Rachel Ray announced that she is going to help fight child obesity by partnering with the NYC School lunch program to provide nutritious and tasty school lunch menus. See the article.
In The Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine), Maine Voices, May 18, 2010, Doiron talks about Victory Gardens of World War II benefiting the people in the US. Today, growing a vegetable garden can help by saving us money and reducing the carbon footprint.
I think the two of these go hand in hand. When children are presented with healthy food and learn about food, they benefit from that knowledge. When they help to grow and nurture a garden, they learn about vegetables and may be more willing to try new ones. Gardening also provides physical outside activity. Many children, and we (their parents) seem to need more of this in today's world of computer games and videos.
The benefits of growing organic may also provide better health. Recent research points to the possibility of pesticides having negative effects on children -- even causing or contributing to ADHD.
We all resort to comfort foods duirng times of high stress. Those comfort foods may result in weight gain. A comforting heating pad in the shape of a Cozy Bunny or Sheep may provide the comfort and relaxation needed without the calories for children and adults.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Want your kids to be in good physical shape?
Get outside and exercise with them! Have fun together! Play ball, ride a bike, go for a hike, swing a tennis racket or golf club, row a boat, paddle a canoe, go to the playground, plant a garden, and show your child that sharing physical activity is a good time. Leave the arguments for another setting.
Most people hate to spend even a half hour on a treadmill, but prefer exercising with others. Adult exercise classes are popular for that reason. Kids aren't any different. Exercising by themselves for the sake of their health is not likely to happen.
Studies show that children who exercise may do better in school. Physical exercise stimulates blood circulation, helps keep weight down, and builds muscles, which aid in preventing joint and soft tissue injuries.
Muscle soreness may occur when one starts an exercise program or participates in a new physical activity. Muscles tighten and may need to be stretched. Extreme pain is not normal. A heating pad, massage, or a little ibuprofen will take care of muscle discomfort.
Take time to spend with your kids, showing them that you value good health by exercising with them. The benefits will be more than getting into shape. After six months share a conversation with your child about how the time spent together has changed his or her life. How has it changed yours?
Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads in fun shapes -- Bears, Seals, Bunnies -- for kids (and adults) who may experience some stiff muscles or cramps when first exercising.
Most people hate to spend even a half hour on a treadmill, but prefer exercising with others. Adult exercise classes are popular for that reason. Kids aren't any different. Exercising by themselves for the sake of their health is not likely to happen.
Studies show that children who exercise may do better in school. Physical exercise stimulates blood circulation, helps keep weight down, and builds muscles, which aid in preventing joint and soft tissue injuries.
Muscle soreness may occur when one starts an exercise program or participates in a new physical activity. Muscles tighten and may need to be stretched. Extreme pain is not normal. A heating pad, massage, or a little ibuprofen will take care of muscle discomfort.
Take time to spend with your kids, showing them that you value good health by exercising with them. The benefits will be more than getting into shape. After six months share a conversation with your child about how the time spent together has changed his or her life. How has it changed yours?
Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads in fun shapes -- Bears, Seals, Bunnies -- for kids (and adults) who may experience some stiff muscles or cramps when first exercising.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Those who market to children must be responsible
Kudos to Michelle Obama, our first lady, for her address to the food giants that market to children. We must all share in the care and concern for our kids. It doesn't mean kids can't enjoy a treat. They need to be educated by their parents and schools about healthy choices. They need to be taught discipline and how to practice moderation. Too often they are taught that food is a reward -- not energy or fuel to help their bodies and minds perform at their best.
Children need to be physically active, as do adults. Many of our adults in the US are not good role models for children. A growing percentage of adults are extremely over-weight and do little exercise.
I hope Mrs. Obama's attention to this subject will bring awareness and change to the growing epidemic of obesity in the US, especially among children.
For those who become physically active after being sedentary may find they have a few sore muscles. A Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad will help relax tight or cramped muscles. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers also wrap easily around knees and elbows.
Children need to be physically active, as do adults. Many of our adults in the US are not good role models for children. A growing percentage of adults are extremely over-weight and do little exercise.
I hope Mrs. Obama's attention to this subject will bring awareness and change to the growing epidemic of obesity in the US, especially among children.
For those who become physically active after being sedentary may find they have a few sore muscles. A Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad will help relax tight or cramped muscles. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers also wrap easily around knees and elbows.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Helping a child cope while in the hospital
When a child has to go to the hospital for a procedure or illness, it can be frightening if he or she does not understand why. A very younger child may not understand what is happening.
When my granddaughter was in the hospital at age 14 months she was frightened of anyone with a stethoscope. She would cry the minute he/she walked into the room. Anyone who walked in with a broom was her friend.
It was hard to reassure her because I never knew what the doctor or nurse had to do. It often meant discomfort. All I could do was sympathize with her. It was very stressful. In the end she improved and is now healthy and growing.
Help your child the most by being there. Take a favorite toy from home to bring comfort and familiarity. A little distraction with some light and fun videos can help. Books, easy to play games, and some toys can help pass the time. Mostly, your attention will reassure him or her.
Here are some resources with tips if your child has to go to the hospital.
Children First
About Kids Health
Net Doctor
For a child who has had surgery or has had a stay in the hospital, consider a gift of a Maine Warmer microwave heat pack in the shape of a Cozy Bunny or Alligator. Heated gently in the microwave, they bring warmth and comfort to a child recovering from an illness or surgery.
When my granddaughter was in the hospital at age 14 months she was frightened of anyone with a stethoscope. She would cry the minute he/she walked into the room. Anyone who walked in with a broom was her friend.
It was hard to reassure her because I never knew what the doctor or nurse had to do. It often meant discomfort. All I could do was sympathize with her. It was very stressful. In the end she improved and is now healthy and growing.
Help your child the most by being there. Take a favorite toy from home to bring comfort and familiarity. A little distraction with some light and fun videos can help. Books, easy to play games, and some toys can help pass the time. Mostly, your attention will reassure him or her.
Here are some resources with tips if your child has to go to the hospital.
Children First
About Kids Health
Net Doctor
For a child who has had surgery or has had a stay in the hospital, consider a gift of a Maine Warmer microwave heat pack in the shape of a Cozy Bunny or Alligator. Heated gently in the microwave, they bring warmth and comfort to a child recovering from an illness or surgery.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Teaching Children to Eat Well and Exercise
Thank you to Michelle Obama for her campaign to help reduce child obesity. Her emphasis on schools becoming leaders in this campaign is right on!
Unfortunately, many schools have been leaders in promoting poor eating and exercise habits. With the focus on testing, many schools pushed physical education off the curriculum. They have traded dollars for allowing fast food vendors into their lunchrooms and hallways.
Schools could incorporate information about healthy foods into their daily lessons. They could put on educational programs for parents. Parent/teacher organizations could mobilize to help send out fast, healthy recipes, and reinforce the benefits of sharing meals with children when possible. Through newsletters and web sites they could teach parents and kids about exercising together and enjoying being physically active.
Physicians should also take a more active roll in educating patients about healthy diets and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Education is key to achieving a healthier society. For healthy and gluten-free recipes, check out our blog.
Betsy Hanscom is the owner of Maine Warmers and publishes a monthly e-Newsletter. Once a month she includes a gluten-free recipe and a giveaway.
What will you see in Maine Warmers' monthly
Unfortunately, many schools have been leaders in promoting poor eating and exercise habits. With the focus on testing, many schools pushed physical education off the curriculum. They have traded dollars for allowing fast food vendors into their lunchrooms and hallways.
Schools could incorporate information about healthy foods into their daily lessons. They could put on educational programs for parents. Parent/teacher organizations could mobilize to help send out fast, healthy recipes, and reinforce the benefits of sharing meals with children when possible. Through newsletters and web sites they could teach parents and kids about exercising together and enjoying being physically active.
Physicians should also take a more active roll in educating patients about healthy diets and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Education is key to achieving a healthier society. For healthy and gluten-free recipes, check out our blog.
Betsy Hanscom is the owner of Maine Warmers and publishes a monthly e-Newsletter. Once a month she includes a gluten-free recipe and a giveaway.
What will you see in Maine Warmers' monthly
e-Newsletter?
- Name of the drawing winner — also posted on our Facebook page
- DISCOUNTS for newsletter subscribers only
- Recipes, gluten-free, and posted on our blog
- Health and wellness tips
- Fun and/or famous quote
- Photos of Maine
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