GO AWAY, GROWING PAINS! What You Can Do to Stop Them
Contrary to the name, there is little evidence linking “growing pains” to the actual growth of your child. Those sharp, tingling pains your child is experiencing in their thighs, the back of their calves, and their knees are more likely the result of overuse during your child’s daily activities. Growing pains typically show up during the evening and subside by morning. Some research links them to restless leg syndrome, while other studies suggest it’s a simply result of the extended physical activity most kids engage in every day. Regardless of the cause, it’s clear that the pain is very real, becoming unbearable for some kids and even waking them up in the middle of the night. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to get the pain to subside. Have your child lay down and carefully massage their legs, paying special attention to the areas that hurt. Use a heating pad or blanket to get the muscles to relax. The heat of a warm bath before bed can also be beneficial.
If the pain still continues, consult your doctor about giving your child an over-the- counter pain reliever. Stick to children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol), as aspirin has been linked to dangerous Reye’s disease in children. If your child experiences swelling, severe joint pain, fever, loss of appetite, or any additional symptoms beyond just sore muscles, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor to ensure there’s nothing else going on. This article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Feel free to contact us with further questions.
If none of these help, have your child do a few stretches every night. Look up stretches that apply to the areas that hurt, usually the hamstrings or quadriceps.
MEMES
Winning Apple Crisp
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup water • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Vanilla ice cream, optional
• ½ cup butter, softened • 4 cups chopped, peeled apples • 1 cup sugar • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour • ¾ cup rolled oats • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
cook and stir 2 minutes or until thick and clear. Pour over apples. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake 60–65 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm, with ice cream if desired.
1.
Heat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press half of mixture into a greased 2½ quart baking dish or a 9-inch square baking pan. Cover with apples. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla. Bring to a boil;
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Recipe courtesy of tasteofhome.com.
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