Walden and Peacham
Self care is something that we do to take care of our own physical, emotional, and mental health. This simple thing is so important and so often swept aside due to lack of time or feelings of selfishness. Self care should be a priority! Taking good care of ourselves improves mood, decreases anxiety, and allows us to be more present and available to help and support others. Be sure to take some time everyday to take care of yourself, and encourage your kids to practice self care too. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
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One of the topics that we talk about in health class is poisons and other dangerous substances. Many of these substances are found inside of of our homes. When we have young children and toddlers, we often go around our house making sure that all toxic substance are locked away or out of reach. As time goes by, we begin to feel more confident in our children, and as parents and we don't always think about the dangers that lurk inside our own homes. Poisons hide in many common locations; under our sinks, in bathroom/cleaning closets, in basements, sheds, and garages, and in medicine cabinets. It's important to talk to our older children about poisons too. One of the most important things to talk about, especially with older kids that can now reach higher cabinets, is medications:
As a school nurse, I spend a lot of time talking with kids about medicine. I try to promote self care measures before turning to medication. Please reach out with any concerns or questions that you may have and I will do my best to find answers.
Family Physical Activity Challenge
Hello families! Just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we have to turn into couch potatoes. In fact, did you know that getting 60 minutes of physical activity per day can help boost your immune system and help your body fight off colds and viruses? Vigorous physical activity, where you are breathing hard after, will especially strengthen your respiratory system. Now more than ever, it’s time to get moving! Starting Monday, March 30th until Tuesday, April 29th , I challenge you and your families to aim for 60 minutes of Physical Activity per day. Don’t worry if you don’t reach the 60 minute goal every day. See if you can start by doing some Physical Activity each day. Print out or save a copy of the Physical Activity Log attached here, to record your minutes of activity each day, or create your own way to keep track of your daily Physical Activity minutes. You can record all your family minutes on one log or use a seperate log for each family member. During the challenge, post on social media using the #CATCHMVP and/or send me pictures or videos of your family doing physical activities here [email protected]. At the end of the challenge, post and send me a picture of your completed CATCH Physical Activity log and we will show everyone how strong our community is!”
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ltF07AbqCCrkHCnUVPj8kLn54SUqGxb8SJfV9VRiTKU/edit
"Compared to those who are inactive, physically active youth have higher levels of fitness, lower body fat, and stronger bones and muscles." (CDC, 2020) The CDC recommends that kids aged 6-17 get a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity everyday. I know that at my house, this is not always easy. My kids get bored so quickly when playing outside on their own, and with no recess time spent with friends, I am having to find creative ways to get them out and moving! I want to share a few of the things that I have done with my kids that would perhaps benefit you and your families.
I try not to post too much about this as we are all inundated with information already but, I feel this article is important as we think about what we are touching and how we are cleaning our personal spaces.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces Remember to wash your hands often and scrub for at least 20 seconds! At our house, we try to get outdoors as much as possible. Being outside keeps us active, combats the blues, and provides a multitude of learning opportunities that can also be fun. One of my favorites is our science lessons. Both of my kids, age 5 and 8.5, have observation logs to fill out each day. First we check the outdoor temperature and the weather, my oldest records both on a science observation log, while my youngest draws a picture of the weather for the day. Next, we head outside and walk around our property observing the trees for buds and leaves, we check the pond for ice melt and signs of life emerging, and we listen for various bird songs which we will look up once we go back inside. During our exploration, my youngest has a "letter of the day", his task is to find five things that begin with that letter which he will draw later. I love getting outside, connecting with my kids, and watching as Spring slowly arrives. What are some of your favorite activities to do with your kids? Here's an activity that is good for all ages! Students practice fire safety in schools every month. They know the school plan to exit the building in the event of a fire but, do they know what to do if there is a fire in their own homes?!
Create your family Fire Plan
Peanut Butter Balls
2 Cups of Old Fashioned or Quick Oats 1 cup peanut butter (I use Teddy's Smooth) 1/2 cup honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup (I have also used less of the sweeteners and added some dates for added sweetness) 1 Tbsp chia seeds 1/2-1 tbsp flax seeds 1 tsp cinnamon (if desired) 1/4 cup or so of chocolate chips (minis work best) * experiment with other add ins as desired, I like unsweetened, shredded coconut, raisins, 1 scoop of various flavored protein powder, craisins) Blend in a food processor until well mixed. Roll into 1/2-1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and enjoy! Store in the fridge for freshness. |
AuthorMolly Brock, RN ArchivesCategories |
Photo used under Creative Commons from osseous