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Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Potty Training Mistakes to Avoid: What Actually Helps Kids Succeed
How to know when your child is ready, what you need, and why letting go of pressure matters Potty training comes with plenty of opinions and plenty of pressure. It can feel like everyone has a strong take on when to start, how long it should take, or whether you need to do it over a single weekend. But every child is different. And when it comes to potty learning, a little flexibility (and a lot of patience) can go a long way. If you're getting ready to start, or you've hit a few bumps along the way, here are some of the most common potty training mistakes and what can actually help instead. 1. Starting during a major life change. One of the biggest mistakes? Trying to potty train during a time of transition. That includes vacations, new siblings, starting daycare, moving houses, or even having visitors stay over. Just like with sleep or feeding routines, kids do best with consistency. If their world is already shifting, adding potty training into the mix can feel overwhelming. It's also important to check in with yourself. If you're juggling stress or just don't have the mental space for a new routine, it's okay to wait. You need to be ready too. 2. Forcing it before they're ready. If your child is resistant or just not showing signs of readiness, it's usually best to pause. Potty training works best when it's a team effort, not a power struggle. Readiness signs to look for include: Showing interest in the toilet or watching others use it. Hiding to squatting to poop Waking up dry after naps or staying dry for longer periods Being able to pull pants up and down on their own Wanting to wear underwear or showing discomfort in wet diapers Want to hear more about signs of readiness? More tips from our experience? Watch this PedsDocTalk YouTube video on potty training do's and don'ts from a pediatrician. 3. Skipping the prep. Going into potty training without supplies or a plan can make everything more stressful. A little prep work can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tools to have on hand: A potty seat and/or small toilet: Offering both gives your child some autonomy and choice. Step stool: Helpful for handwashing or dumping the contents into the toilet. Underwear, of course!: Let your child help pick them out to get excited. Potty books: Choose ones that feature your child's favorite characters or topics. Chucks pads or towels: Accidents happen—these can protect couches or car seats. Cleaning supplies: Expect messes. Towels and a waterproof mattress cover may help. Support: Whether it's a partner, a friend, or just a little self-pep talk, support makes a difference. For more on knowing when you're both ready, what you'll need, and how to get prepared so you can be set up for success, download this free No-Pressure Potty Training PedsDocTalk Guide. 4. Being inconsistent. Even if a few days go great, kids can still hit what's often called a 'honeymoon phase,' where they regress or resist. This is completely normal. Instead of switching back to diapers or shifting strategies too soon, try to stay consistent. Keep the process calm and predictable. Offer gentle reminders like: 'Tell me when you need the potty.' 'Let's try to keep our underwear dry.' 'You did it! That's great, listening to your body.' Keep your language encouraging and matter-of-fact. And if accidents happen (which they will), respond with patience. 5. Putting potty training on pause every time you leave the house. Many families avoid leaving the house during potty training, but staying home indefinitely isn't necessary or helpful. While the first couple of days at home are ideal, it's okay to start taking short outings soon after. Bring a change of clothes, a portable potty seat if needed, and keep up the routine as best you can. Avoid going back to diapers 'just in case,' it sends mixed signals and can set things back. You don't need to hit pause on your life. Instead, treat potty training as something that travels with you. Final thoughts Potty learning is just that, a learning process. There will be steps forward and backward. What matters most isn't doing it perfectly or quickly. It's approaching the experience with patience, flexibility, and realistic expectations. Looking for more support and a step-by-step framework? Explore the PedsDocTalk No-Pressure Potty Training Course built to help you ditch the pressure and build a plan that actually works for your family.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How weight training strengthens your heart and four exercises to try
When we think about heart health, cardio exercises like running, cycling or swimming often come to mind. But what if lifting weights could be just as effective – or even better – for your heart? While most people associate weight training with building muscle or improving strength, research shows that it can also play a significant role in reducing your risk of heart disease. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of lives lost each year. The tragedy is that many of these deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes, including exercise. Surprisingly, weight training is emerging as a powerful tool for improving heart health, alongside cardio and a healthy diet. Why exercise is key to heart health Exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. The NHS and other health organisations recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to maintain cardiovascular health. Cardio exercises like walking, jogging or swimming improve heart and lung function, lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. But strength training, often overlooked in discussions about heart health, offers unique benefits. Weightlifting strengthens the heart by improving circulation, reducing strain on the cardiovascular system and lowering harmful fat deposits around the heart. How strength training works for the heart Anyone who has lifted heavy weights knows the feeling of their heart pumping hard during a set. This is because strength training challenges the cardiovascular system, making it an effective workout for the heart. Weightlifting increases blood flow and forces the heart to pump more efficiently, much like cardio. Why is strength training good for heart health? Here are some of the ways weight training benefits your heart: Reduces strain on the heart: stronger muscles mean your body works more efficiently, reducing the workload on your heart during daily activities. Improves blood pressure: studies show that resistance training can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension. Reduces stress: strength training helps regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress – a major contributor to heart disease. Lowers cholesterol: weightlifting helps improve lipid profiles by increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and reducing LDL (bad cholesterol). Reduces risk of heart attacks and strokes: by improving circulation and reducing inflammation, strength training lowers the risk of cardiovascular events. Decreases visceral fat: research suggests that weightlifting may be more effective than cardio at reducing harmful fat around the heart. Is weight training safe for people with heart disease? Yes, strength training is generally safe for people with heart disease or those recovering from a heart attack, as long as it's done under medical supervision. In fact, resistance training is often included in cardiac rehabilitation programmes. However, it's essential to start slowly, avoid heavy lifting initially and focus on proper form to prevent strain. What does the research show? Research consistently highlights the benefits of weight training for heart health: A study from the University of Michigan found that just 30 minutes of weight training per week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, revealed that weightlifting is more effective than cardio at reducing visceral fat, which is closely linked to heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends resistance training at least two days per week as part of a heart-healthy exercise routine. Weight training is not just for building muscle – it's a powerful tool for improving heart health. By incorporating strength exercises into your routine, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, improve circulation and support overall cardiovascular health. Whether you're lifting weights at the gym or doing bodyweight exercises at home, the key is consistency. Pair your workouts with a heart-healthy diet, and you'll be well on your way to a stronger, healthier heart. Heart-healthy strength training exercises Here are some simple yet effective strength training exercises to incorporate into your routine. These exercises target major muscle groups, improve circulation and support heart health. Matt Roberts How to do it: Stand a few feet in front of a bench or elevated surface, with one foot resting on the bench behind you. Keep your torso upright and your core engaged. Lower your body by bending your front knee until it forms a 90-degree angle, keeping your back knee just above the floor. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position. Matt Roberts How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with a barbell on the floor in front of you. Hinge at the hips and bend your knees to grip the barbell with both hands, keeping your back straight. Drive through your heels to lift the barbell, extending your hips and standing tall. Lower the barbell back to the floor with control, keeping your back straight. Perform 8-12 reps for 3 sets, focusing on proper form to avoid injury. Matt Roberts How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell at shoulder height with an overhand grip. Engage your core and press the barbell overhead until your arms are fully extended. Slowly lower the barbell back to shoulder height. Keep your back straight and avoid arching your lower back. Matt Roberts How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an underhand grip. Hinge at the hips and lower your torso until it's nearly parallel to the floor, keeping your back straight. Pull the barbell toward your lower chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position. Tips for incorporating strength training into your routine Start small: begin with bodyweight or light weights and gradually increase intensity. Focus on form: proper technique is crucial to avoid injury and maximise benefits. Get balanced: aim for a routine including both strength and cardio exercise. Stay consistent: aim for at least two full-body strength training sessions per week. A nod to diet While exercise is critical for heart health, diet also plays a significant role. High-sugar and high-salt diets, even in people who are not obese, are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can complement your exercise routine and further reduce your risk. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
GE HealthCare Tops Estimates, Lifts Profit Outlook on Smaller Tariff Impact
Key Takeaways GE HealthCare beat estimates for the second quarter on Wednesday and raised its full-year profit forecast. However, the outlook is still below where it was at the start of the year due to the expected tariff impact. Sales rose across all four of GE HealthCare's segments in the HealthCare (GEHC) on Wednesday reported better second-quarter results than analysts had expected and lifted its outlook for the full year. The former General Electric division said it generated $5 billion in revenue and earned $1.06 per share, each up from the same time a year ago and better than the analyst consensus compiled by Visible Alpha. Sales rose across all four of GE HealthCare's segments in the quarter. The company said it now expects organic revenue growth of about 3% this year, narrowed from its previous range of 2% to 3%. Adjusted earnings per share are now forecast from $4.43 to $4.63, up from $3.90 to $4.10, with the new range including an expected headwind from tariffs of about 45 cents, down from 85 cents previously. While the tariff impact is smaller than what GE HealthCare expected last quarter, the company's adjusted EPS range is still below where it was at the start of the year. GE HealthCare topped estimates last quarter and announced a new stock buyback plan, outweighing the lowered profit forecast. Each of the other two former GE divisions, GE Aerospace (GE) and GE Vernova (GEV), beat estimates in their own second-quarter results earlier this month. Despite the solid results, GE HealthCare shares were down about 2% shortly ahead of markets opening. Read the original article on Investopedia
