Page 19 - Florida Sentinel 8-3-18

Health
4.
Stock Up On Healthy Foods 7.
Stay Connected
As kids get older, they often share less with par-
It might be easy to pack your kids' lunches with premade snacks, but a healthy diet is of the utmost importance, and junk foods don't fit into the equation. Make it easier for your- self by stocking up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread and lean pro-
ents/caregivers, but that doesn’t mean you should be less aware of how they’re feeling. Send encouraging texts or personal notes in their book bag to help re-
tein like turkey. Take a few minutes during the weekend to cut up fruits and vegetables and prepare things like tuna salad or hard-boiled eggs for convenience in the mornings, and buy plenty of containers for nutritious dinner leftovers. Consider getting a small ice pack and an insulated lunch bag to allow more variety.
Manage Stress
Back-to-school season is stressful for kids and parents alike, but too much stress can lead to a variety of health issues, like insomnia and sluggish immune systems. Help manage stress by talking to your children about any- thing that's bothering them, and take care not
to overload anyone's schedule, including your own. Schoolwork and after-school activities are important, but it's also essential to take time to relax, play and spend time as a family.
6.
Get Active
Incorporating sports and exercise into your children’s daily routine is a great way to keep them healthy while also keeping their weight in check. If possible, enroll kids in after school ac- tivities where possible, enjoy a walk or bike ride with your kids whenever possible, and encourage them to move. If parents engage in physical activ- ity, their kids will follow along.
duce anxiety and let them know that they are not alone at school, even if they may feel that way. Take time to listen and discuss experiences that may appear to be scary or challenging. Spend time each day talking to your teen about what happened in school. Give posi- tive feedback about their new experiences.
5.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-B