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Cost-saving isn’t the only reason to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. One of the main reasons Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada join a Senior Care Plus Medicare Advantage Plan is for the care coordination services. The Senior Care Plus Care Coordination team helps members navigate what can be a complex healthcare system. Care coordination is a popular and extremely important service for members because keeping members healthy is the number one goal. One way they help reach this goal is to encourage members to participate in a no-cost, comprehensive health assessment. At this Quick Start Health Assessment, members meet with a geriatric specialist – a provider who specializes in the care of seniors – to discuss the 4 Ms: Mentation – Thinking, memory and mental health Medications – Understanding your medication Mobility – Staying physically active What Matters to You – Let your provider know what is important to you – examples could be family, health and independence The results of this detailed visit are then shared with the member’s primary care provider, so a customized care plan can be developed. This is a free service for Senior Care Plus members, along with an annual wellness visit and an annual physical exam. Care Team Approach – Laying the Foundation to Improve Health Health assessments and annual visits are offered so Renown Health providers can build relationships to improve care. This approach, also known as the Building Relationships to Improve Care or BRIC Model, is the care model used across Renown Health. “What’s special about this care model is that it really puts our patients at the center of their care,” says Savannah Gonsalves, a registered nurse with Senior Care Plus. “Members have their providers and nurses, Senior Care Plus personal assistants, case managers, and within the BRIC Model, they’re all talking to one another and putting the focus on the patient to meet needs.” Personal Assistants – A Unique Connection to Each Member A team of personal assistants is available to help members coordinate care by: Scheduling a member’s appointments Answering a member’s benefits questions Helping navigate care – these are experts in both health insurance and healthcare Answering questions about medications Working with providers to coordinate a member’s care The Senior Care Plus personal assistants are one of the most popular services that the Medicare Advantage plan offers. Each personal assistant has a direct phone line so members can call them to ask questions. “After my hip surgery my personal assistant, Megan checked in on me every day,” recalls Janelle, a Senior Care Plus member. “She made sure that I was doing alright and that I didn’t need anything. She just let me know that she was there for me.” To Learn More Senior Care Plus is the largest Medicare Advantage Plan in northern Nevada. They offer $0 plans with low co-pays with access to Renown Health and Teladoc Virtual Visits that cover you nationwide. To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans and to see if you qualify, visit SeniorCarePlus.com or call 775-982-3158 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

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Meet Connor Smith Life was hectic for Connor Smith. He had just finished at the top of his class at both the fire academy and paramedic school and was looking forward to starting work in northern Nevada. It was winter 2019, and he was ready to have some fun. The plan was to ride ATVs at Sand Mountain with his brother Cody, dad Lance and some friends, but a jump would change everything. Connor’s ATV took off but landed awkwardly, and he remembers immediately knowing he was paralyzed. Connor’s mom, Dana Shugar, was at home when she received the upsetting call from Cody, who told her he had an accident. Connor was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center, the area’s only Level II Trauma Center. After a seven-hour emergency surgery, Dana learned that Connor would live but only had a slight chance of walking again due to a spinal fracture. “The surgeon saved his life. It’s amazing how your life can change in a matter of seconds,” she said. Once his condition stabilized, Connor moved to the Renown Rehabilitation Hospital and began physical rehabilitation. “Thank God for the people at rehab,” Dana said. “Dr. Pence, the therapists, nurses and all the employees were a wonderful support system, explaining everything and answering all our questions. The kindness they showed got me through.” Connor agrees, calling the Renown rehab team nothing short of amazing.

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A mammogram may not be on the top of your to-do list when you turn 40, but it needs to be. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends a first mammogram at age 40, however you may need one earlier, so talk with your provider about your breast cancer risk. The purpose of a first time or baseline breast screening, is to get an accurate image of your breasts for future comparisons. Amber Snow, Supervisor of Renown Health Imaging, tells us why it’s important to get a baseline mammogram and what to expect during your visit. Mammogram Screenings Save Lives Simply put, a mammogram is a low-dose x-ray image of your breast from two views: top to bottom and side to side. A yearly screening reduces your risk of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms can detect signs of breast cancer even before you can see or feel it. That’s why it’s important to get a first- time mammogram. About 85% of breast cancers happen to those with no family history of it and in the U.S., one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Unfortunately, the two main risk factors for breast cancer: being female and aging. “Your baseline screening is important when you’re young, so that we know when changes occur,” explains Snow. “We compare your current mammogram to all your previous ones to know if anything changes year to year.” If you are under 40, talk to your provider about getting a formal risk assessment to see if a screening is right for you. If you have a family history of breast cancer a mammogram before age 40 or additional testing may be recommended for you. 3D Mammogram Technology Renown Health uses the latest 3D mammogram technology allowing our radiologists to see early changes in your breast tissue. This also reduces the number of false readings compared to traditional mammograms. While breast screening technology has improved, it is not uncommon to get called back after your first mammogram. According to the American Cancer Society, fewer than 10% of women called back for further testing have been found to have cancer. Reasons for being called back for further imaging include: Dense breast tissue, which can make it hard to see tumors A cyst, mass or unusual tissue is seen A possible area of concern needing another, closer look Preparing for Your Mammogram For an accurate image of your breasts do not wear deodorant, powders or lotions, as they can make it difficult to read your breast images. This is what will happen during your breast screening: A gown will be given to you and you will go to a private area to undress from the waist up, putting on the gown. You will then be escorted to the imaging room and a care team member will place one of your breasts between two plates. The plates will flatten to allow the most breast tissue to be seen and you will feel a firm pressure. You will be asked to hold your breath while the image is taken. An adjustment will be made to the plates to get a side view of the breast. The plate adjustments and images will be done on your other breast. Typically, a mammogram appointment is quick – only lasting about 15 minutes. Be Your Breast Friend While breast screenings are important, it’s also key that you know how your breasts normally look and feel. A monthly self-exam to check for lumps is essential, as breast cancers are often found during a routine self-exam. Remember your hormone levels change monthly, with your breast feeling tender and swollen right before your period. It’s best to perform a breast exam the week after your period after the swelling is gone. To avoid breast tenderness, this is also the best time for a mammogram.

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Often, when we think of Italian dishes, we think of pasta. In fact, there are more than 600 different pasta shapes, each holding the task of delivering Italy’s flavors.  While we all crave pasta, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a cup of pasta shells contains about 166 calories, 6 grams of protein and 32 grams of carbohydrates. When you add all the other comforting ingredients that comes with cooking Italian, it’s nearly impossible to keep it healthy.  Caitlin Bus, Registered Dietitian with the Renown Healthy Heart Program shares a healthier version of an Italian favorite –deconstructed manicotti using zucchini as a substitute for noodles. If you’re looking for a healthier Italian dish and wondering how to use a spiralizer to turn vegetables into noodles, this recipe is for you.

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Much like general physical and mental health, sexual health is an essential aspect of your overall well-being. Therefore, educating yourself on your sexual health is an important piece regarding your overall wellness. Secure & Private Virtual Visits Did you know that many sexually transmitted disease appointments can happen virtually, in the privacy of your own home? Our providers can perform a screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) when it’s convenient for you. This is a great option if the topic makes you uncomfortable during an in-person visit, or if you can’t find time to visit your primary care provider or local urgent care. After the telehealth appointment, your provider will determine the  next steps for you. Remember, in-person visits are always an option as well.   Here’s how you can take charge of your sexual health:  Get Comfortable with Getting Tested  Surprisingly, some people with STDs don't show symptoms, meaning they may not even know they have an STD unless they get tested. Even if an STD shows no symptoms, the result of non-treatment can be serious. Bret Michael Bellard, MD, with Renown Medical Group, shares that it’s important for people to get tested for STDs because if left untreated, they can cause the following health problems: Loss of fertility Pregnancy complications Other health issues  When to Visit Your Primary Care Provider  Who should get tested and how often? “The recommendations are that everyone from ages 13 to 64 should get tested at least once for HIV. All sexually active adults should also be tested for other STDs once a year, and all pregnant women should be tested at the start of their pregnancy,” says Dr. Bellard. Some STDs, like syphilis, can be passed from mother to baby, so it's important for women to get tested as soon as they know they’re pregnant.  Dr. Bellard recommends going to your primary care provider for testing. “They can also give advice on prevention and other health topics.” If you don’t have a primary care provider, this is a great reason to get established with one. Women with an established OB/GYN can have STD testing done simultaneously with their annual pelvic exam. The providers in Renown's network care for patients of all ages and specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and OB/GYN.   Practice Safe Sex  STDs are preventable. Practicing safe sex and getting tested routinely are your best defenses against all types of STDs.  For many, the conversation about sexually transmitted diseases is awkward and many avoid it. To lower your risk of contracting an STD, don’t wait until you’re “in the moment” to have the conversation with your partner about the last time you were both last tested. If you haven’t gotten tested in-between new partners, use latex condoms every time you have sex until you are both confirmed negative of STDs. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing disease or pregnancy. However, they are extremely effective if used properly.   To establish Primary Care, visit renown.org/virtualvisits or call 775-982-5000

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Despite the challenges of a pandemic, the Renown Rehabilitation Hospital continues to help their patients thrive outside of the hospital walls. On July 31, 2021, they hosted the first-ever Renown Alumni Sports Extravaganza, or RASE, a day focused on adaptive sports for all abilities. “Sports and recreation have a unique way of breaking down emotional barriers,” states Jared Worchel, DO, MS. The alumni used their skills on a climbing wall, Frisbee golf, archery, an obstacle course and bag toss. Over 20 people spent the day cruising the first adaptive mountain biking trail in the Tahoe region. “Having old friends meet up and seeing new friendships form had to be the highlight of the weekend,” says Shaun Stewart Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. “RASE was a great way to learn new methods to improve outdoor recreation engagement from both participants and the many programs involved.” Dr. Worchel agrees, “The smiles really make it worth it, and we even saw several touching moments with tears of joy when participants completed a task and finally felt like they were getting past their injury, mentally, after years of being so focused on recovery.” Adaptive Climbing and Camping One touching moment came on the adaptive climbing wall. Cassie Firchau, an occupational therapist at Renown, recalls a rehab alumni who had never been on a climbing wall (pre or post injury) conquering the wall. “Everyone was cheering him on. I was impressed with how he used the ascending pull up bar to get up the wall,” she remembers. Mark Wellman, the founder of No Limits, provided the climbing wall. “I had heard of Mark, but I had no idea that he climbed El Capitan only a few years after his spinal cord injury,” says Cassie. “Having him at the event was a great opportunity to learn how to stay active and enjoy the things you love, no matter the circumstance.” After dark, the event continued with a DJ spinning hits followed by overnight camping. That evening Shaun Stewart had the chance to talk to one of the alumni. “He spoke on how he was nervous about camping and how it would go in a new campground. He said that he was happy for an opportunity to practice with our group prior to going out on his own,” remarks Stewart. “Knowing that this event can help create opportunities even outside our events is great to know.” Adaptive camping activities allow all abilities to not only enjoy nature, but also connect. “We also saw a lot of interaction between the participants themselves, sharing their journeys with each other during the down times which was possible with the extended format,” explains Dr. Worchel. “Overall it was an overwhelming success and we are already looking forward to next year.” Northern Nevada's Adaptive Sports Community Not only did the Renown Rehab alumni come together at RASE, but so did the greater northern Nevada community. Along with the hard work of the Renown Rehabilitation employees, the City of Reno Adaptive and Inclusion Programs, Wasting Arrows, Disable Sports Eastern Sierra, No Limits, and High Fives Foundation, provided support and equipment for the alumni. “It was so great to see multiple groups, volunteers and non-profits collaborating to support alumni participants to live life to the fullest, and to experience outdoor recreation in such a dynamic way,” states Josh Patterson, Supervisor of Rehab Therapy Services at Renown Health. "The City of Reno is so grateful for this sponsorship to bring together new and old Renown alumni to learn and encourage each other. There were many firsts this weekend, and we look forward to future participation in City of Reno Adaptive programs,” says April Wolfe, CTRS, City of Reno Parks and Recreation. For more information on future alumni adaptive events, please email: shaun.stewart@renown.org.

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If you think sore nipples are just a normal part of breastfeeding, think again. Robin Hollen, APRN, and Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist, says that nursing can be an enjoyable experience for mom and baby without pain and discomfort. A top concern of nursing moms within the first week after delivery is how to prevent sore nipples. Even moms who’ve nursed before struggle with this common issue. While many women think it is a regular part of the nursing experience, it is actually a sign that something isn’t quite right. “Nursing your baby should be enjoyable,” says Robin Hollen, Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist with Renown Health. For over 30 years Robin has been supporting moms to breastfeed. Below she shares some valuable information and tips, helping you create a happy and healthy breastfeeding experience for you and your baby. What causes sore nipples? The most common cause of sore nipples involves incorrect latching. For a proper latch, a baby’s mouth takes in the entire nipple and some of the breast, so that the nipple rests at the back of the mouth where the palate is soft. With an improper latch, the mouth may slip down to the tip of the nipple while the baby nurses. This constant pressure on your sensitive skin may cause discomfort and pain. A board-certified lactation consultant can help assess if your baby is latched correctly and troubleshoot your breastfeeding concerns. Less common causes of sore nipples include: • Improper tongue placement of baby • Clenching • Incorrect breast pump use How can a mother prevent sore nipples from an improper latch? Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both mom and baby. Ask for help with the latch so your baby learns it correctly and maintains its depth. In the past, new mothers were surrounded by a community of women — their own mothers, grandmothers, or other family and friends — to provide assistance and guidance with every latch at the beginning of an infant’s life. In today’s culture, new moms can find themselves on their own with no extended family to lend their knowledge. Nurses, pediatricians and lactation consultants now fill that role; they are the eyes and hands along with the much-needed experience to guide new mothers. Our Breastfeeding Medicine experts assist nursing moms with latch every day. Even a single visit with a lactation consultant observing your breastfeeding baby can provide valuable insight on achieving, and maintaining, the proper latch - preventing future nipple soreness and discomfort. How to heal sore nipples from breastfeeding To heal sore nipples, you must first fix the cause, and correcting the latch prevents further damage. A lactation consultant can also help you address the pain. Below are some breast healing tips: • Your own expressed breast milk is excellent to rub into the nipple for anti-bacterial protection. • For those moms who need more lubricant or fat than breast milk offers, use a lanolin or a cream that is labeled safe for the baby. • Soothies are a gel pads providing comfort in between feedings, but should not be used with lanolin products. • Breast shells, not to be confused with shields, can guard the nipples from irritation or pressure in between feedings. If you have more questions about preventing and healing sore nipples or general breastfeeding concerns, talk to your pediatrician or a Renown Health Breastfeeding Medicine specialist at 775-982-6365.

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Parkinson’s disease – you may have heard of it because Neil Diamond and Ozzy Osbourne were recently diagnosed with it. Or perhaps you know Michael J. Fox is a strong advocate and funds research through his foundation. Neurologist Jonathan Spivack, MD, discusses this disease, while physiatrist Stephanie Jones, DO, explains how physical therapy can help as a supplemental treatment. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation about ten million people worldwide currently have this disease. What is Parkinson’s Disease? “Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses slowly and definitely, though at variable rates,” explains Dr. Spivack. “Symptoms go beyond the classic motor changes. It results from a loss of specific dopamine-producing brain cells. Specifically, this loss is likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors,” he adds. Dopamine allows communication between particular nerve cells responsible for movement. If you have Parkinson’s dopamine levels gradually drop, causing a loss of motor skills. Generally, most patients with the disease are over age 65. Early Signs and Symptoms Diagnosing Parkinson’s can be difficult as some of the symptoms happen during the natural aging process. The Parkinson’s Foundation identifies the following 10 early signs of PD: Tremors or shaking of your hand, fingers or chin Small handwriting Loss of smell Sudden movements during sleep Stiffness when walking or moving Constipation Softer or lower voice volume Mad facial expression Feeling dizzy or faint Hunching or stooping posture A single sign may not point to the disease, but if you (or a loved one) has multiple signs, talk to your healthcare provider.

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Vaccines that provide protection against the COVID-19 virus are bringing us closer to the end of this deadly pandemic. Two different COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in the U.S. today: one from Pfizer and the other from Moderna. Kate Ward, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Renown Health and Adam Porath, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy at Renown, share what you need to know about these vaccines. When two COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2020, it was cause for celebration. Why? Because according to the CDC, the vaccines are 94 percent or more effective in providing protection against the COVID-19 virus! Many people are seeking information about the new Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Below, our pharmacy leaders provide answers to some commonly asked questions. How do the COVID-19 Vaccines Work? The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA vaccines that help your immune system develop antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. The vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to show our bodies’ protein-making cells how to make the spike proteins of the COVID-19 virus. Our immune system reacts to these spike proteins by creating antibodies that can recognize and destroy them. So when a person is exposed to the virus in the future, they will be less likely to get sick. What are the Differences between the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines? The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are very similar, with just a few small differences worth noting. The main difference between the two vaccines is when you should receive your follow-up dose. Patients who receive a first dose of Pfizer should receive their second dose about three weeks later. Those who receive a first dose of Moderna should receive their follow-up vaccination roughly four weeks after their first dose. People 18 years and older can receive the Moderna vaccine while people 16 years and older can receive the Pfizer vaccine. Dosage for the Moderna vaccine is 0.5 ml (100 mcg). Dosage for the Pfizer vaccine is 0.3 ml (30 mcg).

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It’s true there is no cure for dementia, yet studies suggest your life choices today can reduce brain decline in the future. How important is diet to brain health? Food is the foundation of your body. Fats, carbs and protein provide the energy for your cells and metabolism. So the quality and amount of food you eat directly affects your brain. Specifically, researchers are paying special attention to the link a high sugar diet and/ or an unhealthy fat diet may have on your brain. Your brain on sugar According to the Alzheimer’s Association, when too much sugar is in the bloodstream for long periods of time, it can damage the brain cells. Many people with diabetes may develop brain abnormalities, and these changes may increase chances of dementia — research is still being done to understand this connection. Many U.S. adults have prediabetes with blood sugar higher than normal. Insulin resistance often leads to diabetes. Insulin resistance has been linked to metabolic syndrome, which is a precursor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (heart attack, stroke). Some signs of metabolic syndrome include: Large waist size (40 inches or more for men, 35 inches and up for women) Low HDL (good) cholesterol level Higher than normal blood pressure — 130/85 and above Current research suggests too much sugar in the blood causes inflammation, which can damage brain cells. High carbohydrate foods, such as sweetened beverages, chips, white rice, white potatoes, bagels, cereals and desserts, have been shown to raise blood sugar. Although anyone can get diabetes, Hispanic Americans and African Americans are at greater risk.

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Halloween is around the corner. So while you're prepping pumpkins for carving, putting together creative costumes and coordinating trick-or-treating plans, safety is one more detail to remember.   Masks, haunted houses, witches, ghosts and ghouls — it all spells Halloween, and what could be more frighteningly fun, right? For children, however, Halloween can indeed be frightening and not so fun.  According to Dr. Kristina Deeter, Physician-in-Chief of Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, it is common for younger children to express Halloween fears — being afraid of monsters, the dark or really anything out of the norm. “It's normal for children to struggle with separating reality from fantasy,” she explains.   For children who fall into this category, the month of October can be traumatizing. Halloween may not come until the end of the month. Still, in the weeks building up to the spookiest night of the year, little ones are bombarded on all sides with decorations — mummies, skeletons, coffins, vampires, you name it. For a child with a blossoming imagination who, as Dr. Deeter said, is still learning to differentiate real from pretend, this can cause additional fears and anxieties. In commemoration of Halloween Safety Month, Dr. Deeter shares safety tips for the spooky holiday from the American Academy of Pediatrics:  Dressing Up & Heading Out  Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Ensure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling or coming into contact with flames.   Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags and baskets for greater visibility.  Masks can limit or block eyesight. Instead, consider non-toxic makeup and hats, which should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over the eyes. Test makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to test for allergies before full application.  When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.  If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.  Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.  Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.  Carving Pumpkins  Leave the carving to the grownups. Have children draw the pumpkin design with markers, but keep knives away.  Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.  Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended.  Prepping Your Home  Keep your entryway safe for trick-or-treaters by removing all items from the porch or front yard that a child could trip over, like garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.  To ensure visibility, check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.  Sweep leaves (or snow) from sidewalks and steps.  If there are dogs in the home, take steps to ensure they don't jump on trick-or-treaters. Hunting for Treats  Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.   Give each child and adult a flashlight (with fresh batteries).  If older children are heading out to trick-or-treat alone, plan and review a route you can agree on, as well as a specific time they are supposed to return home.   Only visit homes with a lit porch light. Never enter a home or a car for a treat.  Notify law enforcement authorities of any suspicious or unlawful activity immediately.  Since pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind youngsters to take crosswalk safety precautions.  For more key tips regarding Halloween safety for your young trick-or-treaters, visit our partners at Safe Kids Worldwide for a variety of spooky safety resources.

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Although students are heading back to school, that doesn’t mean the summer fun has to be over. Weekends and after-school hours still call for engaging activities for the kids, even if the extreme heat and thunderstorms don’t beckon you and your kids outside. There are several creative ways you can keep your children active indoors during those coveted out-of-school hours.   Below are 10 activities sure to spark fun for the kids from the comfort of your own home.  1. Dance It Out  Children are bundles of energy. Turn on your child's favorite music station, roll up the carpet and dance it out.  2. Paint Pictures  Above all, kids love to use their imagination. Why not gather up some paintbrushes and some colorful paints to let your child create a masterpiece?  3. Scavenger Hunt  Whenever children go on a scavenger hunt, it's a mini adventure. Collect some of your child's favorite items, and hide them around the house, giving them clues to help them find them.   4. Balloon Toss  Many kids love balloons. Tossing balloons into the air and having your child keep them up in the air without having them touch the floor is an active energy burner.  5. Science Experiments  In case you have a budding scientist at home, choose a science experiment to spark their imaginative spirit. Making water bottle lava lamps or frozen slime are terrific indoor STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.  6. Arts and Crafts  From scrapbooks with their favorite photos to crafts from household items, arts and crafts are a great way for your kids to work their innovation muscles.  7. Indoor Bowling  Bowling in your own home – unexpected? Sure. Loads of fun? Absolutely! You can purchase an indoor bowling set for less than twenty dollars or create your own with household items.  8. Board Games  Because of the limitless options, board games are another favorite indoor activity for the whole family. Your child can learn vital social skills like learning to wait their turn, as well as memory formation and problem-solving skills.  9. Stage a Puppet Show  Making sock puppets (or even just using “hand puppets”) can really spark a day of spectacular imagination. Draft a script and perform a puppet play for the whole family!  10. Karaoke Concert  Singing certainly gets you in the groove of having a great time with your family and building memories – and you don’t even need a karaoke machine to do it! There are many digital karaoke options available for your family’s delight.  It’s no surprise that after-school hours and weekend days are premium play time for kids, especially during the summer months. As shown above, indoor summer activities when the weather isn’t conducive to spending time outdoors can still be fun and engaging for everyone.

Read More About A Guide to Summer Weekend Fun During the School Year