Stocking up on water and non-perishable items during more unpredictable weather seasons is critical. Experts recommend having at least a three-day supply of food and water. This emergency supply should include three meals and one-half gallon of water per person per day. In terms of water, this would be two, twenty four packs of bottled water for a family of four. Regarding food, stocking up on canned and dry goods is ideal. Some product recommendations include canned fruits and vegetables, single servings of applesauce and fruit juices, dried fruit, dried beans, individual milk boxes, canned tuna, nut butters, nut packs, jerky, cereals, crackers and granola bars. For food items that are canned, be sure to include a can opener with your supplies. In addition, plan accordingly for those on medications who may be near a low supply. Having a emergency plan can make all the difference for your family’s well-being.

Picture retrieved from fema.gov

​While some schools have re-opened, many are offering and providing virtual, learn-from-home options to families. Learning from home can be successful with some organization. Establishing household schedules for everyone is crucial. Schedules help set expectations which can decrease anxiety. Once schedules are established, individual workspaces can be created and managed. Separate spaces empower kids by giving them a sense of ownership. Allow some input from your kids by offering a few fun and unique office supplies for them to choose from. Weather permitting, suggest lunches be outdoors to encourage space change that will get kids out of chairs and away from screens. Allowing special breaks or treats within the daily schedule can go a long way in making a new experience positive by allowing it to be different yet functional.

A few food tips to keep in mind:

• Meals should also have minimal distractions. They should be at their own scheduled times and away from screens. 
• Just like at work, having food near devices isn't particularly sanitary. Be sure to wipe down workspaces if anyone has to have a snack while participating online. 
• Engaging children in food prep is also a learning tool and experience! Things such as fine motor skills and even math can be a part of meal preparation. 

Knowing your family history can be an important tool in illness prevention. Typically, children are not screened for diseases unless they become symptomatic. When children are taught healthy habits such as eating well and regularly being active, their need for screening declines. There are a few diseases worth learning about ahead of time, particularly if your family has a history of them. Type 1 Diabetes normally is not diagnosed until a child’s symptoms are severe. Recognizing these symptoms quickly can help manage your child’s care. Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include urinating often, excessive thirst, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, weight loss even with increased intake and slow healing wounds. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends children be screened around age ten for high cholesterol. There are not typically signs or symptoms associated with high cholesterol in kids, which is why it is important to heed the testing recommendations of the AAP. Hypertension is generally screened by age three. Signs and symptoms of hypertension in children include headaches, vomiting, chest pains, shortness of breath and seizures. In all cases, be sure to share your family disease history with your pediatrician who can help you understand possible signs and symptoms of potential risks that your child may be exposed to.