Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
live with family Game On! Disconnect from your gadgets and reconnect as a family with a game that will bring everyone together Ask Doctor Mom The cold facts about playing outdoors By Dr. Kristin Seaborg » Bring a puzzle to life: If you're in a mellow mood, puzzle over this creative challenge that will have the whole family chipping in to build a fun little display. 3D Puzzle by Puzzled, $16; Olbrich Botanical Gardens Gift Shop, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison; olbrich.org. For little brainiacs: When you're feeling Scrabbled-out, Qwirkle offers a strategy-based game along similar lines. Even better, its premise of matching pieces by colors and shapes makes it accessible for ages 6 and up. Qwirkle by Mindware, $25; I'm Board! 6771 University Ave., Middleton; imboardgamestore.com. Winter in Wisconsin can be a bear. The cold, snow, and bone-bristling winds can make even the most dedicated Wisconsinite run for cover. But for those of us who like to play outdoors, there are just a few extra precautions that we should take to keep safe this winter. Children tend to be especially susceptible to the dangers of the extreme cold because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly and are often more reluctant to take breaks to go inside and warm up. When heading outdoors—either to sled, ice skate or simply throw snowballs—they can be especially susceptible to frostbite. Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen after prolonged exposure to cold. The fi ngers, ears, nose, toes and cheeks are most susceptible because they are most commonly exposed. When skin becomes frostbitten, it usually looks white or light grey and may become blistered. If you think your child has frostbite, bring them indoors and place the affected areas in warm water. Try to avoid rubbing the affected skin as this can cause more blistering and possible scarring. After the skin in the frostbitten area has returned to pink, cover and dry it and give your child something warm to drink. If any numbness or discolor- ation persists, call your doctor. As a precautionary measure, always Rethink a classic: This updated version of charades has an individual guessing while a group acts out words. The same hilarity ensues. Reverse Charades Jr., by RETROPlay, $25; Learning Express Toys, West Towne Mall, madison.learningex- press-toys.com. 24 BRAVA Magazine December 2012 Get physical: No one will hold a straight face as you play this clever but über silly game with fun challenges that keep everyone up and moving. Bouncing Eggs by Haba, $20; I'm Board! 6771 University Ave., Middleton; imboardgamestore.com. dress children in several thin layers of warm, dry clothing. A good rule of thumb is to use one layer of clothing more than what you need to stay warm. Also, ask them to take frequent "warm-up" breaks to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. With a bit of planning, we can have plenty of fun on the ski hill, careening down the sledding hill at Elver Park or skating on the ice with our families. Some of the most magical memories are created with the help of snow angels, hot chocolate, and cold fi ngers and toes. I wouldn't have it any other way. Kristin Seaborg is a pediatrician with Group Health Cooperative and mother of three. » » »