by bmanyibe | Sep 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Hispanic parents say they are satisfied with healthy options offered by afterschool programs. Afterschool programs serve 3.8 million Hispanic children nationwide. While a majority of parents report being satisfied with the healthy food and variety of physical activity their child’s program offers, there is still a vast unmet need for such programs, particularly among Hispanic families.
The parents of 5.5 million Hispanic children and the parents of the parents of 19.4 million children overall say they would enroll their child in an afterschool program if it were available, according to, “Kids on the Move: Afterschool Programs Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity,” a special report based on responses collected for America After 3PM.
“Afterschool programs are a proven, but sometimes underappreciated, tool in the effort to prevent childhood obesity and physical inactivity,” says Jodi Grant, Executive Director of Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization. “We’ve known for a long time that afterschool, before-school and summer programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working parents. These new data make clear that they also do a tremendous amount to help keep kids healthy, now and for the future.”
The new survey, which was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, finds that many parents are unaware of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards for afterschool programs, which recommend at least 30 minutes of morning or afterschool program time for physical activity. The report recommends doing more to ensure that afterschool providers, as well as parents, are aware of the HEPA Standards.
According to the report:
• Most parents agree that afterschool programs should provide healthy food and beverage options for children.
• Most parents say that providing healthy food was an important factor in selecting an afterschool program.
White and African-American parents were more likely than Hispanic parents to say that their child’s afterschool program serves snacks that include healthy foods (75 percent and 72 percent versus 63 percent).
• More than eight in 10 Hispanic parents and African-American parents agree that afterschool programs should help children be physically active.
• When asked about opportunities for physical activity, 71 percent of Hispanic parents and 71 percent of African-American parents report that it was very important when selecting their child’s afterschool program.
• An overwhelming majority of Hispanic parents and African-American parents report that their child’s afterschool program does provide opportunities for physical activity.
“The afterschool community is committed to doing even more to stop childhood obesity,” Grant says. “Quality afterschool programs are a vital part of the fabric of our communities, providing a rich array of services children and families need.”
National and state-by-state results from that report and from this special report are available at www.afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/.
With participation in afterschool programs over the past decade growing from 6.5 million to 10.2 million children, increasing support for these programs from government at all levels, philanthropies, businesses and others is crucial, say experts. (StatePoint)
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PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Patricia Lake
by bmanyibe | Sep 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Parents often wonder how to maintain their kids’ health. One important step that may be overlooked is to ensure that young children are properly hydrated. It can also be a challenge for parents to create a menu kids will enjoy that meets the recommended Daily Value (DV) of vitamins and nutrients.
“By including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-certified organic fruits and vegetables in your children’s diets, you can help ensure your child is staying hydrated from the water in them, while also consuming the necessary vitamins, minerals and protein that they need to grow healthy and strong,” says Dr. Deena Blanchard, Pediatrician at Premier Pediatrics in New York City and a consultant for Ella’s Kitchen brand, which makes organic food for babies, toddlers and kids. “Nutritional shakes provide proteins, vitamins, and minerals, the necessary building blocks of a healthy immune system, to supplement kids’ daily diets for complete nutrition; and electrolyte waters with naturally-occurring electrolytes can also help keep kids hydrated.”
Dr. Blanchard recommends the following tips to help parents make good choices for their children.
• Hydrate children, especially when sick: When children are sick, the importance of proper hydration cannot be overestimated. If eating or drinking is difficult, try giving your child smaller amounts, more frequently. Choose water, 100 percent juice or drinks that contain naturally occurring electrolytes and other components that help support kids’ immune systems.
• Choose wisely: Watch out for artificial flavors, colors and preservatives as well as the amount of added sugars in sports drinks and other beverages. It is important to provide kids with beverages that are free of artificial ingredients and contain fruits and vegetables. You can be sure you’re avoiding those additions when you choose USDA organic beverages, such as Ella’s Kitchen Organic Coconut Water Electrolyte Drinks or their new Smoothie Drinks, which provide one full serving of fruit per 8 fluid ounces.
• Don’t forget to hydrate when playing sports: Kids can become dehydrated while playing sports or engaging in other physical activity. At the ballpark or playground, it is important to keep drinks on hand. Good choices include organic fruit and veggie purees, which contribute significant water to the diet and naturally-occurring electrolytes for natural rehydration.
• Supplement: Though vital to proper growth and development, meeting the recommended daily intake of vitamins and nutrients can be tough, especially for little ones who are picky eaters. A tasty, protein-packed nutritional shake can help parents ensure kids get the calories and nutrition they need. Consider trying Ella’s Kitchen Coconut + Milk Nutritional Shakes, which are made with certified USDA organic low-fat milk, fruit + veggie purees and coconut water, providing 44 percent of the recommended DV of protein, 30 percent DV of calcium, as well as vitamin B12, riboflavin, iodine and electrolytes. Made with ingredients parents recognize, these shakes provide a boost of nutrition with a taste that kids will enjoy.
Visit EllasKitchen.com for more options for healthy hydration and nutrition for the little ones. (StatePoint)
In the warmer months, proper hydration is especially crucial. Parents should seek out choices for kids that support a healthy immune system.
by bmanyibe | Sep 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Vacation ideas the whole family will enjoy need to be explored by a family planing to travel to make the experience as exciting and fulfilling as possible. The most common challenge these days is finding a destination that makes everyone happy — and then striking a balance between activities for the kids, and fun for adults.
But there are now plenty of destinations designed to make family travel easy. For example, Orlando, Florida, which unsurprisingly takes the title as number one “hot spot” for domestic travel, according to a new survey by Priceline, has become more than just a classic vacation for families. An explosion of new offerings has made it an ideal destination for all ages.
To juggle your family member’s competing interests, check out these travel tips:
New Attractions
You may have some favorite destinations you’ve traveled to repeatedly. Be sure to keep things new and exciting by tossing out your outdated guidebook. Your vacation this year should include some fresh attractions.
For example, those who’ve traveled to Orlando in the past are unlikely to have visited the brand new I-Drive 360, an entertainment complex. At its heart lies the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel providing breathtaking Central Florida views.
Between taking snapshots with Mickey and traveling the world at Epcot, check out the big changes happening at Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, which is transforming Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, doubling the number of shops and other venues.
Plan and Buy Ahead
Consider buying tickets to attractions in advance. By buying online, you can avoid standing in line and wearing out young legs before you even get through the gate.
Oftentimes, you can find great discounts on entry prices if you plan ahead and bundle together various local sites.
Dining
The entire vacation doesn’t have to revolve around the kids menu! Foodie parents on vacation need some time to explore and indulge in local cuisines.
And it’s no surprise that the top family travel destinations have been expanding their dining offerings. If you’re headed to Orlando, check out sophisticated dining options from James Beard nominated chefs at restaurants like Ravenous Pig, Victoria & Albert’s or Rusty Spoon. For dinner with a view, Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando provides guests with breath-taking views of local theme park’s fireworks. Craving food, cocktails and entertainment? Combine your evening activities at a single venue like The Whiskey, welcoming lovers of gourmet burgers, craft cocktails and rock ‘n roll, with over 100 brands of whiskey.
The Great Indoors
Long days in the sun can take their toll, particularly on younger children. If you’re heading somewhere sunny, stay safe with sunscreen and by drinking plenty of water. Plus, don’t forget to mix it up with some indoor culture as well.
From performing arts centers to indoor theme parks to museums, there are plenty of ways to see the town from the inside out.
Go Mobile
New apps can make navigating your destination easier. From theme park and restaurant guides to a parking finder, let technology help you save time and money.
And be sure to visit your destination’s official tourism website for trip-planning resources and to download free apps. For instance, the VisitOrlando.com site aggregates some of the best new offers and has the latest information on new attractions.
With the right destination and smart advance planning, family travel can be stress-free and fun for kids and their adult chaperones. (StatePoint)
by bmanyibe | Sep 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Father’s day is a a perfect day for you to reflect on your balance family and work life. This is because–sometimes– professional obligations and family commitments can be at odds — particularly for those who hold leadership positions or possess jobs with long hours. And many people learn that the hard way.
“At one point, I became quite one-dimensional. It was all work and I had little time for family or other activities,” says Charles D. Morgan, CEO of PrivacyStar, who served as CEO of Acxiom Corporation from 1972 to 2008, overseeing the pioneering database marketing services and technology provider’s growth from 25 employees to 7,000.
Morgan, a serial entrepreneur, reveals his work-life balance struggles in his new memoir, “Matters of Life and Data: The Remarkable Journey of a Big Data Visionary Whose Work Impacted Millions (Including You).”
While working at his first job at IBM as a systems engineer, Morgan was called back just a few days into his honeymoon due to an urgent office matter, marking the beginning of an all-consuming career. Despite ups and downs in both the professional and personal arenas, he eventually hammered out a successful career and a peaceful family life. In time for Father’s Day, Morgan is sharing some insights into the eternal challenge of striking the balance between competing interests.
• While you may feel compelled to be involved in every aspect of the business, delegating tasks to the people who can do a better job than you can will benefit both you and the company. So know your strengths and weaknesses for better time management.
• Find systems that simplify operations and make things happen faster, even if it means rocking the boat. For example, when titles were eliminated at Acxiom, the cultural shift didn’t make everyone happy, but in the end, the company became more efficient and flexible, giving everyone more time at the end of the day.
• No matter what you are wrestling with at work, be available for your children during the day. Make sure your kids know that they are important to you. Attend their recitals and ball games and find hobbies that you can share with them. Be reachable as much as possible.
More information about the book can be found at www.mattersoflifeanddata.com.
Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity for those struggling with the work-life balance to think about how to streamline work to make more time for family.(StatePoint)
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PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Monkey Business – Fotolia.com
by bmanyibe | Sep 17, 2020 | Activities, Coloring Pages, English, Kindergarten, Preschool
Free coloring pages for kidsDownload Worksheet…
