Did you know that 63% of homes have the television on during meals? Research has identified two main concerns related to this: People eat more junk food and less fruits and vegetables while watching TV and people tend to eat more food while watching TV. Setting limits on TV watching is an important lesson that should be enforced in families. And now with the additional sources of media with computer games and video games families need to consider total media time.

Here are a few tips to control the screen time in the family

• Turn off the TV while eating and don't allow snacking in front of the TV.
• Set limits to screen time with daily allowances (the American Academy of Pediatrics says less than 1-2 hours of combined screen time).
• Avoid having a TV or internet connection in your child's bedroom.
• Try to have kids spend no more than 1/2 hour at a time sitting and then have them find another activity.
• Watch TV with your children to monitor appropriateness and also to discuss issues or messages in the programs.
• Discuss advertising with kids as they get older, so they realize that ads are paid for and may not have their best interest in mind.

The Mamafest brought to you by Stroller Strides and benefiting the Postpartum Health Alliance and the Breast Cancer Fund presents education and shopping for moms. Dr. Nick Levy will be speaking on sleep and Dr. Christine Wood will speak on nutrition. For information see the link to the flyer on the home page of our website.

We are happy to note that the orthopedic surgeons of American Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will be seeing patients right here an campus in building C starting in June. Doctors Robert Clifford, William Holland, and Kevin Deitel have 41 years of practice experience between them, and all have treated both children and adults throughout their careers. Between them they are also currently raising 9 children of their own ranging in age from 1 to 26 years. The doctors treat all orthopedic conditions with an emphasis on sports medicine and spine, and will be available daily either here or at their other office right down the street in Encinitas. Their scheduling number is 760-942-0565.