Blog
November 2, 2016
Let’s face it – soda is one of the worst beverages anyone can consume! It’s full of empty calories, caffeine, and sugar. Consuming too much sugar over time leads to tooth decay and obesity in both children and adults. According to this study by Lisa Conti for Scientific America, diet soda is just as addictive because the artificial sweeteners (called aspartame) increase cravings for sugar. If you’re still looking for something a little jazzier than plain water, try one of these three few to zero calorie alternatives to help you kick the caffeinated habit: Fruit infused water – No, we don’t mean the bottled flavored water you can find at the store. Chop up some fresh strawberries, blueberries, mint, oranges, or lemons to give your water a refreshing flavor. Green tea – Served hot or cold, green tea is both calorie free and naturally high in antioxidants. If you prefer […]
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November 2, 2016
According to WebMD, the obesity epidemic is widely blamed for an alarming rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes among children. Intriguing new research suggests it is also to blame for a similar increase in type 1 diabetes. Though being overweight is the main risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, it has not previously been thought to be a major factor in type 1 diabetes, once known as “juvenile-onset diabetes.” Type 1 diabetes is considered to be a genetically driven autoimmune disorder in which the body destroys the insulin-producing cells that allow it to process glucose. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but is unable to use it properly, a condition known as insulin resistance. For many years type 2 diabetes was something that overweight adults had to contend with, mainly because children weren’t having the weight issues they have today. The rise in type 2 […]
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October 19, 2016
Let’s face it – foods with little to no nutritional value are being geared towards kids and getting plenty of celebrity endorsements. Childhood obesity is a serious problem and children need space to play and healthy foods to help them grow. Establishing healthy habits in kids will help them understand the importance of nutrients and they’ll be more likely to pick up an apple instead of a bag of chips. Lifestyle experts and dedicated moms Agatha Achindu and Camila Alves shared their three ‘Ps’ in this Huffington Post article that’ll help you jump start healthy habits as early as possible: PLAY – Having your kids scampering around while you’re pulling a meal together can be an opportunity for them. Don’t shoo them away! It is a way for them to connect to the idea that good food is a big part of family life. PREP – Advance prep is another key. When you have your kids in the kitchen, putting them to work and making it fun is […]
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September 29, 2016
By Meredith Masin Blount Director of School Based Youth Services, New Brunswick Tomorrow Project Director, NJPHK-New Brunswick “If you’re good, we can get ice cream later” “Stop fussing and you can have the chocolate” “Finish picking up your room and we’ll get French fries” Sound familiar? We’ve all heard these reasoning techniques by moms and dads who just want their kids to focus and do as they’re asked. As a mom of three boys myself, I know the importance of wanting my kids to eat healthy foods and learn to make the right choices. Unfortunately, using unhealthy foods or sweets as a reward for good behavior leads to negative effects on eating habits later on. According to a report found on Science Daily, “parents who use very overly controlling feeding practices with their children, such as using food as a reward or a treat, could be unintentionally teaching their children to rely on food […]
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September 29, 2016
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. During Hispanic Heritage Month, discover the zesty flavors and enticing aromas of healthy Latino cooking with this healthy cookbook created by the Network for a Healthy California. Download here SHARE:
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August 31, 2016
by David Calderetti, NJPHK-Vineland Creating safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for children to bicycle and walk to and from schools daily is the mission of Safe Routes to School (SRTS). SRTS has two goals: increase the number of children that can safely walk and bike to school, and make additional infrastructure improvements in those areas where it is not safe to walk and bike to school. Through the institution of a comprehensive SRTS program, the impact can be far-reaching beyond a school setting. Last year, NJPHK-Vineland (NJPHK-V) and its partners received a $275,000 grant to improve the infrastructure around Gloria M. Sabater Elementary School making the environment safer for walkers and bikers. Recently, we applied for another grant to continue the process of creating safe travel corridors for children who walk along Landis Avenue. With the rise in childhood obesity and the safety ramifications of increased motor vehicle traffic to the school sites, Safe Routes to Schools is even more critical. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled in children […]
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August 3, 2016
A new school year is quickly approaching which could mean increased time in front of computers for children. According to an article that appeared on AllAboutVision.com, 94 percent of American families with the kids have a computer in their home and 26 percent of children ages 8 to 18 have a personal laptop. Children who spend hours looking at computer screens are at risk of developing computer vision syndrome or other symptoms of digital eye strain. Symptoms of computer vision syndrome range from dry eyes, sensitivity to light, neck and back pain and blurred vision. The study also showed that the effects of spending hours looking at screens is damaging, and causes the prevalence of nearsightedness to rise amongst kids and teens. The American Optometric Association (AOA) has four tips that will help keep developing eyes from long-term damage: Have your child’s vision checked. Before starting school, every child should have a comprehensive eye exam, including near-point (computer and reading) and distance testing. Limit the amount of […]
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July 20, 2016
Many teachers have suggested that children as young as four should be given gardening lessons in schools as an option to help solve the current obesity crisis. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers are urging schools to place gardening as an integral part of the curriculum. The educators emphasize that children will learn the benefit of eating healthy foods through gardening lessons. As the mother of two, I can honestly say both of my sons are full of curiosity, enjoy playing in the dirt and learn by doing—all traits of a natural gardener. I also find that gardening is one more way to get our kids to eat more natural, healthy food options. Below are some fresh ways we’ve made gardening fun and exciting for our kids: Get colorful tools. Colorful tools (gardening gloves, spades, etc.) are a helpful way to encourage kids to join in the fun Start from […]
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June 29, 2016
By Marissa Davis, Project Director, NJPHK-Trenton Summer is fast approaching! This means nicer weather and more time spent outside which can be damaging to your skin. Sunburns are a serious hazard for children and adults alike. It’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays whenever you’re outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control has five ways to stay safe and protect your skin from overexposure. Sunscreen – Be sure to find a lotion that it at least SPF 15 with UVA and UVB protection. No sunscreen is waterproof or sweat proof and should be reapplied after swimming or sweating. If you find yourself getting a little pink, immediately reapply. Wear protective clothing – tightly woven clothing is ideal and long pants and long sleeve shirts provide the best protection. Dry, darker colored clothes are a smart choice, too. There are even some articles of clothing that offer UV protection. […]
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June 15, 2016
World Hygiene Day is celebrated every May to spread awareness and knowledge of the importance of clean hands. Getting children to wash their hands properly is crucial to staying healthy and an important habit to instill at a young age. According to the CDC, educating kids about correct washing techniques reduces respiratory illnesses (like colds) by 21%. Washing hands three times a day can reduce the spread of illnesses and infectious diseases. In a report by the CDC, “Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives,” the CDC provides a how to guide for handwashing and informative videos that can help both children and adults learn proper handwashing techniques. SHARE:
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