Tag Archives: family health

Marcia Cross Partners with Kaboom! to Promote Playgrounds

Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross, mom to three-year-old twins, has teamed up in conjunction with Mott’s to work with Kaboom.org, a charity that helps to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors. Kaboom!, whose vision is to have a playground within walking distance of every child in America, donates funds to help make this dream possible for communities.

Founded in 1995, the organization works with communities to create safe playgrounds, skate parks, ice rinks and even to renovate aging athletic fields. Community members create videos explaining the need for a playground and can be awarded up to $5,000 in funding. In addition, the Kaboom! website offers knowledge and experience to anyone interested through online toolkits, training and technical assistance. (more…)

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Carmen

Four Ways to Celebrate with Thanks Instead of Turkey

Just a little football and family are enough to make any day a holiday for me, but Thanksgiving seems to be defined by turkey, casseroles, carbs, sugar, and overindulgence. We teach our children that the first Thanksgiving was a feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Natives in celebration of the bountiful harvest that followed a harsh winter. It may have partially been intended to build up stores of fat to help survive the approaching winter.

As modern day Americans, we do not have to be concerned about weather conditions making food unavailable. We have 24-hour grocery stores and shelves stocked with options. We can be thankful for this every day. As a result, our Thanksgiving celebrations can be more than feasts. This is particularly dangerous for those who are trying to alter their approach to food.

While overeating can make one sluggish, disappointed in one’s self, and unhappy with appearance, giving thanks will help you focus on the positive things in life and improve outlook and mood. This year, instead of recognizing the day by raising your fork, try one (or all) of these tips. (more…)

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Brooke Randolph

Is Childhood Obesity Abuse?

Have our weight problems really come to this? Are parents of morbidly obese children guilty of child abuse on the level that it warrants them losing custody?

It’s not just in the U.S. – this is a worldwide debate. A Scottish couple lost custody of two of their six children because they failed to reduce the kids’ weight following warnings from Scottish social services.

In another case, a South Carolina mother lost custody of her 14-year-old son in May – he was 555 pounds. Jerri Gray didn’t help her case when she missed a court date to examine whether she should retain custody. The boy is currently living with his aunt. His mother, who was arrested, is facing criminal child-neglect charges. (more…)

Posted on October 28, 2023 by Jason

Announcing New Mom to Mom Newsletter

healthy mom We’re excited to announce that we’re introducing the Mom to Mom Newsletter this fall. Written by a mom for moms, the newsletter will focus on the four things a mom needs to live a healthy and balanced life: Food, Fitness, Family and Fun. Our Chief Mom, Carmen Staicer, will offer insights in these areas for balancing healthful living with real life; not only for yourself, but for your entire family.

As the mother of six children, and a weight loss success story herself, Carmen is all too familiar with managing a household, her health, and the needs of the other busy bodies in her home. She’s a real mom who gets it, who has figured out how to make it all work, and will help you find your way there, too.

Sign-up now, and then learn more about the Mom to Mom Newsletter.

Each month you can expect to see family-friendly recipes, ways to get fit together, and learn about activities that bring the family closer together. Proving good health depends on more than just what you’re eating, it’s about the happiness and well-being of the whole family.

Look for your first Mom to Mom Newsletter before Thanksgiving, as Carmen helps you prepare to celebrate and offer thanks in a more healthful way.

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Natalie K

Tune In: Rachael Ray Hosts a Family Who Lost 500 Pounds

Tune in this Thursday, October 15, 2024 to the Rachael Ray Show when she introduces a family who once collectively weighed 1,200 pounds. Five-hundred pounds lighter, this family of four discusses the decision they made that changed their lives.

Plus, as a bonus, all four family members receive a makeover by Rachael’s own fashion and style guru Gretta Monahan, who revamps their looks and wardrobe to highlight their new slimmer selves. (more…)

Posted on October 12, 2023 by heather

Working Moms in the UK Have Unfit Kids

Recently I wrote about how the lack of home-cooked meals has led to bad food choices for families. Now comes a study from The Institute of Child Health in the UK that found families with working mothers tended to more often have unfit children.

The study examined more than 12,500 five-year-olds and found that those who had working mothers were less active and more likely to eat unhealthy food.

An estimated 60 percent of UK mothers with children up to five-years old work. Those children whose mothers were employed, even part-time, were more likely to consume sweetened drinks between meals. (more…)

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jason

Will Power vs. Won’t Power

My uncle has always been a large man, the kind that has to duck to go through many doorways. He is used to respect and likes being in control. He is also full of advice, wanting to share with people the things that he has learned throughout his life. I am sure when he was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago, it took some time for him to adjust because this was uncharted territory, not something he knew already or knew how to control. He has learned how to manage his diet and glucose levels. He has even learned how to indulge in small portions of favorite desserts without causing any health issues. As a result his disease is not at a severe level.
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Posted on September 27, 2023 by Brooke Randolph

Busy Parents Don’t Make Enough Home-Cooked Meals

Much is made about the rising tide of obesity in the modern world. There are many explanations. Ultimately, it’s mostly alterable if you have the will to do something about it. But, there are many things working against you in the process.

One example is the hectic schedule that most of us keep. Say what you will about the idealism of the ’50s, with mom at home doing the housekeeping. One of the benefits was that there was a home-cooked meal. That’s still a very real possibility, even with both parents working. But it’s certainly more of a challenge.

A study by Cornell University researchers examined the dietary problems we face when people work hectic hours and don’t take the time to make home-cooked meals. The researchers found that parents who work long and unusual hours are more likely to grab fast food on the way home, or buy prepared meals. (more…)

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Jason

A Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green

Going green is no longer just about recycling your newspapers and swapping out plastic water bottles for reusable aluminum ones. Today, being green extends to all facets of our lives, including how we raise our children.

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with author and wellness expert Terra Wellington. Terra has just written the book “The Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green,” and it is chock-full of practical and engaging information and tips on how to keep your family healthy and happy while also being environmentally-conscious. (more…)

Posted on August 17, 2023 by heather

Healthier Snacks and More Activity Make for Healthier Children

The week of August 10 is Healthy Back to School Week at DietsInReview.com.

Guest blogger Jill Knapp from “Get up and Get Moving” has some wonderful tips to get your kids eating right and exercising to prevent obesity and other health risks. Jill is from Idaho, where she lost 100 pounds after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Today, she manages her diabetes with diet and exercise and without medication.

Childhood obesity is one of our nation’s leading health threats. Today about 25 million kids (ages 2-19) in the United States are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. That’s nearly one of every three kids. Overweight kids are more likely to become overweight adults.

You can’t lose by using this rule in your family life: Get in one hour or more of physical activity each day! The wonderful news is that your kids’ 60 minutes of exercise does not need to happen at once. You just need to help them get active 10 or 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day. (more…)

Posted on August 12, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Obesity Linked to Familial Behavior

There are many reasons why people avoid the assistance of a professional therapist. One common misconception (for which we can thank Mr. Frued) is that the counselor will always blame your mother for whatever difficulties you may be experiencing. There are many other factors that have influenced your current life; however, weight may be highly influenced by what you observe in your parents. (more…)

Posted on July 25, 2023 by Brooke Randolph

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