Tim Connolly

Most people feel better when they get regular exercise. A sedentary lifestyle is not only unhealthy, but it can make us feel sluggish and more fatigued in the short term with even worse long-term implications. Kids need exercise too in order to grow and develop to their highest potential.

Healthy habits established in childhood will more often stay with us throughout our lives. Parents and schools need to help children develop healthy habits and active lifestyles. Studies show that overweight, inactive kids are likely to remain overweight as adults, with the weight problem often worsening as they grow older.

Carrying extra weight puts kids at risk for a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. Parents offer their children a big health advantage when they teach them to love exercise, sports and other physical activities, propelling them to healthier lives.

Regular exercise builds strength, enhances coordination and improves overall health. Most people are aware of the physical benefits of activity, but the pay-off doesn’t end there. Physical activity helps to relieve stress, reduces anxiety, and helps stave off depression.

Children who are allowed outlets for their natural energies are more capable of controlling their behavior in school and often excel academically when compared to their less active peers. Even young children show better self-control when they are given opportunities for active play, and this connection between activity and emotional well-being remains all throughout their lives. While a limited amount of time spent watching television or playing video games isn’t necessarily harmful for children, the majority of their pastimes should be play-based including physical activity.

In addition to benefiting their physical and emotional well-being, participation in sports and other active play-based endeavors allows kids healthy social interactions which helps them develop friendships with their peers.

Lots of learning occurs during childhood, including important lessons on how to interact with others in positive ways. Kids who are secluded in their homes watching videos or playing computer games miss many opportunities to fine tune their social skills, putting them at a disadvantage when compared to children who participate in team activities.

Childhood obesity rates are the highest in history and constitute a major threat to the health and well-being of an entire generation of children. In fact, pediatricians are reporting more diabetes and heart disease in children than ever before. This trend in children’s health is frightening, but can be turned around.

Parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children eat healthy diets and get sufficient exercise. Scheduling active family outings, playing together and modeling a healthy lifestyle are all decisions that can help kids to get healthy and stay healthy throughout their entire lives.

Simpson County Schools is committed to developing the whole child. We offer many opportunities for students to be active and engage in healthy activities during and after school. In addition, our school lunch program offers a nutritious and healthy breakfast and lunch daily.

In fact, all students are eligible for free breakfast! Our students being healthy and active are beneficial to our life readiness vision so that each may graduate prepared for a successful life, post-secondary training and careers.

At the time of pregnancy, managing your wife’s emotions is a difficult thing because she needs more care and attention, if you want to learn more about it then please drop your comments in the comment section.

Being able to tell whether a child is overweight is not always easy. Children grow at different rates and at different times. Also, the amount of a child’s body fat changes with age and differs between girls and boys.

One way to tell if your child is overweight is to calculate his or her body mass index  (BMI). BMI is a measure of body weight relative to height. The BMI calculator uses a formula that produces a score often used to tell whether a person is underweight, a normal weight, overweight, or obese. The BMI of children is age- and sex-specific and known as the “BMI-for-age.”

BMI-for-age uses growth charts created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors use these charts to track a child’s growth. The charts use a number called a percentile to show how your child’s BMI compares with the BMI of other children. The main BMI categories for children and teens are

• healthy weight: 5th to 84th percentile
• overweight: 85th to 94th percentile
• obese: 95th percentile or higher

Why should I be concerned?

You should be concerned if your child has extra weight because weighing too much may increase the chances that your child will develop health problems now or later in life.

In the short run, for example, he or she may have breathing problems or joint pain, making it hard to keep up with friends. Some children may develop health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Some children also may experience teasing, bullying, depression , or low self-esteem.

Children who are overweight are at higher risk of entering adulthood with too much weight. The chances of developing health problems such as heart disease  and certain types of cancer  are higher among adults with too much weight.

BMI is a screening tool and does not directly measure body fat or an individual child’s risk of health problems. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, talk with your child’s doctor or other health care professional. He or she can check your child’s overall health and growth over time and tell you if weight management may be helpful. Many children who are still growing in length don’t need to lose weight; they may need to decrease the amount of weight they gain while they grow taller. Don’t put your child on a weight-loss diet unless your child’s doctor tells you to.

How can I help my child develop healthy habits?

You can play an important role in helping your child build healthy eating, drinking, physical activity, and sleep habits. For instance, teach your child about balancing the amount of food and beverages he or she eats and drinks with his or her amount of daily physical activity. Take your child grocery shopping and let him or her choose healthy foods and drinks, and help plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks. The 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines  explain the types of foods and beverages to include in a healthy eating plan.

Here are some other ways to help your child develop healthy habits:

• Be a good role model. Consume healthy foods and drinks, and choose active pastimes. Children are good learners, and they often copy what they see.
• Talk with your child about what it means to be healthy and how to make healthy decisions.
• Discuss how physical activities and certain foods and drinks may help their bodies get strong and stay healthy.
• Children should get at least an hour of physical activity  (PDF, 14.2 MB) daily and should limit their screen time  (computers, television, and mobile devices) outside of school work to no more than 2 hours each day.
• Chat about how to make healthy choices about food, drinks, and activities at school, at friends’ houses, and at other places outside your home.
• Involve the whole family in building healthy eating, drinking, and physical activity habits. Everyone benefits, and your child who is overweight won’t feel singled out.
• Make sure you child gets enough sleep. While research about the relationship between sleep and weight is ongoing, some studies link excess weight to not enough sleep in children and adults.

What can I do to improve my child’s eating habits?

Besides consuming fewer foods, drinks, and snacks that are high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, you may get your child to eat healthier by offering these options more often:

• fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice
• lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, soy products, and eggs, instead of meat high in fat
• fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products or milk substitutes, such as soy beverages with added calcium and vitamin D, instead of whole milk or cream
• fruit and vegetable smoothies made with fat-free or low-fat yogurt, instead of milk shakes or ice cream
• water, fat-free, or low-fat milk, instead of soda and other drinks with added sugars

You also may help your child eat better by trying to

• Avoid serving large portions , or the amount of food or drinks your child chooses for a meal or snack. Start with smaller amounts of food and let your child ask for more if he or she is still hungry. If your child chooses food or drinks from a package, container, or can, read the Nutrition Facts Label  (PDF, 753 KB)  to see what amount is equal to one serving. Match your child’s portion to the serving size listed on the label to avoid extra calories, fat, and sugar.
• Put healthy foods and drinks where they are easy to see and keep high-calorie foods and drinks out of sight—or don’t buy them at all.
• Eat fast food less often. If you do visit a fast-food restaurant, encourage your child to choose healthier options, such as sliced fruit instead of fries. Also, introduce your child to different foods, such as hummus with veggies.
• Try to sit down to family meals as often as possible, and have fewer meals “on the run.”
• Discourage eating in front of the television, computer, or other electronic device.

To help your child develop a healthy attitude toward food and eating:

• Don’t make your child clean his or her plate.
• Offer rewards other than food or drinks when encouraging your child to practice healthy habits. Promising dessert for eating vegetables sends a message that vegetables are less valuable than dessert.

Healthy snack ideas

To help your child eat less candy, cookies, and other unhealthy snacks, try these healthier snack options instead:

• air-popped popcorn without butter
• fresh, frozen, or fruit canned in natural juices, plain or with fat-free or low-fat yogurt
• fresh vegetables, such as baby carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes
• low-sugar, whole-grain cereal with fat-free or low-fat milk, or a milk substitute with added calcium and vitamin D

How can I help my child be more active?

Try to make physical activity fun for your child. Children need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day, although the activity doesn’t have to be all at once. Several short 10- or even 5-minute spurts of activity throughout the day are just as good. If your child is not used to being active, encourage him or her to start out slowly and build up to 60 minutes a day.

To encourage daily physical activity:

• Let your child choose a favorite activity to do regularly, such as climbing a jungle gym at the playground or joining a sports team or dance class.
• Help your child find simple, fun activities to do at home or on his or her own, such as playing tag, jumping rope, playing catch, shooting baskets, or riding a bike (wear a helmet).
• Limit time with the computer, television, cell phone, and other devices to 2 hours a day.
• Let your child and other family members plan active outings, such as a walk or hike to a favorite spot.

Where can I go for help?

If you have tried to change your family’s eating, drinking, physical activity, and sleep habits and your child has not reached a healthy weight, ask your child’s health care professional about other options. He or she may be able to recommend a plan for healthy eating and physical activity, or refer you to a weight-management specialist, registered dietitian, or program. Your local hospital, a community health clinic, or health department also may offer weight-management programs for children and teens or information about where you can enroll in one.

What should I look for in a weight-management program?

When choosing a weight-management program for your child, look for a program that

• includes a variety of health care providers on staff, such as doctors, psychologists  and registered dietitians.
• evaluates your child’s weight, growth, and health before enrollment and throughout the program.
• adapts to your child’s specific age and abilities. Programs for elementary school-aged children should be different from those for teens.
• helps your family keep healthy eating, drinking, and physical activity habits after the program ends.

How else can I help my child?

You can help your child by being positive and supportive throughout any process or program you choose to help him or her achieve a healthy weight. Help your child set specific goals and track progress. Reward successes with praise and hugs.

Tell your child that he or she is loved, special, and important. Children’s feelings about themselves are often based on how they think their parents and other caregivers feel about them.

Listen to your child’s concerns about his or her weight. He or she needs support, understanding, and encouragement from caring adults.

What are clinical trials and what role do children play in research?

Clinical trials are research studies involving people of all ages. Clinical trials look at safe and effective new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving quality of life. Research involving children helps scientists.

There are variety of popular children book series available and with the help of those books you can teach your kids about economics, money management, life skills and life lessons.

Many of our articles touch on the benefits of positive parenting, but today we’re looking at some of the science and research that backs up what many parents have found to be a tremendously rewarding approach to raising children.

Have you ever met a parent who exudes positivity with their words and actions?

Do you feel “lifted up” and more positive after your exchange with this person?

Positivity is a state of mind. It is being mindful of the importance of having a positive attitude about life, despite challenges that come our way. Reflecting on what is good in our lives assists us in maintaining a positive attitude.

The day to day responsibilities of being a parent can put us in a “doing” mode rather than a “being” mode. As a result, it can be challenging for parents to maintain a positive mindset. However, it’s extremely valuable for parents to take active steps to cultivate positivity for themselves and their families.

THE MANY BENEFITS OF POSITIVE PARENTING

Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger, says Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson, a psychologist and expert on emotional wellness at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

“All emotions—whether positive or negative—are adaptive in the right circumstances. The key seems to be finding a balance between the two,” she says.

“Positive emotions expand our awareness and open us up to new ideas, so we can grow and add to our toolkit for survival,” Fredrickson explains. “But people need negative emotions to move through difficult situations and respond to them appropriately in the short term. Negative emotions can get us into trouble, though, if they’re based on too much rumination about the past or excessive worry about the future, and they’re not really related to what’s happening in the here and now.”

People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster.

This quality is called resilience. Another sign of emotional wellness is being able to hold onto positive emotions longer and appreciate the good times. Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life – and focusing on what’s important to you – also contributes to emotional wellness.

The Benefits of Positive Parenting & How to Cultivate It in Your Family

Many of our articles touch on the benefits of positive parenting, but today we’re looking at some of the science and research that backs up what many parents have found to be a tremendously rewarding approach to raising children.

Have you ever met a parent who exudes positivity with their words and actions?

Do you feel “lifted up” and more positive after your exchange with this person?

Positivity is a state of mind. It is being mindful of the importance of having a positive attitude about life, despite challenges that come our way. Reflecting on what is good in our lives assists us in maintaining a positive attitude.

The day to day responsibilities of being a parent can put us in a “doing” mode rather than a “being” mode. As a result, it can be challenging for parents to maintain a positive mindset. However, it’s extremely valuable for parents to take active steps to cultivate positivity for themselves and their families.

THE MANY BENEFITS OF POSITIVE PARENTING

Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger, says Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson, a psychologist and expert on emotional wellness at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

“All emotions—whether positive or negative—are adaptive in the right circumstances. The key seems to be finding a balance between the two,” she says.

“Positive emotions expand our awareness and open us up to new ideas, so we can grow and add to our toolkit for survival,” Fredrickson explains. “But people need negative emotions to move through difficult situations and respond to them appropriately in the short term. Negative emotions can get us into trouble, though, if they’re based on too much rumination about the past or excessive worry about the future, and they’re not really related to what’s happening in the here and now.”

People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster.

This quality is called resilience. Another sign of emotional wellness is being able to hold onto positive emotions longer and appreciate the good times. Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life – and focusing on what’s important to you – also contributes to emotional wellness.

It is important for parents to be mindful of striking a balance between positive emotions and negative emotions. These are some of the building blocks to the benefits of positive parenting.

This can also help parents practice not getting stuck in negative emotions. They will be able to cultivate positivity for themselves, and model it for their children.

How you can cultivate positivity in your family?

Communication and building meaningful relationships with your family are valuable first steps to creating positivity in your life. It is important to be aware of your tone of voice, body language, and attitude when you are speaking with them. Simply be present and listen.

Focus on the interaction in the moment instead of being preoccupied with responsibilities on the to-do list or the comment you want to make. By staying present with your family, you are not only creating more positivity, but you are building a deeper connection with them. This in turn will model meaningful communication and connections for your children.

It is important that parents nurture themselves. It is essential for parents to nurture their mind and body on a daily basis as it will cultivate positivity in their lives. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Think about a concern or situation with a new perspective, take time to eat well, exercise, practice meditation and yoga, connect with others, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Take time out of your schedule on a regular basis to go on a family walk. Spending time together to explore nature or a new place is a wonderful way to deepen relationships and cultivate a positive lifestyle for your family.

Engage in community causes and volunteer for organizations that are meaningful to you. Encourage your family to get involved, too!

Another way parents can create more positivity in their lives is to monitor their self talk. It is helpful for parents to ask themselves these questions: Are my self-statements promoting positivity in my life or inhibiting it in some way? How does it impact my relationships?

Practice replacing negative self talk with positive self statements and gratitude for the good in your life are essential. When parents are mindful of a positive attitude it becomes infectious at home. This is a great teachable moment for your child and you are creating a positive home environment.

Evaluate your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on a regular basis. Identify situations where you find yourself “slipping” into a negative mind set or engaging in behaviors that are counterproductive. Once you identify these situations, it provides a great opportunity to reflect on how adjusting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can bring forth more positivity in your life and for your family.

Take time to reflect on the people in your life. Are you surrounding yourself with people who exude positivity? Do their words and actions inspire you or deflate you?

It is valuable to set boundaries with people in your life who maintain a negative mind set. Their personal issues are not your issues. You have control over how you want to respond to their negativity.

Establish positive support systems in your life. Surround yourself with family members and friends who are positive and supportive with their words and actions. Their encouragement will help you on your path to maintaining the positivity you desire for yourself and your family.

How to help your child create positivity?

Assist your child in finding their joy and passions in life. This will help your child to develop a positive sense of self and good coping skills.

Facilitate opportunities for your child to engage in creative expression. It will assist your child in recognizing their talents, inner strengths, and outer strengths.

Encourage your child to practice yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. Through these practices, your child will learn to calm their mind, strengthen their body, and positive ways to cope with life stressors.

Help your child express their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By helping your child to get in touch with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, they will learn to not become “stuck”, and express themselves in a healthy way.

Foster community involvement and volunteering opportunities for your child. It is an excellent way to help your child understand the importance of helping others, gratitude, and being a part of a community.

Create opportunities for your child to make decisions and learn accountability. This will foster positivity as your child will identify pros and cons of a decision, possible outcomes, and develop resiliency from their experiences. As a result, your child will build character, strength, and a positive sense of self.

It is evident creating a positive lifestyle for you and your family is a process. The experts point out the importance of striking a balance between positive emotions and negative emotions. It is also important parents are clear about their individual goals and family goals as it will help to create a positive lifestyle.

Taking small steps each day will empower you and your family to cultivate the positivity you envision. Community involvement and surrounding yourself with individuals who support your goals for a positive lifestyle are paramount.

Parents being mindful of the suggestions above are taking active steps each day to create positivity for themselves and their family. Through these active steps to enjoy the benefits of positive parenting, you will cultivate intention, gratitude, and meaningful relationships in your life.

Rain or shine, there are plenty of outdoor learning opportunities for your children- both in childcare and at home. So go outside, get dirty, and have fun! and learn new things at Dad blogs about parenting and kids.

Our bodies are around 60% water, give or take. It is commonly recommended to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule). Although there is little science behind this specific rule, staying hydrated is important. Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of drinking plenty of water.

1. Water Helps to Maximize Physical Performance

If we do not stay hydrated, physical performance can suffer.

This is particularly important during intense exercise or high heat.

Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body’s water content. However, it is not uncommon for athletes to lose up to 6-10% of their water weight via sweat.

This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, increased fatigue and make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally.

Optimal hydration has been shown to prevent this from happening, and may even reduce the oxidative stress that occurs during high intensity exercise. This is not surprising when you consider that muscle is about 80% water.

So, if you exercise intensely and tend to sweat, then staying hydrated can help you perform at your absolute best.

BOTTOM LINE:Losing as little as 2% of your body’s water content can significantly impair physical performance.

2. Hydration Has a Major Effect on Energy Levels and Brain Function

Your brain is strongly influenced by hydration status.

Studies show that even mild dehydration (1-3% of body weight) can impair many aspects of brain function.

In a study of young women, fluid loss of 1.36% after exercise impaired both mood and concentration, and increased the frequency of headaches.

Another similar study, this time in young men, showed that fluid loss of 1.59% was detrimental to working memory and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue.

A 1-3% fluid loss equals about 1.5-4.5 lbs (0.5-2 kg) of body weight loss for a 150 lbs (68 kg) person. This can easily occur through normal daily activities, let alone during exercise or high heat.

Many other studies, ranging from children to the elderly, have shown that mild dehydration can impair mood, memory and brain performance.

BOTTOM LINE:Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels and mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance.

3. Drinking Water May Help to Prevent and Treat Headaches

Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals.

Several studies have shown that water can relieve headaches in those who are dehydrated.

However, this appears to depend on the type of headache.

One study of 18 people found that water had no effect on the frequency of headaches, but did reduce the intensity and duration somewhat.

BOTTOM LINE:Drinking water can sometimes help relieve headache symptoms, especially in people who are dehydrated.

4. Drinking More Water May Help Relieve Constipation

Constipation is a common problem, characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool.

Increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol, and there is some evidence to back this up.

Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both young and elderly individuals.

Carbonated water shows particularly promising results for constipation relief, although the reason is not entirely understood.

BOTTOM LINE:Drinking plenty of water can help prevent and relieve constipation, especially in people who generally do not drink enough water.

5. Drinking Water May Help Treat Kidney Stones

Urinary stones are painful clumps of mineral crystal that form in the urinary system.

The most common form is kidney stones, which form in the kidneys.

There is limited evidence that water intake can help prevent recurrence in people who have previously gotten kidney stones.

Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys, which dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they are less likely to crystallize and form clumps.

Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but studies are required to confirm this.

BOTTOM LINE:Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stone formation. More research is needed in this area.

6. Water Helps Prevent Hangovers

A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol.

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration.

Although dehydration is not the main cause of hangovers, it can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, headache and dry mouth.

A good way to reduce hangovers is to drink a glass of water between drinks, and to have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.

BOTTOM LINE:Hangovers are partly caused by dehydration, and drinking water can help reduce some of the main symptoms of hangovers.

7. Drinking More Water Can Help With Weight Loss

Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight.

This is due to the fact that water can increase satiety and boost your metabolic rate.

In two studies, drinking half a liter (17 ounces) of water was shown to increase metabolism by 24-30% for up to 1.5 hours.

This means that drinking 2 liters of water every day can increase your total energy expenditure by up to 96 calories per day.

The timing is important too, and drinking water half an hour before meals is the most effective. It can make you feel more full, so that you eat fewer calories.

In one study, dieters who drank half a liter of water before meals lost 44% more weight, over a period of 12 weeks.

It is actually best to drink water cold, because then the body will use additional energy (calories) to heat the water to body temperature.

Money Management for children is also an important factor, try to teach them about money management so they have not to face any difficulties in the future.

An open letter to Montana State and Bozeman High: Please help me understand why your faculty and staff have become so left wing? Let me give you both some examples. Teachers giving extra credit for watching Democrat convention but nothing for watching Republican convention. Hunting families whose kids are put down for supporting 2nd Amendment. Socialism over free market capitalism and the list goes on and on.

Let’s tackle socialism in this letter. How many countries have to be destroyed before you stop teaching socialism? “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy.” Perth, Scotland, May 28, 1948, by Winston Churchill.

Ask any Venezuelan who has fled their country what they think about socialism. They will tell you how it kills the incentive to work hard and get ahead. They will tell how it creates shortages of health care, medicine, food and misery for all but the socialist leaders.

So basically you’re buying into trading the one-percenters of our free market system that floats all boats with a surplus of goods and jobs, for a socialist system whose one-percenters would be big government Bernie Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and their ilk along with shortages and shared misery for the rest of us. This is what your teachers and professors are trying to teach our kids and grandkids.

Shame on you and shame on us for not holding you accountable for allowing your faculty to teach this garbage. I don’t know any school board members, but I will soon and no more giving my hard earned free market dollars to support a college that evidently pushes socialism over free market capitalism. Rain or shine, there are plenty of outdoor learning opportunities for your children- both in childcare and at home. So go outside, get dirty, and have fun! and learn new things at Dad blogs about parenting and kids.