Keep kids in the loop

Surprises are overrated when it comes to vacations. Is it worth the potential meltdowns? Kids have little control over their lives day-to-day and their regular routines help them feel comfortable, confident and safe. Talking through each step of your trip ahead of time can help prepare them for unfamiliar situations and put them at ease. Showing them your route on a map, for instance, can help kids feel involved and get them excited.

Take advantage of family perks

Many hotels and resorts have family discounts or special activities for groups. If you’re flying, check with your airline about baggage, as some will let you check strollers and bulky baby gear for no fee. Arriving early and using the family boarding time will also help reduce stress. Remember too that breast milk is exempt from the 100 ml carry-on liquid rule.

Pace yourselves

It can be tempting to cram every possible activity into your limited time away, but remember to schedule in some down time too. Constantly being on the go is a recipe for exhausted kids and tantrums. And if you’re travelling with a new baby, accept that your pace will likely be slower than before you had kids. Enjoy your time together and allow for one-on-one side trips with older kids or grandparents too.

Pack smart and streamlined

You know you can’t pack everything, but some items can make a big difference. For new parents traveling with little ones, look for simple streamlined versions of the tools you need, such as a collapsible stroller, folding booster seat or a compact breast pump that moms can use on the go. Some Medela pumps are hands-free and USB rechargeable for up to six sessions, so you don’t need to hunt down a power outlet. If you’re preparing to pump and nurse on the go, pack less by choosing one of Medela’s pumping and nursing bras.

It’s also always a good idea to pack snacks, diapers and small activities to keep the kids happy too!

(Source : News Canada)

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Here are some tips for you and your whole family to follow:

1. Practice healthy habits. The building blocks of good health include getting enough sleep every day, fuelling your body with a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It’s easy to get off track sometimes, but by incorporating small changes into your daily routine, such as drinking more water or going on daily walks, you can improve your health.
2. Keep up with medical visits. Whether it’s a follow-up with a dermatologist to check on your child’s eczema, your own cardiologist to regulate your high blood pressure, or the annual visit to the veterinarian, make sure you book – and keep – your family’s medical appointments. This can often stop a small issue from becoming a major concern.
3. Help stop the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites adapt and make medications that treat them less effective, or not effective at all. This means the drugs can no longer properly treat infections in animals and humans. Responsible use of antimicrobial medications, like using them only when needed and as prescribed by a health professional, is one of the keys to reduce the problem of AMR.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article 3 simple ways to keep your family healthy est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Travel documents

If you’re studying in Canada, you’re allowed to travel outside the country, but you need to make sure you have a valid study permit or approval for one or a permit extension. You also need to have a few things in order, like a valid passport or travel document, your attending a designated learning institution (DLI), and a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Just having a visa or eTA doesn’t guarantee you entry back into Canada. You need to show the border services officer that you meet all the requirements for entering Canada before they’ll let you in. If your visitor visa has expired, is about to expire during your planned travel, or was only valid for a single entry, you’ll need to apply for a new one.

However, if you’re coming back directly from a trip to the United States, you don’t need a visitor visa as long as your study or work permit is still valid. So, make sure you have all your documents in order before traveling outside Canada.

Other entry requirements

Depending on where you travel, you may still need to show a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Canada – in some cases this could even apply to a layover of more than 24 hours. If it’s required, plan ahead to ensure you have the test results within the right time frame to be considered valid – it’s often one to two days ahead.

Health precautions

While proof of vaccinations and face masks may not be required depending on your destination, the government does recommend them as protection while you travel. If you’re sick you may have to postpone your travel dates, so make your plans are as flexible as possible. If you’ve visited a farm or wild animals on your trip, you should avoid visiting a farm back in Canada for 14 days after you return to avoid spreading foreign animal diseases.

Packing plans

It’s normal to bring items back to Canada, but double check that they can enter the country. Some goods are banned here to protect people, animals and even plants. This step is important for any food you’re bringing here. For example, don’t pack any pork products in your luggage. If the pork were infected by a pig disease called African swine fever it could bring the disease to Canada, which could put many pigs and Canadian pork farms at risk.

Be sure to declare any plant or animal products that do come back with you.

(Source : News Canada)

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And a backyard vegetable garden comes with a number of benefits:  

L’article Does the cost of food have you thinking about growing your own vegetables? est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.