Be an Example

Pre-dawn runs, ice baths, the constant, distinct aroma of muscle relieving cream, blackened toenails (and a few that were lost all together), a diet of energy bars, gels and goos, and the oddest tan lines you’ve ever seen (thanks to the kinesiology I wore to support my knees)… these are the sort of things that happen when you are a runner - these are the sort of things I expected to happen.

Family Meal Benefits Go Beyond the Dinner Table

Today’s families are spread very thin. Between soccer games and track practice, jobs and choir rehearsal, and the many meetings, appointments, homework assignments and work responsibilities, parents and children are, quite simply, busy. It can be challenging to find the time to be together and connect as a family, but this time is so valuable. Families should ensure spending time together is built into their weekly schedule. And since we all have to eat, why not make it a point for family time to be spent sharing a meal together?

Five Steps to a Healthier You: Lighter Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Usually about this time of year, people have made New Year’s resolutions to get back to a healthy lifestyle or lose a few pounds. For most, the bar is set too high, making it difficult to maintain their resolutions throughout the year. When it comes to food, you really need to think long term – maintaining a balanced diet should be a lifelong commitment.

Game On as a Family

Video games have come a long way from when I was growing up.

I can still remember playing Pong on our black-and-white television in the kitchen when I was five years old. (I feel like I should be waving a cane as I read back over those words.) I also remember when my brother got an Atari for Christmas, and the many hours of Asteroid, Frogger, Combat, and my favorite, a castle and dragon game called Adventure, that followed. (And OMG, I just discovered that you can play Adventure at Atari.com. SQUEE!)

Getting Teens to the Dinner Table

Studies show there are numerous benefits to sitting down to family dinner with your children. As small children turn into teenagers, the benefits (including better communication, higher grades and lower incident of eating disorders and drug use) become even more critical. But, with school, jobs, friends and the freedom cars can afford, getting teenagers to the dinner table becomes infinitely more difficult. I grew up eight years behind my closest sibling. So, even though I was one of eight children, I was basically an “only child” starting at age 10 when my next-oldest sibling went away to college.