8 HEALTH
Healthy Recipe: Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
By Rachel Firmin
In my opinion, a nutritious breakfast sets a great mood for the day. It not only starts up your metabolism, but it also has the ability to keep you focused throughout the day and less likely to overeat in the evening. These pancakes have the nutrition equivalence of a bowl of oatmeal, but a completely different texture and taste. Ingredients: ½ cup Old Fashioned or Regular Oats 1 medium, ripe banana 1 cup Skim Milk 1 Tbsp Natural Nut Butter 1 Tbsp Syrup (I prefer Agave Nectar or Cane Syrup) Preparation: Remove 1/8 cup oats and set aside in small mixing bowl. In food processor, process remaining oats until a flour consistency forms. Add to bowl with unprocessed oats. Place ¼ cup milk and ripe banana in processor and process until smooth. Add to small mixing bowl and mix well. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Heat skillet on medium heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray, or use nonstick skillet. Once warmed, place small amount of batter on skillet and smooth out. Cook 2-3 minutes, flip and cook 2-3 remaining minutes until golden and cooked through. Cover pancakes with peanut butter, stack and drizzle on 1 Tbsp syrup! Because these are made of oats and naturally sweetened with banana, they are a great source of soluble fiber, natural sugars and potassium. The nut butter also adds a dose of healthy fat and protein! Enjoy! *Disclaimer: I am not a licensed physician or Registered Dietitian. The content of these recipes are not to be construed as medical advice or nutritional counseling. Please consult a Registered Dietitian or Doctor for further questions or before making any serious changes in your diet.
Thursday, March 22, 2012 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
“How Can I Ensure My Child is Getting Enough Sleep?” By Dr. Lois Gesn
With the recent time change, sleep is on everyone’s mind. Sleep is a vital need, essential to a child’s health and growth. The right amount of it promotes alertness, memory and performance. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness. While each child is different and has different sleep needs, many parents underestimate how many hours of sleep their child should be getting. The following chart presents recommended hours of sleep (includes naps for children up to five years of age): Age Hours of Sleep 0-2 months…………...11 - 18 2-12 months………….14 - 15 1-3 years……………..12 - 14 3-5 years……………..11 - 13 5 -12 years…………...10 - 11 12 – 16 years……….....9 - 10 Here are a few other tips to help your kids catch all the zzzz’s they need: • The #1 tip for good sleeping habits in children is to follow a nightly routine. • Stick to a bedtime, alerting your child both half an hour and 10 minutes before
bedtime. • Limit foods and drinks that contain caffeine. In addition, do not let children eat or drink significant amounts right before bedtime as this will lead to trips to the bathroom that will interrupt sleep. • Restrict TV, computer use, and video games for at least one hour before bedtime. • Discourage vigorous physical activity right before going to bed and instead encourage calming activities such as reading or listening to soft music before bedtime. • Beds should be used just for sleeping – not doing homework, reading, playing games or talking on the phone. • If your child does wake up in the night, check on them as quietly and quickly as possible to limit sleep interruptions and discourage future interruptions. Dr. Lois Gesn is a Pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center – Central. She can be contacted at 261-9790.
THE HOSPICE OF BATON ROUGE H.O.P.E. Grief Support Groups
Ochsner Medical Center is giving 6-Week Support Group Sessions that provide a safe place for sharing and growth through grief. The first Group Sessions for 2012 will be the Tuesday Evening Group Series - 6:30-8 PM April 17th, April 24th, May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd. Group Facilitator: Christine Brasseaux, LMSW, HBR Social Worker. Please inquire at the front desk of the hospital for room location. Call The Hospice of Baton Rouge Social Worker, Florence Scarle at (225) 767-4673 for more information or to reserve your spot. All groups are provided to the public at no charge. Address: Ochsner Medical Center, 17000 Medical Center Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
BREC’S FARR PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER PRESENTS
3rd ANNUAL STICK HORSE RODEO Saturday, April 14 10 a.m. to Noon (Registration from 9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.) Ages 2–7 (ages will be separated into two groups) Cost: $5 / event or $20 for the day Participants can compete in five different rodeo style events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, “Bull” Riding, Bronc Riding and a Flag Race. Prizes will be awarded for the best rides in each age group and event. Participants can also enjoy the petting zoo, face painting and other equine activities. For more information, please call the Farr Park Equestrian Center at 225-769-7805 or visit our website www.brec.org/farr. Also, check out the Farr Park Equestrian Center facebook page.