Summer Snack ideas for kids

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Summer typically means kids will be spending more time around the house. Idle time sometimes means kids will be poking around the kitchen in hopes of finding a quick and easy snack-often an unhealthy one.   To help keep kids healthy, be sure to keep the refrigerator and pantry stocked with nutritious snacks that kids will enjoy. Start with a wide range of choices from the milk, fruit, vegetable and grains food groups.   "Smart snacking is a great way to meet nutrient requirements that may be missed at mealtime," said Andrea Garen, a registered dietitian at Dairy Council … [Read more...]

Family Summer Fitness

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Summer is the time when school children look forward to free time and activities. Parents must find things to do to help their children stay active and avoid spending the summer in front of a monitor, computer or television. Simple ways to help your family stay active and avoid the lazy days of summer. Play dates - Get outside and hit the parks, meet friends and while kids play set up a circuit in the park. Easy stations can be set up using park equipment like the monkey bars for fitness activities. Audio Books - Get your books in mp3 format using them on ipods or mp3 players and plan … [Read more...]

Smart Start to Summer

ifit for life may 2012 jolene

April showers bring May flowers and an opportunity to get a healthy start to summer! The weather is warmer and the sun is out longer giving you more time to be active. Summer is a great time of year to be more active, eat healthier and make new habits. Schedules  change as children are out of school, giving you more time to work on changing habits or adding better ones,seize the opportunity. Do what is easy first- Eat more fruits and vegetables- summer brings healthier choices so take advantage of those choices. Add after dinner strolls- taking a walk after dinner when you have the sun on your … [Read more...]

Arthritis

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Arthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions affecting mostly people over the age of 55. It doesn't only affect that specific age group, but also a percentage of young adults. It's not just a simple disease but a group of conditions that may cause damage not only to your bones but also to other organs in the body. Different forms of arthritis manifest different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain; tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement; inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth; pain and stiffness in … [Read more...]