Author: vnahealthdeve

 

When it comes to making sure your kids eat healthily, it can feel like you are constantly fighting an uphill battle. Your role can go from authority figure to negotiator, to absolutely begging them to eat something that’s nutritious. This is a daily challenge most parents are familiar with, and children certainly do not make it easy. 

As they grow, children may need more snacks between meals than we do as adults. Unfortunately, many popular snacks have added sugars, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. However, you can look at snack time as a chance to provide your children with extra nutrients by finding healthy snacks for kids. It is important to establish good eating habits and to make sure they understand why some snacks are better than others. Here, we have seven healthy snacks that you can pack in your kid’s lunch box for convenience. 

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the most obvious choice when it comes to choosing healthy snacks for kids. They are full of good nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, along with other vitamins and minerals. There are also so many different kinds of fruit out there, so even if your child doesn’t like one, you can offer them something else. Try berries or cut mangoes, pineapples, or cantaloupes. VNA’s wellness program teaches about eating the rainbow. This is a fun way to learn the importance of adding fruits and vegetables of all different colors as they each contain different nutrients that are good for different parts of your body.

Yogurt

One of the best healthy snacks for kids is yogurt. It provides protein and calcium, which can help your children develop healthy bones. The digestive system also benefits from yogurt due to the live bacteria found in it. Go for plain, full-fat yogurt and add a touch of honey or fresh fruit to give it more flavor, and avoid yogurt with added sugar where possible. 

Oatmeal

You may think that oatmeal is strictly for breakfast, but it can actually make a great snack. Oats, in general, are high in fiber which helps your digestive tract, along with other added benefits. Make oatmeal with whole, rolled oats, and even add some cinnamon or other spices for flavor. Apples, bananas, blueberries, and other fruits are also great additions. Making oatmeal with milk instead of water can also take this healthy snack up a notch or can be avoided if your child needs to reduce calories. 

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs are a quick and high-protein snack that is highly nutritious. Eggs can support proper brain development and eye health in kids. They have many different vitamins, such as B12, selenium, and riboflavin. Hard-boiled eggs are quick to make and store well. Keeping hard-boiled eggs in the fridge means a healthy snack choice is available at any time.

Cheese Sticks

Cheese and other dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium and can be a fun snack to add to a child’s lunch box that they will enjoy and will also provide nutritional benefits 

Trail Mix

This healthy snack is great to eat on the go. Caution, trail mix usually contains nuts, which can be dangerous for kids with nut allergies. You might even want to make your trail mix at home with mixed nuts, whole-grain cereal, and dried fruit, as store-bought ones can contain chocolate candies which can be unhealthy. You should also avoid taking trail mix to school if your child is in classes with children who may have a nut allergy.

Popcorn

When you think of popcorn, your mind often goes to getting it at the movies drenched in artificial butter. We think it must always be unhealthy, but it is not the case. Popcorn is a nutritious whole grain when eaten without an excessive amount of toppings. You can air-pop your popcorn and enjoy it plain, or drizzle a small amount of fresh butter and add spices on top. This is the best way to get some added flavor while still staying healthy. Your kids will not even realize they are eating healthy snacks for kids! 

Have Questions? Call VNA Health Care

VNA Health Care is patient-centered Community Health Center. We are here to provide healthcare services for you and your children. Call us at (630) 593-7974 today for more information.

Health insurance has become a hot topic over the last few years, as it has been difficult for some to obtain. Most of the time, your employer provides health insurance when you meet specific requirements. There are options for those who are not offered health insurance through their employers. When the holidays begin, you may get so wrapped up in spending time with family and friends that you forget this is also time for open enrollment. 

During this open enrollment time period, you will be able to review your benefits and make any changes to your current plan. There are exceptions that allow people to make changes at other times during the year, but for most people, changes are made during open enrollment. This is why you want to select the right plan for you, during this time.

Trending Benefits 

As times have changed, these benefits ad open enrollment periods may look quite different than other years. There are a few popular benefits that people are now looking for in their insurance plans. A key new widespread change is the availability of telehealth visits that allow patients to meet with their doctors virtually, much like FaceTime. Substance use disorder treatment and mental health programs are other areas of interest for those getting insurance. People have begun to put their health first, and insurance plans are expanding benefits to meet this need. 

Tips for Open Enrollment

The open enrollment period for the Marketplace ends on January 15th, unless there is a qualifying life event like a new baby, marriage, or divorce. You can enroll in several different ways. You can do so online, over the phone, by mail, in person, or through an agent. If no changes are needed, then your current plan will automatically renew. 

Plan Options

You can make changes to your benefits, and open enrollment allows you to review your dental, vision, and health plans, as well as life insurance policies. You may also have the chance to contribute to a health savings account or flexible savings account. You should consider what the right amount of coverage is for you and the best way to obtain insurance for the right amount of coverage. Consider any out-of-pocket costs such as premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and prescription coverage. You want to compare both your and your spouse’s plan options to find the best fit for your family. Individuals who may not usually be eligible for insurance become eligible during pregnancy, so this is also an important time to talk with a Benefits Specialist.

 

Health Savings Account (HSA)

During the open enrollment period, you may want to consider a plan that includes health savings accounts. This account will allow you to save for out-of-pocket expenses before paying taxes and will even roll over unused funds to the following year. Another benefit is being able to decide how much you contribute to the plan. 

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Another option to consider during the benefits and open enrollment period is an FSA account. Similar to an HSA, you contribute money periodically to an account. The most significant difference is that you will lose them if you do not use the funds by the end of the year. 

VNA Health Care Can Answer All Your Questions

At VNA Health Care, we accept a range of health insurance plans and provide options for those who have no insurance. Contact us online or call us today at (630) 593-7974 to schedule an appointment.

 

There is a wide range of things you will need to consider when it comes to your pregnancy. One of those is what kind of team you would like to have to help you through your birth experience. You could just use a doctor or a midwife, or could add a doula, or have some other combination of professionals at your side. There are several differences between a doula and a midwife, and it is important to know what each one does before deciding what is best for your pregnancy and birthing plan. In general, a doula provides support to the mother before and during childbirth. They will also be available for a short time after the birth. A midwife can offer gynecological assistance, birth control counseling, labor and delivery care, and prescriptions.

Delivering Babies

You may be wondering if a doula and midwife can deliver a baby. A doula typically provides support for expectant mothers and focuses on their needs in order to provide an empowering and memorable experience. Their main goal is to prepare you for childbirth and create a birth plan that meets all of your needs. There are birth doulas that can stay with the mother during the birthing process to offer breathing techniques and relaxation support. They are not medically trained and therefore cannot deliver a baby. 

A midwife is a healthcare professional who can perform gynecological exams, perform health monitoring and provide information on contraceptives. A midwife is able to deliver a baby without assistance, but they will refer women to an obstetrician during birth if the need arises and works closely with an obstetrician. However, in general, midwives can and do deliver babies on their own, and in many countries, most babies are delivered by midwives. 

Certifications

Both a doula and midwife will be well-trained for their respective roles. A doula does not need accredited medical training, but they can choose to be certified and trained by different organizations depending on their location. You can get recommendations from your doctor or other patients when choosing a doula. VNA offers free doula services for first and second-time mothers.

On the other hand, a midwife is required to be certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). They will also need to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and will have extensive training before getting their certification. 

Similarities

The similarities between a doula and midwife are that they are both healthcare professionals who assist women during their pregnancy or birthing process. They can play different roles and can each provide a special resource for women during their pregnancies. 

Differences

A doula and midwife offer different services. It is important to understand the differences, so you will make the right decision for your birthing team. When you want a more natural birth with little technological advances, then a midwife is a good choice for you. When you want an advocate specifically looking out for the person giving birth, a doula is a good choice for you. A doula will be there to provide services and support to the mother and works closely with the doctors, nurses, and midwives.

Can You Use Both During Pregnancy?

Yes! You can use both a doula and midwife during your pregnancy and birthing journey. Please note that a midwife is trained to know when an emergency is happening and a doctor is required to step in. This can happen during high-risk pregnancies or when there is an issue during birth, and the midwife and the doctor will work together to ensure that you have a safe pregnancy and birth. 

VNA Health Care Can Assist With Your Prenatal Care

When you are considering your birthing options, you should contact VNA Health Care to get the help you need. Call us at (630) 593-7974 to make an appointment today.

 

You may not think you need to get the influenza (flu) shot, especially if you are young and generally healthy or if you haven’t had flu in a few years. It is true that flu cases have gone down considerably because of all the precautions that have been implemented to protect people from COVID-19. However, the flu is still very much a threat, even though the precautions we take to protect ourselves from the coronavirus may also prevent the flu from spreading. While the two illnesses are completely different, they both pose a serious threat to people each and every year, especially the elderly and those with immune disorders or other health issues. It is advisable to get the vaccinations for to protect yourself from both flu and COVID-19.

Here are five reasons why you should get your flu shot this year. 

Reduces Your Sick Days

Each year, 111 million lost workdays across the country are the result of people being treated at home or in the hospital for flu symptoms. This hurts employees who are stuck at home recovering from the illness and employers who lose productivity hours. Plus, it can take up to a few days to fully recover from the flu, meaning getting even further behind with work.

Saves Your Life

You may believe that the flu is harmless; after all, it has been around for as long as you can remember. That is a common myth. Every person reacts differently to illnesses, and the flu is no different. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized for serious complications from the flu. 

Some of these complications include ear infections, sinus infections, bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening chronic illnesses. In some of the worst cases, people can die from the flu. So the next time you ask yourself if you should get the flu shot, and how long does the flu shot protect you, consider that every year you need to rebuild your immunity so getting the flu shot every year could save your life. 

Most People Are Eligible

Anyone who is over the age of six months is eligible to get the flu shot and it is available at most primary care providers and at local pharmacies. There is also a flu shot that is specifically intended for those who are 65 and older. It allows this age group to get even better protection from the flu, especially since they may be more vulnerable than other age groups. 

It Changes Each Year

Each year, the CDC may suggest adjustments to the flu shot based upon which strains of influenza are most likely to be active that year. However, your symptoms will be reduced regardless of what strain is currently active if you get the flu shot. You may not even get the flu at all when you’ve had the flu shot.

Herd Immunity

There is such a thing as natural herd immunity, this is when enough people have immunity either from having the infection or from vaccination that it reduces the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity. In the US, before herd immunity can take effect, millions of people have to first get sick or be vaccinated. 

The flu can spread easily. You can be exposed when a person coughs, sneezes, or even simply speaks. The flu can also be contracted when you touch a surface with flu germs on it. Unfortunately, not everyone can get the vaccination as some people have medical conditions that prevent them from being able to get the shot. However, it is important that everyone else who is eligible to get the flu shot actually go ahead and get vaccinated as this helps protect those that are unable to get it as well as the person who receives the vaccine. 

Schedule Your Flu Shot at a VNA Health Care Location Today

The answer to how long does the flu shot last is approximately six months. The best time to get it is in October, so you have some protection through the winter months when the flu is most active. If you have missed your flu shot, VNA encourages you to get it at any time during the winter as it will help protect you later in the season. You can contact VNA Health Care at (630) 593-7974 to find out more about the flu shot or to schedule an appointment. 

 

Being active during pregnancy is a great way to get your body moving and to stay healthy. However, you want to maintain a good balance and not push yourself at the risk of your health. The key is to do everything under the direction of your doctor. You want to keep yourself and your baby healthy and happy without overdoing it. The good news is that you can continue to exercise during pregnancy, and it is even encouraged. 

Is It Safe To Exercise?

If you have a normal pregnancy and are generally healthy, it is safe to continue to exercise during pregnancy, depending on the amount of time and level of physical exertion you are doing. Most routine workouts do not increase your risk of miscarriage, early delivery, or low birth weight. Keep in mind that you need to discuss your exercise plans with your healthcare provider during prenatal visits. If they determine it is okay to exercise during your pregnancy, you can easily find a safe and satisfying workout routine. 

How Much Should You Exercise During Pregnancy?

In ideal circumstances, a pregnant woman should exercise at least 150 minutes per week. It can be a moderate-intensity exercise, which means you move enough to raise your heart rate and even some sweating. Some examples include walking and gardening. You can reach the 150-minute weekly goal by dividing it into 30 minutes a day or even dividing it further into 10-minute sets throughout the day. 

Are There Any Precautions?

Since your body is going through so many changes, you may need to take additional precautions when you exercise during pregnancy. You will need to drink plenty of water before, during, and even after your workout. You should wear a sports bra for added support and protection for your breasts. Avoid exercising when it is extremely hot or humid. Choose indoor exercise if it is slippery outside. You should also avoid lying flat on your back as much as you can, as the uterus can press down on a large vein that returns blood to the heart and can cause circulation problems. 

Examples of Safe Exercise During Pregnancy

Walking is a great exercise because it offers a variety of benefits and is low impact. Ensure that you are wearing good footwear to prevent falling and take extra care if the weather is wet or icy. There are several other good exercises for pregnant women as well. You can try water workouts like swimming or aerobics, as this can often help you avoid injury and muscle strain. Biking is good too, but instead of using a standard bicycle, you should use a stationary bike. Your pregnancy can affect your balance and this can help prevent you from falling. You can also do modified yoga and modified Pilates to increase your flexibility and improve your breathing.  

Exercises to Avoid

There are, of course, several exercises to avoid during pregnancy, such as contact sports.  Any sport that may put you in danger of getting hit in the abdomen, like basketball, boxing, soccer, and others, is not recommended. Although modified yoga and Pilates are safe, avoid hot yoga or hot Pilates as they can cause you to overheat. Scuba diving is also not a recommended exercise during pregnancy. Any activity that is performed at a high altitude is also to be avoided while you are pregnant and an example of this would be skydiving. 

Seek Prenatal Care from VNA Health Care

Have questions about your pregnancy? Schedule your appointment today with VNA Health Care. Contact us online or call us at (630) 593-7974 to make an appointment.  Our doctors and nurse practitioners look forward to answering all of your pregnancy questions. 

With our children back in the classroom, it is essential to ensure they are back on track and up-to-date with routine vaccinations and check-ups which protect them from preventable diseases.