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Managing Winter Asthma
Managing Winter Asthma
Winter can be a difficult time for individuals with asthma due to the cold temperature, dry air, abundance of viruses, and indoor allergens. Here are some tips to breath easier during the cold winter months:
Limit exposure to the outdoors- cold air can cause swelling in the airways
Cover your nose and mouth-to reduce exposure to cold dry air
Take your daily medications- inhaled steroids should be taken daily to reduce inflammation
Use a humidifier- dry air irritates the airways
Avoid viral infections- use frequent hand washing habits to reduce germs
Adjust Activities- limit physical activities when out in the cold air
Keep emergency inhalers close by- just in case of an exacerbation
Contact a healthcare provider- when feeling like your symptoms are not managed well during the winter months
(Cleveland Clinic, 2020)
Avoiding Winter Health Issues
Avoiding Winter Health Issues
Norovirus(vomiting bug)-Wash your hands frequently, disinfect common surfaces and objects, and wash any items, such as clothes and bed sheets, that could have become contaminated.
Frostbite-Limit your time outdoors if it’s a cold and windy day, dress in several layers and move around to keep blood flowing.
Colds and the flu-Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes, get plenty of sleep, and avoid people who are already sick.
Sore throats- Wear a scarf to keep your face covered outside. If you do get a sore throat, gargling with salt water to help with relief.
Cold sores -Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and taking time for relaxing activities. It also helps to keep your lips moisturized.
Dry skin-Moisturize more than usual, especially after taking a bath or shower. Wear gloves and scarves when outside to cover exposed skin.
(BayCare Clinic, 2018)
Heart Health for Kids
Heart Health for Kids
Preventing heart disease starts in childhood. Kids in preschool need at least 2 hours a day and Kindergarten and up need at least 1 hour of physical activity every day. This does not need to be all at one time. It can be short bursts of activity.
TIP: For younger children, it’s all about fun. Rather than “exercise,” think “active play.” If their cheeks are pink, they’re breathing faster and they’ve broken a sweat, they’re getting the physical activity they need.
TIP: As children get older, the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day should include muscle-building activities (like push-ups) and bone-strengthening activities (like running or jumping), in addition to aerobic activity
click here for ideas for activities for younger and older children.
(Connecticut Children’s Medical, 2020)
Click here for more tips on raising heart healthy kids and teens.
Tips to help kids maintain a healthy weight
Tips for talking to kids about NEVER smoking
Tips for helping kids eat a well-balanced diet.
Oral Health
Oral Health
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school. Here are tips to improve your child's oral health:
Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily
Drink tap water that contains fluoride
Ask your child's dentist to apply sealants when appropriate
Discuss healthy food options with your child
(CDC, 2021)
Healthy Valentine Snacks for Kids
Healthy Valentine Snacks for Kids
Cupid's Vanilla Berry Smoothie
Cupid's Vanilla Berry Smoothie
Ingredients
8 ounces Horizon Organic low-fat Vanilla Milk
½ cup Horizon Organic Fat-Free Plain Yogurt (can substitute with vanilla flavored yogurt for a sweeter smoothie)
½ cup frozen red berries
½ cup ice
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Divide between two glasses and serve immediately.
Strawberry Heart Man Snack
Strawberry Heart Man Snack
What you will need to make the Strawberry Heart Man Snacks:
Strawberries
Toothpicks
Pretzel Sticks
Mini Marshmallows
Conversation Hearts
Instructions
Start by cutting off the green strawberry top and then cutting the strawberry in half lengthwise. Using your toothpick…attach the sides together to form a heart.
Add pretzel sticks for the arms and legs…attach mini marshmallows for the feet and hands.
Top of the Strawberry Heart Men with candy eyes and a heart conversation mouth! Such a fun snack that the kids can help make! You can use small dots of honey to stick on the eyes and conversation hearts. Especially if they will not be eaten right away.
(Forkly Food Blog, 2020)
(CDC Healthy Schools, 2020)
Getting a Good Nights Sleep
Getting a Good Nights Sleep
Children & adolescents need to get consistent sleep each night as their brains are developing. Not getting enough sleep at night can lead to an increased risk of health & behavior issues such as obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health, & problems with attention & behavior.
Here are some ways to help improve sleep:
Have a consistent sleep schedule
Make sleep a priority
Make sure rooms are dark, quiet, & comfortable
Decrease where & when electronics can be used
Increase exercise
Important Information from Parkway Health Services
Important Information from Parkway Health Services
Important forms can be found here: Health Forms
Current illness guidelines can be found here: Illness Guidelines
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