Summer for most kids means no school, road trips, and days well-spent in the sun. With that, your child’s body needs to be well-fed and hydrated in order to power through summer activities. For some kids three square meals will do the trick, but for others, snacking can keep them going between meals. Melody Steeples, MPH, RD, with Woodland Clinic, shares some insight on why snacking can be helpful for your child, as well as some advice on how to snack healthily this summer and beyond. Read to the end for a special summer recipe from Melody Steeples!

World Immunization Week (April 24-30) is an annual week of awareness that was created to promote the importance of vaccines across the globe. Uzma Rashid, MD, a Family Medicine physician at Woodland Clinic, shares how vital vaccines are to our health and safety.

Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress levels among Americans are on the rise largely on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA). April is National Stress Awareness Month and while stress is a natural human emotion that helps us prepare and perform as necessary (think “fight or flight” mode), it can also negatively impact our health.

National Handwashing Awareness Week (Dec. 1-7) is more important than ever as we’re continuing to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best defenses against the spread of germs, bacteria and virus, including COVID-19. Son Dong, DO, a Family Medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group — North State, shares a few tips on how to most effectively sanitize and wash your hands to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Physical health is essential to combat the stress and demands of today’s climate, but it can be difficult to stay healthy when access to public recreational facilities and gyms are limited. However, it’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even as many of us are spending more time indoors. Christel Miranda, MD a family medicine physician with Mercy Medical Group in Roseville, offers a few tips to help you stay active while at home.