Winter Wonders for Children’s Health Get Outside, Feel Fantastic!
Building a snowman outside in the cold air is much better than sitting in a warm room with a cellphone for maintaining a child’s physical and mental health in the wintertime. Although most people tend to stay indoors during winter, spending time outside on snowy days can give people of all ages a needed boost. Here are a few interesting facts that show how a winter wonderland can enhance our well-being. THE PERKS OF OUTDOOR PLAY Did you know you’re more likely to catch a winter cold if you stay indoors? Although we instinctively huddle in close quarters when temperatures drop, hiding inside makes us more susceptible to germs that thrive in stagnant air. Studies have shown that being cold may trigger our immune systems, which means playing outside in the fresh winter air is often better for a child’s body than snuggling up in a warm living room. Getting outside in winter also puts a child’s mind in motion. Although the sight of icicles and one’s breath in winter are old hat for adults, these seasonal events could inspire wonder and curiosity in young people,
allowing them to learn new things about the world. Encouraging your child to design and build the ultimate snowman also stimulates their imaginations far more than watching TV indoors. Winter play also helps keep children’s senses sharp when inclement weather disrupts their usual routines like school and sports.
THE DYNAMIC BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D Sunlight is one of nature’s greatest gifts to our health, as it provides us with vitamin D. Getting outside when the sun appears on a winter’s day
can do wonders for our mood, as increasing our vitamin D levels reduces anxiety and stress. Instead of letting our kids hide in dark rooms on snow days, let them venture outside and receive one of Mother Nature’s easiest cures for the winter blues!
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Take a Break
INGREDIENTS •
2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
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4 medium carrots, chopped
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1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp olive oil
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2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 10 cups chicken broth 4 celery ribs, chopped
3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tbsp lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium- high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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