Why December Babies Are Bold Explorers & Other Fun Facts

by Shahrzad WarkentinNovember 25, 2023

From being an early riser to having several birthstones, people with a December birthday are a special bunch

Being a December baby can sometimes feel like a downer because birthdays can get forgotten in the holiday rush. But the truth is that people with a December birthday are impossible to overlook. While being born in November isn’t very common, December babies (especially those born on Dec. 25) are some of the rarest of them all. Here are some attributes you might not know about your December baby.

A mom kisses her December baby on the cheek in front of a Christmas tree — iStock

Late December Birthdays Are Rare

It might be a celebratory distraction to be born on a big holiday, like Christmas, but the truth is it’s very rare to be born on Dec. 25, which makes those birthdays pretty special. In fact, Christmas Day is the least likely day of the year to be born, ranking at 366th with just over 6,500 births on average. Dec. 24 is also a rare one, ranking at 364th, and Dec. 26 comes in at 361st.

Some December Baby Names Are Related to the Holidays (but Not All)

While some December baby names are related to the holidays (think Joesph, Eve, Noelle, Nicolas), according to Nameberry, other names to give babies born in the last month of the year range from those inspired by light (Lucien) and December's flower (Narcissa, Holly), to the Winter Solstice (Talvi), and good fortune (Felix).

They're Less Moody As Adults

While we can’t make any guarantees when it comes to those terrible twos (and threes), according to research, people with a December birthday are less irritable as adults than those born in other months. A Hungarian study found that those born in the winter months, like December, were least likely to suffer from mood swings. So while the weather might be chilly outside when your December baby is born, expect to get a lot of warmth from these little charmers as they get older.

A baby smiles and laughs in front of a Christmas tree as he holds up a present — iStock

They’re Bold Explorers

With all this talk of birthdays, you might ask, what is the zodiac sign for people born in December? Babies born before Dec. 21 are ruled by Sagittarius, the archer, meaning that you can expect wisdom, determination, and a bold attitude. These spitfires are also known being adventurous travelers, so get your world map ready. If their birthday comes after Dec. 21, that makes them a Capricorn. Represented by the goat, this zodiac sign for December implies that your baby will be ambitious and highly disciplined while also good-natured. So, in other words, they have a great work ethic.

They're Rich in Birthstones

What is December's birthstone? Lucky for December babies, they have four beautiful blue-hued gems to choose from if you include the blue topaz. The topaz is known for its sparkle, variety of colors, and affordability (a win-win for birthday gifts), although some history and jewelry experts argue that blue topaz does not represent December. Even if that's the case, you're still left with three gorgeous gems: the calming and ever-popular turquoise, the unique purple-blue tanzanite, and the blue-green zircon (said to be one of the oldest materials on earth).

Four smiling children who were born in December stand in a classroom — iStock

They’re the Head of the Class

Depending on what your school entry cut-offs are, your December baby is either one of the youngest in the class or the oldest. Either way, they are on track to be one of the brightest. While some studies show that kids who are the oldest in their class are more successful in academics, other research has shown that being the youngest also has an advantage by the time kids prepare to graduate high school, with the youngest outperforming their older classmates by the time they are applying for college. Either way, it's a win.

They’re Early Risers

A study of human circadian rhythms found that those born in winter months, including December, were more likely to be morning people, which means at least you’ll face a smiling tot when you’re up at the crack of dawn. Better still, other similar studies found that those born during the same season were more likely to go to bed earlier, which means more me-time for mom and a more efficient schedule going forward.

Walt Disney was a December baby — Wikimedia Commons

Celebrities with a December Birthday

Some famous December babies include Walt Disney, Beethoven, and Jane Austen. Do you like movies and television? There's a VIP list filled with celebrities born in December such as actresses Lucy Liu, Amanda Seyfried, and Julianne Moore, as well as film director Judd Apatow. Mckayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas, two Team USA Gymnastics gold medalists, were born in December. Dec. 30 alone marks the birthdate of several iconic baseball players in history including Sandy Koufax, Frank Torre, and Jose Morales.

—Additional reporting by Dhyana Levy

Why September Babies Are Often at the Top of Their Class

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 30, 2023

Here are a few unique traits that make babies born in this month special

Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only reason why September calls for celebration. Did you know that September is the most popular month of the year to be born? Yup! According to a study done by Reader’s Digest, nine of the 10 most common birthdays are in September. So get ready to party, and discover some other interesting facts about your September baby.

They’re happier.

Success is great, but nothing is more important than happiness. Time reports people born in the fall months are the least likely to suffer from depression. They are also the least likely to suffer from bipolar disorder, but studies disagree on whether it’s because there’s still a lot of fresh produce in the fall or short winter days haven’t set in yet.

People born in September are at the top of their class.

Being a September baby means higher rates of academic success, according to a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Most September babies are the oldest kids in their class thanks to enrollment cut-off dates that often lead to these tykes getting a late start in school. That late start, also known as red-shirting, means that kids born in September are more mature, which was shown to have a significant impact on their cognitive development and test scores throughout primary school.

They probably make good co-workers.

People born in September fall under either the Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) or Libra (Sept. 22 – Oct. 22) astrology sign. One strength of a Virgo baby is that they’re hardworking and analytical, and Libra babies are cooperative and diplomatic, all of which are good qualities in a teammate.

People born in September and September babies are usually good athletes — *iStock*

They’re usually first-string.

Academics aren’t the only thing September babies are successful at. Babies born in the fall are more likely to succeed in athletics as well. For the same reasons that they are successful in the classroom, being the oldest often gives them an on-field advantage in size and strength.

The birthstone for September is a sapphire.

One of the world’s most precious gemstones, ancient Greek and Roman societies believed this brilliant blue stone would protect those who wore it from harm and envy. In medieval Europe, the sapphire was also thought to have healing powers.

They tend to live longer.

People born in September and November are more likely to live to be 100. According to a study from the University of Chicago that analyzed data from over 1,500 centurions, most people who live to be 100 are born during these months. The reason for this, the researchers suggest, is that this group was less likely to suffer from seasonal infections early in life, which could impact life-long health.

People born in September have strong bones.

A study conducted by Bristol University concluded that babies born in late summer and early fall had thicker bones than babies born during the rest of the year. Wider bones are thought to be stronger and less prone to breaking especially later in life, which is good news if you live to be 100.

There are lots of famous people born in September.

Every birth month can claim a celebrity or two, but September is flooded with famous faces blowing out their birthday candles. Keanu Reeves, Will Smith, and Beyonce are just some of the A-list stars born in September, but it doesn’t stop there. Some of your kid’s favorite authors and creative minds are also September babies, including Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, and Jim Henson.

Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy May Lead to Shorter Kids

by Christina MarficeNovember 21, 2022

Drinking coffee while pregnant may cause your child to be shorter later in life, according to a new study

I remember when I was growing up and my mom told me I couldn’t drink coffee as a kid because it would stunt my growth. It turns out, she may have been on to something: a new study found that drinking coffee (and other caffeinated beverages) while pregnant may be connected to having shorter kids.

The study, which was published in JAMA, followed a cohort of moms from 1959 to 1965, and their kids from 1960 to 1974. That data was compared to similar data gathered by following more recent cohorts of moms (from 2009 to 2013) and kids (from 2017 to 2019). The researchers measured the amount of caffeine and paraxanthine (the metabolite of caffeine) in the moms’ blood during the first trimester of pregnancy. Then, they tracked the kids’ growth up until age eight.

The data showed that moms who had more caffeine and paraxanthine in their blood during pregnancy consistently tended to have shorter children.

“The main takeaway is that even low exposure to caffeine during pregnancy was associated with shorter height in childhood,” said Jessica Gleason, Ph.D., MPH, the study’s author. “There have only been a handful of studies that are similar to ours, and none had really evaluated height separately from overall BMI. Considering prior research, I was a little surprised that we found no association between caffeine exposure during pregnancy and child weight but found such a consistent association between caffeine and child height even up until age 8.”

But before you decide to give up coffee altogether during pregnancy (a time when a caffeine boost may be more needed than ever), the difference was small—about two centimeters between kids whose moms drank the most caffeine and kids whose moms didn’t drink any at all. Gleason said more research is needed to understand the full implications of the study’s findings.

“The clinical implications of this work are unclear because the height differences we observed are so small,” she said. “It would be important to determine whether height differences persist beyond childhood, as shorter height in adulthood has been associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

There’s been a ton of debate over how much (if any) caffeine is safe during pregnancy, and despite this study, experts still generally agree that up to 200 milligrams (or one 12-ounce cup of coffee) per day is just fine.

Why It’s So Important for Kids to Spend Time with Their Grandparents

by Mira TemkinSeptember 6, 2022

Look no further than your own family to find role models for your children. Grandparents can inspire the younger generation’s values and future

We all know that grandparents are our kids’ go-to source for bear hugs, commiseration (you are the common enemy), and yummy movie night snacks. But did you know that kids benefit from their grandparent’s advice, guidance, and endless love, too? Yup, research shows that it’s a win-win for both generations, and so, in honor of Grandparent’s Day on Sept. 11, here are 10 reasons why your kids need to get in that QT with Nana, Pop-Pop, Mimi, or Gramps.

Grandparents Provide Unconditional Love

Grandparents love your children and want to be around them, helping them mature and shaping them into smart, caring adults. Showering your children with unconditional love will go a long way toward instilling confidence in them and ensuring that they have a brighter future.

You'll Help Your Parents Live Longer

A grandfather happily lifts his baby grandson into the air — iStock

Scientists now believe that grandparents who babysit live longer than those who don’t. A study showed babysitting grandparents had a whopping 37% lower mortality risk than adults of the same age who have no “caring responsibilities.” They believe time spent with grandchildren creates a sense of purpose and also helps keep grandparents physically and mentally active.

Grandparents Want to Show Them the World!

A child spends time outside in the park with his grandparents — iStock

Hopefully, your mom and dad will want to explore the world with your kiddos and take them to visit historic and educational destinations. Your parents may have the financial means to go a little further and take the kids on a skip-gen trip by themselves. Count yourself very lucky if they can.

They Can Enjoy New Experiences Together

Let your mom and dad take your kids on educational, yet fun outings—to museums, art shows, and musical theatre performances. Let the grandparents serve as role models, showcasing their passion for culture. Kids who are exposed to the arts will be more likely to pursue these experiences on their own as they continue to grow.

You Can All Be Part of a Team

A girl and her grandfather are in the kitchen cooking together — iStock

Raising children is like a team sport. You’ve heard the expression, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Encourage your parents to be a part of the team and let them take great pride in fostering your children to become confident, healthy adults. That’s something you can all be proud of accomplishing.

Related: 12 Games to Play with Grandparents

You'll End Up with Happier, More Secure Children

Happy grandparents spending time with their grandchildren sit on a couch laughing — iStock

If you need more convincing, a study at the University of Oxford by Professor Ann Buchanan from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention showed that “a high level of grandparental involvement increased the well-being of children.” Their study of more than 1,500 children showed that those with a high level of grandparental involvement had fewer emotional and behavioral problems.

Grandparents Can Be Your Child’s Best Sounding Board and Source of Comfort

a boy hugs his grandpa from behind on a sunny day — iStock

It’s a tough world out there. Your kids see how hard you work and may feel more comfortable sharing their issues and concerns with their grandparents, who might be less judgemental. If your child dreams of becoming an astronaut, grandparents have the power to encourage them. If a family is struggling, grandparents can just be there to listen and provide empathy for their fears.

Your Kids Can Learn about the Past

Grandparents sit on the beach with their two grandchildren — iStock

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when our lives weren't ruled by technology. Grandparents can share stories about years when humans weren't living in a digital world; kids will love seeing pictures of their grandparents doing their favorite things and come to understand how different life was back then.

Grandparents Can Help Kids Do Good for Others

A girl and her grandmother look at grapes on a vinyeard — iStock

The elder generation may also place a high value on volunteering at religious and social service organizations. They may ask to bring the kids along with them at events like sorting donations at a food bank, packing school supplies, and purchasing warm coats for needy children. Participating in these kinds of activities will teach your children about compassion.

Your Kids Can Learn about and Share Their Values

Grandparents have an opportunity to share their values, like the importance of getting a good education, staying close to family, and being kind to children at school who may be physically and mentally challenged, with your kids. The influence of positive role models is critical as children tend to model the behaviors they see; listening to their grandparents will serve as a guide for your kiddos.

When Your In-Laws Become Your Lifeboat

by Jess deCourcy HindsJune 7, 2022

Several years ago, I broke down crying in Walgreens while buying diapers. I wanted a second baby more than anything, but I couldn’t get pregnant. I was there to buy adult diapers for my father-in-law, Frank, who has Parkinson’s and dementia and had just moved down the block from us.

After living their entire lives in San Diego, CA, my in-laws (unbelievably) relocated to Queens, New York. I couldn’t imagine how they made the leap to cold weather and an NYC-sized apartment—but they did it for their five-year-old granddaughter, Stella. My mother-in-law, Genevieve, has more energy than anyone I know and was eager to play spy games, bake and do arts and crafts. “I’ll babysit as much as you need,” she said. “And if you have a second one, I’ll watch him every day so you won’t need daycare.”

It sounded dreamy but improbable. How would my mother-in-law manage to watch an infant while her husband’s Parkinson’s progressed? My in-laws flew across the country and moved into their new home less than a month before Frank lost full use of his legs and became bedridden. I knew he would need more and more care, and eventually, Genevieve would, too. My brother-in-law also lived in New York and was on board to help. There was no question that it was time for my family to pull together.

I loved the idea of being a true intergenerational family. But I was afraid that my partner and I wouldn’t be able to help much with caregiving as full-time working parents. Still, we learned to weave the grandparent generation into our weekend and evening routines, swinging by to drop off groceries, install lightbulbs, help out with a sponge bath.

There were nightmarish times: ER trips at 3 a.m. after my father-in-law fell out of bed. I spent many lunch breaks at work calling the Veteran’s Association, begging for a hospital bed to be delivered and for home health aide services. My stress level was so high that I feared I was hurting my chances to have a second baby at 38. I didn’t let that stop me.

“I’ll babysit for the second one—don’t you worry.” Genevieve never stopped believing.

Despite the uncertainty of Frank’s health, I felt a deep sense of calm every time I stepped into my in-laws’ building. Their apartment was right above a pizzeria, so we inhaled the warm, cheesy smell during the elevator ride. When we opened the door to the apartment, Genevieve’s golden doodle, Tilly, pounced and slathered us with kisses. Stella helped herself to Oreos from the pantry, knowing she never needed to ask permission. Then she headed into the playroom—where four dollhouses awaited.

During the first year, my partner and her brother traded off with their dad’s care, and I shouldered more of the parenting at home. Some nights my partner stayed over with her dad to care for him. Genevieve wasn’t able to babysit much, but she was still an invaluable addition to our lives as parents. I turned to her for parenting advice many times, knowing that she would never give advice unless asked and was never judgmental.

I signed up my kindergartener, Stella, for an after-school program, but Genevieve jumped in to do early pickups. Whenever Frank was having a good day, Genevieve swung by the school at 2 p.m. Together they ran around the house with walkie-talkies and spy costumes, and designed clothing using the full-sized mannequin Genevieve bought. Frank often seemed cheered up having a kid around. When Stella was nervous in the presence of someone so sick and in a hospital bed, I told her to high-five grandpa. Now they always high-five. No words need to be spoken when there is so much love.

That night when I wept in the Walgreens adult diaper aisle, I couldn’t imagine the life I’m living now. Frank has been stable enough to “graduate” from hospice services. The unstoppable Genevieve has babysat 30 hours a week for two years. She watches our long-awaited second baby, named Fiona Genevieve after her grandma. The baby happened because of modern medicine, but also all the extra support and love.

When my in-laws moved down the block, our family became stronger, more loving and complete. Baby Fiona, born on Cinco de Mayo, was the perfect latecomer to the party. And we have much to celebrate.

Coffee Linked to Lower Risk of Dying, So Moms Are Basically Immortal

by Julie ScagellJune 2, 2022

Good news for coffee drinkers (so, all moms). Moderate consumption of “unsweetened and sugar-sweetened coffee” has been shown to increase longevity, according to a new study. That’s right. Pour that second cup as you chase your family out the door in the morning and go about your day.

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found people between the ages of 37 and 73 who drank 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee per day (even with a teaspoon of sugar) were around 30 percent less likely to die than those who didn’t. In fact, the more you drink (to a reasonable point), the lower your risk of dying.

Drink Coffee, Live Longer. BECAUSE SCIENCE!!https://t.co/jF1M367paf

— Dave Swims // Get Salty // Stay Salty 🇦🇺🇺🇸 (@sanderling68) May 30, 2022

Researchers found people who drank unsweetened coffee were 16 to 21 percent less likely to die (we know, it sounds morbid), and those who consumed three cups per day had the lowest risk when compared to noncoffee drinkers. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can go to your local Starbucks and order a triple grande vanilla latte with added whip. “All bets are off when it comes to matching this with a latte, a Frappuccino, the super mocha whipped whatever,” said Dr. Eric Goldberg, a clinical associate professor of medicine at the N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine. These drinks are higher in calories, fat, deliciousness, etc.

But the study results had researchers and coffee drinkers celebrating. “It’s huge. There are very few things that reduce your mortality by 30 percent,” said Dr. Christina Wee, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a deputy editor of Annals of Internal Medicine.

For this study, researchers looked at coffee consumption data collected from more than 170,000 people from the U.K. Biobank, a large medical and health information database from people across Britain. The mortality risk remained lower across the seven years they followed participants, which included both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee drinkers. The data was inconclusive for people who used artificial sweeteners, so clearly, real sugar is the way to go.

This is not the first study to find the benefits of drinking coffee; a recent study also found that drinking coffee can help one live longer. https://t.co/UdZS8aHXXo

— Ian Weissman, DO (@DrIanWeissman) June 1, 2022

This isn’t the first study to find such results. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles tracked more than 185,000 people over 16 years and found people who drank one cup of coffee per day were 12 percent less likely to die during the course of the study than those who didn’t drink any.

It’s official. Parents can keep fueling their bodies with the brown stuff all day. Science said so, and we’re exhausted. Let us have this.

Battling with Your Kids? Try This Secret Weapon

By Devin Tomiak

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 1, 2021

Photo: Devin Tomiak

The battle began in the yard with small chunks of hardened mud—”mud rocks” as coined by my boys. They were running around pelting each other. What’s fun without a little danger? Sure, it was just small bits of mud they threw, but the bits were growing by the second, radioactively, soon-to-be baseball-sized. You know the game? In our house, we call it “Until Someone Gets Hurt.”

“I know they’re just small mud rocks,” I shouted as the boys whipped by. “But did you know that if you drop a penny from the top of the Empire State Building and it lands on someone’s head, it will kill them? Small, hard things can be dangerous.”

“Really?” they each stopped mid-throw and responded in unison. At the time, I didn’t know if the penny thing was true or a myth, but it worked. The white flags flapped in the wind. Mud war: CEASED.

According to an article in the University of California’s Greater Good magazine, “Research has shown curiosity to be associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being.”

But what about the benefit of disarming children in a ferocious mud fight? Or in any fight I dare ask?

“Wow” moments are naturally followed by a pause. Often this pause is exactly what our kids need to reorient from an argument or dysregulation. Sharing something interesting is also a way of giving to your child, whereas asking them to “take deep breaths,” another effective calming mechanism, is a request and could be interpreted as a burden. You’ve probably heard from your kiddo, “I don’t wanna take deep breaths!” But have you ever heard, “Don’t teach me anything I find exciting and interesting!”?

Finally, learning together connects people in “micro moments of love” says Barbara Fredrickson in the Harvard Business Review’s article, “We Learn More When We Learn Together.” She goes on to say that this type of high-quality connection creates appreciation and openness to others, and even can make us feel more alive in the moment.

The science backs it up. According to the article, “What Happens To Your Brain When You Learn Something New” on Oprah.com, “Novel experiences give you a rush of the reward chemical dopamine.” On top of it, learning something cool or interesting often evokes awe. Oxytocin is released when we experience awe, and with it a rush of warm, fuzzy feelings. These chemical jolts of positivity might explain why even when children are at their most unruly, if you sling some captivating knowledge at them, they likely won’t be able to resist stopping, listening and learning. Children are curious little creatures after all.

The Patented Formula for the Knowledge Attack

Kids boycotting broccoli? Kids arguing over which movie to watch on movie night? Kids refusing to do a chore? Ensnare them in the information booby trap.

Start with science. Putting something in scientific terms is like shooting your kid with a tranquilizer gun. Did you know, child, research shows that doing chores can make you live longer? (It’s true—researchers have discovered that people enjoy the same health benefits whether they go to the gym, walk to work or do household chores, and performing 30 minutes of any kind of physical activity five days a week could slash your risk of death from any cause by 28 percent.)

For those unschooled in science, just tell your kid anything they don’t already know. History is always compelling. People used to HANG towels to dry on a clothesline using something called ‘clothespins’! Alternatively, there’s the “Fun Fact” route. 96% of kids complain about chores, but they still do them. You can find anything on Google. And let me stress that it doesn’t even matter if your facts are false, as was the case with my penny falling from the Empire State Building story. (My son later looked it up and the penny can’t gather enough velocity to do any real harm.) You can always correct any falsehood afterward when your children aren’t breaking your eardrums or skating on the edge of doom.

And if all else fails, hurl some unfamiliar vocabulary at them. Even that can stop them in their whiney tracks. Chores improve your self-reliance. Don’t know what ‘self-reliance’ is, child? Well, let me tell you while you fold the dang towels.

Lastly, I will have you know that the information snare works even when your kids aren’t fighting you or themselves. Sharing some interesting information with your kid is the perfect segue into bigger, deeper conversations. Hooking children with some good, juicy fun facts, history, and science is actually the basis for The Biggies Conversation Cards, which delve into meaningful topics in a fun way.

Curiosity is your child’s Achilles heel. Try out “The Knowledge Attack” on your own brood today. And watch your kids crumble under your informative wiles.

This post originally appeared on The Biggies Conversation Cards Blog.

feature image: Allen Taylor via Unsplash

Devin Tomiak

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

After losing a brother to suicide, Devin Tomiak was driven to understand youth resiliency. Her personal mission to strengthen her relationship with her children, develop their emotional intelligence, and improve the communication skills of her whole family led her to create The Biggies Conversation Cards for elementary-aged kids.

Smart Ways to Boost Your Family’s Immune System

By Kara Reynolds

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 22, 2021

Photo: Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

Even with the arrival of vaccines, you need to safeguard your family’s immune health. Children under the age of 12 aren’t yet eligible for a shot, although manufacturers hope to win FDA approval for this use by the end of this year.

What can you do to help keep your loved ones from getting sick? Here are five proven and smart ways to boost your family’s immune system and keep them safer from all varieties of nasty germs.

1. Improve Everyone’s Diets

The foods your loved ones eat influence their immune function. Even if you aren’t Catholic, it’s wise to embrace fish Fridays—and extend them an extra day a week. Seafood is rich in vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids, all of which benefit your immunity.

Furthermore, eating more fish can prevent the number one killer, heart disease. Research performed by the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that two 3-ounce servings weekly slash your heart disease risk by 36%.

Likewise, increasing your family’s intake of whole, plant-based foods helps. These provide rich sources of antioxidants, which fight against damaging free radicals. Free radicals cause cellular damage and disease, stressing your immune system. Antioxidants neutralize these damaging molecules by adding missing electrons. The wider variety of plants you eat, the better your chances of getting what you need most.

Certain items can increase inflammation, making your body think it is sick when it isn’t. As a result, you tax your immune system—minimize your family’s intake of processed meat, refined carbohydrates and oils with a preponderance of omega-6 fatty acids, like canola and soybean.

2. Get Everyone Moving

Exercise may help to boost immune function through several mechanisms. One is by temporarily raising core temperature, killing bacteria and viruses. It’s similar to what your body does when you run a fever.

Research also indicates that exercise increases activity levels in white blood cells. The more of these disease-fighting cells you have seeking out and destroying germs, the lower your chances of getting sick.

Get your family moving by taking a walk together after dinner. You might have better luck getting your kids to open up about problems at school or with friends than you do around the table. Head to the playground as often as you can. You can also sneak in a workout by doing picnic-table pushups and monkey-bar pullups—or merely chasing your little ones.

3. Go Outside

People in Japan live longer, lead healthier lives, and having access to superior health care isn’t their only longevity secret. They also practice shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing, a healthy habit that your family can adopt to boost their immune health.

Researchers studied people who participated in the practice and discovered an increased number and activity in natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that eradicates germs. The secret lies in phytoncides, chemicals that plants exude for defense. When humans breathe them in, it bolsters their immune function.

Best of all, the effects last for up to 30 days after a stint in the forest. If you haven’t decided on a family summer vacation yet, why not pack up your tent and go camping? You’ll save money and boost your family’s immune health at the same time.

4. Mitigate Stress

While you need some stress, too much of it can wreak havoc on your overall health. Prolonged time under tension contributes to excess cortisol production, a hormone that can spell trouble in several ways.

One is that it prompts you to crave foods high in fat and calories. From an evolutionary standpoint, this mechanism helped you have sufficient energy to outrun hungry lions—but it backfires in increased obesity levels in modern times.

Excess cortisol also alters your immune and digestive functions. The problem is, you’re more likely to encounter nasty germs than angry bears in today’s world.
The solution? Practice healthy stress-management techniques yourself and share them with your family. One method is getting organized. Teach your children how to use a planner to stay on top of school assignments and use family calendar apps to make sure everyone shows up for their soccer matches on time.

Encourage your kids to engage in activities like yoga and arts. Foster positive friendships that give them a support system outside of the home.

5. Adhere to a Regular Bedtime

Your body needs sleep to maintain a healthy immune system. During slumber, your body produces cytokines, proteins that play a vital role in fighting germs. Inadequate shuteye throws off your levels, leaving you or your family at risk of infection.

Modern electronic devices rob more folks of sleep than ever, thanks to the blue light from screens impacting circadian rhythms and melatonin. Please create a family charging station in the kitchen or living area so that your kids or spouse don’t lie awake scrolling until 1 a.m.

The novel coronavirus isn’t the only nasty germ you have to worry about today. Boost your family’s immune system these five simple ways and prepare for any cold or flu bug you or your loved ones encounter.

Kara Reynolds

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.

These Are the Luckiest States in the Country, Study Finds

by Erica LoopMarch 4, 2021

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and you’re looking for a little “luck of the Irish.” If you’re not feeling particularly lucky, it’s possible you just don’t live in the right place.

Zippia recently released its list of the luckiest states in the country. From the highest lottery winnings to the places where people live longer lives, some states are luckier than others.

photo courtesy of Zippia

Along with lotto winners and overall life expectancy, Zippia measured median income, weather-related fatalities, unemployment rates,and car accident fatalities per 100,000 people to determine the luckiest states in America. And the winners are:

Minnesota
New Jersey
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
New York
Utah
Washington
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Hawaii

As the luckiest U.S. state, Minnesota had an impressive 22 lotto winners and a life expectancy of 81. New Jersey residents had even more lotto winners—with an annual total of 33, but life expectancy was one year lower, however. Number three on the luckiest states list, New Hampshire, also had a life expectancy of 80 (the same as New Jersey)—but only had 12 big lotto winners.

The fourth luckiest state, Massachusetts, was tied as one of the lowest extreme weather areas. It also had a high life expectancy of 81. Rounding out the top five, New York had an awesomely impressive 50 big lotto wins and a life expectancy of 81-years!

Could it be time for a move?

—Erica Loop

Feature photo: Anna Shvets via Pexels

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The Secret to Eternal Youth Is Hotter Than You Think

by Karly WoodNovember 13, 2020

Researchers may have found a way for people to live longer and the answer lies with chili pepper! A new study will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2020 that could demonstrate a significantly reduced risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease when people consume chili pepper.

After analyzing 570,000 individuals in the United States, Italy, China and Iran and combing through 4,729 studies, researchers produced four unique studies on the power of chili peppers. So what did they discover?

photo: Timothy Brock via Unsplash

Science has long known the power of capsaicin (what gives peppers their spice) and the capabilities it has in regarding to being an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, anticancer and a possessing a blood-glucose regulating effect. Researchers took it one step further by comparing records of those who regularly consumed chili peppers with those who rarely or never did.

Those who did eat chili pepper had a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality, a 23% relative reduction in cancer mortality and a 25% relative reduction in all-cause mortality.

“We were surprised to find that in these previously published studies, regular consumption of chili pepper was associated with an overall risk-reduction of all cause, CVD and cancer mortality,” said senior author Bo Xu, M.D., cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

“The exact reasons and mechanisms that might explain our findings, though, are currently unknown. Therefore, it is impossible to conclusively say that eating more chili pepper can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer. More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled studies, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.”

While there are still plenty of unknowns, tossing in a little extra chili pepper couldn’t hurt and it will definitely spice up your dinner.

––Karly Wood

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They tend to live longer.

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