Car collision accident injuries can be devastating for a person of any age, but children are especially vulnerable in the event of a crash. In 2018, 97,000 children under age 12 were injured in a car accident and, tragically, 636 died. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your child is properly restrained in a vehicle by a safety seat. GIVE YOUR K THE IMPORTANCE OF
Connecting with other humans in a positive way is one of the most profound experiences we have. That positivity is one of the greatest virtues — it’s contagious, and engaging in happy relationships with others is extremely important not only for our minds but also for our health. LONGER LIVES Studies have actually shown that when people are involved in positive relationships, they live longer. This is likely attributed to decreased stress, as stress can exact a toll on the entire body. Positive relationships can also encourage us to give up negative habits such as drinking or smoking, which cause many health problems and concerns. Healthy habits can help people live longer lives. QUICKER HEALING Positive people in our lives can distract us from pain, remind us to take medication, be our advocates, and simply reduce stress. And less stress means healing takes place faster. Those who have a support person feel more confident and prepared to undergo surgeries and fight illnesses as well. BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEMS It makes sense — people who have less stress have stronger immune systems. During times of high stress, our bodies are more susceptible to illnesses because our immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. The stress hormone corticosteroid can also lower the number of lymphocytes available to fight infection. However, when we are in a happy and loving relationship, our bodies produce oxytocin, and we are less likely to get sick. BETTER PHYSICAL SHAPE Being in a positive relationship, especially a romantic one, can provide the motivation to be the best version of ourselves. This includes our physical condition, too! Having a friend or workout partner to encourage accountability and even push us out of our comfort zone a bit at the gym can keep us motivated. Being in a positive, healthy, and happy relationship means we listen to each other, offer advice, openly communicate without judgment, practice respect and trust, and engage in healthy activities together. So, it’s no surprise that positive relationships work wonders for our health and happiness. The Benefits of Positive Relationships Good for Mind and Health
The customary safety devices installed in vehicles are designed for adults, which means they can do unintentional damage to children during a collision. A lap seatbelt is designed to sit across the upper thighs, so if it rests across a child’s stomach, it can cause lacerations or even damage their internal organs or spinal cord. Similarly, the shoulder belt riding too high can cause serious injury to a child’s head or neck if they’re too small for a proper fit. Child restraint systems — also known as car seats and booster seats — correct this problem and save countless lives. Every state has car safety seat laws, and Missouri’s laws are:
Thanksgiving is a time when most Americans reflect on their blessings and practice gratitude, which in turn inspires many to give back to their communities. If you’re looking for ways to help neighbors who experience food insecurity, Kansas City has many great organizations to choose from. We’ve listed three organizations below that welcome local volunteers. Act soon, because spots can fill up fast! NOURISH KC Nourish KC is committed to ensuring that all members of the community have access to nutritious food. Knowing that people who seek food assistance frequently have little choice in what they’re provided, Nourish KC hosts a free community kitchen that serves patrons in a restaurant-style fashion. All are welcome with no questions asked, and guests are given the opportunity to choose their meal from a menu. Nourish KC needs kitchen volunteer staff as well as help with their food rescue program. Learn more at NourishKC.org . DELLA LAMB Every year, Della Lamb Community Services hosts a four-day event called Operation Holidays, which provides Thanksgiving meals and Christmas presents to local families in Kansas City that need assistance. In 2020, Operation Holidays provided meals for 1,462 Giving Back
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