focus on health
:::for the family:::
Is Your Play Area
Toddler-Friendly?
Tips for
Spring/Summer Travel
As spring finally sets in,
you’ve likely been eager to let your toddler run off some energy outdoors.
The warmer seasons provide a great time to relax and reconnect with your children.
Take a few moments to assess your backyard or neighborhood playground for safety before you let your child burn off his or her cabin fever there. Taking these steps can help ensure safe play:
Check play sets for sharp edges.
Make sure there’s adequate cushioning or a mulch bed one foot thick around the base of the play
set to soften your toddler’s landings.
Remove any potential hazards, such as firewood,
that you may have stored in the backyard during winter.
Lock exit gates if your backyard is fenced and
secure doors to sheds or garages.
Most importantly, don’t forget the best protection
you can offer your child anytime — your watchful eyes.
Thinking about heading out of town and seeing the sights? Consider these tips before you go:
Update vaccines as needed. If traveling outside the country, consult with your primary care provider or travel physician before your departure about any shots your family may need.
Pack super snacks. Forgo greasy-spoon diners and fast-food chains by packing healthful snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables. (See “Super Foods
in Bloom” on page 6 for more ideas.)
Beat the on-the-road blues. Pack fun activities, including coloring books, word puzzles and handheld game systems. Try playing road games such as I Spy or A to Z, which get your children involved by encouraging them to name things
they see or imagine working their way through
the alphabet.
Allergy Triggers
These culprits, each a part of everyday life for many, may be the reasons you sniffle and sneeze. The following can be hiding places for sneaky allergy triggers:
You May Not Suspect
1
2
3
4
Your car — Automobile carpets, mats and upholstery can retain moisture from rain brought in on your shoes and clothes, making surfaces a fertile environment for mold. Defend yourself from mold growth by rolling down your windows and running the heat or air for a few minutes. The air movement blows dust mites and
mold spores out of your car.
Your houseplants — Plants are famous for harboring mold. Avoid triggering your allergies by wiping off mold with a wet cloth, being careful not to over-water and placing plants by a window so they stay dry.
Your pet — Even if you’re not allergic to pet dander, the tree and grass pollen that your pet carries on his coat can make you sneeze. Stay sneeze-free by bathing your pet weekly.
Your pillow — Pillows can contain as many as 16 species of fungi. Protect yourself by washing your pillow in hot water at least four times a year.
