Schools Battle Childhood Obesity

Researchers from Indiana University and Ohio State studied the growth rates of body mass indexes of more than 5000 children. They found that the five and six year olds’ BMIs increased nearly twice as much during the summer than during the school year. The monthly growth rate of their BMIs decreased when school was in session. The researchers believe that the increase in weight was due to a more relaxed lifestyle. During the summer months, children have more leisure time to watch television, play video games, and be idle. In addition, they may have more time to snack on junk … Continue reading

Scoring More Points for Kid Fitness

I love seeing the AP Press reports on days when articles like this hit my in box. Today, ten major food and drink makers including Campbell Soup, McDonald’s and Cocoa-Cola will be doing more to promote healthy foods and exercise in their child-oriented advertising campaigns. These companies actually account for more than two-thirds of all child-targeted drink and food commercials on television. They are going to reduce the use of recognizable characters (think Little Mermaid, Shrek and others) in their unhealthy food campaigns. They will not advertise in schools. They will make sure that their online games (for advertising purposes) … Continue reading

A Review of This Week’s Parenting Blogs

I am borrowing an idea from Heather Long and reviewing the week in Parenting. There have been some great blogs written on some important topics. But often parents only see the first few blogs and miss the rest. So here is a review of this week’s Parenting topics. Monday September 18th. “Teaching Good Judgment” is an important skill that many parents fail to teach their children. This is obvious by the many teens and young adults that are making such bad decisions. Read this blog for some ideas on how you can teach your child good judgment. “Should Partners Of … Continue reading

Banning Soda? Great First Step

When I heard on the radio yesterday morning that the major soda companies had come to an agreement to limit their sales of sodas to schools, I was equal parts stumped and amazed. Nicki talked about the Soda School? No More! yesterday in the Parents blog, but I wanted to share with you my thoughts on it with regard to what a great first step it is to bettering health and fitness for our children. First and foremost, by limiting soda sales to only high schools and limiting it even further to be only diet sodas, we have the opportunity … Continue reading

Banning Chocolate Milk Doesn’t Improve Nutrition

Parents who had children in several schools in Oregon noticed what they viewed as a problem. The kids were much more likely to drink chocolate milk than they were to drink white milk. The parents believed that banning the chocolate milk would force the kids to start drinking more white milk. Instead, things did not work out as planned. It is safe to say that the parents in the school district’s PTA meant well. They were hoping to make changes that would provide better nutrition for the students. They believed that removing the chocolate milk, and only offering white milk, … Continue reading

Weighing Kids at School!?

My colleague wrote an article called Getting Weighed at School. In the article she explains how her children from the grades of 3 thru 12 were getting weighed at school and given their Body Mass Index number. She also explained how her son started to stop eating breakfast and lunch due to the pressure of being weighed at school. The school is weighing all children regardless of being obese yet admitted they wanted children to see they were obese. I am not sure about you but I am completely appalled at this. My children are homeschooled so I am unaware … Continue reading

Are You Ready for Some Football Fun?

High school football is a big deal in the small county in which I reside. Okay, maybe not as huge as in Texas. Last time I checked we didn’t have NBC knocking at our door to shoot Friday Night Lights II, but the sport is popular nonetheless. The new football season kicks off this Friday with major match ups at various area high schools, and of course, where there’s a game going on, there’s a tailgate party to go with it. If you are looking for simple ideas for your next home or away game, then consider these winners: Decor: … Continue reading

Preschool Concerns: Why doesn’t my child want to go back to school?

Preschool concerns are normal when a child resists going to school. You may find yourself wondering if your child is adjusting to this new environment. You may wonder if the teacher is doing her job. You may wonder how the other children are treating your child. When is it normal to resist preschool and when should you look for a deeper problem? How much time do you give before taking action? Is your child simply taking longer to adjust than you expect? Normal separation anxiety: Preschool is a big step for children as for most it is the first time … Continue reading

Christmas Cookie Bake-a-thon

It’s a blizzard out there! Seriously. A genuine, meteorologically categorized blizzard. Schools are closed, major highways are shut down, and frankly, I’m surprised that we still have power. It’s my first official blizzard and I don’t know who’s more excited about staying home all day, Mommy or the kid. The National Weather Service warned about the impending 18 inches of snow and 50 mph winds, so I prepared. I stocked up on all the essentials needed to turn today’s blizzard into a Christmas cookie-baking marathon. Here are just a couple of the holiday treats my daughter and I will be … Continue reading

Olympic Inspired Fitness Routines

Have you been swept up by Olympic fever? The drama that has unfolded in Beijing over the past nine days has drawn record viewership for NBC and swim schools across the nation have seen a surge in enrollment thanks to the amazing work of one Michael Phelps, the man who now holds the title of winningest athlete in Olympic history. Unofficial polls show that the Summer Games in China have inspired at least a few people to get up and get moving—-even if it’s just to leave the couch to grab a soda from the fridge. In all seriousness, the … Continue reading