Parent Action for Healthy Kids® in the News
As Parent Action for Healthy Kids® is all about disseminating information, when the information is about our organization we're proud to pass that along too. The following articles have appeared in print or web-based publications. We appreciate their promoting our important cause.
A good reason to shut off the TV and get the kids outside!
Posted September 1st, 2010
Children and teens are seeing fewer television advertisements for fruit drinks, regular soda and sweets such as candy, cookies and pastries, according to a study recently published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. However, youths of all ages are exposed to substantially more TV ads for fast-food resaurants.
What does this all mean?
Self-regualtion pledges by major food and beverage companies to eliminate uhealthy TV ads targeting children ages 11 and younger must be monitored and assessed. As the report indicates advertisers, despite self-regulation pledges, are finding alternative ways to build brand loyalty among kids. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President and CEO, Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., said: "Research shows that marketing has a strong influence on what children consume. Yet unhealthy foods are still marketed to kids. Restricting the marketing of uhealthy foods is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to change what children consume and reduce childhood obesity. Studies such as this one will help us evaluate the impact of industry self-regulation."
Schools starting and survey shows parents are ready to create healthier learning environments for their kids!
Posted August 24th, 2010
An online survey of parents of children in grades K-12 revealed what we (parents), already knew. Parents nearly unanimously agree that schools should provide more physical activity throughout the day; and schools should limit access to unhealthy snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages. Nearly two-thirds of the parents surveyed believe schools play a major role in instilling healthy habits in students.
School will start in just a few weeks. Now is the time for parents to work with the PTA or other parent groups to make sure schools create a healthier environment for our children. Go to the resource section of my websit www.parentactionforhealthykids.org for help in working with your school. To get ideas, download a copy of the Nutrition Toolkit found in the resource section of the web site under Physical Activity and Nutrition.
The survey was conducted for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation by KRC Research. You can read the report on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation website.
Parents! Host a workshop...talk to young people about Sex, Abstinence and Respect
Posted August 19th, 2010
Attention Michigan Parents...host a Talk Early & Talk Often (TETO) workshop! TETO, the nationally recognized parent education initiative aimed at helping parents of middle school youth talk with their child about abstinence and sexuality, will be offered to parents again this fall. Anyone can host a Talk Early & Talk Often workshop. To host this free workshop, all you need is to have a minimum of 15 parents, and a location that is open to the public (community center, church, school etc.). For information about hosting and/or to request a workshop, go to www.michigan.gov/talkearly. Hurry! The deadline to apply is September 15, 2010. Parent Action for Healthy Kids is honored to continue to coordinate this program for the state of Michigan.
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The First Lady's "Let's Move" toolkit for parents is here!
Posted August 16th, 2010
I am so excited and proud to direct you to the First Lady's Let's Move website www.LetsMove.gov where you can benefit from all the great tools just released for parents. You might recall that last March I was honored to be one of 10 people invited to Washington D.C. to provide input in developing tools for parents for the First Lady's Let's Move initiative to end childhood obesity in a generation. I am so proud to say these great tools are a reflection of what the First Lady's staff heard from those of us at the table who work with parents and families.
The links for parents on Let's Move recognize that parents are busy and benefit most from simple steps that include specific examples of what parents can do to help their families eat healthy and move more. Whats more, the parent links give you direct, on the spot assistance. If you are looking for a local playground, just type in your address and you will see a map of your community with all the local playgrounds; the same for nature, outdoor events, forests and parks. Do you wonder how many fruits and veggies your child needs? There is a place to type in their age, gender and amount of physical activity and it will give you the exact amount. These are just a few examples of the support Let's Move provides to parents. If you are determined or even just a little curious about whether you can help your family eat healthier and move more, then the Let's Move website is definitely worth exploring.
I would like to hear how the Let's Move web site helped you! Please email me at barb@parentactionforhealthykids.org or send me a message on Facebook. Include a picture if you like. I'll blog about you on my website so that your stories can be shared with others.
Thanks Mrs. Obama for acknowledging the powerful role of parents.
If you haven't already, join my Call to Action to raise healthier kids!
Barb
Is your family up for the 100 days of eating right challenge?
Posted August 14th, 2010
North Carolina family takes the 100 days of eating right challenge.
After reading "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan, Lisa Leake realized all the junk she was feeding her family. She and her husband Jason decided to take the challenge! They challenged themselves to eat only "real" food for 100 days. Processed foods came off their grocery list and they only allow themselves to purchase items with five ingredients or less and nothing they buy is refined.
You can read more about the Leakes in this inspirational article written by Jennifer Rothacker at the Charlotte Observer. Read "100 Days of Eating Right". You can also read Lisa Leake's Food Illusion blog at momscharlotte.com and her 100 Days blog at 100daysofrealfood.com. Here you can learn about her 100-day challenge and see if you and your family might consider giving it a try. Congratulations to the Leake family!
