From Our Team
January Health Tip: Test Anxiety
As 2013 begins, kids are returning for the second half of the school year. In addition to the regular school assignments and testing, teachers will work to prepare students for state standardized tests. This becomes a stressful time for children, youth and teachers. Kids go to class, study, complete homework, and arrive prepared for tests more often than not. But test anxiety can be a problem for some kids preventing them from successfully completing crucial tests.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America [ADAA], test anxiety can lead to symptoms such as: headache,…
Eat as a family as much as possible
After traveling for a week for work, one of the things I looked forward to most was a home cooked meal. But if you’re like me, after a long day, the last thing I want to do is cook. Picking up a hot and ready meal isn’t always cost effective, but it’s usually easier and more convenient. However, this choice isn’t always the healthiest option. The recommended caloric intake for adults can range from 1,800-2,400 calories depending on your age and sex. In just one fast food meal, I can easily consume more than the recommended intake of calories. Those calories likely don’t include any fruits…
Let’s Take A Walk
I often think about simple things we can do to improve our health without hurting our wallets. With warmer weather and increased sunlight, I’ve been spending more time outdoors. Whether it’s walking my dog, or intentionally walking some place instead of getting in my car, I’ve realized how easy it is to incorporate walking into my daily routine.
We’ve all heard time and again that walking is good for us! Some of the health benefits include: reducing risk for heart disease and stroke, controlling blood sugar, weight control, and increasing overall energy. But, more often than not, we…
Get Your Teen Ready for Summer!
Summer is upon us and kids are looking forward to summer vacation. Before you hear the summertime teenage cry of “I’m bored”, prepare yourself with a response. Planned activities by reputable organizations have the benefits of providing a safe environment for learning and making friends, while also diverting teenagers from potentially harmful activity. If teenagers don’t find a positive and supportive environment to take risks and try new things, they might resort to trying new things in a negative environment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration…
Food and Quality of Life
When it comes to health and quality of life, food plays a central role. Yet quality of life conversations more often are associated with recreational events, arts and culture, libraries, medical services, schools, jobs, housing, weather, and other topics. Food may only be considered as a factor in cost of living calculations.
Air, water, shelter, and food are essential for life. Urban plans, government agencies, and private developments frequently have long-range plans for clean air, water, and housing. But master planning for food, although not absent, seems to be a smaller piece of the…
Recess before Lunch
Parents, caregivers, and educators inherently seek ways in which we can improve our children’s lives. When it comes to physical activity and nutrition, I am optimistic that we are on the precipice of a period in which new approaches to eating well and being active are discovered that can profoundly improve our children’s quality of life.
For example, emerging research suggests that children eat better at school if they have recess before lunch. My elementary lunchtime memories include visions of a cavernous lunchroom and lime green cafeteria trays. Throughout my elementary years, my…
E-cigarettes and vaping
On March 20th, the City of Socorro tweaked its municipal clean indoor air ordinance, by changing the definition of smoking to include “electronic cigarette or e-cigarette or liquid nicotine.” By doing so, Socorro now prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in restaurants, bars, and other indoor work environments. This decision makes
Socorro the first municipality in the region to join Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and other cities to treat electronic cigarettes like conventional cigarettes. While many cities are considering this type of change to their existing ordinances, the…
Keep friends and family safe from food poisoning
Spring is in the air and time for picnics and cookouts. While hamburgers, potato salad, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables may all be part of a fun-filled meal, they have something else in common. They can spread bacteria that cause food poisoning, making you, your family, and friends sick. From backyard cookouts and large celebrations to sack lunches and office snacks, make sure you plan well for food safety.
You are able to help keep food and your family safe by following four simple rules: Clean, Separate, Cook and, Chill.
Clean your hands with warm water and soap often….
Concern over the concept of 'Food Deserts'
Over the last few years, there’s been significant concern over the concept of ‘food deserts.’ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines these as “communities, particularly low-income areas, in which residents do not live in close proximity to affordable and healthy food retailers. Healthy food options in these communities are hard to find or are unaffordable.” In the vernacular, food deserts are neighborhoods without grocery stores, particularly stores that sell fresh produce. Researchers have found an association between low access to grocery stores and poor…
Parenting and Bully Prevention
As the 2014-2015 school year begins, kids are starting off fresh with new opportunities to develop friendships and social networks. This is a special time when life-long connections can form. It can also be an emotionally challenging time. In addition to getting to know teachers and getting familiar with school assignments, parents must be vigilant to prevent childhood bullying.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the…
