Category: Well-Being

You’re not the only parent wondering how to keep kids active as the weather grows colder. Shorter days and chilly afternoons have a way of pulling children toward the couch and the closest screen.

Once the backyard turns frosty, the tablet starts to look like the best babysitter in the house. However, winter offers plenty of ways to get kids moving, laughing and creating.

These screen-free winter activities will help you keep your kids active and entertained all season long, no matter their age.

1.   Aim for an Hour of Movement Every Day

Kids need more movement than most grown-ups realize. According to the CDC, children ages 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of activity every day, while kids ages 3 to 5 should stay active throughout the day.

That hour can feel like a lot when it’s dark by 5 p.m., so break it into smaller pieces. Try 10 minutes of jumping jacks before homework, hallway tag after dinner or a dance break while the pasta boils. It all adds up, and kids barely notice they’re exercising.

2.   Turn Your Living Room Into an Obstacle Course

An icy afternoon is the perfect excuse to rearrange the furniture. Line up couch cushions as stepping stones, use painter’s tape as balance beams and set up empty water bottles for hallway bowling. Pillows become crash pads, and a blanket over two chairs becomes a tunnel.

One easy tradition to try is a ‘Floor Is Lava’ Saturday. The kids build a new course each weekend, then time each other across the room. Letting them design it adds problem-solving to the fun, and cleanup becomes part of the game.

3.   Bundle Up and Head Outside

Cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from getting fresh air. Dress kids in layers, add a warm hat and waterproof gloves, and keep outdoor sessions short enough that everyone comes back rosy-cheeked and happy. A 20-30 minute session works well on a cold day.

A winter scavenger hunt suits almost any age. Give kids a list to check off, like a pinecone, an animal track, a red berry, or the crunchiest leaf in the yard. Younger kids can collect treasures while older kids can sketch their finds over cocoa. Many state parks also host guided First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, turning a family walk into a yearly tradition.

4.   Pack Screen-Free Fun for Holiday Road Trips

Winter break often means long drives to see family, which is usually when the tablet comes out. A small bag of screen-free fun can keep kids active for hours. Pack activity books, crayons, cards and audiobooks the whole car can enjoy. Classic games like I Spy and the license plate game still hold up, too.

Hand kids a paper map to study so they can trace the route and spot upcoming towns. It gives them a job and a real sense of where the trip is headed. A travel journal works, too, letting kids draw or write about favorite stops long after the holidays wrap up.

5.   Swap Screen Time for Hands-on Hobbies

Screens and movement often compete for the same hours, so give kids something better to reach for. A good hobby or engaging activity fills the gap left by the tablet.

Try a “hobby bin” for the first hour after school, stocked with LEGO bricks, beads, modeling clay or a beginner ukulele. Baking together counts, too, especially when kids measure, stir and decorate on their own. Swap out the bin’s contents every couple of weeks to keep things fresh and exciting.

6.   Make Movement a Family Game

Kids copy what they see, so joining in might be the most powerful move you have. A 2023 research review found that parents who exercise alongside their children help increase how often those kids engage in physical activity. Throw a kitchen dance party while dinner cooks, play Simon Says or freeze dance in the living room, or turn chores into a timer race.

If you let your children pick the game each night, they’ll feel more invested in keeping it going. A family that moves together tends to keep moving all winter.

Chill Out This Winter

Cold weather changes the routine, but your kids’ world doesn’t have to stay within a screen. A cushion obstacle course or a frosty scavenger hunt can fill darker afternoons with fun. Start with one or two ideas, keep that daily hour of movement in mind and let the kids help plan. Before long, keeping kids active becomes part of your family’s winter rhythm.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

A dental injury to your child can happen in a split second on the playground, during a game, or during a simple, everyday activity like biting down on a hard object. Although your child may seem perfectly fine after an injury to his teeth, developing mouths require a prompt evaluation by a dentist to ensure there’s no lasting damage.

Call your dentist as soon as possible if you have a dental emergency. Time matters. Even minor injuries that seem to be under control may worsen and lead to more serious problems without prompt attention. We’ll be able to advise you of any immediate steps you can take and discuss how quickly you need to make an appointment.

Dental Injuries That Need Prompt Attention

• Your child has a knocked-out permanent tooth. Pick up the tooth by the biting (chewing) end. Do not touch the root. Rinse off any dirt. If it’s practical and the child is calm, reposition the tooth into the empty space. Have your child gently bite down on gauze or a damp cloth. If you’re unable to reposition the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in the child’s mouth (under the tongue or between the gum and cheek) or a container of milk. Get to us immediately. If the tooth is a baby tooth, DO NOT attempt to reposition the tooth, as this could damage the adult tooth growing underneath. Call for guidance.

• Your child has a pushed-in/displaced, loosened or broken tooth. If his bite doesn’t close in a normal way, his teeth or jaw may be out of position. Get to the dentist right away to save his teeth.

• Your child has a chipped/broken tooth. Although the tooth may not be hurting, a sharp edge may poke the tongue or cheek. Get to us promptly. Larger breaks can be extremely painful when exposed to air, cold drinks or chewing pressure. Try to locate broken tooth pieces and bring them with you. Have your child rinse his mouth with water.

• Your child has a toothache. Toothaches in children may be the result of cavities, food impaction (food wedged between teeth), tooth fractures or infection.

Children’s dental emergency care

It’s important to have toothaches looked at, particularly if:

• the pain keeps your child up at night.
• the pain continues after eating.
• the child avoids chewing on one side.
• there’s any swelling of the face, cheek, jaw or gums (this may be a sign of infection).
• the pain is accompanied by any of the following: fever, a pimple-like bump in the gums, a foul taste in the mouth, an increase in pain or difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.

Note: If food is lodged between teeth, try gently flossing it out. If the pain subsides, you don’t need to call. However, your child should be seen by a dentist, especially if he/she continues to have toothaches. It may be necessary for us to locate the cause of the problem, even if no cavities are apparent. For local context, emergency dentist for kids is the page that matches this.

When Does a Child Need Emergency Medical Care?

Take your child to the nearest emergency room immediately if he/she:

• has difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• can’t control bleeding.
• loses consciousness.
• vomits repeatedly (especially after a head injury).
• has significant swelling of the face.
• appears to have a broken jaw.
• seems to have inhaled or swallowed a piece of a broken tooth, and coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing could be signs of a serious airway problem.

First Aid While Help Is Arranged

Dental first aid supplies

• Bleeding from the gums, tongue, lips, etc. Apply gentle pressure to the injured area using gauze or a damp cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop or seems severe, seek immediate medical attention.

• Swelling on the face (not inside the mouth) Apply a cold pack or compress. Seek medical attention if swelling persists or appears severe.

• Deep cuts to the face or mouth, especially if they won’t stop bleeding or appear very long/deep, require immediate medical attention.
• Suspected jaw injuries require immediate medical attention.

• Food and medicine. Feed your child only soft foods. Have your child avoid chewing on the injured side of the mouth. You can give your child over-the-counter children’s pain relievers if necessary. Do not exceed recommended dosages and do not place aspirin on the gums or tooth (aspirin will burn the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth). Follow the directions on the medicine’s label or follow the dentist’s or doctor’s directions for dosage.

Details to Have Ready

When calling an office with a dental emergency, be prepared to discuss your child’s injuries, including how long ago the injury occurred, whether it involved a baby or adult tooth, changes in his/her bite, swelling, bleeding, tooth sensitivity, injury to the head, etc. Take a picture of the tooth, if necessary. Bring any avulsed (knocked out) teeth, as covered at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21579-avulsed-tooth, or broken pieces with you to the office.

Category:   Well-Being

Depression that persists despite therapy and medication can leave people unsure what to try next. Interventional psychiatry includes medically supervised treatments that target brain activity or use alternative medication pathways.  These approaches don’t replace diagnostic assessment or ongoing care, and they don’t suit everyone.

Learning how clinicians assess treatment-resistant depression and what each option involves helps patients ask focused questions. The first step is recognizing when a different approach makes clinical sense.

Before recommending a procedure, a clinician reviews treatment history, symptom severity, side effects, medical history, and personal goals. People considering interventional psychiatry services should ask how a treatment fits with existing therapy and medication. A thorough review also clarifies eligibility, the visit schedule, medical supervision, and follow-up, so patients understand the plan before deciding whether to proceed.

Why Treatment Resistance Warrants Reassessment

Treatment-resistant depression describes depression that has not improved after standard treatments. The service page describes options for people whose symptoms persist despite traditional therapy or medication alone. That history calls for a fresh assessment. An incomplete response may reflect diagnosis, treatment fit, side effects, or other clinical factors.

Clinicians review which treatments a person tried, how consistently they used them, and what changed. They also assess current symptoms, safety concerns, medical history, and medications. This helps determine whether an intervention is appropriate or whether the person needs another plan or further evaluation.

What Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato Involve

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and Spravato treat depression through different methods. Clinicians explain each option’s procedures, eligibility requirements, and medical oversight. Neither guarantees a specific result; response varies, and treatment requires clinical review.

●      Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. The procedure is non-invasive and does not deliver medication. A clinician reviews the person’s diagnosis and treatment history, then explains whether this option fits and what the session schedule and monitoring involve.

●      Spravato

Spravato is esketamine, a nasal spray used with an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression or depressive symptoms with suicidal thoughts. A patient receives the medication under medical supervision, not independently at home. Before treatment, the clinician reviews medical factors and current medications, then explains observation and follow-up requirements.

How Clinicians Choose and Monitor Treatment

An intervention belongs within a broader treatment plan. The service page describes care that integrates therapy, medication management, and ongoing support rather than treating a procedure as a standalone solution. Coordination helps clinicians track symptoms and daily functioning over time.

Before recommending treatment, the care team reviews the diagnosis, prior responses, current symptoms, and medical suitability. Patients should understand why a particular option fits, which alternatives remain, and what could prompt an adjustment.

Monitoring continues after sessions begin. Check-ins help clinicians assess changes in symptoms and side effects, revisit treatment goals, and coordinate with other providers when needed. Patients can prepare for these visits by noting changes in mood, sleep, and daily function, along with questions that arise between appointments.

What Patients Should Ask

Preparation makes an initial consultation more useful. Patients can bring a record of medications and therapy approaches, including how long they used each, the benefits, any side effects, and why treatment ended. A current medication list and relevant medical history also help the clinician assess safety and suitability.

Patients should ask why a treatment is recommended, how often sessions occur, what supervision involves, and how the plan connects with existing care. They can also ask about insurance coordination and whom to contact if symptoms worsen. Clear answers help set realistic expectations before treatment begins.

How Progress is Judged

Clinicians measure progress against a person’s symptoms and daily life, not simply by counting completed sessions. They review mood, sleep, concentration, work or school function, and safety over time. Patients should describe changes plainly, including a lack of improvement or new difficulties.

An early response does not determine whether a treatment plan remains appropriate. At follow-up, the care team weighs benefits, side effects, and the patient’s priorities. Clinicians then continue, adjust, or change treatment as needed, based on observed response rather than assumptions.

Conclusion

Anyone considering an intervention should leave an evaluation knowing why it was recommended, how it fits ongoing care, and how clinicians will review progress. A practical next step is to gather treatment records and prepare questions about eligibility, session schedules, medical supervision, and coordination. A qualified clinician can review that information and explain whether transcranial magnetic stimulation, Spravato, or another plan fits the person’s needs before treatment begins.

Youth sports can give children a place to build skills, make friends, and experience healthy competition. But practices, games, travel, schoolwork, and pressure to perform can pile up. Eventually, a child who once loved the sport may start dreading it.

Coaches and parents should take that change seriously. Burnout is not simply a lack of motivation. It can signal that the physical or emotional demands of sports have exceeded a young athlete’s ability to recover.

Recognize Changes in Behavior

A drop in performance can be a warning sign, but burnout often appears elsewhere first. An athlete may become irritable before practice, complain frequently about being tired, lose interest in teammates, or ask to skip activities they previously enjoyed.

Physical symptoms matter too. Persistent soreness, frequent minor injuries, sleep problems, or headaches may point to excessive training or inadequate recovery.

Look for patterns rather than reacting to one difficult practice. Every athlete has frustrating days. A noticeable change that continues for several weeks deserves attention.

Find Out What Is Driving the Stress

Burnout does not have one cause. Some children are physically exhausted from playing the same sport year-round. Others feel pressure from competition, coaches, parents, or their own expectations.

A private conversation can help identify the source. Ask open questions about practices, teammates, games, and how the athlete feels about continuing. Avoid immediately offering solutions.

Adults should also examine the messages surrounding competition. Constant attention to rankings, statistics, playing time, or the numbers displayed on basketball scoreboards can make results seem more important than learning and participation.

Adjust the Workload

Sometimes the athlete needs less, not more. Adding extra practices after performance declines can make exhaustion worse.

Coaches can temporarily reduce training volume, build lighter sessions into the schedule, or give athletes breaks from repetitive drills. Parents can look at the child’s full calendar. Sports may be manageable alone but exhausting when combined with homework, private lessons, tournaments, and other activities.

Sleep is particularly important for growing children. Consistently sacrificing sleep for early practices or late games can interfere with recovery.

Give Athletes Some Control

Children benefit from having an appropriate voice in their sports experience. Coaches can offer choices during practice, set individual skill goals, and recognize effort that has nothing to do with winning.

Parents can ask whether a child still wants to participate at the same level. A young athlete may love the sport but no longer enjoy an intense travel schedule. Changing teams, reducing commitments, or taking a season off does not automatically mean the child has failed. Persistent anxiety, major mood changes, physical symptoms, or loss of interest in activities outside sports may require help from a pediatrician or mental health professional.

Good coaching involves knowing when to push and when to reduce pressure. Adults who notice changes early, listen carefully, and protect recovery can help young athletes develop a healthier relationship with competition. Success in youth sports should include something beyond wins and statistics: a child who still wants to play. Look over the infographic below to learn more.