The Power of the Word “Yet”

How can such a simple three letter word can make such a difference in the mindset of your child (and yourself)? You all most likely know the phrase “good things take time, and good things are worth waiting for,” right? Well the word yet helps us to realize just that.

I don’t get this… Yet!

Your choice of words is an important way in which you can create a happy world view, a positive view to open yourself up to new possibilities. Using the word “yet” in negative statements indicates that something has not happened, which opens it up to the possibility that it will happen.

This doesn’t make sense… Yet!

In today’s world of instant gratification and social media, we often don’t see the hard work, practice, and failure that it took to reach the final success. So the next time your child is struggling with something, or says something doesn’t make sense, try using the word yet. You can remind them that deeper understanding takes time. You can remind them that we all need to allow ourselves some more time to ask more questions, work with others to try new strategies, or practice more to master the material or skill.

You’ll be surprised that by using that phrase consistently, changes to their mindset will begin to happen. Using ‘yet’ brings hope. It ignites a ‘can-do’ attitude and creates an encouraging environment that helps build confidence that through perseverance anything is possible.

I’m not good at this… Yet!

The use of the word “yet” when faced with adversity can be a powerful strategy that will support the love of lifelong learning. Such a simple reminder to persevere through the rough spots can be the difference between one who gives up on a problem and one who sees that the answer to a problem will come with more effort, questions, or use of additional strategies. Our lives will always be filled with different obstacles and by helping your child create this growth mindset, they can be better prepared for the future.

I can’t do this… Yet!

Give it a try today with your child (and yourself)! Reward the process, the hard work, and perseverance it takes to get to the end goal. If it helps, print off the power of yet poster and put it on the fridge or place you see it everyday. I think you’ll be surprised by the subtle changes you begin seeing in the whole family!

About the author:

Adam is the Community Engagement Team Lead/Health Educator at the Health Department. Adam has been with JCHD for over 4 years, and in the field of public health for close to 7 years! Adam enjoys working with county youth to help build strong, healthy habits they can take with them for the rest of their lives! In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and hiking with his wife Morgan

MCH Publicity Statement: This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal and Child Health Services Contract #AOC18380095, and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC30623, Maternal and Child Health Services for $12,107,084, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources.  This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Sipping, Snacking and Tooth Decay

Many parents across the country will issue a common refrain at dinnertime tonight: ―You’d better eat that--it’s good for you!‖ There’s another old favorite in the parental arsenal of dietary admonitions: ―Don’t eat that—it’ll rot your teeth!‖ Now more than ever, kids are faced with a bewildering array of food choices -- from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health.

Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before. It’s clear that junk foods and drinks gradually have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. For example, in the U.S., on average, individuals consume approximately 50 gallons of sugary beverages per year! Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include ― grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks. Consuming too much sugar can also affect your overall health, such as becoming overweight/obese, or getting heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

When sugar is consumed over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth.

Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids.

Reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay:

  • Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.

  • Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.

  • If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless- Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.

  • Monitor beverage consumption – Children should make healthy beverage choices such water and low-fat milk.

  • Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. -

  • Schedule regular dental visits

Heating Safely in the Winter Months

The winter season can be an intimidating time. As the weather gets colder outside, the temperature inside your home also gets colder. Heating a home in the winter is important for you and your loved one’s health. However, there are safe practices to keep in mind when heating your home.

There are many methods to heating your home in the winter. You also have possible ways to save on costs to your utility bill in a pinch. The University of Minnesota notes that keeping your home heated to 68 degrees and dressing warmly is an effective way to help reduce your electricity bill. If taking this suggestion, be sure to keep plenty of loose fitting, heavy clothing options such as sweaters, blankets, and extra socks to add additional layers when needed.

When we think about heating, we must identify potential hazards. For example:

  • Do not use stoves for heat, stoves can overwork and cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Space heaters can help provide additional heat, but are temporary, try and find space heaters with auto-shut off mode and do not contain any glowing components

  • If using a generator, try and keep 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointing away from windows and doors

  • When using a fireplace, remember to inspect the chimney for any obstructions or creosote build up, which is a flammable byproduct

  • Avoid placing any objects near your furnace that could potentially start a fire

  • Extension cords are not designed to be a long-term solution, only use temporarily, and try and keep out of walking paths due to tripping hazard

If you want to learn more about staying safe while keeping warm this winter check out this website: https://extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/keep-your-home-warm-and-safe-winter

Check out more winter storm safety tips here: Be prepared for a winter storm (ready.gov)

If further assistance is needed, help may be possible. Check out the following resources for heating and electric bill assistance: Mercy Utility Resource List -- utility_and_rent_-_jefferson_county_17.pdf (mercy.net) Ameren Energy Assistance -- Energy Assistance - Ameren Missouri

About the Author:

Calem Parrish is the Public Health Advocate at the Health Department. Although he is new to the role, he has worked in the field of public health for 6 years. After earning his master's degree in Public Health from Indiana University, he worked on projects focused on environmental health, giving a diverse public health background for this position. He also appreciates conservation efforts and environmental protection. In his free time, Calem likes reading sci-fi, watching the Blues, and spending time with his dog, Lesley.