Sunrise Children's Hospital

Set a Positive Example for Your Child by Making a Resolution to Lose Weight This Year

Children who have parents who are obese are more likely to struggle with their weight from youth to adulthood because obesity is generally bred from genetic factors and learned habits like poor diet. When you take the steps to get to your healthy weight as a parent, you can help your child avoid weight management issues for a lifetime of good health. Plus, you will feel better about yourself when you take off extra weight for the benefit of your kids. Here is a look at some ways you might accomplish your weight loss goals for the New Year.

Prepare family meals at home

If your family’s diet is heavy in fast food or grab-and-go foods, everyone is probably consuming too many calories without meeting their basic nutritional needs. Take control of what you and your family are eating by doing the cooking for yourself, making sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in every meal. You can save time in the kitchen by preparing meals ahead of time on the weekend so that busy weeknights don’t tempt you into dining at the drive-thru.

Set aside time for physical activity

Many parents complain that they do not have time to exercise because they need to care for their children. However, exercise can easily become a family activity that is healthy and fun for you and your kids. Make physical activity a priority in your household so you are in shape to keep up with your kids as they get excited about getting exercise.

Consider weight loss surgery

If you have a BMI of 40 or higher and obesity is affecting your health, weight loss surgery may be the best solution for you. When you make the decision to get this type of surgery, you can reach out for the support of your family by having them follow healthier diets and exercising with you as you see lasting weight loss.

With Sunrise Children’s Hospital, you can learn more strategies for healthier living that will help the whole family get into shape this coming year. We are partnered with Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, so we can offer complete care for all members of your family. Contact us online or call (702) 233-5437 to get more information about our hospital services and see a schedule of upcoming Weight Loss Surgery Seminars.

More Resources for a Happy and Healthy Holiday

Flu.gov has some practical tips on preparing your family for flu season this year.

Visit FamilyDoctor.org to get educated on burn prevention in the home.

Learn some diabetes-friendly recipes featuring pumpkin at Diabetes.org.

The American Heart Association has some ideas for healthy stocking stuffers that can replace heavy holiday treats.

Review food preparation safety before your holiday cooking with this article from the CDC.

At Sunrise Children's Hospital, we offer top-notch pediatric care, NICU services, and children's emergency care. Visit our website to learn more about Sunrise Children’s Hospital of Las Vegas, or contact our nurses 24 hours a day by phone at (702) 731-5437.

Fourth Annual UNLV Athletics / SPORTSXRADIO Toy Drive and Ball Signing

Athletes from the UNLV Football Team and Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams will deliver toys and signed game balls to children spending the holiday season at Sunrise Children’s Hospital. This is the fourth year that UNLV Athletics and SPORTSXRADIO have partnered with the hospital to visit the children.  The event will take place this Friday, December 14th, from 10-11 AM at Sunrise Children's Hospital.  All cameras are welcome, as there will be plenty of opportunities for photos.  For more information, call (702) 731-8288!

Top Reasons for Emergency Room Visits During the Holidays

While the holiday season is a time for celebration, it is also a time when visits to the emergency room increase due to seasonal illnesses and injuries. At Sunrise Children’s Hospital, we are here to offer prompt emergency care to the young members of your family for conditions like those discussed below.

Burns

If you have your children help out in the kitchen, be sure that they stay away from heat sources and hot foods that could cause burns. Fires caused by holiday decorations are another leading cause of burn injuries to watch out for in your home. To prevent fires in your home, make sure it is free of clutter and that your holiday lights are plugged into surge protectors.

Flu

Winter happens to be cold and flu season, so you should work to prevent these illnesses from hitting your home. When kids come down with the flu, it can be much more serious than the illness is in adulthood, so you might have to head to the emergency room if your child does get sick this season. Flu shots for the whole family and good habits like hand washing will help you reduce your child’s chances of becoming ill.

Food poisoning

Big holiday meals in which food is being served buffet style over a period of several hours can be the cause of foodborne illnesses related to improper food handling. Food that is left out at room temperature for long periods of time may harbor bacteria that can make your family sick. Be sure to reduce the chances for food poisoning with smart thawing, preparation, and cooking of your holiday meals. If food poisoning does occur, your child may need to visit the emergency room to be treated for dehydration, which often accompanies foodborne illnesses.

To explore the complete range of services at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, including our state-of-the-art Emergency Center, check out our website or call us at (702) 233-5437. If you are traveling for the holidays, keep our health guidance within close reach throughout the season with the iTriage Symptom Checker app for your smart phone.

Understand Diabetes to Improve Your Prevention Efforts

Diabetes is one of the most common health complications among American adults, and it is becoming more prevalent in children because of an increase in fast food culture paired with sedentary lifestyles that promote obesity.

In order to take control of diabetes and make changes to prevent it, you should have a basic understanding of the disease. As this video explains, diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant so that food is not digested properly.

Find resources to learn more about diabetes and work to prevent it in your family at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas. Explore our services including nutrition counseling by visiting our website or calling us at (702) 233-5437.