A new year is beginning. It鈥檚 a great time to begin a new health habit鈥攐r begin again! When you make a New Year鈥檚 resolution, go easy on yourself. Set a goal that is small enough to stick to every day. Over time, small steps add up to big results. Here are three resolutions to consider, and some ways to make them easier to achieve. Drink more water Drinking more water is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to boost your health. How can you know if you drink enough water? According to the National Kidne...
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is important for your dental health. It鈥檚 also important for the health of your entire body. Brushing and flossing removes bacteria on and between your teeth. During professional cleanings, your dentist removes bacteria more thoroughly, including the areas just under your gumline. Bacteria can cause infections inside your teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria can then spread from your mouth to your bloodstream, creating problems throughout your body. A few of these hea...
Getting to know your baby includes learning what makes them laugh, and what makes them cry. For new parents, hearing their baby cry can be frustrating and even scary. For babies, crying is a survival skill that lets caregivers know they need help. Keep reading to learn the most common reasons babies cry鈥攁nd how to soothe them. Why do babies cry? From the very first moments after birth, babies use their voices to communicate physical and emotional discomfort. The most obvious discomfort is hunger....
Sleeping next to your baby may seem natural 鈥� but it can be dangerous for the baby. Every year in the US, about 3,400 babies die from sleep-related causes. Many of these deaths occur while newborns or babies are sleeping with parents or other caregivers. When you are extra tired from the demands of caring for a baby, it鈥檚 easy to fall asleep holding them in your own bed, on a couch, or in your favorite chair. Don鈥檛 do it! Keep your baby safe while they鈥檙e sleeping. Learn more with the safe sleeping tips...
Activity and movement are easy ways to help yourself live a healthier life! Physical activity is important for everyone, no matter your age. Experts recommend about 60 minutes of daily activity for kids, and between 150鈥�300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week for adults. And yes, an hour or more can seem very daunting. But read on 鈥� there are ways to make it fun for the whole family! There are wonderful benefits for kids and adults: Maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developi...
September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and it鈥檚 a good time to learn more about how you can help your child maintain a healthy weight. In the United States, 1 in 5 children and teens are affected by obesity, meaning they are above a healthy weight for their age and height. Excess weight gain can have many causes, including behavior, genetics, and taking certain medicines. Compared to children with healthy weight, children with overweight or obesity are more likely to develop asthma, sleep apnea...
A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Sleep for Children and Teens A good day begins with a good night鈥檚 sleep. It鈥檚 true for adults鈥攁nd especially true for the youngest members of the family. Do you need help getting your baby, toddler, child, or teen on a better sleep schedule? Keep reading for some great advice from North Texas pediatrician Dr. Mary Strength. Why is a good night鈥檚 rest so important? Growing brains work hard at school, at home, and even at play. When your child sleeps, they build...
Exercise is fun鈥攁nd it鈥檚 good for everyone in the family. It鈥檚 especially good for growing bodies. Children and teens who are active can enjoy: better sleep better mood better grades Moving more can also help children and teens maintain a healthy weight 鈥� click here for some resources and tips. How much activity is best? According to the Office of Disease Prevention and 星空传媒 Promotion , children and teens should aim for an hour of exercise every day. Can鈥檛 squeeze that much into your busy life? The go...
Do mental health issues cause sleep problems鈥攐r do sleep issues cause mental health problems? The answer to both can be 鈥測es.鈥� Most people feel their best鈥攊n both body and mind鈥攁fter a good night鈥檚 sleep. You might find this especially true if you or your child are diagnosed with: depression Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) anxiety bipolar disorder ADHD autism spectrum disorder People with these mental illnesses and disorders can have a hard time falling or staying asleep. They also might sleep many mo...
Do you want your family to be healthier in 2021? The good news is that every little bit helps. And building better health habits is easier than ever when you use health apps on your phone or computer. Whether it鈥檚 being more physically active, eating healthier foods or getting better rest, there is a free app to help. Here are five to consider: Sworkit Kids - Fitness Meets Fun Have children age four years or older? The Sworkit Kids app helps them鈥攚ith your help鈥攖o make exercise a fun game. Workouts are ...