Lifestyle

Family Fit Fete

By Laurie Searle
Laurie SearleThe school year is approaching and that means busier, bustling days.

We interrupt our regularly unscheduled summer vacations of carefree bonding with kids and return to the structure of school programs and extra-curricular activities.

It’s a sluggish notion to get back into the routine knowing there are few moments to spare for space, connection and fitness. Fitting in physical fitness is a challenge, but doesn’t have to be a long laborious‘to do’. Physical stimulation every day, as a family, releases stress and promotes mindfulness on the myriad of things grasping at our attention whether it’s calculus or dinner prep.

(more…)

Education

Paper. Pencils. Confidence.

By Nathalie Kunin
SamaraWhat do these three things have in common? Well, they’re all on our first day of school checklist. And that third word—Confidence—can’t be found in the back-to-school section at Staples.

Before the first day of school, our children start to become consumed by questions like Will I like my new teacher? Will I make new friends? Will there be even more homework this year?

As parents, we can set some goals for ourselves for this year. We can value and celebrate our children’s strengths—not dwell on their weaknesses. We can ward off their nerves and trepidation with support—not criticism. We can anticipate success—not failure. Our involvement and encouragement are undoubtedly the most influential factors in their academic achievement.

(more…)

Health

Staying Healthy During the School Year

Are your children prepared to return to school?

By Peter S. Waldstein, M.D., F.A.A.P and Julia A. White, M.D., F.A.A.P
Peter WaldsteinBack to school time is upon us, which is a great opportunity to make sure your child is ready from a health perspective. There are new requirements this year for adolescents for vaccines. It is also a great time to refresh on illness prevention while being at school.

Staying Healthy
Maintaining proper health begins at home. Back to school time is a good excuse to refamiliarize your children on the importance of hand washing at home and school. Most illness is spread through contact, and hand washing has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent your child from becoming ill while at school. Washing before eating, after playtime, and anytime before touching the face, mouth, or eyes is key. If you are not able to wash, you may use hand sanitizer instead. You can consider packing a small travel-sized Purell bottle in your child’s bag to encourage proper hygeine. Also remind your child to cover coughs with the arm. Should your child become ill, he or she should stay home to prevent others from becoming ill. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure if they should stay home.

(more…)

Lifestyle

Empower Your Children in Their Relationship with Food

By Sherly Shooshani Daneshgar, MS RD

Sherly ShooshaniAmerica is facing a real epidemic. The incidence of childhood obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI) has tripled over the past forty years. Childhood obesity is a primary concern of the nation and the healthcare community. It is estimated that over 30% of our nation’s youngsters are overweight and 15% are obese.

The dichotomy of this situation is that while obesity is on the rise throughout the country, in our subculture of Los Angeles, we are obsessed with thinness. How are we going to help our kids find a balance? (more…)

Directory

A Fabulous Family Vacation

By Jessica Williams
“Mom, I’m bored!” “Dad, can I use your phone?” “I wish I could’ve brought a friend.”

“Honey, if we leave the hotel at 7:30am, we can make it to the Kapai Trail Loop by 7:45am which we can complete by 9:15am and then we can take a shuttle to the Kunai Trail Loop, and…”

“Sweetie, I was kind of hoping to stay put and have lunch by the pool.”

The kids are out of school, summer camp is over, and it’s time for your annual family vacation. You’ve researched the location, you’ve gotten the time off of work, you’ve spent the money…now, how to enjoy your time together and not secretly long for the days of 9-5! (more…)

Education

Building Your Child’s Self-esteem

Expert tips to help build you child’s positive self-perceptions.

By Samara Fabrick
SamaraSelf-esteem is a term we hear a lot in child rearing, but what is it and why is it important?

Self-esteem can be defined in many ways, but I define it as the collection of beliefs or feelings we have about ourselves or “self-perception.” In children I would add that self-esteem is the feelings of capability and confidence combined with feelings of being loved. Helping our children build their self-esteem is one of the most important responsibilities we have as parents.

So why is self-esteem important and how do we as parents help build our children’s positive self-perceptions? (more…)

Health

Dealing with Head Lice

Tips from an expert on treatment and prevention of head lice.

By Amy Goldreyer
beverlyJust the thought of head lice can make your head itch. Unfortunately, we all know that head lice happens and if or when you do experience it first hand as a parent, you will want to have some basic head lice knowledge.

Head lice impacts millions of clean heads each year. Head lice should be discussed openly not only to reduce the stigma often associated with it, but also to reduce the spread, through knowledge and a quick response to outbreaks. (more…)

Directory

Fourth of July Cobbler Heaven

By Cari Levin
Cari LevinThe Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. It’s the one holiday I have never been disappointed by. At the mere mention of it my mind goes straight to perfect weather, kids running around and fireworks that light up the sky. I think it’s the one holiday that hasn’t lost its brilliance as I’ve grown older.

I would be a big liar if I didn’t admit that I look forward to 4th of July food as well. I’m one for the basics: hot dogs and hamburgers, corn on the cob and warm peach cobbler. (more…)

Lifestyle

Easy Organic Summer Recipes

It’s hot out and that means two things: a bounty of gorgeous, ripe,
organic produce at the Farmers’ Market and temperatures so high you want
easy meals that will give you plenty of energy. These recipes are a
perfect to keep you going from breakfast through dinner!

straberryStrawberry Peach Smoothie (Serves 4)
1 1/2 Cup Strawberries
1 1/2 Cup Frozen Peaches
1 1/2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 Tbsp Honey

1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth.
2. Serve. (more…)