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Locally grown vegetables

Schools say bye to Twinkies, hi to locally-grown kale?

by Melissa Jeltsen on July 30, 2010

school lunchThe new regulations for public schools prohibit fryolators in the preparation of competitive foods. This line, from Massachusetts’ new school nutrition bill, is enough to make nutrition activists jump with joy. Fried foods will be just one of the unhealthy items stricken from Mass. schools after Governor Deval Patrick signs the bill today (full text of the bill here).

“This bill is certainly not a panacea for the childhood obesity epidemic, but it is an important step in creating healthier environments for children,” says Lisa Mannix, manager of State Government Relations at Children’s Hospital Boston, who points out that, on average, children consume two-thirds of their total daily calories while at school. Mannix, along with a number of Children’s clinicians and child health advocates, played crucial roles in advocating for and shaping the legislation. Full story »

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kid with asthma inhalerJust because your child suffers from asthma doesn’t mean he or she can’t enjoy running, swimming and other outdoor play made possible by the long, bright days of summer! In fact, when done properly physical activity can improve the strength and efficiency of their heart and lungs, as well as their attitude, self-esteem and confidence.

The Healthy Family Fun website, a project of Children’s Hospital Boston and Kohl’s Department Stores providing families with information on how to eat better and get more exercise on a budget, just released some helpful tips on how to get your asthma sufferer off the couch and on the playground. Written by Amy Burack, RN, MA, AE-C and Community Asthma Programs Manager at Children’s, the tips provide practical advice for parents about where, when and how their child with asthma should play outside this summer. It also touches on the importance of an asthma management plan, and how parents can easily create one with the help of their child’s pediatrician.

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