The birthstone for January is the garnet, which represents love and friendship

People born in January are more than just “new year babies” or “winter babies.” According to some studies, they tend to end up in creative or health professional fields and they often stay healthy as they grow up. And, January babies share their special month with many famous people born in January. Does your little one have some of these traits or any that are related to their horoscope? Find out what 2024 has in store for them here. 

People Born in January Are Often Creative and Have Good Problem Solving Skills

people born in January usually have good problem-solving skills
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Sorry, Caps. This one's for the Aquarians. According to a small study, January and February are the right months to be born if you want to be famous. And in this case, "fame" extends well beyond actors on the A-List—we're talking politicians, athletes, scientists, authors, singers, humanitarians, etc. Perhaps this shouldn't be that surprising, given that those born in January and February tend to be more creative and possess higher problem-solving skills.

January Babies Are Smart

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Scientists monitored the development of 21,000 boys and girls, and their research indicates winter-born kids measured longer at birth, were taller and heavier by age seven and had higher scores in a series of intelligence exercises than their peers.

Related: 8 Fun Facts about People Born in February

People Born in January Babies Lean Towards Medicine as a Profession

lots of people born in January end up in the medicial profession
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Get ready for the college long haul, January parents. According to a study conducted in the UK, kids born in the first month of the year become doctors more than kids born in the other months of the year. 

January's Birthstone Is about Love and Friendship

people born in January have a garnet as their birthstone
Wikimedia Commons

The birthstone for January is the garnet, which represents love and friendship. Garnets also have ties to Greek mythology by way of the pomegranate. When Hades, the god of the underworld, took Persephone from the surface world, she was told not to eat any food in the dark realm. However, she ate six pomegranate seeds and therefore had to remain in the underworld for six months every year. The change from winter to spring was explained as Persephone's return to the surface. This is also why the garnet stands for the return of a loved one. 

Related: Why People Born in March Are Natural-Born Leaders (According to Studies)

January Baby Names Can Be Inspired by the Zodiac, the Winter Season or New Beginnings

people born in January, like this baby, are happy
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There are lots of different sources of inspiration when it comes to naming your January baby! Consider naming your baby after the season, Capricorn or Aquarius, or even new beginnings for the new year. Some of our favorites include Sophie, Zane, Kiara, Janus, Onyx, and Ione. See Nameberry's entire list of January baby names here.

Famous People Born in January

Bradley Cooper
Wikimedia Commons

January babies share their special month with plenty of famous people, too. Bradley Cooper, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Morris Chestnut, Eddie Redmayne, Mary J. Blige, Issa Rae, Jason Bateman, and Regina King are only a few of the celebrities born in January. 

Childhood worry seems to be rising as rapidly as COVID-19 cases. More and more children are acting fearful, having trouble sleeping, doing poorly in school, and showing physical symptoms. Does this sound like your child? What if you have you tried everything, but your child is still anxious? What if you already made the Worry Box as described in this article on Tinybeans.com and your child’s Worry Box is overflowing with worries? If so, I have the perfect strategy for you to try called, “Worry Time.”

Like the Worry Box, this technique is so simple and so effective that it should be in every parent’s toolbox. Both the Worry Box and Worry Time strategies are forms of containment or ways to contain worries in both physical space and time. Like the strategies in the book “Shrinking the Worry Monster,” they come from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly regarded form of anxiety intervention. A fuller description of CBT and containment is in the above-mentioned Worry Box article.

Thinking versus Worrying

First, let’s look at the difference between thinking versus worrying. Thinking is a good thing. It can involve reflecting, reasoning, and problem-solving. It can lead to purposeful action which allows the mind to move on.

In contrast, worrying is problem solving gone amiss. What starts out as a concern, can turn into an unhealthy obsession of unresolvable problems. Most chronic worriers believe they cannot control their anxious thoughts. It is as if worriers are caught in a downward spiral where an anxious thought arises, the problem seems unsolvable, and then physical symptoms of anxiety take over. This pattern repeats over and over. It is so emotionally painful that people try anything to avoid the worry thoughts, but that usually doesn’t work. Just look at a picture of a purple cat and then tell yourself that you will not think about that cat for one minute. Chances are you will think about that cat the entire minute.

The good news is that anyone can learn to control how and when to worry. It takes using good, research-based strategies and practice. My favorite tools come from CBT and include talking back to the worry, containing the worry in a “Worry Box,” and using “Worry Time.” The last two strategies contain worries so they aren’t just running amok in the brain 24/7.

Steps for Scheduling Worry Time

The goal for Worry Time is not to stop worries, but to reduce the time spent on the anxious thoughts. The steps are a template for training your child to contain his worries within 15-20 minutes a day. Of course, it will take regular practice, but it is a very achievable goal.

Step 1: Schedule Worry Time

Set up a daily Worry Time where you will listen to your child talk about his worries for 15-20 minutes. Worry Time should be the same uninterrupted time everyday, but not 1-2 hours before bedtime. Late afternoon is often a good time.

Step 2: Explain Worry Time to Your Child

Tell your child that you and he are going to start having a special time together called Worry Time. It will happen from 4:00 to 4:20 (let’s say) and he gets to tell you everything about his worries. You will listen closely, but this is his time to talk. You may not say that any of his worries are silly, but instead you will mostly accept what he has to say. When Worry Time is over (maybe you set a timer), tell your child that you really appreciate all the concerns he has told you and you look forward to Worry Time tomorrow.

Step 3: Teach the One Rule

Teach him that there is only one rule with Worry Time. You will not listen to his worries when it is not Worry Time. You know this will be hard, but you will give him other things to do with his worries. His worries will become smaller because of Worry Time.

Step 4: What to Do When It Isn’t Worry Time

Discuss other ways to contain his worries. He can write them down and put them in the Worry Box, he can write or draw his worries in a notebook, or he can imagine putting them in a safe and locking them up. At the next Worry Time, he should pull out his Worry Box or his notebook and share everything that is in there.

Tell your child that he can also do something else when he is worried (distract). How about going outside, running the stairs, reading a book, or calling grandparents? You and your child can have fun writing down all the things he can do while he is waiting for the next Worry Time. He can also read the children’s book, Shrinking the Worry Monster, to learn ways to talk back to the worry on his own.

Most parents find this strategy seems hard at first, but their child’s worries often dissipate after time. After a few weeks, some kids actually have very few worries to report, but they want to continue their special time with their parents. If your child is very anxious, you might try scheduling Worry Time twice a day at the beginning. Of course, if your child is extremely anxious, please do talk to your health professional about getting outside help. You do not want your child’s anxiety to turn into a serious adult anxiety disorder.

Worry Time is a clever strategy that contains your child’s worries in time. When it is combined with a method to contain the worries in physical space like a Worry Box or a notebook, it is a very powerful anti-anxiety tool. And it is so easy that every parent may want to give it a try. This is such an anxious time for all of us, having anxiety-reducing tools in our parenting skill set seems imperative.

This post originally appeared on www.drsallyb.com

I am a child psychologist who specializes in children's anxiety. I just published a top seller children's book titled Shrinking the Worry Monster, A Kid's Guide for Saying Goodbye to Worries. I love sharing ideas about decreasing worry in children, especially now. I also love to hike and bike in beautiful Pacific NW. 

Flu and cold season is in full swing, which means it’s time to stock up on home remedies to help soothe your kids if they catch a cold. From painful headaches to coughs that just won’t quit, these simple ways to treat illness at home will bring your little ones some comfort when they need it the most. From sore throat natural remedies to how to deal with a kids’ stomach bug, keep reading for some natural ways Dr. Mom can save the day.

Ailment: Headache

Lina Kivaka

Solution: Homemade headache relief balm

Headaches can happen for any number of reasons, but one thing is certain—kids and headaches do not mix. If your little is too young for swallowing pills or you prefer a more natural method, creating a homemade headache relief balm will get everyone feeling better in a jiffy. A combination of coconut butter and various essential oils come together to create a soothing balm that is applied to the temples, neck or anywhere you feel a headache coming on.

Ailment: Ear Pain

Karly Wood

Solution: A rice or salt sock

Whether its a side effect from a cold or the flu, or your little one needs a chiropractic adjustment, ear pain is no joke. A simple way to relieve pain in the ear and jaw is by taking a sock and filling with either rice or coarse, sea salt. Add a few drops of lavender oil, and tie off the end. Microwave with caution or heat on a clean skillet, and then lay the warmed sock across the ear and jaw. The rice and salt retain heat exceptionally well and can even help shift the pressure in the ear!

If you are concerned about an ear infection, always check with your doctor.

Ailment: Everyone in the House Is Sick Except You/One Kid

Unsplash

Solution: Wash your hands, up your intake of vitamin C & drink a ton of water (Add probiotics if there's tummy trouble afoot).

It's every parent's worst scenario: one by one, family members fall victim to the dreaded stomach bug/flu/hacking cough. While there's not one thing you can do to guarantee you won't get sick too (besides praying for mom immunity), there are a few tried and true methods recommended by doctors and nurses alike. Number one? Washing hands, like, a lot. Number 2, beef up the Vitamin C intake. Rule number 3? Drink twice as much water as you think you need to. And then another glass. Number 4? If stomach ailments are taking hold, add probiotics to your diet to keep more of the good bacteria hard at work.

Ailment: Cough

Lindsay Moe via Unsplash

Solution: Honey

Over the counter cough syrups are not recommended for kids under age six. The good news is, honey is as effective as cough syrup at reducing nighttime coughing. The natural antidote is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants, so it's no wonder that honey is also a soothing agent included in many throat lozenges, cough syrups and cough drops. When you look for the best spoonful of honey to give your kids, opt for a local variety of honey that is raw, unfiltered and organic. Dark honey also has more antioxidants and Manuka honey is queen when it comes to delivering the most health benefits.

Warning: Due to the risk of botulism, NEVER give honey to a child younger than age one.

Ailment: Dehydration

John Revo Puno via Flickr

Solution: Coconut water

Keeping up with fluid intake is very important when fighting a cold and a fever. When sipping plain water isn't appetizing or causes nausea, serve up one of nature's best hydrating drinks: coconut water. This wonder drink also replaces the body's electrolytes and minerals and causes less stomach upset than electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks. You may not be able to stick a straw straight into a raw coconut, but your grocery store has a variety of bottled coconut water flavors, which makes it easier to find coconut water your kiddo will like. Look for 100% coconut water and avoid added artificial ingredients.

Ailment: Overall Discomfort & Unease

Solution: Diffuse essential oils

It's never been easier to diffuse essential oils for your kid's overall sense of well-being. Young Living has the most adorable kid-centric Ultrasonic Diffusers: Dolphin Reef and Dino Land (which also double as multifunctional nightlights). Both emit their beneficial KidScents oils as color-illuminated vapor and make the perfect addition to your kiddo's bedroom decor. When your little one has a cold, reach for the KidScents essential oil that will best help rejuvenate them based on their symptoms. The collection includes an array of oils that have antiviral and antimicrobial properties such as eucalyptus oil as well as comforting oils such as lavender and ginger root oil. We love SniffleEase™ and TummyGize™ to soothe cold and flu-related symptoms and SleepyIze™ is the perfect blend of oils including Roman chamomile, lavender and valerian root oil to send them off to dreamland at bedtime.

Note: Young Living Essential Oils are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure diseases, but they can support and maintain overall wellness.

Ailment: Sore Throat/Lengthy Flu or Virus

GaiaKids

Solution: Elderberry syrup

Elderberry is a potent, multipurpose remedy found in nature that has been acclaimed for centuries. Its healing powers and immune-boosting properties include reducing symptoms of a cough, sore throat and cold-like symptoms as well as protecting the body from the flu when used preventively. When taken within the first 24-48 hours of illness, elderberry has been found to lessen the duration of the flu by 50%. Arm your family with a bottle of organic GaiaKids Black Elderberry Syrup which you can buy at your local health food store and some drug stores carry it as well. Kids will like the taste of the powerful purple berries condensed into this sweet syrup, but there are plenty of additional creative ways to serve elderberry to your little ones. Check out these clever, helpful recipes which detail how to make elderberry gummies, elderberry slushies and more. GaiaKids also contains organic honey which provides the added benefit of support for the upper respiratory system.

Note: Kids under age one should not take elderberry syrup. Since this product contains honey, it should never be given to a child under the age of one.

Ailment: Nausea

Dominik Martin

Solution: Ginger & lemon tea

A spot of tea is the answer for many ailments. For instance, this cold-busting wellness tea recipe is just what the doctor ordered on the path to recovery. If your kids are nauseous/vomiting or have tummy upset, fresh ginger root and lemon tea will help soothe the stomach while boosting immunity. Not an actual tea per se, the lemon and ginger are served in hot (warm for kids) water to be sipped. Slow boil the sliced ginger root in a saucepan for 15 minutes, turn down to simmer and then add the vitamin C rich juice from half a lemon and let it simmer for 15 more minutes. If your kids need a bit of sweetness, add in a drop or two of honey.

Ailment: Can't Keep Food Down/Throat Hurts Too Much to Swallow

Wanderson91 via Pixabay

Solution: Popsicles

We've all heard about kids sticking to ice chips if they can't keep any food or liquids down or have a bad sore throat. Popsicles offer an appealing way to keep kids hydrated and soothed because they think they're getting a treat. Keeping up with fluid intake can help thin mucus and lessen congestion from a chest cold. You can either make your own popsicles using fruits and veggies or pick up a box of 100% fruit popsicles at the store.

Ailment: Fever

Sour Lemon Beverage Co.

Solution: Apple cider vinegar

You may have heard of putting your child in a lukewarm bath to bring his/her fever down, but did you know that adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath water is a decades-old natural fever reduction remedy? If your kiddo isn't feeling up for getting in the tub, you can also place several drops of apple cider vinegar on a warm, damp washcloth or warm compress and lay it across your child's forehead.

Good to know: Apple cider vinegar also helps prevent the cold/flu virus from settling in your kiddo's system for the long haul. Treat your kiddo with a tasty version like the one from Sour Lemon Beverage Co. Slurp down raw ACV easily with flavors like Limeade and Strawberry Lemonade and enjoy a happy gut at the same time.

Ailment: Upset Stomach/Stomach Cramps

rawpixel via Unsplash

Solution: Peppermint tea 

Peppermint has long been used to soothe stomach ailments: upset stomach, mild nausea, stomach cramps and even IBS. It can be served iced or hot, depending on the kid and even a mild tea is effective. One word of caution: peppermint can exacerbate heartburn so avoid using it if the stomach ailments are coming from obvious indigestion rather than a bug. 

Ailment: Blocked/Stuffy Nose

Solution: Nasal aspirator/Saline spray

When your baby is too young to blow his/her own nose during a cold, a nasal aspirator is a God-send (Hello Nose Frida!). Keeping those tiny nostrils clear by removing mucus so baby can breathe freely will make him/her much more comfortable. Choose an easy to clean aspirator that you're comfortable using to get the job done quickly.

Older kids can find relief in nasal saline spray or drops that can be placed up their nostrils to clear passageways and relieve stuffiness. Once you administer the spray, have your child gently blow his/her nose to remove mucus.

Ailment: Difficulty Breathing While Lying Down

Dolapo Falola via Flickr

Solution: Cool mist humidifier

In addition to propping your kid's pillows so they can sleep in a more upright position to achieve easier breathing, a cool mist humidifier will help break up mucus, relieve congestion and coughing and provide humidity in the air which can help keep nasal and throat passages hydrated. Additionally, the humidity also aids in fighting the flu virus by decreasing its chance of survival in the air and on surfaces. (source)

Ailment: Can't Stop Coughing to Catch Some ZZZs

Maty's

Solution: All natural vapor rub & cough medicine

When you use natural ingredients, you don't have to worry about any of the icky, harmful additives like petroleum and hydrogenated oils and GMOs found in many OTC cold remedies for kids. We love Maty's All Natural Vapor Rub for Children and All Natural Baby Chest Rub for babies because they are formulated with age-appropriate dilutions of essential oils that safely and effectively relieve symptoms of coughing and stuffiness. Maty's line of cough syrups (powered by potent honey) that target a variety of cold symptoms also get a big thumbs-up from us for relying on the power of nature to bring relief to babies and kids.

––Beth Shea

Feature photo: Bluebird Provisions via Unsplash

 

Disclaimer: We are not health professionals. These are simple solutions you can try at home to relieve cold symptoms. The content herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always check with your child’s doctor for the best course of treatment for their ailment.

 

RELATED STORIES:

12 Essential Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy This Winter 

Low Energy Activities for Those Days You Just Have None

15 of the Best Vitamin C Recipes to Beat the Common Cold

See-Ya Sniffles! 12 Cold-Busting Recipes to Try This Winter

 

Pregnant or have a newborn? Chances are you’re on the shopping spree of your life. From diapers to nursing supplies to maternity wear, your credit card is getting a workout. But, before you swipe one more time, we’re letting you in on a little secret: many resources and products for new and expectant moms may be covered by your health insurance. Read on for five surprising things you might not know are taken care of by your insurance plan.

1. Breastfeeding Support & Supplies

Motif Medical offers a trio of breast pumps in varying designs that accommodate a variety of mothers’ needs at work and on-the-go. The Luna, their most powerful pump, features a quiet motor and helps pump more milk in less time. The Duo or “savvy traveler” is a lightweight pump that fits in one hand and conveniently slips into any bag. And, the Twist is their “affordable portable” breast pump that’s sturdy, economical and features a portable power option for a simple pumping experience while out and about. All three streamline the pumping process to make it easier for moms to manage breastfeeding.

In addition to breast pumps, Motif Medical also offers breastfeeding supplies including a stylish backpack or tote bag, replacement supplies, milk storage and nursing pads. Check your insurance to see exactly what they cover.

2. Prenatal Vitamins

It’s important to take prenatal vitamins both before and after baby is born (if you are nursing) to ensure you and your growing baby are getting the sufficient amounts of minerals and vitamins you need for optimum health. Many insurance plans cover prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements and/or you can pay for them by taking advantage of your tax-free flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Be sure to check your coverage to see if your vitamins and supplements are eligible.

3. Compression Garments

Motif Medical literally supports expecting mothers and new moms with their comfortable collection of compression garments. Compression garments are FDA-listed medical devices that in addition to helping speed up recovery, also shape and firm your postpartum belly, hips, waist, pelvis, and lower back. Compression garments also provide comfort during pregnancy as well.

Motif Medical offers three types of compression garments:

Their breathable and discreet Pregnancy Support Band provides relief and support during everyday activities during 3-9 months of pregnancy by relieving pregnancy-related pressure from the abdomen, hips, and lower back to reinforce the body’s core.

Postpartum, Motif has new moms covered as well, with their Natural Birth Recovery Garment and their C-Section Recovery Garment. Both are designed by healthcare professionals to aid in healing and help recovery by stabilizing joints, reducing pain, and increasing mobility. The C-Section Recovery Garment also features a side zipper for ease of use and to avoid pulling fabric over an incision.

Use Motif’s Insurance Lookup Tool to see if your insurance covers compression garments.

4. Birthing Classes

Birthing classes help prepare you physically, mentally and even emotionally for one of the most important days of your life. There are so many different types of childbirth education classes available––from Lamaze to The Bradley Method––and you’re sure to find classes you’re comfortable with to get the information you need. You’ll be happy to have the foresight and knowledge you’ve garnered once labor begins. Birthing classes are often covered by insurance, so be sure to check with your insurance company to get a list of classes on your plan.

5. Alternative Medical Treatments Like Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to relieve nausea, headaches, lower back pain, depression and even labor pains, so many women are turning to this ancient healing art to soothe symptoms during pregnancy. Ask your insurance provider what your coverage is for alternative medical treatments. Even if they don’t pay in full, they may offer discounts on services or have a list of providers they consider in-network.

Motif Medical’s goal is “to help you discover your options, support your body, and bond with your baby.” They’ve got your back, and your best interest in mind, during one of the most pivotal times of your life. Visit Motif Medical online at motifmedical.com for more information.

Disclaimer: We are not health professionals. The content herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always check with your doctor for the best course of treatment and with your insurance company to see what is covered under your insurance plan.

––Beth Shea

It’s not just how much screen time kids have that matters, but also when they have it. According to new research, screen time before bed can have a negative impact on sleep in preteens.

The study found that using phones, tablets and laptops at night is consistently linked with poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep, which previous studies have shown can lead to impaired immune responses, depression, anxiety and obesity in kids and teens.

photo: Wokandapix via Pixabay

Collecting data on the screen habits of 6,616 kids ages 11 and 12, the researchers found that more than 70 percent reported using at least one screen device within one hour of their bedtime. The study concluded that those who used a phone or watched television in a room with a light on were 31 percent more likely to get less sleep than those who didn’t use a screen. That risk increased to 147 percent if the screen time took place in the dark.

“While previous research has shown a link between screen use and the quality and length of young people’s sleep, ours is the first study to show how room lighting can further influence this,” Dr Michael Mireku, lead author and a researcher at the University of Lincoln’s School of Psychology.

He continued, “Our findings are significant not only for parents but for teachers, health professionals and adolescents themselves. We would recommend that these groups are made aware of the potential issues surrounding screen use during bedtime including insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

RELATED STORIES:

Is Screen Time That Harmful to Kids? (Yet Another) Study Weighs In

Screen Time Physically Changes Your Kid’s Brain, New Study Reveals

How Much Screen Time Should Kids Be Allowed? New Study Urges Stricter Limits

Photo: Google

We’ve all been there: It’s midnight and you’re Googling “small bumps on baby’s arm” or “round itchy rash.” Next thing you know, you’re trying to figure out whether you should rush to the emergency room immediately. After all, it might be “dermatitis” but it could be a flesh-eating bacteria.

Fortunately Google is improving its algorithm, so we can perform a better self-diagnosis (and hopefully stop worrying about throat cancer when all we have is a cold).

This new algorithm will give users a list of related conditions when they search their symptoms. It will also give an overview description for individual symptoms and include self-treatment options. Additionally, the medical terminology will be translated into simpler terms for us, non-health professionals, to understand.

So the next time you’re worried about your “child with ankle pain” a Google search will be a more helpful place to start.

Are you a frequent patient of Dr. Google? Tell us in the comments below!

H/T: Mental Floss