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PARENTOWN’S KIDSMART – DECEMBER 2016

Learn about product recalls for safe holiday giving Shopping for the perfect gift and then hiding it under the tree adds to the excitement of the holiday season. Knowing the recipient will display a big smile when tearing away the wrapping paper makes gift givers feel good. Each year, certain gifts emerge as trendy crowd favorites. However, no matter how coveted a gift may be, it pays to investigate its reputation for safety and to find out if any product recalls have been instituted. The hoverboard craze of the 2015 holiday season provided a recent example of the need to investigate an item’s reputation for safety. Thousands upon thousands of these devices flew off of the shelves. Children across the country took their hoverboards for test runs early Christmas morning. Yet many hoverboards soon ignited while charging or in operation. Some even ignited while sitting idle. As of July 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicated at least 60 reports of hoverboard fires totaling more than $2 million in property damage. Similar problems arose with certain Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones in late 2016. The phone was recalled officially in the United States through Samsung, and the company launched exchange programs in other countries. Even replacement models continued to have problems, as some caught on fire in early October. Samsung ultimately told Note 7 owners to stop using the phones and return them before permanently discontinuing the product. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. CPSC officially issued a second recall. Those are just two instances of how products that might have made great holiday gifts posed safety issues. Consumers should learn how they can protect themselves and others from injury, even when giving holiday gifts. Searching for product recalls is one way to safeguard loved ones this holiday season. Reading product reviews from previous customers is another effective safety measure. A recall is an action taken by a manufacturer or the government. Some recalls will ban the sale of an item, while others require the consumer to return the item for repair or replacement. The U.S. government recommends visiting these websites to find the latest safety recalls and information on items that may turn up on holiday wish lists. • Recalls.com posts government-initiated recalls from federal agencies. • Safercar.gov offers safety information on vehicles and car equipment, such as children’s safety seats. • SaferProducts.gov enables consumers to report incidents and safety concerns with regard to consumer products. • Cpsc.gov/Recalls/ includes recalls published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. • HealthyCanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/ index-eng.php publishes recent recalls and alerts for Canada. The holidays should be a safe and happy time. To ensure the season stays safe and happy, consumers should familiarize themselves with any product recalls or published safety hazards prior to shopping for gifts.

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How To Teach Dids To Be Philanthropic

Introducing children to charity early in their lives can lay a foundation of philanthropy that lasts a lifetime. e more kids witness charitable giving, the more likely they are to embrace charity as they grow up. Teaching children that it is better to give than to receive can be challenging, but it’s never too early to instill philanthropic feelings in a child. In order to help young children understand what it means to be charitable, try these ideas. Open a dialogue A study from the United Nations Foundation and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found simply talking to children about giving increased the likelihood that children would give by 20 percent. Being specific makes a difference in getting the message out there. For example, rather than mentioning we have to give because it makes the world a better place, explain how donating food will help feed the less fortunate who cannot afford to feed themselves. Lead by example Call the children over when you are doing something that pertains to philanthropy. Show them checks being written to help various nonprofits, or include them in outings that involve volunteer work. Look for easy ways to give. Charity doesn’t require a large amount of money or substantial effort, and starting with something simple can make for a great introduction to charity. Begin with small projects kids can embrace and understand. Spend time going through clothes that no longer t and make a trip to a charitable clothing drive or collection bin. Bring your child to a clothing store or toy store and pick out an item that can be donated to a less fortunate child. is way he or she can participate firsthand. Help out neighbors Being charitable doesn’t have to mean spending tons of money or even putting together material things. It can involve donating time to others who may need assistance. Service- oriented projects, such as raking leaves, baking cookies or taking in elderly neighbors’ garbage pails, are all types of charity. Children can become friendly and play with other children who may have a parent serving in the military or support someone who has special needs. Animals and children seem a perfect match, and one charitable e ort kids may embrace is helping animals. Bring food or pet supplies to a shelter or the local humane society. Allow children to interact with the animals they are helping. ere are many ways to acclimate children to charitable living, and doing so may lay the foundation for a rewarding life.

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Parentown KidShape

How To Teach Kids To Be Philanthropic

Introducing children to charity early in their lives can lay a foundation of philanthropy that lasts a lifetime. e more kids witness charitable giving, the more likely they are to embrace charity as they grow up. Teaching children that it is better to give than to receive can be challenging, but it’s never too early to instill philanthropic feelings in a child. In order to help young children understand what it means to be charitable, try these ideas. Open a dialogue A study from the United Nations Foundation and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found simply talking to children about giving increased the likelihood that children would give by 20 percent. Being specific makes a difference in getting the message out there. For example, rather than mentioning we have to give because it makes the world a better place, explain how donating food will help feed the less fortunate who cannot afford to feed themselves. Lead by example Call the children over when you are doing something that pertains to philanthropy. Show them checks being written to help various nonprofits, or include them in outings that involve volunteer work. Look for easy ways to give. Charity doesn’t require a large amount of money or substantial effort, and starting with something simple can make for a great introduction to charity. Begin with small projects kids can embrace and understand. Spend time going through clothes that no longer t and make a trip to a charitable clothing drive or collection bin. Bring your child to a clothing store or toy store and pick out an item that can be donated to a less fortunate child. is way he or she can participate firsthand. Help out neighbors Being charitable doesn’t have to mean spending tons of money or even putting together material things. It can involve donating time to others who may need assistance. Service- oriented projects, such as raking leaves, baking cookies or taking in elderly neighbors’ garbage pails, are all types of charity. Children can become friendly and play with other children who may have a parent serving in the military or support someone who has special needs. Animals and children seem a perfect match, and one charitable e ort kids may embrace is helping animals. Bring food or pet supplies to a shelter or the local humane society. Allow children to interact with the animals they are helping. ere are many ways to acclimate children to charitable living, and doing so may lay the foundation for a rewarding life.

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Smart Nutrition Tips for Healthy Families

Nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for children, as it is directly linked to all aspects of their growth and development. Childhood obesity affects 1 in 6 children and adolescents in the United States. Though associated with elevated risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems and sleep apnea, among other health problems, childhood obesity can usually be prevented. “Families should focus on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles,” says Kristi King, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. “Parents can inspire kids to eat healthfully by getting them involved in shopping and preparing your family’s meals.” Before You Head to the Store Create a shopping list together, so kids feel like they are part of the decision making process. “Include food items from each of the ‘MyPlate’ food groups from the USDA, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy,” says King. Before you head out the door, grab your reusable shopping bag to reduce waste. Wash your bag regularly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. At the Store Once you get to the store, shop together and encourage children to pick a few new foods they would like to try. “Talk about foods’ colors, shapes, flavors and textures as you shop,” says King. “And take time to read the food labels. This not only helps kids understand nutrition concepts, but also gives them a chance to practice reading skills.” Back at Home When you return home, involve children in putting groceries away — especially foods that require refrigeration or freezing. Refrigerate perishable food items promptly and properly. “Explain to your kids the importance of refrigerating perishable foods within two hours,” King says. “And remember, the clock starts when you pull an item from the refrigerated case at the store, so head straight home after your shopping trip if you have perishables in the car.” For more healthful eating tips, recipes, videos and more, visit KidsEatRight.org. As role models, parents and caregivers play a vital role in children’s nutrition — teaching children about healthful foods and making sure kids get enough physical activity each day. “Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area to ensure your family is getting all of the necessary nutrients,” says King.

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Parents

4 Important STEM Education Innovations

For the past 25 years, there has been an increased focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States, but that’s just the beginning. According to the Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2008-2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth for non-STEM occupations. Not only has this trend led to increased job opportunities, but it has also produced numerous technological advances that have drastically changed the world. Some of the top innovations that have shaped modern society over the past 25 years include: World Wide Web. Twenty-five years ago, British scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW). Before the WWW, the Internet only provided screens of text. It was the WWW that made it possible for pictures, videos and sounds to be displayed and exchanged. Not only did the WWW change the appearance of the Internet, but it also revolutionized how the world received and delivered information. Virtual reality. Virtual reality as it is known today was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s. The technology enables people to experience a computer-simulated environment that resembles things and places in the real world. This cutting-edge technology connects people like never before. VR makes it possible to appear as if you are in the same location as a person far away from you, whether you’re actually 100 miles or 1,000 miles apart. Hybrid cars. In 1997, improvements in battery technology led to the first mass-produced hybrid car, creating an entirely new market in the car industry. According to a report from the Electric Drive Transportation Association, the United States sold more than 193,000 hybrid cars in 2016 alone. Hybrid cars offer better gas mileage and have lower emissions rates, which helps reduce the carbon footprint. Controller-free video game consoles. Controller-free video game consoles revolutionized the video game market by transforming the experience into one that’s more active. This technology made it possible for gamers to remotely play a game without a controller, disrupting the gaming industry and leading to an entirely new way for people to engage in physical activity. By exposing your child to the importance of STEM education early on, he or she could be the next great innovator. Encourage your child to develop an interest in science by entering a science competition, such as the Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision program, the world’s largest K-12 science competition. ExploraVision challenges students to create new ideas for technological innovations inspired by real world issues. To learn more, visit exploravision.org.

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Parentown KidShape

Tips to Fill Your Day with Active Play

As the busy school year progresses, it can be challenging for families to find time to play and stay active together. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that kids participate in 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day, but unfortunately this isn’t always what they are getting. Play is an important part of a child’s physical, emotional and social development, yet many external factors can quickly become barriers to active play including busy schedules, technology and the costs of sports equipment. A survey conducted by Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s Let’s Play initiative, which is dedicated to getting kids and their families active, found that only 33 percent of children are participating in active play daily, down from 41 percent in 2015. Don’t let barriers get in the way of keeping kids active during the school year. Instead, turn those barriers to play into opportunities to get active with the following tips. Fill down time with play time: Children’s active play time is impacted by busy schedules – 64 percent of parents said busy schedules were a barrier to play this year, up from 56 percent in 2015. Active play doesn’t have to happen all at once; it can be spread out through the day so try fitting it in when you can, even if it’s in 10-minute increments. Waiting with your kids at a bus stop? Make it active by playing a game of Simon Says. Need 10 minutes to get ready to leave the house? Send the kids outside to play before loading up the car. Make DIY toys: Sports equipment can be pricey to purchase and maintain. Instead of breaking the bank, try recycling objects around the house to make them into toys. You can make old socks into a hacky-sack game by filling them with beans or fill balloons with sand and create a fun game where you toss the balloons into buckets. Get wired for play: According to the survey, 78 percent of parents said their children spend more than 30 minutes on an average day watching television and 71 percent said their children spend that time on a computer, smartphone or other device. Instead of letting technology get in the way, incorporate play into their time with technology. Have your child play an active video game that encourages players to move around their environment or try playing a game between TV commercials, such as tag or hide and seek. It can also help to set a limit for how long your child can use the computer or watch TV per day. Be your kid’s playmate: According to the survey, 53 percent of parents said having no playmates was a barrier to their child’s play. No one likes to play alone, so when siblings and friends aren’t available, join in on the fun and create games you and your child can play together. Whether it’s playing Marco Polo or throwing a baseball back and forth, you can find ways to spend quality time with your kids and have fun while doing it. Learn more about the importance of play and get tips and advice for how to make active play a daily priority at LetsPlay.com.

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Parentown KidSmart

Why Music Education Matters

Come the 2016-2020 school year, the music and arts budget in the Los Angeles Unified School District will reach its highest point in a dozen years. While that’s great news for students, it also illustrates the sad fact that arts and music programs have taken a considerable hit in recent decades, when arts education fell victim to budget cuts. The benefits of music education extend far beyond getting kids to tap their toes. The National Association for Music Education lists the following benefits among the many reasons to support music education in schools. • Music training helps develop language skills. Studies have shown that music training contributes to the physical development of the part of the left side of the brain associated with processing language. A 2005 study from researchers at Stanford University found that mastering a musical instrument may also improve reading skills, which can benefit students both inside and outside the classroom. • Music training can improve hand-eye coordination. Studies have linked long-term music training to improved hand-eye coordination. That is likely connected to the motor skills children develop when playing musical instruments. Without those instruments, those motor skills may not develop as strongly. • Music improves concentration. Even students who cannot play a musical instrument can still benefit academically from simply listening to music. In 2007, a research team from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention. Today’s students deal with numerous distractions, from smartphones to tablets to social media, but those who routinely listen to certain types of music might find it easier to block out those distractions and focus on their work. • Music can help students’ emotional development. A 2003 study commissioned by Chorus America found musicians are more likely than the average person to be involved in charity work as volunteers and donors. The NAfME also notes that music students may be more likely to exhibit empathy toward other cultures. • Music can improve self-esteem. In a study examining 117 fourth grade students attending public school in Montreal, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin found that children who received piano lessons weekly for three years had higher self-esteem than children who were not given piano lessons during the same period. Neither group had participated in formal music instruction before the study, and students in both groups reported similar levels of self-esteem prior to participating in the study. Music education can enrich the lives of young students in a myriad of ways, potentially contributing to happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Parentown KidShape

Beat Cool Weather

Temperatures may be dropping, but just because swimsuit season is over doesn’t mean it’s time to let your fitness regimen fall by the wayside. Keeping active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important year-around, so stay on track as the weather cools with these tips and tricks. Electrolytes for Fitness During a workout, you lose more than just water when you sweat — you also lose electrolytes. If you don’t replace what you lose, you can become dehydrated, decreasing strength, reducing endurance and delaying muscle response. Water alone doesn’t contain electrolytes, so you need a beverage enhanced with electrolytes like Propel Electrolyte Water. With 9 available zero-calorie flavors, it’s the only national water brand with enough electrolytes to replace what you lose in sweat. Learn more at propelwater.com. Performance Training for a Healthy Lifestyle Building healthy habits, strength and endurance is possible with the T618 Nautilus Performance Series Treadmill, which is perfect for home workouts. With a full suite of training programs, including interval training, weight management and other customized workouts, this powerful machine features an exclusive cushioning system, a gym-quality running path and an easy-folding deck. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to share data with the free Nautilus Trainer app, which automatically syncs with popular fitness apps. Learn more at nautilus.com. Best Foot Forward Keeping in shape requires keeping your feet in motion, but without proper footwear you can find your energy sagging and muscles straining. This is especially true for runners, whose feet take a real pounding. Look for a shoe that fits well in both the heel and instep, fitting snugly but not restrictive. Remember that feet swell during a run, so be sure you have ample room in width and length. Also be sure the shoe offers enough flexibility to give without causing blisters or rubbing uncomfortably while you’re running. A Sporting Way to Get More Cardio Keeping sports equipment handy makes it easy to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Assemble a variety of sporting goods to create some variety in your workout, and be sure to include options you can enjoy solo, with a partner or with a group of friends. An assortment of balls for games such as basketball, football, soccer and softball are simple ways to get in an extra cardio workout. Jump ropes, resistance bands and free weights are also handy to have around the house when inspiration to mix up your workout routine is necessary. 7 Healthy Habits for Fall Fitness 1. With cooler temps comes the temptation to indulge in comfort foods. Remember that it’s OK to satisfy those cravings but keep portions in control. 2. From the start of school to the kickoff of new sporting seasons, fall is a time of fresh beginnings. Get your own start on a healthier lifestyle by kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking. 3. Make the most of these last few months to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Try new recipes featuring options such as apples, pears, pumpkin and squash to enjoy the natural goodness of fresh produce and add some variety to your typical diet. 4. Colder weather may bring relief from the heat, but it also brings cold and flu season fast on its heels. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often to minimize your exposure to germs and illness. 5. Commit to a workout routine. Whether that means investing in the proper home workout equipment to have at home or securing a gym membership (or a combination of the two), pledge to make time for a workout most, if not all, days of the week. 6. Set a good example for the youngest members of your family by finding ways to get the whole crew involved. Take a walk or bike ride, or organize a game of backyard ball to get those feel-good endorphins going. 7. Poor sleep not only drags you down, it can raise your risk for numerous medical problems. Set a bedtime that allows you plenty of rest and stick to it. Also eliminate as many factors as possible that can disrupt your sleep, such as the TV, music and lights.

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Parentown KidSmart

School Bus Safety

Millions of students rely on public transportation to get them to and from school each and every day. The National Safety Council says 25 million students in the United States begin and end their school days on school buses. The NCS adds that riding a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding in a family vehicle and 10 times safer than walking. Although buses are designed for safety, student riders can do a lot to make their bus trips even safer. • Stand only in the designated school bus stop. Always stand on the sidewalk, lawn or curb where the school bus stop is located. Stay away from the street because traffic in the morning and the afternoon can be very busy and hectic. • Arrive at the stop early. Rushing to the bus stop may cause you to make errors in judgment, including running in traffic to catch the bus. Leave early so you have ample time to catch the bus and obey all traffic laws. • Only board and exit the bus when it is safe. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding or exiting. The driver will engage the stop sign and put on the flashing red lights. Move around the bus only when it is stopped. • Keep the aisles clear. Stay out of the aisle when the bus is in motion and store backpacks on your lap or under your seat so they are not tripping hazards. • Use seat restraints. Use seat restraints when available on the school bus. While not every school bus has seatbelts, many now do. • Stay in your seat. Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion. Keep your hands inside of the windows. Do not get up to engage with other riders. • Keep a good distance between you and the bus. Exit the bus and cross in front where the driver can see you. If you cannot see the driver, he or she cannot see you. Check for safety signals from the driver to proceed when traffic has stopped. Always walk, never run, around a bus. • Do not goof off. When on the bus, always behave so that you can hear any safety instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Behaving also means one less distraction for drivers. School bus passengers can make their rides to school

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Parents

Run! Ride! Work Out! Jump! Bounce!

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. The CDC advises that such physical activity should include aerobic activity and muscle and bone strengthening exercises. Aerobic activity should take up most of kids’ daily physical activities and can include moderate activities, such as brisk walking, or more intense activities like running. Parents should make sure kids include some vigorous aerobic activity in their physical activity routines at least three days per week. Muscle strengthening activities do not mean parents should get their youngsters in the gym as soon as possible. Rather, activities like gymnastics or push-ups done three times per week can be enough to help kids build strong muscles. The CDC notes that as kids reach adolescence, they may start structured weight-training programs to strengthen their muscles. Jumping rope or running three times per week can serve as kids’ bone-strengthening exercises.

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