Good Nutrition & Physical Activity

Research shows that good nutrition and physical activity contributes to a child's overall well-being, growth, development and ability to learn.

Over the course of the past three decades, childhood obesity rates have been on the rise, and today one in three children in America are overweight or obese.  We can make a difference in the overall health and development of our children by adopting a few simple changes.  First lady Michelle Obama has made our children't health and well-being a priority on both a personal and governmental level.  The First Lady has established a website www.letsmove.gov, make the pledge today, log on and join the Let's Move Campaign.  To support this initiate the USDA has introduced www.myplate.gov. This website offers valuable information in regards to healthy eating, portion control and how to introduce new foods.  Here is an example of "Kid-friendly veggie and fruits" (Requires PDF reader). Personally, I like sneaking in vegetables into everything I make. I have dehydrated squash, tomatoes, egg plant, etc and I grind these into a fine powder and add them to almost everything I make. It is the 'secret ingredient' that my kids have yet to figure out and they like the added flavor it adds to my cooking.

There is no greater concern for each of us, than the health and safety of our children, families and friends. Yet, too often safety is overlooked as we rush about dealing with the day to day stressors of life. In addition to the above information, additional information on Pedestrian Safety, Car Seats, and other Safety topics can be found at www.highwaysafety.utah.gov, www.usa.safekids.org and www.slvhealth.org.

As time goes on I will locate additional information that will be helpful for us parents in helping us lasso the future via our kids.  Until next time, have a Happy Holiday Season!

Thumper Pruitt