Celebrate Health!

Many children around the world today are suffering from the effects of the modern world. Discover the first steps to a healthier childhood!

After the scorching heat of last weekend, I'm enjoying the moderate temps, playful breezes and cloud-filtered sunshine of the past few days. It was the perfect weekend for my husband, children and I to volunteer at an annual picnic for pediatric heart patients.

The gathering seems like such a low-key celebration for families that have endured much, some since the birth of their child. The heart center staff pretends, through the planning stages, that the event is for the families, but today, I found something quite different: it is also a gift for the planner/medical caretakers. After spending up to 16 hours in the operating room, using all of their skills to give life back to a child, the staff very rarely, with the exception of the doctors, know the outcome of the surgery. Sadly,sometimes that is best.

Many of the children still struggle to breath and were on oxygen; yet others chased their siblings around in robust health. Those wheelchair bound made me take a closer look at the other families visiting the zoo this day.

Many parents are taking older children to the zoo - in strollers. Walking has been proven to be one of the easiest and most effective modes of exercise for those of all ages. In the age of video games and 24-hour t.v., no outside chores to speak of and in a world fighting obesity,we are still putting children in strollers for our own convenience!

A five-year-old out of a stroller can run, climb and explore more - and grant it - will have to be supervised more closely, but the rewards are worth it!

Take that first step towards a healthier family:

~Park far away from the mall door - and walk!

~Take the stairs

~Go on evening walks to look at the birds, holiday decorations or flowers

~WALK to the park and have a picnic

Not only will junior sleep better, he'll be a much happier and healthy addition to your family!