Newsletter

November 2024

We put our heart in everything we do.

Giggles the giraffe

Staying Strong This Season: Fun Ways to Boost Immunity​

As the fall season begins, it’s a great time to focus on keeping our kids strong and healthy. Cooler temperatures and the start of the school year often bring new routines and more time indoors, making immune-boosting habits even more important. Here are some fun, simple ways to support kids’ wellness and boost their immunity, helping them feel their best as we head into the colder months.

Eat the Rainbow!

A colorful diet full of fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system. Encourage kids to “eat the rainbow” by letting them pick out fruits or vegetables in a range of colors. Try adding a mix of oranges, berries, and leafy greens to meals—these foods are packed with nutrients that are both fun to eat and beneficial for overall health.

Get Moving Every Day

Regular physical activity keeps the immune system strong and boosts energy levels. Even a quick dance party at home, a fun outdoor game, or a family walk can help kids stay active while enjoying the fresh air. Daily movement not only supports immune health but also brings a great dose of joy and play into their day.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Staying hydrated is key to wellness and helps support every part of the body. You can add slices of lemon, berries, or even mint leaves for a splash of flavor.

Special water bottles or reusable cups decorated with their favorite characters can also help make drinking water a fun activity.

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation

A restful night’s sleep does wonders for immune health, helping kids recharge and stay resilient. Establishing a bedtime routine can make sleep more inviting and comfortable. Simple activities like reading together, using dim lighting, or listening to calming music can create a soothing environment that promotes quality rest.

Foster Emotional Wellness

Emotional health is a big part of overall wellness. Spending quality family time, connecting with friends, and encouraging open communication can boost kids’ spirits. When children feel supported and loved, it helps keep them balanced and more resilient to seasonal health challenges.

Keep Hygiene Fun

Good hygiene habits go a long way in reducing exposure to germs. Make handwashing enjoyable by using colorful soaps or singing a song while washing. These small but effective practices can become second nature for kids and help them take an active role in their health.

This season, let’s encourage our kids to stay healthy and strong with these simple, positive habits. From eating well to staying active, small daily actions can make a big difference. Together, we can make this fall a time for thriving kids!

News & Events

Carol of Lights - Grapevine​

Free for all ages. Rediscover the magic of Christmas as Historic Downtown Grapevine illuminates with its annual Carol of Lights. This year, on Monday, November 25, visitors can enjoy multiple stages with engaging performances, incredible holiday bounce houses, and more. Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine, from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. For more information visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capitalof-texas/

Dia de los Muertos Festival - Dallas​

Free for all ages. This year’s festival will take place throughout the building honoring loved ones that have passed away. In addition to arts and crafts stations, there will be local artisan vendors on plaza, live performances and food vendors. Latino Cultural Center, November 2nd, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. For more information visit lcc.dallasculture.org/

Texas Science & Natural History Museum - Austin​

Free for all ages. Enjoy museum admission all day on the fourth Sunday of every month. Explore the story of life in the natural world in Texas from the formation of our planet, through the age of dinosaurs, into our current environment. November 24th at 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712. For more information visit https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/ events/h-e-b-free-fourth-sunday

For current events visit us on Facebook

Illustration of case with red cross on it with Giggles and little toucan

Get Healthy with Giggles ​ ​

Harvest Happiness - Seasonal Gratitude

As we move into the harvest season, it’s the perfect time to nurture a practice of gratitude that boosts both mental and physical wellness for kids! Studies show that cultivating gratitude can improve mood, reduce stress, and even strengthen the immune system. Here are some simple ways to “harvest happiness” this season:

Thankfulness Journals:

Encourage kids to keep a small journal where they jot down one thing they’re thankful for each day. This small habit can have a big impact by helping them focus on the positives around them.

Nature Gratitude Walks:

Take a family walk and point out seasonal changes like falling leaves or cooler breezes. Invite kids to notice and express appreciation for nature’s beauty, grounding them in the present moment.

Gratitude Jar:

Start a family “gratitude jar.” Whenever someone has a moment of gratitude, they write it on a slip of paper to place in the jar. Reading these moments together at the end of the season can be heartwarming and fun.

Thank-You Craft Time:

Help kids make simple thank-you cards or small crafts for family, friends, or even their teachers. Whether it’s a drawing, a note, or a decorated leaf, this activity allows kids to express their gratitude tangibly.

A little thankfulness can go a long way to keep everyone giggling all season long!

Resources

VIVA Pediatrics Resources​​​

In an effort to help our families, we constantly strive to provide them with relevant and helpful resources and information. Visit our resources page online at: www.vivapeds.com/resources

For current events visit us on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/VIVAPeds

Care Starter App​​​

The Connections App is a complete resource guide for families of kids, teens and adults with special needs. Their goal is to help you find providers, organizations and other resources in your community to help you along your path of care.

Download the CareStarter App

The Parker Lee Project​​​

The Parker Lee Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families of children with medical needs obtain the necessary supplies & equipment, education, and support they need. While most supplies are covered by insurance, some are not, or not enough supplies are provided.

Visit to Obtain or Donate Supplies

Texas Star Kids​​​

The Texas’ Star Kids mandate threatens the lives of our weakest and most vulnerable little citizens. Join us in standing up for those who have no voice. Click to sign up.

Visit Their Website for More Information

Thrive Magazine​​

Need Resources for your child with special needs? Thrive Magazine shares resources and stories of other families in the DFW area who are living and thriving with special needs.

Download the CareStarter App

Recognize a VIVA Star​​

Viva Pediatrics has an Employee Rewards and Recognition Program to thank and recognize employees that go “above and beyond”. Both employees and patient families are welcome to recognize a VIVA employee! Call one of our offices and let us know if a VIVA employee has gone above and beyond!

Food for Thought

Small pumpkin pies with pumpkin in the background

Mini Pumpkin Pies ​

Ingredients​

15 ounces pure pumpkin puree

1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

2 large eggs

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

15 Keebler Ready Crust Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crusts

Instructions​

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves until smooth.
  3. 3. Using a ¼ measuring cup, pour pumpkin mixture into shells.
  4. 4. Place filled shells on a baking sheet.
  5. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until centers of pies are set up.

Enjoy!

View Original Recipe

Just for Giggles!

Why did the turkey join the band?

Cartoon turkey singing into a microphone

Because it has the drumsticks!

Giggles the giraffe