NEW PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE

The Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood (GHC) previously announced the release of the “It All Counts” Facebook page made available through the Department of Health and Human Services’ First Time Motherhood grant. The page provides information on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle to promote preconception health, healthy pregnancies, healthy birth out-comes, and health in general throughout the lifespan. The page provides tips on health-related issues including topics of exercise, nutrition, folic acid, and much more and gives “friends” the opportunity to ask questions or comment and get answers. GHC now has “scroll pens” available for local public health agencies and other healthcare/social services providers to use at health fairs or in their agencies for women of childbearing age to promote the Facebook page and provide a health factoid. For information on obtaining a supply of these pens for your event, contact Karen Schenk or Leslie Seifert at 573‑751‑6266.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Children need to have regular dental cleanings and exams, the same as adults. But for many resons, not all children are able to recieve regular dental care. This may prevent minor problems form being corrected, and may result in small problems becoming larger ones. No one wants this to happen, but it frequently does. In February, attention is drawn to this situation to remind parents to do something about it.

Start your kids on the path to proper dental hygiene, and this month is as good a time as any. Help them achieve good oral health, and you'll be helping them ward off diseases and conditions.

New Year's 7 Best Resolutions

Take small steps to create healthy eating habits for your family.

Choose one, two or all seven of these New Year's resolutions:

1. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
2. Make at least half your grains whole grains
3. Switch to fat-free (skim) or low fat (1%) milk
4. Eat a variety of protein foods
5. Start your day with breakfast
6. Eat with your family
7. Drink water instead of sugary drinks

Make 2012 your healthiest year ever!

·         Have you gotten your FLU SHOT yet? PCHD is now offering flu shots for $10. Come down today and give yourself a healthy present this year!

World Breastfeeding Week 2011

August 1-7 is designated each year as World Breastfeeding Week by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and the entire month of August is designated Missouri Breastfeeding Month. The theme for this year is “Talk to Me, Support Me!” The objective of this year’s theme is to draw attention to how communication is an essential part in protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months of life. This means your baby needs no additional foods (except Vitamin D) or fluids unless medically indicated. Babies should continue to breastfeed for a year and for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and baby. Breastfeeding should be supported by your physician for as long as it is the right choice for you and your baby.

June is Dairy Month

The Dairy Group includes milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soymilk

Provides calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein, and other nutrients needed for good health throughout life
Choices should be low-fat or fat-free - to cut calories and saturated fat

How much is needed?
Older children, teens, and adults need 3 cups a day
Children 4 to 8 years old need 2 1/2 cups
Children 2 to 3 years old need 2 cups

What counts as a cup in the Dairy Group?
1 cup of milk or yogurt
1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese, or 2 ounces of processed cheese

Try these Recipes:

Easy to Please Breakfast Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients:
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup crunchy low-fat cereal or granola divided
1/2 cup fresh fruit, sliced (i.e. strawberries, blueberries, bananas)
Preparation:
Spoon half of the yogurt in the bottom of a bowl or tall glass
Add 2T. cereal and 1/2 cup fruit
Spoon rest of yogurt and top with remaining 2T. of cereal
Substitution Idea:
Use any favorite flavor of yogurt as a base. Can also substitute canned fruit (drained) for fresh fruit

Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Shake
Ingredients:
1 cup of fat-free or 1% low-fat chocolate milk
1/2 cup banana slices
1T. peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve in a tall glass or on-the-go drink container

From MyPyramid to MyPlate

June 2, 2001 - First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is a new generation icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek information to help do that by going to http://www.choosemyplate.gov/  The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.

2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans -

Guidelines Messages Include:

Balance Calories

Enjoy your food, but eat less
Avoid oversized portions

Foods to Increase
Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk

Make at least healf your grains whole grains

Foods to Reduce

Compare sodium (salt) in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals, and choose foods with lower numbers

Drink water instead of sugary drinks