Spotlight on Health 2014

Bottom of headache pain ....... page 2

Diet, physiology and individual lifestyle and habits can all play a significant role in headaches

Avoid succumbing to flu season .. page 6 Flu shots are not your only solution to keeping healthy during cold & flu season

About children heart health ....... page 10 Learning about cardiomyopathy in youth and the warning signs associated with it

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spotlight on health • september 2014

everyday health

Getting to the Bottom of Headache Pain Diet, physiology and individual lifestyle and habits can all play a significant role in headaches

Headaches cannot all be traced back to the same cause. Recent scientific research has determined that headaches may be the result of several factors and not everyone experiences headaches in the same way. This can make finding headache relief a bit more challenging.

Diet, physiology and individual lifestyle and habits can all play a significant role in headaches. Scientists used to believe that headaches were the result of the dilation of blood vessels in the nervous system. The tension created pain and the subsequent relaxation caused throbbing.

While blood vessels may play a role, they’re not the single cause of headaches.

Here is a look at the more common types and triggers.

Migraine

It is estimated that eight percent of all headaches are migraine headaches.

Migraine headaches result from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels. During the migraine, the temporal artery just under the skin on the temple enlarges. This causes a release of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain and further enlargement of the artery.

Migraines may be preceded by warning signs, such as sensitivity to light, flashing lights, nausea, and tingling.

Migraine triggers can result from a number of things. Smells, lights, foods, allergies, and other environmental

Increasing daily energy levels is a goal for many men and women.

Many adults are increasingly looking to energy drinks or highly caffeinated beverages like coffee to get the job done, while others are fearful that such beverages, though effective at improving energy levels, could have an adverse effect on their overall health.

For those who feel energy drinks or another cup of coffee is not the ideal solution to increasing their energy levels, consider the following tips.

more information Because headaches can be a symptom of something serious, such as a head injury, blood clot or disease, always treat headaches as serious symptoms and have them reviewed. factors can cause a migraine. In general, treating migraines involves prophylactic therapies designed to avoid triggers.

Anti-inflammatory medications also may be used once a migraine is in full effect.

Sinus Blocked sinuses (air-filled pockets around your eyes, nose and cheeks) generally cause a throbbing headache known as a sinus headache. It is located in the front of your head and face. Cold or damp weather can exacerbate sinus headaches, as can bending over.

Treatment of sinus conditions, such as using a decongestant or irrigating the nose, can help alleviate a sinus headache. Sinus headaches often occur in the morning when the sinuses have been blocked and draining all night. Using a humidifier and keeping airways open may help prevent sinus problems and resulting headaches.

Tension

Tension headaches are one of the most common type of headaches among adults.

They also are known as stress headaches.

They generally produce a constant, bandlike pain around the back of the head and neck or on the forehead.

The causes of tension headaches are usually attributed to tightened muscles in the scalp and neck from tension, stress,

stock photo Tension headaches are one of the most common type of headaches among adults. They also are known as stress headaches. depression, lack of sleep, and many other factors. Tension also may present itself in the way of teeth grinding, which also can produce headaches.

Reducing stress is the way to reduce the occurrence of tension headaches.

Relaxation techniques, exercise and rest can keep tension headaches at bay.

Vision

Headaches can occur from eyestrain, be it from prolonged computer or gaming use or from an improper eyeglass prescription.

Giving eyes a rest frequently while using electronic devices can alleviate headaches from eyestrain. Routine check-ups with an eye doctor can rule out

Drink plenty of water

Dehydration can make people feel lethargic. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water can boost energy levels, especially after a workout when the body often craves fluids.

Check magnesium levels

Exercise

While it might seem counterintuitive to exercise if you’re feeling fatigued, that fatigue might very well be a result of lack of exercise. Daily exercise helps increase energy levels and improve mood. Something as simple as taking a walk during a lunch break can vastly improve energy levels.

Constant feelings of fatigue could be indicative of a magnesium deficiency.

Studies have shown that women with magnesium deficiencies expend more energy to do physical tasks than they did when their magnesium levels were restored. Almonds, hazelnuts and cashews are good sources of magnesium, as are whole grains and fish.

headaches from vision problems.

Medical Issues

Other headaches may be the result of medications you are taking, head trauma or a sign of disease.

If headaches are prolonged and frequent, a doctor should be consulted.

He or she can do a series of tests to try to get to the bottom of headache causes.

These may include questionnaires, CAT scans, MRI scans, and other medical procedures.

Because headaches can be a symptom of something serious, such as a head injury, blood clot or disease, always treat headaches as serious symptoms and have them reviewed.

Carefully monitor sugar intake

Sweet foods with lots of sugar will provide an initial energy boost. However, that boost is fleeting, and blood sugar levels will rapidly drop after it. Instead of sugary snacks, select whole grain foods, which slowly and steadily increase the body’s energy levels.

Don’t skip meals

Exhausted or fatigued men and women are often busy at work, which commonly results in missed meals. Skipping meals, according to studies published in the journal Nutritional Health revealed, leads to greater feelings of fatigue by day’s end.

Make eating all your meals a priority, and energy levels are likely to improve.

spotlight on health • september 2014

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spotlight on health • september 2014

physical health

Core exercises becoming more popular Core exercises help improve balance and stability require the core muscles

Fitness-conscious men and women have no doubt noticed the growing popularity of core exercises. Core exercises are those that focus on the body’s core muscles, or those around the trunk and pelvis. These exercises are a focus of fitness center programs and have even been integrated into the workout regimens of professional athletes in all sports.

But those unfamiliar with core exercises might not understand why they have become so popular, orwhythey have proven so effective. The following are some of the reasons core exercises have become such a significant part of many training regimens.

Core exercises help improve balance and stability. Core exercises require the core muscles, including the abdominals, hips, lower back, and pelvis, to work together.

When muscles work together, the result is improved balance and stability, which helps athletes perform better and non-athletes better cope with the physical demands of everyday life.

Core exercises improve the appearance of abdominals. While it might not be the best

reminder Core exercises are free. Core exercises can be done without any costly machinery, and men and women can do them at home without having to pay for a monthly gym membership.

stock photo Core exercises strengthen and tone the underlying muscles of the abdominals. reason to workout, physical appearance is a significant reason many people have such a strong commitment to exercise.

Core exercises strengthen and tone the underlying muscles of the abdominals.

When coupled with aerobic activity that burns abdominal fat, core exercises help turn flabby abdominals into the envy of fellow fitness enthusiasts.

Core exercises impact everyday life.

Another reason many people commit to working their core muscles is the impact such activity has on everyday life. Core exercises help improve posture, which can reduce, if not eliminate, lower back pain and other muscle injuries. Eliminating that pain can greatly improve quality of life. In addition, core exercises can make it easier to excel in sports such as golf, a benefit that, to golfers, is worth its weight in gold.

Core exercises are free. Core exercises can be done without any costly machinery, and men and women can do them at home without having to pay for a monthly gym membership. However, it helps to get some instruction before beginning a core exercise regimen, as the exercises are not easy and the risk of injury is high for the inexperienced who don’t have anyone to show them what to do.

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spotlight on health • september 2014

10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease Though many people’s experiences with Alzheimer’s disease involves an elderly relative, the disease is not exclusive to the elderly

Few families are fortunate enough to say they have not been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. A progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, Alzheimer’s impairs thinking and memory, accounting for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Though many people’s experiences with Alzheimer’s disease involves an elderly relative, the disease is not exclusive to the elderly. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early-onset Alzheimer’s, which most often appears when someone is in their 40s and 50s.

In 2011, 59-year-old Pat Summitt, the alltime winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and a beloved figure on the campus of the University of Tennessee, revealed that she had been diagnosed with earlyonset dementia, Alzheimer’s type. That announcement opened the eyes of men and women across the country, who might otherwise never have known that dementia could strike so early or to someone who seemed as healthy as Summitt, who vowed to continue coaching despite the diagnosis.

Because it can strike men and women even

web links

Alzheimer’s.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

More information about Alzheimer’s disease is available at www.alz.org and www. alzheimer.ca.

Daily tasks such as driving to work or remembering the rules of a familiar game will prove difficult for people with Alzheimer’s.

if they aren’t elderly, it’s important to know these 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s, courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Nearly everyone has had momentary lapses where they forget what time it is or what day it is. But such lapses are not momentary for people with Alzheimer’s, who might even get lost on their own street and not remember how to get home.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

Memory loss is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. This is especially so if men andwomenforgetthingsthat happened very recently, which can negatively impact their daily lives. Additional signs include forgetting important dates and events; asking for the same information over and over again; or relying on memory aides such as reminder notes or even family members for things individuals could once remember on their own.

2. Difficulty planning.

Some people might start to exhibit difficulty following a plan or working with numbers, be it following a recipe or paying the monthly bills. Concentration is often difficult for those exhibiting symptoms of

4. Disorientation with regards to time and/or place.

5. Trouble understanding images and spatial relationships.

Some people with Alzheimer’s have difficulty reading, judging distance or determining color or contrast. For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might walk past a mirror and not realize he or she is the person in the mirror.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.

People with Alzheimer’s might experience trouble holding or joining a conversation.

An example is stopping in the middle of a conversation and having no idea how to continue. They might also struggle with vocabulary, often having trouble finding the

right word to express what they’re thinking.

7. Misplacing things.

People with Alzheimer’s might put things in unusual places and then experience difficulty retracing their steps to find those items. This tends to occur more frequently over time, and they often accuse others of stealing items they simply can’t find.

8. Decreased or poor judgement.

Poor judgement, such as not visiting the doctor or mishandling finances, is another warning sign for Alzheimer’s. These poor decisions can extend to personal grooming, which men and women with Alzheimer’s might neglect.

9. Withdrawal from society.

Men and women with Alzheimer’s might start to withdraw from society, removing themselves from social activities, projects at work or hobbies. Avid sports fans might no longer be able to follow their favorite team, while social butterflies might grow reclusive.

10. Changes in mood and personality.

People with Alzheimer’s might experience mood swings for no apparent reason and can become anxious, confused, depressed, fearful, or suspicious. Acting out of character might also be indicative of Alzheimer’s.

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spotlight on health • september 2014

seasonal health

Avoid succumbing to cold, flu season To many people, flu shots are enough to keep them going strong through cold and flu season, but not everyone has access to flu shots

Winter’s arrival coincides with the arrival of other things as well. The holiday season.

Snow days from school. Weekends spent skiing and snowboarding with family and friends.

While each ofthose things is something to look forward to, one thing also synonymous with winter is never welcomed with open arms. Cold and flu season impacts nearly every household each winter, forcing kids and adults alike to put life on hold as they rest and recover.

Around the House People can take several steps to make their homes safer and warmer, which should help them reduce their risk of cold and flu. Winterizing a home is perhaps the best thing a homeowner can do to make a home safer and warmer. Install storm windows and caulk around doors and windows to keep warm air in the home and prevent cold air from coming in.

outdoor clothing, such as winter coats, scarves, gloves or mittens, and wool ski hats. Those who live in areas with heavy snowfall should also wear waterproof boots whenever going outside. It’s also important to dress in layers throughout the winter. Doing so provides extra insulation, and layers trap air effectively, ensuring that all that warm air produced by your body won’t escape but will stick around and keep you warm.

Prepare for Emergencies stock photo Spending time outdoors and dressing properly are two ways to reduce risk for cold and flu.

If winter has yet to arrive, inspect the heating system. If winter has already arrived, schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Make sure the system is working properly and is clean and ready for the winter that lies ahead. Ideally, the heating system should be serviced by a professional to ensure the ventilation is working properly.

Homeowners with functioning fireplaces in their homes should have the fireplace

inspected and cleaned before using it for the first time.

Addressing Attire Winter weather should never catch adults or children offguard with regards to their wardrobe. Once cold weather arrives, dress appropriately whenever leaving the home to reduce the risk of cold and flu. Appropriate attire includes wearing

If a winter weather emergency arrives, cold and flu won’t shut down and stop working just because schools close or power outages occur. In fact, during an emergency the chances are strong that families will be stuck inside for extended periods of time. When locked indoors for long periods of time, cold and flu viruses can spread easily. Men and women should prepare for such a scenario by having an air filter on hand to ensure air quality remains clean and healthy. In addition, stock up on items such as soup or cold and cough medicine to ensure that anyone who succumbs to cold and flu during a weather emergency will have remedies at their disposal should they be confined to the home.

spotlight on health • september 2014

stock photo We all know coffee contains caffeine. But what about other foods and beverages?

spotlight

Caffeine is more prevalent than you may know about Caffeine may be found in food, other items that you may not know about

Caffeine is something many people want to avoid for one reason or another.

Whether it’s for health reasons, such as avoidance during pregnancy, or simply because you do not want to be kept awake at night, knowing the sources of caffeine is helpful.

While most know that a can of cola or a cup of Joe contains caffeine, there are other foods and beverages where caffeine content could be a mystery.

Decaffeinated does not mean caffeine-free

Decaf products contain considerably less caffeine than their full-strength counterparts. However, there are still detectable levels of caffeine present.

Most brands of decaffeinated coffee, for example, have anywhere from 8 to 14 mg of caffeine per serving (regular coffee has 85 mg on average). For individuals sensitive to caffeine, even this small amount might result in some adverse effects.

Watch your sodas

It’s safe to assume that colas will contain caffeine, but clear sodas are okay, right? Actually some other sodas have more caffeine than Coke(R) or Pepsi(R).

Mountain Dew(R), for example, has more caffeine per serving than other popular colas. Some orange sodas and root beers even have caffeine added.

Read the label The nutrition label of foods and beverages must list whether caffeine

is “added” to a product. However, if it is naturally occurring, caffeine may not be listed.

Don’t forget the chocolate Chocolate foods and beverages can have varying levels of caffeine. White chocolate will not, but milk chocolate and dark chocolate in particular can contain high amounts.

Avoid coffee flavoring If you’re planning on digging into a coffee-flavored ice cream or yogurt, chances are there is caffeine present as well.

Be aware of herbs and other caffeine sources Caffeine can be present in things other than chocolate and coffee beans. Kola nuts, yerba mate, and guarana are all sources of the stimulant. Drinks or foods that contain these ingredients will give you a caffeine rush.

Avoid nergy drinks/ weight-loss aides

The ingredient providing the “boost” in many of these products is caffeine.

Medications may be caffeinated Some over-the-counter headache remedies and cold products contain caffeine. Read the labels of any medication to learn if caffeine is present.

Green tea Many people equate green tea to herbal tea. However, although it has less caffeine than black tea and much less than coffee, it still contains caffeine. The same can be said for iced tea products.

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spotlight on health • september 2014

spotlight on health • september 2014

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everyday health

Going beyond medication to treat chronic pain Chronic pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in U.S.

(StatePoint) Nearly 100 millionAmericans suffer from chronic pain -- that’s more than the number of people living with heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined. Often experienced as pain that lasts over three to six months, chronic pain is a serious and debilitating condition that, if left unmanaged, can negatively impact nearly every aspect of your life.

Chronic pain is the leading cause of longterm disability in U.S. and is a significant burden to the health care economy and society as a whole. It costs as much as $635 million annually in direct medical treatment costs and low productivity, according to government statistics.

Surprisingly, 40 percent of work absences are due to back pain, second only to the common cold.

Zac Cover, a former fire fighter and triathlete, knows the devastating impact of chronic pain. In 2006, the Floridian was hit by a car while cycling and suffered multiple injuries, including broken ribs, a badly injured leg, fractured arm and severed nerve in his broken collarbone.

He underwent seven operations and was bedridden for nearly six months.

photo courtesy of Fotolia Over time, Cover was able to resume almost all his normal activities -- like biking, swimming and running -- because he can now better manage his pain.

While the surgeries corrected the physical damage to his body, Cover was left with excruciating pain that lasted for years. His doctor prescribed medication that helped ease the pain but left him foggy-headed, with a poor memory and unable to enjoy activities he loved.

After months of trying other unsuccessful treatments, Cover’s doctor recommended neurostimulation, also known as spinal cord stimulation (SCS)

-- an advanced therapy option used to manage chronic pain in the arms, legs and trunk, and pain caused by failed back surgery. SCS involves implanting a small device (the size of a silver dollar) along the spinal cord where it emits low intensity electrical pulses that intercept the body’s pain signals before they reach the brain, replacing feelings of pain with a more pleasant tingling sensation.

Dr. Timothy Deer, president-elect of the

International Neuromodulation Society, says he has seen an increase in the number of people receiving SCS. Spinal cord stimulation is an important therapy option for patients who have not been able to alleviate their chronic pain through traditional methods, such as back surgery or pharmacological options, Deer said.

Studies have shown SCS can reduce pain by 50 percent or more, and patients have the option to try a temporary implant to see if they are comfortable with the therapy.

Over time, Cover was able to resume almost all his normal activities -- like biking, swimming and running -- because he can now better manage his pain. In fact, he was able to draw from this experience and began working as a clinical specialist at St. Jude Medical, the company that manufactured his device. He now works with patients also suffering from chronic pain who have or are about to receive SCS systems.

Cover urges others suffering from chronic pain to talk to their doctor about the best treatment option for them. Spinal cord stimulation has given me back a life I didn’t think I would have again, he said.

My pain level is much lower and Iove been able to stop taking pain medication. It’s dramatically transformed my quality of life.

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spotlight on health • september 2014

kids health

Things to know about children heart health In many cases, if cardiomyopathy is detected early and managed properly, sudden cardiac death can be prevented (StatePoint) When thinking of heart disease, older adults typically come to mind, but children also can have heart disease, often with more devastating outcomes.

Pediatric cardiomyopathy is a potentially life-threatening disease and the leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children.

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood. Some children who have the disease can be symptom-free and are unknowingly at risk for SCA. Approximately 2,000 people under 25 die of SCA every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but there are preventative measures for families.

In many cases, if cardiomyopathy is detected early and managed properly, sudden cardiac death can be prevented, says Lisa Yue, a parent who lost two children to cardiomyopathy and founder of the Children‚ Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF).

The Foundation is launching the first Children’s Cardiomyopathy Awareness Month in September to call attention to the disease.

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors for cardiomyopathy can help save lives.

(StatePoint) With childhood obesity on the rise, making sure kids eat right and get plenty of exercise is vital.

Parents and care-givers can play a big role in children’s nutrition and health, teaching kids about healthy foods, being a good role model and making sure physical activity is incorporated into each day.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging families to focus on the important of healthful eating and active lifestyles by taking the following steps:

more information For more information about cardiomyopathy, visit www. childrenscardiomyopathy.org.

Know the Symptoms Currently there is no formal cardiac screening process for children. While pediatricians can respond to more obvious symptoms, identifying pediatric cardiomyopathy can be challenging because some affected children are symptom-free.

It is not uncommon for cardiomyopathy to be missed or misdiagnosed as a cold, flu or asthma.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fainting, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations and fatigue. Infants may experience poor weight gain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating or lethargy.

It is important for parents to communicate concerns to the pediatrician.

Know the Risk Factors Cardiomyopathy can occur in any child and be inherited or acquired through a viral infection or from cancer chemotherapy, explains Steven Lipshultz, M.D., pediatrician-in-chief of Children’s Hospital of Michigan and chair of CCF’s medical advisory board.

Since the majority of cardiomyopathies are inherited, understanding a family’s cardiac history is the best way to prevent premature death. Hereditary risk factors include having a family member

photo courtesy of Fotolia Whether children are at home, in school or on the sports field, it is important for parents to understand the symptoms and risk factors of the disease. who is disabled by heart disease, has died of heart disease before age 50, or was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, cardiomyopathy, Marfan syndrome or a heart rhythm issue.

Family members who exhibit symptoms such as chest pain, discomfort upon exertion, fatigue, fainting or high blood pressure should be evaluated by a cardiologist.

Protecting At-Risk Young Athletes Adolescents with an underlying heart condition like cardiomyopathy are at

Eat Right

Shop Smart

To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get your children involved in selecting the food that will appear at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table.

Cook Healthy

Involve your child in the cutting, mixing and preparation of meals. They will learn about food and may even be enticed to try new foods they helped prepare.

a higher risk for SCA due to increased physical activity and certain body changes.

SCA is the top cause of death on school property, and according to the American Heart Association these deaths occur most commonly in high-intensity sports.

Tohelpkeepyoungathletessafe,Senator Robert Menendez, Representatives Lois Capps and Bill Pascrell, Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation and the National Athletic Trainers Association introduced the Supporting Athletes, Families, and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth (SAFE PLAY) Act, with provisions to protect student athletes from SCA.

Get Moving

Sit down together as a family to enjoy a wonderful meal and the opportunity to share the day’s experiences with one another. Research indicates that those families who eat together have a stronger bond, and children have higher self-confidence and perform better in school.

Aside from being a great way to spend time together, regular physical activity is vital to strengthen muscle and bones, promote a healthy body weight, support learning, develop social skills and build self-esteem. Kids are encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day.

Healthy Habits

Learn the foods they like. Teach them about the foods they need for their growing bodies. Find ways together to make sure they have the knowledge and ability to eat healthy and tasty foods at every meal, says Angela Lemond, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.

You can help kids form great, healthy habits by setting a good example. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose lower-sodium options, and make at least half the grains your family eats whole grains. For beverages, choose water over sugary drinks, and opt for fatfree or low-fat milk.

Talk to your children

spotlight on health • september 2014

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teen health

Mental Health tips for parents of teens If your teen has a mental health diagnosis, he or she will need extra support

(StatePoint) Ifyou are the parent of an older child or teen, you may not think about his or her day-to-day medical needs as often as you did during early childhood. But older kids also are dependent on you, especially when it comes to emotional health and wellness.

Life transitions, romantic situations, stress and exposure to drugs and alcohol are just a few of the challenges facing a teen or young adult, says James Perrin, MD, FAAP, 2014 President of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As a parent, you can help ease these transitions and encourage positive choices.

The AAP offers these tips for parents to foster good mental health:

At each new stage in your child’s life, be extra vigilant for signals that he needs extra support. Be ready to provide it.

Check in often and keep the lines of communication open. If your child is away at college or has moved out, speak regularly by phone. Children should know that they can talk to you about anything. Be committed to broaching tough topics. Talk about your own

more information More health tips for parents of older children, teens and young adults can be found at www.

HealthyChildren.org.

photo courtesy of Fotolia Watch for mental health red flags, such as excessive sleeping, personality shifts, excessive moodiness, noticeable weight loss or gain, excessive secrecy or signs of self-harm. experiences and fears when you were an adolescent.

If your teen has a mental health diagnosis, he or she will need extra support.

Pediatricians, school counselors and mental health professionals are important resources. Watch for mental health red flags, such as excessive sleeping, personality shifts, excessive moodiness, noticeable weight loss or gain, excessive secrecy or signs of self-harm.

Don’t skip the annual physical. Not only are teens still on a vaccination schedule, but

check-ups are a crucial opportunity to talk to your pediatrician about any concerns, as well as diagnose any potential physical and mental health issues. It’s also a great time for teens to seek confidential advice.

Safeguard your home against prescription drug abuse by keeping your own medications locked. According to the AAP, prescription drug misuse by adolescents is second only to marijuana and alcohol misuse. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include Vicodin and Xanax.

Provide logistical support foryoung adults

like completing health forms and physicals for college; setting up accommodations at school ifthey have a mental health diagnosis; finding physicians to care for their adult needs; and signing up for health insurance.

Your pediatrician’s office can help.

Help limit teens’ stress. Don’t encourage them to take on excessive time-consuming extra-curricular activities. Avoid comparing your children. Every child has his own strengths.

Encourage habits that reduce stress and promote physical and mental health, such as a well-balanced diet, getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, and regular exercise.

At this age, it’s important for parents to arm their older children with coping skills that will serve them throughout life, rather than handling everything for them.

As your child gets older, don’t let physical and mental health take a back seat to other considerations.

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spotlight on health • september 2014