Tropical Parfait (recipe below)

(ARA) – Parents, let’s face it — the average child will never really fall in love with Brussels sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower. But few kids object to fruit, making it easier to help children tap into its wealth of health benefits.

Fruit fights childhood obesity, according to studies by Tufts and Baylor universities that linked high fruit and vegetable consumption by children with a lower body mass index. Fruit is naturally low in calories but high in nutrients like immune system boosting vitamin C, water and fiber, which helps children feel fuller and more energized with fewer calories. Federal dietary guidelines recommend five servings of fruit per day.

Here are some tips to help keep fruit exciting and easy for you and your children:

* Variety really can be the spice of life when it comes to fruit. Supermarkets now regularly offer exotic fruits that were once only found in top restaurants or specialty shops. So on your next supermarket excursion, allow your child to explore the more unusual fruits and choose one or two to try. You may find they adore star fruit and kumquats as much as apples and bananas.

* What child doesn’t like a smoothie? While you’re whipping up a fruit smoothie for your little one, take the opportunity to slip some other nutritious ingredients into the blender, like raw greens (kids think green smoothies are fun), low-fat yogurt for protein and calcium or flaxseed for fiber.

* Keep it simple and easy for both of you. The easier it is for you to present fruit and for your child to eat it, the more likely they are to indulge in it on a regular basis. Look for products and packaging that make fruit snacking easy as pie, like Dole’s All-Natural Jarred Fruit. You can bypass the cutting, slicing and peeling (how many kids have lost interest in their fruit snack by the time Mom finishes preparing it), and instead just open the jar and start enjoying the delicious, wholesome goodness of ready-to-eat fruit.

* Kids seem hard-wired to crave something sweet for breakfast, whether it’s good for them or not. Satisfy your youngster’s sweet tooth and your desire to ensure they have a good start each morning by incorporating fruit into your breakfast routine. Whether you serve up apple slices with peanut butter on the side for dipping, or top a pancake with some jarred fruit, you’ll be serving a breakfast that is fun and tasty as well as nutritious.

* Encourage kids to continue their healthful, fruity mindset throughout their daily lives. Starting Aug. 23, parents can log on to www.DoleMagic.com for a chance to win some fun prizes from top retailers. The site awards 60 daily prizes, eight weekly prizes and one grand prize – a six-night trip for three to Maui, with accommodations in a four-star hotel, rental car and $1,000 spending money.

To make kids feel like winners on a daily basis, try this child-friendly, fruity recipe:

Tropical Parfait

Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

1 jar (24.5 ounces) Dole Tropical Fruit
3/4 cup granola
1 carton (6 ounces) low-fat vanilla yogurt
Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions:

Drain 1 1/2 cups of the tropical fruit. In a parfait glass, place a layer of granola. Top it with a layer of tropical fruit, then a layer of yogurt. Repeat until glass is full. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Playdates have taken off in America, and it is no wonder. In this economy, where else can you find an inexpensive activity that is fun for both children and moms? Not only do playdates help youngsters learn socialization and cooperation skills, but they also allow moms to mingle and share advice.

Participating in playdates (or “playgroups”) is a great way to spend the afternoon, until one of your guests sneezes … and then sneezes again. If it turns out that a member of your playdate is severely allergic to the family cat, your afternoon plans could be ruined.

On any given day in America, 10,000 children miss school because of allergies, according to one study referenced on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Web site, www.AAAAI.org. Their site also mentions that up to 40 percent of American children are believed to suffer from nasal allergies, and millions more have food and skin allergies.

Yet in a recent national survey conducted by Ipsos and The Clorox Company, just three percent of the parents polled said they are most concerned about exposure to indoor allergens during playdates.

“Playdates nurture a sense of community among children and parents,” says Jeff Van Lom, co-founder and CEO of Playgroups USA, a national organization that helps parents form playgroups for their children. “Kids get to be kids and enjoy playing together while parents can share advice, experiences and support. But an allergic reaction can take all the fun out of a playdate.”

Nearly half of parents reported their children have experienced indoor allergy symptoms in the past year, according to the survey. Because playdates often occur indoors, they can be tough for children who are allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mite matter and pet dander. Whether you’re hosting the playdate or your child is a guest, it pays to prepare with some allergy precautions.

A new free, downloadable guide on www.PlaygroupsUSA.com, called the “Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies,” helps parents prepare homes for playdates — especially when guests have allergies. The guide, created through a partnership between Playgroups USA and The Clorox Company, provides information on common allergens, statistics on allergies among children, and tips for minimizing allergy triggers during playdates.

Prepping for the Playdate

Everyone knows how tough it is to be a parent in general, much less also be in charge of hosting a playdate with other children — especially children with allergies. This guide outlines simple steps that you can take to help make life easier as the playdate host.

For example, prior to the playdate, follow these easy steps to help reduce common indoor allergens like dust mite matter and pet dander:

* To help make indoor allergen management easier, spray upholstered furniture and other fabrics with a product such as Clorox Anywhere Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray to reduce up to 90 percent of common indoor allergens such as dust mite matter and pet dander. This spray is also fragrance-free and dye-free, so it is safe to use around pets and won’t bother kids with sensitive skin.

* Wash fabric toys and blankets with an anti-allergen bleach like Clorox Plus Anti-Allergen Bleach that removes 99 percent of household allergens. The bleach denatures common household allergens — such as mold, dust mite matter and pet dander — that can hide in fabric fibers or on hard surfaces.

* It is also a good idea to vacuum and dust the room where you plan to host your playdate. Also try to keep your pets out of the house for the day. As all moms know, there are not enough hours in the day, so just focus on where you plan to spend time with your guests. The rest of the house can wait.

* Find out from other parents if their children have food allergies, and plan menu choices accordingly. If their child has a food allergy, they will be very impressed — and thankful — that you asked. Invite parents to join in and, if it raises their comfort level, supply their own snacks for their food-allergic child.

The “Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies” offers more easy-to-follow advice on how to keep allergies from being a playdate problem and is available for free download at www.PlaygroupsUSA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Over scheduling is a nationwide epidemic. From preschoolers to CEOs, we are constantly running from one activity to the next. This busy and sometimes frantic lifestyle affects all aspects of life and many people feel the strain caused by overloaded to-do lists.

According to the authors of “Yes, You Can… Find More Meaning in Your Life”, Jack Jonathan and Sheelagh Manheim, PhD, over scheduling can create a narrow focus that prevents you from experiencing meaning in your life. These two regular contributors to www.YesYouCanOnline.info offer ways to step off the treadmill of busyness and reaffirm what is good in your life.

Jonathan and Manheim suggest finding a balance in five fundamental areas of life: positive attitude, good physical health, personal relationships, financial well-being and a passion for knowledge.

“Anyone looking to streamline their schedule can use these essentials as guidelines to help balance the way they spend their time,” said Jonathan. “Paying attention to each basic area of life may help a person to feel more at peace.”

Jonathan and Manheim offer the following six ideas to help bring a feeling of meaning into a busy life.

* Foster a Positive Attitude. Begin your day with a sense of wonder. Ask yourself, “What is in store for me today?” Then set achievable goals for the day. Remain open to other possibilities so challenges that come up will not feel overwhelming. Do at least one thing each day that creates in you a sense of happiness, delight, accomplishment or wonder.

* Nurture Your Body. Sometimes basic physical needs are set aside because of busy schedules. It is ideal to schedule time for exercise and recreation. “But, you can also nurture your body by simply paying attention,” Jonathan advises. “Why not pause a minute between activities, look out of the window, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.” Manheim advises looking forward to your lunch break, choosing foods that really appeal to you, and then savoring your meal in the presence of friends.

* Honor Your Personal Relationships. Friendships often suffer from neglect when life gets too busy. Even if you can’t fit in a weekend getaway or a night out, you can still find time to foster meaningful relationships. Connect over lunch, make regular phone calls, keep in touch frequently with meaningful e-mails or better yet, send a note or a card. Whenever you are able to contact your friend be sure to truly relax and give your friend your whole attention. Let time stand still for those precious moments you do have together.

* Pay Regular Attention to Your Finances. The only person you can count on for your financial well-being is you. Set aside a regular time each month to pay bills and review your financial situation. Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, recommends that when you review your spending, you ask yourself, “Am I getting my money’s worth?” Do you spend your money in a way that brings meaning to your life? You will find that careful financial planning will set you free to enjoy your life more.

* Cultivate Your Curiosity. Having a passion for knowledge is one of our greatest innate gifts. It does not require a great deal of time – only the curiosity to ask what? or why? and then spend a few minutes to search for an answer. Learning something new goes beyond book learning. It can involve simply paying attention to what is going on in your own neighborhood. The more we know about the little piece of turf we inhabit, the more meaningful our life becomes because we step outside ourselves.

* Value Your Time. Jim Stowers, co-author along with Jack Jonathan, of the soon-to-be published “Yes, You Can… Reach Your Goals and Achieve Your Dreams,” comments, “Time is often taken for granted. Yet, properly used, time becomes a key multiplier that can be leveraged by effort and determination to help you achieve your dreams.” When you set aside small amounts of time to be truly present to your attitude, physical well being, friendships, finances and curiosity, you can increase your joy in life.

For more ways to lead a meaningful life in the middle of a busy schedule, visit www.YesYouCanOnline.info.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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“I encourage people to switch to multi-nutritional snacks like good quality granola bars,” says registered dietitian Pierrette Buklis. “Snacks like Nature Valley’s new FibreSource bar are low in fat, 130 calories or less and contain Omega-3, an essential nutrient that most people don’t get enough of.”

Mary Stone, an administrator and mother of two, is also a fan of this kind of granola bar. “My kids seem to want to eat constantly,” she says, “and I’m very conscious of making healthy choices for their snacks. If I’m picking them up from school, taking them to music lessons or on a trip, I try to make sure that I have some fruit and granola bars on hand, something the whole family can enjoy. The bars are like a mini-meal away from home, and I like the fact that it’s made with 100% whole grains.”

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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(NC)-The bell rings. School is over for the day. Home come: coats, backpacks, textbooks, homework assignments. and lots of germs.

“Children don’t always practise good hygiene habits,” says Shannon Coombs, President of the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA). “They constantly touch their eyes, noses and mouths, forget to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and they may not have the mindset or the opportunity to wash their hands frequently.”

CCSPA offers the following tips to help guard your family against germs:

. Keep your children at home when they are ill. The “Perfect Attendance Award” shouldn’t be earned at the expense of anyone’s health.

. Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, especially before eating lunch, after using the bathroom and after coming home from school.

. Remind your children to cover their noses and mouths with their sleeves instead of their hands when coughing or sneezing.

. Be sure your children’s flu vaccinations are up-to-date.

. Tuck small packs of tissues into backpacks, with an extra one for your children to store in their lockers or desks. Teach your children to deposit used tissues in the wastebasket.

. Pack hand wipes or a hand sanitizer in lunchboxes and book bags.

For more information about cleaning and health, or the CCSPA’s 15-second handwashing challenge, check out the CCSPA’s website at www.healthycleaning101.org.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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Visiting Nurse Associations of America, Families Fighting Flu and The Clorox Company Team Up to Vaccinate Thousands of Children in October to Make Flu Season Less Scary

(ARA) – Ghouls and goblins are not the only things to be afraid of this Halloween; October is also the start of flu season. Influenza is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, but according to a recent survey more than 75 percent of moms are still not vaccinating their entire families against the flu.

For the second year, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA), Families Fighting Flu (FFF) and The Clorox Company joined forces for the national Say “Boo!” to the Flu program to raise awareness of the importance of flu prevention and vaccinate children starting in October, before flu season peaks. Nationwide Say “Boo!” to the Flu events will take the ouch out of flu prevention with games and free giveaways — like T-shirts, trick-or-treat bags and Clorox Disinfecting products — and families will also learn other tips to help prevent the spread of the flu virus all fall and winter.

“Nearly 100 American children under five years of age die every year from influenza — the goal of this program is to give parents the tools to help protect their families,” says Richard Kanowitz, president of Families Fighting Flu. “We know families have a lot going on during this time of year, so this program makes it easy to get a vaccination and the activities add some fun for the kids, too.”

Many Moms Need Flu Fact Check-Up
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all children six months to five years old get vaccinated against the flu. They also recommend the vaccine for anyone in frequent contact with this group — meaning moms, dads and child care providers. A recent survey from the VNAA found moms of children in this age group need help fighting the flu. Say “Boo!” to the Flu will make flu prevention so easy, it’s almost scary!

Survey says…
* More than 75 percent of moms of children under five don’t get their whole family vaccinated against the flu. Many moms nix the needle because they don’t have time or their children are too afraid.
* The majority of moms say they are not very concerned about their child developing serious flu complications.
* Only two percent of moms are concerned about a member of their family catching the flu at home.
* 43 percent of moms say their approach to the flu season is to “let nature take its course.”

BOO Answers…
* Say “Boo!” to the Flu events make it easy and fun to vaccinate the whole family, all in one place.
* The CDC says children are at high risk of serious flu complications.
* With just one sick family member at home, more than 60 percent of household surfaces can harbor the flu virus, making it important to disinfect germ hot spots.
* Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention, but parents should also take these simple steps at home:

Sing & Scrub: Make sure kids wash their hands the right way. They should wash frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).

Disinfect Hot Spots: Kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in 30 minutes, so be sure to disinfect the surfaces kids touch most frequently — like doorknobs, light switches, faucets or toys. Use a disinfectant designed to kill cold and flu viruses, like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.

Do the Elbow Cough: Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands where they’re more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch.

Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds and flu.

SayBooToTheFlu.com
Say “Boo!” to the Flu hits the road October 1 in Boston, MA, and will travel across the country, ending in the San Francisco, CA, area on October 31. Visit www.sayboototheflu.com for the complete tour schedule and for other free, interactive tools and games to help families learn how to make the flu virus too scared to hang around their house, such as:

* Flu vaccination locator
* Hand washing reward chart
* “Cinnamon Magic” hand washing game
* “Yummy Bug Cakes” recipe
* “Spooky Soap” instructions

Scare Away the Flu
It is estimated that each year in the United States, more than 20,000 children less than five years old are hospitalized due to the flu, and children less than two years old are even more likely to be hospitalized by the flu. Among children who died from the flu in the 2003-2004 flu season, 44 percent were healthy and had no underlying conditions.

Influenza, or “the flu,” is an easy-to-spread viral infection. The symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, aches and fatigue. A simple cough or sneeze can quickly spread the flu virus from person to person. The flu virus can live on household surfaces, too.

For more information visit www.sayboototheflu.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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When parents send their children to school, rarely do they think of the many allergy triggers lurking in the classroom or the playground. The culprits include indoor allergens like dust from the chalkboard, mold in the locker room and dander from class pets, as well as outdoor allergens like pollen, which can travel from the recess field to the classroom on clothing and hair.

Many kids have trouble concentrating on schoolwork because they are distracted by their allergy symptoms. In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, up to 40 percent of American children have allergies.

“Kids miss about two million school days a year due to bothersome symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose,” says Dr. Paul Ehrlich, pediatric allergist and associate chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. “They can get frustrated when allergy symptoms interrupt their day and prevent them from doing the same things their friends do.”

It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to treat your child’s allergies before they leave home. Dr. Ehrlich explains that choosing the right allergy medication is key to making sure your child stays focused while at school.

“Some allergy medicines can make children drowsy or jittery,” he says. “I suggest using Children’s Claritin since one dose lasts the entire day without making kids feel jittery or drowsy. It’s safe for kids as young as two, and it’s available in several forms including easy-to-take grape chewables and a grape syrup.”

So what else can you do to relieve your child’s allergy symptoms and prevent them from flaring up during the school day? Dr. Ehrlich offers the following tips:

* Identify the specific allergens that trigger your child’s symptoms so he or she will be able to avoid contact with them.
* Tell your child’s teachers, school nurse, coaches and caretakers about his or her allergies, triggers and medications.
* If your child is seated near classroom pets or plants, ask the teacher to change his or her seat.
* Remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading allergy — causing dust, pollen, pet dander or other substances.
* Before your child leaves for school, treat allergy symptoms with a non-sedating antihistamine, such as Children’s Claritin, that will last through the school day without making him or her drowsy. That way your kid can enjoy recess and all the other activities throughout the day.

Speaking of school, allergy education goes right alongside treatment of those pesky symptoms. Kids are inquisitive by nature, and it’s important to help them understand the causes of their symptoms so they can concentrate on their schoolwork, not their allergies.

“Casey and the School Day Sneezes” is an educational story designed to help kids understand the indoor and outdoor allergy triggers they may encounter during the school day, while providing tips on how to manage them. Parents and teachers can visit www.claritin.com to order a free copy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Kids will be kids, and are likely to have skin contact with other children and get minor cuts while playing at home and at school. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children are at greater risk of contracting staph infection.

The words “staph infection” used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children might be at the most risk. Parents and teachers alike need to learn prevention now.

Staphylococcus aureus, or simply staph, are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics including methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin.

Educate and protect yourself and your family today with these tips:

Treat and cover wounds
Any open wound is a potential entry point for MRSA. Treat wounds with StaphAseptic to kill germs that may cause infection and keep them covered for protection.

Don’t share personal items (like towels)
Germs can live on clothing and gear for over 24 hours. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, soap, uniforms and any sports equipment that directly touches your body.

Shower after physical activity
If you participate in sports, shower after each event with soap. Close skin to skin contact is one of the main ways MRSA is being spread among athletes.

Properly clean gear and equipment
Germs can live on athletic mats, gym equipment, sports equipment and clothing. Clean and disinfect all objects before and after use, especially if it’s shared.

Keep hands clean
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to wash your hands.

Consult your physician for all active wounds
If you think you have an infection, be sure to contact your physician. In order to determine if an infection is MRSA, it must be cultured by a physician.

Understanding the importance of prevention at school, StaphAseptic is now donating MRSA education kits to schools nationwide that educate students and parents, and promote steps to staying healthy. Included is an educational DVD, a full color poster and samples of StaphAseptic to keep for the school nurse, administrators, coaches and more.

“MRSA really is a ticking time bomb,” says Dr. Mark Christensen, a registered pharmacist in Utah and Oregon and associate professor at the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy. “We have great fears that community acquired MRSA staph infections will increase dramatically — because of what we’ve seen in the hospitals (MRSA infections). There is an overwhelming fear for some of the clinicians out there.”

Commonly mistaken as spider bites, staph and MRSA infections look like a pimple, boil or ingrown hair and can be red, swollen, painful, or have drainage. Many occur in the armpits, neck, groin and buttocks where bacteria grow. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or even death.

“If kids are in sports I have a real concern. Parents should be doing preventive measures immediately if there are any kinds of cuts or scrapes. It should be automatic. You really don’t know what you’re going to come in contact with out there. So even if they come in with a little owie they should try and do preventive measures like washing with a good soap and applying StaphAseptic. I think that should be basic care for kids now days,” says Dr. Christensen.

If you want a complimentary MRSA educational kit to be sent to your community school, have your school administrator or coach call (800) 482-4464 and press “0”. To learn more about staph and StaphAseptic visit www. StaphAseptic.com. StaphAseptic is available at most retail pharmacy stores.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Does meat contain fiber? How many people pay attention to food labels, and are they looking at fiber? Do Americans know how much fiber they need in a day? A recent consumer survey, conducted by the National Fiber Council (NFC), uncovered answers to these questions and more to determine what Americans really know about fiber and why they’re not getting enough. The results may make you think twice about what you pack for lunch each day.

“Americans know fiber is important to maintain good health but they aren’t sure where to find it,” says Jim Anderson, M.D., chair of the National Fiber Council. “The results of this survey prove that, despite gains made in recent years, we still have a lot of ground to cover if we want to make fiber a priority for Americans.”

To help educate Americans about the benefits of dietary fiber, the NFC recently unveiled a full suite of new educational resources on its Web site, www.nationalfibercouncil.org, including a free consumer brochure titled, “A Fresh Look at Fiber.”

Commissioned by the NFC, the nation’s leading group of fiber experts, the survey was
conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation. The survey includes a random sampling of
1,000 respondents who were polled via phone using Random Digital Dial (RDD). A cross section
of the survey results are listed below:

* Do people really know how much fiber they need?
While 65 percent of those surveyed try to eat foods that are high in fiber, more than two thirds of respondents (88 percent) did not know the number of grams of fiber recommended per day for a healthy body. The NFC recommends 32 grams of fiber per day for a healthy body.

* Is there fiber in meat?
Sixty-two percent of respondents believe that meat is a source of fiber. There is no fiber in meat. Fiber can only be derived from plant products.

* When are Americans getting their fiber?
Forty-two percent of respondents cited breakfast as the meal in which they consume the most fiber followed closely by dinner (32 percent). Lunch was a distant third, receiving 18 percent of the vote.

* Do Americans read food labels?
Seventy-two percent of those surveyed read food labels, but less than half (48 percent) look at the amount of fiber per serving. Not surprisingly, the majority of Americans (61 percent) are most interested in the amount of saturated fat per serving.

* How do Americans stay healthy if they don’t exercise?
Eighty-five percent of respondents believe they are in good health. Only slightly more than half, however, reported that they regularly exercise (58 percent). Respondents attributed their good health to reading food labels, avoiding foods high in fat, eating foods high in fiber and taking vitamins and/or supplements, to name a few.

In addition to promoting general wellness and intestinal health, the survey revealed that a majority of Americans are increasingly aware of the additional health benefits of fiber:

* 78 percent recognize that fiber keeps you full
* 76 percent associate fiber with helping to lower cholesterol
* 72 percent believe that fiber helps with weight management
* 67 percent are aware that fiber can help with diabetes prevention

“Experts have been trying to educate consumers for years about the health benefits of fiber,” adds Anderson. “Despite this, we’ve seen a rise in health conditions that put your life in danger –
high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers — the risk of which can be greatly reduced by getting the NFC’s recommended 32 grams of fiber per day.”

To learn more about fiber and how to get the recommended 32 grams of fiber per day, visit the NFC’s Web site www.nationalfibercouncil.org or call the toll-free hotline (866) 749-5296 to request the NFC’s new “A Fresh Look at Fiber” brochure, which includes general information about fiber, fiber myths and facts, a sample high-fiber menu plan, the NFC’s recommended “Top Five Items to Keep in Your Pantry” and a fiber supplement comparison chart.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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According to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. moms sponsored by Ragu pasta sauce, almost all moms (94 percent) admit they know the nutritional needs of their children but 80 percent say they face challenges in satisfying those needs. What are the biggest challenges? Forty-two percent of moms say fussy eaters and 38 percent say busy schedules.

“With so little time between work and school and after-school activities, it’s about smart, simple solutions that allow you to still give your family the very best you can,” notes Today Show fitness correspondent, author and mother of three, Kathy Kaehler.

Kaehler says, “It’s a balance of nutrition and exercise. Families need to be more active and can do so together. If you’re always on the couch, your kids will follow suit.”

Kaehler offers the following tips for moms:

* Incorporate exercise into your family’s daily routine by creating a “Family Fitness Chart.” Keep the chart in a high traffic area of your home, and have everyone check off activities as they are completed (such as one minute of jump rope, 25 jumping jacks, running around the house two times). Challenge family members to complete the most activities at the end of one week or one month and offer rewards.

* If getting your kids to eat veggies is sometimes challenging, look for new and interesting ways to serve those vegetables you know they’ll eat. If broccoli is the only vegetable your child likes, figuring out more ways to serve it will help keep them from getting bored of it! For example, one-half cup of Ragu pasta sauce equals a full serving of vegetables…and what kid doesn’t like pasta sauce? So find ways to get it into their diet instead of just adding it to spaghetti (even though they probably wouldn’t mind having spaghetti every night!) You can serve it over shaped pasta, use it as a dip for string cheese (a great snack!) or mix it with ground turkey or beef for a quick sloppy joe.

* Encourage balanced meals by making your child “Chef for a Day” by letting them help make dinner. They choose the menu, help shop for the ingredients and help with the preparation. For menu ideas check out the Ragu Soccer Mom’s Shortcuts Book available on www.ragu.com. It offers simple recipe and snack ideas your family can cook together with items every mom has in their pantry or refrigerator.

* Don’t forget to keep your kids (and yourself) active, even when the weather prevents you from going outdoors. Some fun ideas to keep you and your kids active indoors include tumbling with summersaults, hand stands and cartwheels or a scavenger hunt with active clues like crawling or skipping to the next location.

For more tips from Kathy and fun fitness activities that families can do together visit Kathy’s Ultimate Fit Kids Web site at www.ultimatefitkids.com

Ragu appreciates all that moms do and wants to recognize these special women by introducing a search for “Good Sport Moms.” If you know a mom who is always going that extra mile for her kids — whether it’s driving the soccer team to all of the away games or chairing the PTO, go online to www.ragu.com and tell us about her. One grand prize winner will receive a trip for four to Los Angeles to attend the Ragu Soccer Shoot Out with special celebrity guests in April, 2007 plus $1,000 to spend on whatever she wants — new equipment for the soccer team, a day at the spa, a shopping spree or lunch with the ladies. Entries are due March 23, 2007. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. For complete rules, go to www.ragu.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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3. Simple Ways for Busy Moms to Look and Feel Younger