This Month

JULY 2012

Summer is now in full swing, and the kiddos will be home for at least another whole month!  With kids having so much free time while they are out of school, it is a good time help them form good habits that can help to keep them out of trouble.  

Many parents are working one or two jobs, and are not able to spend as much time keeping an eye on their kids.  So, on your days off, or if you actually are a stay at home parent anyway, use these simple tips to help your child learn how to become a responsible citizen:

*Get your child involved in an activity (or an after school activity when school starts)- Playing sports, taking music lessons, joining a choir, doing volunteer work, or even getting a little job like mowing lawns are all good ways to keep children and young adults occupied.

*Start a hobby-  Choose a hobby that both you and your child can set aside weekly dates to participate in like-taking nature walks, building a craft like a toy airplane, painting, going to church, gardening.

*Let your child know that you are interested in what they are doing-Attend as many of their sporting events as you can, help them with their homework, encourage them, find out who their friends are and what they like to do.  Being involved in what your child does can help you spot red flags quickly, so that your child does not end up doing drugs or a teen parent.

*Talk to your child about appropriate behavior, and about having respect for adults and authority figures

Children and young adults need boundaries set in place by adults to help them experience their world safely. If we start teaching our children how to behave at a young age by setting a good example, then maybe we can start to see a decline in the incarceration of our people.

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JUNE 2012

This month, I challenge you to Reduce Your Sugar Intake!  You may be asking yourself "Why should I be concerned about the amount of sugar I eat?"  Well, sugar, although very delicious in the form of sodas, cakes, cookies, candy and etc., can actually cause more harm than most people are aware of.

Usually we crave sugary foods when our blood sugar drops (i.e. when we are hungry), and we tend to confuse the hunger signal with a sugar craving.  Overindulging in sugary foods and drinks can have long term affects like:

*Obesity

*Diabetes
*Heart Disease
*Tooth Decay
*Gum Disease

So, how can we (I say we because I will be taking this challenge with you :)  ) start to limit the sugar in our lives?  Well, you can try one or more of these simple tips, and stick to it for one week, then try another.


*Replace one soda, juice, or any other sweet beverage with an 8oz glass of water per day
*Drink 8 8oz glasses of water per day(this trick will help your body flush the excess sugars in your system)
*If you are a cookie/cake/candy indulger, limit yourself to one indulgence every other day
*When you get a sugar craving, have a healthy snack or build yourself a yummy sandwich full of your favorite fixins
*Eat a sweet fruit in place of a sugary food, like a tangerine, or a sweet red apple!

GOOD LUCK on your sugar reducing journey!

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MAY 2012

For the remainder of this month, we will be focusing on how we can help keep our homes and families healthy. By taking small steps and using helpful tools we can all live healthier and stronger.

Build Strong Relationships Between Parents & Children

• Make family time a PRIORITY
• Give the gift of TIME
• Eat dinner TOGETHER
• ENCOURAGE each other
• LISTEN to each other
• Have your child READ to you / READ to your child

Healthy Eating

• Balance your food choices--don't eat too much of one thing
• Eat more fruits, grains and veggies
• Snack smart
• Eat moderate portions

Get Enough Sleep

• Improves memory
• Reduces stress
• Helps keep your heart healthy
• Helps control body weight issues

Exercise As A Family

• Ride bicycles
• Play frisbee
• Go on a nature walk
• Work in the yard