Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/85588
Bringing Focus to Free Time SCHOOL IS OUT, AND YOUR YOUNGSTERS COULDN'T BE MORE EXCITED! WHILE HAVING KIDS HOME DURING WINTER IS A WELL-DESERVED BREAK FOR THEM, IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR PARENTS. "THE KEYS TO maintaining an orderly household during the holidays are structure and consistency," says Jeni Gronemus, therapist at Sacred Heart Behavioral Health. "Make certain your children have activities to participate in and that you set certain expectations, such as bedtimes or curfews." Consider these suggestions to help ensure your kids (and you) enjoy the holidays. • Create a reward system and assign extra chores. • Incorporate down time, such as watching uplifting holiday movies and TV specials. • Orchestrate seasonal activities, such as baking cookies or creating holiday crafts. • Schedule play dates with friends. > Make your children aware of schedules and allow them to have a say in activities. If you have a teenager, encourage him or her to volunteer with a local charity or apply for a seasonal job, both of which look great on college applications. REDUCING FAMILY STRESS Because the holidays are an extremely busy time of year, stress levels can often escalate. "Keep in mind that when people—adults and children alike—are tired or hungry, their irritability increases," says Gronemus. "Take care of yourself and your family throughout the season by getting good rest, eating regular meals, and not overscheduling. It's easy to get burned out over the holidays, and then they aren't fun anymore." Holiday stress simply too much? Call the Sacred Heart Behavioral Health Center at 715.717.4272 or the St. Joseph's L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center at 715.723.5585 for an appointment or advice. Bid ADIEU to the FLU THERE ARE A lot of theories about how to boost your immune system and fight off illnesses. Here are some tried and true recommendations from Jill Hasenberg, DO, family medicine physician at HSHS Medical Group's Family Health Associates in Chippewa Falls. • Get adequate rest—Most adults should strive for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. • Exercise regularly—Physical activity reduces stress and helps maintain weight, which are important factors for staying healthy. • Avoid skipping meals—Ensure you eat a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, as regularly missing a meal reduces your body's ability to fight infections. • Wash hands frequently—Washing with warm, soapy water helps prevent the spread of illness and germs. • Get vaccinated—The flu shot is the single most effective way to protect you and your family from seasonal flu. > Our Urgent Care Centers are open throughout the holidays. St. Joseph's Urgent Care is open 24/7, and Sacred Heart Urgent Care is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. 3 WHILE WINTRY WEATHER OFTEN CONJURES MEMORIES OF TWINKLING LIGHTS, HOT COCOA, AND CRACKLING FIRES, IT MAY ALSO EVOKE IMAGES OF TISSUES, RUNNY NOSES, BLANKETS, AND THERMOMETERS. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND KEEP COLDS AND SEASONAL INFLUENZA (FLU) AT BAY. WHAT ABOUT VITAMIN C? "Overall, studies have not shown that vitamin C actually prevents colds," says Dr. Hasenberg. "Incorporating vitamin C into your diet may ward off cold symptoms by one or two days, but you will still get the cold. It is not effective to start taking vitamin C after symptoms appear." SACREDHEARTEAUCLAIRE.ORG ACR DHEA EA CL RE OR