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Kicking the soda habit, kid style

Help your children consume better beverages When a soda can is an appendage to a child’s hand and the water faucet is squeaky from disuse, parents should probably start enforcing a break in the soft-drink habit. Today, they’ve got lots of support. Sugar-sweetened beverages are among the foods to consume less of in the 2010…
Fitness tips for pregnant women

Expert advice about why moms-to-be want to keep moving and the best ways to do it risk-free After seeing a positive sign on a pregnancy test, some women might begin planning repeated dates with Ben & Jerry’s spent lounging in bed. Sure, getting plenty of rest is important when expecting, but does a new pregnancy…
No idle hands this summer

Getting teens involved in a good cause IS a good cause Have you checked out your teen’s Facebook page lately? Many parents might wonder if their offspring will ever become less self-absorbed. However, encouraging a teen to be involved in the world around him can offer a lesson in selflessness, while inspiring a positive future.…

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.…
Family Health: Beat the heat with summer safety tips for health and wellness

FLORIDA IS NOTORIOUS for its hot, humid weather. During the summer months, take care to protect yourself from the elements. High temps are dangerous for those who are prone to chronic health issues, so it’s imperative to take the proper precautions.