HRH Medical Group - Affordable Healthcare Clinic

09/29/2025

Developmental milestones you want to look for...https://ilslearningcorner.com/2015-09-critical-developmental-milestones-you-wont-want-your-child-to-miss/

09/25/2025

National Women's Health and Fitness Day 2025: 7 simple lifestyle hacks for better physical and mental health.

Women are the pillar of society that keeps the world up and running. From sun-up to sundown, their active contribution in building homes, nurturing families, and simultaneously juggling workplaces not only sets a stellar example of the feminine power but also serves as the backbone of any functional and thriving community.

But more often than not, while taking care of their people – friends, family, and more – women tend to overlook their own well-being. That’s why every year, the last Wednesday of September marks a day when we ought to observe an occasion that’s solely dedicated to the well-being of women: National Women’s Health & Fitness Day. It’s not just another day on the calendar – it’s a reminder for women everywhere to pause, celebrate, reflect, and revive their commitment to well-being. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal goals, this day is your prompt to honour self-care – to move, to nourish, to rest, and to thrive for yourself.

But women’s health isn’t a one-time event – it’s a journey. And that’s why it’s not an overnight success story. What matters is how we take up healthy habits, keep at it, and acquire the agency of our own well-being – both body and mind. It’s not about perfect bodies or rigid routines, but about gentle, sustainable habits that nourish both body and mind.

In this carefully curated guide, we explore simple lifestyle tips and tricks that boost both physical and mental well-being and sustain us while we get going with hustling every single day. Remember, these tips aren’t the magic pills – rather, these are the hacks that fit effortlessly into your real life, providing you with the comfort and convenience of keeping up with them without breaking much sweat.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH & FITNESS DAY On the last Wednesday in September, National Women’s Health & Fitness Day promotes the largest event for women's health of

09/22/2025

Keeping Your Kids Healthy and Happy During Fall: Tips for Parents

As we transition into the fall season, it’s essential to take proactive steps to keep our children healthy and happy. Fall brings about beautiful changes, but it also ushers in the potential for increased illnesses. Let’s explore some practical tips to ensure your children stay healthy and vibrant during this time of year.

1. Dress Appropriately for the Weather:
As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to dress your children in layers and provide them with warm clothing, including jackets, hats, and gloves. Keeping them warm helps prevent colds and flu.

2. **Nutritious, Seasonal Eating:**

Fall offers an array of delicious seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into your family’s diet to support their immune systems and overall health.

3. **Emphasize Good Hygiene:**

Encourage proper handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after being outdoors. Good hygiene is a fundamental practice in preventing the spread of illnesses.

4. **Regular Exercise and Physical Activity:**

Even as the weather cools down, ensure your children engage in regular physical activity. Whether it’s indoor games or outdoor adventures, exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind.

5. **Prioritize Adequate Sleep:**

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to ensure your children get enough rest. Sufficient sleep is vital for their immune function and overall well-being.

6. **Stay Hydrated:**

Encourage your children to drink plenty of water and other healthy beverages to stay hydrated. Proper hydration supports bodily functions and keeps them feeling their best.

7. **Teach Illness Etiquette:**

Educate your children on covering their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue or their elbow. Reinforce the importance of not sharing personal items, especially during cold and flu season.

8. **Consider Flu Vaccinations:**

Consult your healthcare provider about flu vaccinations for your children. A flu shot is a highly effective way to protect them from seasonal influenza.

9. **Maintain a Clean Living Environment:**

Regularly clean and disinfect commonly-touched surfaces in your home to reduce the risk of spreading germs. A clean living space contributes to a healthier family environment.

10. **Nurture a Positive Atmosphere:**

Promote a positive and happy environment at home. A loving, stress-free atmosphere contributes significantly to your children’s overall health and happiness.

Conclusion

Fall is a beautiful time to embrace family activities and create lasting memories. By following these tips and maintaining a focus on health and well-being, you’ll set the stage for a joyful autumn season for both you and your children. Here’s to a healthy and happy fall for your family!

As we transition into the fall season, it’s essential to take proactive steps to keep our children healthy and happy. Fall brings about beautiful changes, but it also ushers in the potential for increased illnesses. Let’s explore some practical tips to ensure your children stay healthy and vibra...

09/15/2025

Rhinovirus Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Rhinovirus is the main cause of the common cold and occurs all year round. There is currently no cure for rhinovirus, but medications and rest are beneficial to treat the symptoms.
Rhinovirus passes from person to person through touching and breathing in the virus. It is common in children, but it can affect adults as well. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and mild fever.

This article explains what rhinovirus is, the symptoms, how doctors diagnose the condition, the treatment options available, and other illnesses that are a result or complication of rhinovirus.

What is rhinovirus, and what symptoms does it cause?

Rhinovirus is the leading cause of a common cold. Your cold may begin with a runny nose, a sore throat, and sneezing. You may then start to experience mild fever, a loss of appetite, headaches, coughing, ear infections, infections of the sinuses, and aching muscles.

Rhinovirus is common among children. It is easy for children to pass the infection on through sharing toys, touching each other, and breathing in the virus when another child sneezes or coughs. Children have approximately eight to 10 colds during the first 2 years of their life. This number can increase if the child spends more time in group child care settings and around other children with a cold.

In infants and young children, rhinovirus can cause lung problems such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and croup.

How might doctors diagnose rhinovirus?
To diagnose rhinovirus, your doctor will likely ask you some questions about your medical history and your symptoms. They will then carry out a physical examination.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may test a sample of your mucus.

Rhinovirus and the common cold
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold, which is responsible for 10–40% of colds.

Adults get approximately two to three colds per year, and young children who go to elementary school or kindergarten have an average of around five to eight colds per year.

It is likely that, with a cold, you will begin to start experiencing symptoms quickly. You may find that you feel your worst on days 2–3, and symptoms may last around a week.

If you have a cold, you should drink plenty of fluids and rest. You may find that over-the-counter (OTC) medications help reduce your symptoms, but they will not cure your cold.

Rhinovirus and bronchiolitis
Several viruses can cause bronchiolitis, one of which is the rhinovirus. The symptoms are like those of a cold and include a runny nose, fever, and a cough. However, the illness may also cause wheezing, or you or your child may find breathing harder. This is because bronchiolitis affects the smaller airways.

Bronchiolitis often affects infants and children. Most cases are mild, so you should notice that your child gets better within 2–3 weeks.

Your child may not need treatment for bronchiolitis if it is mild. If your child’s bronchiolitis is serious, however, they may need to go to the hospital to receive oxygen and treatment for dehydration.

Rhinovirus and pneumonia
Pneumonia is a type of chest infection that causes the alveoli in your lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid.

If you have the common cold — which rhinovirus can commonly cause — and you also have a weakened immune system, asthma, or a respiratory condition, you may be more likely to develop complications, such as viral or bacterial pneumonia.

Your pneumonia can be mild or more severe. If your pneumonia is mild but thought to be bacterial, it is likely that your doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics to take for 5 days. They may tell you to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your pneumonia is serious, you may have to go to the hospital and take a longer course of antibiotics.

Treatment can also include oxygen therapy if you are struggling with your breathing. You may receive fluids through an IV drip if you are unable to eat and drink.

Read our pneumonia appointment guide here.

Rhinovirus, asthma, and wheezing
Asthma attacks can be due to viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as rhinovirus. If you have asthma and have a cold, you may find that your cold lasts longer, and it may lead to an asthma attack.

If your doctor thinks that you may have asthma, it is likely that you will use at least a reliever inhaler to see if it helps you. If you need to use the reliever inhaler more than just a few times per week, your doctor may suggest that you take a reliever with a preventer inhaler on an ongoing basis.

Your reliever inhaler will ease any coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness while symptoms are present. Your preventer inhaler will help relieve any swelling and inflammation that may be in your airways over the long haul.

There are also other treatment options available, including a range of other inhalers, preventer tablets, and steroid tablets. If needed, your doctor may also refer you to a specialist.

Learn eight things doctors want you to know about severe asthma here.

Rhinovirus vs. coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause mild illnesses, such as the common cold, and more serious diseases, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

If a coronavirus, rather than rhinovirus, causes your common cold, the treatment is still the same for mild symptoms. There is currently no cure, but you can treat your cold symptoms using OTC medications, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of sleep.

View more articles on COVID-19 here.

When to seek medical care
If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or get a lot worse — for example, if you experience fever, chills, aches, or breathing difficulties — you should speak with your doctor.

You should also speak with a doctor if your child is younger than 3 months of age and has a high temperature, is feeling weak, or is less responsive.

How to treat rhinovirus
There is no specific treatment for rhinovirus or the common cold. However, you can ease the symptoms by taking OTC medications, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids.

OTC medications for the common cold may include:

acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to lower your temperature or reduce head or body aches
decongestant spray or tablets to ease a blocked nose
Your doctor likely will not prescribe you antibiotics for the rhinovirus, as antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking non-prescribed medications or giving them to your children.

How to prevent rhinovirus
There are several things you can do to help reduce the chance of rhinovirus spreading.

Some prevention tips are as follows:

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before cooking a meal.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Clean surfaces, tabletops, toys, and other shared objects.
Sneeze and cough into a tissue and then place the tissue into a trash can.

Wash your hands after sneezing and coughing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Keep your distance from people who have a cold.
Stay at home if you have a cold and avoid close contact with people around you.

Summary
Rhinovirus is the primary cause of the common cold. It passes from person to person as a result of touching contaminated surfaces or breathing in the virus. Children are most likely to get rhinovirus, but adults can get it two or three times per year.

Symptoms of rhinovirus include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, a loss of appetite, and mild fever. Rhinovirus is not currently curable, but taking OTC medications can help treat the symptoms. Your symptoms are likely to improve in around 7–10 days.

Rhinovirus can cause other illnesses and complications, such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma attacks.

If you have any concerns about rhinovirus or what medications to use, contact your doctor.

https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/cold-and-flu/rhinovirus

09/03/2025

Back-to-school morning tips

65. Set your clocks forward 10 minutes. This makes it easier to be on time.

66. Make sure your kids (and you!) have an effective wakeup alarm that works for them.

67. Use this checklist to establish a regular morning routine.

68. Map out a bathroom schedule to avoid family fights for bathroom time.

69. Set — and enforce — regular weekday and weekend wakeup calls.

Homework back-to-school tips
70. To help with time management, determine together how long it takes kids to do assignments

71. Teach kids to prioritize their assignments by making to-do lists with deadlines.

72. Establish a specific space like the family office as an official “homework station.”

73. Remove distractions like TVs and video game consoles from homework areas.

74. Set a regular alarm each day that signals the start of homework time.

75. Try apps like iHomework 2 or myHomework to help your kids organize assignments.

76. Give kids a short break, such as a short walk, after each assignment they finish.

77. Help your kids develop a filing system for organizing their documents for each class.

78. Model good behavior by doing your own work/projects while your kids do homework.

79. Make a homework caddy that can be used to carry school supplies through the house.

80. Use positive phrasing, such as, “You can go outside after your homework is done,” rather than, “You’re not going outside until this is finished.”

81. Schedule study blocks on the weekends before big tests, midterms and finals.

Tips for staying connected with teachers
82. Figure out ways to be involved in the classroom this school year.

83. Touch base with teachers early on to troubleshoot any issues your kids may be having. Here are questions you can ask the teacher.

Decluttering back-to-school tips
84. Go through the kids’ wardrobes every two to three months to get rid of things that no longer fit.

85. Frame a couple of your child’s best works of art and file or toss the rest (when they’re not looking, of course).

86. Go through your kids’ schoolwork once a month to toss the things you don’t want.

87. File or scan assignments you want to keep.

Tips for setting back-to-school goals
88. Have your kids set realistic goals for the new school year, such as reading 30 books or filling a journal. Tips for goal setting for kids.

89. Work out a to-do list of age-appropriate chores for each child and help them set weekly goals for completing them (without being asked).

90. Help your kids prioritize their activities by tying them to their year’s goals.

91. Create a rewards system for when kids meet goals or do extra things around the house.

Fun back-to-school tips
92. Carve out blocks of fun time for your kids, based on what they enjoy doing most.

93. Establish a set “family time,” whether it’s during dinner or before bed.

94. Give kids a specific day when they can choose all the activities you do together.

Childcare back-to-school tips
95. Hire a housekeeper to help with cleaning and crossing things off your to-do lists.

96. Consider hiring a dog walker. One less thing to worry about!

97. Hire a tutor or homework helper (many even tutor virtually) to help you navigate schoolwork.

98. If you have a regular nanny or sitter who’s open to doing extra work, negotiate a price for them to take on some helpful tasks, like prepping or preparing dinner, cleaning high-traffic areas or doing grocery shopping or running errands.

Back-to-school tips for you
99. Schedule at least one 30-minute block in your calendar each day for self-care.

100. Do something fun to diffuse this stressful time of year for all of you.

101. Take a breath. You are doing this.

With these back-to-school tips — and with you as their calm and collected guide — your kids will be better able to approach the school year feeling prepared, excited and ready to get to work.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

09/02/2025

Organization back-to-school tips

43. Add some kid-friendly organization solutions, like low hooks for kids’ coats and shoe baskets or cubbies to your entryway.

44. Establish rules for where kids should put lunchboxes, etc. when they come home.

45. Create an “inbox” for kids to leave things that need your attention, like permission slips.

46. Use sticky notes to flag important items that kids should pay attention to.

47. Keep a single, easy-access file for vaccination records and other important papers.

48. Designate a plastic tub as a put-away bin for anything out of place.

49. Use a see-and-store toy rack to make it easier for kids to stay organized.

50. Give everyone a shower caddy to keep bathroom supplies organized.

51. Use under-the-bed storage for off-season clothes and toys that aren’t regularly used.

52. Set up a hanging organizer in your child’s closet with five slots for clothes, one for each day of the week.

53. Dedicate a rack in the garage, basement or entryway for sports equipment.

54. Set up a laundry system that makes it easy to sort and wash clothes.

Tips for the night before
55. Encourage your kids to lay out their school clothes before going to bed.

56. Have kids pack their school bags.

57. If they bring their own lunch, have the kids pack their lunch boxes.

58. Have kids pack their gym or sports bags.

59. Make sure any bags, equipment or must-bring items are left by the door.

Back-to-school sleep tips

60. Set an alarm or notification 30 minutes before bedtime.

61. Establish regular bedtime routines, using these printable checklists.

62. Set — and enforce — regular weekday and weekend bedtimes.

63. Remove tech devices, such as phones and tablets, from kids’ bedrooms so the focus is on sleeping.

64. Use night lights, white sound machines and fans for kids who can’t get to sleep.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

08/27/2025

Lunch prep back-to-school tips
21. Buy reusable bottles to increase water consumption during the day.

22. Discuss the different pros and cons of bringing versus buying school lunches.

23. If they choose to take lunch some or all days, let your kids involved in creating and preparing their daily lunch menus.

24. Purchase lunchboxes or reusable bags to help save the environment.

25. Use this lunchbox packing list to help plan your grocery shopping in advance.

26. Buy bulk packaged snacks or bag up finger foods like grapes or carrots that can be easily added to lunches.

27. Make a week’s worth of sandwiches on Sunday, wrap in tin foil and freeze. Thaw them the night before.

28. Organize lunch items in one part of the fridge for fast and easy lunch prep.

29. If they choose to buy lunch, get copies of school menus in advance to discuss lunch choices.

30. Pre-pay for school lunches online, if your school allows, or figure out a weekly allowance for buying school lunch.

Back-to-school shopping tips
31. Shop for school supplies and clothes early to avoid the rush.

32. Inventory your kids’ wardrobes and toss/donate things they’ve outgrown.

33. Get the lists of school supplies, books and technology your kids will need.

34. Inventory last year’s school supplies before going out to buy more.

35. Repurpose and relabel plastic tubs to organize all school supplies.

36. Create a list and budget for back-to-school shopping.

37. Include your kids in back-to-school shopping by letting them pick out their supplies.

38. Let your child choose their clothes, shoes and other items they’ll need.

39. Replace old backpacks with ones that are sturdy, ergonomic and kid-friendly.

40. Stash a small amount of emergency cash in your kids’ book bags, just in case.

41. Create a dedicated space at home for your kids to store their school supplies and technology.

42. Make a plan for organizing school supplies — and keeping them that way.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

08/25/2025

Schedule and time management back-to-school tips
7. Let kids choose a planner or scheduling tool they’re excited to use.

8. Help your kids put together a rough outline of their school and activity schedules.

9. Create a family calendar or choose a calendar app that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments.

10. Set up weekly meetings to review your kids’ schedules for the week(s) ahead.

11. Set a time each week to sync up individual calendars with the family calendar.

12. Schedule blocks of time to check in with each child to see how things are going.

Before- and after-school tips
13. Hire a before- or after-school sitter to help care for your kids while you’re at work.

14. Have a backup transportation plan in case your kids miss the bus.

15. Get your kids involved in programs they can do after school to keep them active.

16. Keep track of existing extracurricular activities to prevent overscheduling.

17. Refresh your rules about screen time for the school year. What’s allowed and when?

18. Work out an after-school schedule that allows time for snack, relaxation, play and study.

19. Make a list of fun after-school activities and games to keep your kids entertained.

20. Create a regular pet care schedule that outlines who does what for each animal and when.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

08/19/2025

Mental and emotional back-to-school tips
1. Set your kids’ sleep schedules back to “school time” two weeks before the first day of school.

2. Use an egg timer to get your kids used to focusing for specific periods of time.

3. Encourage your kids to read at least one (or one more) book before the school year begins.

4. Discuss what your kids can expect on the first day of school so they feel more prepared.

5. Ask teachers for class rosters so you can connect your kids with new classmates.

6. Talk openly with your kids about their feelings about returning to school and be ready to answer any questions.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

08/18/2025

I will be sending these tips over the next week.

101 back-to-school tips for parents and kids
From creating a homework caddy to nailing your after-school routine, these back-to-school tips will have you prepped for the school year.

As summer comes to an end and back-to-school season begins, it can be hard to get back into the rhythm of a regular schedule — for both kids and adults. The trick, of course, is to plan ahead. Start preparing everyone a few weeks early, and make sure you have a solid childcare plan in place. If you’re hiring a babysitter, nanny or tutor this year, consider bringing them on a little early to help get your child on track before the first day of school.

To help you with the transition, here’s a complete list of back-to-school tips for parents you can use to ease kids back into school life while also managing your own stress. Read through this list of 101 tips and identify the strategies you think could help you and your family stay organized and on top of things this school year. Then, test out different approaches as a family so you can figure out which ones work for you and which ones don’t.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

08/13/2025

Tips for Parents
Parents play a critical role in the student’s health and wellness. Here are ways you can stay balanced:

Create consistent sleep and meal routines for smoother mornings.
Pack nutritious snacks that include protein, fiber and water. Here are some ideas for snacks when you are on the go.

Prepare the night before—clothes, lunches and backpacks.
Make movement a family activity—incorporate push, walks, rolls, stretches or dancing.
Check in on emotions, and not just on academics. Here are a few strategies to help your child with their mental well-being.

Build strong communication with teachers early on.
Model healthy habits such as hydration and regular tech breaks.
Celebrate effort—not just achievement.
Involve the student in school prep: students can be responsible for setting up schools’ clothes, preparing lunch, and setting up study time.
Encourage free play after school: this time can be used by the parent to practice self-care.
For Students
Students can take charge of their health with simple habits:

Keep a refillable water bottle in your backpack. Here are some ways to help you drink more water.

Sneak in short movement breaks—stretch, push, roll, walk, wiggle or dance. Follow along with this fun circuit. Grab some friends and get moving.

Don’t skip breakfast; even a small meal can make a difference. If you are tired of the same old breakfast routine click on this link to learn about other healthy breakfast options.

Take a tech break after school to recharge.
Write down achievements to boost motivation.
Use a planner or app to stay organized.
Talk to someone if you’re feeling stressed.
Practice mindfulness, take deep breaths before tests, and find quiet time. Use this meditation video series from NCHPAD to learn and practice guided meditation.

Take time to discuss with your family how the school day went and what you learned.
These tips focus on accessibility, disability inclusion, and support.

Use assistive tools confidently, such as mobility aids, readers or sensory supports.
Build routines around your energy level. Plan for movement and rest when it works best for you.
Inquire about wellness spaces, sensory-friendly rooms or quiet areas for breaks.
Engage in adapted movement—try chair yoga, stretching, adapted sports or play at accessible parks and playgrounds. Here are two simple movements that support better posture, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance—perfect for anyone with limited time or looking for a low-impact way to stay active.

Advocate for accommodations or ask a parent or teacher to assist you.
Maintain hydration and nutritional routines that suit your needs.
Utilize technology for calming—use apps, timers or soothing music. Here are more self-care ideas for when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Track and celebrate your strengths—keep a journal of your achievements and unique skills.
Make new friends and teach them about you: share hobbies, interests and goals.
Lean on your support team—family, aides, counselors and friends.
Health is a team effort. When schools, families and students prioritize wellness, great things happen—not just academically, but emotionally and physically as well. These tips remind us that healthy habits don’t require perfection; they just need intention. So, here’s to a year of showing up, speaking up, and stepping into your healthiest self—one snack, stretch and smile at a time.