September Letter from the Editor

September 1, 2012 by
family yoga

Greetings eFitFamily readers!  Thank you for visiting and we invite you to explore our site to find information and inspiration as you take simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle.  This month we celebrate Childhood Obesity Awareness Month as well as National Yoga Awareness Month. We continue to face a crisis of childhood obesity in our country.  According to the American Heart Association, approximately 1 in 3 children ages 2-19 are overweight and obese (BMI-for-age at or above the 85th percentile of the 2000 CDC growth charts.)  www.heart.org  Join us in creating awareness and making … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child/Teen Exercise, Child/Teen Health, Yoga

Benefits of Exercise for Children

September 1, 2012 by
NIHMS245691.html

Those of you who have read my articles in the past already know how much significance I attribute to the benefits of exercise and nutrition on our mental well being. I am often being asked why I think we have so many children, and adults by the way, diagnosed with something we call ADHD, mood or anxiety disorders. Well, one day we may possibly find out that there is something particular in our food or environment that directly causes it. And for some children reducing simple sugars, gluten, or other additives can make a big difference. However, thinking about some friends of mine and how they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child/Teen Exercise, Child/Teen Health, Child/Teen Mental Health, Exercise, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness

Dietary Protection Against Sun Exposure

July 3, 2012 by
pasta & sauce

Excessive sun exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has detrimental effects on the immune system causing inflammation; therefore over exposure resulting from sunburn can cause major causes of skin cancer such as basal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant carcinoma. Americans get less than 25% of their lifetime of UV dose by the age of 18 (1). And three forths of lifetime exposure is delivered during adulthood and older age (1). If you want to decrease your chances of over exposure to the sun, a lifelong photoprotection (protection of self from sun exposure & UVR exposure) … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adult Nutrition, Family Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Healthy Skin, Integrative Wellness, Nutrition

July 2012 Letter from the Editor

July 1, 2012 by
Children Wearing Sunglasses in Circle

We LOVE summer activities!  We’re also aware how time flies when we’re having fun, especially outdoors.  We encourage you to be mindful that your skin is always protected, even if you only plan to be outdoors for limited periods of time.  Vitamin D is so beneficial for your skin and overall health, including boosting your mood, but it’s critical to reduce any risk of skin cancer or other harmful effects of the sun.  Children will enjoy selecting a stylish and fun pair of sunglasses that can also protect their eyes from sunrays.  You can easily make sunscreen application a standard step in your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Healthy Skin, Motivation