AboutKidsHealth January 2010 E-newsletter

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January 2010

Welcome to the first edition of the About Kids Health E-newsletter for 2010!
With the holidays winding down and temperatures dropping below zero, we have just what you need to keep your body warm and your spirits high. We have included articles on parenting for the New Year, what makes a good reader, and why there are more colds in cold weather. Learn how much vitamin D is needed to keep you and your family healthy during the winter months. A source of this important vitamin and many others, mushrooms are combined with zucchini to make up our first recipe of this decade.
Best wishes for the New Year!
For more of the latest articles and information about children's health, please visit: www.aboutkidshealth.ca.

Health Tip of the Month:

Relying on sunshine as your source of vitamin D can be a problem, especially during the winter months. Learn about other sources of vitamin D and how much might be needed as a supplement.
Find out more

	Five principles of parenting for the New Year With the holidays fast approaching, parents are sure to be busy shopping for what they think is the best toy for their child. You will be relieved to learn that you do not have to pay a hefty price for your child to have a great play experience. Read the full article >

	Nature or nurture: what makes a good reader? In North America, as many as one in five children will have difficulty reading. What makes some children read stories with ease, while others struggle? Although a combination of genetic and environmental factors have been shown to influence reading, early reading intervention can make a difference in children's developing literacy skills. Read the full article >

Spotlight

Child's Rights Series
In this series, Dr.Katherine Covell explores the rights of children across development and how government policies can have an impact on children and their rights. Although the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child legally obliges Canada to implement legislation to protect children, Dr. Covell discusses the current state of affairs in this country.
More >

Research

More colds in cold weather
The winter brings a host of favourable conditions for transmission of the influenza virus, including lack of sunlight and buzzing social interaction. Catching the bug is almost inevitable, but for a different reason than was once suspected. Researchers at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York City have determined a link between humidity and air temperature, and virus transmission.
More >

Just for Kids

Motion sickness is when people get sick riding from riding on things that move, like cars, boats, and trains. Learn how to prevent motion sickness by keeping your eyes on the horizon, and other effective tips to prevent dizziness and nausea associated with motion sickness.
More >

Everyone feels pain in different ways, but there are common ways to help you feel better. Download our useful tips for easing pain the next time it strikes.
More >

Recipe of the Month

Mushroom Zucchini Pasta
In this month's recipe, fresh vegetables cooked tender-crisp are sauteed with tantalizing spices to be tossed with the pasta of your choice. An excellent source of nutrients, this delicious mushroom zucchini mix is a great way to start off the New Year.

Ingredients:
8 oz (450 g) rotini or other short pasta
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter or margarine, divided
6 oz (170 g) mushrooms, sliced
2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice
6 oz (170 g) zucchini, unpeeled, diced
1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh parsley, divided
1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) crushed dried basil
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, cook pasta in boiling water according to manufacturer's directions or until tender but firm. Drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add one-half of the minced garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and lemon juice; toss well. Stir in zucchini, 2 tsp (10 mL) of the parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. In a large bowl, place remaining butter, garlic, and parsley. Add hot pasta and toss well. Add vegetables and toss again.

Source: Better Food for Kids, by Joanne Saab, RD and Daina Kalnins, RD. Toronto: Robert Rose, 2002.

For more great recipes, please go to the Recommended Reading page on the SickKids website.

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