As we bring in the New Year, Mid-State Health Center’s pediatric and adolescent team encourages the community to prioritize their health and well-being with some healthy tips for families. They emphasize the importance of taking a step back and evaluating how families are caring for themselves and each other in the coming year.

There are many ways to help foster a stronger and healthier 2024 for you and your family, but here are some key recommendations from Mid-State’s Pediatric and Adolescent Team.

1. Stay Up to Date on Immunizations: Ensure your child’s vaccinations are current to protect against preventable diseases such as flu and COVID.
2. Read Together: Foster a love for reading by making it a family activity, promoting bonding and literacy skills.
3. Get Outside and Explore: Spending time outdoors can be a great mood booster, and help families get needed physical activity and vitamin D while enjoying time in nature.
4. Check Car Seat Limits for Safety: Kids grow so fast and they can easily outgrow car seats faster than parents realize. Regularly assess and update your child’s car seat to ensure optimal safety during travel.
5. Cook Together as a Family: Create lasting memories and promote healthy eating habits by involving the whole family in meal preparation.
6. Mind Your Mental Health: When was your last check-up? Did you get a good night’s sleep? Depression and anxiety can affect both moms and dads during and after pregnancy, extending up to three years after childbirth. Ensure you reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any concerns.

Dr. Nettie Colella, Mid-State’s Pediatrician, “Your child’s provider can help you with your child’s health, but we care about parents too. We can give general guidance on self-care. When parents are feeling their best, they create a healthy environment for children to thrive.”

Mid-State’s ‘whole person’ approach to health care encourages the treatment of the whole patient and family, with a range of services under one roof. Make a positive start to the year by scheduling an appointment with Mid-State Health Center for your child or yourself.  To schedule an appointment, please call Mid-State Health Center at 603-536-4000. For additional information, visit their website at www.midstatehealth.org.