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Back to school, better than ever

Setting the foundation for success with good study habits, healthy nutrition and more You send your children off to school with hopes you’ll get through the year without squabbles over homework, computer time, or nonstop snacking. Unfortunately good intentions aren’t enough. You need a concrete plan if you want your children to develop good study…
Tighter standards protect young athletes

From Concussions to weight management, sport safety is key Making sports safer for children is a big issue these days – from protecting athletes who suffer concussions to those attempting dramatic weight loss. “Concussions are things that are going to happen. You don’t let them go back to playing until that concussion is healed,” says…
Have fun in the sun while safeguarding from the heat

Steps to help prevent heat exhaustion and stroke The Sunshine state is known for its sandy beaches, adventurous theme parks, and cool swimming pools. But she is also known for her hot, muggy days. Being careful not to get overheated is the number one rule in Florida. As reported in an article from the Surgeon…

Editor’s Dose: Tips for minimizing back-to-school stress

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then come early July you were already thinking about preparations for the new school year. Parents and children in the community this year are getting ready extra early because Polk County public schools moved up their calendar by one week — day one of school is August 15.
Making the choice to breastfeed

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) recognize August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This is a wonderful time of year to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and discuss the health benefits breastfeeding provides. Although every woman has their own…
Editor’s Dose: Keeping kids’ bodies and minds active this summer

WHEN I FIRST had the twins, my mom would say, “Have a schedule for them, or they’ll have a schedule for you.” Basically, she was cautioning that I’d better keep those little minds and bodies active, or chaos would inevitably ensue. Being a mother of eight children, I think she was speaking from personal experience.…