Free Fit for Kids DVD

I just received some information about a free DVD that is being offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Max's Magical Delivery: Fit for Kids is an interactive DVD that is targeted to children ages 5-9 and their parents. It was developed to help children eat more nutritious foods and to be more physically active. You can order it by calling 1-800-358-9295 and asking for product #04-0088-DVD) or by following this link to an electronic order form: http://www.ahrq.gov/child/dvdobesity.htm.

Get Ready for the Flu

We know that the H1N1 flu will probably rear its ugly head again this fall as children go back to school and share germs. The Colorado Department of Health has recently posted some guidance for schools and some of the information is worth noting for home child care providers. You can find the flu website at: http://www.flu.gov/. At that website you can find valuable information about stopping the spread of the flu and an article about caring for those with the flu: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.

When I took my son to the pediatrician last week, he said that there will likely be two flu shots offered this fall, one for H1N1 and one for the seasonal flu. I am just hoping that the flu season will turn out to be less of an epidemic than predicted!

Vitamin D and Kids

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics finding that 7 in 10 kids have insufficient vitamin D levels is causing quite a stir. Previous studies had shown that many kids are vitamin D deficient, but this is the first one to show the magnitude of the problem. Low vitamin D levels in children can cause a higher risk of bone problems (vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium), high blood pressure, and other problems.

There are a couple of reasons for the vast number of children not getting enough D. Children are spending more time inside and not getting the sunshine they need to produce vitamin D naturally in their bodies. In addition, milk is often replaced by soda or juice at mealtime, leading to less vitamin D in the diet. The use of sunscreen may also be a factor. It is still appropriate to put sunscreen on your children, but a couple of times a week you need to allow children to get about 15 minutes of sunshine on their arms, legs or back before applying the sunscreen.

For more information : http://cbs4denver.com/health/vitamin.d.kids.2.1113447.html