Family Fit Night @ Candlebrook Elementary School

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.  This is a great time to look and see if you and your family are living up to the recommendations to exercise for one hour each day.  I know, everybody is very busy these days. It takes time to drive our kids to all of those sporting events.  Keep in mind that a family that exercises together is forming habits that last a lifetime.  It should also be noted that many children and adolescents participating in sporting events may be spending more time watching then actually moving on the field. Continue reading →

The Overweight Generation

The first National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month was proclaimed in September 2010 and endorsed again by President Obama this year.  Public Health experts describe the childhood obesity epidemic as one of the greatest health and economic challenges of the 21^st century.  Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has called for personal responsibility. Public health officials are asking schools to intensify their efforts to promote increased levels of exercise and healthy eating habits. Continue reading →

There has been talk among some scientists over the years that phthalates may be linked to reduced sperm, DNA damage, and hormonal changes. You may ask, “What are Phthalates?” Phthalates are chemicals added to shower curtains, rubber ducks and toys, air fresheners, cosmetics, perfumes, and the list goes on and on. They help cosmetics and perfumes feel silky and smooth. According to The American Chemistry Council, phthalates have become essential to scented products since they help fragrances last longer. According to Stacey Malkan, author of Just not Another Pretty Face The Ugly side of the Beauty industry, loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put phthalates into beauty products without testing and no required labeling. The report www.NotToopretty.org found undisclosed phthalates in 72 products that were tested. The perfume Poison by Dior contained the most. Continue reading →

February is the month of sweethearts and love. We eat candy, give valentines and think of red roses. But have you thought about loving your own heart this month?

I first thought about heart disease 24 years ago.

My dad was being admitted to the hospital for triple bypass surgery. He was 46 years old.

A few years later I started nursing school. To make ends meet and score a free membership to the gym, I began teaching weekly aerobic and weight training classes.

Several years after working as a nurse, I landed a job in cardiology at The University of Pennsylvania Hospital. I saw men and women who were no longer able to take a shower without getting short of breath. Continue reading →

A study featured in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine(2007;161:1140-6) found that honey may be an effective cough suppressant. A single dose of buckwheat honey was given at night time to children 2 to 18 years of age. According to the principal investigator,Ian Paul,the following doses are considered appropriate: NO honey for children under the age of 2 for fear of botulism, for those 2 to 5 years,1/2 teaspoon; for those 6 to 11years; 1 teaspoon; for those who are 12 or older; 2 teaspoons per dose. Doses may be administered every 3-4 hours as needed, though in the actual trial ,doses were limited to once per evening.

Researchers assessed cough frequency and severity, and sleep quality of both child and parent as assessed by surveys completed by parents. For most symptoms, honey scored 15 to 39% better than Dextromethorphan(DM). Continue reading →

The start of fall has me getting back on the school schedule. One of my duties is to find healthy snacks to pack in the lunch box or to offer for a quick breakfast when we are running just a little bit late in the morning.

I read the other day about the healing benefits of Apricots and wanted to share that information along with any easy recipe with you.

Apricots contain vitamin A, a nutrient that promotes healthy skin and good vision. They are a good source of fiber and contain the cancer fighting nutrient Lycopene.

20 dried apricots serve up 7.5mg of Iron, that’s 42% of the recommended daily allowance.

When selecting dried apricots consider choosing organic; conventional apricots are usually preserved with sulfites which may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Continue reading →