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. 

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
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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
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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
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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

Known for being enthusiastic and cool, babies with a November birthday also have some serious star power

If you know a few nonagenarians whose birthdays are in November, it might not be a coincidence. According to research, being born in November may well mean having a longer lifespan, among other unique traits. Sure, babies born in August are known for their positive attitudes, babies born in September are said to have strong bones, and babies born in October might be just a little bit taller. But people with November birthdays? Well, they stand out from the crowd, and we’d like to tell how. 

child with a november birthday
Humphrey Muleba via Unsplash

They Have Some of the Rarest Birthdays

Turns out, November is one of the most uncommon months to be born. In fact, according to this handy chart compiled using data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Social Security Administration, six of the rarest birthdays of the year, including Thanksgiving Day, are in November. 

Related: Why September Babies Are More Successful

Children with a November birthday are known for being athletic, like these kids playing soccer
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They’re Athletes

Not everyone can make the first string, but there are fewer bench warmers among this bunch. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, kids with a November birthday are often fitter and stronger than those born in other months when measured for cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength, and lower-body power. There's a clear physical advantage for those born in fall, researchers indicated, while also using this information to explain some bias in sports selection, particularly those leagues and schools with September age cut-off.

They're Strong at Heart

While heart disease is an unfortunately common ailment, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that those born in November are least likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. A look at 10 cardiovascular conditions showed that people born in autumn are more protected than those born in winter.

A happy little girl in fall celebrating her November birthday
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 They Lead Longer Lives

It’s pretty rare to live to be 100. Less than 1 percent of all Americans will make it to a full century, but if you’re born in November, chances are better that you’ll be among the few. Researchers from the University of Chicago found that babies born from September to November are more likely to become centenarians (or 100-year-olds) than those born in any other month. Being female, having good genetics, and a higher socioeconomic status can also help get you into the 100-plus birthday club.

Related: October Babies Are Totally Winning At Life, According to Studies

A little boy with a book is shocked to learn that he is more likely to be left handed because he has a November birthday
Ben White via Unsplash

November-Born Boys Are More Likely to be Lefties

Left-handers make up just 10 percent of the population, but if you have a November birthday, you may well be one of them. More specifically, boys born during November are more likely to be lucky lefties, according to research published in Cortex journal. Scientists suspect this may be tied to pregnant women's early exposure to sunlight, which can increase testosterone levels and result in left-handedness. 

They’re A-Listers

Just about every month has a few birthday claims to fame, but none quite as stellar as November. Celebrities born in November include Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster, and Ryan Gosling. It’s pretty clear that November babies are destined to be among the accomplished award-winners.

Related: This Is the Most Popular Birthday in the US

Two little girls celebrate their November birthdays together
Victoria Rodriguez via Unsplash

They Are Brave and Enthusiastic

If you or your child has a November birthday, that means you or they are either a Scorpio (birthdays through Nov. 21) or a Sagittarius (Nov. 22 on). The ever-passionate Scorpio is known for being intuitive, brave, and hard-working, while fun-loving Sagittarius kids are recognized for their honesty, enthusiasm, and spontaneity. So, what does that mean? It means that if you're born in November, you must have a pretty great personality!

They Are Cool as Cucumbers

November babies have two birthstones: the topaz, which symbolizes calmness, and the citrine, also known for its tranquil energy. The stones both signify the serene, as well as prosperity, fortune and joy. No wonder people born in November are so cool! And both of these beautiful birthstones are more affordable than others, making a jewelry-related gift for people with November birthdays a bigger and better possibility. 

 

May’s birthstone is known as the “Jewel of Kings”

You know that April showers bring May flowers, but did you know that many people born in May consider themselves to be the happiest and healthiest people around?  Read on to find out why May-born babies are such a hearty lot. And if you’re expecting a May babe, check out this list of adorable names just for people born in May. 

1. People born in May consider themselves to be lucky.

According to a survey of nearly 30,000 participants, respondents were asked to rate how lucky they thought they were. The findings showed that people born in the summer are more likely to consider themselves lucky than those born in the winter. May-born respondents said they were the luckiest, while people born in November were the most pessimistic.

2. People born in May claim either the Taurus or Gemini zodiac sign.

If you have a birthday of April 20 – May 20, you were born under the sign of Taurus. If your May birthday is May 21 or after, you were born under the sign of Gemini.

3. May babies are driven to succeed.

Strong-willed and achievement-oriented people born in May under the sign of Taurus seem to possess an innate sixth sense that helps them navigate through life. Like their Taurus counterparts born in April, those born in May can be stubborn, but their critical, systematic ways of thinking help them get stuff done.

4. People born in May often have wanderlust.

Restless and curious, people born in May are always itching to explore the world. They often lead exhausting and busy lives that incorporate adventure and work, but they are the last to complain about their hectic lifestyles. For May-born people bitten by the travel bug, exploration isn’t simply a distraction, it’s a way of life.

5. People born in May are fun to be around. 

If you claim Gemini as your astrological sign, there’s a good chance you are chatty, enthusiastic, full of energy, and always looking to join the party. While this can be exhausting for some, everyone needs that go-go-go person in their lives.

6. May babies tend to be tinier than babies born in other months.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, babies born in May tend to be shorter, lighter, and have smaller heads, which scientists think is related to the amount of vitamin D the mother gets while pregnant.

7. The birthstone for May represents royalty, eloquence, and foresight. 

May’s birthstone, the emerald, is known as the “Jewel of Kings.” Beloved by royal figures throughout history, the most famous might be Cleopatra, who was said to shower this precious gem on visiting dignitaries. It was thought to reveal the truth and was used to ward off spells. People also thought, if worn, it would increase riches and allow the wearer to predict the future.

8. They share their birth month with plenty of famous people born in May.

There are quite a few celebrities born in May, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Robert Downey Jr., Adele, Cate Blanchett, Stevie Wonder, Ian McKellen, and Octavia Spencer.

Related: This Is Why September Babies Are More Successful, According to Science

 

When it comes to changing the world, having a positive role model can help spurn action, confidence, and imagination. These female scientists have invented, researched, and collected their way to a place in scientific history. From discovering new elements to inventing Wi-Fi, the following 13 women will wow you and your kids. And, if you want to learn more about inspiring women, check out our favorite movies for Women’s History Month.

1. Hedy Lamarr  

Hedy Lamar was a female scientist and a movie star
Wikimedia Commons

More widely known for her Hollywood starlet status during the 1930s and ’40s, Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, aka Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000), was much more than a pretty face. Native to Austria, she was incensed over the Nazi takeover of her beloved home country. Highly intelligent and fearless, Lamarr worked with scientist and inventor George Antheil to develop a secret communication system. They manipulated radio frequencies at irregular intervals to form an unbreakable code which she envisioned helping submarines deploy missiles and allow them to not be detected by enemy ships. This is known as spread spectrum technology and it is what modern-day digital communications are based on. Without her work (for which she obtained a patent) wireless technology as we know it today would not exist. She received very little recognition for her work during her lifetime, although today she is acknowledged as being the mother of wi-fi.

Communicate like Heddy: Try making a tin can telephone to represent the idea of sending messages. We love the one here from Crafts by Amanda. A game of telephone will also do the trick: try to scramble the messages on purpose to see what funny results you get.

Hedy says: “All creative people want to do the unexpected.”

2. Ameenah Gurib Fakim

Wikimedia Commons

Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim was born in 1959 in Mauritius, the country for which she now serves as the first woman President. She is a biodiversity scientist who has spent countless hours researching and documenting the indigenous plants of Mauritius and their medicinal and nutritive properties. She has held many high positions in the fields of both politics and science and was awarded the 2007 UNESCO Award for Women in Science.  

Be Like Ameenah
Develop their love of plants at a young age with this super cool transformation of a mere cardboard box into a natural lightbox. Gather local plants, leaves, and flowers to make yours.

Ameenah says: My dream is to be a voice from a part of the world that is rarely listened to, speaking on behalf of a part of the planet that is often overlooked.”

3. Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a famous female scientist
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A physicist and chemist who was not only the first woman ever to win a Nobel Prize, Marie Curie (1867–1934) was also the first person and only woman to win it twice, once for Chemistry and once for Physics. Her pioneering work includes the theory of radioactivity and discovering not one but two elements (radium and polonium).

Be Like Marie
We don’t want you to have any radioactive waste in your house, but you can get in the spirit of Marie Curie’s work by creating some glow-in-the-dark science. Try making glow bubbles or splashing in a (non) toxic pool of bathwater.

Marie says:A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician: he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales.”

4. Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson was a female scientist
Wikimedia Commons

Rachel Carson (1907-1964), was a marine biologist who studied the ocean and its ecosystems, but it was her book, Silent Spring, that helped to start the modern environmental movement. Born in Pennsylvania, she began her career in the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, and in the 1950s, she became a full-time nature writer and conservationist. She won a National Book Award for The Sea Around Us in 1951. She then turned her attention to studying environmental problems with synthetic pesticides; it was this work that resulted in Silent Spring, which was fiercely opposed by chemical companies. Nevertheless, her work led to the nationwide ban on DDT and started the movement which would become the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor by Jimmy Carter in 1980. 

Protect Like Rachel
Find a clean-up day at a beach, open space, or park in your community, and sign up with the kids. Learning to appreciate and protect nature at an early age will help to instill a desire to care for the earth and its creatures.

Rachel says:  “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”

5. Alice Eastwood

Alice Eastwood is a famous botanist
Wikimedia Commons

Born in Canada, Eastwood (1859-1953) is best known for her work as a renowned (and self-taught!) botanist credited with building the extensive collection of botanical specimens at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, CA. Not only did she collect them, but in 1906 after the big earthquake, she rescued the collection from the fire and managed to save 1497 irreplaceable botanical specimens. She lost her own home and all of her possessions, choosing to save the collection over all else. There are 17 plant species (and two plant genera) named for her, including the Fritillaria eastwoodiae. She went on many expeditions, especially in and around the California Sierra Nevada mountains, hiking with the Sierra Club and documenting the plants. She also hiked Mt. Shasta by herself. She published over 300 scientific articles in her lifetime.

Follow Alice
Try your hand at some homespun botany with an indoor garden project you can do in your kitchen, windowsill, or balcony.

After the great fire, Alice wrote: “I did not feel the loss to be mine, but it is a great loss to the scientific world and an irreparable loss to California. My own destroyed work I do not lament, for it was a joy to me while I did it, and I can still have the same joy in starting it again… .”

6. Mae C. Jemison

Mae Jemison is a female scientist kids should know about.
NASA via Wikimedia Commons

On June 4, 1987, Mae C. Jemison became the first African-American woman to enter the space program. On Sep. 12, 1992, she joined the crew of seven astronauts on the Endeavour, becoming the first African-American woman in space. Born in Decatur, Alabama, and raised mostly in Chicago, Il, Jemison holds multiple awards and degrees, including a B.S. in biomedical engineering and an M.D. She has worked as a medical doctor (including in the Peace Corps). As a child, Jemison spent a lot of time in her school library, reading especially books about space.

Blast Off Like Mae
Let your dreamers build a rocket ship of their own and join a mission into outer space. Or try this super sweet shooting-star craft.

Fun fact: Mae is one of the six women of NASA LEGO figurines.

Mae says: “We look at science as something very elite, which only a few people can learn. That’s just not true. You just have to start early and give kids a foundation. Kids live up, or down, to expectations.”  

7. Tu Youyou

Tu Youyou is a famous female scientist.
Wikimedia Commons

Chinese-born Tu Youyou took the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, primarily for her work in researching and discovering artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin, two compounds used to treat malaria. Her work has saved millions of lives. More than 240,000 other compounds had been previously studied as a treatment for malaria by scientists all over the world for years, but in 1960 Tu began analyzing plants from Chinese medicine. Tu and her team selected 2000 potential plants and eventually narrowed them down to just one. The compound comes from an artemisia (wormwood) plant and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Tu’s extensive knowledge of the vast pharmacopeia of traditional and Western medicine has made her one of the most important scientists in her field. She found what no one else could. Interestingly her father named her Youyou after a sentence from the Chinese Book of Odes: “Deer bleat ‘youyou’ while they are eating wild Hao.” Hao is Artemesia! 

Be Like Tu
Foster their love of experimenting with at-home chemistry like this super basic vinegar and baking soda volcano.

Tu says: “Every scientist dreams of doing something that can help the world.”

8. Raven Baxter

Raven Baxter
Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Dr. Raven the Science Maven and for her pop culture twist on molecular science, Dr. Baxter is on a mission to break the traditional perception of scientists. She’s a great example of a modern female scientist and has contributed greatly to educating people about COVID-19. As one of the hosts of STEMbassy, she’s advocating for underrepresented voices in STEM by leading thought-provoking conversations that explore these intersecting topics.

Be Like Raven: Help your kids get interested in molecules by making up your science rap songs together, rhyming everyday words with funny-sounding science terms like “Diurea!”

Raven Says: “We absolutely can also raise the issue of the lack of nonbinary honorifics… and just the lack of options to self identify.”

9. Emily Calandrelli

Emily Calandrelli is an engineer and female scientist.
Wikimedia Commons

Emily Calandrelli, female scientist, MIT engineer, and host of the popular Netflix science show for kids, Emily’s Wonder Lab, is making STEAM fun for kids of all ages! The activities and demonstrations on her show always end with an at-home version so your kids can dig into science. As a space expert, she’s also worked on NASA teams designing the simulation for the Phoenix Mars Lander’s soil testing experiment and finding new ways to reduce emissions from jet planes.

Go on adventures with Emily: Follow science- and technology-loving third grader Ada on her adventures in Emily’s book series, Ada Lace Adventures!

Emily Says: “I want to make everyone believe that they can understand math and science.”

10. Margaret Gatty

Margaret Gatty was a female scientists

(1809-1873) After being given a copy of an anthology containing illustrations of British seaweeds, Margaret was inspired to learn more about local marine botany. And after over a decade of observing and collecting specimens, she wrote her most famous work in 1862, British Sea-Weeds, sharing her knowledge alongside beautiful illustrations so that everyday people could enjoy the wonders of the marine world. This book, in particular, is considered a major contribution to civilization.

Be like Margaret: If you have access to tidepools, they’re a great place to observe the diverse shapes, textures, and colors found in marine ecosystems. Other places with still waters are good options, too! And be sure to bring a pencil and pad so your kids can be like Margaret and write down and draw their observations.

Margaret Says: “We may not always know what we’re wanted for, nor is it for us to enquire, but nobody is useless as long as he is permitted to live.”

 

11. Clarice Phelps

Clarice Phelps is an important female scientist
Wikimedia Commons

When we think of the periodic table, copper and lead may be among the oldest and first to come to mind, but have you heard of Tennessine (Ts) — added to the table just a few years ago? It’s the second heaviest known element, and female scientist, Clarice Phelps played a key role in its discovery, proving that women continue to make important contributions to science.

Discover like Clarice: Discoveries about our world are made every day! And these science kits are the perfect mix of play and discovery for your budding scientists.

Clarice Says: “Never dim your flame for those who can’t handle the heat coming from it.”

12. Ellen Ochoa

Ellen Ochoa is an astronaut
NASA via Wikimedia Commons

As a mission specialist onboard the shuttle Discovery in 1993, female scientist Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina woman to go up in space, conducting experiments and deploying a satellite to further the study of the solar corona. Over her career, she’s spent almost 1,000 hours in space!  

Be weightless like Ellen: It may not come close to floating around a rocket in space, but encourage kids to take note of the weightless feeling as they fly up high on the swings on your next trip to the park.

Ellen Says: “Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars.”

13. Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper is an important female scientist
James S. Davis via Wikimedia Commons

Grace Brewster Murray Hopper (1906-1992) was one of the first computer programmers ever in the U.S. A Navy Rear Admiral, in 1944, she worked on the Harvard Mark I Computer and invented the first compiler for computer programming language. In other words, she figured out how to explain computer code to mere humans (and how to program a computer to do what humans want). In the 1940s, she continued working for the Navy and later for other government agencies as a high-ranking official. She even worked as a senior consultant for a private company until she died at the age of 85.

Code Like Grace:
Promote a little active screen time with your future programmer when you have her complete an hour of code for 20 minutes each day. Everything you need to know is mapped out online, and although the hour is best spent on a screen, you can opt to use screen-free alternatives to teach the same concepts to your cutie at home. The best part? A sweet certificate your tiny techie can earn when she’s learned it all. Gold stars all around!

Grace says:  “A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

—with additional reporting by Candace Nagy

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.

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 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.

Let’s be honest—taking a vacation with kids isn’t always easy. Well, not for parents anway. High chairs? Mile-high luggage? Diapers? Yeah, none of that sounds very relaxing. But knowing exactly what you need to bring (and what you don’t) can make traveling with kids less stressful, and dare we say it—simpler. From how to pack a suitcase to what you need on an airplane, keep reading to discover our top packing tips before your next foray with kids.

What to Ditch ASAP

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1. The entire closet.
Often we travel from a colder location to a warmer one. Guess what? Don’t bring along winter coats, scarves, etc. Just layer up for the drive to the airport/train station/car ride. Plus, make sure to check the extended weather where you’re going. Is it going to rain? If not, don’t pack an army of raincoats and boots. Are you going skiing? Leave the warm weather wear at home. The odds are wherever you are going has stores—in case there's a sudden change in weather.

2. Everything in your medicine cabinet.
Yes, children get sick. And they love getting sick on vacation. Ok, maybe not love, but you get the idea. Instead of bringing every type of remedy (kids with allergies are the exception), be sure to make a list of the Urgent Care centers and Emergency Rooms in the area. If there is a serious problem—you know where to go. Otherwise, Tylenol and Saline usually do the trick.

3. A white noise machine.
Unless you have a tiny tiny tiny one, don’t pack this. Guess what? Lots of parents' choice for a white noise machine is actually an app. It has a million different types of sound, you can easily control the volume, and you’re bringing it with you anyway!

4. All those diapers/wipes/bibs.
Pack what you need for a full day, but otherwise where ever you’re going (minus a few exotic locations) will have those things available at any grocery store or pharmacy. Or to save time, you can have those items shipped and delivered to your hotel/motel from a place like Amazon or Jet.

5. Towels.
If you’re staying at a hotel, motel, resort, etc., there will be towels aplenty for you and your little ones. Unless where you’re staying specifically says to bring your own towels, don’t worry about packing them.

Steve PB via Pixabay

6. Shoes, shoes, shoes more shoes.
No. Just no. Pack practical comfortable shoes for your kids. No one, and I mean no one, cares what shoes your kids are wearing. Even at restaurants. They get a pass. Plus, unless you have a child with very refined tastes, they should be fine with the same two pairs the entire trip.

7. The baby bathtub.
Talk about schlepping something so unnecessary. You can definitely make do without a baby bathtub. How? For starters, try getting in the bath with your baby and prop him or her up against you to bathe.

8. Enough snacks to last the entire trip.
Once again, pack what you need to get through an entire day. Before you travel, scope out what sort of convenience stores and grocery stores are nearby. Does the hotel have its own shop with snacks and goodies? Unless your child has a very specific snack, and that’s the only one they’ll eat, plan enough for a day, and load up once you get to your location.

9. Every single piece of tech you have at home. 
Do you really need the mini-DVD player, the tablets and the phones? No. These days, you can download enough movies and shows to your device before take-off to last you the trek. Make sure you have enough for each kid, and leave the rest behind.

10. Stuffies and/or extra blankets.
Hear us out. Yes, the lovie probably needs to come with your kid. But, that extra teddy, the other baby blanket and that special pillow. Not only do you risk the chance of it all being left behind, but those items take up precious packing space.

What to Pack ASAP

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

1. The Car Seat
Even though you have the option of renting one with your car when you arrive at your destination, there's no guarantee it's going to be new and you have no way of knowing if it's been in an accident. A compromise? Buy a compact car seat that's a lot easier to keep in tow. We've picked our favorite, see it here.

2. IDs/Health Insurance Cards
This may seem obvious to those of us who constantly carry around health insurance cards, but not everyone does. Having IDs for children is also a good idea. It never hurts to be prepared.

3. Tylenol/Saline/Syringe
See "everything in your medicine cabinet" above. Tylenol and Saline work with a host of problems, including colds, fevers, teething, etc. And a syringe makes it easier to get the medicine into your child.

4. Small Scissors
Ok, this may sound weird, but hear us out. First off, a pair of scissors makes opening anything a lot easier. And with kids who are constantly wrapping things around their fingers, these can literally be a life (or limb) saver. Imagine a tiny string wrapped around a baby’s toe? Yes, it happens more often than we realize. Small scissors are perfect for getting that string off.

5. Ziploc Bags
Fill these with snacks for the day of travel, and keep them handy. Whether you’re sticking in dirty clothes, bathing suits, small toys, toiletries on the way home or more snacks, Ziploc bags are one of the best and most useful things to pack on a trip.

6. Baby Carrier
Sometimes it is just easier to wear your little one. It’s also calming to them in a new and somewhat overwhelming environment. Wearing a baby to get on a plane is also a super easy experience—much better than dragging a stroller. Try checking the stroller and wearing the baby through security. Plus, if you’re planning outdoorsy activities like hiking, long walks, etc., a stroller isn’t always feasible. See our favorite carriers here.

7. Small Toys
When the tablets lose their power, or, if you want to start with something that's not tech-driven, have a couple of small toys on hand for kids to "unwrap" in the airport, on the plane or in the car. There's a whole range of cool items out there that cost $10 or less!

 

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For a plethora of reasons, kids need all the sleep they can get. But trying to get your littles to find the R&R they need can be a challenge for parents.

In a new study by Stanford Medicine, researchers found a simple and effective way that children can snag an extra hour of sleep. Published in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the study found that at-risk children who participated in meditation gained more than an hour of sleep per night!

photo: iStock

So what did the meditation entail? Within the curriculum, more than 100 third and fifth-graders were trained to bring their attention to the present, practice yoga-based movements and learn exercise for deep breathing.

The coursework was taught twice a week for two years in elementary and middle schools within the study. Interestingly enough, despite the instructors not providing techniques to help sleep specifically, children within the study gained an average of 74 minutes of sleep per night.

While the results demonstrated a vast amount of data surrounding the topics of stress, meditation and sleep, the main takeaway is that the art of meditation can go a long way when it comes to preparing for bedtime. Not sure where to start? Check out this easy way to calm down before bedtime and these easy meditations for kids to get on your way to a peaceful bout of slumber.

To read all the important takeaways, you can read the entire study here.

––Karly Wood

 

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In many areas, kids are starting to return to in-person school—which also means a return to after-school activities like clubs and sports. Your young athlete likely wants to hit the ground running, but after a yearlong hiatus from sports, that may not be the smartest (or safest) option. We talked to Dr. Bianca Edison, a sports medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, to get her tips for keeping kids healthy and happy during the upcoming sports season. 

For the third year in a row, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has been named to Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2021. Learn more about CHLA!

What precautions are you taking with Covid-19 to ensure appointments are safe for families?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has implemented extensive protective measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and keep patients, families and team members safe. We are conducting daily health screenings for all team members and visitors. We also require everyone over the age of two to wear a mask. There is increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and areas throughout the hospital as well as safe physical distancing in waiting rooms, the lobby and the cafeteria. Appointments that do not require a physical exam or a procedure like an X-ray or vaccination can often be done virtually via a secure online connection. 

With kids returning to school and to sports, it seems likely that kids will have more injuries. What are the most common orthopedic injuries you see in kids?

Injuries can occur whenever an athlete has been away from a sport for a while, whether that’s from an injury or, in many cases these days, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For young athletes who compete at a high level, it’s imperative to gradually re-establish a foundation of basic fitness and conditional stamina before ramping up. It’s important to not suddenly go from zero to 100. If an athlete hasn’t been training regularly since the pandemic began, the muscle memory that was previously built up—which protects the joints and helps prevent injury—goes away. In addition, when an athlete has been deconditioned due to time away, the muscles and body tire more quickly when restarting sports. Injuries are more apt to occur during periods of fatigue and an athlete pushing through. 

With some aspects of life, the more you work at a skill, the better you conceivably become. But that logic doesn’t apply to sports—especially with kids. Focusing only on one sport can increase the likelihood of an overuse injury. The kinds of injuries we commonly see are overuse injuries with the knee, the ankle, the arm and shoulder. These kinds of injuries happen when athletes overtrain or try to do too much too soon. For example, a baseball pitcher may work on throwing harder and not give their arm proper time to rest in between workouts or may not realize the proper muscles to engage to power a throw. A runner or soccer player may overtrain and experience a stress fracture or a knee injury.

If a child is injured during a sport, what signs should parents look for to know if the injury is serious enough to bring them into a specialist?

Is your child limping or suddenly favoring a body part? Do you notice swelling or bruising? Is your child trying to ‘push through’ pain? It’s important to have an ongoing dialogue with your child about how they are feeling. While competition can be healthy, it can also put a lot of undue stress on a child. Some kids feel enormous pressure from their coaches or their parents to perform at peak perfection level immediately. It’s important to emphasize that sports should be fun. Because kids are growing and their muscles and bones are still developing, it’s important to see a specialist when they experience pain that lasts for more than 24 hours, or if they have injured a joint like an ankle or a knee that swells and limits their range of movement.

However, you do not need to wait until an injury occurs to see a sports medicine specialist. Many of us are trained in preventative care and we can analyze different movement patterns and make recommendations or discuss ways to prevent an injury.

What does a typical first appointment with an orthopedic specialist look like?

There are no typical visits for me. My days can look very different, as everyone is unique and each person’s background and ailment can differ. However, when someone comes in to see me, I introduce myself and my team, discuss concerns, try to learn about that person’s short-term and long-term goals in regards to their sport, and ascertain the nuanced details of their lives that may help or hinder progress or recovery. Those details include the sports they’re involved in, their level of performance, nutrition status, sleep quality and any life stressors that may impact prognosis.

Does my child need to go to a pediatric-focused orthopedic specialist?

Yes! Children and teens are still growing. Their bones, joints, muscles and ligament injuries, when injured, may present differently than what we see in adult bodies. For example, a child’s broken arm is diagnosed and treated differently than an adult’s broken arm. A pediatric orthopaedic specialist has special training and experience to treat pediatric-specific injuries. 

Every parent wants to keep their child healthy and safe. Any tips for preventing injuries, whether kids are at school or in sports?

Sleep does a body good! A research study from our group showed that those kids who did not sleep the recommended hours per night had a 67% increased risk of injury. Another study I led showed that those athletes who had suboptimal sleep performed worse on cognitive tests. I make a point to ask about their sleep when I see my patients. Sleep plays a huge role in brain function. A good night’s sleep, anywhere from nine to 12 hours, will help the body rejuvenate, reboot, rid the brain of waste and in turn, help kids focus and concentrate.

Also, make sure that the child is wearing proper safety gear for their activity—helmets, shin guards, wrist guards and knee pads—and is training and moving appropriately. I encourage parents to have an ongoing dialogue with their child’s coaches to ensure that they are on the same page in terms of how their child is participating and performing. 

We cannot forget about the emotional and mental part of our athletes, as we are facing a crisis of young athlete burnout. The Aspen Institute has found that the average child today spends less than three years playing a sport and has a high risk of quitting by the age of 11, mostly because that athlete doesn’t view the sport as fun anymore. While competition can be healthy, winning at any cost can overshadow common sense and robs the child of the sheer essence and joy of playing sports. Make sure your child is learning to love sports for the sake of playing, learning about good sportsmanship and what it means to be a good teammate.

Meet Bianca Edison, MD, MS

I am a sports medicine attending physician in the Children’s Orthopaedic Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and assistant clinical professor of Orthopaedics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. My specialty involves working with young children and athletes to help them remain physically active, optimize safe sport participation and minimize time away from their respective sport. My interests include dance and performing arts medicine, sports-related concussion, adolescent overuse injuries, injury prevention and biomechanics.