Family & Kids May 2023

MAY 2023

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

2023

Cover Sponsor See Pg. 7

Join the Summer Reading Challenge! Now through July 31!

22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Mom Path A May Reflection:

HOO’s INSPIRED 3

Walking the

F

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

or moms like me, who have two kids with May birthdays, May has always been the month of change and challenges. In May, I had to fit in two birthday parties around graduations, weddings and end-of-school parties. Immediately following the calendar full of events was the transition to a summer schedule for four young kids. Being a person who loves a challenge, I enjoyed taking it on and I learned much from this busy month of change. Here are three principles that I learned to help guide me.

KNOW THAT YOUR PARENTING PATH IS UNIQUE Your child is unique, there is no one else like him. Do not compare yourself and your child to others. It is easy to fall into the ‘if only I had tried harder’ trap when your child does not make the top grades in class or your child is not the best player on his baseball team.

Your child has a set of strengths and gifts that are unique to her. Instead of losing time and energy to negative emotions such as guilt, invest them in helping your child find opportunities to build upon his strengths and remedy any weaknesses in essential skills.

Summer camps are one fun way for your child to explore her interests and improve any weaknesses in academic skills.

FIND OTHER MOMS ON A SIMILAR PATH Building a network of moms who are walking a path similar to yours is invaluable. It is easy to feel lost when the process of change throws you a curveball. Other moms who have experienced a similar situation are a good source of insight and support.

For example, I felt lost when my son lost weight instead of gaining it due to a medical condition when he was a newborn. My other kids never had a similar issue. It was a great comfort just knowing the other members of my mom network were there if I needed them. Establishing a support network of other parents is especially valuable if your child has a special need and you need help navigating the process of getting your child the services he needs. You do not have to do it alone.

DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR PERSONAL PATH Taking care of your physical and mental health makes you all the more prepared for the challenges that change can send your way.

Find creative ways to exercise, such as a fitness class where you can bring your stroller or a yoga class that is after work and has child care.

Give yourself a mental workout and set a good example for your kids by learning a new hobby or taking an online class.

Find a good babysitter or arrange for a babysitting ‘swap’ with another family so that you can still occasionally go out for a date night or dinner with friends. Your relationships are important for your emotional well-being, and it is essential to invest time in the relationship with your partner. A strong relationship with your partner creates a healthy environment for your household and gives you support when you are faced with an unexpected roadblock in your parenting path.

Each day, no matter how busy your schedule has been, take a few minutes for yourself.

Even five or ten minutes of meditation or reading a book can help you feel ready to take on the rest of the day.

44

The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Follow us @FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants; or see our interactive distro map at: familyandkidsga.com/get-a-copy

TO SUBMIT AD OR EVENT: Tammy Usie, Publisher tammy@familyandkidsga.com 253-212-7270 FamilyAndKidsGA

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

MythBusters:

55

HOO’s FIT

Kids’ Nutrition Nutr i t i o n

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

When shopping for healthy snacks for kids, it can be easy to fall into one of the ‘nutrition traps’ that have been put in place by common misconceptions. Here are some traps to avoid and some healthy snack alternatives.

Fun & healthy snack ideas:

Myth: If a label says ‘multigrain’ it is a healthy choice for my child.

Reality: A multigrain bread or snack could have been stripped of the bran or the germ that provides nutrients, leaving it with not much more nutritional value than white bread. If you buy a product labeled 100% whole grain, the nutritious parts of the grain are still intact.

Create colorful fruit kebabs from melon, grapes, and strawberries.

Myth: It is important to limit how many carbs kids eat Reality: Although many adults try low-carb dieting as a weight loss strategy, it may not be appropriate for kids. A child on a low-carb diet may not be getting the nutrients needed for energy and to support growth. If your child has diabetes or you are concerned about your child’s weight, speak to her doctor for help with planning a diet that fits her medical needs. Healthy kids need the fiber and nutrients found in healthy carbs such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Myth: Products with ‘hidden vegetables’ are healthy Reality: While feeding your kids veggie chips and other products with ‘hidden vegetables’ may seem like a good alternative to ‘bad’ carbs,’ the reality is that the essential nutrients in the vegetables may have been removed by the processing. The final product is not much better than the one you are trying to replace, such as potato chips. These hidden veggie snacks are often high in sodium. A diet high in sodium is harmful even for young kids.

Make a watermelon fruit pizza by spreading yogurt or cream cheese on a slice of watermelon then top it with your favorite summer fruit.

Make a celery caterpillar by spreading a celery stick with peanut butter and then placing grapes on top.

Make your own apple or banana chips by dehydrating them.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

66

Here Comes The Fun Outfits to take them from school to play and cash for what they’ve outgrown.

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 | 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com |

Teaching

T

eaching kids to stay safe should start early. The instruction you provide your child could be lifesaving for her or someone else in your household. Practice each of these so your child will become proficient in your absence.

Teach kids how to call for help. Even if your child does not yet have her own phone, show her how to use a phone to call an emergency number, whether that is 911 or a family member.

Teach kids who and where they belong. Should you become separated, your child should know their parents’ full names and street address.

Teach kids what to do if they get separated from you outdoors. Cell phones do not always work in the backcountry. u Teach your child to stay where he is, as a stationary target is easier to find. uTeach your child to take emergency water, snacks and clothing with him when he goes on a hike or camping trip.

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO’s tips

Response to KIDS

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Review online safety with kids. Remind them to never give out personal information to strangers. Talk to kids about cyberbullying and let them know they should report it to you or a school administrator.

Teach kids water safety. Teach kids to never enter the water without permission and how to float if they fall into the water accidentally.

Develop a fire escape plan. Teach your kids what to do if they hear the smoke alarm at home and go over fire safety concepts. u Practice ‘get low and go’ – test the bedroom door first to make sure it is not hot, then crawl towards the exit you identified in your escape plan. u Teach kids ‘stop drop and roll’ if their clothing catches fire. u Teach kids not to hide from firefighters. Firefighters in full gear look and sound scary to young kids. Take your child to tour a fire station so they can become familiar with the sights and sounds. u Teach kids not to overload outlets and not to cook with heat except when supervised.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

blackberry

•

MOCKTAIL This is the perfect drink for any occasion. It comes together quickly, easily and is full of flavor. Even the kids can feel fancy.

DIRECTIONS

Start by adding the blackberries, basil and lime juice to a cocktail shaker, then muddle them until the berries are broken down and there is a good amount of juice.

Next, add in the coconut water and ice and shake until well combined.

Prepare a glass by brushing a lime wedge around the rim, and then dipping in chili powder. This is optional, but strongly encouraged.

Fill the glass with ice and then pour in the blackberry mixture 3/4 of the way full. Finish it off with the sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

TIPS: Use a cocktail shaker and muddler for best results. If you don’t

have one, you can also use a fork to smash the berries and basil together. Rim the line of the glass with chili powder, salt or tajin.

Courtesy of lovelydelites.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries • 2 basil leaves • Juice from 1 lime • 1/2 cup coconut water • 1/2 cup sparkling water • Ice OPTIONAL • Chili fruit powder- for the rim • Lime wedge for garnish

77

88

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s INSPIRED

making MOM

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

9

friends

we are in this together - raising the future. “ As moms, We are a tribe of future makers, so let’s support each other.

M

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

- Marissa Hermer

“

ost recently while at my favorite chicken venue, my little girl was playing on the playground with another friend her age. They spent about an hour together, smiling and laughing while climbing stairs and sliding down the playground slide. They had the best time!

When we went to leave, my daughter and I agreed that we should invite them to future park days. I walked up to the mom and introduced myself.

She was appreciative and excited that her daughter had found a friend. This is the perfect example of what moms everywhere looking to find friendships should do! Walk up to that mom across from you and say ‘hello.’ I learned this pro-tip from my very extroverted daughter.

There are many advantages to having friends with children the same age as your own. Having mom friends creates a sense of unity through the trials of motherhood. The ups and downs can be shared and support can be given. Motherhood is a connector; it is a commonality that you share. Spending time with other moms is a way to feel supported, confident and happy throughout life. The support given builds self-esteem, gives a sense of belonging, reduces stress and according to studies it may even help our brains stay healthy as we age. Dr. Harding states that “as a medical doctor,” she wishes she could “prescribe friendships to everyone.”

Assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, Kelli Harding, MD, shares that healthy relationships include two friends caring about the needs of each other and providing positive support. You may be thinking, is there a friend limit? According to evolutionary anthropologist, Robin Dunbar, you can have up to 150 meaningful friendships of various levels at the same time.

All moms want to build friendships, there is just an obstacle to overcome in getting there. That obstacle is the very first step, starting a conversation. This week, I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and meet just one new friend. Say ‘hi’ to that mom on the playground.

Say ‘yes’ to an invite and plan that playdate. You got this!

As a mom, find ways to encourage other moms. Create a mom tribe, meet with a group of other moms that have similar interests and encourage each other. There are local groups for preschool moms, military moms, workout moms and homeschool moms. To find some local mom groups, see our directory at: familyandkidsga.com/just-4-parents/columbus-ga-mom-groups/ A friendship is a ‘two-way street,’ said psychologist Marisa Franco, PhD, who studies relationships and friendships. Part of finding a good friend is being one. Support, encourage and spend time with your friends. A few ideas to do this include making meals for new moms, welcoming a new neighbor with cookies or inviting a friend over for dinner and game night.

Places to Meet Moms v Volunteering v Church, church groups, middle school and high school groups v Get involved in sports v Restaurant play places

v Mom’s night out v Mom’s morning out v MOPS groups (mothers of preschoolers) v Gym or workout area v Neighborhood friends

v After school activities: sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, dance lessons etc. v Mom meet-ups v Head to the library for special events v Join a local mom's Facebook group

10

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE Showcase your child care or educational offering in this section so parents seeking new choices can see yours!

Email: tammy@familyandkidsga.com

Math. Reading.

Confidence.

Kumon Math & Reading of Columbus - North 1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963 kumon.com/columbus-north ©2014 Kumon North America

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

11

12

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Help Us Advance Medicine!

Investigational

Pediatric COVID-19 Could Qualify Vaccine Agesfor12-17 a Clinical Trial!

Call us today! 706-321-0495 Living A

HOO’s parenting

Farm Life Yields

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

When you were a kid, did you dream about living on a farm one day?

Did you know that there are actually many benefits to spending time with kids at the farm? One of the best ways to teach children about compassion and teamwork is spending the day at the farm. Kids can learn problemsolving skills, independence and responsibility by taking on farm chores, raising farm animals and caring for crops. They can learn all about lifecycles, farm safety, weather and the crops harvested on a farm. They will develop an appreciation for how our food gets from a field to their dinner table after seeing all the steps it takes to accomplish that. Plus, they will have family bonding time, learn how to communicate with others and live an active lifestyle all while roaming the fields of the farm. Raising

HARVEST

children on a farm is hands-on parenting at its finest!

Did you know that being around livestock actually helps children develop immunity? According to the National Farm Medical Center, there has been less asthma and allergy cases in children raised on a farm. The local 4-H has opportunities for all ages to experience their livestock and environmental education programs. Visit Georgia4H. org for more information.

Bring a little bit of the farm home by planting a garden. Give your child a role such as watering, weeding or picking the harvest. In Georgia, among the best vegetables to plant are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and Vidalia onions. Sweet food choices are pumpkins, peaches, apples and strawberries.

Would you love to give your children time to play on a farm but you don’t live on one? Visit one of these great farms to experience a little bit of farm life.

• The Farm House Restaurant - thefarmhousega.com • Oakhurst Farm - oakhurstfarms.com • Fields of Grace Flower Farm fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com • Lane Southern Orchards lanesouthernorchards.com • B.J Reece Orchards - reeceorchards.com • Burts Farm - burtspumpkinfarmga.com • Scottsdale Farms - scottsdalefarms.com • Taylor Orchards - taylororchards.com • Iron P Homestead Zoo - ironphomesteadzoo.com • Warbington Farms - warbingtonfarms.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

13 13

HOO’s CRAFTY

DIY BUG AWAY

LUMINARIES Not only do these easy homemade mosquito repellent candles make beautiful outdoor decorations, but they are also super functional!

DIRECTIONS 1 . Slice one lemon and one lime. This will be enough for two candles.

2 . Add a couple of slices of lemon and lime to the jar.

3 . Add a couple of sprigs of basil.

4 . Fill jar with water up to threads.

5 . Add in 10-15 drops of lemongrass or citronella essential oil and stir.

7 . Add in floating candle or tea light candle.

8 . Light the candle and enjoy a pest-free summer! The fresh ingredients should last 3-4 days.

The Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Society, Columbus Botanical Garden and UGA Extension present

Daylily Class | Daylily & Garden Vendors | Arts & Craft Vendors | Activities for Kids | Food Trucks

Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 9:00am - 5:00pm Daylily Show begins at 1:30pm Free daylily at admission while supplies last $10 Adults / $5 for Children (4+) 3603 Weems Rd. Columbus, GA 31909 For more info, visit columbusbotanicalgarden.org

SUPPLIES • Pint Mason Jars • Floating Candles • Lemons • Limes • Basil • Lemongrass or Citronella Essential Oil COURTESY OF: thecountrychiccottage.net

14 14

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Dining Deals

15

for Kids

With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

The Office

4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.

Tuesday Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

THURSday

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

Saturday Denny’s

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

sunday The Simple Greek

Denny’s

Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined

Jason’s Deli

Every day

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under 5-9pm: Free kid’s meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

219 On The Lake

Ruby Tuesday

Bruster’s Ice Cream

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

Wednesday

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH) Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s

Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

Your Pie

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

Red Robin

Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

16

May E

1 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & 8 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & 12-13Uptown’s RiverFest 2023.

Toddlers (Ages 0-36 months) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

Toddlers (Ages 0-36 months) 10:00am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111

$5/family. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400

Babies. Ages 0-24mo. RSVP. 10:30am.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

13 Museum at the Library: Mini

required. The FarmHouse Restaurant, Ellerslie; 706-561-3435

Party. 6pm. $45. RSVP. Hudson’s at Main Street; 706-507-5384

Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Support meeting (part 2). 12:30pm.

Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-2214602

2 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. Ages 0-5. 9 Museum at the Library: Artful 3 Spring Tea. 11:30am. Reservations 10 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Tea

13 CSO presents Beethoven & “The Scottish.” 7:30pm. RiverCenter; csoga. org/tickets Makers. Ages 2-4yrs. RSVP. 10:30am.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

4 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. 10 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding 5 Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm

& Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

5 Museum at the Library: Artful

Babies. Ages 0-24mo. RSVP. 10:30am.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

6-7 Cotton Pickin’ Fair. 8am5pm. $5-$8. Gay; cpfair.org

6-13 A Superhero for all Sea-

sons. Times vary. $13-$18. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706-324-1100

10 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

meeting. 6pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; facebook.com

15 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies

11 Simple Steps Storytime: Family.

& Toddlers (Ages 0-36 months) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11:00am.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

12

Makers. Ages 2-4yrs. RSVP. 10:30am.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

16 Museum at the Library: Mini

16 Bluey’s Big Play. 6pm. $39-$70.

RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

Events

17

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

18 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. 24 Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

19 Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

20 Closet Cleanout. 10am-2pm.

Columbus Trade Center; 706-653-4460

20-21 The Rescuers by Acad-

emy Dance Center. RiverCenter. 7pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Tickets 706561-8085

20 Armed Forces Day Celebration

Auto Show. 9am-1pm. National Infantry Museum; 706-566-3514

20 Barks and Blues Music Festival.

3-10pm. Woodruff Park; live bands, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors; barksandblues.com; 706-596-0111

MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 2).

12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

24 MOPS (Mothers of Preschool-

ers) meeting. 6pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; facebook.com

25

Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

THURSDAY

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble Columbus; (706) 653-7880 (not 5/4)

SATURDAY

26

Presidential Flyer Excursion Train.

10am. SAM Shortline, Cordele; 1-877-GA-RAILS (Not 5/20)

27 Bugs on the Hooch 2023. 8am-

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon.

900, 1000 &1100 blocks of Broadway; uptowncolumbusga.com

28

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 3pm. National Civil War Naval Museum; 706-527-7365 Columbus Rapids game.

3:05pm. $15. Columbus Civic Center; 706-225-4482

22 Simple Steps Storytime: Ba- 29 Memorial Day Mini Camp. bies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 mon) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11:00am.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Weekly Events

9am-1pm. Ages 5-11. $10. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2614

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

18 18

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Limited Spots!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Ages 5-12 Welcome!

Save your child's spot today!

19 19

ENROLL TODAY!

Only $30 to Register

Summer Camp 2023!

You and your child are going to LOVE this Fun, Safe, and Affordable Summer Camp!

Fun Activities:

TaeKwonDo! Dance Classes!

Tumbling!

Indoor Games!

Outdoor Sports!

And Much More!

706-251-8808 | WWW.MOMENTUMBEST.COM | 6600 FLAT ROCK ROAD, MIDLAND

20

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

21

22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

23

Grace

Summer Day Camp STARTS MAY 22 MON-FRI 7AM-6PM K3 - 6TH GRADE

Fun Indoor & Outdoor Activities!

Theme Days Field Trips Art & Music Class

Outdoor Education Free Time to Play Enrollment T-shirt

All staff are CPR Certified

Spots are Limited so Call Today!

706-323-9161 GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH & GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2915 FOURTEENTH AVENUE, COLUMBUS GCS@GSCCOLUMBUS.ORG

All field trips and activities are included in weekly cost!

Only $150 week

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

24

SUMMER DAY CAMP Monday, May 30th - Friday, August 4th Here at the YMCA, we are experts at providing summer day camp experiences. Give your child the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and have the Best Summer Ever™!

COST

*Pricing varies by location

Members: $80-$95/week Non-Members: $120/week

Scholarships available for income-eligible families

REGISTRATION Parents may register online or by

AGES 5-12

*A.J. McClung accepts children up to 15 years old

visiting the Front Desk at any of our branches. *Spots are limited

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO REGISTER TODAY!

www.columbusymca.com/summercamp A.J. McClung Youth & Teen Center

D.A. Turner YMCA

John P. Thayer YMCA

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

25

26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

SAVE 5% with code

FAM23 YOUTH DANCE CONSERVATORY’S

Summer Camps JUNE 5-9 9am-Noon

•Royal Ballet Camp (ages 4-6) •Beginning Intensive

1-5pm

•Intermediate & Advanced Intensive

Summer Classes Session 1: JUNE 13-29 Classes For Session 2: JULY 11-27 all levels

Call 706-507-8070 for placement & registration columbusstate.edu/ydc

27

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

28

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ENTER YOUR CUTIE: www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Delilah, 5 months LaGrange

Khloe, 1.5 years Columbus

Brielle, 3 years Phenix City

Does your little one suffer from TUMMY TROUBLES? Columbus now has a fellowship trained Pediatric Gastroenterologist!

Carter Wallace, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

706.655.8800 | southeasterngi.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Body Mass Index (BMI) is used by medical professionals as a tool to identify patients who may have a large amount of body fat. A high amount of body fat can be a risk factor for conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

A BMI calculation is not very complex and involves only two factors, making it perfect for use as an initial screening tool when evaluating patient health. For adults, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. For children and teens, their BMI is compared to the BMIs of other kids of the same age and sex and a BMI percentile is found. This percentile is recorded in the child’s growth chart and changes in BMI percentile are tracked over time.

A BMI in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9 usually indicates that someone has a normal amount of body fat. A high BMI of 30 or more in an adult patient may be an indicator of obesity and prompt a doctor to consider a weight loss program for the patient. BMI should not be used for pregnant women.

RESOURCES: http://bit.ly/3KBmC7q

29

W h a t is : BODY MASS INDE X

BMI is a ratio that involves the total weight of a person, including the weight of bones, muscles, fat and skin. If someone is active and had built a lot of muscle mass, he may have a higher-than-normal BMI. Also, BMI does not consider other determinantal factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse and being sedentary. Another issue is that BMI does not consider where the patient’s excess fat is stored. Research has found that fat stored in the abdominal region and close to vital organs, such as the liver and pancreas, is more dangerous than fat stored in other regions, such as the thighs.

Researchers have found that different ethnic groups tend to have different body compositions when it comes to percentages of lean muscle mass and fat. As a result, the BMI scale may overestimate the risk for African Americans and underestimate it for those of Asian descent.

30

HOO’s learning

Get Outdoor to

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Grow & Learn!

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

D

id you know that there are many benefits to playing outside including increased confidence and creativity along with decision-making and problem-solving skills. More time outside has even been shown to be helpful in schools. According to a study done by the University of Wisconsin, outdoor education improves performance from standardized test scores to overall behavior. Hands-on outdoor activities have been shown to increase students’ excitement for learning and memory of the learning material. Overall, outdoor learning can be fun for both children and their parents. This spring is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor education opportunities around Columbus. Here are a few recommendations.

Oxbow Meadows – oxbow.columbustate.edu

Columbus State’s Environmental Learning Center, Oxbow Meadows offers programs for all ages. Displays at Oxbow Meadows feature fish, snakes and other wildlife including turtles and alligators. They also offer field trips, workshops, offsite programs, birthday parties and events such as beekeeping workshops and animal and science shows in their auditorium. Their annual festivals include FairyFest, FrogWarts, ReptileFest and Honey Harvest. Oxbow also offers summer programs, scouting programs and team building activities for businesses. Some of their recurring programs for kids include: Nature Babies: 0-23 months • Knee-High Naturalists: 2 & 3 year olds • Little Naturalists: 4 & 5 year olds • At Home in Nature: 6-10 year olds

BRIGHT Stem Enrichment – brighthomeschoolco-op.com

Bright offers weekly outdoor education classes all around Columbus. Classes focus on a topic in science and incorporate art, STEM and reading.

Columbus Botanical Garden – columbusbotanicalgarden.org

The Columbus Botanical Garden is a great way to share your love of nature with your little ones. They offer classes during the week centered around the gardens. The garden hosts holiday camps and school field trips throughout the year. They even have discovery backpacks for kids to check out while exploring the garden, nature bingo and a trail trek tree hunt. Some of their recurring programs for kids include: Budding Naturalists: 1st-5th grade • Little Sprouts Series: Ages 3-5

Wild Animal Safari – animalsafari.com

Wild Animal Safari is a 300-acre drive-thru park where giraffes and zebras are right on the other side of your car door. A 2.5 mile drive through the park will take you on an adventure where you can view 75 different species of animals. Zookeepers are there to care for the animals and answer the questions of guests throughout their visit.

Callaway Gardens – callawaygardens.com

Callaway Gardens offers 2,500 beautiful acres full of flower gardens and bike trails. During the spring, ride through their vast trails, see vibrant azaleas and catch educational demonstrations such as “Birds of Prey.” They also offer vacation accommodations, golfing and a unique indoor butterfly garden.

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts – 91bsa.org and gshg.org Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer a lot of outdoor education programs in Columbus. They plan camping trips and teach members about nature.

Find a group in your area for your child’s age group at their websites.

Iron P Homestead Zoo – ironphomesteadzoo.org

Located north of Columbus in Hogansville lies a fairly new animal oasis. This zoo offers a 70 minute “Wildlife Walking Trail” with a Safari Guide who presents over 50 species along the way! They offer close encounter experiences with exotic animals while teaching about them and conservation. Plus, learn how they care for their youngest animals by visiting their nursery.

31

CAS CA DEHI L L S . C O M /K I D S-WE E K

Delivering joy to ColumbUS. Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyous events.

We know that compassionate quality care for you and your baby is one of the most important parts of your family’s journey.

We’re here for your first step and all the possibilities after.

To learn more about our childbirth services or to schedule a tour call us at 706-320-8001 or visit online at MyStFrancis.com