Healthy lifestyles fall

HEALTHY I NSI DE

• Stay safe fro m s po r t s i n j ur i es • Tip s for t he s cho ol yea r • Get your s ho ts

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers • FALL 2017

Lifestyles

Special Back-to-School edition

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

FALL 2017

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Life is busy, but there are plenty of ways to make family time count.

Six family activities

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

TO BE ENJOYED INDOORS AND OUTSIDE If spending more time together is on your family’s todo list, consider the following tips and ideas to make the most of each experience.

Run a 5K

Encourage the entire family to get active by participating in a 5K. Whether you walk, run or a do a bit of both, this is a distance that many people of all ages can accomplish with some preparation. For bonus family time – train together in the weeks leading up to the race, and then plan a special meal or outing afterwards to celebrate your collective accomplishment.

Watch a movie

Get the family together, and even consider making it a party by inviting a few friends and neighbors for the ultimate gaming or movie night. With a projector, you can enjoy a film or video game indoors or out. Look for low-maintenance and energy-efficient projectors that offer convenience, such as the SLIM series from Casio. Their latest models offer increased light output for improved colors. Lightweight, they make an easy, portable choice, whether movie night is in the living room, the backyard, or around the block.

Play a game

You don’t need any special equipment to hold a family game night. Play charades, 20 questions or Botticelli.

These are all fun guessing games that require you to think fast and work together.

Get outdoors

Go somewhere beautiful for a hike, bike or kayaking trip. Use new technology to enhance the experience and help you fully enjoy the adventure. For example, the new WSD-F20, a smart outdoor watch from Casio, is equipped with built-in, low-power GPS and full color map functionality that can be used offline to track your location, even when you’re offline. Apps allow you to add notes to otherwise unmarked spots on the map to help you return to that ideal viewpoint or fishing spot.

Volunteer

Most communities have plenty of one-time volunteer opportunities appropriate for kids and families. However, you can also create your own opportunities if no formal programs exist locally. From cleaning up the park to delivery groceries to a family in need, volunteering as a family is a great way to spend time together.

Make music

Explore your musical creativity by playing and remixing your own music. Consider using new technology such as the Dance Music Mode on Casio’s LK-265 portable keyboard. Learn your favorite songs with the keyboard’s lighted keys and remix the tracks. Choose

from 50 styles of electronic dance music with different variations of drum beats, bass lines, and synth parts, as well as effects to polish tracks.

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HEALTHY

FALL 2017

Lifestyles

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

FALL 2017

Protect your children from the unexpected KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE FROM ACCIDENTS AROUND EVERY CORNER

A

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 80 million injuryrelated visits to doctors’ offices, hospital outpatient departments and emergency treatment facilities in the U.S. each year. Of these cases, an estimated 9.2 million children annually have an initial emergency department visit for an unintentional injury.

Certainly, if we could predict when, where and how our children would be injured, we would try to prevent it. Unfortunately, accidents happen unexpectedly. Therefore, it is essential to take safety precautions year-round to help limit the time we spend in the emergency room.

As a new season and new sports activities start for many families, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind to help prevent children from unexpected injuries:

Dress appropriately Whether your child is playing outside, riding a bike or playing a sport at school, wearing the appropriate gear and apparel could make all the difference. For example, wearing a bicycle helmet while biking can reduce a child’s risk of head injury by 85 percent and reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent.

Know the rules of the game

There’s a reason why tripping, facemask grabbing, below the knees blocking and helmet-tohelmet contact are prohibited in football. They can be dangerous to both the player and others. When kids know the rules of the game – what’s permitted and what’s not – fewer injuries can occur.

Prepare Before going to practice or to a game, make sure your kids are appropriately prepared. A proper warm-up helps make the body’s tissues warmer and more flexible.

Cool-down exercises loosen muscles that have tightened during exercise.

Teach your child that if they feel any pain or discomfort while playing, they should notify an adult as soon as possible.

Listen to your body While sitting on the sideline may not be fun, pushing through the pain can result in a more serious injury and keep them out of action longer.

Life can change in an instant, and if a trip to the ER happens, you can at least prepare your children – and yourself – financially. Consider adding an accident insurance plan to help stay ahead of medical bills and out-of-pocket costs that often accumulate with an unexpected serious injury or accident.

To learn more about the benefits of an accident insurance policy, ask your human resources representative at work or visit www.aflac.com/accident.

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

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Gearing up for fall sports seasons Whatever your outdoor athletic passions are, the fall season is an ideal time of year to get out and enjoy them. However, the pleasant weather and fresh air may have you pushing new boundaries and venturing farther than ever. Whether you are hiking a trail or training for a fall marathon, this great gear can help you before, during and after your next big activity.

BEFORE YOU GO

You are likely well versed in the need for sunscreen and bug spray to prevent burns and itch. But there is one more essential skin care item that all endurance athletes should have and apply before their next long run or hike – chafing and blister prevention products. While there are many name brand glides and gels on the market, a thin layer of petroleum jelly applied to areas prone to this irritation often works just as well.

This fall, get geared up properly to make the most of all your athletic endeavors.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

Just because you’re off the beaten path doesn’t mean you want to be off the grid.

Stay connected wherever your journey

takes you. A timepiece is often the best choice for active outdoor adventures, since it keeps one’s hands free.

Consider the WSD-F20 Protek smart outdoor watch from Casio, which features low power consumption GPS and location memory that can help you map your course and stay on track even when you’re offline. It’s rugged build and water resistance makes it a good choice for the outdoors, while its functions like altimeter, barometer, thermometer and compass can help keep you informed.

WHEN YOU GET HOME

The benefits of a foam roller are numerous, and no fall athlete should be without this simple tool. After a long workout, hike or training session, use a foam roller to help reduce muscle tightness and recover faster, so you can get back to your favorite activities sooner. While there is a range of varieties available in sporting goods stores, most foam rollers are affordable and durable, making them a great investment for athletes of all levels.

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Head on approach Schools take proactive stance on football concussions

By Jennifer Eisenbart CONTRIBUTOR

The 2017 edition of “Friday Night Lights” – the prep football season – kicked off recently, bringing with it the spectacular plays and hard hits associated with the sport.

With some of those hits come concussions – an injury that has gained more emphasis as time has gone on, and which technology and medicine have evolved to help prevent.

As a result, Catholic Central High School football coach Tom Aldrich believes the game is safer than before.

“I think the game is as safe as it’s ever been, due to equipment and due to awareness,” Aldrich said during the 2016 football season. “Any time as coaches we have an inkling something may be going on, (athletic training staff) will take a look at them.

“It takes it out of our hands,” Aldrich added, pointing to the importance of an unbiased opinion.

That opinion now comes from athletic training staff that accompanies each team as they practice and compete. The monitoring comes with new standards designed to keep an athlete from returning not only too soon, but also trying to ensure they are healed when they do return.

“It’s doing a much better job than anything that’s been done before,” explained Mike Reagles, the athletic trainer at Lake Geneva Badger High School.

New protocols Where athletes used to be able to perhaps

FALL 2017

talk their way back into a game – or fake their way through sideline tests – today’s new protocols are far more stringent, said Lisa Kommer, a physical therapist at Aurora Health Care’s Lake Geneva clinic.

“It’s so important that the athlete stays safe,” she said, “because that second injury that can occur.”

Aurora offered concussion seminars last spring, which not only touched on the signs and treatment of concussions, but also touched on Second Impact Syndrome.

Some athletes who have gone back into a game prematurely have suffered from this, which turns a minor brain injury into a potentially fatal event. Second Impact Syndrome involves a second hit that creates uncontrollable intracranial bleeding and brainstem herniation.

Ninety percent of the athletes who develop the syndrome die.

As a result, athletic trainers are erring on the side of caution where there is a potential concussion.

“Just by looking at them, it’s pretty difficult (to determine),” said Reagles, adding that the additional sideline testing allows athletic trainers to better assess an athlete.

Many area schools use ImPACT testing, a process that sets a baseline of responses to the test. Athletic trainers, doctors and other medical staff then have something to evaluate against in judging an athlete’s progress.

And now, that recovery process entails several steps. Athletes who suffer a concussion must be symptom-free for 24 hours in order to return to light activity, and then hopefully progress to a full return on a

ROBERT MISCHKA Healthy Lifestyles

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ROBERT MISCHKA Healthy Lifestyles

Whitewater High School quarterback Daniel Fuller looks to make a pass in a game against Clinton in 2016. Football has become a focal point in the battle of diagnosing and treating concussions in a quicker, better fashion.

step-by-step basis.

If an athlete develops symptoms during any of the steps, he or she must repeat the step. Those steps – which range from light aerobic activity to a full return to practice – must be completed without symptoms.

Some athletes return quickly, but others can take up to a year to recover.

“There’s really no way to know how quickly that athlete will heal,” Kommer said.

Added Reagles, “It’s doing a much better job than anything that’s been done before.”

Aldrich, who has had players go through the new processes, likes how the steps work.

“They reduce the chance to have that repeat concussion,” Aldrich said. “Is it still possible? Sure.

“They may tell you they’re OK, but now we have technology and protocols that ensure they are properly healed before they come back.”

The next step

Whitewater High School’s Roberto Navejas gets an edge on the ball after an opponent slides to the ground in a game last year. Concussions in games like soccer and football are being better handled by medical staff and diagnosed easier because of addition testing.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Last year, Aurora opened the next step in its treatment of concussions, a clinic at Aurora Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Aurora Concussion Clinic, 700 Geneva Parkway N., Lake Geneva.

Kommer said the clinic offers not just athletic trainers and physical therapy, but the services of Dr. Stephen Peterson and a speech therapist.

“The purpose of the concussion clinic is to have a more multi-disciplinary approach,” she said. “The purpose of the clinic was to coordinate care to receive the best care they can (get).”

Kommer said that will include vestibular therapy, which deals with balance and the communication between the inner ear and the brain. With dizziness and balance issues often a sign of concussion, vestibular therapy helps with balance activities and gaze stability.

“We assess them, find out what level they’re at,” Kommer said. “Then we make a program to progress them from where they’re at.

“We’re really trying to provide the best care possible,” she added. “To get the athlete back into their activities safely, as quick as we can.”

For more information on the concussion clinic, call (262) 249-3500.

Concussions facts Fewer than 10 percent of sports-related concussions involve a loss of consciousness.

And while most concussions cause only mild, temporary problems, they are still traumatic brain injuries that require treatment – including both mental and physical rest.

Symptoms of a concussion: • Loss of consciousness/nonresponsive • Trouble with balance or clumsy movement • Dazed, stunned or vacant look • General confusion • Headache • Seeing stars or flashes • Blurry vision or loss of vision • Slurred speech • Behavior or personality changes • Problems with memory or concentration.

Undiagnosed, unrecognized or poorly treated concussions can prolong the recovery period and increase the threat of brain swell.

SOURCE: Aurora Sports Medicine Institute.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL MADNESS It seems like you just adjusted to managing your children’s summer schedules, juggling camps and making sure all that free time doesn’t get them in trouble. Now it’s time to switch gears.

Summer is nearly over and school is about to begin.

Back-to-school time might mean new outfits, reconnecting with old friends and fun new classes for your kids, but it is not uncommon to feel like your brain is in a bit of a scramble.

Despite the impending chaos, with a little planning you can glide right into back-to-school mode and be on top of your game. Here are some tips to make the transition seamless.

1.

Start early. You’ve probably heard that it’s never too early to get your back-to-school shopping done.

This is true – in fact, the number one rule for back-to-school success is: Don’t procrastinate. Before summer is over, start getting the kids back on a normal sleep schedule and make sure they know where the bus stop is or what route to take to get to school. The earlier you start, the easier their first day will be.

2.

Prepare lunches ahead of time.

Who wants to go through the mad dash of packing a lunch in the morning when you’re already pressed for

time? Take 15 or 20 minutes on Sunday to make sandwiches (for freshness, keep the bread separate from meat or other toppings) and divide snack items like Snack Factory Original Pretzel Crisps into small bags. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it will be to get your kids out the door.

3.

Digitize and post schedules. There have probably been times that you thought you might need a personal assistant to keep track of everyone’s activities and schedules. In addition to hanging up a calendar you can easily mark up, take advantage of calendar software that allows you to sync with your entire household so everyone gets automated reminders and updates.

4.

Keep after-school snacks on hand.

The last thing you want is to come home to hungry kids after a long day at work, especially if you have teenagers who seem to always be asking for something to eat. Keeping a wellstocked pantry with snacks like Pretzel Crisps, which are made with no trans fat, saturated fat or cholesterol, is the simple and tasty way to keep your kids satisfied.

5.

Set up a command center for your kids. Parenting is largely a battle against chaos. What is clean and tidy one minute is a mess the next. This is

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With a little advance planning and a few back-to-school organization tips, things will run smoothly when the first day of school arrives.

not a situation you want to be in the first week of school. Set up designated stations in your home where your kids can keep school supplies, shoes and outerwear.

By rolling up your sleeves and staying

organized, you might even find that getting the school year off to a smooth start can be surprisingly easy. Now, if you can just make doing homework and bedtime so simple.

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Top tips for making back to school a success Summer days are getting shorter.

Summer fun is winding down for the season. Bedtimes are starting earlier. And parents seem to be oddly excited.

Back to school is right around the corner.

For most kids, the thought of going back to school can be a drag. But it doesn’t have to be.

Marley Dias, 12-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, knows a thing or two about balancing extracurricular activities and back-to-school readiness.

According to Marley, preparing for back to school is the key to success.

“Tweens know, going back to school can be stressful and to conquer it with a smile takes guts,” Dias said.

She offers these seven simple tips for parents to help make a smooth transition back to school:

Get back to a routine A healthy routine is essential to getting your body clock back on schedule. A week before school starts, the family should wake up early and eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. For that week, everyone should try to go to bed at a reasonable hour.

Power your inner potential Seventy percent of the immune system is located in your gut. I take a daily probiotic like Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotic to stay healthy and operate

academic goals; you can’t get anywhere without a plan.

Shop Indulge in a new outfit or cool locker supplies for your kids. Buy those fun items, but also the functional ones that last throughout the year.

Getting organized at home Getting organized now helps them tackle all of those upcoming assignments.

Help them review old work to jog their memory. Plan outfits the night before.

Pre-pack lunches and snacks. Post all assignments and activities in a visible spot in the house. And lastly, set up a home homework space. Kids need a dedicated place to focus.

Pick a place to just breathe FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

Twelve-year-old Marley Dias founded #1000BlackGirlBooks. She says the key to a successful school year is all in the preparation.

at my best. Probiotics help keep my gut healthy, which improves my sleep, mood and memory, all important aspects to being a good student, especially during the first few weeks when you still feel sluggish from summer.

Reconnect with friends Your kids’ friends have been away at camp, on vacation or visiting relatives all

summer long. Chatting with friends gets kids excited about the new school year and helps avoid the back-to-school jitters.

Set goals Having your kids set goals helps them attack the school year with purpose.

Challenge them to improve at a subject, try a new sport or make a new friend.

Ask them to write down their social and

Pick a peaceful spot at home where kids and parents can practice deep breathing and relaxation. The school year is a hectic time. Take a moment to push pause on all electronics. This quiet moment will help each member of the family prep their mind and body for everything the school year brings.

Getting back into a routine after summer takes guts. Make sure yours are up for it. To help keep your complex digestive system thriving and restore good bacteria, visit www.RenewLife.com.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

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Back-to-school checklist

FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN LIVING WITH ASTHMA While heading back to school may mean buying supplies, for parents of children with asthma, getting ready requires additional steps. Asthma accounts for more than 10 million lost school days every school year. With better asthma management, children are able to stay safe and active. For a full toolkit and free resources, visit Lung.org/asthma-inschools.

To gear up for a successful school year, the American Lung Association recommends this back-to-school checklist:

child’s doctor and use it as an opportunity to create or revise your Asthma Action Plan. This is also a great time to take a look at your child’s asthma medications.

As your child gets older, his or her asthma needs may change and this may be the school year for an update.

Set an appointment with your school nurse

Remember to share your Asthma Action Plan, which can serve as an authorization form, along with any back-up medications, with your school nurse. Take this time to sign all required medical forms, share whether your child can self-carry their own quick-relief inhaler, and discuss how to manage any asthma emergencies that may happen during the school year.

Get back to the basics

Take an hour to brush up on asthma basics. Take the American Lung Association’s online course to ensure you’re armed with the knowledge of what causes asthma flare-ups, the importance of an asthma action plan, and what to do when breathing becomes difficult.

Assess your child’s readiness to self-carry medication

All 50 states have laws that allow children to self-carry and use their quick-relief asthma inhaler at school. Having immediate access to quick-relief medicine is critical in reversing asthma symptoms to avoid a crisis.

However, schools and parents often use age

It’s a team effort FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

If you know a child living with asthma, you may be concerned about their activity in sports and at recess, especially if the child’s asthma is exercise-induced.

alone as a measure as to whether the student can self-carry. Use the American Lung Association’s Student Readiness Assessment Tool to see if your child is ready to carry and self-administer asthma medication, as well as get informed about your school’s asthma

medication policy.

Take advantage of an annual check-up or school physical

Speak with schoolteachers, nurses and PE teachers or coaches, sharing details about your child’s asthma, his or her triggers and what to do in case of an emergency. It’s also important to have a plan with school personnel on what to do in case of an emergency – whether that be for your child to head directly to the school nurse or to use their quick-relief inhaler.

Schedule an appointment with your

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Having a group to exercise with can be one of the best ways to get yourself to stick to your routine.

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

While many people are familiar with the phrase “strength is in numbers,” not everyone realizes the important role community and social interactions play in achieving exercise goals and balanced nutrition.

“Group exercise and nutrition planning offer a variety of benefits you might miss out on if you choose to go it alone,” explained Dr. John Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., chief health and nutrition officer, Herbalife, “A consistent schedule, exposure to a social and fun environment, and accountability for participation are just some of the benefits.”

A support system and social activity group can be good for you in several ways: • Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you stay on track.

• You can have people encourage you if you start to self-sabotage your nutrition plan or diet.

• By providing a way to relieve stress associated with weight loss.

Dr. Agwunobi added, “Incorporating healthy eating habits and exercise into your daily routine can seem like a difficult undertaking because temptation is all around us.

From meetings filled with delicious pastries, to a comfortable bed calling our name after an exhausting day at the office, obstacles are everywhere.

Staying on track can be hard, especially if you are tackling it on your own. Developing a support system of people who know your goals, strengths and weaknesses can be extremely beneficial in keeping a healthy lifestyle going.”

The physical and psychological benefits of building or joining a community of like-minded individuals in pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle is based in science.

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who regularly walk in groups have lower blood pressure, resting heart rate and total cholesterol.

The exercise also leads to a reduction in body fat and Body Mass Index. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees. Regular physical activity, it points out, can reduce the burden of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, and can prevent early death.

Physical activity can also help people with chronic diseases manage their conditions.

Any amount of physical activity is beneficial, the CDC added. Ideally, though, adults should do at least 2-1/2 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as walking), 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorousintensity activity, or a combination each week.

To achieve that, the CDC suggests you start a walking group with friends and neighbors. More than 145 million adults now include walking as part of a physically active lifestyle.

With the health benefits of exercise in mind, some Herbalife independent distributors have opened nutrition clubs where they provide a supportive environment for people interested in leading healthy, active lifestyles.

People gather to share exercise tips and consume science-based wellness products developed by Herbalife Nutrition under the guidance of more than 300 scientists, 36 of them Ph.D.’s.

To hear firsthand how the strength of communitybased exercise and nutrition has helped people, check out their stories on Youtube.com.

(NAPS)

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

FALL 2017

Is your child protected from preventable illnesses at school?

Fall is an exciting time for kids – seeing old friends, getting to know new classmates, learning new skills and exploring classrooms. But with all this fun and interaction, it’s important to remember one of the best ways to keep your child safe and healthy is to make sure he or she is up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccines have made many once-common serious childhood diseases rare today. They are safe, effective and they save lives.

“It’s critical to make sure that you and your children receive vaccinations according to the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control,” says John Meigs Jr., M.D., president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“Vaccines are important not only for school-age children, but for babies and young children, pregnant women, teens and pre-teens, adults and seniors.”

Much like how an athlete trains to prepare for competition, vaccines train your immune system to respond in case the body is exposed to the virus. If it is, it knows exactly how to fight it off. Vaccines help you stay healthy, and if you do get sick, it might be less severe or for less time when compared to others who have not been immunized.

The CDC lists recommended immunizations for the prevention of 17 diseases to protect people from birth through old age. All states require children to be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases in order to attend school.

Information about recommended immunization schedules for people of all ages is available at familydoctor.org. On aafp.org, you can find an interactive map showing vaccine-specific coverage levels for each state.

HOW EXACTLY DO VACCINES WORK?

CONCERNED ABOUT COSTS?

According to the patient education website familydoctor.org, “Vaccines contain weakened versions of a virus or versions that look like a virus (called antigens). This means the antigens cannot produce the signs or symptoms of the disease, but they do stimulate the immune system to create antibodies. These antibodies help protect you if you are exposed to the virus in the future.”

•

Darien

•

Vaccines are typically covered by health insurance, so it’s likely you won’t have to pay anything. If you don’t have health insurance, reach out to your state public health department. Many offer assistance programs that provide vaccines at a reduced cost.

Visit familydoctor.org for health information the whole family can use.

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If anyone in your family is behind on their vaccinations, speak with your family physician about creating a plan. You might even be able to schedule vaccine-only visits, meaning you won’t even need an exam.

Five tips for taking the stress out of ‘back to after school’ As kids and teens head back to school, working parents are also preparing for “back to after school.” Despite the fact that 60 percent of parents report having flexible work hours that allow them to take care of their children once the school day ends, a survey from Boys & Girls Clubs of America shows 75 percent still find that after-school time causes as much or more stress than in-school time.

When it comes to after-school programs and resources, the study also found parents’ top priorities are providing a safe place for their children, academic mentoring and support, as well as sports and fitness programs.

As an expert in youth development that specializes in these key areas, Boys & Girls Clubs of America offers these tips to help parents take the stress out of transitioning back to after school.

Safety first

Each day 11 million children and teens leave school with no place to go, increasing their risk of being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe in communities across the country, according to a 2014 Afterschool Alliance study. And, since juvenile crime escalates during the hours of 3-7 p.m. according to the U.S. Department of Justice, parents have cause for concern about how their children spend their time during these critical hours.

Particularly for working parents who cannot be home with their children when the school day ends, taking advantage of affordable, accessible after-school programs – ideally staffed by trained, trustworthy adult leaders – alleviates stress by providing peace of mind that their kids are safe, supervised and on a path to success.

Homework help

Parents perceive the biggest challenges their children face when starting a new school year are preparing for the needs of the next grade level and keeping up with homework. According to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s survey, nearly 60 percent of parents find it difficult to ensure their children are on a path to a successful school year.

By making a plan for how and when to tackle homework each day and sticking to it, parents and kids can make the most of after-school time. Whether it’s at home with support from a parent or guardian, at a tutoring facility or at a community organization with academic programming such as a local Boys & Girls Club, setting aside a specific time and place for homework will avoid headaches for parents and children alike.

See STRESS, Page 11

Win the battle against

back-toschool germs Did you know that, on average, elementary school children get eight to 12 colds or cases of the flu each school year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? This school year, follow some healthy habits to avoid the back-to-school plague.

First, wash hands and other items that you touch, like cell phones or desks, frequently. Cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats; and school desks have been found to hold 400 times more bacteria than toilets.

Next, pick up school supplies that help fight germs, such as Easy Liner brand shelf liner with Clorox antimicrobial protection.

The shelf liner features an antimicrobial additive to prevent the growth of odorcausing mold and mildew on the liner.

Plus, it can be tossed in the wash for easy cleaning. Place it in areas of your home or classroom where school items are stored like floors, counters, desks and shelves. For more information, visit duckbrand.com.

(STATEPOINT)

FALL 2017

• Stress

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Explore and inspire After spending a full day in school, kids and teens often benefit from tapping into their creative side after class lets out. Make time for them to explore art, music, dance and STEM programs to not only relieve stress, but also to express themselves, explore new areas of interest and ignite potential passions that may last a lifetime.

Get active

With more than three out of 10 kids today considered obese or overweight according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity and nutrition education are paramount to changing this equation for future generations.

After-school time offers the chance for young people to take part in sports and fitness activities that not only burn off pent-up energy, but also build selfesteem and instill

sportsmanship.

Also, having kids help with dinner preparation not only offers an extra hand in the kitchen, but also teaches healthy cooking and eating habits.

Fun with friends

As many adults can attest, school is a formative time for academics, as well as social growth. Spending time with friends and building relationships helps kids and teens hone social skills, unwind and simply have fun. After all, you’re only a kid once.

While these best practices are based on the success of the after-school programming Boys & Girls Clubs around the country offer kids and teens, the tips can be implemented by any parent or caregiver looking to foster academic success, healthy living and character development as the young people in their lives head back to school this fall.

(BPT)

While a structured afterschool plan reduces stress, allow some flexibility to accommodate time with friends.

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From injury treatment and prevention to therapy, training and expert cardiology care, our sports health experts work together to provide personalized, comprehensive care to keep you healthy and doing the things you love. So keep going, because we’ll help you get there.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the clinic nearest you or go to aurora.org/sports.

Clinics with sports health providers: 1550 Dobbs Street Delavan 262-740-4200 146 E. Geneva Square Lake Geneva 262-249-5000

709 Spring Valley Road Burlington 262-767-6020

Clinics with physical therapy providers:

248 McHenry Street Burlington 262-767-8000

700 Geneva Parkway N (includes Concussion Clinic) Lake Geneva 262-249-3500

818 Forrest Lane Waterford 262-514-3700

709 Spring Valley Road Burlington 262-767-6020 830 E. Geneva Street Delavan 262-728-9164

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