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Prioritize your mental health

• Set Realistic Expectations: Embrace imperfections—no holiday is perfect!
• Take Breaks: Step back when things get hectic. A short walk or some deep breaths can do wonders.
• Stay Connected: Reach out to friends and family; sharing joy (or stress) can lighten the load.
• Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities you love, whether it’s reading, cooking, or simply relaxing.

September Is Healthy Aging® Month

As you age, you may notice changes in your bones, joints, muscles, and skin. September is Healthy Aging® Month and gives you a chance to learn about these conditions and share what you’ve discovered with others. It’s a time for you to focus on your health and help those around you do the same. A wonderful resource is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) It offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.

Share these resources:

• Living With Back Pain: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family
• Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family
• Back Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Bone Health and Osteoporosis

You can also order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Let’s Get Physicals

Family vacations, pool parties, cookouts, camping trips, fishing, bowling ‒ heck, even making ice cream ‒ all might make your list of things to do with your kids this summer.

Make space for one more important item ‒ a sports physical for your child or children. Hey there, busy parents! It’s time to add another item to your summer checklist, but trust us, this one’s a game-changer: the all-important sports physical! 🏆

While you’re juggling beach trips and battling the back-to-school shopping crowds, July sneaks in as the perfect time to get your little athletes cleared for takeoff. Think of it as your pre-season parenting win!

So, what’s the deal with these check-ups? Let’s break it down:

• Medical History Rewind: A quick trip down memory lane for your kiddo’s health.
• Physical Exam Extravaganza: Height, weight, heart, lungs – the works!
• Vaccine Catch-Up (if needed): Because germs don’t play fair.
• Paperwork Party: All those forms you need? Consider them done!

The doc will make sure your future sports star is fit for action, checking everything from blood pressure to flexibility. It’s like a pit stop for your child’s body before the big race!

Here’s a pro-tip: Annual physicals and sports physicals can often be a package deal. Two birds, one stone – parenting efficiency at its finest!

Remember, this isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s your chance to chat about any worries you have about your child’s health. No question is too small when it comes to your MVP!

So, team parents, let’s get this show on the road! A quick visit now means a season full of cheering from the sidelines later. Ready, set, schedule that appointment! 🎉