We say it all the time: get some exercise! Go play outside! Fall sports give our kids a great opportunity to do just that, while developing social skills and learning values like teamwork, healthy competition, and discipline. In the spirit of raising healthy and balanced kids, preventing obesity and associated health issues, improving moods and behaviors, and having fun, we fully endorse fall sports. Of [...]
How do Bill and Melinda Gates handle technology with their kids? If you think they were plugged into Microsoft products from infancy, you would be incorrect. Like those of us who aren't billionaire tech giants, Bill and Melinda apparently don't know any better than the rest of us how to keep their kids healthy and safe in an increasingly connected world. Nevertheless, they've discovered some [...]
How do you start the school year healthy? Well-rested and Well-fed It helps to start establishing routines before the first day of classes, such as adhering to a regular sleep schedule and eating a healthy breakfast daily. The fewer changes you have to make, the easier it will be to adjust. Protected from Illnesses Arizona requires immunizations for children attending day care, preschool, and grades [...]
During the morning rush, it can be easy to forget the most important meal of the day. However, breakfast is a really important part of your daily routine. Eating Breakfast Improves Academic Performance Research shows that eating breakfast every day improves test scores. It also improves behavior and mood, leading to fewer disciplinary problems and better focus. Eating breakfast helps trigger the body's metabolism, which [...]
As kids go back to school, it's time for a review of backpack safety. Heavy or improperly worn backpacks can cause pain and injury. What Type of School Bag is Safest? The best backpack distributes weight evenly, comes with wide, padded straps, and contains compartments. Messenger bags, tote bags, purses, and briefcases are less ideal because they do not distribute weight evenly. Bags with wheels [...]
Parent and caretaker education is our greatest tool when it comes to preventing hot car deaths, especially in Arizona. Still, two preventable deaths have occurred so far this summer. Child welfare advocates have proposed laws written to help parents avert tragedy. Here are two: HB 2494: Passed, in effect August 9th, 2017 This bill protects Good Samaritans from being sued for damaging a vehicle, if [...]
Did you know foodborne illnesses increase during the summer? It's the peak of grilling season in the U.S. You might be hitting backyard pool parties around Phoenix, or you might be visiting family out-of-state. Either way, outdoor meals require you to be even more mindful of food safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Raw Temperature At the market, pick out meat, chicken [...]
According to the CDC, fewer than 15% of men and 30% of women wear sunscreen on their exposed skin. This is bad news for preventing skin cancer and painful burns. Children are more sensitive to the sun's damaging rays, so it's especially important to practice sun safety. Because children learn by example, and because your health also matters to your children, parents need to wear [...]
Gas prices are relatively low, and many families will be hitting the road instead of booking flights for their summer vacation plans. Whether you're just driving from point A to point B or making a vacation out of the journey itself, keep these safety tips in mind. Driver Distraction Navigating unfamiliar roads has only become easier as GPS apps become more accurate and more widely [...]
Summer creates a break from routine. It's not unusual for kids to sleep in and stay up late compared to the school year. Unless you have to wake your kids up for childcare before you go to work, it might not seem important to keep a regular bedtime. However, for young children and any child experiencing rapid growth, irregular sleep can adversely affect mood and [...]
