A stomach bug can quickly put a damper on your Christmas Day festivities. If you’re teaching children how to prepare favorite family recipes, include important lessons about food safety, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The last thing you want to give your family is a foodborne illness. Here are some suggestions from the pediatricians’… read on >
The holiday season can be stressful, especially for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers holiday suggestions for Alzheimer’s caregivers: Show a photo of a holiday guest to the person a week before the guest’s arrival. Each day, explain who the visitor is while showing the photo. Before the… read on >
When the weather gets colder and the winds gustier, it’s time to winterize your home. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests: Install weather stripping, insulation and storm windows. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks. Have heating systems inspected by a professional. Inspect and… read on >
Family harmony and talk of politics can be combustible holiday companions, a therapist contends. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 62 percent of respondents said politics was the topic they dread most when relatives get together at the holidays. And nearly one-third said they planned to avoid the subject. No matter how you vote, it’s… read on >
Buying new clothes for an upcoming holiday trip may top your to-do list, but packing the right medications can mean addressing health needs with ease rather than scrambling to find an all-night drugstore in a strange city. Prescription medications are the top priority, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bring enough… read on >
A hectic holiday pace not only tires you out, it makes it easier to pick up an infection. Reducing stress, getting enough sleep and healthy eating are among the things you can do to stay healthy if you’re traveling over the holidays, one expert suggests. Stress levels can rise at this time of year, so… read on >
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids get the annual flu shot. Each year, up to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, the academy says. Here’s the group’s list of things to know about the flu shot: The flu vaccine is recommended for… read on >
Fried turkey has become a trendy dish for the holidays. Here are some safe-preparation suggestions, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council: Set up the fryer more than 10 feet fromthe house. Keep children away from the fryer. Locate a flat area to ensure that the oil is even and steady. Use a thawed and… read on >
With a hectic holiday schedule, exercise often falls by the wayside. But finding ways to sneak in activity will help you avoid weight gain and ease some of the stress this season can bring, according to University of Maryland researchers. First, don’t give up cardio exercise just because you don’t have time to do your… read on >
When trying to choose the perfect toys for kids this holiday, consider the age of the child first, a leading pediatricians’ group says. Buying toys that are too advanced can be not only frustrating for kids, but also dangerous, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). When children receive age-appropriate toys they are more… read on >
