November, 2016

Start Your Kids on a Heart-Healthy Path

You're there to help your children with their homework, and you remind them to brush their teeth. But have you helped them do something good for their hearts lately? You may think that only grown-ups need to be concerned about having a healthy heart. But it's never too early to start establishing a heart-healthy lifestyle for your children too. Here's why: Even though kids rarely get heart disease, the process leading to adult heart disease—the gradual buildup of fat, cholesterol and other...

9 Tips for Staying Safe During the Holidays

As you make your holiday to-do list, be sure it includes this important task: Take steps to stay safe. Celebrations that make this time of year so festive also bring hazards, from dangerous decorations to poisonous plants. Here's how to keep you and your family—pets included—out of harm's way: 1. Step up carefully. Use a step stool or ladder to place decorations in high places. 2. Be cautious with candles. Always keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Don't fo...

Take the “Maintain, Don’t Gain” Challenge This Holiday Season

To help Florida families across the state enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season, the Florida Department of Health is partnering with North Carolina State University to offer the Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge for the third year in a row. This free seven-week challenge runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31 and provides participants with tips, tricks and ideas to help maintain their weight throughout the holiday season. The Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge is a great way...

When to Talk to Your Loved One About Assisted Living

Your mom still lives in the house where you grew up. It's filled with memories of family and friends. You know your mom loves that house. But today she said something you've never heard her say before: "Sometimes I feel like this house is too much for me." Maybe it's time to talk to your mom about moving to an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities are like apartments for older people who are having some difficulty living on their own—but who don't need the intensive ...