March 2010

Spring has finally sprung. March marks “National Nutrition Month,” and The American Diabetes Association alert day is on March 23, 2010. 

National Nutrition month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the American Dietetic Association. It focuses on making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

Unfortunately, childhood obesity is on the rise with a number that has increased from 6.5% in 1989 to 19.6% in 2008 among children 6 to 11 and 5.0% to 18.1% in adolescents aged 12 to 19.

It is important to remember to vary foods and include exercise. Parents can log on to www.eatright.org and www.mypyramid.gov for some clever ideas on how to get your children to “eat the rainbow.”

Obese youth are more likely to become overweight or obese adults and are more at risk for health problems including heart disease, stroke, several types of cancer, osteoarthritis and Type 2 Diabetes.

Are you or your child at risk for Diabetes? Take the test at www.diabetes.org.

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Stay healthy and enjoy the promise of Spring with a brisk walk!

Lucia Ware, R.N.

lware@summitqueens.com

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December 2009

Winter has arrived and the cold and flu season is upon us. The good news is that the reported cases of H1N1 Influenza have plummeted in the New York area over the past six weeks.

Influenza (flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets. This year we may see two types of “flu”; the regular seasonal influenza and the newer H1N1 influenza. NYC Department of Health states that the best way to protect children and others from the flu is the flu vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for all children 6 months to 19 years old. Parents should have their children vaccinated by their regular medical providers. Weekend vaccination centers have also been set up and that information can be found at http://www.nyc.gov/flu or by calling 311. Another helpful website for parents is NIH.com.

Remember a penny’s worth of prevention is equal to a $100 worth of treatment:

1. WASH YOUR HANDS!

2. Stay away from sick folks.

3. Drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest. Good nutrition is essential, but you can also add antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, & E, and honey is great for soothing throats and naturally boosts the immune system.

4. If your child exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, coughing & sneezing – keep them home – students can return to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours.

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Stay healthy and have a wonderful holiday season!

Lucia Ware, R.N