Posted by Julia Tortorice
It's no secret that getting children to eat healthy foods can sometimes be a challenging and complex task, requiring patience, creativity, and collaboration between parents, caregivers, and often, teachers and childcare providers. However, these challenges can be overcome by making mealtime a positive experience, introducing new foods gradually, and involving children in food preparation. Creating an encouraging environment that fosters curiosity and appreciation for nutritious foods is essential, setting the stage for lifelong healthy eating habits. As we all know – healthy eating habits are integral to our well-being. Establishing these habits early on can set the groundwork for lifelong health and decrease the chances of chronic diseases in the future. In fact, nutrition during infancy and childhood profoundly impacts growth, development, immune system function, and long-term health. Let's take a minute to 'dish out' these areas a little deeper, serving up a...

Posted by Julia Tortorice
In many states where the sun isn't shining year-round and swimming pools are emptied during the winter, it's more common to find adults that never took the time to learn how to swim. Swimming is often seen as a quintessential life skill, an activity for fun, fitness, or even survival. Yet, according to a survey by the Red Cross, while 80% percent of Americans can swim, only 56% of them can perform basic skills needed to save their life in the water. For many, learning to swim can feel daunting or even impossible. However, regardless of your age or experience level, it's important to remember: it's never too late to learn how to swim. Swimming is an essential skill due to its significant safety implications, as it can protect individuals from drowning, a leading cause of accidental death worldwide. Furthermore, swimming offers numerous health benefits, serving as a comprehensive, low-impact workout that enhances cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and endur...

Posted by Julia Tortorice
As we navigate through an ever-growing digital age, it's important to be aware of the potential risk and challenges we may encounter online as we surf the web or go about our daily lives. Spam and data breaches pose significant risks and threats to our privacy and online security. In fact, nearly half of the emails sent worldwide are spam, which varies each month, but is typically in the billions. When we are constantly bombarded by spam and security risks online, how can we keep up with protecting our digital lives and preserving our peace of mind? Luckily, there are a few ways to combat spam emailers and other "bad" cybercriminals surfing the web, looking to steal your identity and additional private information. In this blog post, we will explore those options and best practices for avoiding spam and keeping your data protected. However, we can combat these situations by adopting a few good practices to help protect and better navigate the online world confidentl...

Posted by Julia Tortorice
With social media being so readily accessible these days, it’s hard to set limits and boundaries for children wanting to dive deep into the world of social networks. After much deliberation, as parents try to find the right balance of how much or even if our young teenagers should be on social media, new research has surfaced that indicates growing concerns for any social media engagement for people under the age of 13. In fact, in May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about the usage of social media and its risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. The advisory came after research unveiled that roughly 95% of young people ages 13-17 reported using social media “almost constantly.” The press release published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services came with the Surgeon General’s warning that explained how social media exposes children to various detrimental content, encompassing vi...

Posted by Julia Tortorice
Typically nurses work within standard medical settings (hospitals, medical centers, etc.), but some unique opportunities within nursing may appeal to those with an adventurous, patriotic, or adrenaline-fueled soul: The Army Nurse Corps (ANC). The ANC has a long and storied history. During WWII, nearly 60,000 American nurses served in the Corps, and they operated on the same hub of the front lines for the first time in American history. According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, the ANC was a critical part of the evacuation chain, with nurses serving in various fields, including evacuation hospitals, trains, ships, and on medical transport planes. The bravery and dedication of these professionals led to an overall mortality rate of less than four percent for the injured soldiers who received care. Furthermore, adding a professional ANC advanced the fight for equity and mental healthcare. The ANC’s historical significance The overwhelming demand for nurses during ...