Summary for HealthiNation’s Stress-Free Family Car Trip Tip

Hosted by: Anne Pleshette Murphy

Planning a stress-free holiday road trip is more than just avoiding traffic and potholes.

Steer clear of back-seat meltdowns by keeping your kids occupied. Plan your trip at night, or around bedtime so your kids will sleep for most of the ride.

If you can’t drive at night, take plenty of activities, like sing along music or movies on a portable DVD player.

Audio books and games like “car bingo” or “I spy” can last for hours…and spark the imagination.

Take stretch breaks…and pack some light snacks.

Finally, dress your kids in comfy clothes. You’ll have plenty of time to change when you arrive early, and happy for holiday dinner.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Ms. Anne Pleshette Murphy
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Sources:

1. Auto Safety. Wilmington, DE.: Nemours Foundation, 2008. (Accessed February 24, 2010 at http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=151&article_set=21681)
2. Traveling Safely with Infants and Children. Atlanta, GA.: CDC, 2009. (Accessed February 24, 2010 at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-7/traveling-with-infants-and-children.aspx.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Safe Car Trips Tip

Hosted by: Ann Pleshette Murphy

Holiday trips can create some of the best memories in life, but whoever said getting there is half the fun was only half right. Getting to your destination stress-free and safe is the ultimate goal so here’s a road map to follow.

• • First, make sure every child is buckled into an age-appropriate safety seat and generally children from birth to four years old should ride in a car seat. After that, they may be ready for a booster seat, but they should be in that booster seat until they’re about 4 feet 9 inches and that can be as old as a 12-year-old. And you adults need to buckle up too.
• • If you’re traveling a long distance with a baby, never take the baby out of a car seat in a moving vehicle. Stopping at least every one or two hours is important for all children. Even babies need to stretch their muscles.
• • If your child is prone to carsickness, place his or her car seat so that he or she can see out the windshield and keep in mind that reading or watching videos, especially if it’s a twisty or bumpy ride, can make it a lot worse. Motion sickness wristbands often help and so do little snacks. But most of all, take your time. Getting to Grandma’s happy and safe and late is better than getting there stressed or not at all.
• • And don’t underestimate games like car “Bingo,” “I Spy” or Ghost to pass the time.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Ms. Ann Pleshette Murphy
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Auto Safety. Wilmington, DE.: Nemours Foundation, 2008. (Accessed February 24, 2010 at http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=151&article_set=21681)
2. Traveling Safely with Infants and Children. Atlanta, GA.: CDC, 2009. (Accessed February 24, 2010 at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-7/traveling-with-infants-and-children.aspx.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Safe Toys

Hosted by: Dr. Preeti Parikh, Pediatrician

Your child’s toys should be fun and safe:

• Check the packaging to make sure it’s age appropriate for your child.
• Watch for toys that have magnets in them; they’re a serious hazard if swallowed.
• Be really careful with older toys—whether it’s a family heirloom or something from a yard sale—they may contain lead paint. Lead is also a concern in some cheaper toys and in metal jewelry.
• Skip the vending machine toys for young children; they’re small and are a serious choking hazard.
• And ALWAYS watch for toy recalls. Check the websites C-P-S-C.gov and recalls.gov, which have updated lists of unsafe toys.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline
Host Reviewer: Dr. Preeti Parikh
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Source:

1. Safe Toys. Jacksonville, Fl.: Nemours Foundation, 2008. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/safe_toys.html.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Healthy Kids’ Drinks

Hosted by: Dr. Preeti Parikh, Pediatrician

All parents compromise to find drink options that are both nutritious and won’t get spit out:

• Start with the essentials—milk and water, and work from there to find common ground. Two to three cups of low-fat milk a day will meet a kid’s calcium needs. It’s OK to kick up the flavor with chocolate, but be aware of the amount of sugar you’re adding.
• Remember, no juice for babies under 6 months. Once they’re older, make sure you’re buying 100 percent fruit juice, and to limit sugar intake, you can water those juice boxes down. Also, everything in moderation is key. Children one to six years of age can have between 4 and 6 ounces of juice a day; eight to 12 ounces for kids seven years and older.

Making good drink choices now for your child will promote healthy habits for years to come.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline
Host Reviewer: Dr. Preeti Parikh
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Source:

1. Healthy Drinks For Kids. Jacksonville, Fl.: Nemours Foundation, 2008. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://kidshealth.org/parent/food/general/drink_healthy.html.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Choosing A Pediatrician

Hosted by: Dr. Preeti Parikh, Pediatrician

The joy of discovering that you’re pregnant can quickly turn into anxiety: One of the most important decisions you’ll make is finding the best pediatrician for you and your baby.

• Begin researching a few months before your due date. If you’re under a managed healthcare plan, learn about your coverage options.
• Then, ask trusted friends, family, and local hospitals for recommendations. Another resource is the American Academy of Pediatrics website, where you can find a list of board certified pediatricians.
• Next, schedule a prenatal appointment with your top hopefuls and prepare a checklist of questions. You should leave feeling confident about the staff and the doctor’s personality and philosophy.

Taking the time to find the right pediatrician will relieve anxiety, allowing you to enjoy the arrival of your child.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline
Host Reviewer: Dr. Preeti Parikh
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Source:

1. Choosing A Pediatrician. Elk Grove Village, IL.: American Academy Of Pediatrics, 2009. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/choosing_a_pediatrician.pdf.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Financial Stress at Holiday Time

Hosted by Anne Pleshette Murphy

The holidays are a special time – a time for family, reflection, and resolutions. But the holidays can also create a financial burden, especially when it comes to satisfying a child’s wish list during a tough economic time.

If like a lot of parents, you’re cutting back on gifts this year, you may feel guilty. But give yourself a break. After all, presents are only one part of the holidays. Holidays are particularly special because of the family rituals they involve – decorating a tree, making place cards for a Seder, baking cookies or visiting relatives. And you may be surprised to learn that these rituals often mean a lot more to kids than big gifts. Here are some hints to help make upcoming holidays a less stressful time:

• If you have a large family, develop a spending plan in advance. For example, this might be a good year to start a secret Santa tradition in which each person surprises one other person with a small present.
• When buying presents for kids, consider their age. Kids over the age of eight can often understand if you say, “This year we’re not giving a lot of presents.” For these older kids, try to focus on one important gift. But for younger kids, quantity is more important. Ten one-dollar presents are better than one big-ticket item.
• Try to spend time relaxing and having fun with your family. And be sure not to overfill your calendar with holiday events – this will just add to stress.
• Finally, remember to take pictures. A photo will preserve what you have worked so hard to create – memories.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer

Host Reviewer: Ms. Anne Pleshette Murphy

Last Review Date: January 12, 2011

Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler

Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Sources:

1. Reducing holiday financial stress. Columbia, MO. University of Missouri Extension, 2009. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://missourifamilies.org/features/financearticles/holidays.htm).
2. Financial Issues Could Add to Holiday Stress, depression this year. Lexington, KY. Extension, 2008. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.extension.org/pages/Financial_Issues_Could_Add_to_Holiday_Stress,_depression_this_year).
3. Stress, depression and the holidays: 10 tips for coping. Rochester, MN. The Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2).

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Picky Eating and Kids

Hosted by Anne Pleshette Murphy

Meals are a big part of the holidays. And when it comes to managing a child who is a picky eater, the holidays or even a special occasion can pose a particular challenge.

One of the first steps you can take is to have a conversation with your kids before sitting down for a meal to explain your expectations. Tell them you expected them to eat the food that is served, but that they are not required to finish everything on their plate. You should also emphasize the importance of manners. For example, it is OK for them to turn down foods they do not like, but they should not simply say, “yuck.” You can even create a codeword so that you can remind your kids about manners at the table without embarrassment. At home, you can use role play to help your kids practice manners.

If your child is hesitant about trying new foods, don’t compare him or her to a cousin or friend. Creating a sense of shame can be damaging and almost always backfires. A better strategy is creating a kids’ table at a dinner. This may give your child positive role models who are his or her own age.

Another way to help a picky eater is to involve him or her in the cooking process. If your child helps make a dish that is new, he or she will be more likely to eat it. And remember that although you can encourage them to try new foods, you should also be an advocate. It is better to tell your hosts, “My kids have very focused tastes,” instead of saying “Johnny is not a big veggie lover.”

Finally, avoid power struggles over a particular food. If your child responds rudely, saying, “Yuck! I don’t like this kind of turkey,” focus on the rudeness instead of the food in question. If the problem persists, ask your child to leave the table.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline

Host Reviewer: Ms. Anne Pleshette Murphy

Last Review Date: January 12, 2011

Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler

Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson and Dr. Preeti Parikh

Sources:

1. My pyramid for pre-schoolers. Washington, DC: United States Department of Agriculture, 2010. (Accessed online 6/3/2010 at http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html).
2. Picky Eaters. San Francisco, CA: UCSF Medical Center Children's Hospital, 2010. (Accessed online 6/3/2010 at http://www.ucsfchildrenshospital.org/education/picky_eaters/index.html).

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.