords are complex – Use upper and lowercase letters and a special character, such as $. Don’t use the same password for all social media accounts.

    *Rediscover the library.The digital revolution has changed your local library. You can often download books online. Consider how much your library offers: novels and nonfiction works for all ages, how-to books, music CDs, movies on DVD or videotape, maps and reference works. Read the latest magazines or journals.

    *Step away from your desk.Physical activity improves health, lowers stress, and increases productivity. And if those weren’t reasons enough, research shows that exercise reduces the risk of diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

    *Pay down your credit card debt.Put extra money toward the loans with the highest interest rates. Consolidate several small debts.

    *Use your smartphone to quit smoking.You can tap into apps for messages of support and access websites that give step-by-step encouragement.

    *Kick the car habit.Leave the SUV in the garage and try alternate means of transportation such as the bus or train, bicycling, walking, or park-and-ride commuting.

    *Parents:Make every day count. Happy, well-adjusted children need happy, well-adjusted parents.

    *Get more sleep.

    *Consume more culture.The arts not only educate and entertain, they help us to better understand ourselves and others. Visit your local museums, galleries, theaters, dance companies, and music halls.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine