Fun Facts: September 2024

Wellness Wisdom: Activities for Building Happy, Healthy Families

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Obesity is when a child’s weight is too much for their height and they have extra fat stores on their body. 1 in 5 children in the United States are considered obese. Not only is the child too large for their height, but obesity can also cause other health concerns like diabetes, asthma, and heart diseases. But we are in luck! Obesity is something we can prevent in our kids!

Here are ways to support a healthy weight for your child:

Start with mealtime. As a caregiver, make sure you’re showing your kids what healthy nutrition looks like and eat meals together as a family as often as you can. You can find lots of great nutrition advice on our website!
Choose healthy drinks. Sugar is found in so many foods and drinks and can add up really fast! Either eliminate or reduce the amount of soda, sport drinks, fruit juices and flavored milks that you and your kids drink each day. Choose water, 100% fruit juice, or plain milk instead.
Get moving! Physical activity is important for all ages, but especially for kids. Keeping them active will create lifelong habits to stay active as adults. Find ideas here.
Prioritize sleep. Getting enough sleep can help prevent many health problems including obesity. Preschoolers need about 10-13 hours of sleep each day. Keep your child’s sleep schedule consistent, including on the weekends.
Family time instead of screen time. Screen time has a time and a place but shouldn’t take up your child’s whole day. Screens can have many negative side effects including poor sleep (see above point!), weight gain, and poor mental health. Replace times that your kids might be on screens with family time. Go for a walk together, play at the park, play a game in the living room, or cook dinner together!

You can do this! Starting new habits as a family will not only help prevent obesity in your children but also create healthy lifelong habits for everyone.

Source: CDC

Breastfed From the Start: Helpful Tips for Mastering Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding reduces the chance of your child developing diabetes both as a child AND as an adult! So here are a few things to know when hoping to breastfeed as long as you can.

Growth Spurts

Happen around 2-4 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
Expect a temporary increase in crying and fussiness.
Your breasts may seem emptier than normal.
Nurse often to increase supply and trust your body!
Formula is usually unnecessary.
The spurt should only last 2-4 days.

Returning to Work/School

Learn your breastfeeding rights!
Practice your new routine before your first day back.
Fine tune your pumping plan before going back.
Start pumping about 2 weeks before you return so you have enough milk to send with baby while you’re gone.

Distracted Nursers

At 4 - 5 months old, your baby will become easily distracted while nursing.
Breastfeed in a quiet room away from distractions, if possible, or when baby is sleepy.
Try a new breastfeeding position to see if this may help.
Interact with your baby by talking, singing, or making eye contact.
Give baby a toy to play with or use a nursing cover.

For more, check out the Roadmap to Breastfeeding Success!

Delicious & Nutritious Recipes: Simple, Kid Approved Dishes to Try at Home

Migas

Ingredients:

¼ cup diced bell peppers (WIC)
¼ cup diced onion (WIC)
4 large corn tortillas (WIC)
2 tbsp oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten (WIC)
4 tbsp low-fat shredded cheddar cheese (WIC)

Directions:

Wash prep area, your hands and vegetables.
Dice bell peppers and onion. Tear or cut tortillas into small pieces.
Heat oil in a pan on medium-heat. Add tortilla pieces and stir until they begin to brown.
Add peppers and onion. Sauté until they are soft.
Add eggs. Stir until eggs are cooked.
Remove pan from heat and sprinkle on cheese. Cover pan and let the cheese melt. Serve immediately.

Tip: Top with sliced avocado, chopped tomato, cilantro, and/or salsa!

Source: wichealth.org HealthEkitchen