Waypoint Medical

It’s the first week of 2024, and people are making health-related goals for the New Year, but are those goals realistic?

Most people chose to approach a new year with a fresh start, but they can quickly go overboard in setting goals. If goals are not met, people feel defeated and give up all together.  The best plan is  to set just a few manageable goals, put them on your schedule and check on your progress regularly.

An acronym that can be used on a heath journey is SMART.  While working towards setting goals, make sure they are:

Specific – What do you want accomplish?  Why is that important to you?

Measurable – Put some numbers to your goals, for example: I will walk 1 mile 3 twice a week.  When you have mastered that, add a day.

Achievable – Don’t look at the end goal as that may be too lofty.  Instead, focus on the process including the steps it will take to get you to that goal and take the first step.

Relevant – Why is this the right time to focus on this goal?

Time Bound – People generally work better with deadlines as it motivates us to accomplish goals.  Another suggestion she has is to add your goals to your calendar just like you would for other appointments.

It’s that time of year. In addition to the school supplies list and maybe even getting a last-minute getaway before the start of classes, it’s time to schedule your child’s sports physical. 

Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs) or sports exams, are important for many reasons:

Health Assessment: Sports physicals provide a comprehensive assessment of a student’s overall health, including their medical history, current health status and any existing medical conditions. This evaluation helps identify any health concerns that might affect the individual's ability to participate safely in sports or physical activities.

Injury Prevention: During a sports physical, your Waypoint healthcare provider can identify any physical conditions or limitations that could increase the risk of injuries during sports participation. By addressing these issues beforehand, athletes can take necessary precautions to prevent injuries.

Early Detection of Medical Issues: Sports physicals can uncover underlying medical conditions that might not have been apparent before. Detecting these conditions early allows for timely intervention and appropriate management, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes.

Safe Participation: Athletes with certain medical conditions or risk factors might need modified training or activity plans to ensure their safety while participating in sports. A sports physical helps your provider make recommendations for adjustments that can enable students to participate in their favorite activities  while minimizing any health risks.

Participation Requirement: Most  schools require student athletes to undergo a sports physical before participating. This requirement ensures that athletes are physically capable of engaging in the specific sport.

Personalized Advice: Your healthcare provider can provide personalized advice to athletes during sports physicals. This advice might include information on nutrition, hydration, injury prevention strategies, proper warm-up and cool-down routines, and other health-related recommendations.

Optimal Performance: Identifying and addressing any underlying health issues can contribute to an athlete's overall well-being, which in turn can positively impact their performance on the field. When an athlete is in good health, they are more likely to reach their full potential.

Medical History Update: Sports physicals also involve reviewing an individual's medical history, which helps healthcare providers stay updated on any changes in health status, medications, allergies, or chronic conditions. This information is crucial for providing the best possible care.

Clearance for Participation: After a thorough assessment, healthcare providers can give athletes the clearance to participate in sports or physical activities. This ensures that individuals are physically prepared to engage in these activities without jeopardizing their health.

Americans have been observing Daylight Savings Time for over 100 years. And a little more than a week after the change, some of us may still be feeling the effects. 

 On the first Sunday of November, we roll the clock back an hour, while about six month later, we effectively “spring ahead” an hour the second Sunday of March. Where you stand on the issue tends to be firm - you either love it or loathe it. One thing is for sure – the time change impacts our sleep. 

The majority of Americans are strapped for sleep as it is. Getting good rest after the time change is key to staying healthy and productive. So how can we beat the initial grog? 

1. Maintain a consistent schedule. 

2. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier for two weeks in a row prior to springing ahead.

3. Keep up with your workout routine. It improves your sleep. 

4. Avoid that extra cup of coffee. Consuming more caffeine can impact sleep negatively. 

5. Eat a healthy diet to stay fueled. 

6. Give it time. It might take a week or so, but you will adjust. 

 Remember to make sleep a priority - regardless of what the calendar or clock says - and you will reap its benefits year-round. 

Now that the holidays are over, you’ve had your tax appointment and probably dug out of a blizzard or two, it’s time to tackle another task that comes this time of year. It’s time to plan your healthcare for 2023.

Routine physical exams are the most important step you can take to stay healthy. They’re also easy to skip. Heading to your provider when you’re feeling well might seem backwards, but regular preventive care - like annual physicals - provide an opportunity to diagnose or discover any conditions in their earliest stages. And early diagnosis can result in the best treatment outcomes. 

A physical exam is the perfect time to discuss any health concerns with your provider, and they’re frequently even covered by your insurance. They allow your provider to establish baselines and uncover risks for potential future problems. 

The COVID pandemic disrupted life greatly, and many patients postponed routine, preventative care. Many important health screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies, should be performed at specific ages. Especially if you’re late with any preventative screenings, now is the time to get back on schedule. 

 Early in the year, you can better plan for any out-of-pocket expenses. If your provider has recommended a non-urgent procedure – like a knee or hip replacement – you can plan your healthcare appointments to take advantage of your insurance benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. 

The New Year is the perfect time to make some healthy lifestyle changes! You don’t have to move mountains, either. Even small changes can have a big impact on your health. We’ve got some suggestions for the upcoming months. 

Move, Move, Move – Daily gym workouts may be hard to work into your busy life, but making a commitment to more physical activity can be something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away from your office or the store. If the weather’s too cold, there are plenty of local opportunities for a walk indoors. 

Quit Smoking – When it comes to your health, smoking is one of the most damaging things you can do. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, high blood pressure and can even increase your risk for a stroke or heart attack. Quitting is tough, but your Waypoint provider can help. 

Eat Well – We are what we eat! By eating a balanced diet, we can lose weight, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and decrease our risk of diabetes. 

Drink More – Without realizing it, many Americans are almost always dehydrated. Depending on your activity level, a good rule of thumb is that men should drink at least 3.7 liters of water daily, and women should have at least 2.7 liters every day. 

Schedule an Annual Exam – Making an appointment with your healthcare provider and taking advantage of your preventative care benefits can help you stay healthy. Regular, preventative screenings mean your doctor can identify and treat health issues early, and treatment is frequently more effective when an illness is diagnosed and treated early. 

Staying healthy during colder months is the first step in making sure you can enjoy all the activities the season brings, and by following a few of our simple suggestions, Waypoint Medical can help you stay well this winter.

When we’re indoors more and more during the fall and winter, we’re closer to other people. This can increase your chances of exposure to viruses that cause colds, flu and even COVID. Dry wintery air can also affect the natural mucus barriers in the nose, mouth, and lungs, where viruses can enter the body. 

 It’s important to get your flu shot. Every year, seasonal flu affects millions of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Flu vaccines are updated each year to best protect against new strains of the flu virus.

 To help reduce the spread of the flu, colds and other viruses, wash hands frequently. It’s the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself from catching seasonal viral illnesses. Keep a distance from those who are sick, and when you’re sick, stay home. 

 Getting a good night’s rest also goes a long way to staying health. Proper sleep can help keep your immune system strong. It’s also important to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water may seem more like summer advice but taking in the appropriate amount is essential. 

 Shorter days and falling temps may lead you to exercise less. But even moderate exercise, like a brisk walk, a few minutes on a stationary bike or taking the stairs, can help. Physical activity can help you maintain or lose weight, reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve your quality of sleep.

 This is also a season where we tend to overindulge. A balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains can help you stay healthy during the colder months, and keep an eye on portion size, too. We’re also in a time of year when we’ll (hopefully) be invited to a lot of parties and holiday gatherings. Besides the normal effects of too much alcohol, like a sluggish feeling or a headache, overindulging on alcohol can also affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to illnesses like colds and flu. 

It’s almost time to start wrapping presents. We all have trees to decorate and turkeys to cook but taking a few moments to review your insurance benefits and deductible can be a big financial win for you at a time of year when it seems like all we do is spend.

What are your health care plans for the end of this year? Have you met your deductible? Have you used all your benefits to their fullest? Have you already started planning for the New Year health expenses?

Waypoint Medical has assembled a few tips to make sure you get the most financial bang for your insurance and FSA benefits:

1. Review your FSA rules: FSA dollars have a shelf life. The dollars from traditional FSA plans don’t roll over, which means if you don’t use them, you lose them. You can use FSA dollars to cover routine medical care, and, in some cases, cover your deductible. There may also be FSA eligible expenses that would surprise you, such as glasses, contacts, dental treatments and even things like sunscreen. Check your FSA policies to make sure you’re using it to the most benefit.

2. Do the math: When planning for expenses for different procedures or surgery that are not urgent, it’s smart to map your calendar to see how insurance coverage would affect the cost. For example: If you need a hip replacement, it might be more affordable to schedule that if you’ve already met your deductible for the year. It might also be more affordable to schedule your surgery this year, and your therapy and aftercare in the next year. Obviously, if something is an emergency or needs immediate attention, never wait to seek medical care.

3. Use your annual benefits: Most plans cover routine preventative care, such as an annual doctor’s visits and health checks or tests, such as blood tests, pap smears or cancer screening. Make sure to check your plan’s coverage and use these benefits. Making and keeping annual visits is one of the most important steps people can take to stay healthy.

4. It’s deductible season: 2023 will be here before we know it, and, for most health insurance plans, January 1st marks a new year and a new deductible. If you’ve met your deductible, now is a great time to schedule any treatment you’ve put off. Many people with deductible plans see the end of the calendar year as a great time to seek care at a lower out-of-pocket cost because their deductibles have been met.

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to the safety of our children as they head out for the candy haul on Halloween. There are lots of simple things and quick reminders that parents can do to keep trick-or-treaters safe on beggar’s night.  A stomachache from too much candy might be unavoidable but staying safe while out on Halloween isn’t. 

Remind trick-or-treaters not to walk on the streets. Stay on the sidewalks and cross only at corners on the crosswalks. If there are traffic signals, be sure to follow them. If there aren’t sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 

Phones can be a big distraction. Keeping a phone handy for emergencies is a good idea but remind kids to keep their heads up and pay attention where they’re going.

The National Safety Council recommends that kids under 12 trick-or-treat with an adult. If they’re old enough to head out without adult supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well-lit. 

Chose a light-colored costume that’s easy to see at night. Carry glow sticks or flashlights and use reflective or glow-in-the-dark tape or stickers on costumes and bags so kids are easily seen by drivers at night.

Only buy costumes and wigs labeled flame-retardant. If you’re making a homemade costume, nylon and polyester are flame-retardant and good options for safety. 

When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Face paint is a better option than masks; masks can limit children’s vision.

If your kids are trick-or-treating alone, plan and review a route and agree on a specific time children should return home. Remind them never to get into a stranger’s car or enter a stranger’s house. 

Keep your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Make sure the approach to your home and front door are well-lit. 

When driving, slow down and be especially alert. Excited children can dart out into the street and move in unpredictable ways. Eliminate any distractions – like your phone – so you can concentrate on the road and children around you. 

There’s an old Iowa riddle: what are the most unused items on a farm? The answer … the bottom three rungs on any ladder. 

 As farmers spend a lot of time in tractors, combines, trucks and other equipment, now is the perfect time to think about staying safe, healthy and injury-free this fall. Being aware of your surroundings and taking the right precautions can be all it takes to prevent a harvest related injury.  

Before you jump down from the tractor (and, of course, using all those last few steps) there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. 

1.     Get some rest. Early mornings and late nights are routine this time of year, but fatigue paired with heavy equipment can be a recipe for trouble. Getting enough rest can help you stay alert and avoid an accident. 

2.     During harvest especially, things are done on the run. But remember to always turn off any equipment before making any repairs or adjustments. 

3.     Baggy clothing and jewelry can quickly get caught in moving machinery. Avoid loose or baggy clothing and coats and remove any jewelry, especially if you’re doing any repair work. 

4.     Wear proper safety gear, including noise protection, safety glasses, protective footwear and even masks when working with hazardous materials or in an area with a lot of dust. 

5.     Pay attention to safety and warning labels. It’s always a great idea to review the owner’s manual or watch a video detailing the use and safety features on any new or unfamiliar equipment. 

6.     Keep children and bystanders away from your equipment and operation area. Farm machinery is very interesting, especially to children, so make sure any children in the area are familiar with the safety rules and have proper supervision. 

7.     Avoid entering grain bins whenever possible, and, if you do, never enter alone. 

8.     Never allow children to play in grain bins or wagons. Flowing grain can pull a person under in seconds, potentially resulting in suffocation. 

It’s great to see friends and neighbors out walking and running, taking advantage of the cooler temps. But as the temperature drops, our days become shorter, and it will be even darker earlier with the time change ahead. 

Sometimes an evening walk or run can be very enjoyable. It gives you a chance to relax and unpack the day. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of lacing up your favorite sneakers before heading out to get some exercise while the rest of the world is winding down. The same goes for early morning excursions where you’re up and active with the sound of birds chirping and the morning dew.

When running or walking in the dark, it’s important to keep your safety in mind by taking the proper precautions and being aware of your surroundings.

First, simply having your cell phone on you and letting someone know when you’re out is the first of a few essential steps in staying safe.

Cars can also be a threat at night because of poor visibility, but there are ways to make yourself stand out. When encountering vehicles at night, it’s best to assume they can’t see you. 

1.     Wear bright colors or reflective gear. Dark colors, like black, might be slimming, but they can hide you from traffic. If you’re in a high-traffic area, consider a reflective vest. 

2.     Stick to sidewalks and paths. The best way to avoid cars is to avoid the road. 

3.     If you’re on the road, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming traffic and move as needed. 

4.     Pay attention. It’s easy to get distracted with a podcast or your phone. Instead of focusing on your phone, pay close attention to your surroundings. 

5.     Avoid tripping hazards. It’s more challenging to see uneven sidewalks or potholes in the dark. Scan your route – 10 – 15 feet ahead for problems so you encounter them with your eyes instead of your ankle. 

6.     Light it up. A headlamp has a dual purpose: it lights your path and announces you to oncoming traffic. A small flashlight or even your phone’s flashlight can really illuminate your path and make you visible to traffic. 

7.     Head indoors. The shorter days mean winter is on the way. A good way to avoid the hazards of walking outdoors is to move indoors. A treadmill or elliptical can be a great investment. Check around to see if your local school or fitness center has an indoor area to walk or run. 

Even though moderate physical activity, like walking, is safe for most people, health experts recommend talking with your provider before you start and exercise routine, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. 

The traditional first day of school picture creates fond memories as your kids put on their best outfit and best smile. But after a summer of late nights and laid-back days, it’s likely that you’re not going to be greeted by the best smile on those first few early mornings.

We’ve put some tips together to help you make these next few mornings a bit easier on both of you. 

Gradually Adjust Bedtimes.

Don’t wait until the night before school starts to adjust your child’s bedtime. The sudden change could make it difficult for him or her to fall—and stay—asleep. Instead, slowly start making his or her bedtime earlier before the first day (try pushing it forward five to 15 minutes each day). This will help your child’s circadian rhythm adjust to the new schedule.

 Keep a regular bedtime schedule.

It’s important to stay consistent with your children’s sleep routine once you begin the transition, and this means on weekends too. Allowing them to sleep in, or stay up late, on weekends can damage the routine you’re trying to establish.

 Begin a relaxing bedtime routine.

If your kid doesn’t already have a set bedtime routine, now’s the time to create one, especially if your child is younger. Plus, if you repeat the same process nightly, the routine will eventually cue his or her brain and body that it’s time to sleep.

·       An hour or two of physical activity before dinnertime to help them wind down later.

·       A relaxing bath after dinner.

·       Reading a few chapters from a book with mom or dad.

·       Doing nightly prayers or singing a lullaby.

·       Having mom or dad turn off the lights and saying goodnight.

Take Tech Out of the Bedroom.

Relaxed summer rules may have meant that your child was allowed to play on his or her laptop or cell phone in bed, but to get back on a regular sleep schedule, it’s important to keep electronics out of the bedroom, since they can lead to poor sleep. Not only can the “dings” of text messages wake your kid up, but the blue light that many devices emit may promote wakefulness (not what you want at 8:30pm!). Make a rule that all devices need to be turned off one hour before bed.

Create an ideal sleep environment.

Your kids should associate their bed with sleep and not other types of activities. If they enjoy relaxing in their room during the daytime, get them a beanbag chair for them to sit in as they read or play video games. That way the bed is identified strictly with sleeping. Make sure their room is cool (68-72 degrees), quiet, dimly lit, and comfortable. Try using “white noise” from a fan or a sound machine. White noise creates a consistent, rhythmic sound that can be relaxing while drowning out all other disruptive or sudden noises.

Limit caffeine intake.

Caffeine is a stimulant and not the best thing for kids anyway. However, if you don’t want your kids up late at night, it’s best to limit their caffeine intake after lunch, and none within three hours of bedtime.

Make sure they eat healthy and have regular exercise.

If your children get plenty of exercise during the day, it  will help them wind down quicker at night. Healthy eating has been proven to promote quality sleep, and it’s important to feed them foods that help them stay active and alert during the day, but allow them to wind down at night. Avoid feeding your children fatty foods and processed carbs as these foods will fill them up, but don’t contain the vitamins and nutrients needed to produce energy. Foods rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and protein boost their daily energy levels without being followed with a crash like sugary or caffeinated foods and beverages.

Talk about the importance of rest with your kids.

Kids will naturally push back and getting them on a sleep schedule may be much more difficult than it sounds. It’s important that you talk with your kids about the reasons why they have a specified bedtime and explain how it’s meant to help them feel good while they’re at school. Also, make sure to establish clear rules. When going through their bedtime routine, set the limit for the number of stories you will read them, and what time lights out is.

Set a good example.

If you have an aging loved one or are a senior citizen yourself, staying connected and part of a community is important to both physical and mental wellbeing. 

Feeling part of a group with shared experiences can help alleviate daily stress and ward off sadness and loneliness. Here are some tips for staying on top of senior mental health right now. 

1. Make time to exercise. Stay physically active and the mind will follow! Yoga, walking, and exercise classes online or on TV are all great ways to move your body and activate serotonin – or feel-good chemicals – in the brain. 

2. Enjoy hobbies. Doing puzzles, gardening, spending time with pets, playing cards all are great ways to beat the boredom and stay engaged. 

3. Try something new! Take piano or guitar lessons online or try your hand at baking. Make a new dish for supper. Master a foreign language or take an art class. Whatever strikes your fancy – give it a whirl! 

4. Get up and get ready. Even if you’re not planning to leave the house, get up at a decent time and get ready for the day. 

5. Connect with your community. Be it family, friends, your faith-based organization, or BINGO group, be sure to call, email, and reach out to one another. Communication is not canceled! 

The familiar snaps, bangs and booms that accompany the Fourth of July are upon us. Holidays like the Fourth are an opportunity to make great memories. This weekend is also the time urgent care centers and ERs see an uptick in injuries, like burns, that can result from improper or unsafe use. There are a few tips to keep you and your family safe. 

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. And even though some types of fireworks are legal, the easiest way to protect your family is to leave the lighting to the professionals. 

If fireworks are legal where you live – check your local city or county ordinances or police department to make sure - keep these safety tips in mind:

·      Kids shouldn’t light fireworks; keep them as safe spectators. Things like firecrackers, rockets and even sparklers are dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing and hair. Sparklers can get hot enough to melt gold. 

·      Always have a responsible adult supervise fireworks activities, especially sparklers. Have a bucket of water to catch the spent wires. Stepping on a recently used sparkler can cause second- and even third-degree burns. 

·      Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks. Don’t attempt to modify or light multiple at a time. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Don’t stand over or above fireworks as you light them. 

·      Keep a bucket of water or hose available in case of fire.

·      Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Also, never aim them at or above a crowd. 

·      Aim fireworks away from homes, buildings or flammable areas (leaves, dry brush, etc.)

·      Never try to relight or pickup firework duds. They still may explode with little warning. 

·      Remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Don’t light any fireworks if you’ve been drinking. 

Eye injuries and burns are some of the most common accidents providers see. If an eye injury occurs, don’t rub, or let a child, rub their eyes. This can cause more damage. Don’t flush the eye with water or apply any ointment. Cut the bottom from a paper cup and cover the eye. Seek medical attention immediately.

If a burn occurs, remove any burned clothing and make sure the burn is clean. Run it under cool – not cold – water. Superficial burns can often be cared for at home, but some may require immediate medical care. Any burns that occur around the eyes or face, burns that char the skin or large burns should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Managing your blood sugar is an extremely important part of overall health. Out of control blood sugar levels can lead to hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Organs such as eyes, heart, kidneys and nerves can sustain serious and even life-ending damage if blood sugar isn’t monitored and under control. 

Sometimes blood sugar accidentally goes mismanaged. Knowing the signs of rising blood sugar can help you to be aware of it happening. Symptoms like excessive thirst, more frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, poor wound healing and repeat skin infections can signal a problem. These symptoms should not be ignored! 

If you or someone you know is struggling with properly monitoring and managing blood sugar and/or diabetes, we at Waypoint Medical are here to help. 

Summer means it’s time to hit the lake, lounge by the pool or just spend time outside. Your body loses more fluids in the summer, meaning it easier to become parched and even more crucial to sip on that H2O and stay hydrated to enjoy the summer sun. And with the temps hitting the top of the thermometer lately, it’s important to keep that water handy. 

But just how much water should you be consuming? 

Your water needs vary depending on your weight and body type. The exact amounts of water vary person to person, but 2 to 4 liters for active adults is a general target range to stay adequately hydrated, and your needs may vary with higher temps or intense outdoor activities. 

Staying hydrated is just as important for kids. Youngsters frequently would rather keep going than taking a much-needed break for water. If you notice your child has a dry mouth, few or no tears when crying, sunken eyes, crankiness, drowsiness or dizziness are indicators of dehydration. 

 If you notice any of those symptoms, it might be time for a water break. Sit them down and give them small sips of water as soon as possible. 

Fatigue, dry skin, muscle cramping, constipation and dizziness are also indicators of dehydration in kids and adults. 

The number of candles on your birthday cake can also impact your hydration levels and how easily you become H2O deprived. And as we get older, our thirst mechanism gets weaker and notice our thirst less. Older individuals can become dehydrated quicker, and heat-related sicknesses can be more serious.  

 Do sports drinks replace water? The short answer is no. If you’re very active or doing something like biking or running, sports drinks can replace valuable minerals and electrolytes, but they won’t replace water. Also, sports drinks can be very high in sugar, and, sometimes, even sodium. People who need to watch their sodium intake should get in the habit of checking out the label.

Parents are proud when people comment on their child’s good manners. They learned because you taught them. Good hygiene habits also have to be taught and are just as important.

Kids can be dirt magnets and keeping them “clean” can be a challenge. Keeping the dirt off is tough enough. Keeping them free from harmful germs can be even tougher. 

Hygiene has never been more discussed than it has been in recent years. Good hygiene is one of the major keys to wellness, and teaching kids to practice it could help keep your household germ and virus free. 

According to World Health Organization (WHO), hygiene plays an extremely vital role in protecting us from infectious disease. Here are some tips to teaching your kids how to stay practice good hygiene and form healthy habits: 

1. Hand Washing: Lead by example. Teach your kids to wash their hands after using the restroom, before eating, after returning from school, the park or grocery store, and anytime they have had contact with high-touch surfaces. 

2. Cover Your Cough. This simple sentence speaks for itself. Instruct kids to cover their coughs and cough or sneeze into their elbows. 

3. Hands Off. Remind your kids not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Teaching them to do so will also help them pick up and spread germs. 

4. Bathing and showering. Teaching your kids about keeping their whole body clean will remind them of the importance of self-care and routine. Daily (or nightly) baths will both relax them and teach them proper hygiene! 

We live in an age of technology. We MapQuest directions and Google phone numbers. Our phones and tablets are our chosen method of communication as well as our cameras, daily planners, address books and even entertainment. 

Are we spending too much time on devices? That answer ranges from very possibly to very likely. We should all set a screen time budget for ourselves and our kids. 

Have you ever looked at your daily activity log and gasped at how much time you spent staring at your screen? Kids ages six to eighteen spend an average of seven hours a day looking at screens – adults, upwards of ten! The recommended amount of time for adults is two hours; children should get one hour. Surprised?

What counts as screen time? Basically, screen time is the amount of time spent using a device with a screen, like a smartphone, computer, television or video game. 

Honestly, many kids prefer to camp out in front of a device. The same can be said for adults. If we are scrolling through social media feeds to unwind, our kids will see and repeat. 

The key to managed screen time is to keep yourself and your kids in check. Ask questions like, “Am I ignoring my family in favor of my phone? Are my kids learning anything educational, or are they wasting time that could be spent playing outdoors? Have we connected today as a family? Or have we talked more than we have scrolled through our devices?” 

Ultimately the time you and your family spend watching screens is up to you. Paying attention to what everyone is viewing and how it’s affecting the mood, family dynamic and time spent together might be the more important question.

Look for signs of screen time burnout: Feeling lethargic, having emotional outbursts, dry or red eyes, forming more sedentary habits, poor sleep and lack of concentration are all signs that you’re taking in too much screen time in.