PlanetKid » General Health

Ditch Mommy Stress

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:27 +0000

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Project Puberty

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:43 +0000

Do you have a son or daughter growing up so fast you can hardly believe that puberty is on the horizon? If so, I know just how you must feel, because I’ve got a new 11-year-old who is launching right into a state with which I am completely unfamiliar. Never fear, though, because KidsHealth.org is here, and it’s designed to “talk” to kids, teens, and parents in different formats. Just click on the appropriate link, “parents,” for example, then switch over to “kids,” like I did, and plop your kiddo in front of the screen for an age-appropriate lesson. Here’s some puberty stuff to get your growing one started. There’s also an audio option if reading is not a preferred method of receiving information. This site met all of our initial needs — we know what to expect, and so does the boy whose body is about to go through major changes!

Morning Mile Is Magnificent

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:33 +0000

There’s this really great program spreading through schools across the country, and it’s guaranteed to improve students’ overall fitness, energy levels, moods, and more. It’s called the Morning Mile, and if it’s not up and running at your kids’ schools, you should be the one to get the ball rolling. It’s easy to sign up, and all the materials you’ll need to get started will be sent to you or your school (including necklaces and foot charms for the runners who accomplish a certain number of miles!), and you’ll even have access to a nifty database for tracking the laps your kiddos run (or walk — walking is fine, too). It’s really a great program for all involved, and if you don’t believe me, just read more about the benefits of a little morning exercise!

Feel Sore — or Sorry

Jacki Donaldson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:10 +0000

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Are You Making Your Kids Fat?

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:36 +0000

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Kids Have Arthritis, Too

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:08 +0000

World Arthritis Day: MyFoxORLANDO.com

Supermoms Risk Depression

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:24 +0000

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A Better Boiled Egg

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:16 +0000

If eggs are not a part of your family’s diet, then let me suggest you start incorporating them into breakfast, or lunch, or dinner. Your choice. Hey, have them for snacks, too. Nutritionist Jonny Bowden says eating eggs can boost health, and I’m with him. Boiled is my pick, and just recently, I learned how to make a perfectly cooked and peeled egg. Here are the basics (stolen from my blog Square One):

Place eggs in pan, and cover with water.
Put pan on stove, and turn on heat (in my case, gas heat).
Once water starts to boil, set timer for 7 minutes.
After 7 minutes (or 8 or 9, if you’re like me, and you totally don’t hear the beep, beep, beep), turn off heat, and move pan to another turned-off burner to cool.
Cover pan, and let sit for 30 minutes (use your timer again — and be warned: if you let your eggs sit for more than an hour, like I did last week, this whole process kinda goes up in smoke. Well, not literally, but shells will stick for sure.)
After 30 minutes, pour out water, run a little cool water on eggs, and start peeling.

Got a better way to make a better egg? Please share in comments!

Autism Goes Mainstream

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 18 May 2011 04:00:51 +0000

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Chocolate Milk Means More Sugar, Calories

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 16 May 2011 04:00:04 +0000

My second-grader came out of school one day and announced that the cafeteria chocolate milk has waaaay more sugar grams than white milk. He’s right, and while it might seem no biggie to serve up the sweeter stuff if it means your little ones are downing the calcium-rich liquid, it might be a problem down the line, says Joy Bauer, nutrition and health expert for TODAY. She says: “Added sugar from chocolate milk may not seem like a big issue, but over time the extra calories and sugar add up, especially if kids are drinking it at school every day and having a sweet treat with their lunch.” She makes a good point, don’t you think?