HEALTHY LIVING
Fueling those summer adventures
(Family Features) Summer is the time to get outside and remember the importance of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed as a family. Encouraging children at an early age to participate in outdoor exploration can help foster lifelong skills.
For example, research published in the “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” found associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity and sleep. What’s more, kids who play and take part in outdoor adventures learn skills like problem solving, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians.
However, for many families with little ones, this summer might be their first foray into activities like exploring playgrounds or enjoying backyard campouts.
Opportunities to be more active outdoors bring obvious benefits. With that in mind, it’s important that families embark on these activities with the proper fuel.
All the energy kids burn playing outdoors and taking on new adventures can work up an appetite, making it an opportune time to introduce new foods. It might even be a little one’s first time trying seasonal fruits and veggies that can help nourish family playtime.
“A healthy curiosity and freedom to explore are essential ingredients for successful adventures, but fueling all of that fun is equally important,” said Sarah Smith-Simpson, PhD, principal food scientist at Gerber. “Kids need well-balanced nutrition from a variety of sources to fuel their summertime play.”
Ensure your family is ready to make memories and enjoy the exciting adventures ahead with these tips from Smith-Simpson:
Get Colorful with Fruits and Veggies
Serving a rainbow of colors with an assortment of fruits and veggies means nutrient-rich snacks that are equal parts flavorful and fun. One of the best parts about fruits is they’re easily transportable to bring along for warm days exploring a nearby park. They’re perfect for a quick snack on the go – just cut them according to your child’s age and developmental stage to avoid hazards like choking then pack them in a small cooler to keep from spoiling. For preschool-age children, a variety of fresh produce can help them practice color recognition while enjoying favorite flavors. Stocking your refrigerator and pantry with apples, oranges, bananas, green and purple grapes, blueberries, blackberries and more allows children to explore a world of nutrition with bright colors that catch their attention.
Pack Plenty and a Variety of Snacks
It’s the time of year when infants and young children need extra fuel for playtime, making it important for parents to offer a variety of nutritious foods and flavors. A key part of inspiring exploration in young children begins with nutrient-rich snacks that help fuel their adventures. Introducing diverse foods can help expand palates and provides a wide range of nutrients to support the entire family.
When introducing foods into a child’s diet, consistency is key. Experts say babies may need to try a new food up to 10 times before they like it. With a variety of Clean Label Project-certified snacks, Gerber offers solutions you can incorporate into little ones’ diets and bring along for family fun. Some snacks to consider for ages 12 months and over are toddler pouches in Apple Mango Strawberry and Banana Blueberry. For babies in the crawling stage, consider Lil’ Crunchies Mild Cheddar snacks.
Hydrate on the Go
Avoid dehydration by ensuring you’re bringing enough water for the entire family on all your summertime trips, whether they’re around the block or across the country. Use refillable bottles for mom and dad, and for little ones, be sure to pack non-spill sippy cups for toddlers that help avoid messes. Fill a larger container with clean water from home you can use to refill everyone’s cups, bottles and canteens to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Find more family-friendly resources, including recipe ideas, meal planning tips and guidance on age-appropriate food introductions, at gerber.com/parenttalk.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Gerber
(Family Features) While family and friends share gifts and hearty meals during the holidays, pets are there to share snuggles and comfort. This year, make sure you protect the joy of the season by keeping pets safe as you likely introduce new foods, decor and other potential hazards in the home.
Share the holiday cheer with your pets by unwrapping peace of mind with these suggestions from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals.
Manifest Holiday Mindfulness
Keeping your pets (and yourself) happy and healthy throughout the holiday season isn’t just about the physical. Don’t forget the mental and mindful aspect of care with these fun, easy ways to spread cheer.
- Practice Self-Care Together: Enjoy a “spaw” day with pet-safe grooming products, throw a holiday-themed movie night, grab your favorite blanket for a cuddle session or try pet yoga.
- Manifest Happiness: Write five reasons you’re grateful each morning, send holiday notes to those you care about, play interactive games during festivities and put a little extra thought into gift-giving.
- Supercharge Your Calm: Meditate with your pet, unplug from social media to be present with loved ones (including pets), take a deep breath during special moments and accept that some things may go wrong during this hectic season.
- Get Moving: Go for a winter walk, teach your pet a new trick, create an indoor obstacle course, enjoy a playdate at the dog park or introduce your pet to a new toy.
Avoid Toxic Foods and Hazardous Items
Your festivities are sure to be filled with love, laughter and joy, but all that celebrating is likely to include decorations and delicious foods that are harmful to pets.
Pets are often naturally curious and may be attracted to bright, shiny items like candles and decorations. Protect against accidents by keeping decorations like tinsel, ribbon, open-flame candles and fragile ornaments out of reach. Avoid plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis that may be toxic to pets. Be sure to cover or hide exposed electrical cords and exposed Christmas tree water.
Many common festive foods are bad for pets. It may be tough to resist those cute, begging eyes, but your pet’s health will benefit from your restraint. Keep chocolate, candy, fatty meat and bones, alcohol and exposed trash off the menu for pets.
Stay Prepared
Being prepared is always a good idea for pet owners, but the holiday season especially can be unpredictable with new routines, unfamiliar guests, hazardous foods and more. Stay safe throughout the festivities and enjoy peace of mind knowing VCA is by your side for those unforeseen moments with access to world-class emergency medicine by providing 50% off an ER exam for all pet owners and free ER exams for CareClub members.
Visit pets.vcahospitals.com/er-holiday to claim your 50% off coupon, find a location near you and discover more tips for a safe, pet-friendly holiday season.
Holiday Do’s for Healthy Pets
With endless checklists and to-do’s before big holiday gatherings, you know how important it is to be organized during this hectic time of year. Part of your organizational strategy ahead of the festive season should include your pet’s health and ways you can protect him or her whether you’re celebrating at home or on the go.
Consider this list your holiday cheat sheet with quick, easy ways you can protect pets before, during and after get-togethers.
- Decorate with pet-safe ornaments
- Keep festive plants out of reach
- Put a skirt around your Christmas tree and secure it so it can’t fall over
- Invest in electric candles or menorahs
- Keep dogs inside during get-togethers
- Follow your pet’s regular diet
- Create a quiet space for your pet away from guests
- Check in with your pet to ensure he or she is happy and comfortable
- Thoroughly clean up and pack away any leftovers
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
VCA Animal Hospitals
(Family Features) Across the country, more than 25 million children ride to school each day in school buses, most of which are powered by diesel and produce harmful emissions known to cause respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
An alternative energy source, like propane, can provide children with a safe, clean and healthy ride to school. As an environmentally friendly and affordable energy source that is abundantly available, propane can help achieve a cleaner today and greener tomorrow for students.
Watch this video to learn more!
Consider these reasons it’s important to clean up student transportation from the experts at the Propane Education & Research Council:
- Propane reduces emissions in exhaust that negatively impact air quality by up to 96% compared to diesel.
- Propane school buses provide a quieter ride than diesel buses, which means it’s easier for drivers to hear potential concerns and students arrive at school calmer and ready to learn.
- Propane warms up quickly, providing a heated cabin for a comfortable ride during colder months.
- Propane is affordable, allowing school districts to replace aging diesel buses three times faster than transitioning to an electric bus fleet.
Learn more about clean transportation options and the benefits of propane school buses at BetterOurBuses.com .
(Family Features) Breathing: You may take it for granted, but your lungs are important, and so is protecting them. No matter how old you are, you can take action to prevent certain lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
It’s a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult and gets worse over time. COPD is less common in younger adults, but anyone can have it. People with a genetic condition known as Alpha-1 may have symptoms as early as age 20.
Consider these steps to lower your risk for COPD:
- If you smoke, get help quitting. Most people with COPD have a history of smoking. It’s not easy to quit, but your health care provider can share resources to support you.
- Try to avoid exposure to lung irritants like air pollution, dusts and chemical fumes. Some occupations put you at higher risk for COPD.
Most people are 40 or older when symptoms start. If you have shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or fatigue, talk to your health care provider. Tell them about your smoking habits, any family history of COPD and exposure to lung irritants and ask if you should be tested for COPD.
If you have COPD, the sooner you learn how to manage it, the sooner you can start to breathe better.Don’t wait. Protect your lungs for life.
To learn more, visit nhlbi.nih.gov/BreatheBetter.
Watch video to find out how!
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