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The Ultimate Guide to Mammograms

Posted on by vnahealthdeve

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women after skin cancer. With around 290,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year, it accounts for about 30% of all cancers diagnosed in women. About 43,000 women die from breast cancer every year.

While these figures may sound grim, there is still plenty of hope. Around 90% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to survive longer than 5 years. But it is important to note that the chances of survival largely depend on the early detection of cancer.

A proven and reliable way to identify the presence of breast cancer is by taking a mammogram. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about mammograms, including:

  • What are mammograms?
  • Why are mammograms important?
  • Who should take a mammogram?
  • How to prepare for a mammogram?

What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray image of your breast. It is taken using an x-ray machine designed to focus on the breast tissue. Since these images are only limited to a small part of your body, the diagnostic machines use lower dose x-rays than regular equipment. The technique of using x-rays on breasts is called mammography.

The main purpose of a mammogram is to check for breast cancers. Mammography is quite reliable at finding early signs of cancer in your breast. Mammograms are much more effective at this than a breast self-exam where you use your hands to check for lumps in the breast. With that said, it does not undermine the importance of women being familiar with their breasts, which often leads women to seek a mammogram on the suspicion of an abnormality in the external breast tissue.

There are generally two types of mammograms:

  • Screening mammograms
  • Diagnostic mammograms

What Are Screening Mammograms?

Screening mammograms are short procedures that only take around 10–15 minutes. A screening mammogram is done on a woman who has no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. The purpose of a screening mammogram is to look for hidden signs of cancer deep inside the breast tissue.

Doctors usually recommend screening mammograms for women of certain age groups. They are also recommended to young women if they have a family history, genetic conditions, or any other reason for higher cancer risk. Such mammograms are taken annually, or at regular intervals like 1–2 years to diagnose breast disease.

In a screening mammogram, a specially trained doctor (a radiologist) will check the breast imaging after it is taken. They will then submit a report with their findings to your doctor. Screening mammograms are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid for women above the age of 40.  The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap tests to eligible women. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. The program has been providing breast and cervical cancer screenings to the women of Illinois since 1995. VNA’s Women’s Health team will assist with registration for this program if eligible.

What Are Diagnostic Mammograms?

If a woman’s screening mammogram shows any signs of cancer, the doctor will order a diagnostic mammogram as a follow-up procedure. Diagnostic mammograms are also prescribed for women who are showing other symptoms like lumps, pain in the breast, changes in shape, etc.

Diagnostic mammograms are usually taken in the presence of a radiologist. They will check the results immediately and decide if further tests are needed. If there are clear abnormalities in the breast, the radiologist will order additional scans and ultrasounds of the affected breast.

What Happens During a Mammogram?

what happens during a mammogram?

Many women want to know how is mammogram done. At first, the healthcare provider at the mammography facility will ask about your family history. They will also ask if you have had a mammogram in the past. After this, you will be taken to a waiting room. A mammogram is taken in a special room used exclusively for women undergoing this process.

Once you enter the mammogram room, you will have to undress from the waist upwards for this procedure. You will be given a gown for privacy.  The nurse or x-ray technologist may place some stickers on some parts of your breast. If you have any skin marks or birthmarks on your breast, they may show up on a mammogram. The stickers help prevent any confusion when the technologist or radiologist is looking at the image. Sometimes, the nurse may also place stickers on your nipples to mark their position on the mammogram. This helps the medical imaging specialists during the mammogram.

Finally, the technician will ask you to stand in front of the x-ray machine. The x-ray machine will have a special plate-like surface – the nurse/technician will place your breast on this surface. Only one breast is placed at a time on the machine.

To hold your breast still for the scan, another plate will press down on your breast from above. You may feel some pressure and discomfort at this point as the two plastic plates flatten your breast. This is important for more accurate detection of any abnormal tissues inside the breast.

The machine will take x-ray images of your breast from several angles to get a complete picture. Typically, each mammogram is made up of two x-rays, one taken from the sides and another from the top/front.

The process is repeated for both your breasts. The x-rays are taken relatively quickly and the whole process should not take more than 10–15 minutes maximum. The technician will check the images to ensure that they have been taken properly.

The results are then sent to a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in medical imaging and scans. The radiologist will evaluate your mammogram and send the results to your doctor. You can expect to receive your mammogram results a few weeks after the procedure.

Are Mammograms Painful or Uncomfortable?

In general, some women may find mammograms somewhat uncomfortable. The plates pressing down on the breast can feel awkward and a bit unpleasant, even if it is only for a few minutes. A skilled and compassionate nurse/technician can help reduce the general feeling of uneasiness.

In exceptional cases, a woman may experience pain during a mammogram. This is often due to one of the following factors:

  • The size and shape of the breasts.
  • How firmly they need to be pressed.
  • Menstruation – breasts are often more sensitive during periods.
  • If mammography is done after breast surgery or breast biopsy.

It is entirely normal to experience at least some discomfort from a mammogram. The level of discomfort/pain will vary widely though. Some women feel nothing at all. Some feel slight pain and have minor bruising on the breast – which might happen more in patients who are taking any blood-thinning medication.

Unlike other medical procedures, like biopsies, a mammogram is generally painless. You don’t experience any continued pain or discomfort once the procedure is completed.

How to Prepare for a Mammogram?

There are several things that you can do to reduce the level of discomfort and improve the chances of a quick and successful mammogram procedure. They include the following:

  • Avoid scheduling your visit when you are close to your period to reduce the chance of breast tenderness and pain.
  • Wear separate clothing pieces – this way, you don’t have to remove your entire outfit for the mammogram.
  • Avoid using deodorants, perfumes, or powder on the day of the mammogram as they can show up as white spots on the x-ray image.
  • Inform the staff if you have any breast implants – they may need more x-rays for a better picture.
  • Taking an over-the-counter medication like aspirin or acetaminophen can reduce the risk of pain (consult your health care provider before doing this).

Why Are Mammograms So Important?

why are mammograms so important ?

Doctors have been using mammograms to diagnose breast cancer in women for several decades now. They have yet to discover a better, simpler, or safer way to find signs of breast cancer sooner than mammograms.

Early detection of breast cancer is very important to improve your chances of survival. Other techniques like checking your breast for lumps with your fingers will only find cancer once it has developed to a larger stage.

With a mammogram, you can often detect cancer three years before it reaches the stage where lumps form. The longer you allow cancer to spread undetected can lower your chances of survival by a huge factor.

After some time, cancer will spread from its original starting point to other organs and parts of the body. Once this happens, the disease becomes harder to cure. Here is a quick look at the 5-year survival rate for breast cancers at different stages:

  • Localized – cancer has not spread outside the breast – 99% survival rate.
  • Regional – cancer has spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes – 86% survival rate.
  • Distant – cancer has spread to lungs, liver, and other organs – 29% survival rate.

It is quite clear that with an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, you have a much better chance of surviving for 5 years or more. This is why mammograms are so important – if healthcare providers can find breast cancer early, they can help save lives.

Who Should Get Regular (Annual) Mammograms?

According to the guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society:

  • Women in the age group of 40–44 may choose to undergo an annual mammogram if they want periodic breast cancer screening.
  • Women in the age group of 45–54 are recommended to have their mammograms done every year.
  • Women in the age group of 55 and above may either continue annual screening or undergo mammograms once every two years.
  • All women should be aware of the recognized benefits and limitations of breast cancer screening.

Annual mammograms are particularly recommended for women who are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer or have a known family history of this disease. The majority of breast cancers are detected in women who are above the age of 50. Relatively few women under the age of 45 get breast cancer. This is why doctors usually keep 40 as the minimum age when you need to start getting regular screening mammograms.

However, this is not a fixed guideline. Your risk of getting cancer can depend on many other factors as well. Your healthcare provider will evaluate all these factors and decide on the importance of annual mammograms.

Here are some common factors other than old age that put women at an increased risk of breast cancer:

  • Genetics – Some women inherit specific genes from their parents, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, and are at higher risk of breast tissue and ovarian cancer.
  • Family History – If other women in your immediate family have a history of breast cancer, you may be at a higher risk.
  • Menstruation – If you had your first period before the age of 12 or started menopause after 55, your body is at a higher risk of breast cancer due to longer exposure to hormones.
  • Ethnicity/Race – Black women are more at risk of developing breast cancer than women of other ethnicities. They are also at higher risk of developing breast cancer before the age of 45.
  • Medical History – Exposure to certain drugs or radiation for the treatment of other cancers early in life can put you at higher risk of breast cancer.

Doctors may also consider other factors like obesity, hormone therapy, getting pregnant after 30, and alcohol/tobacco/drug use before deciding your level of risk for breast cancer. If you are at higher risk, the doctors may prescribe early annual screening mammograms.

Are There Any Side Effects or Risks From Mammograms?

One primary risk that many people worry about with any type of x-ray is exposure to radiation. But the radiation risk from mammograms is fairly insignificant when compared to other types of x-rays.

One of the challenges for women is the anxiety that undergoing a mammogram may create. Some women may want to avoid going through this experience of anxiety and decide not to go for annual mammograms. This is putting yourself at unnecessary risk – the minor extra anxiety is well worth the chance of saving your life. Furthermore, once you have had a mammogram, you will know how safe, quick, and painless the experience is, and it will give you the confidence to have regular screenings in the future.

Mammogram Costs and Insurance Coverage

Mammogram Costs And Insurance Coverage

According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), screening mammograms have insurance coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans. For eligible women, the insurance provider will pay for 100% of the cost of a screening mammogram and you will not have to pay anything. But the eligibility age and the number of free screenings can vary depending on the program and healthcare provider. Here are some examples:

Medicaid

Women between 20 and 39 will get one paid mammogram screening test if they are in a high-risk category for breast tissue cancer. For other women, it is one mammogram between the ages 35–39 and free yearly mammograms after the age of 40.

Private/Market Plans

For private plans, most insurance companies offer free annual mammograms for women over the age of 40. Many companies may also offer free annual screenings for women above 30 if they are in high-risk groups.

Diagnostic mammograms are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and virtually all private insurance plans. Without insurance, a diagnostic mammogram can cost above $280. In contrast, screening mammograms are less expensive, costing between $100 to $250.

Mammograms Without Insurance Coverage

There are several government programs that provide free or low-cost screening mammograms to women who are uninsured or lack full coverage. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) runs a program for free mammograms under National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

Many local programs receive funding from the NBCCEDP. In Illinois, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) provides free mammograms to women with the following qualifications:

  • Illinois residents
  • Have no insurance coverage
  • Between the ages 35 and 64

Other national cancer organizations like the American Breast Cancer Foundation and National Breast Cancer Foundation all have special programs for mammogram financial assistance for women from low-income groups.

You might also be eligible for free or low-cost mammograms from state Medicaid even if you are not already enrolled.  VNA’s Women’s Health team will help determine your eligibility and will assist with registration if applicable.

Contact VNA Health Care to Schedule a Free/Low-Cost Mammogram

VNA Health Care is a not-for-profit organization providing high-quality, affordable health care services to communities in suburban Chicagoland and other outlying areas in Illinois. We are the leading agency for free mammograms under the IBCCP in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee, and Will counties. If you are above the age of 40 or in the high-risk category for breast cancer, make an appointment for a screening mammogram at VNA Health Care today.

To learn more about mammograms, visit our website.

Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

Do I Really Need to Get My Well-Woman Exam Every Year?

Posted on by vnahealthdeve

A woman’s body is incredibly strong and resilient. Several unique organ systems make a woman capable of giving birth to another human being and providing it with vital nourishment. But these complex organ systems are also vulnerable to a number of disorders and diseases.

While both men and women can benefit greatly from annual health check-ups, the presence of the complex reproductive system in a woman makes it even more important to undergo a periodic well-woman exam. In this blog post, we will explore the following topics:

  • What is a well-woman exam?
  • Why is a well-woman exam important?
  • What procedures are included in a well-woman exam?
  • How to prepare for a well-woman exam?

VNA Health Care is committed to providing access to quality and affordable healthcare services for women in the Chicago suburbs. Our services include annual well-woman exams for women of all age groups. In this post, we will also explain in detail the different procedures you can utilize at low cost or free of cost as part of the VNA Health Care well-woman exam.

What Is a Well-Woman Exam?

A well-woman exam is also called a wellness visit, gynecological exam, or an annual exam. The wellness exam is carried out by a licensed medical practitioner who is either a gynecology doctor, primary healthcare physician, or nurse practitioner. These are professionals who have been trained in women’s health and understand the changing healthcare needs of the female body over the years.

A well-woman visit looks at the different parts of the female body and includes the following procedures:

  • Breast examination
  • Pelvic exam
  • Checking for sexually transmitted diseases
  • Screening for cancer (breast cancer screening and cervical cancer screening)
  • General health exam

As you can see, a well-woman visit is not solely focused on the uterus or the breasts. It is a complete medical check-up of the body, including reproductive health. Generally, most women take their first well-woman exam sometime in their late teen years.

It’s a good idea to take a wellness visit if you are a sexually active teenager. Otherwise, any time between 18 and 21 years is a good time to start taking an annual well-woman visit. Ideally, you should be taking these visits regularly from the age of 21.

As part of health and human services, these well-woman care exams may also sometimes include a clinical breast exam, mental health screening, and screening for chronic disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus.

Why Is a Well-Woman Exam So Important?

Why Is a Well-Woman Exam So Important?

Conducting annual well-woman exams can have a vital impact on your overall health and even help avoid an early death from certain cancers. These preventive health services visits are an important part of women’s health care. Here are some of the key reasons why you should go for a wellness visit every year without fail:

Prevention or Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

For starters, the pelvic exam and pap smear test are the only way to detect early signs of cervical cancer. It is a type of cancer caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus or HPV. At one point in time, cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of cancer death in American women.

Encouragingly, with regular pap smear tests and pelvic exams, we have successfully reduced the incidence of deaths due to cervical cancer, but it still poses health risks. Each year, around 14,000 new cases of cervical cancer are discovered and it results in the death of over 4,200 women.

The most common type of cervical cancer starts with some changes in the uterus. This is called the pre-cancerous stage. If you detect cancer in this early stage, the disease can be treated and prevented from growing into full-blown cancer.

Since a well-woman visit always includes some type of screening for cervical cancer, it could help save your life.

Prevention or Early Detection of Breast Cancer

While the occurrence of cervical cancer is relatively infrequent, the same cannot be said about breast cancer. After skin cancer, it is the second most common type of cancer found among women in the United States. Breast cancer is also the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, behind lung cancer.

Any woman (and even some men) can get cancer in their breasts. Almost 30% of all new cancers detected in women each year are breast cancers. If you are an American woman, your chances of developing breast cancer at some point in life are 1 in 8 or about 13%.

Early detection is critical for a positive outcome from breast cancer treatment. The best way to screen for breast cancer is via a mammogram – an x-ray of the breast. It can help detect the very early signs of cancer deep inside the breast tissue, at least three years before you would be able to feel it as breast lumps. With early detection, you might be able to avoid breast removal as well.

Breast cancer is more common among women above the age of 40 so annual mammograms are included as part of your wellness visits beginning at this age.

Improve Your Reproductive Health

Numerous disorders and diseases can affect the reproductive system. They include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other disorders.

These can affect your ability to have a healthy sex life and safe pregnancies. Annual medical check-ups during a well-woman exam can help solve many of these problems or at least keep them under control.

What to Expect from a Well-Woman Visit?

What to Expect from a Well-Woman Visit?

There are several different stages to a well-woman exam. Before the different procedures, the nurses or physicians at the facility will ask you about your medical history, family history, and any ongoing health concerns.

Common Questions Asked During a Well-Woman Exam

The doctor or nurse may ask the following questions:

  • How often do you get your period?
  • How long do your periods typically last?
  • Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding?
  • Do you experience bleeding/spotting between your periods?
  • Do you experience any itching, pain, or unusual discharge from your vagina?
  • What other medical conditions do you have (if any)?
  • Does anyone in your family have a history of major illnesses like cancers or heart disease?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • How often do you have sex and what kinds of sex (vaginal, anal, oral)?
  • How many sexual partners do you have and of what gender are your partners?
  • Do you suffer pain or bleed during or after sex?
  • Are you using birth control?
  • What protective measures do you use against STDs?
  • Do you plan to get pregnant any time soon?

While some of these questions are undoubtedly very personal and uncomfortable, it is vital that you provide honest and accurate answers to each. It will help the healthcare providers serve you better. And do keep in mind that there are strict laws about patient privacy – the physicians/nurses cannot reveal personal details to anyone outside a healthcare setting.

What to Expect During a Physical Exam?

The doctor/nurse will take your vital statistics like height and weight. They will also measure other things like your blood pressure and heart rate, and also listen to your lungs’ breathing. Furthermore, they will check your throat for any issues with the thyroid gland.

A basic examination of your abdomen is also conducted. If you are between the ages of 40 to 64, they may conduct the following cardiovascular disease tests using blood and urine samples:

  • Diabetes screening tests
  • Cholesterol screening tests
  • Screening for colon cancer
  • Scanning for bone density

The healthcare providers will check on your current vaccination status as well. These may include HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer (annual up to the age of 26), as well as shots for flu, tetanus, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and varicella.

What to Expect During a Breast Exam?

what to expect during a breast exam

Younger women under the age of 40 will usually receive a manual breast exam. The nurse or physician will use their hands to inspect and press your breasts and armpit areas. You will have to take off any clothes covering the breast area for this exam.

The doctor/nurse will first inspect the breasts with their eyes for any outward signs of illness, like rashes, discolorations, and visible lumps. Next, they will feel each breast with the tips of their fingers to check for any lumps inside. They will also check your nipples and the area under your armpits.

These healthcare providers are trained to look for any abnormalities. If they find anything unusual they will suggest further tests or scans. The most common scan to look for breast cancer is something called a mammogram.

If you are above the age of 40, a mammogram is usually included in the annual well-woman exam. Mammograms are also recommended for younger women who have a higher risk of getting breast cancer (due to a history of breast cancer in the family, genetic conditions, medication, etc).

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast taken using a special x-ray machine. A nurse or x-ray technologist will guide you through the whole process. You will be asked to stand in front of the mammogram machine. Your breasts will be placed between two plastic plates, one at a time.

The plates will squeeze the breast to keep it still for the scan. The entire process is usually completed within 15 minutes. While you may experience mild discomfort or pain, it will go away immediately.

What to Expect During a Pelvic Exam?

Many women dread the pelvic exam because the entire process can feel uncomfortable, weird, and an invasion of privacy. But the pelvic exam is a very powerful tool for your overall gynecological health and cancer prevention.

A pelvic exam consists of three main parts:

  • An examination of the outer vagina/vulva.
  • An examination of the inside of the vagina and cervix using a speculum.
  • An examination of the uterus using gloved hands.

The entire process only takes a few minutes. You will be asked to remove all your clothes and step into a gown. The doctor may provide an additional sheet to wrap around your waist for privacy and comfort.

Before the actual pelvic exam, the doctor may check your heart, lungs, and abdomen. During the pelvic exam, you will be asked to lie flat on the examination table with your knees bent, feet placed apart on the corners of the table, or in stirrups.

After looking at the outside of the vagina for any signs of infection or sores, the doctor will spread your vaginal walls by inserting an instrument called the speculum. It is shaped like a duck’s bill and made out of metal or plastic. It can cause some discomfort – tell the doctor if you feel any pain.

After looking at the inside of the vagina, the doctor will use two fingers to feel the inside of your abdomen. By pressing these fingers onto the uterus and ovaries, the doctor can check the size and shape. It will help detect any unusual growths or abnormalities.

The doctor can usually tell immediately if there are any issues that require additional tests or scans.

Are Pap Smears Included in a Pelvic Exam?

A pap smear is a test conducted during a pelvic exam to detect signs of cervical cancer. It involves collecting cervix cell samples from inside your vagina using a speculum and a brush. The cell samples are then sent to a lab to look for signs of cancer.

The whole process can be rather uncomfortable. There may also be light bleeding immediately after the collection of samples. The frequency of getting pap smears will vary depending on your age:

  • Between 21 and 29 – once every three years.
  • Between 30 and 64 – once every five years when combined with a test for HPV.

Pap smears are discontinued after the age of 64, or if you have surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). The doctor may recommend more frequent pap smears if you have any additional risk factors – a positive test for cervical cancer in the past, HIV infections, organ transplants, chemotherapy, steroid treatments, or a history of smoking.

Generally, if you are between the ages of 21 and 64, you can expect a pap smear (or HPV test) to be a part of your pelvic exam once every 3–5 years.

Difference Between a Pap Smear Test and an HPV Test

Both the pap test and HPV test are two different ways to screen for cervical cancer. Almost all forms of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. There are many types of HPV viruses, some cause harmless warts while others cause dangerous cancers.

A pap smear test uses cell samples from inside your vagina to look for signs of cancer. In contrast, an HPV test looks for the presence of high-risk HPV viruses inside your vagina. Both medical tests use samples from the same area inside the cervix, the lower end of the uterus.

If you get a positive pap test, it means that you need treatment to prevent the growth of cancer. A positive HPV test means that high-risk strains of the virus exist inside your body. This is a warning sign – even if you don’t have cancer right now, there is a high chance of it developing in the future.

If you get a positive HPV test, the doctor may recommend more frequent pap smear tests during future well-woman exams as a precaution.

Counseling After Your Well-Woman Visit

After the completion of the various procedures, the healthcare provider may suggest further measures to improve your overall health. This can include optional information regarding contraception – you can seek guidance regarding birth control measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

For older women above the age of 45, the healthcare provider may also include counseling for menopause. This will include discussions regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to increase the level of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It may be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving bone health (preventing osteoporosis).

VNA Health Care Provides Free/Low-Cost Well-Woman Exams

VNA Health Care is a highly dependable and accredited non-profit organization working with underserved communities throughout suburban Chicago. We provide high-quality, low-cost access to essential medical services, including family medicine, pediatrics, senior care, pregnancy care, and vaccinations, with extra focus on women’s health and primary care.

Under the Affordable Care Act, annual well-woman exams are completely free and covered in full by insurance plans as a preventive benefit. To get a well-woman exam free, all you have to do is get the procedure done at a healthcare provider that accepts your insurance plan.

VNA Health Care accepts all major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and other private market insurance plans. Even if you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost wellness exams at our health centers. To learn more, call our appointment line at (630) 892-4355 today.

Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

As a New Parent, Here Are Important Baby And Toddler Milestones

Posted on by vnahealthdeve

Parents know that they should take their child to a doctor in case they suspect something is wrong with their little one’s health. But visits to a pediatrician are just as important when it comes to marking health and developmental milestones for a baby.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infant and toddler check-ups must be conducted at specific times to measure a baby’s development. They have issued a “periodicity schedule” which includes a timetable of well-child checkups and screenings beginning from the first week of infancy through adolescence. These checkups help mark baby milestones and make sure your child is on track in their first year of life and beyond.

In this post, you’ll find a brief overview of these important developmental milestones to ensure your baby is growing at a healthy rate.

What Is a Well-Child Visit?

Young children need to go to a nurse practitioner or pediatrician for multiple well-child visits during the first four years of their life. These visits involve a doctor or nurse practitioner checking your child over to make sure they are healthy and developing as anticipated.

It is similar to your annual physical, but instead of every year, your baby needs to go in for these health assessments every few weeks since they are growing so rapidly. During these visits, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems regarding the child’s development early, when they might be easier to treat. You can also ask about your child’s sleeping habits, eating habits, and behavior during these appointments.

Here is what you can expect from each of these visits:

Wellness Checkup #1: Three to Seven Days Old

It’s recommended that all babies who are breastfeeding, firstborn, or who are at an increased risk for jaundice be seen by a doctor at 3 to 7 days of life. This is the time when your baby will receive the Hepatitis B vaccine (if they didn’t get it in the hospital within 24 hours of birth).

At this checkup, the pediatrician will take a look at the results of two screenings – blood and hearing – that all newborns receive in the hospital. Based on these results, the doctor may order additional screenings or refer you to a specialist.

Their weight and height will also be measured during this appointment to ensure your infant’s development is on track.

Wellness Checkup #2: One Month Old

It’s time for your baby to receive the second dose of Hepatitis B vaccines. While most babies receive this dosage during their first month, some may get it at the 2-month checkup. Your pediatrician will again weigh and measure your baby and perform a physical exam. You may be asked about how well your infant is eating and their feeding schedule.

They may also ask about how you are feeling. If you have been feeling sad, anxious, or anything else, know that you are not alone and your pediatrician can help.

Wellness Checkup #3: Two Months Old

Another major milestone in the baby’s first year is when they turn 2 months old. During this checkup, they will receive vaccinations for disease control of 7–8 different illnesses such as rotavirus vaccine, inactivated polio vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, haemophilus influenza type V vaccine, and the diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine, among others.

New parents often get intimidated by the sheer number of shots given to their baby at once, but please know that this is completely safe and normal. Also, the doctors sometimes combine these shots so there’s less pricking.

Wellness Checkup #4: Four Months Old

As your baby’s growth continues, their doctor will check their behavioral and psychosocial development in addition to the physical one.

This is also the time for second doses of vaccines mentioned above (at two months old). They may also receive a blood screening to catch any early signs of anemia. You may be asked whether your baby is drinking anything other than breast milk or iron-fortified baby formula, as it can lead to anemia.

Some babies begin to hold their head steady without support and recognize familiar sounds by the age of 4 months, so the doctor may ask you questions about that as well.

Wellness Checkup #5: Six Months Old

Both the AAP and CDC recommend the seasonal flu shot for kids 6 months of age and older. If your child’s pediatrician has the flu vaccine available, make sure to ask them to administer it to your baby. Also, most infants and children up to 8 years old who are getting their flu shot for the first time need two doses, 4 weeks apart. If your baby gets their first dose at this appointment, be sure to follow up with their second dose.

Most babies develop their first tooth around 6 months, so the doctor may also apply fluoride varnish to that first tooth and refer your child to the dentist. The ability of your little one to grab hand toys and differentiate facial expressions is supposed to develop in the first 6 months, so if you have any questions about that, feel free to ask the doctor.

Wellness Checkup #6: Nine Months Old

By this time you may have reached other important baby milestones, for example, your baby may have started staying in a sitting position by themselves or even started crawling. Your pediatrician can guide you through what to expect as they become more active.

In addition to all the routine weight and height checks, the doctor will be looking at your baby’s gums for signs of teeth. While most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, some might be latecomers as they all grow at a different pace.

At this age, many babies are laughing, babbling, interacting with themselves in the mirror, rolling over in both directions, bringing stuff to their mouth, and playing with their toes. They are also starting to munch on finger foods around 8–9 months.

Again, keep in mind that children develop at their own pace and every baby is unique. But if you still have any concerns about your baby’s milestones talk to the doctor.

Wellness Check #7: Milestone Baby’s First Year (12 Months Old)

By this time your toddler is probably able to identify familiar objects and are standing and walking on their own while holding onto something (or someone). Some babies reach this milestone at around 15–18 months or even later so there’s nothing to worry about if your tot baby is a little late.

During this wellness check, your baby may receive vaccines for chickenpox, Hepatitis A, measles, mumps and rubella. They may also be due for a booster shot for earlier immunizations. Based on your child’s health and any risk factors, the doctor may also test their blood pressure, vision, hearing, upper body strength, hands and knees position, and blood lead level.

First birthday is one of the important milestones for babies. They would generally be responding to simple verbal requests, simple commands, familiar faces, simple gestures, and have some hand-eye coordination at one year mark. At this time, the pediatrics medical director or their team may identify any developmental delays.

Why Well-Child Visits Are Crucial at Major Milestones

As you can see, during these visits, your baby’s doctor checks them over from head to toe for certain milestones, which can be helpful in many ways:

They Help Prevent Illness

Your baby receives much-needed vaccines during these visits, plus, the pediatrician makes sure they are getting sufficient nutrition and sleep which is paramount in preventing a lot of diseases and disorders in babies.

For example, lack of sleep can lead to a poor immune system and developmental disabilities later on. If your baby is not sleeping as much as they should, or they seem unable to recognize familiar people even by the age of 12 months, your doctor will be able to identify the cause and recommend the best course of action.

They Help Track Physical Growth Milestones

As they continue to grow older, babies learn how to behave, how to identify objects correctly, how to respond to stimuli like bright lights and loud sounds, how to grasp toys and other small objects, and so on. If your child is not reaching these certain milestones by the time they are supposed to, their doctor can tell you exactly why that is and take appropriate measures.

They Help Answer Your Important Questions

You probably have a long list of questions regarding your child’s eating, sleeping, behavior, cognitive milestones, birth defects, etc. The regular wellness checks are an excellent time to get all these concerns addressed.

Your baby’s doctor not only keeps track of their health, but can also help you with a variety of other issues such as how to handle separation anxiety, how to cope with postpartum depression, and more.

Schedule a Well-Child Visit Today

Vaccinations are just one reason to take your child to visit a doctor. At VNA Health Care, we provide detailed medical examinations for infants and children, which also include:

  • Complete physicals
  • Vision and hearing checks
  • Routine blood tests (when necessary)
  • Developmental screenings for learning disabilities, speech delay, and autism
  • Screening for anxiety and depression
  • Referrals to specialty care (when necessary)
  • A time to ask any questions you may have

Call us today at (630) 892-4355 or schedule a well-child visit online at any of our 12 centers located across Suburban Chicago.

What Foods Can Promote Good Vision?

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You may have heard that old saying; you are what you eat. It couldn’t be more true when it comes to vision care. The food you eat has a direct impact on your eye health and overall well-being, especially as you age. Even if you have a really good eye vision right now, doing what you can to proactively maintain eye health will be helpful as you get older.

Some of the most common vision problems that usually develop in older adults can be a result of underlying health conditions.

  • Glaucoma is a condition where your eye’s optic nerve gets damaged. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over the age of 60.
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is common in people aged 50 and above. It is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, leading to reduced or blurred central vision.
  • A cataract is another age-related eye disease that causes clouding of the eye’s lens and gets worse with age.

Genetics do play a part in some of these conditions, however, you can significantly reduce the risk of age-related eye disease by adopting a healthy diet.

Nutrients You Need To Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Eyes are made up of nerves, blood vessels, and microscopic arteries. Eyes function like any other part of your body, i.e., they need oxygen as well as a wide range of nutrients to function well. Most of these nutrients are easily found in food:

Vitamin A: It nourishes your corneas and helps create the pigments that allow your retinas to work properly. The leading cause of preventable blindness in children across the globe is actually a deficiency of this essential vitamin. If you want to eat foods rich in vitamin A, include red and orange color fruits and vegetables in your diet; they contain beta carotene which is converted into vitamin A in the body.

Vitamin E: Eating foods rich in vitamin E can provide eye protection against damaging free radicals, preventing age-related decline in your vision.

Vitamin C: This antioxidant vitamin leads to collagen production which provides structure to your eyes. Several studies have shown that it can prevent cataracts and age-related eye diseases such as AMD.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids help reduce the risk of glaucoma caused by high eye pressure. They can also help prevent and treat dry eye syndrome, a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay wet.

Minerals and Antioxidants: Studies suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin can protect your eyes from potentially dangerous UV rays in sunlight. There is also evidence that a high level of these two antioxidants is linked with better night vision. Minerals like copper and zinc are also crucial for a healthy retina as they help prevent blurry vision trouble due to constant exposure to sunlight.

10 Foods You Should Eat for Healthy Eyes

According to the National Eye Institute, one way to maintain healthy eyesight is by eating a healthy diet. Now that you know what nutrients you need for healthy visual development, take a look at the following foods that can improve your eyesight and overall health of the eyes:

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and turnip greens, and other green vegetables like collard greens, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and broccoli are powerhouses of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that can reduce the likelihood of developing many eye disorders.

Eggs

The yolk of eggs contains vitamin A, zinc, and important antioxidants that are all vital to eye health. Including eggs in your breakfast can greatly reduce the risk of vision loss that comes with an aging eye.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines are rich in vitamin C, which contributes to healthy blood vessels in your eyes. It can prevent age-related eye damage by developing and repairing new tissue cells. It should be noted that eating fresh fruits is not the same as drinking a glass of packaged orange juice which is chock-full of added sugars. Make sure to eat whole fruits whenever you can.

Cold Water Fish

Fish and fish oil supplements are great sources of omega 3 fatty acids which help maintain healthy eyes. Medically reviewed journals have found that eating fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel can prevent dry eyes as well. Just be aware that fish and other seafoods also contain a lot of mercury. Wild caught fish is also good for healing your gut and body tissue from inflammation.

Red Bell Peppers

Due to a high concentration of vitamin C, red bell peppers are really good for the blood vessels in your eyes. Research indicates that incorporating them raw into your diet can lower your risk of getting cataracts.

Beans and Legumes

Kidney beans, lentils, and black-eyed peas are great sources of zinc and bioflavonoids – both of which can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration and can protect the retina. Zinc also helps guard the eyes from damaging UV light.

Nuts and Seeds

Flax, chia, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds are high in omega-3s and vitamin E. The same goes for cashews, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts. Consuming nuts and seeds can protect your eyes against unstable molecules that target healthy tissue.

Lean Meat

High-quality beef is rich in zinc and vitamin A, which are highly beneficial for your retina and cornea (the outer layer of the eye). Pork and poultry also contains some amount of zinc, but not as much as beef.

Black Currant Seed Oil

Black currants are packed with linoleic acid and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are also found in vitamin C and can prove beneficial in treating dry eye syndrome. Clinical interventions show that these berries improve the eyes’ ability to see in the dark.

Sweet Potatoes

Full of beta carotene, these orange treats help prevent night blindness and dry eyes.

Note: If you are allergic to any of these foods, please talk to your primary care provider or an eye doctor to find alternative sources or the right nutritional supplements for you.

Schedule Your Annual Eye Test Today

Taking control of your diet is the first step toward a healthy lifestyle. Your next step should be to go for an eye examination every year to ensure your eye health is perfect. At VNA Health Care, we offer annual eye exams to catch preventable health issues early. VNA’s vision clinic is located our health center at 400 North Highland Avenue, Aurora IL 60506.

Don’t have insurance? Don’t worry – contact us at (630) 892-4355 to see if you qualify for a free exam and free pair of glasses, courtesy of a generous grant by Lions Club District 1-J.

How Much Sleep Should a Baby Get And How It Impacts Their Growth

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Sound sleep is vital for any individual’s health, but in babies and young children, it also has a direct impact on their development. Think about it; a baby goes through several developmental milestones in terms of their brain, body, behavior, and emotions – and all this growth largely occurs when the baby is asleep. If the quality of their sleep is poor or they are not getting sufficient sleep, it can hinder the child’s development.

In light of this, it’s normal for parents to want to ensure that their baby is getting the sleep they need. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Sleep Foundation (NSF), a newborn (0–3 months old) needs about 14–18 hours of sleep; an infant (4–11 months old) needs 12–15 hours, and a toddler (1–2 years old) needs 11–14 hours of sleep every day.

The ranges are for total sleep including any naps. These are broad recommendations and they can go an hour up or down depending on your baby. Just use these times as a guideline while understanding that a healthy amount of sleep may vary from day to day or among different babies.

How Sleep Affects Your Baby’s Growth

Babies obviously spend the majority of their day (and night) sleeping. If you have ever wondered why that is, it’s because this period is paramount for healthy development of brain and body. Good, uninterrupted sleep leads to brain development, building networks, and engaging in activity that facilitates learning, thinking, language development, and behavior formation.

Sleep coupled with nutrition allows a baby to go through all the physical developmental stages as well; this includes learning motor skills, identifying objects correctly, making sounds, growing bigger, and more developmental milestones.

It’s normal for newborn babies to nap for 3–4 hours during the day. Research shows that frequent napping allows infants to bring together certain memories and improve the baby’s development. Naps also enable a more generalized memory as the baby grows, which is important for learning and infant development.

Here are some of the health aspects that are directly linked to sleep in newborns and infants:

Growth

Generally speaking, babies double their birth weight by 5 months and triple it by their first birthday. This is obviously a lot of growth in such a short period of time, and quality sleep plays a vital role in this.

There is a growth hormone, somatotropin, which is released in the body throughout the day. However, about 80% of this hormone is released soon after babies reach non-REM stage of sleep. Not receiving adequate sleep can stunt their physical growth.

A study recently demonstrated the link between growth spurts in body length and increased bursts of sleep. It concluded that growth spurts not only occur during sleep, but are also heavily influenced by it. Health professionals and researchers believe that this is due to the release of somatotropin during sleep.

Mental Development

The brain roughly doubles in size in the baby’s first year. Their mental growth and development occurs rapidly, and most of their learning is done while they are asleep. In one study, researchers found that children who slept normal hours had higher developmental scores, and kids who slept less had more “difficult” temperaments.

Just like adults and big kids, babies need sleep to build memory consolidation. Sleeping is how your baby strengthens their memories (about identifying familiar objects and people), and things they have learned while awake. It also helps them process and explore their environment at their own pace.

Healthy amounts of sleep, especially during the first year, is extremely important for a baby’s development because this is when your baby is learning all about their bodies and their surroundings. While no two babies of similar ages are going to have the same experiences, the first year is important for all children in terms of development.

Unhealthy Weight Gain

Research also shows that in most babies, short sleep duration can lead to childhood obesity. Studies have found enormous correlations between sleep and babies development in the first 6 months. Another study found that most children who received daily sleep of less than 12 hours were at increased risk of being overweight in pre-school.

Immune System

A baby’s immune system is still immature and not as robust as adults’ immune systems. Sleep plays an important role in developing their immunity. If your baby is sleep-deprived – particularly if they were born prematurely – they are more prone to infections and diseases, and it can affect their recovery.

If your baby is not getting some much-needed, uninterrupted sleep, it’s going to place a lot of strain on their body. While asleep, their immune system produces disease-fighting cells and antibodies. Sleep deprivation means their immune system doesn’t get the opportunity to develop these forces. If they don’t get enough sleep, their immune system will be lowered and they will be far more likely to get common cold or flu.

Make Sure Your Baby Is Getting the Sleep They Need: Schedule a Consultation Today

At VNA Health Care, we have board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners who provide preventive, chronic, and acute medical care to children from birth through age 21. After the age of 21, care is transitioned to a VNA family practice provider. We also provide pre-natal care throughout the pregnancy. After giving birth at the hospital, one of VNA’s hospital liaisons will visit you to schedule your baby for their first visit with a pediatrician.

Our healthcare providers can provide support to manage your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being as they reach certain milestones, such as making sure their vaccinations are up to date, assessing for developmental delays and behavioral problems, conducting school and sports physicals, and more.

With the goal of providing quality and compassionate health care to all, VNA has been the leading community healthcare provider serving the suburban Chicago area since 1918.

We hope the above guide helped you understand the importance of sleep for your baby. If you have any questions about any other baby topics or you are noticing warning signs regarding their lack of sleep, please schedule an appointment online or call us at (630) 892-4355.

The Link Between Sports Safety And Child Development

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If you want your child to grow into a well-rounded adult, encouraging them to be more active in sports is a great way to do it. Playing sports promotes the physical, social, and mental development of a child in several ways. For one, it improves their hand-eye coordination and overall physical fitness. It also helps them learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and how to create lifelong friendships.

As important as a team sport can be in your child’s development, unfortunately, it also puts them at risk of sports-related injuries.

Over 3.5 million kids who are 14 years or younger sustain sports injuries every year. In fact, sports and recreational activities contribute to nearly 21% of all traumatic brain injuries among kids in America. While most sports injuries are not life-threatening, it’s the parents’ and coaches’ duty to minimize the risk of these accidents.

How Do Sports Injuries Occur?

It is estimated that more than 775,000 children get admitted into hospital emergency rooms for injuries sustained due to intense sports activity. Most of these injuries occur because of collisions, falls, being struck by an object, and over-exertion during informal or unorganized sports activities.

However, injury is not the whole picture; research shows that kids who get injured while playing sports experience issues related to bone growth and soft tissues. This can severely damage the growth mechanisms in a child, both physical and mental.

By knowing the causes of injuries in sports and how to prevent them, you can help make athletics a better experience for your little one.

Children – especially those younger than 8 years old – can get injured for a variety of reasons. They are usually less coordinated at that age, with slower reaction times since they are still developing and growing. Also, children develop at different rates; despite being the same age, two kids can be extremely different in height and weight. When these kids of varying sizes play contact sports together, there is bound to be some bruises. Of course, as kids start to grow older and stronger, the extent and severity of injuries also increase.

The good news is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all safety sports injuries are preventable.

Safety Precautions to Prevent Sports Injuries

Most injuries can be avoided by following some general safety precautions. These include:

Schedule a Pre-Season Sports Physical

Every child should get a pre-participation physical exam (PPE) or general medical exam before they start playing team sports or organized sports. Exams like these help determine a child’s readiness to play a particular sport and diagnose any health issues that could limit their participation.

It’s also best to consult your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician about which sports and activities are best for your kid. Once you get the doctor’s approval, make sure to meet with the coaches before the first practice. Let the coach know about your kid’s medical history, especially if they have a condition like diabetes, asthma, or pollen allergy, which requires special attention.

Teach Your Child About Sports Safety

Sit down with your child and discuss with them the importance of wearing equipment safety gear and following the sports’ rules of the game. Help them understand that in order to prevent injuries, they have to be open about any discomfort or pain they experience before it turns into a bigger issue.

Another important thing here is parents should always ask their children what type of sport they want to play. Just because you like baseball doesn’t mean your child does too.

At their young age, playing sports should be all about having fun, but knowing how to compete is critical too. Added pressure from parents can push them too hard to perform well, resulting in injuries.

Keep Them Hydrated

Engaging in any kind of physical activity leads to sweating, which means the body loses the water it needs to function well. If your child is playing sports, make sure they always drink plenty of water and don’t wait until they feel thirsty.

In addition to dehydration, there is also a risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke that comes with playing outdoors. Extreme thirst, weakness, headache, and fatigue are all signs of dehydration brought on by heat exhaustion.

Children should drink water 30 minutes before they start playing or practicing and take a water break every 20-25 minutes during the activity. If they are feeling too hot or it’s the peak hours of the sun (around noon), they should take a break.

Make Sure They Warm Up Before the Game

Before every practice and game, your child must follow the warm-up routine as instructed by their coach. These stretching exercises will help release muscle tension, which can prevent overuse injuries. Ideally, 10 minutes of light exercise followed by stretching every major muscle group would be best.

Wear Proper Sports Equipment

It’s extremely important to wear properly-fitted safety equipment while both practicing and playing the actual game. The type of safety gear will depend on which sport your child plays, but it may include shin/elbow/knee pads, mouth guards, helmets, shoes with rubber cleats, ankle braces, etc.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Children can’t be expected to perform well in sports if they are not getting the proper nutrition. A lack of nutrients in the diet can also make children more susceptible to injury. Make sure your kids are eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and quality meats instead of highly-processed, sugar-filled junk foods.

A treat every now and then is okay, but about 80% of your child’s diet should be made up of fresh, unprocessed foods that are free of added sugar and preservatives.

Ask About the School or League’s Emergency Plan

Every organization which runs sports practices or games must have an emergency plan in case a child gets hurt. This document must include details like who will enforce safety rules on the field (like making sure the children have the right safety gear), who is responsible for administering first aid and CPR, what steps should be taken during an earthquake or fire, etc.

You should also check out the facility where your child will be playing to ensure it is well-maintained and there are no hazards around.

Visit a VNA Health Center: The Largest Community Healthcare Provider in Suburban Chicago Since 1918

If you have any questions about sports safety or would like to schedule a sports physical or school physical for your child, please get in touch with our dedicated team at VNA Health Care. We have 12 health centers located strategically all over the Chicago suburbs, including Aurora, Bolingbrook, Bensenville, Carol Stream, Elgin, Joliet, Romeoville, and Wheaton. You can call us at (630) 892-4355 for a same-day appointment or book online.

How Extracurricular Activities And Hobbies Can Help Children With Their Mental Health

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As your children get older, they are exposed to excellent opportunities to pursue a variety of indoor and outdoor hobbies and participate in extracurricular activities along with other kids. For example, they might join a sport at school or spend time honing their creative skills – like working on arts and crafts projects – with their buddies at home. The amount of hobbies for kids is amazing.

These extracurricular activities can keep children engaged both mentally and physically, resulting in several benefits, such as:

  • Developing self-esteem and resilience.
  • Learning social skills like how to communicate with their peers, how to work together, and how to take responsibility.
  • Improving mental health due to friendships built during this time.
  • Create memories that last a lifetime.

It has been observed that children who don’t get to participate in kids’ hobbies could be at a higher risk for developing health issues like obesity, anxiety, depression, and even high blood pressure.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last two years have been marked by overwhelming isolation for many families. Now more than ever, vulnerable young kids and teenagers need a space where they can engage in a fun hobby or two with their friends and let their creative sparks fly.

How a Creative Hobby or Extracurricular Can Shape Your Children

Around the young age of 5, kids start to develop the discipline required to join in after-school activities. Schools and community organizations offer several opportunities for them to get involved with sports, science-related hobbies, creative activities, and interest groups. Some of the most common activities are:

  • Team and individual sports (soccer, baseball, volleyball, tennis, martial arts, etc.)
  • Academic competitions
  • Student organizations and after-school clubs (student council, photography, foreign language, film, art history, jewelry making, learning survival skills, etc.)
  • Clubs associated with cultural backgrounds
  • Performing arts (musical instrument, dance classes, drama club, etc.)

It’s not uncommon for a child to join multiple groups to cater to their wide range of interests. Regardless of what fun hobbies and activities your child joins in, they can learn many life skills from their participation.

They Become Motivated to Exercise

Not all activities require kids to be physically active, but most of them do in some way. For example, team or individual sports, dance, martial arts, and clubs focused on nature-related hobbies all require a certain level of physical fitness and hand-eye coordination. Studies show that children who exercise regularly are at lower risk for many conditions – obesity, metabolic syndrome, low bone density, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, and more.

Aerobic exercise seems to be the most beneficial, improving children’s sleep quality, mental health, and fine motor skills. Ideally, kids should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate activity every day.

They Develop Better Social Skills

When children from different backgrounds and families come together to work on something, they not only develop necessary social skills regarding cooperation, leadership, and peer interaction, but they also expand their world views in a fun way. Clubs associated with certain faiths or cultural backgrounds can give your children a community of peers, especially if they have a hard time “fitting in” with most kids.

They Have Higher Self-Confidence

The sheer variety of interesting hobbies and activities available these days can help kids find their passion and learn new skills at a very young age. This leads to a stronger sense of self in children, which improves their self-esteem.

In fact, by showing their commitment to a certain discipline or breadth of wide-ranging interests, an engaging hobby can also help your teen succeed when it comes to college admission or applying for a job.

They Have Better Psychological & Psychosocial Health

When a kid has healthy self-esteem and a sense of belonging, it directly affects their psychological and mental health. One study found that young adults who regularly participated in extracurricular activities showed lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher levels of satisfaction with life.

They Are Better at Building Positive Habits

Take soccer or another sport for example: when your child joins the team, they need to attend practice every day, reach the practice on time, probably wake up earlier for some sessions, work with their teammates to follow a strategy, keep practicing certain moves again and again until the coach decides that’s enough, and so on.

All these tiny actions build up and teach kids the value of persistence, time management, structure, community involvement, and more. They are learning memory skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, communication skills, and a basic understanding of what it takes to succeed at most things in life. These benefits are not only for kids who play on a team either; your kid will develop these habits whether they are learning to play cello or build a robot.

Another benefit of participating in extracurricular activities is that it almost always leads to better academic performance. Research supports the fact that when a student is engaged in sports, organizations, clubs, volunteering, and other great hobby-related pursuits, it pays off in terms of their grades.

The effort put forth in these activities alongside their friends and peers helps kids develop stronger behavior standards and mindsets that are essential for success.

Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Hobbies for Kids

While deciding whether or not your child should get involved in an activity, please make sure that the environment includes proper safety measures and close supervision. The type of activity you choose should be based on your child’s aptitude and schedule.

For example, don’t schedule them for arts and crafts hobbies or indoor hobbies like a reading club if they are more interested in exploring the world and participating in outdoor activities. Likewise, don’t force them to play a sport when they’d rather be in a club where they can express their creative ideas and let their imagination run wild.

Don’t over-schedule either; it can lead to stress for both you and your children. Remember, creating fun in a holistic way is the idea here.

Finding the right hobby ideas is just as important as participating in them. Never force your child to join something that doesn’t interest them at all because it will ultimately lead to frustration, boredom, and lower self-esteem.

Talk to VNA Health Care Today

Providing every child with the opportunity to experience life-enriching activities outside of home and school is critical to their healthy development. To that end, VNA Health Care provides the following healthcare services to all students, whether they have insurance or not:

  • Physical examinations and immunizations
  • Routine health screenings
  • Acute illness and chronic illness care (sore throats, ear infections, diabetes, asthma, seizures, etc.)
  • Injury care (sprained muscles, broken bones, etc.)
  • Mental health support for stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders
  • Education regarding prevention of alcohol and drug use
  • And much more

Many schools and organizations require a pediatrician or a healthcare provider to sign sports physical forms to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. If you need to schedule a physical or a wellness checkup for your child, we can help. Visit any of the VNA Health Care centers located near you for a same-day checkup.

If you have a busy schedule, you can set up an appointment in the evening or on the weekend as well. Call us at (630) 892-4355 in case of any questions. You can also book an appointment online!

Comcast Newsmakers Interviews VNA Health Care CEO & President Linnea Windel

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Comcast Newsmakers Interviews VNA Health Care CEO & President Linnea Windel

On February 10, 2022, Linnea Windel, President & CEO of VNA Health Care was interviewed by Comcast Newsmaker to discuss VNA’s mission to improve health equity and reduce health disparities with high quality, accessible, and compassionate care delivered in VNA Health Centers, community settings and patient homes. Linnea discussed the vital importance of removing cost barriers to care and how VNA was founded  over 100 years ago in 1918 to do just that.

VNA is now the largest Health Center serving suburban Chicago with 16 locations and over 75,000 patients. Linnea emphasized, “We provide all the comprehensive primary care in clinics as well as Medicare certified home health and hospice and even medical house calls.”

In order to reduce impediments to health care and to get care to the most vulnerable in the surrounding communities, VNA accepts everyone regardless of ability of pay. If individuals are going to pay out of pocket, costs are based on a sliding fee scale based on  income and family size.

At the beginning of the pandemic VNA quickly turned to telemedicine to provide more care. Drive-up testing services were opened at various clinic locations. COVID-19 vaccination services were also provided once the vaccine was made available. Staff have administered over 90,000 vaccines through VNA clinics, community events, and to the homebound.

As a final note, Linnea stated, “All of us contribute to the health of the community. It (Health Care) is very important for us individually as well as keeping our whole community safe and healthy”.

Click to view the complete interview: https://comcastnewsmakers.com/Videos/2022/2/10/VNA-Health-Care

5 Physical Activities for Kids During the Winter (How to Keep Them Active Even If It’s Cold)

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It is important for everybody to get some kind of regular physical activity, especially kids. During the summer, it’s easy enough to get kids to do all kinds of physical activity. However, during the winter, it becomes a real challenge. As you look for physical activities for kids during the winter, you should start by looking for things that will interest them. Many parents and kids will be inclined to stay indoors since it’s cold out, and it gets darker earlier, but too much time inside can be detrimental to your overall health. It is essential to get creative during the winter, and we have a few ways you can do just that. 

Go Outdoors

While you may not be a huge fan of the cold, there are fun activities the whole family can enjoy that will not have you freezing your boots off. Just make sure that everyone is dressed warmly, with plenty of layers, scarfs, mittens, and hats. Boots are also a must, as snow and mud can make the roads and sidewalks slippery and dangerous if you are not careful. When you are outdoors, you can do some of the following:

  • Walk or jog
  • Make snowmen, snow angels, snow fort, etc.
  • Try winter sports like skiing or skating
  • Play tag at home or a nearby playground
  • Go sledding

Stay Inside

If it is too cold to go outside, there are still physical activities for kids that you can do indoors. You may need to clear some space in your home, so you do not break anything and so that no one gets injured. Some creative ideas are:

  • Get up and dance
  • Play games like Twister that require you to move
  • Try indoor hopscotch
  • Try an obstacle course 
  • Set a challenge for climbing up the stairs if you have them

Organized Activities

Find organized activities such as a weekly class if you want to ensure that your child is getting regular exercise. This can be a sport like swimming, dance, gymnastics, tennis, or martial arts, or it could be an adventure club or something similar. Not only will this help them stay active, but it may also ignite an interest in a new sport or hobby that they may want to carry with them for a lifetime. They will have the opportunity to make new friends as well, and it also gives parents an opportunity to meet other parents too.

Community Spaces

If you want to get out of the house, but still be indoors, find a community play space in your area to visit. You can check local recreation centers for your older children as well. There are also other indoor physical activities for kids, such as going bowling or indoor roller skating. You can even try an indoor rock-climbing wall or trampoline park. Walking around the mall can be a great way to get moving. Many malls will be decorated for the holiday seasons, and it can be fun to look at while you walk. 

Gaming and Working Out

Video games are popular all year long, and while you may think it is not a physical activity, it can be. Some gaming systems offer options to get you moving, such as virtual reality gaming. This may not be as beneficial as some of our other options, but it will still provide some physical activity for kids. 

Call VNA Health Care Today

Your child’s pediatrician can sign sports physical forms which many schools and organizations require for your child to participate, and they will be able to talk to you about how much physical activity they recommend – usually at least 30 minutes a day for most children.

When you need high-quality, compassionate health care, visit VNA Health Care at one of our convenient locations. We have appointments available for adults and children throughout the day and during the evening and weekends too that can fit into your busy schedule. Contact us online or call us at (630) 593-7974.

VNA is Lowering Barriers to Health Care

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State Representatives Anna Moeller and Suzanne Ness Brought Valentine’s Greetings to VNA

VNA was shown a lot of love in Elgin this Valentine’s Day when we received a special visit from State Representative Anna Moeller and her team and staff from Representative Suzanne Ness’s office. Children and other local community members crafted Valentine’s Day cards to show their appreciation for VNA staff as part of the Hearts for Healthcare Heroes initiative.

VNA staff members were so moved to see this outpouring of appreciation for their efforts and enjoyed reading all of the cards. Since the start of the pandemic, VNA staff have worked tirelessly on the front line to serve the most vulnerable in our community and have become a trusted source in the community for care and information throughout the pandemic. Hershey’s kisses were enjoyed by all! Thank you, Elgin!

sweetest valentine