To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Denise Nix, writer/editor, at [email protected] or 213-482-7831.
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Click events below to view full listings. Why Toddlers Do What They Do Wed., Oct. 27, 2010 10 a.m. - Noon School Readiness Initiative Conference Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Best Start Community Discussion - Central Long Beach Educators an Non-Profit, Business and Community Leaders Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Support Preschool: Dream Big Online Auction Ongoing Thursday, Oct. 29, 2010 Best Start Community Discussion - East L.A. Community-based Organizations and Civic Leaders Wed., Nov. 3, 2010 2:30 - 4 p.m. Best Start Community Discussion - Central Long Beach Parents and Community Leaders Wed., Nov. 3, 2010 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Best Start Community Discussion - El Monte Non-Profits, Faith-Based Leaders and Educators Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 9:30 - 11 a.m. CoroCrossTalk on Childhood Obesity: A Big Problem for Little Kids Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Best Start Community Discussion - East L.A. Businesses Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010 9 - 10:30 a.m. Beyond the Bill: Achieving Change with Administrative Advocacy Wed., Nov. 10, 2010 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Effective Observations of Infants and Toddlers Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 9 a.m. - Noon Got Milk? Hot Topics, Cool Answers Wed., Nov. 17, 2010 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free Health Screenings Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 9:30 a.m. - Noon
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Assemblywoman Julia Brownley A Southern childhood before the civil rights era and a political grandfather combine to make a profound impact on Julia Brownley's political career. More �
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Assemblywoman Julia Brownley's Agenda: Children, Education, Environment Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, our Monday Morning Report Champion Profilee, pushes for measures that she believes in. More �
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Becoming Parents a Second Time Around In increasing numbers, grandparents are finding that they are caring for their offspring's offspring. In Los Angeles County, most those children are between the age of 0 and 5. More �
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Other Grant Opportunities First 5 LA has developed a clearinghouse of grant opportunities provided by grantmakers other than First 5 LA, which is intended to assist organizations serving young children in the Los Angeles area to diversify funding. More �
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| Evelyn V. Martinez Chief Executive Officer |
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The Link Between Childhood Obesity and Baby's Sleep
There are a lot of reasons why young children are obese: poor nutrition, lack of exercise, genetics. Recently, though, I learned of a new culprit - not enough sleep in their first years. According to a study published in the September Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, children 0 to 4 who did not sleep enough at night were 80 percent more likely to be obese five years later, compared to children with normal sleep patterns. Childhood obesity is preventable, as long as parents, teachers and caregivers make smart choices. Offer a banana instead of a cookie for snack. Turn off the television and go outside and kick a ball. And, as the latest research shows, make sure kids get enough sleep.
Here are a few tips on how to ensure children get enough sleep: - Establish an appropriate bedtime, and stick to it. Generally, children younger than 5 should be in bed by 8 or 8:30 p.m.
- Signal bedtime with a nightly routine. A bath, some reading and cuddles are always fun and easy ways to wind down.
- Try to keep stimulation before and during the bedtime routine to a minimum. Try using soft, soothing music instead of having the television or video games on - even in the background, these can be distracting.
- While babies may still be awake during the night to eat, try to keep the lights and noise level low.
- It may be hard, but sometimes, the experts say, you've got to let babies fuss a little bit to learn how to soothe themselves to sleep.
I'm sure those attending Coro Crosstalk on Childhood Obesity: A Big Problem for Little Kids, co- sponsored by First 5 LA, will learn a lot more about combating this epidemic. Topics for the Nov. 8 discussion include trends, causes and solutions, benefits of breastfeeding and the connection between fitness and academic achievement. There are still spots available, and I encourage you to register and attend this informative and free event.
Evelyn V. Martinez Chief Executive Officer First 5 LA
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"Evie's Desk" is a regular feature of our weekly newsletter, "Monday Morning Report". Subscribe now or view past issues.
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