HealthyMoms_SugarLand

Healthy Moms F E A T U R E

TOP

mom page 6

One mother hopes her passion about fitness influences the next generation

APRIL

2012

SUGAR LAND

HEALTHY KIDS

PREMIERE I S S U E

Morning anchor Melissa Wilson thrives after a health scare.

THE AGE O F

whiz kids

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inside

HEALTHY KIDS

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SUGAR LAND EDITION

TOP MOM

12

Fox 26 television anchor Melissa Wilson enjoys family life after a traumatic health scare.

Leading

by Example

Healthy Moms

One mom hopes a passion about fitness influences the next generation.

APRIL

D EP A R T M E N T S

Advice from a Pro Pediatrician Stacey Gallas gives tips on juggling motherhood, the digital world and more.

p. 8 Beat the Heat A Texas Children’s pediatrician provides health advice for summer months.

p. 16 Go Time

6

Houston area offers fascinating day trips for discovery.

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2012

features 14

G R O W I N G L O C AL A lawn is redesigned to accommodate a young daughter, her garden and the family’s love of nature.

Mom Gear Check out products that make Mom’s life easier.

p. 18

Get Moving Fitness activities keeps moms and kids moving together.

p. 19 ABOUT HEALTHY MOMS, HEALTHY KIDS President & CEO: James W. Hopson Vice President News & Development: Jonathan McElvy Vice President Sales & Marketing: Monica Liban Editor: Sherry Beck Paprocki Director of Business Development: Brenda Miller-Fergerson Sales Director: Donald Borucki

9

Concerns for the Whiz Kid

The challenges of raising healthy kids in a screen-oriented world.

Marketing Coordinator: Megan O’Sullivan Design: Christina Ullman, Alix Northrup, Meg Doyle, Ullman Design Writers: Laura Brandt, Jillian Span Photographers: Don A. Hoffman, Kym M. Maier Published by: ASP Westward 523 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77060 (281) 668-1100 www.aspwestward.com

of note

EDITOR’S NOTE

T O YOUR

W

Health ELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF HEALTHY MOMS, HEALTHY KIDS MAGAZINE — A PUBLICATION THAT FOCUSES ON THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT, AS WELL AS YOUR CHILDREN’S.

on the cover

> Fox 26 anchor Melissa Wilson with her sons Zachary and Caleb. Cover Photo: Don A. Hoffman

We, at ASP Westward, are pleased to deliver this wonderful package of entertaining and interesting articles prepared especially for local mothers.

Among our features, television anchor Melissa Wilson talks to us about overcoming a huge health scare that makes her value family life even more.

In another feature, pediatrician Stacey Gallas offers advice from the standpoint of both a mother and a medical expert.

In addition, this issue provides you with plenty of easy-toread parenting tips for fitness, technology, entertainment and even shopping.

As you browse the pages of Healthy Moms, Healthy Kids magazine, you’ll find that you are our top priority. We have focused on helping today’s busy mother navigate her daily challenges to live a healthy life and to rear her children in a healthy environment. I think you’ll find the information

p.05

we’ve provided invaluable.

We ask only that you remember that our advertisers are among some of your most valuable resources. Without their support, this magazine could not have come to fruition. Generally, the advertisers in this issue offer you a range of valuable goods and services that will make your life the best it can be—whether that’s taking care of your children’s health, your own health or helping you spend pleasurable moments together as a family.

Thanks for joining us on this new adventure.

Sincerely,

SHERRY BECK PAPROCKI Editor

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cover story

morning anchor

S T O R Y B Y: SHERRY BECK PAPROCKI

Rebounds Fox 26’s Melissa Wilson thrives after a personal health scare.

featured

mom M ELISSA WILSON

D

URING A LATE EVENING BROADCAST IN 2006, NEWS ANCHOR MELISSA WILSON HAD ONE OF THE BIGGEST SCARES OF HER LIFE. “ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HAD A HORRIBLE BURNING IN MY CHEST AND I COULDN’T BREATHE,” SHE RECALLS. DURING A COMMERCIAL BREAK, SHE REMEMBERS GOING ONLINE TO FIND OUT HOW LONG A PERSON COULD HOLD HER BREATH BECAUSE IT HURT EVERY TIME SHE BREATHED.

> Anchor Melissa Wilson overcame a pulmonary embolism in 2006.

Photo: Courtesy of Fox TV

“It was a like a fireball in my chest,” she says, remembering the numbness that began creeping over her arms. “And I didn’t want to tell anyone.”

Instead, at the end of the broadcast, Wilson got into her car, alone, and drove the 15 minutes home.

There, she told her husband that they needed to get to a hospital.

Then, she went into her 2-year-old son’s room, picked him up and held him close.

“I was so afraid I’d never see him again,” she recalls. In fact, doctors told her husband and parents that she should get her affairs in order because they were not sure if she would survive.

Wilson was hospitalized and medical staff watched her closely for the following 48 hours. “I sat up in my hospital bed,” she remembers. “There was no way I could go to sleep. I was afraid I would not wake up.”

Wilson was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage caused by blood clots in one or more arteries in the lungs. Doctors are unsure of what could have caused the embolism, although Wilson theorizes now that it could have been a side effect of birth control pills. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that increased estrogen associated with pregnancy, birth control pills and other medications may lead to deep vein thrombosis, which may result in pulmonary embolism.

Wilson was lucky. She recovered and four years ago she gave birth to another son. “I probably tell my sons that I love them too much,” she says, laughing, regarding the long-term effect of her illness. “It drastically changed my life.”

An Emmy Award-winning anchor for Fox 26, Wilson has long had a love affair with the news.

But when she was a Baylor Uni-

versity student, Wilson worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher during which time she coached women who were giving birth and others who were having heart attacks and strokes. It was partly her experience there that encouraged her to become a medical reporter and perhaps taught her the warning signs for her own health scare.

Today, Wilson’s two sons— Zachary, 7, and Caleb, 4, and her husband, David—play a prime role in her life. About two years before Zachary was to start kindergarten, Wilson was concerned that she would only see him about a half hour each weekday morning, due to her schedule working afternoons and evenings.

“I was put on earth to be a mother and I knew I couldn’t be a mother for 30 minutes a day,” she says. “I was hoping and praying for it [a schedule change] about two years before it happened. [School] was about to start and I was starting to panic.” About the same time, one of the morning anchors was offered a position in Los Angeles and she was asked to fill it.

A Typical Day

That doesn’t mean, though, that her daily schedule is easy. On weekday mornings she and the family dog wake up in their Sugar Land home around 4 a.m. She does her own hair and make-up, showing up at the station by 5:30 a.m. Even though her morning program doesn’t start until 7, there have been days when urgent news has required her to go on-air the minute she arrives.

Given more time, she adjusts make-up to suit the studio lights.

And, by 7 a.m. she’s greeting the rest of Houston as many viewers are rolling out of bed. After the morning show ends at 10, she may drive to Texas Medical Center, or elsewhere, to cover a medical story.

cover story

“

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If you have a good support team then you can do anything

By 2 p.m., though, she’s kicking into mom mode, picking up Caleb from pre-school and they then drive to the elementary where they’ll wait a half hour for Zachary.

During that time, she and Caleb spend some time together.

Melissa and her children return home to play with their pets, do homework and eventually prepare dinner. In addition to the family dog, Maggie, there are cats, a teddy bear hamster, a leopard gecko and more. “He’s a snuggle bunny,” Wilson says of the gecko, adding that the boys love hanging out with him.

When Melissa’s husband arrives home, the family has dinner and then Wilson and the boys may head out to Baby Boot Camp two nights a week, where the duo serves as her personal cheerleading team. “Even days when I’m so tired I don’t think I can go, they get frustrated because they want to see their buddies,” she says.

On other days, Melissa serves as co-den leader with her husband for Zachary’s Cub Scout group.

Or, there may be T-ball or music classes. By 9 p.m. the boys are in bed and 30 minutes later, their mother is ready to drop.

What is Wilson’s secret to a content family life despite a busy career? “If you have a good support team then you can do anything,” she says. Her husband has always been terrifically supportive. When she was an evening anchor, each day he prepared dinner with the boys, gave them baths, read to them, and did flash cards before putting them to bed.

“They’re still very close because of that,” she says. “He’s super dad.”

B

ut, in addition, Wilson says she has an “incredible” group of babysitters. And now her parents, who’d previously lived in Dallas, have moved to town and add their help. “Find people who you can trust, whether it’s family or friends or people you’re going to hire,” she advises other moms.

Then, thinking back, she recalls how difficult her own childcare search was before Zachary was born. “We interviewed a million people,” she says, exaggerating.

“And, I cried a lot of tears trying to find the right people.”

Today, Wilson is more likely to be involved in family activities than anything else, though.

Frequently, she’ll act as a host for family-oriented events, such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Her husband may bring the boys along to join her. “I think it’s very good for them,” she says. “They’re meeting people and learning how to act in different situations.”

Wilson takes a moment to think when asked what she does to relax.

It’s a question, apparently, that catches her off guard. “Ideally,” she says, laughing, “In a perfect world I would go lay on a hammock and read a book. But that happens maybe once a year.”

Then, she recalls a favorite time on her monthly schedule.

“I try to meet with my best girlfriends once a month for a long brunch or a lunch,” she says, adding that even then the boys will be with her playing nearby with other children in the group. Still, it’s a special time to unwind with friends. “It’s fun,” she says. “It’s our little break.”

”

MELISSA WILSON

> Wilson’s son Zachary, right, was two when she had the pulmonary embolism. Caleb, left, was born after the incident.

Photo: Don A. Hoffman

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advice from a pro

S T O R Y B Y: SHERRY BECK PAPROCKI

With a dozen years of parenting experience, Dr. Stacey Gallas guides other mothers on work-life balance, today’s digital challenges and other parenting issues.

getting

PERSPECTIVE

P DR. STACEY GALLAS’S TIPS FOR BUSY FAMILIES: Even if your family can’t find the time for the children to have one hour of physical activity each day, as recommended for children by the American Academy of Pediatrics, try to find 15 minutes a day for the family to take a walk or do something physical. Physical activity relieves stress, as well as provides family time and physical fitness.

Introduce young children to a variety of activities, but know that as they get older they will probably have the time to only focus on a few.

If your child is tearful or stressed out in other ways, it may be because they’re overscheduled.

“Younger kids really need time for free play,” she says.

Pay close attention to portion sizes and ingredients when purchasing fast food. For example, choose an apple instead of fries, or look for the low-fat milk option on the menu.

ediatrician Stacey Gallas is intimately familiar with the challenge of finding a work-life balance. Twelve years ago, when her oldest son was born, the Katy resident had to re-evaluate her career to accommodate her young family. Today, she helps other mothers grapple with a range of complex issues they face after giving birth.

“A lot of them may be delaying having children because of careers or economics,” she says. “It’s a difficult decision to make once you have a baby…You never know what’s going to happen when the baby gets here. I thought I could do it all and that did not happen.”

After giving birth to her son, Dr. Gallas first attempted to work part-time. But, she confesses that a part-time pediatrician can still spend about 40 hours a week on the job given the hospital visits and other responsibilities involved. So, after giving birth to her second son two years later, she decided to become a physician on call for Texas Children’s Pediatric Association—an organization affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital and the nation’s largest group of general pediatricians.

Essentially, she’s a substitute pediatrician depending on the needs of the organization. “It really makes my hours much more regular,” she adds.

For the Gallas family—which involves Stacey’s husband, Mennen Gallas, a plastic surgeon, and a 5-year-old daughter—having flexibility built into mom’s schedule was important. Today, with the perspective of a dozen years of parenting, Stacey Gallas can give some heartfelt advice to other mothers.

“You learn that there’s not always a textbook answer to things,” she says.

Instead, she encourages families to consider their unique situations regarding a mother’s work schedule. “They have to look at their family situation,” says

> Pediatrician Stacey Gallas has balanced her career with motherhood.

Her three children are, from left, Eddie, 10, Christina, 5, and Peter, 12.

Dr. Gallas. How many children are involved? Is her husband’s schedule flexible? Is there extended family available to help?

Moms need to realize that they should not feel guilty about any arrangement, she cautions. What may work for one family, may not work for another.

The isolation that a new mother feels may also contribute to the complexity of establishing a comfortable family life. “Take advantage of whatever help you can get,” says Dr. Gallas, regarding childcare assistance from extended family members or other options.

Today’s digital environment adds more challenges to parenting.

She cautions other mothers about hyper-researching health concerns and other information via the Internet. “It’s almost information overload,” says Gallas. Seek medical advice directly from doctors, she advises.

As children grow older, the effects of living in a highly digital world also impacts child-rearing decisions as more parents enjoy the convenience of carrying

along an iPad or handing over the iPhone to entertain their children.

“There are positives and negatives to screen time,” advises Gallas.

Certainly, the American Academy of Pediatrics has warned parents about overuse of TV time in children under 2. But, Dr. Gallas points out that there are a lot of good learning games available via apps on iPads and smart phones. “These activities can be very good,” she says. Yet, parents should use them in moderation and be alert to age appropriateness. For example, just because children can color digitally, don’t eliminate crayons and a coloring book from their activities.

As children get older, Dr. Gallas recommends that parents stay aware of the type of video games being used. Watch for violence and other inappropriate behavior and be careful to check on the ratings of any game. Parents of children still living at home should have all passwords to social media, such as Facebook, as well as email. In addition, they should monitor messages and watch security settings.

the wire

p.09

Expert studies show insight regarding the challenges of today’s screen-oriented world.

concerns for the

WHIZ KID

SCREEN MEDIA

TELEVISION

SMARTPHONES

SOCIAL MEDIA

Not for children under 2.

Zoning out or tuning in?

A better pacifier?

Creating connections.

“Thirty-nine percent of families with infants and young children have a television constantly turned on. Children younger than 5 years who watch television spend less time in creative play and less time interacting with parents or siblings.”

About 33 percent of Gen Y moms allow their children ages 2 or younger to use a smartphone, according to a 2011 survey conducted by Parenting Group, the publisher of Parenting, Babytalk and parenting.com.

The minimum age for joining such social media sites as Facebook and MySpace without parental consent is 13, based on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act established by U.S. Congress.

However, falsifying age has become common practice by some preadolescents and parents.

Ninety percent of parents report that their children younger than 2 watch some form of electronic media. (Children 6 and under spend an average of two hours a day using screen media.)

— Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation’s report “Zero to Six: Electronic Media in the Lives of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers” and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) report “Media Use

by Children Younger than 2 Years.”

— AAP “Media Use by Children Younger than 2 Years.”

— American Academy of Pediatrics, “The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families”

experts say

experts say

experts say

experts say

“Research has found that certain high-quality programs have educational benefits for children older than 2 years,” according to the AAP study. “Media use has been associated with obesity, sleep issues, aggressive behaviors, and attention issues in preschool and school-aged children.”

“Heavy television use in a household can interfere with a child’s language development simply because parents likely spend less time talking to the child,” according to the AAP report.

“We simply don’t have the science right now to comment,” says Dr. Ari Brown, lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics study.

“It is important that parents evaluate the sites on which their child wishes to participate to be sure that the site is appropriate for that child’s age,” according to the AAP study.

bottom line The AAP “discourages media use by children younger than 2 years.”

For others, AAP says: “Unstructured playtime is more valuable for the developing brain than any electronic media exposure.”

bottom line These parents need to limit TV time and interact more with their children.

“I think we’re also seeing the app gap, that it’s clear that wealthier kids have access to some of the new educational games that you can get on a smartphone or an iPad, and disadvantaged kids simply don’t,” says James Steyer, of Common Sense Media.

bottom line With research not yet available, parents should be selective when using the smartphone as a babysitter.

bottom line Parents should have passwords and monitor children’s messaging.

Special Event: Sweet Soiree May 5, 2012 6p.M. - 9p.M.

Moms and dads bring your little sweeties for a night of dressed up fun! Event will include dancing, refreshments, candy and a photobooth to remember this sweet event!

IPRC member: $5 per table • Non-IPRC Member $15 per table

SWIM CLASSES $60 Resident registration starts April 30th $75 Non-Resident registration starts May 7th

0 – 36 months: Infant/Toddler lessons. This is a great program to introduce children to the water. An adult must accompany each child during lessons. One session is devoted to infant/child CPR. Class length, 30 minutes.

AN NT IS Me IS TIS Th eR v Ad

*

Journey 1 – 3: Ages 36 months – 7 years. These lessons take the child through the adventures of Swish the Safety Fish and his friends as they learn various floating and swimming techniques.

Class length, 45 minutes.

Adult and Challenge Series: Ages 7 – 49 years. This program is adaptable to meet the participant’s needs. Class length, 45 minutes.

Senior Series: Ages 50 years and up. A program for seniors on swimming and swimming for fitness. Class length, 45 minutes.

281.275.2885

imperialparkrecreationcenter.org 234 Matlage Way • Sugar Land TX 77478

e

.

s l a t!

IPRC ACTIVITIES

Belly Dancing:

Zumba:

Monday 12-1pm Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm Friday 2-3pm

Mon. 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Thurs. 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Sat. 12p.m. - 1 p.m.

3 classes per week $80 per month 2 classes per week $50 per month 1 class per week $30 per month

$80 per session - 3 classes a week $50 per session - 2 classes a week $30 per session - 1 class a week

Facility usage card required

Resident discount: $10/year Non- Resident: $46/year

attEntion CaMpErS anD parEntS!

Facility Usage card required

Ladies Functional Fitness:

MEn’S BaSkEtBaLL LEaguE:

Tues., Thurs. and Sat. 6:30 a.m. -7:30 a.m.

First Colony Community Center

Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Starting April 17

$96 Unlimited classes per session $64 for 8 classes per session $8 for Saturday only

RegISTRATIoN March 12 - April 4 $300 per team

Session 1: May 1-29 Session 2: June 2-30 Session 3: July 3-31

Season runs April - May

MANAgeR’S MeeTINg To discuss league rules and distribute game schedules April 12, 6:00 p.m.

late registration available April 5 - April 11 with an additional $25 per team

Session 4: August 2-30

Yoga Warriors:

Yoga for Everybody:

New Classes start each month.

Try the first class for free

IPRC: Facility usage card required Resident discount: $10/year Non-Resident: $46/year Tuesday - 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

8-16 yeAR oldS Mon., Tues, Wed. 4:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. lost Creek Meeting Center Resident discount: $40 per month Non-Resident: $50 per month

AdUlT ANd yoUTh ClASS Fri. 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.

IPRC- Facility Id card required $40 per month

The camp runs from Monday-Friday weekly. Kids will be split into groups by age, 5-8 year olds & 9-13 year olds. Sugar land Residents can register starting on Monday, April 2, 2012 and NonResident registration begins on April 9, 2012.

Camp Fees: (per week) BASiC CAmp 9am-6pm $140 Resident $175 Non-Resident

ExTENdEd CAmp 7am - 6pm $170 Resident $215 Non-Resident

Classes are bundled in a 6 week series package.

Should you want to join after a 6 week series has started, your fees will be prorated accordingly. you can sign-up 1 of 3 ways: Up to 6 classes per series for $30 Up to 12 classes per series for $45 Unlimited classes per series for $50

(optional 15 minute guided meditation practice after this yoga class)

Saturday - 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

To print out a FRee ClASS PASS and to get more information, please go to www.y4eb.com. once you’ve filled out your free class pass, give Ken a call at the number below to schedule when you would like to attend.

First Colony Conference Center 3232 Austin Pkwy Wednesday 7:15-8:15 p.m.

Thursday 7:15-8:15 p.m.

Ken hainline, RyT, yoga Instructor

The coolest way to beat the summer heat has come again. Sugar land’s annual day Camp kicks off on June 4, 2012. Join this 11 week long camp that includes entertaining trips, imaginative arts & crafts, interactive educational classes, and recreational sports. To top it all off, you get a great chance to build long lasting friendships!

•

281.265.0770

•

livepsn8ly@yahoo.com

getting fit

p.12

S T O R Y B Y: SHERRY BECK PAPROCKI

Leading by example

“

It is truly showing

F

them a lifestyle and

way to live that will benefit them their

”

whole life long.

STEPHANIE TAY L O R

> Stephanie Taylor with her son, Graham.

Photo: Kym M. Maier

boot camp

facts

An innovative stroller-fitness program, new moms can get in shape with their babies in tow. Classes offer a client lifetime enrollment fee of $59, plus various class packages or monthly contract options. Contact the instructor near you for more information.

The Woodlands: Stephanie Taylor (713) 480-3599

Cypress: Celina Ortiz (210) 325-7151

Katy: Maria Gorosito (713) 392-0899

Sugar Land: Jessica Forray (713) 515-1450

> Moms who participate in Baby Boot Camp hope to set a good example to the next generation, as their children watch their activities.

Photo: Kym M. Maier

One mother in The Woodlands hopes a passion for fitness influences the next generation.

ive years ago, when Stephanie Taylor of The Woodlands read an advertisement about a program in which women exercised while pushing their babies in strollers, she was in disbelief.

“I was thinking, ‘Stroller Fit,’ that just sounds ridiculous,” she recalls.

Yet, Taylor admits that at the time she had become somewhat of a recluse after giving birth to a son six weeks earlier.

A few weeks later she showed up at the class with her baby in a stroller, wearing a heart monitor on her arm. As someone who had tried to stay fit, Taylor was sure this would be an easy workout and she was determined to keep up with the instructor, staying at her heels throughout the hour-long session.

“My heart monitor started beeping a sound I’d never heard before,” she remembers. Later, she determined that the stroller workout had helped her spend 650 calories.

That’s when she was hooked.

Within a year, Taylor had purchased the franchise, now called Baby Boot Camp, and today more than 80 mothers in The Woodlands gather at some point each week for a workout of their own. (See sidebar for other Baby Boot Camps around the Houston area.)

For new moms, especially, there’s an added benefit to the group fitness activity that allows participants to bring their babies: It helps them stay connected to a community of others in similar situations. “It showed me just really how much you need the emotional help,” Taylor says. “It’s really awesome to see the physical fitness, as well as the emotional fitness.”

Today, with her 5-year-old son and a daughter who’s not quite 2, Taylor sees yet another benefit she never would have imagined five years ago. Knowing that her children are among the first generation predicted to have a decreased life span due to obesity causes her to be deeply concerned. “We are leading by example,” she says.

In fact, studies have estimated in the United States between 16 and 33 percent of children and teens are obese. In addition, children who are obese between the ages of 10 and 13 have a 70 to 80 percent chance of becoming obese adults. That fact is expected to lead to shorter life spans due to increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health consequences, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“I have many moms tell me about their kids doing the exercises we do in class when they are at home or at the park,” says Taylor.

“It is truly showing them a lifestyle and way to live that will benefit them their whole life long, as well as the generations to come.”

In fact, Taylor doesn’t stop with Baby Boot Camp. She hires additional instructors to help her, and she also teaches Restore the Core classes. In early March, she led a group of 30 women to participate in The Woodlands half marathon race.

“I kind of stumbled into this,” says Taylor, who also continues to teach piano and voice lessons, which she taught prior to parenthood. The emphasis on fitness in her life is not something she planned, though. “I absolutely am just passionate about it,” she says.

getting fit emphasize

f itness

Get moving

Photo: Kym M. Maier

Trends

Experts believe that the following trends may be connected to the increase in obesity:

> Children get more of their food away from their homes. > Food intake has risen significantly among teenagers, ages 12-19. > Children are eating more high calorie snacks.

Between 16 and 33 percent of children and teens are obese in the United States. Let’s Move!, a governmental program developed to help control childhood obesity, makes these suggestions for healthy children:

Fruits & veggies

> Move every day: Kids need 60 minutes of active play every day, adults need 30 minutes.

Proper hydration

> Buy new and different fruits and vegetables.

Combine corn, carrots and spinach for a new salad, for example.

> Drink water, choose 1 percent milk and drink 100 percent juice without added sugar.

More information

> There is a decline in breakfast consumption, especially among children of working mothers. > Portion sizes have increased.

p.13

For additional information about emphasizing fitness, visit www.letsmove.gov.

Jumping jacks

Family dinners

> Do jumping jacks during television commercials.

> Prepare meals together as a family.

For additional information about childhood obesity, visit http://aspe.hhs.gov and www.aacap.org.

Vacation BiBle School Sky Vacation Bible School Downtown: 1320 Main @ Clay

June 11th -15th 9:30am-12:30pm Extended Care Available! Ages: Preschool – Jr. High

soar

Get ready to into VBS as we learn that nothing is impossible with God! Children will enjoy crafts, games, snacks, and Bible adventures as we learn to always trust in God! Cost is $20 per child. Scholarships are available. Registration begins March 18th! Stop by the table in the lobby or register online at

fmhouston.com

Operation Overboard July 9-13 9am-Noon $15 per person

Westchase: 10570 Westpark Drive For more information contact Elaine Pendergrass at ependergrass@fmhouston.com

fmhouston.com

p.14

healthy living

S T ORY BY LAURA BRANDT

A lawn is redesigned to accommodate a young daughter, her garden and the family’s love of nature.

Growing LOCAL

> Six-year-old Sidney Hamilton enjoys planting vegetables in the raised garden of her backyard in a photo taken by her father, Kirk Hamilton.

L

OCAL RESIDENTS KIRK AND KIMBER HAMILTON CREATED A FAMILY BACKYARD DESIGNED FOR COMFORT, BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY. THE COUPLE WANTED A SPACE IN WHICH THEY COULD RELAX AND ENJOY WATCHING WILDLIFE. IN ADDITION, THEIR DAUGHTER, 6-YEAR-OLD SIDNEY, LIKES TO GROW VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS. SHE WANTED HER OWN SPACE IN WHICH TO GROW AND TEND HER PLANTS. “We love fresh food,” says Kimber Hamilton. “Picking it and eating it immediately brings us the most satisfaction.”

In the beginning, though, the Hamiltons’ rear lawn was dull and drab, with nothing but turf grass.

The doorway from their breakfast nook led to a small concretecovered patio that barely had enough room for a small table and a barbecue grill.

When discussing their plans for redesign, the family also wanted year-round color and plants that attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife. “Our goal was to make the backyard more functional—something easy to maintain that fit the environment here in Texas,” explains Kirk. “We decided to go with a variety of plants, especially native plants that grow in this area, so they would be drought-resistant and easier to maintain over the long term.”

In addition to its vegetables and berry patch, the lawn today includes dozens of native plants, including white duranta, inland sea oats, beautyberry, fringetree, buttonbush, dwarf yaupon holly, butterfly weed (milkweed),

and purple coneflower. Color was added with plants such as white and purple cat’s whiskers, pink and purple salvia, brightly colored fuchsia, bright orange Mexican honeysuckle, and pink ice plant.

“The driving force of my design revolves around attracting wildlife,” says Peter Nelson, landscape architect and general manager of Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery, who recreated the Hamiltons’ backyard space.

“We wanted a habitat-oriented garden with beds for vegetables, but we couldn’t really envision the entire project design without Peter and (builder) Eddie’s (Albertson) expertise,” explains Kirk. The family is looking forward to seeing the monarch caterpillars feast on the butterfly weed later this year, as they exclusively eat Asclepias plants (milkweeds) before turning into beautiful butterflies.

There were other interests involving wildlife, too. “The Hamiltons are big bird lovers and they wanted a low-maintenance water feature that would not overwhelm the backyard,” explains Nelson. “I suggested a disappearing fountain

which would provide water for the birds and create soothing sounds in the backyard.”

The family opted for dark-green Aegean-glazed pottery and an auto-fill basin that continuously refills with water. The only maintenance is the weekly addition of an algaecide. The pot is nestled into the side of a larger patio that builder Albertson created with brown flagstone. The covered area was extended with a large cedar arbor.

Daughter Sidney enjoys the rectangular stone edging designed around the planting beds against the fence, where small, flagstone seating areas were incorporated for contemplation. This is where she sometimes sits to enjoy watching the birds or reading a book.

In addition, several 4-foot-by4-foot raised beds were incorporated for Sidney to tend her

flowers, herbs and vegetables.

“Sidney is very outdoors-oriented and loves to grow things, so we thought she’d enjoy planting and tending vegetables in the raised beds,” says Kirk. “We weren’t sure how it would all turn out, but Peter and Eddie did a great job incorporating sitting stones and flagstone walkways around the area.

This year the family will grow a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, lettuce, and possibly squash, such as pumpkin or zucchini. “Sidney loves tomatoes,” says Kimber. “She eats them nearly every day. She ate Roma tomatoes like ice cream cones when we grew them before.

She ate lettuce, kale and Swiss chard straight out of the garden.

We’ll add some beans this year too—they are best fresh and grow nicely in a small space on a pole.”

“I think a great deal of happiness

> Mom Kimber Hamilton and her daughter, Sidney, enjoy preparing vegetables fresh from the garden.

Photo: Don A. Hoffman

“

healthy living

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I think a great deal of happiness is healthiness. It’s so much easier when healthy choices are out the back door and easily available.

”

K I M B E R H A M I LT O N

is healthiness,” adds Kimber, a busy petroleum engineer who travels the world. “It’s so much easier when healthy choices are out the back door and easily available. I didn’t have any fresh fruits or vegetables as a child, and I really appreciate the availability and selection of fruits and vegetables now, even if we didn’t grow them ourselves. We love watching the plants grow from seedlings to mature plants—the best part for all of us is picking

them and eating them fresh.”

The Hamiltons also have a fondness for berries, especially blueberries. “We lived in Norway for a short time and enjoyed picking wild blueberries that are common there,” says Kimber. “We were thrilled when Peter suggested Elliott’s blueberry, native to this area.

Sidney loves to help bake berry pies and muffins, but mostly she prefers picking the fresh fruit and eating it immediately!”

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tips

S T ORY BY: JILLIAN SPAN

beat THE HEAT FOLLOWING IS DR. WEI’S ADVICE FOR A VARIETY OF MALADIES:

Extreme heat With the Houston area’s extreme temperatures and high humidity, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common. Pay attention to symptoms such as hot-flushed skin, fainting, seizures, low blood pressure or high body temperatures up to 105 degrees. When kids are active outdoors, they do not always notice when their systems are dehydrated, so parents should make sure water is readily available and take them out of the heat, if necessary.

Live Life to the

Freshest!

Fresh salads, house-made soups, scratch-made pizza focaccias, muffins & more! Your meal. Your creation.

Help children beat the heat and other hot weather ailments this summer with healthy tips provided by pediatrician Dr. Andy Wei, of Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates.

Sunburn prevention

Avoid poisonous plants

Extreme heat often means extreme sun, too. To avoid sunburn, Dr. Wei recommends using a minimum of SPF 30 lotion as well as wearing long sleeves and hats in lighter fabrics. Avoid peak sun hours and reapply lotion every few hours, especially at the pool or beach. Kids as young as a few months old can safely wear SPF as long as parents are sure to wash it off later.

Reactions to poisonous plants are another common summer woe. Dr. Wei recommends knowing what, for example, poison ivy and poison oak look like.

Take preventative measures by wearing long sleeves when at a park or in the woods. If contact occurs, immediately wash off all ivy resin and use a combination of a topical treatment, such as calamine lotion, and an oral medication, such as Benadryl.

Repelling insects Living near water causes a susceptibility to bug bites and mosquitoes. To avoid insects, Dr. Wei recommends using a repellent spray with a strong DEET percentage. (DEET is the active ingredient that repels insects.) Wearing long sleeves and pants in a thin fabric and spraying those clothes with insect repellant will also help.

Be cautious of bee and wasp stings. Avoid wearing bright colors, such as yellow, that can attract bees. When there’s a sting, Dr. Wei suggests putting ice on it, in addition to applying some type of pain control or topical anesthetic. If an allergy is involved, the child will exhibit signs of swollen lips or tongue and may experience difficulty breathing or eating.

When this occurs, see a doctor immediately.

safe. convenient. professional. visit :

Prevent staph infections Be careful about staph infections, called MRSA, that can possibly occur when cuts, scrapes and splinters are not properly treated.

If the injury hasn’t improved after a few days or skin is showing symptoms of being crusty, yellowish or golden-colored , Dr. Wei advises parents to immediately contact a pediatrician. If a staph infection has occurred, over-the-counter products such as Neosporin will not help.

Be alert Finally, Dr. Wei advises parents to put down their smartphones and pay attention. Fatal situations, such as drowning or overheating in a car, are preventable if a parent is alert.

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Sea Star SwimSchool 4000 cartwright road • missouri city, tX 77459 281.403.7946(Swim) • www.seastarswimming.com

call :

713.836.0376

STORY BY: JILLIAN S P A N

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ARTS + SCIENCE

Great Places

No need to travel far from home to discover the vast adventure that exists all around the Houston area.

1

Fun•Fair Positive Soccer

With exhibits about space science, Native American culture, paleontology, energy, chemistry, Texas wildlife and others, this museum caters to multiple interests. Open seven days a week. Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children. The museum offers week-long summer camps for children ages 6-12, with > For more information call prices ranging between $215-285.

(713) 639-4629 or visit hmns.org.

HOUSTON’S ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER Families can experience the natural world located on the western edge of Memorial Park. This 155-acre nonprofit nature sanctuary plays an important part in preserving native plants and animals in an urban environment. Week-long summer camps for children ages 5 through 12 are available June through August with all-day camps starting at $265 for members and $325 for non-members. Half-day camps are also available. Call (713) 681-8433 or visit houstonarboretum.org.

Join 15,000 players in 22 leagues in the Houston area.

• No Travel – All Games Played Locally • Full Uniform & Trophy to All! • Boys & Girls *4-18 years old

* 4-year-olds must turn 5 by Dec. 31 of the year of play.

FUN

• 5 aside soccer • Much ball contact • Fast to learn • Very safe rules • Great exercise

FA I R

• Equal playing time • Play every position • Balanced/coed teams • No tryouts • Special needs kids included

POSITIVE

• Trophy to every player • Only players keep score • Positive coaching • Positive parent education

Mission Statement: Practices / Games: • For every child to feel as a valued member and allowed to PLAY at their level of performance by using positive reinforcement and unconditional acceptance by the Coach and parents so every child of any ability can have a positive memory.

Testimonials:

“FFPS lives up to its name. FFPS has the right philosophy.”

Phil Bradshaw, The Woodlands “This was my son’s first season and he is deaf. FFPS not only taught him soccer, but accepted him for who he is.”

Tiffany Quick, Cy-Fair

• Practice times and location determined by the coach and team. One practice/week.

• All eight Saturday games played locally.

• Fall Games: Early October to early December • Spring Games: Early April to late May

Sign Up Dates:

SIGN UP EARLY AND SAVE $5!

Register at FFPS.ORG

Fall Season: From June through September Spring Season: From December through March Fees begin at $80 per season.

For more info go to FFPS.org or call 800.828.7529 (PLAY)

go time

3

p.17

THE HOUSTON ZOO Children can get acquainted with over 6,000 animals and a variety of ecosystems here. Located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in Houston, the zoo is open 364 days a year, with admission starting at $7 for children and $13 for adults. Kids 4-12 years can sign up for summer camp Zoofari to learn about nature, wildlife and conservation.

> Camp dates run June through August and week-long camp costs are $140-240. Call (713) 533-6500 or visit houstonzoo.org.

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mom gear

S T O RY BY: JILLIAN SPAN

Enjoying the ride

> GRACO READY2GROW LX STAND & RIDE STROLLER $139.99, Target

LUXURY DRIVING The 2012 Acura MDX is highly ranked by Consumer Reports for its safety and well-rounded family-friendly features. It provides comfortable seating for five, and includes a third row suited for children in the back.

Excellent ratings in agility and braking make for a smooth ride. < 201 2 AC U R A M D X Prices start at $42,930.

Get in Gear Check out our top picks for the mom gear that ranks highest by the experts—including other mothers.

Travel companions

R EAD WITH ME Award-winning children’s author has come out with a new release just in time for spring.

VERSATILE BLISS This reliable and safe stroller by GRACO has practical functionality, and accommodates a car seat for infants and a multi-position reclining seat that allows the stroller to grow with the child. A bench seat and standing platform for older siblings is also included. Available in three patterns.

On the go

> BABY L O V ES S P R I N G

BY KAREN K AT Z $6.99, Amazon.com

FUNCTIONAL FASHION

< S O P H I E G I R AF F E T E ET H ER $22.95, Vulli

B AB Y L O V E

Modern moms appreciate the look of a cute diaper bag. Now, with so many options available, find the perfect bag to meet your style and convenience needs. Specializing in handbags and totes, Ju-Ju Be carries diaper bags, totes convertible back packs and other baby gear.

As infants between 3 and 7 months begin cutting teeth, many experience gum discomfort. Since babies in this stage are also developing pickup and reaching skills, most toys go straight from hand to mouth. To avoid a toy box full of germs, try the Sophie Giraffe teether. Made of all-natural rubber, this teething toy has been soothing babies’ gum lines for 50 years. Available at Nurtured Family, 8525-B Jackrabbit Road in Houston, and other retailers.

PLAY TIME < ROB O T G EA R ED S H A P E S O R T ER $29.99, Amazon.com This toy by P’kolino engages children as they learn to match shapes and sort blocks by color.

Parents with children between ages 1 and 3 can forget a neat and tidy playroom. Starting at age 1, children take an interest in learning how things work and relate to each other as they develop their hand-eye coordination. Stacking, emptying, and rearranging their environments is common.

B E S PICY TOTE $150, ju-ju-be.com

STORY BY: JILLIAN S P A N

GET

Mov ng

Moms set a positive example when children watch you exercise. So why not make physical fitness a family affair? From mommy-and-me swim classes to hiking, biking and roller-blading at the nearest park, mothers can directly influence healthy fitness habits while spending quality time with their children.

SWIMMING TOGETHER Mothers help their babies learn basic body positioning and comfort in the water. Sea Squirt Classes at Sea Star Swimschool and Gymnastics are held on a regular basis. Located at 4000 Cartwright Road in Missouri City, near the Sugar Land border, there is a $25 annual registration fee and an additional charge for class enrollment. For information call (281) 403-7946 or visit www.seastarswimming.com.

MOM + BABY YOGA New moms can bond with their babies through the gentle movements, bodystrengthening and breathing exercises of yoga at The Motherhood Center, 3701 W. Alabama St., Suite 230, in Houston.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., prices are $15 per class.

Call (713) 963-8880 or visit www.motherhoodcenter.com.

EQUESTRIAN Afternoon equestrian is scheduled at The Spread stables, 14108 Bridgeport Rd. in Houston. All rides are scheduled by appointment seven days a week. Children 7 years old and under are required to ride double with an adult for $60 an hour. Individual lessons for children under 10 are $55 per hour. Call (832) 477-6790 or visit www.the-spread.net.

get fit

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MUSIC + RHYTHM

Moms help their babies learn the basics of movement, music and rhythm in a one-hour class at the Dance Du Coeur Sugar Land Dance Studio, 19875 Southwest Freeway.

Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a rate of $75 for a month of one hour a week classes. Call (281) 565-0005 or visit sugarlanddance.com.