Beating the Winter Blues

KEEP KIDS FREE OF COLDS

You know your children catch colds..lots of them. But do you know why? Here are some tips on what’s behind colds and how to keep them away.

Don’t let them share cups. Avoid letting your child share cups..they’ll also be sharing germs. Use paper cups whenever you or your child has a cold; germs can hang around on drinking glasses. By tossing paper cups out after each use you can prevent the spread of germs.

Teach them to use tissues. Teach your child to use tissues whenever sneezing or blowing his nose. This will prevent infection from spreading through the air.

Enforce hand washing. Soap and water is the best tool for stopping the flow of cold and flu viruses. Show your child how to wash his hands thoroughly and have him do so often throughout the day, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.

Be vigilant about day-care hygiene. Children in child care are exposed to more viruses. Don’t allow your child to share food or utensils with other children. Check to make sure that toys are washed regularly.

Make sure they get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep can take a toll on your child’s immune system, leaving him more vulnerable to colds.

Discourage them from touching their eyes and nose. Most colds and flu are spread by hand contact. By touching a surface that’s been touched by an infected person, your child may introduce the virus to his system through the mucous membranes in his eyes or nose.

Stock up on vitamin C. Feed your kids oranges, grapefruits, potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple-they’re loaded with vitamin C, which can boost their immune system and keep colds away.

HEALTHY TELEVISION HABITS

Most children watch too much TV. Children watch programs that may not be appropriate for their age. Children often watch TV without adult supervision. Too much TV, unsuitable content, and lack of parental guidance can influence a child in negative ways. You can take control of TV. Help your children grow up healthy in the media world and become smart about they watch!

Set TV time limits. Watch TV no more than 2 hours per day, including videotapes and games. Turn off the TV during mealtimes, homework or play activities. Encourage children to read books for the same amount of time that they watch TV.

Make smart TV choices. Help children plan for how they will spend their TV times each day. Select TV programs appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level. Turn off the TV after the program you select is over.

Watch TV with your child. Watch TV together and talk to your children about the program. Help children question what they see and hear on TV. Know what your children are watching if you can’t watch with them.

Be a role model. Watch programs that support your family’s values. Monitor how much TV you watch and what you watch when children are around. Watch news and other “adult” programs when young children are not around.

Snow Play The Fun Way!

Whether you are heading to the mountains on vacation or spending time in your back yard, snow play should get some serious attention this winter. Here are a few ideas for quality SNOW TIME.

Snow Cones: For real! Take some fresh snow and create some snowballs. Place the snowballs on sugar cones, top with fruit juice and you have created real snow cones!

Edible Snow Art: You will need some caramel (purchase caramel dipping sauce, melt caramel dipping candies or mix your own), a saucepan, outdoor snow and cold temperatures. Ask an adult to melt the caramel on the stove until the consistency is smooth. While stirring, ask an adult to take the caramel outside. Spoon the caramel on to top of fresh snow in a snowflake pattern (thin, star like drippings). Let cool, lift and eat. Yum!

Snow Painting: Gather some spray bottles and fill with water. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to each bottle. Send the troops out for some snow painting!