Bright Futures Learning Center

To build a child's immune system during winter, focus on fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), berries (strawberries, blueberries), red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, kale, and sweet potatoes; these foods are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients to fight off infections. Key fruits and veggies for winter immunity: Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, clementines Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, broccoli Bell peppers: Red bell peppers Sweet potatoes Other options: Kiwi, carrots, garlic, ginger

An adverse event is an undesirable effect that happens after vaccination.source: 1 Adverse reactions can be common or rare. They can also be mild or serious. Common adverse reactions are also called side effects and can include soreness where the vaccine was given, a fever, or body aches. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few days.source: 1 Serious adverse reactions, which are rare, can include allergic reactions. Even more rare are life-threatening illnesses and permanent disabilities.source: 1,source: 2 Most adverse reactions, often called side effects, are not serious. Many people who get a vaccine will have no side effects. For those who do, the majority are mild to moderate and include soreness where the vaccine was given, a fever, or achiness.source: 3 These usually go away on their own within a few days.source: 3 Serious adverse reactions are rare. Few things in this world are without some level of risk. And that is true for vaccines, too. But the risk of a serious adverse reaction from a vaccine is extremely low. It varies from vaccine to vaccine but, in general, is about 1–2 in 1 million doses.source: 4 You are 65x more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a vaccine-related adverse event.source: 5 It is far more likely to have serious symptoms from the disease than a serious adverse reaction from the vaccine that prevents the disease.source: 4 For instance, almost every person with tetanus will need to be hospitalized, and 10%–20% of people with tetanus will die.source: 6,source: 7 However, the tetanus vaccines have a risk of serious allergic reaction in 1–2 doses per 1 million.source: 7,source: 8

Potty training is a significant milestone for both children and parents. Tailoring your approach based on your child’s needs and developmental stage can make the process smoother. Below are structured guidelines for potty training boys and girls, incorporating the use of potty watches, appropriate clothing, and scheduled routines. General Preparations for Potty Training: 1. Clear Your Schedule: Dedicate at least two to three days to focus solely on potty training, minimizing distractions and staying close to home.  2. Set Up the Bathroom: Equip each bathroom with a potty seat or attachment, a step stool, and a bin of engaging potty training books or toys to make the experience enjoyable.  3. Use a Potty Watch: A potty watch can serve as a fun reminder for your child to use the bathroom at regular intervals, especially after meals. 4. Appropriate Clothing: Use pull-ups during naps and padded underwear when awake to manage accidents while encouraging the sensation of wetness, aiding in the learning process. Potty Training Guidelines for Boys: Boys may require a structured approach due to their active nature and tendency to overlook bodily cues. 1. Start with Sitting: Begin by teaching your son to urinate while sitting down. This simplifies the process and reduces mess. Transition to standing as he becomes more comfortable.  2. Scheduled Potty Breaks: Implement regular bathroom visits, approximately every 20 to 30 minutes initially, to establish a routine and prevent accidents.  3. Positive Reinforcement: Use reward charts, stickers, or small treats to celebrate successes and motivate progress. 4. Introduce Standing Techniques: Once comfortable, teach aiming by using fun targets like floating cereal pieces in the toilet bowl. 5. Consistent Reminders: Boys may become engrossed in activities; gentle prompts to use the potty can help them recognize their body’s signals. Potty Training Guidelines for Girls: Girls often exhibit readiness earlier and may pay more attention to instructions. 1. Teach Proper Hygiene: Instruct your daughter to wipe from front to back to prevent infections.  2. Practice Clothing Management: Encourage her to practice pulling down and up her pants or lifting her dress to promote independence. 3. Regular Potty Visits: Schedule bathroom trips after meals, upon waking, and before bedtime to build a routine. 4. Positive Reinforcement: Praise her efforts and successes to build confidence and encourage continued progress. 5. Avoid Pressuring: Instead of frequently asking if she needs to go, observe for signs and gently remind her about the potty’s availability. Additional Tips for Both Boys and Girls: • Stay Patient and Calm: Accidents are part of the learning process. Responding calmly helps maintain a positive environment. • Use Training Pants: Transitioning to training pants can help children feel more grown-up and aware of wetness, promoting quicker learning. • Nighttime Training: Continue using pull-ups or waterproof bed covers during naps and nighttime until your child consistently wakes up dry. • Lead by Example: Let your child observe family members using the toilet to demystify the process. Remember, every child is unique, and flexibility is key. Celebrate small victories, and provide encouragement to foster a positive potty training experience.