Healthy + Happy #9: Summer is here!
Summer is here!
Here’s to a healthy + happy summer that benefits the whole family. We’ve gathered some ideas, insights and tools to help you navigate classic summer struggles.
Two words you may have already heard in your home this summer: “I’m bored.” Don’t worry, parents: that’s a good thing (think: creativity and problem-solving opportunities).
On the flip side, an overscheduled summer can negatively impact the whole family. Research suggests “less is more” for better mental health this summer.
Summer is a great time to kick off your shoes — and it may be better for you than you realize. Beyond feeling good on your feet, "earthing" (walking on a natural surface) has science-backed benefits for your physical and mental health (it’s also fun to do with kids!).
Thinking about a family road trip this summer? Survey says, “Do it.” Why? It can help combat the “summer slide”. It connects kids to new subjects and activities, which stimulates learning. Personal choice also builds confidence, enhances curiosity and increases motivation to take similar actions again. If you need road trip ideas, check these out.
If you’re planning to pack up the family van, you may want a plan for movement along the way. Think: park and play stops, geocaching, hiking and swim breaks, etc. And don’t forget the healthy snacks! Our favorites? Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites and PB&J Bites.
In the News
School food round-up.
On Saturday, President Biden signed the Keep Kids Fed Act into law, which extends certain waivers and increases reimbursements through the 2022-2023 school year in an effort to combat staffing and supply chain issues. The bill allows schools to continue providing free meals to all students this summer, regardless of income. In the fall, families must apply to receive free and reduced lunch.
Call to Action: Let your community know about the changes to school lunch programs. Help families avoid confusion and potential meal debt.
New sleep information released.
According to new data, one-third of children don’t get enough sleep, and socially disadvantaged children have it worse.
Policy makers, schools, parents and coaches can help kids get more sleep. California is taking action by backing up school start times.
The American Academy of Pediatrics updated their "safe sleep" guidelines for infants. New recommendations: no incline sleeping products, crib decorations or co-sleeping.
It’s no secret: sleep is important. One you may not know about? Heart health. The American Heart Association just added sleep to its list of keys for cardiovascular health. “Life’s Simple 7” is now "Life’s Essential 8."
Melatonin use and overdose in kids on the rise.
Using melatonin as a sleep aid for kids is up 530 percent in the U.S. from 2012 to 2021 — and it’s led to overdoses, even deaths. A common misconception? Melatonin is not an herbal supplement; it's a hormone.
Other concerns include incorrect dosage labels, poor quality control and sending negative messages to kids about depending on sleep aids.
Medical practitioners don't yet know the long-term implications of melatonin and suggest families work on sleep hygiene (think: bedtime rituals and getting kids off screens at least an hour before bed).
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
Minnesota’s chapter of Girls on the Run needs volunteer coaches for the fall. Learn more.
Check out the new free tool, SCALE, from the Chef Ann Foundation, designed to help food service directors include more scratch cooking in their food program.
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.
We hope you enjoyed Healthy + Happy. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts.