“TV/media or video games are bad for your kids”. Is this true or is it just a myth? What effect does TV have on your kid? Let us discover together!
Parents often have a busy schedule trying to juggle between work, home, and everything in between – trying to achieve that work-life balance. Yes, yes… admit it- sometimes parents try to keep their kids busy by occupying them with TV or video games just to get a few minutes to finish up tasks and errands around the house. Let’s be completely transparent here – no, we are not pointing a finger at you; many of us are extremely guilty of the same “crime”. Or is it a crime?
Studies reveal that parental guidance on TV should start from an early age. You heard it right. Even if your kids are a few months old, TV can have a dramatic impact on them.
We often wonder if TV/media/video games have a positive effect on our kids. Think about this – do our kids learn from TV, especially if they watch educational movies or programs? The answer lies in what kids watch on a consistent basis. Are the programs kids watch educational or good for them to digest? What about kids who spend hours playing video games? Many of these games do contain substantial amounts of violence and inappropriate language and kids are exposed to them daily. Have we talked about the TV ads? That’s a whole other conversation.
Let us be honest. TV/video games have negative effect on our kids. How? Check this out:
- Impacts kid’s brain development. When TV replaces reading, less thinking occurs. Hence, it affects school performance. Less reading may lead to drop outs in the future.
- Encourages sedentary lifestyle, which may lead to obesity.
- Decreases social skills. Kids do not want to play with other kids or even go outdoor. They feel content playing with their video games.
- Disturbs sleep leading to concentration impairment.
- Leads to aggressive behavior due to violence on TV.
Whether we like it or not, technology is advancing, and watching TV has become part of the everyday activities in many households. How do we tackle this and deal with all this information? As parents and community members, we have to be smart about decisions we make for kids and how much we enable them to explore and ‘grow up.’ So, what can we do and how do we alleviate some of these issues.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Turn off the TV during meals and enjoy family time.
- No TV in kids’ bedrooms.
- Watch TV together. Control what they watch and enjoy each other’s presence!
- Limit the hours. Interact more with your kids: talk and play with them more often.
- Encourage kids to do outdoor activities such as sports. We do not want our kids to end up being a couch potato.
- Read a book. This will have a tremendous impact on your kid. You can visit the library or have kids check out books from their schools. Our organization also has a great literacy program implemented from the Reach Out and Read platform, where each kid will receive a book after every well-child visit. How amazing is that? Parents can read to their kids and work to improve their kids’ literacy levels and strengthen their parental bonds.
Every kid is their parent’s pride and joy. Let us provide a healthy environment; let us read, play, and talk with our kids. They are our future!!
Summer time is upon us! More sun, more fun….more health benefits?! Yes! The sun can actually help boost your immune system or even lower your blood pressure! We’re sharing the several benefits to moderate sun exposure so you can catch some sunrays this summer!
Stronger bones and immune system
The sun helps us produce Vitamin D. Unlike other vitamins obtained through food, Vitamin D is created within the skin once exposed to sunshine. Vitamin D plays an active role in calcium metabolism and how the immune system functions.
Boosts Child growth
Sunlight can influence how tall a child can grow according to
several studies. If you are expecting or have a new bundle of joy, consider taking a brief walk in the daylight to help boost that growth!
Improved Wake/Sleep Cycle
When sun rays hit our eyes it stops the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes us drowsy. Getting the right amount of sun during the day helps us stay awake during the day and gets our sleep cycle on track to doze off at night.
Increases Brain function
Studies have shown that sunlight enhances the growth of some of our brain cells. The brain cells affected by sunlight are responsible for how we memorize facts and events. With our busy schedules and trying to maintain that work-life balance, our memory can always use a little help!
Lowers Blood Pressure
When sunlight makes contact with our skin, nitric oxide is released into the blood vessels. Nitirc what? Yes-it’s a chemical that researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland discovered helps lower blood pressure.
Ever wonder why you seem happier on sunny days rather than cloudy or gloomy days? Sunshine can make you happy! How? Well, our bodies contain a chemical called Serotonin, which stabilizes a person’s mood. Being in the sun increases one’s serotonin hormone levels, which will in turn make you more HAPPY!
Good stuff, right? So this weekend don’t be afraid to have a little fun in the sun. Moderate exposure to sunlight is key. Over exposure can be harmful. So, if you’re going to be in the sun for extended periods of time, don’t forget your sunscreen! Be sure you and your children wear sun screen with a SPF factor of at least 15, a hat, light clothing, and sunglasses for protection.
Do you have trouble going to sleep at night? Do you somehow end up on your smartphone doing one thing or another? In recent years, technology has become such a huge part of our daily lives and activities and it is extremely hard to put our gadgets down, even when it’s time to rest! Whether you’re surfing the web, looking at memes on Instagram, or viewing stories on Snapchat, you’re probably keeping yourself from a restful night’s sleep.
Studies suggest that if you use your mobile phone, laptop or any other device before bed, the bright blue light from the screen may be preventing your body from producing melatonin. Melatonin. What exactly is Melatonin? Interestingly enough, when we find ourselves in dark environments, our bodies produce a hormone whose primary effect is to make us sleepy – Melatonin!
The bright blue light from your mobile phone screen tricks our brain into thinking it is still daylight, which prevents the release of Melatonin. This not only makes it more difficult to go to sleep, but it also affects your quality of sleep.
Sleep deprivation is associated with various health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and more. Additionally, it affects one’s cognitive abilities and emotional state.
(Image Source: https://onsizzle.com/i/im-going-to-sleep-w-when-does-the-internet-sleep-wait-10187209)
We all know we need to get enough sleep to get us through each day and here are just a few benefits of sleeping:
- Sleep boosts your immune system. Getting too little sleep affects your immune system tremendously which prevents your body from fighting against bacteria and viruses; making you more likely to catch a cold or flu.
- Sleep may help you maintain a healthy weight. Studies suggest that people who get less than seven hours of sleep per night tend to gain more weight and are at higher risk of becoming obese. Sleep deprivation causes a lack of the hormone leptin, which tells your brain that your belly is full.
- Sleep helps prevent chronic illnesses and heart disease. Studies conclude that people who sleep less than five hours are at an increased rate of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Let’s start taking care of our bodies and fight the temptation to scroll through social media or the internet when we should be resting our bodies. We owe it to ourselves to let our bodies rest. Put the blue light down!
It’s time for us to really talk about water! We hear of so many new diets on a daily basis and frankly, there’s too much information on the internet to digest! Allow us to tell you some facts about something most people don’t really know much about.
Did you know that the average adult needs to drink at least 6-8 cups of water every day? Many of us find it difficult to drink that much water in a day because we find water to be boring and flavorless. Right about now, a few of you are nodding and agreeing with these statements. So why drink water when there are various options for flavored drinks that taste much better? Here’s our little secret to share with you all; you can now stay hydrated by drinking infused water!
The next question we need to answer is ‘What is infused water?’ Simply stated, infused water is water that contains flavors of various fruits and vegetables. Many people have different perceptions about what infused water actually does for the body. Infused water only gives the individual the mere satisfaction of good flavor. In addition, it is cheap and tastes delicious when made with healthy ingredients! That’s it! No added benefit. No additional weight loss. No better skin. Just simply, it tastes and ‘looks healthy’. On the bright side, infused water gets you to drink more water throughout your day which does have greater health benefits!
If you are interested in making your very own infused water, then do not hesitate because it is simple and not costly. Take a look at the following steps and recipes that will help guide you in making your very own flavored water:
– Choose organic fruits and vegetables and make sure to wash them before putting them in the water
Step 2 – Make sure to use cold or room temperature water.
Step 3 – Add your favorite fruits or vegetables
Step 4 – Leave the infused water at room temperature for no more than 2 hours and then put it in the fridge.
Step 5 – Enjoy!
Strawberry Mint Water
Slice 6-8 strawberries and add 1 cup of mint leaves. Make sure to tear the mint leaves before you add it to the mix for more flavor.
Watermelon Basil Water
Add 2 slices of watermelon that are cut into thirds and a small handful of basil.
Blueberry Orange Water
Cut 2 mandarin oranges into wedges and add a handful of blueberries. You can squeeze in the juice of one mandarin orange to get more flavor.
Click here for more recipes on infused water that will have the taste and look of a summertime treat! We hope you enjoy these recipes and feel free to email us at firstname.lastname@example.org to answer any questions you have about this topic!
In a public school system that often has a surplus of students but a shortage of teachers and resources, it is not uncommon to think your child may be “lost in the sauce”. This becomes a more pressing concern for children with disabilities who require a particular kind of education.
An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is the special education a child receives if he/she has a documented disability that could hinder his/her academic progress. The IEP document is uniquely designed to meet your child’s educational needs. It contains your child’s current academic performance level, goals to meet, and the support and services required. Several people are included in the creation of an IEP:
- General and Special Education teachers- Provide insight on your child’s performance, classroom expectations and strategies for teaching your child.
- School system and Service Agency representatives- knowledgeable about resources available that can help to support your child.
- YOU- As the parent you know information about your child that can benefit the team in creating the most effective IEP.
Make sure you are not “lost in the sauce” either!
It is easy to get confused with the process of an IEP and at times, you may feel like you are not part of your child’s education plan. Here are a few tips on how you can empower yourself to be part of the IEP team and maximize the role you play:
Know your authority- no IEP can go into effect without your consent. You have to provide the school with written permission.
- Before attending an IEP meeting organize your thoughts and write them down on paper
- If you are bringing another advocate for your child, be sure to let the school know in advance
- Ask clarifying questions for anything you may not understand during the meeting
- You can request a meeting to revise an IEP if you believe your child is not making progress. Be sure to put your request in writing and provide it to school administration
Your child receiving the best education suitable for him or her is of upmost importance. Communicate with your child’s school staff frequently and schedule an appointment to speak to your child’s school about the IEP.
(Image Source: http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/11/25/10-helpful-and-compassionate-comments-heard-at-an-iep-meeting/)
Getting up early in the morning or working out may be very difficult for some to achieve. Some people blame it on laziness. Others don’t have enough time or are simply not motivated. Regardless of the excuses, it is very important to keep ourselves active throughout the day in order to stimulate our endorphins and feel good about ourselves! Keeping active and exercising also helps with controlling weight, strengthening bones and muscles, and increasing chances of living longer.
If you are not sure about how to start being active or how to get your heart rates up, don’t worry, you are not alone. It is important to start slowly and remain consistent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is recommended to start with brisk walking or moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
If you have a chronic health condition, it is important to get advice from your Doctor before you start developing your plan on how to stay healthy.
The great thing about living in Los Angeles (LA) is there are many health events that take place throughout the year, including walking, hiking, sporting races and much more. As we get ready for summer, here are a few events that you may want to consider to help you stay active.
May 20,2017- Breathe Easy Asthma Awareness
This race begins at 9:30am. The race will take place in Alondra Park, Redondo Beach Blvd in Los Angeles. Supports Asthma awareness month by walking 1K or 5K at this event.
May 21,2017- LA Life Run
This run begins at 8:00am. The run features a 5K/10K Run/Walk & Tinsel Town Tot Trot in Downtown LA while enjoying live music and entertainment. Collect your medal at the end of the race and enjoy some LA food with food trucks.
July 22, 2017- LAPD Foothill Fitness Run and Resource Fair
The 10K run begins at 8:30am, but there will also be a 1K that will begin at 8:00am for kids to participate and have fun. This event will help support the Youth programs form the Foothill station such as LAPD Cadet Program, Ballet Folklorico, Joyas Divinas del Valle and Foothill Jeopardy.
If you would like to view more events taking place in LA, feel free to visit www.active.com
If race walking, jogging, or running doesn’t interest you, you can still be active by incorporating a moderate-intensity aerobic activity into your lifestyle. When you work hard and exercise enough to where you raise your heart rate and break a sweat, you are definitely on the right path to keeping fit! Some examples of such activities include:
- Heavy cleaning (Washing windows, vacuuming, mopping)
- Mowing the lawn
- Riding a bike (10-15mph)
- Water aerobics
Now that you have some tips for an active lifestyle, remember to stay motivated, focused and get moving!
Do you live in or near Sunland, California?
Do you need a medical home? Are you in need of healthcare services?
If you answered yes to the questions above, then look no further! Our new clinic in Sunland will be opening on April 10th, 2017 and we are so happy to join the Sunland community! The new clinic site with state of the art technology is located at 8316 Foothill Boulevard in Sunland and sits almost halfway between CCHC’s two largest health centers: North Hollywood and Glendale. The Sunland clinic will offer coordinated primary medical, dental, behavioral, vision and supportive services to the community. The clinic is easily accessible by public transport and has ample parking for new and existing patients.
As part of our mission to help all individuals reach their fullest human potential, we remain committed to providing quality services to those who walk through our doors. We believe in ensuring the wellness of our patients and our staff are committed to providing the best care possible to those who seek our help and need our services.
If you want to learn more about our organization or have questions or specific needs, we are here to help! Call the Sunland clinic at (818) 273-8800 and our team members will help you schedule an appointment or direct you as needed. Make sure you stop by the clinic and say hello!
If you think that going through pregnancy is the toughest part of parenthood, well, think again. The real challenge starts when we deal with safely handling car seats. Many of us can relate to this picture, right!?? So, you better buckle up! One interesting adventure is on the way!
Sometimes it is confusing when it comes to choosing a good car seat and knowing how to install it, but first, parents should know the rules related to car seats.
Did you know that a new car seat law has been implemented in California as of January 2017? Here are the facts:
- Children ages 2 and younger should ride in a rear-facing car seat.
- Exceptions apply if your child weighs 40 pounds or more or is 40 inches or taller.
- Child should be secured in a way that complies with the specified height and weight limits set by the car seat manufacturer.
Kids under the age of 8 must still be secured in a booster or a car seat, whereas 8-year-olds or a height of 4’9’’ must be secured in a safety belt. Passengers 16 years and older should follow California’s Mandatory Seat Belt law. Yes, your teenagers need to put on their seatbelts, too!
California Highway Patrol (CHP) provides some great videos regarding the new car seat law according to age group. Click here to watch. (https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats/child-safety-seat-videos).
If you are not sure how to properly install a car seat, do not worry! Your local CPH can be of help. Check out this link to find a local area office (https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office).
If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can contact Children’s Hospital to schedule an appointment for a car seat inspection. Don’t need your car seat anymore? You can donate it to the Children’s Hospital every Friday of the month between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Covered CA open enrollment period began on November 1st 2016. Since then, we have been working hard to ensure our patients and our community members have access to health coverage.
Did you know that 1.3 million Californians are renewing their coverage and 258,158 new consumers have signed up during this enrollment period?
Here at CCHC, we have Certified Enrollment Counselors at each clinic and in the Outreach & Enrollment department that can assist with Covered CA, Medi-Cal, and My Health LA applications. During this enrollment period, CCHC has assisted many patients and members of the community with their applications and gaining access to health care services.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with their application or has questions about selecting the right plan, contact us today at email@example.com or 818-630-2210. Hurry! Deadline is January 31st.
On December 17, 2016, CCHC hosted a memorable fun filled event that provided nearly 600 children a little extra cheer this holiday season. The event brought families together from all walks of life in a moment of joy, kindness, and solidarity. CCHC partnered with the Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Division to host the First Annual Toy Drive & Giveaway, benefitting the Sunland-Tujunga Area.
Hundreds of toys were donated, thanks to our community partners at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, YMCA of Glendale, Glendale Community College Scholars Program, Glendale Community College Global Medical Training Organization and Sol Del Valle Community Center, who hosted a toy drive at each of their locations. In addition to the overwhelming support from our partners, the Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Division donated 9 bicycles that were raffled off during the event.
At the event, families began arriving nearly two hours early at the New Hope Community Church in anticipation for the festivities. As children anxiously waited, the Los Angeles Fire Department stopped by to allow kids to learn about fire trucks, take photographs with the firemen and with the fire trucks. Volunteers from local high schools and businesses helped with setup, event registration, distribution of toys, decorations, and more.
The event featured hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and other sweets provided by Carol n’ Rajsheda Catering and Events. Additionally, with donations from Blue Shield of California and local businesses, attendees were provided pizza and popcorn as families waited to take pictures at the photo booth or get their faces painted.
With the success of our 1st Annual Toy Giveaway, we look forward to making this a holiday tradition at CCHC and we hope you can join us next year.
You can find a complete collection of photos from the event on our facebook page.