The average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day.  That is 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year. In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.

We’re recommended to keep our kids on a maximum of 2 hours of screen time each day. Is it really equivalent, to watch TV and play video games?

A just released Swedish study shows that there is a big difference. They studied children and found that computer time or video games time had no effect on the children’s weight. TV time or even spending time in a room with the TV on had a very clear link with overweight in the studied children.

The theory is  that  video games and even chatting requires much more activity. TV on the other hand is very passive and it is dangerously easy to snack in front of the TV.

This is of course not only valid for children. Have you every tired to turn on the Nintendo Wii at night instead of collapsing on the couch?  Try a boxing game or skiing on the Wii Fit. You’ll have a totally different experience.

This is probably one of the reasons that the Wii gaming platform has become so popular.

Other great Positive Effects of Video Games are:

1. Playing video games demands an interactive involvement of the players

2. Many video games involve reading

3. Video games practices problem solving, planning and analysis

4. Playing video games stimulates imagination

5. Video games practices multi-tasking and fine motor skills

Turn out kids who play video games mainly do so with friends and they stand up for each other.

Sounds like video games have more benefits that we first thought.

Image by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robfahey/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

 How can it be surprising that kids will behave better in school if they have a quiet lunch?

An environment were children eat as fast as they can so that they can run out for recess is just bad.

They need a quite moment to sit down and enjoy their food just like everyone else.

In this NewYork Times article  Play, Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School they intview teachers and principals from schools that changed the schedule so the kids have recess first and then lunch.

By the end of the year, nurse visits had dropped 40 percent, with fewer headaches and stomachaches. One child told school workers that he was happy he didn’t throw up anymore at recess.

  Throw up at recess!

“We saved 15 minutes every day,” Dr. Hartley continued, “because kids could play, then go into the cafeteria and eat and cool down, and come back to the classroom and start academic work immediately.”

 I really can not understand that this come as a surprise.  It seams like we organize school after convenience rather than after our childrens needs.

Also I think that we have our food culture to blame.
Food has gotten such a low priority in our lives.  We don’t take the time to cook a proper meal. We don’t take the time to have breakfast. We don’t take the time to sit down and have a family dinner.

Our priorities form our kids and have large impact on thier lives.  How will they eat when they grow up?

Freeze dried astronaut food on the go, perhaps?

Image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/captured-spirit_/ / CC BY 2.0

A couple of days ago we stopped at a cold, windy beach on Captiva Island, Florida.

It was freezing. Everyone was cold except my youngest son. He was running around playing in the strong winds. Full of energy as always.

As I stood there shivering from cold it struck me that I too would feel warm and full if energy if I ran around like crazy.

The next minute I was running after him up and down the sandy beach. It was awesome.

The same night as I had started packing after a great holiday vacation I heard someone laughing so hard I almost wondered if he was alright.

It was my oldest son. He was laughing at the same TV show he been laughing at the night before. It was Americas Funnies Home Videos. I laugh when I watch that show but no were near as much as he does.

I figured I had to try it. So I joined him we laughed, hard, together.

That night I knew what me New Years resolution should be.

To spend more time learning from my kids.

To run around like crazy and to laugh out loud at even the silliest things.

Why should I always be the teacher when they obviously have a lot more fun than I do? This year that is going to change. More fun with the small things in 2010!

Children must be able to control their weight at an early age. Of course, this can be achieved by proper guidance from their parents. It may not be easy but tackling their weight issues by making small changes at a time will teach them to learn healthy habits that will last for a lifetime.

Watch this video for more tips on how to help your child achieve a healthy weight.

Image by ....Tim.

The snacks you give to your kids should be nutritious, aside from being delicious. However, most kids would ask for candies, cookies, etc. Instead of foods high in sugar and fat, give them foods that contain fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins. Fiber makes them feel full and keeps their digestive tract healthy, while calcium is important for their growing bones and teeth. Moreover, iron helps them in staying active without feeling fatigued and it has a positive effect on their attention span which is important while they’re learning.

Healthy Eats suggests the following healthy foods that they would love to eat during school and after school snacks.

During School

• Fresh fruits such as banana, apple, grapes, strawberries or raisins. Put them in a small resealable baggie or plastic container.
• Yogurts, string cheese, dried fruit, natural popcorn or granola bars are also quick snacks that can be easily tucked into their backpacks.
• These snacks can be taken between classes before lunch break, which is often late in the day. They are definitely going to do better in school if they are not hungry.

After School

• Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/4 cup blueberries
• A slice of angel food cake topped with fresh berries
• An apple dipped in 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
• 1/2 whole-wheat pita with hummus and sliced cucumbers
• Hard-boiled egg with sliced veggies like tomatoes, radishes or cucumbers on the side
• 1/2 cup pretzels dipped in 2 tablespoons of low-fat cream cheese
• Edamame (baby soy beans)
• A handful of almonds and dates: stuff 1 almond into each pitted date
• 1 cup of homemade popcorn
• 1 cup of cereal with 1% or skim milk
• Turkey or ham roll ups: 1 slice lean deli meat rolled with 1 slice reduced fat American cheese

Children also love to dip, so slice up some veggies, pretzels or baked chips and make your own dip: hummus, salsa, ranch dressing, guacamole.

Image by woodleywonderworks.

Every year is the same, reports about how hazardous sunscreens are.

I worry most about my children. Their young skin is so sensitive to the sun I need to protect them. At the same time I don’t want to use products that filled with harmful chemicals.

This is from the MiTime newsletter:

The Environmental Working Group’s investigation of nearly 1,000 brand-name sunscreen products finds that 4 out of 5 don’t provide protection and/or contain chemicals that may pose health hazards. Some of the worst offenders are leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutrogena.
Many millions of cases of skin cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year. Yet due to huge legislative gaps, companies in many countries are free to claim – but not provide – broad spectrum protection.
Stay safe and keep your children safe by switching to the risk-free, organic alternative: Reflect Outdoor Balm.
You may need to apply it a little more frequently. But what’s that small inconvenience for the reassurance of knowing that you’re protecting precious young skin from damaging rays in a safe, non-intrusive way?

Image by Pascal \o/ - lagarde.info

It’s summer time once again. The school is out and the weather is fine. There is just no stopping your kids from enjoying the great outdoors. However, it is important to stay alert at all times while watching them play.

Andrea Becker shares how to have a healthy and happy summer for you and your kids.

“Toddlers have an unending sense of curiosity that can often get them hurt. The summer months present unique risks for toddlers. Careful parents need to be aware of these summertime health risks for their toddlers and take precautions to keep their little ones happy and healthy.”

Medpie also shares kids’ top 5 summer health hazards that may catch you and your child unaware.

1) Summer weight gain: Hiding indoors and eating: the riskiest behavior of all
2) Dog bites: More frequent in summer, and the likely culprit is the dog you live with.
3) Trampoline injuries: Don’t even think about letting your kid get on one without a safety net.
4) Lawn mower accidents: Alarmingly common and often require hospitalization.
5) Falls: From where? The tree house, rope swing, and unsecured window.

Image by Edwin Dalorzo.

Over 80% of recently tested baby products contain the carcinogen formaldehyde.

Even if your baby does not eat the skin care she is not safe.
Up to 60% of what you put on your baby’s skin is absorbed into the body.
An investigation led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, suggest that we have on average 91 industrial chemicals in our bodies that we can’t get rid of. Simply because we can’t break them down.

Even many ingredients that are legal to add to lotions are toxic. You can find a list of the worst and most common toxins here.

One example is:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (coconut): Composed of 4 known carcinogens: Formaldehyde, Dioxane, Ethylene Oxide, Acetaldehyde

Is that the kind of  substance you want coursing through your baby’s veins?

Of course not.

We want to care for our babies with nurturing products gentle enough for their sensitive skins.

Here is how to give your baby a toxin-free bath:

1. Pump a small amount of Miessence Baby Cream Wash onto a soft washcloth and gently massage baby’s skin with warm water and a loving touch.
2. Wash your baby in lukewarm water.
3. Gently towel dry you baby.
4. Shake the bottle of Miessence Baby Lotion. Gently massage some lotion into your baby’s skin to help soothe, soften and moisturize.

You have now added the following substances to your baby’s skin:

• water
• certified organic calendula officinalis flower extract
• certified organic coconut fruit oil
• certified organic chamomile flower extract
• certified organic vanilla planifolia CO2 extract
• certified organic marshmallow root extract
• certified organic olive extract
• bitter orange fruit extract
• certified organic aloe vera leaf juice
• star anise essential oil
• non-gmo lecithin
• sclerotium rolfsii gum
• certified organic shea fruit butter
• certified organic sugar cane alcohol
• guar gum

Nothing toxic, noting unnatural just substances that soothe, clean and protect baby’s delicate skin.

Right now you can get 2 for the prize of one on Certified Organic Baby Care.

Buy one Mother & Baby range pack and get a second pack free!

Sign Up to secure your promo code.

The other day my daughter put my body lotion on her toothbrush. I just laughed.
I know that my body lotion is certified organic to food standards.

Image by ::paqman::

The national non-profit organization KaBoom has teamed up with Julianne Hough. Their goal is  to add 100 000 US playgrounds to a database in 100 days. For every valid playground Julianne donates $1 to a cause. A cause that YOU choose.

It’s spring!

We all need to go outside and enjoy the weather.  Next time bring your camera. And while you’re busy taking photos of your kids having fun, take one of the playground as well.

Now you’ve taken the first step to donate $1 to your favorite cause and help build up a fantastic database that we all will be able to use for years to come.

From the site:
Julianne Hough is giving away $100,000!
The rising music star and two-time winner of Dancing with the Stars wants your help finding every playspace in America. For each valid entry, Julianne will donate $1 to your cause — and you’ll be entered in a drawing to meet her!

Once the photo is taken this is what you need to do:

1. Sign up
2. Join a cause
3. Add your play ground.

The information you will need is:

• the address
• an image of the playground
• and you will need to rate it.

The result of this action will be in a Google-based map filled with user-generated data. It will hold information about places to play including playgrounds, basketball courts, skate parks, athletic fields, ice rinks and swimming pools, even nature trails and community gardens.

It sounds like an awesome online resource to me! Going to parks and playgrounds is such a great way to get in shape together with your kids, enjoy the sunshine and just have fun.

So join this event and spread the word!

Image by smile4camera

USA Today reports about how cancer causing toxins were found in  82% of  tested baby products.

Some may say that the concentration is very low. But formaldehyde is bad enough that some countries have banned it from all personal care products.

And here they found it in baby products!

Many children’s bath products contain chemicals that may cause cancer and skin allergies, according to a report released Thursday by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Twenty-three of 28 products tested contained formaldehyde, the report says. Formaldehyde — considered a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, — is released as preservatives break down over time in a container.

USA Today

Thank God for the certified organic alternatives that we can trust and use on our babies without having to worry about toxins and allergens.

image courtesy of Lab2112