From:  The Natural News Service, a public information program provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University. 

 

     Parents know that one of the biggest challenges in raising kids is getting them to eat right.  With busier-than-ever schedules and hurried mornings, many parents choose the convenience of school lunches.  But do you really know what your kids are eating? 

     Amrit Devgun, ND, a naturopathic practitioner at Northwestern Health Sciences University's Natural Care Center at Woodwinds in Woodbury, Minnesota, says, "The problem is that families today are too busy and they don't have time to provide quality nutrition for their kids."  Taking the easy route in the morning may save you some time, but can lead to trouble for your kids down the road. 

     According to Devgun, kids who eat a healthy, balanced diet have a lower risk overall of chronic disease.  Deficiencies in childhood often take a lifetime to show up.  Other benefits of eating well include:  stronger bones; stronger immune system; higher levels of concentration and focus; less moodiness; healthy weight and body mass index; and positive body image. 

     With after-school and evening activities creeping into the dinner hour, providing a healthy lunch is more important than ever, says Devgun.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 28 million lunches are served each day at U.S. schools, at a cost of $8 billion per year.  Yet, childhood obesity and childhood diabetes are on the rise.  School lunches often don't measure up, says Devgun.  "Find out what's happening at your child's school.  Check the lunch menu.  Are kids allowed to have a water bottle at their desk?  Is soda available?  Is there a scheduled snack time?"  Devgun joined the nutrition task force at her daughter's school, where she stressed the value of offering fresh vegetables and fruits for lunch.  Here are some additional suggestions: 

     For additional resources, visit http://www.nwhealth.edu/nns - a website focusing on natural approaches to health and wellness hosted by Northwestern Health Sciences University.  We also have a great hand-out at StillPointe with lots of recipes and ideas for "kid-healthy and friendly" foods, put together by SarahErin Palmer.  Stop by the front desk and pick one up.   

      While Dr. Saetre is in South Africa, from September 13th through the 27th, we are offering three specials for Electrodermal Screening and Massage.  It is a great time to invest in your health.  Call now for your appointment and take advantage of these special offers.  If you "care enough to share," pass on this information to your family and friends who might benefit from these services. 

    Each month we will be selecting an essential oil to feature, providing information on how that specific oil can be used and the benefits.  Plus we will have sample size bottles available for purchase.  This will provide you with a way to try the different essential oils at a reasonable price - just $5.00 - and see how they work for you. 

   The essential oil we will be featuring during the month of September is "Thieves."  It is a blend of oils created from research about four thieves during the 15th-century plague who used cloves, rosemary and other aromatics to protect themselves while robbing plague victims.  Thieves is a proprietary blend of pure essential oils tested at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.  It was found to have a 99.96 percent effective rate against airborne bacteria.  It is great for viruses as well and can be diluted and used as a cleaner and disinfectant. Spraying down surface areas and daily cleaning is helpful for cold and flu prevention.  

    The Thieves Oil product line includes:  a household cleanser, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, lozenges and spray.  And an immune support supplement, InnerDefense. 

   A good practice when trying a new oil is to dilute it and try it in a small area first. More detailed information on this blend and how to use this oil will be provided at the time of purchase.