Fast food restaurants, computers and television, and our busy schedules are constant reminders of how quickly life moves these days. This is precisely why we need to slow down and make time for lessons about healthy eating so that children can learn the value of nutrition at a young age.
Finding an equilibrium
If you need a reference point for how to start planning your day from a nutritional perspective, check out the Food Guide Pyramid. This will provide you with a well-rounded view of what to eat and how much from each of the food groups. Eating fruits and vegetables guarantees that your children are consuming the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that they need. Limiting sugars and fats keeps cholesterol and weight down, and the heart healthy.
Kick it off with breakfast
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast means that kids are fueling their internal fires to keep them active. Your child will be alert, engaged, and better able to fight off potential sickness. You want your children to learn good habits from you so make sure that you eat a balanced breakfast as well.
Employing common sense
Teaching your children about how to eat well for life requires common sense. For instance, if you deem certain foods to be off limits then they will be more appealing to your children. Instead of forbidding these foods completely, consider allowing your children to have them in moderation while constantly encouraging other healthier, tasty alternatives.
Avoiding stress in the home
Learning to manage stress from a young age leads to a lifetime of positive physical and mental health attributes. If your home is filled with fighting then that will affect your parenting style and your children's self-esteem. This can negatively impact their digestive systems and their food choices in the form of binge eating to assuage guilty feelings. To develop a solid family structure with open communication, strive to eliminate persistent criticism and other disputes.
Family mealtime
The prime opportunity for you to lead by example is by eating together as a family. Not only can you teach your children proper table manners but also you can demonstrate your positive attitude towards food. This also shows children that preparing food at home is the ideal way to bring the family together and to eat food that has been cooked in a controlled environment using healthy ingredients.
Picky eaters
Despite your best efforts to pave the way, you may find that your children still exhibit picky eating habits. Here are tips for tackling this problem:
• Make the effort to diversify the menu at home. This will, in turn, encourage your children to be more adventurous with their eating.
• Be patient but persistent. Continue to offer the food to your children but within reason. Don't expect them to lick their plates clean as children's appetites are different than adults.
• Don't use family meals as opportunities to argue about what your child is or is not eating. Make the family, not the food, the focus of the meal.
• Ask your children to help you choose and cook the meal so they are more likely to enjoy it.
• If you think your child is lacking important nutrients because of their restricted eating then consult your pediatrician about taking supplements.
Balance and moderation are essential to ensure proper digestion. Pair healthy eating habits with regular exercise and your young ones will be well on their way to achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on pregnancy care, baby names, toilet training, parenting tips and many more topics related to dads.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=P._Banas
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Immunizations: A Key to Kids's Success
Below is information provided by Dr. Cynthia Devore.
This article was provided by our local PTSA
Why Do We Need To Immunize Our Families And Ourselves?
Immunization Protects You, Your Family, and Your Community.
Today, most of us have never seen firsthand the discomfort, disability and even death that vaccine preventable diseases can cause. The success of widespread immunization means that we are more likely to witness a rare reaction to a vaccine than a case of the disease that the vaccine prevents.
Vaccines are simple. One to five doses of a vaccine can provide long-term to life-long protection from some serious diseases. Vaccines act naturally to stimulate the body’s own immune system.
The body’s response to vaccines builds a defense against future exposure to diseases.
We need to immunize because vaccines prevent 12 potentially deadly diseases. In the days before immunization, millions of people died from diseases like diphtheria, polio, measles and whooping cough. Re-emergence of these diseases occurs when there are decreases in vaccine use.
Vaccine Safety: there has been a long and thorough process in place to ensure the safety of vaccines. Licensing of a vaccine can take up to 10 years. Once a vaccine is in use by the general public, its safety is continually monitored. Vaccines, like any medication, can cause side effects.
However, a decision not to immunize a child also involves risk. Consider measles. One out of 30 children with measles getspneumonia. For every 1,000 children who get the disease, one or two will die from it. Thanks to vaccines, we have few cases of measles in the U.S. today. However, the disease is extremelycontagious and each year dozens of cases are imported from abroad into the U.S., threateningthe health of people who have NOT been vaccinated.
Vaccines effectively and affordably prevent diseases like measles that used to disable or even kill many children each year.
Answers to Common Questions about Vaccine Safety....You may have questions about stories you have heard in the news or read on the Internet about the safety of vaccines, such as:
Are vaccines safe?
YES, Vaccines are safe, but like any medicine, they can occasionally cause reactions. These are usually mild, like a sore arm, redness at the site, or a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about potential risks before receiving a shot.
Is it safe to give a child many shots at once, or does this overload the immune system?
YES, it is safe. Studies show that today’s children are actually exposed to fewer antigens (substances that produce an immune response) in vaccines than ever before. Based on the immune system’s capacity to respond, scientists estimate that a child could receive 10,000 vaccine antigens in one day and still not “use up” their immune response. The 11 recommended childhood vaccines contain less than 130 vaccine antigens.
Are preservatives found in vaccines safe?
YES. Today, all of the currently recommended vaccines for children ages six or younger are now available thimerosal-free. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative that has been used in some vaccines since the 1930s as a safeguard against contamination. A review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no evidence of harm caused by the small amounts of thimerosal in vaccines. Nevertheless, in July 1999 the Public Health Service (PHS) agencies, the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics (AAP) and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal levels in vaccines should be reduced or eliminated to reassure the public that vaccines are safe.
Can I get a disease from a vaccine?
NO. This is a myth that comes from speculation that because a disease-causing germ is sometimes used in the creation of a vaccine, it is possible for the vaccine to cause the disease. Vaccines, however, are made from killed or weakened bacteria or viruses, non-harmful products of these germs or parts of these germs. In rare cases, some vaccines may cause mild, short-term, disease-like symptoms.
Isn’t chickenpox simply a harmless childhood rite of passage?
I got chicken pox when I was a child and I turned out just fine. Why do I need to vaccinate my child with the chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine now?
NO, chickenpox is not harmless. Chickenpox (also known as Varicella) causes 12,000 hospitalizations and 100 deaths each year in the U.S. While chickenpox is usually mild, it can be serious in some infants, children, adolescents and adults. Some people who get chickenpox also suffer from complications such as encephalitis (brain infection), secondary bacterial infections like “flesh-eating” strep or MRSA, loss of fluids (dehydration), pneumonia, and even death. If an immunized person gets chickenpox, the illness will be much milder than in a non-immunized person. Varicella vaccine protects children now and as adults when they are more likely to die from chickenpox and its complications.
What are the benefits and risks of immunization?
Benefits: There are many benefits to immunizing children.
Immunization:
• Protects them from dangerous and deadly diseases
• Protects others, who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
• Decreases the severity of a case if the vaccinated child does get the disease.
• Decreases the spread of contagious diseases through “herd immunity.”
Risks: Some children may experience a mild fever, irritability, pain, swelling and redness at the injection site. Very rarely a child may experience allergic reactions if they are allergic to a component of the vaccine, seizures, non-responsiveness, or crying that lasts more than 3 hours.
These risks need to be compared to the very real risks of not immunizing our children: prolonged illnesses that can produce severe disability and even death.
Where can I find a list of ingredients found in vaccines?It is always important to use caution in using the internet for credible resources. You can find a list of ingredients on the Centers for Disease Control website at:http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf
What are other good resources that will help me understand vaccines better?
There are many excellent resources and many questionable resources.
The information in this article is from reputable resources:
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Red Book, 2006.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/
• National Immunization Program Web site, www.cdc.gov/nip
• Immunization Action Coalition Web site, http://www.immunize.org/
• Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Web site www.vaccine.chop.edu/
• National Network for Immunization Information Web site, http://www.immunizationinfo.org/
• NPI Reference Guide on Vaccines and Vaccine Safety, 2nd edition, 2002.
• Vaccinating Your Child: Questions and Answers for the Concerned Parent, Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH and Cynthia Good, 2000.npi@hmhb.org
• Got a question about immunizations? Email the Child Immunization Support Program of the American Academy of Pediatrics at cispimmunize@aap.org
This article was provided by our local PTSA
Why Do We Need To Immunize Our Families And Ourselves?
Immunization Protects You, Your Family, and Your Community.
Today, most of us have never seen firsthand the discomfort, disability and even death that vaccine preventable diseases can cause. The success of widespread immunization means that we are more likely to witness a rare reaction to a vaccine than a case of the disease that the vaccine prevents.
Vaccines are simple. One to five doses of a vaccine can provide long-term to life-long protection from some serious diseases. Vaccines act naturally to stimulate the body’s own immune system.
The body’s response to vaccines builds a defense against future exposure to diseases.
We need to immunize because vaccines prevent 12 potentially deadly diseases. In the days before immunization, millions of people died from diseases like diphtheria, polio, measles and whooping cough. Re-emergence of these diseases occurs when there are decreases in vaccine use.
Vaccine Safety: there has been a long and thorough process in place to ensure the safety of vaccines. Licensing of a vaccine can take up to 10 years. Once a vaccine is in use by the general public, its safety is continually monitored. Vaccines, like any medication, can cause side effects.
However, a decision not to immunize a child also involves risk. Consider measles. One out of 30 children with measles getspneumonia. For every 1,000 children who get the disease, one or two will die from it. Thanks to vaccines, we have few cases of measles in the U.S. today. However, the disease is extremelycontagious and each year dozens of cases are imported from abroad into the U.S., threateningthe health of people who have NOT been vaccinated.
Vaccines effectively and affordably prevent diseases like measles that used to disable or even kill many children each year.
Answers to Common Questions about Vaccine Safety....You may have questions about stories you have heard in the news or read on the Internet about the safety of vaccines, such as:
Are vaccines safe?
YES, Vaccines are safe, but like any medicine, they can occasionally cause reactions. These are usually mild, like a sore arm, redness at the site, or a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about potential risks before receiving a shot.
Is it safe to give a child many shots at once, or does this overload the immune system?
YES, it is safe. Studies show that today’s children are actually exposed to fewer antigens (substances that produce an immune response) in vaccines than ever before. Based on the immune system’s capacity to respond, scientists estimate that a child could receive 10,000 vaccine antigens in one day and still not “use up” their immune response. The 11 recommended childhood vaccines contain less than 130 vaccine antigens.
Are preservatives found in vaccines safe?
YES. Today, all of the currently recommended vaccines for children ages six or younger are now available thimerosal-free. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative that has been used in some vaccines since the 1930s as a safeguard against contamination. A review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no evidence of harm caused by the small amounts of thimerosal in vaccines. Nevertheless, in July 1999 the Public Health Service (PHS) agencies, the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics (AAP) and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal levels in vaccines should be reduced or eliminated to reassure the public that vaccines are safe.
Can I get a disease from a vaccine?
NO. This is a myth that comes from speculation that because a disease-causing germ is sometimes used in the creation of a vaccine, it is possible for the vaccine to cause the disease. Vaccines, however, are made from killed or weakened bacteria or viruses, non-harmful products of these germs or parts of these germs. In rare cases, some vaccines may cause mild, short-term, disease-like symptoms.
Isn’t chickenpox simply a harmless childhood rite of passage?
I got chicken pox when I was a child and I turned out just fine. Why do I need to vaccinate my child with the chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine now?
NO, chickenpox is not harmless. Chickenpox (also known as Varicella) causes 12,000 hospitalizations and 100 deaths each year in the U.S. While chickenpox is usually mild, it can be serious in some infants, children, adolescents and adults. Some people who get chickenpox also suffer from complications such as encephalitis (brain infection), secondary bacterial infections like “flesh-eating” strep or MRSA, loss of fluids (dehydration), pneumonia, and even death. If an immunized person gets chickenpox, the illness will be much milder than in a non-immunized person. Varicella vaccine protects children now and as adults when they are more likely to die from chickenpox and its complications.
What are the benefits and risks of immunization?
Benefits: There are many benefits to immunizing children.
Immunization:
• Protects them from dangerous and deadly diseases
• Protects others, who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
• Decreases the severity of a case if the vaccinated child does get the disease.
• Decreases the spread of contagious diseases through “herd immunity.”
Risks: Some children may experience a mild fever, irritability, pain, swelling and redness at the injection site. Very rarely a child may experience allergic reactions if they are allergic to a component of the vaccine, seizures, non-responsiveness, or crying that lasts more than 3 hours.
These risks need to be compared to the very real risks of not immunizing our children: prolonged illnesses that can produce severe disability and even death.
Where can I find a list of ingredients found in vaccines?It is always important to use caution in using the internet for credible resources. You can find a list of ingredients on the Centers for Disease Control website at:http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf
What are other good resources that will help me understand vaccines better?
There are many excellent resources and many questionable resources.
The information in this article is from reputable resources:
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Red Book, 2006.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/
• National Immunization Program Web site, www.cdc.gov/nip
• Immunization Action Coalition Web site, http://www.immunize.org/
• Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Web site www.vaccine.chop.edu/
• National Network for Immunization Information Web site, http://www.immunizationinfo.org/
• NPI Reference Guide on Vaccines and Vaccine Safety, 2nd edition, 2002.
• Vaccinating Your Child: Questions and Answers for the Concerned Parent, Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH and Cynthia Good, 2000.npi@hmhb.org
• Got a question about immunizations? Email the Child Immunization Support Program of the American Academy of Pediatrics at cispimmunize@aap.org
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Nutrition is a Kids' Key to Success
Do you know the true key to healthy nutritional for your kids? Dinner time!
You are the supply line and the best source and example for healthy eating.
If you want to learn more about how you can improve your kids' eating habits click on
"Parenting Leverage" (to the left in the navigation bar). I have just completed a full session of nutritional keys to help improve your child's eating habits.
It is fun and easy! You won't believe the simple stuff you have been over looking and will make your life so much easier.
Think... no more power struggles at the dinner table!
You are the supply line and the best source and example for healthy eating.
If you want to learn more about how you can improve your kids' eating habits click on
"Parenting Leverage" (to the left in the navigation bar). I have just completed a full session of nutritional keys to help improve your child's eating habits.
It is fun and easy! You won't believe the simple stuff you have been over looking and will make your life so much easier.
Think... no more power struggles at the dinner table!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Time Is A Kids' Key To Success
A really special gift you can give your kids is time.
We all know there isn't enough of it in the day, and certainly not enough to carve out individual time with each child ever day! (I don't know about you, but I do a little victory dance when I have a chance to take a 10 minute shower!)
Life really changed for me (for the better) when I decided to stay home with my children. I still had to work but my schedule is flexible and allows me the time I need to make sure my kids have quality face time with me.
If you had a career like mine (I was a clinical social worker), there was no way for me to see clients at home, away from the trauma center). Plus, my work was super stressful and full of long hours. Not ideal when trying to add the role of "mom" into the mix.
So, I wasn't able to transfer my day job into a home based job. Instead I said good-bye to my career in trauma counseling and welcomed a new challenge... home based business.
My problem was I didn't know anything about computers, marketing, or Online, anything!
So I found an awesome company, GCFN and it gave me the support and the tools I needed to learn. I even won the "Student of the Month" contest!
Check it our here!
The great thing is, I know I can do it, so I know you can too...if you are interested...
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Mary!
We all know there isn't enough of it in the day, and certainly not enough to carve out individual time with each child ever day! (I don't know about you, but I do a little victory dance when I have a chance to take a 10 minute shower!)
Life really changed for me (for the better) when I decided to stay home with my children. I still had to work but my schedule is flexible and allows me the time I need to make sure my kids have quality face time with me.
If you had a career like mine (I was a clinical social worker), there was no way for me to see clients at home, away from the trauma center). Plus, my work was super stressful and full of long hours. Not ideal when trying to add the role of "mom" into the mix.
So, I wasn't able to transfer my day job into a home based job. Instead I said good-bye to my career in trauma counseling and welcomed a new challenge... home based business.
My problem was I didn't know anything about computers, marketing, or Online, anything!
So I found an awesome company, GCFN and it gave me the support and the tools I needed to learn. I even won the "Student of the Month" contest!
Check it our here!
The great thing is, I know I can do it, so I know you can too...if you are interested...
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Mary!
Monday, September 29, 2008
When Mom is Happy It is a Kid's Key To Success
I just have to say... "HALLELUJAH"
I love this song!!
Anyway, the reason why I am saying Hallelujah is because I went to an event called Wee Peats this weekend.
Have you been? Have you heard of this company? I saw them highlighted on an entrepreneurs show recently.
This place is awesome!
If you are looking for nearly new items and don't want to spend an arm and a leg on cloths, toys, books and any baby item out there find an event and go!
Here is the link to Wee Peats and keep an eye open for an event near you... You'll be so glad you did!
I bought 5 beautiful dresses, 2 pairs of winter boots, 1 pair of dress shoes, 6 long sleeve shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, snow pants, two skirts, 12 books, 3 pairs of tights/leggings. all for less than $150!
Most of the the clothes had their tags still on them and I bought name brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Lands End and Gymboree.
I even bought some X-mas gifts for my kids!
My sisters and I all came away happy and feeling like we made a killing. The clothing was so cute and in such great shape!
Can you tell I can't say enough about this!!
If you want to avoid high costs on clothing your kids for the year, check out Wee Peats!!
I love this song!!
Anyway, the reason why I am saying Hallelujah is because I went to an event called Wee Peats this weekend.
Have you been? Have you heard of this company? I saw them highlighted on an entrepreneurs show recently.
This place is awesome!
If you are looking for nearly new items and don't want to spend an arm and a leg on cloths, toys, books and any baby item out there find an event and go!
Here is the link to Wee Peats and keep an eye open for an event near you... You'll be so glad you did!
I bought 5 beautiful dresses, 2 pairs of winter boots, 1 pair of dress shoes, 6 long sleeve shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, snow pants, two skirts, 12 books, 3 pairs of tights/leggings. all for less than $150!
Most of the the clothes had their tags still on them and I bought name brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Lands End and Gymboree.
I even bought some X-mas gifts for my kids!
My sisters and I all came away happy and feeling like we made a killing. The clothing was so cute and in such great shape!
Can you tell I can't say enough about this!!
If you want to avoid high costs on clothing your kids for the year, check out Wee Peats!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
