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The last week of April is National Infant Immunization Week, a great time to remind everyone why protecting babies and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases matters.

I partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story, and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

The past few years have been chaotic for many families, and some children fell behind on routine well-checks and vaccinations. In honor of this week, I want to share why staying up to date on vaccines is so important to me.

Keeping Vaccines Up to Date
As a mom, I try to do everything I can to keep my kids healthy—making sure they sleep enough, eat well, stay active, and get their vaccines on schedule. Since my children were babies, we’ve followed the recommended vaccination timeline because it’s one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and hospital stays.

Following the recommended schedule for infants, children, and teens helps make sure they’re protected when they need it most. Babies’ immune systems are still developing, so they’re more vulnerable to severe illness. Vaccines protect kids and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases, including HPV, which can cause six types of cancer. Getting vaccines on time helps ensure protection early on.

Protection From Serious Illnesses
Immunizations protect babies and children from dangerous, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective against illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough. By vaccinating our children, we reduce their risk of these serious diseases.

Community Protection
Vaccination is a shared responsibility. Vaccines protect individuals and help prevent the spread of disease in the community. When many people are vaccinated, herd immunity makes it harder for illnesses to spread, which protects those who can’t be vaccinated, like infants who are too young or people with weakened immune systems.

By vaccinating our kids, we also help protect future generations. Many diseases that used to be common and deadly are now rare thanks to vaccines. Keeping up the vaccination routine helps make sure those diseases don’t come back.

Safe and Effective
Vaccines are safe and have been carefully tested. Serious side effects are very rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The U.S. vaccine safety system watches over recommendations and updates them as new science becomes available to keep vaccines as safe as possible.

Peace of Mind
Vaccinating my children gives me peace of mind. I feel confident that I’m doing what I can to protect them from serious illnesses. Vaccines also make me more comfortable when we travel or spend time around others, knowing my kids have protection against many dangerous diseases.

National Infant Immunization Week is a helpful reminder to check on vaccinations. If you’re unsure whether your children are up to date, call your pediatrician so they can help you catch up. You can learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness from trusted sources like iVaccinate.org. I Vaccinate offers information and tools based on medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids.

Vaccinating our children is one of the most important steps we can take for their health and for a healthier, safer community for everyone.

The last week of April is National Infant Immunization Week, a great time to remind everyone how important it is to protect babies and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases. I’ve partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story, and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

The last few years have been disruptive for many families, and some have fallen behind on routine well visits and vaccinations. Those appointments matter—especially now. In honor of this week, I want to share why staying on schedule with vaccines is so important to me.

Keeping Vaccines Up to Date
As a mom, I do everything I can to keep my kids healthy: good sleep, nutritious meals, activity—and staying current on vaccines. Since they were babies, we’ve followed the recommended vaccination schedule because it’s one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and hospital stays.

Following the recommended schedule for infants, children, and teens helps make sure they’re protected when their immune systems are still developing. Vaccines defend against 16 diseases, including HPV, which can cause six types of cancer. Getting shots on time helps protect kids when they need it most.

Protecting Against Serious Illness
Vaccines prevent serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases. They’ve been proven safe and effective against illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough. By vaccinating our children, we reduce their risk of these dangerous diseases.

Protecting the Community
Vaccination is a shared responsibility. When lots of people are vaccinated, it slows the spread of disease and creates herd immunity, which helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated—like infants who are too young or people with weakened immune systems. Many deadly diseases have been reduced or eliminated because of vaccines, and continuing to vaccinate helps protect future generations.

Safe and Effective
Vaccines are tested thoroughly and monitored for safety. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The U.S. vaccine safety system keeps recommendations up to date as new science becomes available, ensuring vaccines remain as safe as possible.

Peace of Mind
Getting my children vaccinated gives me peace of mind. I feel confident taking them out into the world and traveling, knowing we’ve done our part to protect them from many dangerous diseases.

National Infant Immunization Week is a timely reminder to check your child’s vaccine record. If you’re not sure whether your kids are up to date, call your pediatrician to get caught up. You can also learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness from trusted sources like iVaccinate.org. I Vaccinate offers information and tools based on medical science to help Michigan parents protect their children.

Vaccinating our children is one of the most important steps we can take to keep them healthy. By doing so, we not only protect our own families but also help build a safer, healthier community for everyone.

As parents, our first priority is keeping our children safe and healthy. In a world full of risks, taking simple, proactive steps can make a big difference. From vaccinations to teaching body boundaries, here are key actions you can take to protect your child’s well-being.

I partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story. This content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

Here are nine easy tips to keep your kids healthy and safe:

1. Vaccinations: Your Best Defense
Vaccines are safe and one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses. Following the recommended vaccine schedule for your child helps keep them healthy and supports community immunity. With the first measles cases in Michigan since 2019, it’s more important than ever to keep up with well-child visits and timely vaccinations. Vaccines protect kids and teens against 16 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and HPV (which can lead to several types of cancer). Vaccinating reduces the chance of outbreaks and helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. As a mom and public health advocate, I trust the research and have chosen to vaccinate my children. If you have questions, talk with your pediatrician or visit IVaccinate.org for reliable information.

2. Car Seat Safety: Always Buckle Up
Using the right car seat or booster for your child’s age, weight, and height is essential. Make sure they are properly secured every ride, and remember that children under 13 should ride in the back seat to reduce airbag risks.

3. Helmets for Wheeled Activities
Whether your child rides a bike, skateboard, or scooter, a helmet is a must. A well-fitting helmet greatly lowers the chance of head injury. Encourage helmet use early and set the example by wearing one when you ride together.

4. Teach Body Boundaries
Talk to your children about body boundaries in a clear, age-appropriate way. Let them know their body belongs to them and that it’s okay to say no to touches that make them uncomfortable—even from people they know. Teach them to tell a trusted adult if someone crosses their boundaries.

5. Teach About Strangers and Safety
Help your children recognize risky situations and how to respond. Teach basic rules like not talking to strangers, not accepting gifts without parental permission, and finding a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

6. Encourage Healthy Habits
A healthy lifestyle supports safety and growth. Promote regular physical activity, balanced meals, and enough sleep. Model these habits yourself—kids learn a lot by watching their parents.

7. Limit Screen Time
Set limits on screens and encourage activities that boost creativity, social skills, and movement. Try screen-free times like during meals or before bed to build better habits and reduce overuse.

8. Teach Good Hygiene
Teach children to wash their hands often, brush their teeth twice daily, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow. Reinforce these habits with gentle reminders and praise.

9. Be Ready for Emergencies
Prepare for the unexpected. Make sure your child knows their full name, address, and how to reach you or another trusted adult. Teach them how to call 911 and basic, age-appropriate first aid. Keep a first aid kit at home and in the car, and have a family plan for different emergencies.

Keeping our children safe and healthy is our top job as parents. Stay informed, take proactive steps, and encourage healthy habits so your children can grow and thrive. Let’s prioritize their safety and well-being, one small step at a time.

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This post is sponsored by NOW Foods. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We often wait for the big moments—weddings, births, vacations, graduations—counting down and preparing for them. Those events bring lots of joy, but there’s also real magic in the everyday routine if we notice it.

With a few small shifts in how we see things, more attention to our senses, and a bit of mindfulness, ordinary moments can sparkle. We tend to operate on autopilot and miss what’s around us. Pausing to really think about what you’re doing and considering other perspectives helps you be more present. Mindfulness can turn boring tasks into fresh experiences. Whether you add gratitude to your day, tune into your senses, or try looking at things from someone else’s viewpoint, being more mindful can change how you see the world.

The good news: you don’t need a lot of extra time to be more mindful or to meditate. Short moments of presence during your day can boost your mental and physical well-being. Below are simple ideas to help you love the life you have—through the mundane, the momentous, and everything in between.

How to Find Magic in the Mundane

Cooking
Cooking can feel like a chore, but it’s a great chance to practice mindfulness. While cooking and eating, tune into your senses: smell, touch, sight, taste, and hearing. Notice if the dish smells sweet, spicy, or sharp. How does it feel—smooth or textured? Does the color change as it cooks? Listen for the sizzle or the bubbling. Taste each ingredient and notice how flavors change.

Another mindful practice is tracing food’s journey from field to plate. Think about the sun, rain, and pollinators, and all the people who help move food from farms to stores—farmers, packers, drivers, and stockers. It’s remarkable how many hands and forces bring simple meals to our tables.

Breath Meditation
When stress appears, one or two minutes of breath meditation can help a lot. “Take a deep breath” is sound advice for a reason—breath work can lower anxiety, sharpen focus, improve sleep, and support heart health. A simple beginner practice is Shamatha, or “breathing as is,” a reset breath to bring you back to the present. You can do it anywhere—at lunch, in the car line, or while waiting for the bus.

How to Practice Breath Meditation
Sit or stand comfortably with a tall spine. Notice the weight of your body where it meets the ground. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Observe your natural breath without trying to change it. Feel your belly rise and fall. Notice the air at your nostrils—cool or warm? If your thoughts wander, just acknowledge them and return to the breath. Beginners can use a simple mantra, like “I am” on the inhale and “calm” or “safe” on the exhale. Placing a hand on your heart or belly can help you connect with your breathing.

Play
As adults, we forget how joyful play can be. Not everything needs to be serious. Notice the world with a childlike eye—the breeze in your hair, laughter, small movements, ants crossing the pavement. Let yourself enjoy simple, playful moments.

Morning Coffee or Tea Meditation
Connecting mindfulness to a daily habit makes it easier to stick with. A coffee or tea break under five minutes is a quick way to add calm to your morning.

How to Do a Tea or Coffee Meditation
Sit comfortably and hold your cup with both hands. Notice sensations: the warmth on your palms, the texture of the mug, the aroma rising from the cup. Pause and notice how your body responds. Take your first sip and stay with the taste and feeling.

Savor Nature
Finding little ways to connect with nature can lift ordinary moments. Whether you’re grabbing the mail, walking to the bus, or taking a stroll, take a short break to notice the outdoors. If possible, take off your shoes and feel the ground, enjoy the sun or breeze, watch bees or bugs, listen for birds or frogs, and take in the colors and textures around you.

Connecting with Loved Ones
With constant distractions, it’s easy to go through the motions without truly connecting. Each day, set aside time to disconnect from devices and to-do lists and be fully present with someone you care about. Look them in the eye, listen closely, and give them your full attention.

Waiting in Line at the Store
Lines can feel like wasted time, but they’re a chance to pause. Use that waiting time to notice your surroundings, daydream, or simply breathe. These small pauses can be surprisingly refreshing.

Skincare Routine
Skincare routines can seem tedious, but they’re an easy way to add mindfulness to your day. Slowing down your routine can feel like an act of self-care. As you apply creams, serums, or oils, notice the scents, textures, and the way your skin responds. Choose products that nourish your skin with natural ingredients and appreciate their benefits.

Featured Products I Recommend
Herbal Tea: NOW Foods offers lots of teas for different moods. Black tea is great for a morning pick-me-up (try adding a bit of manuka honey). Hibiscus tea is light and fruity for summer—delicious iced. In the evening, I love a Nighttime tea with spearmint and chamomile to help unwind.
Skin Care: Facial oils have become a favorite in my routine. The Balance Facial Oil leaves skin soft, nourished, and hydrated with a blend of natural oils. I like using it with a vibrating t-wand or gua sha stone for a mindful pampering session.
Protein Powders and Smoothie Add-Ins: Summer means smoothies for me. A good protein powder (this one tastes great and digests easily) boosts nutrition. I also add nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit for texture and flavor.

Save 20% on your entire order at NowFoods.com with code AMBER.

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