There’s no denying it: the holiday season feels different when families can’t always come together in person. For many older adults, travel may be complicated, health concerns may loom large, or distance simply makes it hard to gather. Yet technology has opened a new door. Virtual celebrations, once seen as second best, are proving to be a joyful, safe, and meaningful way to stay connected. With the right mindset and a little preparation, online gatherings can truly capture the warmth of the holidays. As a physician and journalist, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional well-being influences physical health. Staying connected to…
Author: Frank Jost
The excitement for Halloween starts building early for most kids – costumes, candy and goosebumps. But for children with anxiety or sensory processing issues, Halloween presents a unique challenge for parents. Leaha Jones with Memorial Behavioral Health offers these tips to help minimize Halloween stress: Costumes Children with sensory issues may struggle with wearing various types of fabrics or textures like an itchy tag or tight collar. Allow your child to go to the store and touch different costumes. Wash the costume a few times to soften the fabric, which may help with textures. Wear comfortable clothing underneath the costume. Be aware…
Not every heart attack or stroke looks like the ones shown on television dramas. Some occur with less prominent symptoms, but all have the potential to be deadly. This infographic helps you learn the warning signs and ideal responses if you encounter a victim of cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke.
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging for the adults in their lives. Their symptoms of inattentiveness, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity can cause disruptions and frustration. It is important for parents and educators to remember the one word that can help make life with a child who has ADHD more manageable: consistency. Here are two examples of consistency Paluska encourages: Consistency in schedules: Having routines is comforting for all children, but for children with ADHD and their parents, routines are a requirement. From the time a child wakes up in the morning until they leave for school, there should…
Snacks can be part of a healthy diet; they can provide an energy boost and supply essential vitamins and minerals. So if you tend to snack, here are some tips to help you make the best choices: Snack only when you are hungry. Skip the urge to nibble just because you are bored, frustrated or stressed. Keep portion control in mind. Have a single-serve container of yogurt or put a small serving of nuts in a bowl. Eating directly from a multiple-serving package can lead to overeating. Plan snacks ahead of time. Keep a variety of nutritious ready-to-eat supplies on…