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

 

People born in April are either Aries or Taurus

For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, April is a happy month of beginnings: the start of springtime and the restarting of the zodiac cycle, which begins with Aries. For those with an April birthday, longer days and the renewal of seasons have imbued April babies with bubbly personalities and positive outlooks. Here are some other fun facts (like what’s April’s birthstone) and traits of people born in April, the fourth of the year.

They’re born in the middle of the pack

April babies are usually neither the youngest nor the oldest students in their class, neatly fitting in the middle of the school calendar. A study from the University of Exeter found that first-time moms were more likely to attempt to plan their delivery dates for the spring. 

Aries are natural-born leaders

If you know someone born under the sign of Aries, (March 21 – April 19) you’ll know that thanks to their ambitious and tenacious natures, people born in April tend to be leaders. They can be innately stubborn and bossy—a potent combination (when used right) that can lead to people born in April to achieving their goals.

April’s birthstone is one the rarest of all—the diamond

When worn, the diamond is thought to increase the wearer’s inner strength. One of the hardest materials on the planet, April’s birthstone is also the symbol of eternal love and is one of the most popular gems to give as a gift. In the middle ages, the diamond was thought to have healing powers.

Your BFF is probably born in April

Passionate and caring, those born in under the sign of Taurus (April 20 – May 20) are steadfast, making loyal and generous friends. But be forewarned: April babies can be chatterboxes who love attention and can sometimes want to hog the spotlight.

People born in April can be emotional

Aries babies are known to be passionate, fiery, and impatient, which means they tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. The good news is, this makes them wonderful friends because they bring all that passion to every relationship in life.

April babies are fearless risk-takers

Aries is the most fearless sign of them all. This means there’s a good chance your baby born in April will be enthusiastic about everything they do and be unafraid of taking risks. That’s great news if you’re a parent who doesn’t like to stay still because April babies are feisty and possess seemingly boundless energy.

People born in April are hard workers and love routine

Those who are born under the sign of Taurus tend to be hard workers—they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the job done, already. They’re also a huge fan of consistency, so don’t be surprised if your April baby thrives on a routine (aka, don’t EVER skip the nap).

They share their birthday month with these celebrities born in April

Plenty of famous people have April birthdays, including Michael Fassbender, Pedro Pascal, Robert Downey Jr., Natasha Lyonne, Pharrell Williams, Elle Fanning, Samira Wiley, Chance the Rapper, Jennifer Garner, and Tim Curry. Notable (fictional) characters born in April include animated smart-aleck Bart Simpson (born April 1, 1979) and heavyweight boxer Rocky Balboa (born April 6, 1946).

Related: The Parent/Child Astrology Compatibility Chart

If you are one of the millions of women who suffer from clinical anxiety, you may be wondering how best to navigate it during your pregnancy. Here are answers to some of the most common questions pregnant women with anxiety are curious about. As with any pregnancy advice you read, be sure to connect with your key care providers to help support you through your unique pregnancy journey.

1. Are many pregnant women bothered by anxiety? Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder, and women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with it. If you historically suffer from anxiety, you are likely to need strategies to deal with it and keep you and your baby happy and healthy during your pregnancy. Onset of new pathologic anxiety during pregnancy is not common, but communicate with your care provider if this is your experience so you can get additional support as needed. (Normal pregnancy-related anxiety is common, and doesn’t need any treatment.)

2. Does anxiety carry risks to my pregnancy? Anxiety and other stresses in pregnancy are associated with miscarriage, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. If you are suffering from anxiety and become pregnant, it’s important to work with your care provider to create an action plan so you can optimize your pregnancy outcomes.

3. What are some natural (drug-free) ways to deal with anxiety during pregnancy? Enlist the help of your partner in creating and maintaining a calm pregnancy environment. You can also try yoga, meditation, and walking. Be sure to talk to your obstetrician as well. If s/he doesn’t feel comfortable helping you with your anxiety, ask for a referral to a counselor

4. Is it safe to take anxiety medications while pregnant? Taking anxiety medications during pregnancy does carry some risks to your baby (depending on the medication), including cleft lip and “floppy baby syndrome” (i.e., hypothermia, lethargy, poor respiratory effort, and feeding problems). Your infant may also suffer from withdrawal from certain medications. Be sure to consult with your prescribing physician and understand all the risks before making your decision.

5. What if I’m on anxiety medication when I get pregnant? Work with your prescribing physician to slowly decrease dosage over a period of about three weeks until you can wean yourself off. While some anxiety medications can be taken during pregnancy, they all cause some risk to your baby, and it is best to go off the medications if possible.

In the end, the decision needs to be weighed from the perspective of where the greatest benefit will be compared to the greatest harm. If not taking your medication could result in self-harm, for example, your physician may recommend you continue taking it in spite of the potential risks to your pregnancy.

Dr. Alan Lindemann
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

Photo: Britannica for Parents

Due to COVID-19, parents must make difficult decisions about their child’s schooling, but parents of children with chronic illnesses face even tougher choices. To learn more, we spoke to some parents of children who have asthma about how they are making these important decisions.

Children are eager to go back to school, and parents would love to send them back. Some children, however, are more vulnerable than others, such as those children with asthma. Asthma is a respiratory illness. Because COVID-19 can affect the lungs, people with asthma are at a higher risk than others. It can harm their respiratory tract or cause an asthma attack and can also lead to pneumonia or other respiratory issues. 

Just as there are degrees of severity with COVID-19, there are degrees with asthma. Some people have a mild case. For others, it is much more severe. Given that asthma is a more common illness, with one in 12 people having itBritannica for Parents spoke with parents of children with asthma to hear what their concerns are during this time and how they are making decisions about school. What became clear during these conversations is that the choice to send a child back to school is a deeply difficult and individual one and one in which the child’s welfare is central.

Going Back to School

Amanda lives in Alabama with her family. Her son, Luke, is 3 and a half years old and has moderate viral-induced asthma. His asthma will act up during colds or when he is around oak tree pollen, which he has an allergy to. After talking with her pediatrician, she made the decision to send Luke back to child care.

Amanda says Luke’s case is different from other asthmatics in that his asthma is milder. In addition, Amanda says that her son “loves school and loves peer interaction. I also sent him to school to help his immunity get stronger. His immune system was weakened from being away from daycare.”

Amanda is a nurse, and her sister is a pediatric nurse, so she is familiar with the virus as well as the toll it’s taken in her community. She lives in southern Alabama, close to the beach where a lot of people like to vacation, so the COVID numbers there have increased. Though her community is a hot spot, Luke’s child care program is doing a great job managing the virus. Amanda says, “Each child has a specific bucket of toys they can play with. The buckets have their name on it. They each have a cot and a nap mat.” The teacher checks the temperatures of the children as they’re coming in and takes the child to the classroom. All teachers and staff wear a mask.

Luke’s teacher has been out sick because of coronavirus, which she contracted from her asymptomatic husband, but Amanda is comfortable with the process in place for people to quarantine. “If you have a cold of any kind, you have to go to the doctor to get a diagnosis.” When her son had a cold, she had him tested for COVID-19, and he was negative. Despite the results, Amanda kept her son out of school. Amanda says, “I’m a nurse. I see false negatives. The actual lab is coming back negative, but out of respect for everyone else, I kept him home for 10 days.”

When asked what advice she has for other parents, Amanda said, “You got to trust whatever you’re doing. You are educating yourself in the best way you can. Whatever decision you and your family make, that is the best decision for you and will best help your family today. Stop beating yourself up about it.”

Learning Remotely

Brittany also lives in Alabama with her family. Her son is 6 years old and is going into first grade. The school made the decision to go remote for the first nine weeks of the school year and then reassess the situation. Brittany says that she is keeping her son at home if the school decides to send the children back to the classroom because her son has severe asthma. She says, “We made 13 ER trips in one year. I also have a 10-month-old. It is not worth the risk.” Brittany knows that remote learning is not the best way for her son to learn, but he is doing fine with it.

Brittany also wasn’t comfortable with the school’s plan. She felt that it was “up in the air.” And though the state of Alabama has made a few requirements, masks are not mandatory for first graders in her state.

When asked what advice she had for parents, Brittany says, “Definitely go with your gut, and do what you think is right. It is not about other families.”

Joining a Learning Pod

Sheri is a mother of a fifth-grader named Ethan. Her son has a milder case of asthma, but Sheri is immune-compromised. When we first spoke to Sheri at the end of July, she just made the decision to send her son back to school.

Ethan struggles with virtual learning. He gets frustrated and prefers being in a classroom. Sheri says that with virtual learning, “He is not going to be able to raise his hand and get extra help. Virtual instruction is not how he learns best.” Sheri spoke to Ethan’s doctor as well as her own doctor to help make this decision. There were also school board meetings where she learned about a proposed plan that Sheri felt comfortable with.

Things have changed weeks later, however. Sheri’s family lives in Illinois, where the numbers of COVID-19 cases are ticking up. We spoke to her recently and learned that the school is going remote until the beginning of October. In the weeks since we last chatted, Sheri also began to feel less comfortable with sending Ethan back to school. In fact, she doesn’t want to send him back until there is a vaccine in place.

Sheri spoke with other parents in her community to come up with a plan of their own—to create a learning pod. “It’s a group of seven kids, and three of the children are from one family. That home is where he will go to for e-learning. Four children are in fifth grade, one is in kindergarten, one is in third grade, and one is in first grade.” The parents hired a woman who tutors children. She is going to be in charge of making sure they log in. She will also be there for questions and reteaching during the school day, which is 8:45 am to 2:45 pm. Sheri is very comfortable with this. There is an additional bonus according to Sheri, “The kids can help each other and learn that way.”

When Ethan found out about the change, he wanted to go back to school at first, but Sheri explained to him why the kids are working this way and he is fine with it. Sheri says, “The fact that he’s going to see his friend, he’s fine with it.”

When asked what advice she has for other parents, Sheri says, “You have to do what’s best for your family situation.”

Questions to Consider

All parents we spoke to understand that sending their child back to school is a very personal decision that is based on their family’s and child’s needs. If you are making a similar decision, we have included a list of questions to consider. We’ve also included additional resources at the end of this article for more support. One resource is a tool kit offered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The tool kit offers checklists and other supports to help schools create an asthma-friendly environment. When making your decision, however, we strongly encourage that you speak with your child’s doctor.

School Plan

  • What is the school’s reopening plan?
  • Are you comfortable with it?
  • What is the school’s plan if someone gets sick?
  • What is the school doing to support behaviors that reduce spread?
  • How are schools ensuring proper ventilation?
  • Will your child be affected by the cleaning supplies used?
  • Does the school have a plan for class size? Staggered schedules?
  • Does your child require access to services: school meals, social services, extended childcare, extracurricular activities? What is the school’s plan for these services?
  • What is the transportation plan for going back to school?

Child’s Needs

  • How severe is your child’s asthma?
  • Do you have an Asthma Action Plan in place for child care or the school?
  • What is your child’s learning style?
  • Does your child require more structure or extra support?
  • Is your child able to learn while working digitally?
  • Can your child keep up with the work?
  • What is your child’s mood like during lengthy periods of virtual learning?
  • Does your child know how to wear a face mask?
  • Does the benefit of social interaction outweigh the risks?

Community & Home

  • Are the COVID-19 numbers rising in your community?
  • What is your work schedule like?
  • Is a parent able to stay home with your child?
  • Are you and your family in a place in which you could quarantine for two weeks if your child was exposed to COVID-19?
  • Do you live with anyone else who is at an increased risk?
  • Do you have access to the Internet and a device for virtual learning?
  • Does your child require specialized equipment? Do you have that equipment at home?
  • Is there a place at home where your child is away from distractions?

Learn More

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, “Asthma Action Plan,” [n.d.]
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, “COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools,” 2020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Asthma in the U.S.,” 2011
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,” 2020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The Importance of Reopening America’s Schools This Fall,” 2020
Gay, Holly, “Managing Asthma During COVID-19,” 2020
Slater Tate, Allison, “4 Questions Parents Need to Ask Before Sending Their Kids Back to School This Fall,” 2020

 

About the Author:

Karen Aleo: Managing Editor of Britannica for Parents Karen has a master’s degree in education in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. She is also the author and editor of several books for young readers.

 

This post originally appeared on https://parents.britannica.com.
Britannica For Parents
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We’re living in a time when it’s nearly impossible to distinguish fact from fiction. Parents need information they trust to help them make good decisions about raising their curious learners. Britannica for Parents provides safe and credible resources to empower all kids and parents and inspire curiosity for generations to come.

With COVID-19 being part of our daily lives let’s try and understand why wearing a protective face mask can help us prevent getting the virus from others and protect the community at large. Also what type of mask is suitable for adults to wear and do children also need to wear one?

Why are people wearing masks right now? The purpose of people wearing masks in public right now is to protect the community. Since so many people who have COVID-19 don’t have symptoms, wearing masks can help reduce the possibility that someone with no symptoms could transmit the disease to others. 

Why does wearing a mask help? Face masks reduce the spray of that person’s infectious respiratory droplets so masks can help reduce this kind of spread of the virus. Masks also can protect you from others who may have coronavirus but have no symptoms showing and who could come within 6 feet of you which is the range of transmitting infection through acts like sneezing or coughing. 

Is there a right way to wear and use a mask? For a mask to be safest and most protective for children and adults they should securely cover the nose and mouth area. Masks should not be worn when eating and should not be touched when on. Hand washing should take place before and after you remove a mask. Also masks should be washed after each wearing. Remove the mask from behind without touching the front of the mask.  

Should children wear masks?  It is not recommended for children under age 2 to wear a mask. Some opinions hold that children under age 6 for various reasons should not wear a mask. Also if children can be kept at least 6 feet away from others and not be in contact with surfaces that could harbor the virus then they do not need a mask for the protection of themselves or others.  Additionally, a child should not wear a mask if it causes touching their face more frequently hence increasing the child to an increased risk of getting exposed to the virus.

So what kind of mask is best to wear? There are 3 types of protective face masks available in the market at present:

3-ply mask: This is a mask made of 3 layers with the innermost layer used for absorbing moisture, the middle layer is a filter and the outermost layer repels water. You should always wear the 3-ply mask with the pleated side facing out. The pleated material allows you to expand the mask so that it covers the area from the nose to the chin. The better-manufactured ones have a pliable nose piece for proper fit across nose & cheekbones. The 3-ply mask is the most popular and least expensive protective face mask for mass-market use.

KN95 mask: This mask model is similar to the well-known N95 mask. With such similar-sounding names, it can be confusing to understand the difference between N95 and KN95 masks. What are KN95 masks, and are they the same as N95 masks?  In short, they are both multi-layered protective masks (usually 4-layers) and N95 masks are the US standards for respirator masks and the KN95 masks are the Chinese standards for masks. In reality, the two masks are equivalent or nearly equivalent on the features that most people care about. Even according to mask manufacturer 3M, “it is reasonable to consider” China’s KN95s “equivalent” to US N95s. Mask standards for Europe (FFP2), Australia (P2), Korea (KMOEL), and Japan (DS) are also highly similar. A good comparison is in what percentage of particles the masks capture. On this parameter, N95 and KN95 respirator masks are the same. Both masks are rated to capture 95% of tiny particles (0.3 micron particles, to be exact). If you want a sturdier mask at a reasonable cost the KN95 is a good option.

N95 mask. This is the “professional” mask and the most expensive. The N95 mask reduces exposure to airborne elements, has a higher filtering efficiency and is made to have a better fit than conventional face masks. The N95 typically come in a contour cup design, has an adjustable nose piece and has at least two elastic straps that go around the head, one above the ears and one below. Due to very limited supply now in the market professional grade masks like N95 masks should be reserved for medical professionals on the front lines who have increased risk of exposure to coronavirus in close proximity.  

Alternatively you can order one of these clever face masks or make your own protective mask using cotton fabric and elastic bands ensuring that the fabric is securely covering the nose and mouth area.

Whatever mask you decide to buy and wear just keep safe and healthy out there.

Sources: the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC])

Michael Braunold is CEO of Elepho, Inc, the company that created eClip. eClip is a device that attaches easily inside the car and connects to a cell phone via Bluetooth. It alerts parents if they walk more than 25 feet from their car without removing their child along with monitoring the temperature within the car. Elepho has also developed a device called eFloat to constantly monitor water temperature in a baby bath as well as eTherm to check baby temperatures.  

Even though children are less at-risk of showing symptoms of the virus, the rate at which they can transmit it to others is still uncertain, and many parents wonder whether it’s wise or not to allow their children to return to daycare.

Make sure that your daycare is taking the necessary precautions before taking your child back. This will keep your child, the other children, daycare employees, and yourself as safe as possible during the pandemic. If you’re struggling to decide on whether to send your child back to daycare, here are some questions and factors to consider:

Do you have the time and resources to keep your child at home? 

Childcare can be expensive, but forgoing a paycheck so you can care for your child can also strain your budget. If you’re the sole provider, staying home may not even be an option. Are there ways to work from home? Even if your company has requested that you physically come back to work, many useful resources out there provide tips on how you might be able to persuade your boss to let you do your job remotely.

Do you live with a person over 65? 

As you know, the elderly are at high-risk of COVID-19 and may catch the virus from your child even if your child is not showing any signs of infection. Be sure to consider whether other people in your household have conditions that can make them more vulnerable to the virus, such as respiratory conditions like asthma.

Does your community already have a high level of transmission? 

Even though states are slowly re-opening, some areas are struggling with virus containment more than others. Safety guidelines will vary by location, but it’s important everywhere to continue being cautious around group gatherings.

Is your daycare transparent about the health measures they’re implementing? 

Daycares should have a clear plan in place on safety measures like how often they’re disinfecting surfaces, what their mask policy will be, and their procedure for if a child starts showing COVID-19 symptoms. Ask your daycare provider about their plans on how they’re going to keep your child safe. Let them know about your concerns upfront about sending your kid back. They will understand this is a stressful decision, and should be able to answer your questions fully and hopefully calm your anxiety.

How will your mental health be impacted by either decision?

The pandemic is taking a mental toll on everyone, keeping tabs on your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Should you choose to send your child back to daycare, will you be worrying about their health and safety the entire day? Are you worried about finances from choosing to stay at home with your child rather than working? While the safety of your child is your top priority, don’t forget about your own health during your decision process.

Questions to Ask Your Daycare Provider

  • What’s your face mask policy? Will staff be wearing masks?

  • Will you be following CDC safety guidelines?

  • How will you screen children for symptoms before they enter the daycare?

  • How often will you be wiping down surfaces?

  • What will be the ratio of staff to children? 

  • What will the drop off and pick up procedures be?

  • What’s your plan if someone becomes sick?

  • Will you be allowing visitors at the daycare?

Should you decide to send your child back to daycare, make sure the daycare is implementing safety protocols. Higher-priority strategies include keeping class sizes small to minimize crossover, utilize outdoor spaces when possible, and to limit unnecessary visitors in the building. Lower-priority strategies include face coverings for the children since it may be difficult to implement due to their age, and reducing classmate interaction and play since it may not provide a substantial risk reduction. Babies and children under the age of two should not wear face masks due to suffocation dangers.

While COVID-19 concerns among adults are entirely valid, you should find some comfort in the fact that daycare aged children (under the age of ten) are substantially less at risk of contracting the virus. And even if they do become infected, studies have shown that over 90% of the pediatric cases of the virus are either asymptomatic or mild. 

Choosing whether to send your child back to daycare is not an easy decision. Financial, personal, and societal responsibilities should all be factors to consider. If you do decide to return to using daycare, make sure that the facility is doing everything in their power to keep children and everyone around them as safe as possible

 

Natasha is an avid writer, storyteller, and dog-lover. Her work has carried her from the bustle of New York at Inc. Magazine to the Santa Fe deserts at Outside Magazine. She enjoys writing about family-focused and community-centered stories.

Can staying up too late affect your teen’s health? Some say yes. According to a study published in ERJ Open Research, teenagers who stay up late and wake later in the morning are more likely to suffer with asthma and allergies compared to those who sleep and wake earlier. 

teen smartphone in bed

Asthma symptoms are known to be strongly linked to the body’s internal clock, but this is the first study to look at how individual sleep preferences influence asthma risk in t eenagers.Researchers say the study reinforces the importance of sleep timing for teenagers and opens up a new channel of research in to how sleep affects teenagers’ respiratory health.

The study was led by Dr Subhabrata Moitra from the division of pulmonary medicine at the University of Alberta, Canada, who carried out the research while at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Spain. He said: “Asthma and allergic diseases are common in children and adolescents across the world and the prevalence is increasing. We know some of the reasons for this increase, such as exposure to pollution and tobacco smoke, but we still need to find out more. Sleep and the ‘sleep hormone’ melatonin are known to influence asthma, so we wanted to see if adolescents’ preference for staying up late or going to bed early could be involved in their asthma risk.”

The study involved 1,684 adolescents living in West Bengal, India, age 13 or 14 years old, who were taking part in the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma and Allergy-Related Diseases among Adolescents study.

Each participant was asked if they experienced wheezing, asthma or symptoms of allergic rhinitis. They were also asked questions regarding their sleep habits and levels of tiredness at certain points in the day. 

Researchers compared the teenagers’ symptoms with their sleep preferences, taking into account other factors that are known to affect asthma and allergies, such as where the participants live and whether or not their family members smoke.

They found that the chance of having asthma was around three times higher in teens who prefer to sleep later compared to those who preferred to sleep earlier. They also found the risk of suffering allergic rhinitis was twice as high in late-sleepers compared to early-sleepers.

Dr Moitra adds, “Our results suggest there’s a link between preferred sleep time, and asthma and allergies in teenagers. We can’t be certain that staying up late is causing asthma, but we know that the sleep hormone melatonin is often out of sync in late-sleepers and that could, in turn, be influencing the teens’ allergic response.

“We also know that children and young people are increasingly exposed to the light from mobile phone, tablets, and other devices, and staying up later at night. It could be that encouraging teenagers to put down their devices and get to bed a little earlier would help decrease the risk of asthma and allergies. That’s something that we need to study more.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Retha Ferguson from Pexels

RELATED STORIES

This Study Shows the Stress Working Parents Face Could Actually Cost Them Their Jobs

New Study Reveals How Praise Affects Students’ Behavior

New Study Finds the Brains of Babies & Adults Sync Up During Play-Time

Photo: Sheila Raper

I’m that protective mom. Super protective mom. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have my child until I was in my 40s. Maybe it’s because I’m a Leo. Maybe it just is what it is. During this pandemic, though, my protectiveness has been in overdrive.

Our Quarantine Life

We’re the family that for the first three months or so of quarantine didn’t do anything or go anywhere. We got curbside grocery pickup. That was it. Luckily, I already worked from home. My husband works in an office, so he got to work from home too. I kept my son home from daycare. On nice days, at the end of each day after work and on the weekends, we would go for a walk in the neighborhood. But that was seriously, literally, it.

The past month, after things started opening up, my husband has had to go in to work one or two times a week. And he got his hair cut. But my son and I have not been out. In April, my toddler had his third birthday, and we got him a balance bike. Because of that, instead of walks around the neighborhood, we’ve now started to bike/walk trails around Fort Worth. But they’re the lesser populated ones. And that’s literally it. Still no food takeout. Definitely no going to restaurants, stores, etc.

The Sentence that Broke My Heart.

During the week just a couple of days before my son’s birthday, we FaceTimed his best friend, an adorable little girl that he goes to daycare with. When that call ended, he said, “Mommy, I sad.” And my heart broke.

Toddlers sense things. You can’t convince me otherwise. A little earlier into the quarantine, when everyone was on high alert (not that we still aren’t, but I’ve tried to tone down the intensity) before bed one night, he said, “I go sleep with Daddy.” He’s not a great sleeper, so every night I stay with him until he goes to sleep. But this night he wanted us all to be together. It was weird. Both my husband and I felt it. There was weight to his words. I truly believe he could feel how tense we were and that something was very wrong.

We’ve been in quarantine now for more than 15 weeks. The last day he was in daycare was March 13th. The last day my husband reported into work every day was the following Monday.

So now that things are opening up, why haven’t I let him see anyone? Because he’s my child. Because I will protect him with every fiber of my being. Because he has an illness that can be easily compromised (Oh yeah did I forget to mention that part?).

Because I’m scared.

Let me digress for a moment. My child has asthma. He’s been to the ER twice in the past year. Have you ever seen your child gasping for breath? Scared because he can’t breathe? But he can’t cry because he can’t get enough breath to cry? Now imagine that in the middle of a pandemic that attacks your respiratory system.

Our Pre-Quarantine Life

Pre-quarantine, every morning, my toddler would wake up saying three words. Every single morning. His best friend’s name, his other friend’s name, and his teacher’s name. And then I’d get him ready and take him to daycare.

The first day I took him to daycare, I cried most of the day. I also cried a lot after. But, after getting used to it, I knew that it was good for him. It was good for him to be around other people. It was good for him to play and socialize with others his own age. And they could obviously teach him, where I wasn’t able to since I had to work.

He hasn’t mentioned being sad since that day of the phone call. He hasn’t mentioned his friends’ and teacher’s names for a couple of weeks into quarantine.

He’s a sensitive child, with a great deal of love. We don’t have any family around, or close friends, so aside from a sitter that came to our house to keep him early on while I was working, his dad and I are his world. And he loves us with all his might.

Our New Normal

In this new normal, every day he wakes up to both his parents being with him. He sees us all day, though we can’t always play with him because we’re working. But we’re with him, and we’re not as tense as we were. And we get to go outside and play every evening and every weekend (as long as it’s not too blazing hot). And he sees us every night before he goes to sleep. He’s with the people he loves the most. He knows he is loved.

So when will we start doing more things? When will we let him play with friends, or go see family, or go back to daycare?

The simple answer? I don’t know.

I know he needs peer interaction. I know he needs to see family. But right now, corona counts are still heavily on the rise. And at this point, my husband hasn’t been called back into the office every day. So right now, we’re staying together, we’re being safe, and we’re blessed because we’re able to do so. How long we’ll be able to hold it together? I don’t know. But right now he’s happy and healthy. And that is what is important.

Does he sense things? Yes. Is he affected by his parents’ moods? Yes. Is he sad about not seeing friends? Yes. But not as much. He hasn’t thought about them as much because he gets every ounce of love I have to give.

I'm a full-time feelance writer and marketer (www.sheilaraper.com), as well as mommy to a sensitive and fiercely independent three-year-old boy who doesn't have a stop button. I'm especially proud of being a first-time mom over 40 and created a blog to celebrate other moms like me (www.anelderlyprimigravida.com).

Editor’s Note: Red Tricycle wants to keep families informed and safe and we are making every effort to keep information on this topic as up to date as possible.
Updated 4/8/20
Cold and flu season is no stranger to every parent’s household this time of year, but it looks like there’s a new virus to be concerned about. Chances are, you have already seen headlines about the coronavirus. As the virus continues to spread across the globe, what does that mean for you and your family?

Sick Day

An apparent outbreak of an unknown strain of the coronavirus began spreading through Wuhan, China in December 2019. 

What is Coronavirus?

According to the WHO, coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a large family of viruses that are most common among animals, but sometimes they can be transmitted between animals and humans. Those coronaviruses which can be passed from animals to humans and then from humans to humans can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases. 

The CDC has found a link between the current outbreak and a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan, China. This suggests an animal-to-human spread. However, a growing number of patients who have not had exposure to animal markets are getting ill. This means there may be a possible person-to-person spread of the disease.

Common signs of infection for coronaviruses include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can result in pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The WHO recommends standard practices to prevent infection spread including regular hand washing and covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. As always, avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness.

1/22/20

Since December more than 300 people have been infected with this strain of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and at least six people have died. Since then, government agencies have swiftly taken action. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are screening all passengers on direct or connecting flights from Wuhan, China traveling into multiple US hubs. The World Health Organization (WHO) is meeting on Thursday to reevaluate whether or not this outbreak should be considered a public health emergency of international concern. 

As per, NBC News, the first US case of 2019-nCoV was found in Seattle, Washington. The patient, a man in his 30s, arrived in the US around January 15 after visiting Wuhan, China. The patient is reported to be in good condition.

1/24/20

A second case of coronavirus was confirmed in Chicago. The woman, a Chicago resident in her 60s, had recently traveled to Wuhan China. She is hospitalized and said to be doing well. 

1/26/20

A third case of the new coronavirus in the U.S. has been diagnosed in Orange County, California. The CDC confirmed the case in a traveler from Wuhan, China.

The two other US cases remain hospitalized, but are said to be doing well.

The CDC is conducting entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China to five airport hubs: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles, (LAX) New York city (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).

1/30/20

The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency.

While most of the confirmed cases are in China, 98 people have been diagnosed in 18 other countries. The CDC announced a sixth confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in the United States.

The United States has raised its travel advisory, warning citizens to not travel to China.

2/11/20

Guidelines mandated that the name of the disease could not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people. It also needed to relate to the disease and be pronounceable. The name COVID-19 will help guard against the use of other names that might be inaccurate or stigmatizing.

2/12/20

More than 400 experts and funders met at WHO’s Geneva HQ to accelerate research to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.

2/18/20

WHO has shipped supplies of personal protective equipment to 21 countries.

2/26/20

CDC officials say that a California patient being treated for novel coronavirus is the first US case of unknown origin. The patient, who didn’t have any relevant travel history nor exposure to another known patient, is the first possible US case of “community spread.”

2/29/20

A state health official announces that a patient infected with the novel coronavirus in Washington state has died, marking the first death due to the virus in the United States.

3/5/20

There are more than 220 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the US according to a dashboard run by Johns Hopkins University. The worldwide count of confirmed cases is over 97,800, with a global death toll of 3,348.

3/8/20

The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN).

3/10/20

According to the WHO, there are more than 100,000 reported cases of COVID-19 in 100 countries. Of the 80,000 reported cases in China, more than 70% have recovered and been discharged. As shown, with early action the virus can be slowed down, preventing further spread. Among those who are infected, most will recover.

Some school districts, colleges and universities are closing and turning to virtual classrooms. Large gatherings and sporting events may be impacted as the Coronavirus spreads.

3/11/20

There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives.

The WHO has characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

3/13/20

A new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Solidarity Response Fund will raise money from a wide range of donors to support the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners to help countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency.

3/16/20

The WHO has shipped almost 1.5 million tests to 120 countries. They advise that all confirmed cases, even mild cases, should be isolated in health facilities, to prevent transmission and provide adequate care. People infected with COVID-19 can still infect others after they stop feeling sick, so these measures should continue for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear.

3/19/20

During a press briefing on COVID-19, UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked world leaders to come together and offer an urgent and coordinated global response.

3/24/20

As of today, the WHO reports that there are 372,757 confirmed cases, 16,231 confirmed deaths and 195 countries, areas or territories with cases/

3/31/20

According to the CDC, all 50 states have reported cases of COVID-19.

U.S. COVID-19 cases include, imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of a known case and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown.

Most U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19.

4/2/20

The WHO is providing advice to help you and your family be healthy at home.

4/6/20

The WHO has joined forces with FIFA to launch the #BeActive campaign on the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to encourage people to be #HealthyAtHome.

They also issued updated guidance on masks. The CDC is recommending the use of a cloth face covering to keep people who are infected but do not have symptoms from spreading COVID-19 to others.

4/7/20

The White House “Slow the Spread” guidelines are in place until Apr.30. These are part of a nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the implementation of social distancing at all levels of society.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured image courtesy of Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

RELATED STORIES

How to Survive a Sick Day with Kids

14 Mom-Tested Home Remedies to Fight Colds & Flu

12 Absolutely Essential Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy This Winter