Health Information for Kids and Teens

Paradise Greetings,
"Diabetes Self-Management" magazine just arrived in my mail and one of the columns I like to read first is called "Diabetes Resources". The July/August 2010 issue is about resources for kids. The good part is that there are lots of resources. The bad part is that there are too many resources targeting KIDS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES.

What is wrong with this is that type 2 diabetes has always been a disease of older adults. With America's obsession of live to eat instead of eat to live, and restaurants, food companies, and drug companies using this to their advantage, type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed in children at alarming rates. We must act deliberately together.

Getting to and staying at a healthy weight through access to healthier foods and accountability for getting regular physical activity is key to preventing diabetes. This is why I started the Growing Healthy Kids organization last year. To halt and reverse childhood obesity. To prevent type 2 diabetes. To prevent cancer. To prevent bone and joint problems related to excess weight. To educate parents and other adults who surround children. To motivate schools to be part of our Salad Party Revolution. To make a difference.

Here is today's tip in how you can make a difference: Begin reading food labels and stop buying foods that contain HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP.

Please contact me at www.HealthyDiabetesCoach.com if you or your business wants to make a difference by sponsoring a Salad Party at one of our elementary schools (or heck, how about the entire school district). Together, we can make a difference! And remember, just say no to high fructose corn syrup!

Growing Healthy Kids - improving the health - and lives - of America's children, one child and one garden at a time.

To your perfect health.
Nancy Heinrich
Founder, Growing Healthy Kids

Don't Get the Sugar Blues

Paradise Greetings.

Most Americans are simply eating too much sugar. Sugar is one of the culprits in our national obesity crisis.

If you are ready make one change, start by reading food labels to look for sugar. The problem is there are many names for sugar. When a doctor tells a patient newly diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes to cut down on sugar, people take that advice litereally and cut back on foods that contain the granulated white stuff known as sugar.

Here's a few other names for sugar to "Be on the lookout" for:
High fructose corn syrup
Maltose
Fructose (the sugar in fruit)
Fruit juice concentrates
Lactose (the sugar you find in milk)
Brown Sugar
Honey

Read of label of your children's favorite breakfast cereal and see how many different sugars there are. Then look at the label of Cheerios (not Honey Nut Cheerios) or Shredded Wheat (not Frosted Shredded Wheat).

Come on, America. It's time to learn how to eat healthier. And smarter.

Growing Healthy Kids - improving the health - and lives - of America's children.

To your perfect health,
Nancy Heinrich
Founder, Growing Healthy Kids

Fitness Fiesta and Summer Salsa

Paradise Greetings,

This evening we're having a party in downtown Vero Beach and YOU are invited! Growing Healthy Kids is having its 1st annual Fitness Fiesta and Summer Salsa event from 4-7 PM today at Eco-Colour Design Studio, located at 1865 14th Avenue (just renamed "Main Street"). Learn to make Summer Salsa and how to make simple changes to improve the value of what your kids are eating.

We will be unveiling the new emblem for Growing Healthy Kids' sponsors, designed by the staff at Eco-Colour Design Studio.

Let's make healthy eating the right choice for children and families! Kids, bring your parents, and let's teach them together!

See you at the Fitness Fiesta and Summer Salsa party later today!

Growing Healthy Kids - improving the health - and lives - of America's children, one child and one garden at a time.

To your perfect health.
Nancy Heinrich
Founder, Growing Healthy Kids