LiiNK Updates

There are mixed emotions on when it’s appropriate to be outside and when it’s too cold. Well, the season has begun for individuals to ask these questions. When dressed appropriately, the temperature doesn’t seem to be as much of a problem. As you can see in the picture, this little child is definitely enjoying the snow, crispness in the air, and she is dressed appropriately.

Many researchers believe that exposure to cold weather can adversely affect a person's immune response, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Reasons for this may include:

• Reduced vitamin D levels. During the winter months, many people get less D3 due to reduced sun exposure. Some researchers have suggested that D3 plays an essential role in maintaining the immune system.

• Spending more time indoors. People tend to spend more time indoors during winter months, and viruses spread more when people are close to each other.

• Lower temperatures may affect immune response. When people spend more time indoors and have reduced vitamin D levels as a result, the immune system becomes compromised. When lower temperatures hit, viruses have a breeding ground that they don’t have when children are able to play outside throughout the day.

Just remember, viruses cause colds and the flu, not the weather. Follow the prevention guidelines below in order to ward off illness during cold weather:

Prevention:

Some ways to avoid getting sick during the winter include:

1. Get outdoors daily; dress appropriately (keep ears, neck, and wrists/hands covered for warmth)
2. Get plenty of sleep
3. Stay hydrated
4. Wash hands regularly
5. Sneeze and cough into a clean tissue or use an elbow rather than the hands
6. Don’t share foods, drinks, utensils, or dishes with anyone

LiiNK campuses go outside for four 15-minute recesses daily as long as it is safe to do so. According to the National Weather Service and CDC, it is safe to be outside for 20-minutes or less in temperatures/wind chill as low as 13 degrees F. Being outside in different temperatures boosts the immune system, provides an outlet for energy and creativity, and strengthens the body. Exposure to nature creates a parasympathetic response which allows the body to be more relaxed and less stressed. Being outdoors more is also creating healthier and more resilient children.

Let Grow aims to change minds and behaviors so children can develop into healthy and resilient adults. To learn more about Let Grow, click this link. The LiiNK Project and Let Grow are collaborating to move forward the initiatives of allowing children to take risks, encouraging more free play and socialization, and giving responsibility back to children.

Click here to read Let Grow's new piece titled, "Could the Recent Decline in Children's Reading Skills be Due to the Decline in Free Play?"

Positive Action lessons are taught daily. Here are some questions to ask your kids:

• What have you learned about thoughts, actions, and feelings?
• What have you learned about making decisions and taking care of the things you own?
• What have you learned about your own talents?
• Which characters helped you learn about these ideas?
• What is your favorite story or Positive Action character?

Week 6) Success: To feel good about who you are, what you are doing, and how you treat others

Week 7) Healthy: To be well or have good health

Week 8) Wellness: To be totally healthy in body, mind, and feelings

Week 9) Creative: To be able to make something new

Week 10) Challenge: A task that calls for special effort

Week 11) Curious: Eager to learn how and why things happen

Week 12) Decision: To think about the choices and pick the best one

Week 13) Time: When something happens; Energy: The force to do something

Week 14) Talent: A natural ability that can be developed

Week 15) Possessions: Things you are responsible for; Money: Coins and bills

Email: liink@tcu.edu
Website: www.liinkproject.tcu.edu
Location: Texas Christian University, South University Drive, Fort Worth, TX, USA
Phone: 817-257-7685
Facebook: facebook.com/theliinkproject

Thank you to Scott Murdock & Candice Martin for gathering some of the pictures and pieces of this newsletter.