AboutKidsHealth March 2010 E-newsletter

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March 2010

Welcome to the AboutKidsHealth March E-Newsletter!
With subtle signs of spring awakening, we may feel eager to leave the winter blues behind us. Rightfully so! Suited for a time of new beginnings we have included articles on dating in junior high, preparing for an emergency, and improving teaching skills.
Melting snow reveals a playground for increased physical activity. Prepare for a healthy active lifestyle this spring by reading our tips for finding and keeping a healthy body weight. Making our recipe of the month for you and your family is a great first step - it is packed with natural ingredients and can be prepared in just under ten minutes!
Enjoy this month's edition of the AboutKidsHealth E-Newsletter while looking forward to longer days ahead!
For more trusted answers about children's health, please visit: www.aboutkidshealth.ca.

Health Tip of the Month:

Find out what it takes to keep a healthy body weight. Eating well, being active, and feeling good about yourself are all part of a healthy lifestyle.
Find out more

	Dating in Junior High Nearly half of teens between the ages of 11 to 14 years old are dating. Parents do not need to worry. You can play an active role in teaching and helping your kids. Learn about why 'tweens' want to date and how you can encourage healthy relationships. Read the full article >

	72 Hours: Is Your Family Prepared for an Emergency? Every spring, Emergency Preparedness Week encourages Canadians to plan for an emergency, such as a flood, fire, tornado, or pandemic. Keep an emergency kit to make sure your family would be okay for at least 72 hours if there was no food, water, or medicine. It is important that everyone in your family, including your children, knows what to do during and after an emergency. Read the full article >

Spotlight

Epilepsy Resource Centre
Whether your child appears to be daydreaming or is having shock-like convulsions on the floor, he could be having an epileptic seizure. Epilepsy or seizure disorder is a general term for a number of different conditions. Seizures range from mild to severe and are caused by a sudden electrical disturbance in the brain. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and how to cope by engaging with our informative and interactive Epilepsy Resource Centre.
More >

Research

Teaching Teachers
The devastating consequences of a natural disaster extend far beyond those of the event itself. Across the world, the aftermath of a disaster includes a breeding ground for water-borne diseases like cholera, which are diseases contracted from contaminated drinking water, and vector-borne diseases like malaria, often contracted from insects.
More >

Just for Kids

Are you expecting a new baby brother or sister? You can learn to be a great helper. Click on the colourful illustrations to look and hear about how the baby grows inside your mommy's tummy. A clever, cartoon kangaroo is there to keep you company along the way!
More >

Eating a balanced diet is important to keep you healthy, happy, and active! Learn about the five food groups by colouring examples on our food groups colouring pages. You will be starting with snacks and extras. Try not to eat too many of these! There are more nutritious choices ahead.
More >

Recipe of the Month

Homemade Microwave Granola
Granola can be a delicious and nutritious meal choice if made with the right ingredients. Now, this is a bright possibility. This healthy treat is packed with natural ingredients like rolled oats and rye flakes, so you can be sure it provides your children with the vitamins and nutrients they deserve. Prepared in just under ten minutes, homemade microwave granola is the perfect solution for those bustling mornings and a healthy, active lifestyle. If this recipe isn't sweet enough, be creative: add fruits like apples, apricots, or raisins for a final touch.

Ingredients:
1 cup (250 mL) large-flake rolled oats
1/2 cup wheat flakes (125 mL)
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) rye flakes
1/4 cup (50 mL) unsweetened flaked coconut
Pinch salt
1/4 cup (25 mL) liquid honey
2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped dried fruit, optional

Instructions:
1. Use a 4-cup (1 L) microwave-safe casserole, greased.
2. In a microwave-safe container, combine oats, wheat and rye flakes, coconut, bran, and salt.
3. In a 1-cup (250 mL) measure, whisk together honey and oil. Pour over oat mixture, toss until well mixed.
4. Microwave on High for 6 minutes, stirring well every 2 minutes, until mixture is slightly brown. Stir in fruit, if using. Allow granola to cool before storing in a tightly covered container. Keeps for up to 1 month.

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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