HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Kids’
Health
• Stop the spread of germs – Sanitizing frequently touched surfaces (door
handles, sinks, countertops) and handwashing can help combat the spread
of germs to other family members. Providing sick children with a comfy
space to recover, away from other children, can help prevent contamination
of highly trafficked areas of the home.
• Stay moisturized in dry weather – Try limiting bath time and make
sure the water isn’t too hot. Follow your bathtime routine with an
ointment or cream, instead of lotion. Most lotions have added ingredients,
including fragrances and alcohols, which can cause skin irritation. Opt for
something as simple as petroleum jelly or a mineral oil to lock in moisture
throughout the day.
• Keep up with vitamin D – Vitamin D helps the body take in calcium and
build strong bones as well as fight infection, and plays a role in heart health.
But, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a majority of the
population is vitamin D deficient. Wintertime can bring on less outdoor play
(meaning less exposure to sunlight) and most don’t receive enough vitamin
D through diet alone. Talk to your child’s health care provider for proper
supplement dosage amounts.
• Keep moving – Bundle up to go outside and sled ride or go for a walk.
Blowing bubbles isn’t just for the summertime, and if it’s cold enough,
they will freeze! You can also set up activities inside the house to keep kids
occupied, or look to your local community center for fun indoor activities.
• Stay hydrated – According to a study published by Medicine and Science in
Sports and Exercise, exposure to cold temperatures can lessen your body’s
response to thirst. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and make
children more susceptible to illness. Serve warm drinks such as soup broths
or warm cider after being in the cold, and always have water available.
• Dress in layers – Babies and children should be dressed in one more layer
of clothing than an adult. Packing on too many additional layers can cause
sweating, making your child colder! Start with a moisture-wicking base
layer, followed by wool, down, or fleece and a water/wind-resistant outer
layer for optimal warmth.
• Get some Zzs – An adequate amount of sleep is important for everyone,
especially when you’re sick. Offer quiet activities such as books, puzzles,
coloring, or a movie to allow for some much-needed downtime. Encourage
naps when possible to increase resting time.
• Skip sharing (food and drinks) – Encourage your kids to wash their hands
before lunch to limit germs spreading to food. Also, remind your children
to keep their hands from touching their face and the faces
of others.
• Elbow trick – Teach kids to turn
their heads to sneeze or cough
into a tissue or into their elbow to
limit the spread of germs.
• Know when outdoor play is
safe. Green Zone: 30 degrees
or higher – Safe to play outside
with layers, but come inside
to warm up every 40 minutes.
Yellow Zone: 20-30 degrees – Take
caution to monitor children for
signs of shivering and come
inside every 20-30 minutes.
Red Zone: Below 20 degrees
– Stay inside!
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Illinois shows that people with optimistic
attitudes have higher odds of having ideal
cardiovascular health when compared to
pessimistic people. The study analyzed
“the mental health, levels of optimism,
and physical health of 5,100 adults
ranging from 45 to 84 years of age. Heart
health scores—based on American Heart
Association-approved metrics, including
blood pressure and body mass index—
increased right alongside optimism
levels.” So when you’re feeling down,
remember that staying positive affects
more than just your day, so keep your
head up and your heart happy.
Digestion
Digestive issues affect all of us at one
time or another. From upset stomach,
gas, and heartburn, to constipation
and diarrhea, digestive problems are
painful and embarrassing. Some of the
most common are:
• Food Intolerance – Often confused
with food allergy, food intolerance
likely allows you to eat a small amount
of an offending food without any
issues (while a food allergy could be
life-threatening). Causes of intolerance
include celiac disease, sensitivity
to food additives, food toxins, and
absence of an enzyme needed to fully
digest a food.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD) – A chronic digestive disease,
GERD is defined as experiencing
acid reflux and heartburn at least
twice a week. It affects 20 percent of