Jan 29, 2026
Kids should brush twice a day for two minutes and get a new toothbrush about every three months—or sooner if the bristles fray or after an illness. Fresh bristles clean better, protect gums, and help keep cavities away.
Regular dental visits are essential for oral health. While many people schedule bi‑annual checkups, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least one dental visit per year, with some individuals needing more frequent care. Brushing and flossing remove much of the bacterial film and plaque on teeth, but not all of it—professional cleanings address what’s left behind. According to Penn Dental Medicine, dental visits also allow providers to detect early signs of oral and other cancers and offer guidance on overall oral care.
Both children and adults benefit from consistent checkups, and February’s Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect reminder to help kids build strong, lifelong habits. Parents often wonder when to begin focusing on their child’s oral hygiene, and this timeline offers helpful direction.
- Before teeth erupt: Keep your baby’s mouth clean by gently wiping the gums, tongue, and inner cheeks with a damp washcloth or gauze after feeding to remove bacteria and help them get used to oral care.
- When the first tooth arrives: The Better Health Channel notes that the first tooth typically appears around six months. Brush it twice daily with a soft children’s toothbrush and water. Ask a pediatrician before introducing fluoride toothpaste. As more teeth come in, use a pea‑sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervise brushing until age seven or eight, per the American Dental Association.
- Visiting the dentist: Stanford Children’s Health recommends a first dental visit by 12 months or within six months of the first tooth. Dentists will discuss baby bottle tooth decay, feeding practices, teething, pacifiers, and finger‑sucking. Children are generally advised to see a dentist every six months.
It is essential that parents emphasize strong oral health care skills, so kids grow accustomed to visiting the dentist at an early age. This can set children up for a lifetime of oral health.
A simple hug does far more than warm the heart. Research shows that hugging releases oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—neurochemicals that help us feel calm, connected, and cared for.
Physical Benefits: Hugging lowers cortisol, reduces stress, and helps the body relax. It can also lower blood pressure and heart rate, supporting heart health. Studies show frequent huggers catch fewer colds and have milder symptoms. Endorphins released during a hug may also ease pain and inflammation.
Emotional Benefits: A meaningful embrace can soothe fear, quiet anxiety, and lift mood. Dopamine and serotonin help counter loneliness and support healthy self‑esteem. Across all ages, physical touch plays a key role in emotional regulation and resilience.
Making the Most of It: Experts suggest several hugs a day—ideally around 20 seconds—to boost oxytocin’s calming effects. Even 8–12 hugs can support overall well‑being, though any affectionate touch helps. For those without a hug partner, simple self‑soothing gestures like placing a hand on your heart can offer similar comfort.
A colorful, nutrient‑rich diet is a cornerstone of good health, and cherries easily earn their place in the spotlight. These small stone fruits—grown largely in Michigan for sour varieties and in Washington, California and Oregon for sweet types—deliver an impressive range of benefits.
Cherries are packed with antioxidants, including polyphenols and anthocyanins, which help combat cell‑damaging free radicals. They also contain vitamins A, C and E. Those same plant compounds play a role in reducing inflammation, a welcome advantage for people managing arthritis or gout.
Tart cherries offer another perk: natural sleep‑supporting compounds such as melatonin, serotonin and tryptophan. And with their low glycemic index, cherries can be a smart choice for people monitoring blood sugar when eaten in moderation.
Wash cherries well, remove pits—especially for kids—and look for plump, dark fruit with bright green stems. Sweet or tart, cherries are an easy way to boost everyday wellness.
Canned Food Month reminds us just how much America relies on the humble can. Nearly 97% of Americans have eaten canned food in the past month, and more than half say it’s essential for preparing affordable, nutritious meals, according to cancentral.com. It’s not just pantry staples, either. Canned fruits and vegetables now account for nearly one‑third of all produce consumed in U.S. households.
For families balancing cost, convenience, and nutrition, the can remains one of the most dependable tools in the kitchen—quietly doing its job, one meal at a time.
