Just saw this article. I'm wondering what parents think of this:
Should Raising an Obese Child Be Considered Neglect?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Rethink Your Child’s Drinks
Ah, summer! Ice cold lemonade, refreshing juice, and other icy sweet drinks come to mind. While these tasty beverages can really hit the spot on warm days, they’re also filled with lots of sugar and yes, empty calories.
Shannon Whaley, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Public Health Foundation Women Infants and Children program, recently reported that "Twenty-nine percent of children 0-2 are drinking soda on a typical day. So that's really where we need to start."
There’s a much better way for our little ones to get their thirsts quenched, and that’s by choosing water first. This is especially important for young children who are still developing dietary tastes and habits. It's a simple choice that can profoundly impact their overall health. After all, drink choices can significantly affect dental/oral development and appropriate weight gain.
So help your young child choose – and enjoy – water first instead of sugary drinks. And at mealtimes, include milk for added calcium. These simple actions are some of the most important steps you and family can take toward good health both now and in the future.
And, just in case you were wondering about how many calories or how much sugar is in that drink…
Shannon Whaley, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Public Health Foundation Women Infants and Children program, recently reported that "Twenty-nine percent of children 0-2 are drinking soda on a typical day. So that's really where we need to start."
There’s a much better way for our little ones to get their thirsts quenched, and that’s by choosing water first. This is especially important for young children who are still developing dietary tastes and habits. It's a simple choice that can profoundly impact their overall health. After all, drink choices can significantly affect dental/oral development and appropriate weight gain.
So help your young child choose – and enjoy – water first instead of sugary drinks. And at mealtimes, include milk for added calcium. These simple actions are some of the most important steps you and family can take toward good health both now and in the future.
And, just in case you were wondering about how many calories or how much sugar is in that drink…
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Rebirth of the Blog
It’s been a busy time since my family and I relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest last May. Which means, as some of you may have noticed, that I’ve taken a break from the blog.
Well, the good news is that after setting up a new home, new private practice, and with a baby on the way, things are actually slowing down enough so that I can now get back to doing things like posting on the blog. Yes, the blog is back!
Speaking of all the busy-ness that’s been going on, and our family’s preparations for further monumental changes in the near future, I’ve been thinking a lot about how parents are able to juggle the day-to-day demands of family life. So many families I know struggle with maintaining order in the home, getting kids to activities all over town, and staying connected and close.
Some important things to remember:
•Be willing to slow down – Now that it’s summer, not rushing off to the next activity. Signing your child up for one less thing.
•Ask for help – If you are overwhelmed or stressed by everything you have to do, is there a family member or friend who can come over and help with the kids or with that gardening or organizational project you’ve been wanting to get done?
•Enjoy low-key (non-stressful) family activities in the local area, such as going to the park; making good food and enjoying regular mealtimes together; and so forth.
This time of year is an ideal time to slow down and do less, so I encourage all you busy parents and families to remember to do just that!
Well, the good news is that after setting up a new home, new private practice, and with a baby on the way, things are actually slowing down enough so that I can now get back to doing things like posting on the blog. Yes, the blog is back!
Speaking of all the busy-ness that’s been going on, and our family’s preparations for further monumental changes in the near future, I’ve been thinking a lot about how parents are able to juggle the day-to-day demands of family life. So many families I know struggle with maintaining order in the home, getting kids to activities all over town, and staying connected and close.
Some important things to remember:
•Be willing to slow down – Now that it’s summer, not rushing off to the next activity. Signing your child up for one less thing.
•Ask for help – If you are overwhelmed or stressed by everything you have to do, is there a family member or friend who can come over and help with the kids or with that gardening or organizational project you’ve been wanting to get done?
•Enjoy low-key (non-stressful) family activities in the local area, such as going to the park; making good food and enjoying regular mealtimes together; and so forth.
This time of year is an ideal time to slow down and do less, so I encourage all you busy parents and families to remember to do just that!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)