Ten Worst Cereals for Kids-Well, we knew that!

Most parents know that there are many kids' breakfast cereals that are marketed as being good for the brain and overall physical development but do not keep their promise.
Cereals marketed to kids have 85% more sugar, 65% less fiber and 60% more sodium than those aimed at adults, according to the report from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. "The worst cereals are being marketed very heavily to children," says Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center. He presents the analysis today in Washington at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society.

Cereals with the poorest nutrition ratings that are advertised to kids: (USA Today article--http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-25-kids-cereals_N.htm?csp=34 )
1. Reese's Puffs
2. Corn Pops
3. Lucky Charms
4. Cinnamon Toast Crunch
5. Cap'n Crunch (tied) with Trix
6. Froot Loops (tied) with Fruity
9. Cocoa Pebbles (tied) with Cocoa Puffs
10. Cookie Crisp

One of the first things you can do to avoid a situation where your kids ask for these cereals is to educate them about reading the nutrition labels. Explain the negative consequences about consuming some of the ingredients on the list. Once they are educated, they will almost always not ask for those cereals again! Look for low sugar, high fibre, zero colors and preservatives, zero hydrogenated oils and lots of whole grains on the cereal box ingredient list. There are a lot of breakfast ideas on the internet that are healthy, wholesome and will not take too much time to make. Good old oatmeal takes only a few minutes!

Safe Cleaning products and Quality Air

In my earlier posts, I have noted how we all go overboard with cleaning our homes to make them germ free. In our quest to kill germs and viruses, we use products that are high in harmful chemicals. These chemicals release fumes into the air that are dangerous to our children and our families. Poor ventillation of air due to closed windows in our homes only make the problem worse. We also harm our planet by flushing toxic chemicals into our water system.
Simple cleaning products that can do a wonderful job include baking soda, vinegar and water. That is usually all you need...
Please check the link below from Environmental Working Group. They are a non-profit organization that does a wonderful job researching different products. They have published test results for products ranging from children's products to beauty products to sunscreens to household cleaning products. Let us get educated about the options so we can all make sound decisions for our families.
http://www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/safecleaningtips

Improving your child's immune system

Building our immune system is the only way to guard against the harmful effects of the flu in case your child does get the flu.
I offer my children the following supplements to help improve their immune system:
Sambucus Elderberry syrup
Nordic Naturals Cod Liver oil
Hero Nutritionals Multi-vitamins gummies
Probiotics
If you see signs of a fever, start your child on Boiron Oscillococcinum. This is a homeopathic medication that helps reduce the duration of the flu.

Avoid fast foods, sugary drinks, foods with artificial colors and preservatives, foods with meats that are treated with hormones and antibiotics. Give your child an opportunity for some physical activity everyday so they get stronger immune systems and build a good appetite as well. Train your child to cover their mouth when they cough and always wash their hands before they eat.

Good luck to all of you!