(Family Features) When kidney cancer spreads or becomes advanced, it can be challenging to treat. Common signs and symptoms can include blood in urine, lower back pain on one side, a mass on the side or lower back, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
While a diagnosis of advanced kidney cancer can be overwhelming, there are steps patients can take to feel more empowered as they face the disease, starting with learning about the treatments that may be available for them.
Exploring Your Options When facing advanced kidney cancer, it’s important for patients and caregivers to have open communication with their healthcare team to understand the diagnosis and establish a treatment plan.
Asking questions to understand where the cancer has spread, what the expected prognosis is and the potential benefits of treatment – including the possibility to live longer – can be critical to aligning on a path forward.
Fortunately, there are several types of medicines available for advanced kidney cancer today, depending on the specifics of each patient’s disease. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy are a few types of treatment that may be considered, sometimes in combination. Immunotherapy works differently than chemotherapy or targeted therapy, as it helps a person’s own immune system to fight cancer and can enable the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. For some patients, dual immunotherapy – or a combination of two immunotherapy treatments – may be recommended.
For example, Opdivo (nivolumab) + Yervoy (ipilimumab) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a combination of two immunotherapies for certain newly diagnosed adults whose kidney cancer (also referred to as renal cell carcinoma) has spread. It is not known if Opdivo is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age. Opdivo (10 mg/mL) and Yervoy (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous use.
This combination of two immunotherapies has the potential to work with the immune system in different but complementary ways to help fight cancer. While Yervoy may stimulate the kind of cells that help fight cancer, Opdivo may help these cells find and fight the cancer cells again.
While doing so, this immunotherapy combination can also affect healthy cells. These problems can sometimes become serious or life threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when Opdivo is used in combination with Yervoy.
Opdivo and Yervoy can cause problems that can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death. Serious side effects may include lung problems; intestinal problems; liver problems; hormone gland problems; kidney problems; skin problems; eye problems; problems in other organs and tissues; severe infusion reactions; and complications of stem cell transplant, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.
Understanding Overall Survival One of the most important considerations for choosing a treatment is the potential for survival, or the chance to live longer. Overall survival is sometimes reported as a survival rate, which is the percentage of people in a clinical trial who are still alive for a certain time period after being diagnosed with or starting treatment for a disease, such as cancer.
“After my cancer diagnosis, my wife and I prayed about our future and pursuing every avenue with that goal in mind,” said Terry Broussard, who has been living with advanced kidney cancer. “I wanted a treatment that may give me a chance to live longer in order to see my youngest child graduate high school.”
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Broussard’s doctor recommended treatment with Opdivo + Yervoy, which has overall survival data at five years. The FDA approval of this dual immunotherapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was based on results from the CheckMate -214 clinical trial, which included 847 previously untreated patients with kidney cancer that had spread and with one or more risk factors.
In the primary analysis at two years (25.2 months), the length of time patients lived without tumors worsening was 11.6 months for this immunotherapy combination and 8.4 months for sunitinib. There was no meaningful difference between the two treatments.
Researchers also assessed the overall response rate, which is a measure of the percentage of patients whose cancer shrunk (partial response) or disappeared completely (complete response) after treatment.
At the two-year time point, 41.6% of patients treated with Opdivo + Yervoy (95% CI:36.9-46.5) responded to treatment (n=177/425) versus 26.5% (n=112/422) of those treated with sunitinib (95% CI:22.4-31.0). Partial tumor shrinkage occurred in 32.2% of the patients treated with this immunotherapy combination compared to 25.4% of those treated with sunitinib. Tumors disappeared completely in 9.4% of patients treated with this immunotherapy combination versus in 1.2% of patients treated with sunitinib. The disappearance of any measurable tumors in response to treatment does not necessarily mean the cancer has been cured. Opdivo + Yervoy will not work for everyone. Individual results may vary.
“Advanced kidney cancer is a complex disease with many treatment options, which can feel overwhelming for people facing a devastating cancer diagnosis,” said Ulka Vaishampayan, M.D., professor, Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan. “The goal of treatment is to help patients live longer, and research like these five-year data gives us insight into what treatment with Opdivo + Yervoy may look like for patients from the trial over time.”
The most common side effects of Opdivo, when used in combination with Yervoy, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness.
Establishing and Leaning on a Support System From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, many patients find the support from family, friends and loved ones invaluable. Identifying a friend, spouse or caregiver who can join doctor appointments, ask questions and take notes can be a helpful way to track all the details that can often be overwhelming when facing cancer. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of my wife, children, nurses and doctors every step of the way,” said Broussard. “Even in the most challenging moments, knowing they were by my side gave me the hope and inspiration I needed to continue moving forward.”
Photo caption: Terry Broussard and his wife, Tracy. Broussard is an actual patient who has been compensated by Bristol Myers Squibb for his time.
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medicine used in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) to treat adults with kidney cancer in certain people when your cancer has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma) and you have not already had treatment for your advanced RCC.
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It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age.
Information provided in this article is not a substitute for talking with your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional is the best source of information about your disease.
Important Safety Information for OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + YERVOY® (ipilimumab) What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with another therapy.
What are the serious side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY? Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including:
Lung problems: new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; chest pain
Intestinal problems: diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain or tenderness
Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; severe nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Hormone gland problems: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; eye sensitivity to light; eye problems; rapid heart beat; increased sweating; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; urinating more often than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
Kidney problems: decrease in your amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite
Skin problems: rash; itching; skin blistering or peeling; painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose, throat, or genital area
Eye problems: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness.
Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include:
Chest pain; irregular heart beat; shortness of breath; swelling of ankles
Confusion; sleepiness; memory problems; changes in mood or behavior; stiff neck; balance problems; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs
Double vision; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; eye pain; changes in eye sight
Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness; muscle cramps
Low red blood cells; bruising
Getting medical help right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for these problems during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects.
Possible side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY OPDIVO and OPDIVO + YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?”
Severe infusion reactions. Tell your healthcare team right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; shortness of breath or wheezing; dizziness; feel like passing out; fever; back or neck pain
Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), of bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be severe and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications.
The most common side effects of OPDIVO, when used in combination with YERVOY, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness.
These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA- 1088.
Before receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
have received an organ transplant
have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic)
have received radiation treatment to your chest area in the past and have received other medicines that are like OPDIVO
have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY.
Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY.
You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-844-593-7869 as soon as you become aware of a pregnancy.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO and YERVOY.
Josh is a native Phoenician, lives in the west Valley with his wife, daughter and two sons. He has a BA in Management and 24 years of experience in Information Technology. Joshua also has multiple publications for IT education, which are used in universities around the world. View all posts
Josh is a native Phoenician, lives in the west Valley with his wife, daughter and two sons. He has a BA in Management and 24 years of experience in Information Technology. Joshua also has multiple publications for IT education, which are used in universities around the world.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse launches Glam Bites: delicious beauty gummies with zero sugar, no sugar alcohols, and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners—designed to support beauty from within.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse, the premium supplement brand under Health & Happiness (H&H) Group and a Certified B Corp, is kicking off 2026 with a new way to support “beauty from within.” The company just introduced Swisse Beauty Glam Bites, a line of zero-sugar beauty gummies made with science-backed ingredients—without the usual “junk” found in many gummy supplements. Positioned for today’s always-on lifestyle, Glam Bites aims to make daily self-care feel less like another task and more like a quick, enjoyable habit: bite, nourish, and glow.
What makes Glam Bites different?
Gummy supplements are popular, but they often come with tradeoffs—added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial flavors, or ingredients that don’t align with cleaner-label preferences. Swisse is leaning into the opposite approach. According to the company, Glam Bites are crafted with:
Zero sugar
No sugar alcohols
No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
Gluten-free
Free from major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame)
That “clean but still tasty” promise is a big part of the launch—especially as more shoppers look for supplements that fit into wellness routines without feeling like a compromise.
A beauty routine that starts from the inside
Swisse is framing Glam Bites as a simple daily add-on that supports skin, hair, and nails through targeted micronutrients. Leading dietitian Dana A. White highlighted the brand’s approach in the announcement, noting that Glam Bites deliver “powerful, science-driven beauty benefits” through a precisely balanced blend of nutrients—while keeping the formula free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
The Glam Bites lineup (available now)
Swisse launched Glam Bites in three formulas, each with its own ingredient blend and naturally flavored profile.
1) Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites
Price/Count: $19.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract
What it supports: Stronger hair and nails, plus skin firmness and elasticity*
Flavor: Blood orange (naturally flavored)
2) Glow Skin Glam Bites
Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Sea Moss, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides
What it supports: Collagen production, improved elasticity, and a stronger skin barrier*
Flavor: Blueberry lavender (naturally flavored)
3) Skin Defense Glam Bites
Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione, Green Tea Extract
What it supports: Healthy aging, even skin tone, and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors*
Flavor: Raspberry green tea (naturally flavored)
Why gummies—and why now?
Swisse is launching Glam Bites at a time when gummies are increasingly becoming the preferred supplement format for younger consumers. The company cited research showing:
45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials favor gummy supplements.
74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health reflects overall health.
In other words: the market is shifting toward convenience, better taste, and wellness products that connect beauty with whole-body health.
A global wellness brand expanding its portfolio
Swisse was founded in Australia in 1969 and has grown into a global wellness name known for premium supplements made with ingredients backed by scientific research and produced under world-class manufacturing standards. With Glam Bites, the brand is clearly betting on a “cleaner gummy” future—one that fits modern routines and modern label expectations.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
How C-reactive protein outpaced ‘bad’ cholesterol as leading heart disease risk marker
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammation marker that can predict heart attack and stroke risk—often better than LDL cholesterol. Here’s why it matters.
C-reactive protein is created by the liver in response to infections, tissue damage, chronic inflammatory states from conditions like autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disturbances like obesity and diabetes. Essentially, it is a marker of inflammation – meaning immune system activation – in the body. C-reactive protein can be easily measured with blood work at the doctor’s office. A low C-reactive protein level – under 1 milligram per deciliter – signifies minimal inflammation in the body, which is protective against heart disease. An elevated C-reactive protein level of greater than 3 milligrams per deciliter, signifies increased levels of inflammation and thus increased risk for heart disease. About 52% of Americans have an elevated level of C-reactive protein in their blood. Research shows that C-reactive protein is a better predictive marker for heart attacks and strokes than “bad,” or LDL cholesterol, short for low-density lipoprotein, as well as another commonly measured genetically inherited biomarker called lipoprotein(a). One study found that C-reactive protein can predict heart disease just as well as blood pressure can.
Why does inflammation matter in heart disease?
Inflammation plays a crucial role at every stage in the development and buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which causes a condition called atherosclerosis that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. From the moment a blood vessel is damaged, be it from high blood sugar or cigarette smoke, immune cells immediately infiltrate the area. Those immune cells subsequently engulf cholesterol particles that are typically floating around in the blood stream to form a fatty plaque that resides in the wall of the vessel. This process continues for decades until eventually, one day, immune mediators rupture the cap that encloses the plaque. This triggers the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow, starves the surrounding tissues of oxygen and ultimately causes a heart attack or stroke. Hence, cholesterol is only part of the story; it is, in fact, the immune system that facilitates each step in the processes that drive heart disease.Fatty plaque buildup in the arteries causes a blockage that starves tissues of oxygen and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Does cholesterol still matter for heart disease risk?
Though cholesterol may not be the most important predictor of risk for heart disease, it does remain highly relevant. However, it’s not just the amount of cholesterol – or more specifically the amount of bad, or LDL, cholesterol – that matters. Two people with the same cholesterol level don’t necessarily have the same risk for heart disease. This is because risk is determined more so by the number of particles that the bad cholesterol is packaged into, as opposed to the total mass of bad cholesterol that’s floating around. More particles means higher risk. That is why a blood test known as apolipoprotein B, which measures the number of cholesterol particles, is a better predictor of risk for heart disease than measurements of total amounts of bad cholesterol. Like cholesterol and C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B is also influenced by lifestyle factors like exercise, weight loss and diet. Nutrients like fiber, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a decreased number of cholesterol particles, while increased sugar intake is associated with a larger number of cholesterol particles. Furthermore, lipoprotein(a), a protein that lives in the wall surrounding cholesterol particles, is another marker that can predict heart disease more accurately than cholesterol levels. This is because the presence of lipoprotein(a) makes cholesterol particles sticky, so to speak, and thus more likely to get trapped in an atherosclerotic plaque. However, unlike other risk factors, lipoprotein(a) levels are purely genetic, thus not influenced by lifestyle, and need only be measured once in a lifetime.
What’s the best way to prevent heart disease?
Ultimately, heart disease is the product of many risk factors and their interactions over a lifetime. Therefore, preventing heart disease is way more complicated than simply eating a cholesterol-free diet, as once thought. Knowing your LDL cholesterol level alongside your C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) levels paints a comprehensive picture of risk that can hopefully help motivate long-term commitment to the fundamentals of heart disease prevention. These include eating well, exercising consistently, getting adequate sleep, managing stress productively, maintaining healthy weight and, if applicable, quitting smoking.Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year
Routines in the New Year: After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family.
Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year
(Family Features) The holiday season is special, fun and often a bit chaotic, filled with family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Once the decorations come down and chaos subsides in the new year, many families face a familiar challenge: getting children back into their regular routines. After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, provides this insight and guidance for parents. Understand Why Routines Matter Children thrive on predictability. Routines provide a sense of security, reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Children feel safe, even proud, when they know what comes next. Routines also help them develop independence and self-control. After the holidays, reestablishing these patterns is essential for a smooth return to school and everyday life. Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE:
Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the 
