Fun Facts: May 2025

Wellness Wisdom: Activities for Building Happy, Healthy Families

Hydration Tips for Warmer Weather: Why Water is Essential

As the days grow warmer and your family spends more time outdoors, staying hydrated becomes even more important. Water is essential for keeping our bodies functioning properly, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who have increased hydration needs. Drinking enough water helps maintain energy levels, supports digestion, and regulates body temperature—key factors for staying healthy and active in the warmer months.

For children, developing healthy hydration habits early on can set them up for a lifetime of good health. Encourage your little ones to reach for water instead of sugary drinks, which can contribute to cavities and spoil appetites. Make water more appealing by adding slices of fresh fruit, like lemon or strawberries, or by offering it in fun, colorful cups. Remember, if your child is thirsty, it means they’re already slightly dehydrated, so keep water accessible throughout the day. By prioritizing hydration, you’ll help your family enjoy a vibrant, healthy spring and summer season.

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Breastfed From the Start: Helpful Tips for Mastering Breastfeeding

What is a nursing strike?

Sometimes, babies may suddenly refuse to nurse, which can be alarming for parents. This could be due to teething pain, an ear infection, a sore throat, or a cold. However, there’s often no clear reason for this change in behavior. It’s important to continue gently offering your breast and to protect your milk supply by pumping every 3-4 hours. Most nursing strikes are temporary and may last several days. During this time, you’ll need to find alternative ways to feed your baby, such as using a cup, spoon, or even a medicine dropper to offer your expressed milk. Avoid using a bottle, as it can make it harder to get your baby back to breastfeeding—babies quickly learn that it’s easier to get milk from a bottle than from the breast, and in some cases, bottle use may have triggered the strike in the first place.

To help your baby return to nursing, provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact and cuddling. You might also try nursing while your baby is asleep, as some babies will nurse during sleep even if they’re refusing when awake. Remember, a nursing strike is different from weaning—strikes happen suddenly, while weaning is usually a gradual process. Stay patient and keep offering your breast; with time and persistence, your baby will likely return to their normal nursing routine.

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Delicious & Nutritious Recipes: Simple, Kid Approved Dishes to Try at Home

Creamy Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 5 cups finely shredded cabbage and carrots or coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp celery seed (optional)
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Wash prep area, your hands, and all vegetables.
2. Shred cabbage and carrot (if shredding them yourself).
3. Mix all other ingredients in a small bowl to make the dressing.
4. Place shredded veggies in a large bowl.
5. Spoon the dressing mixture over and toss to combine.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

TIPS: Use both green and purple cabbage for more color! You could also add a little diced celery or onion, mustard, dill weed, black pepper, and/or cayenne. Try stirring in chopped fresh or dried fruit, or drained crushed pineapple, into the coleslaw just before serving.

Source: WICHealth.org Health eKitchen