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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-09-03, Page 29Balanced breakfast boosts school performance As parents prepare for the new school season, a big consideration should be what their children are eating for breakfast or if they're eating breakfast at all. According to a 1991 Canada Breakfast Incidence Study conducted by Kellogg Canada, 94 per cent of Canadian children aged seven to 12 consumed something in the morning, though only two per cent of children ate what is defined by dietitians as a balanced breakfast. A wide range of recent scientific studies have demonstrated that students who consume a balanced breakfast show vast improvements in both mental and physical performance. According to Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, a nutritious and balanced breakfast includes choices from at least three of the four food groups - grain products, vegetables and fruits, milk products, and meat and alternatives. A balanced breakfast can be as simple as a bowl of ready-to-eat cereal or two pieces of toast with jam, a glass of milk and a juice box. Another easy option: frozen toaster waffles topped with fruit, a yogurt cup and half a glass of juice. Breakfast Skippers Many teachers report that students who skip breakfast are more likely to feel hungry during the day, have less energy for activities and find it harder to concentrate in class. "When children do not eat a balanced breakfast, it's very difficult for them to get the nutrients they need to grow, leam, play and stay healthy," says Johanne Trudeau, registered dietitian and manager of nutrition communications at Kellogg Canada Inc. "Breakfast should supply about a quarter of a child's daily energy and essential nutrient requirements." According to research, the essential nutrients missed when breakfast is skipped are almost never made up later in the day, and breakfast omission tends to increase with older children and teenagers. Setting an example By setting an example at breakfast and providing children with a wide selection of nutritious foods, parents can encourage children to develop lifelong healthy eating habits. BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFAST SURVIVAL TIPS These quick and easy tips will help you through most hectic mornings and still leave time for a nutritious breakfast: The night before Z Stock an easy-access "breakfast bar" with cereals, breads and fruit that kids enjoy. Z Have kids set the breakfast table with their favourite breakfast bowls and utensils. Z Make sure homework is done and packed with school supplies before bedtime. In the morning Z Let kids help themselves to their favourite breakfast. Z Have milk and juice stored in easy-to-pour containers in the refrigerate^. "Breakfast-to-go" Z Make sure you always have nutritious breakfast foods available that can be eaten "on- the-go", such as ready-to-eat cereal in a small container, whole­ grain or wheat-bran muffins, cereal bars, fruit, juice boxes, yogurt cups or cheese sticks. Z Try to choose at least one item from each of the following three food groups from Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. BREAKFAST TEST How do you know whether you are offering your family a nutritious start to the day? Try The Kellogg's Back to School Breakfast Test and see if you and your kids are making the grade: Y N Did you and your children □ □ eat breakfast today? □ □ Do you stock breakfast foods your children enjoy? □ □ Does breakfast include at least one item from each of the following three food groups, grain products like cereal, bread or muffins/ fruit or fruit juice/dairy products like milk, cheese or yogurt? □ □ Do you have a variety of quick and nutritious breakfast foods your children can choose from? □ □ If there is no time for a sit down meal, do you pack a breakfast to eat on-the-go? If you answered yes to only one or two questions.........(C): Your family's breakfast habits need some work. Without a nutritious breakfast, children will likely be hungry, have less energy and find it hard to pay attention at school. If you answered yes to three questions.........(B+): To make sure your child is eating a balanced breakfast you may need to add foods from another food group or pack convenient breakfast foods for kids to eat "on-the-go" when mornings are hectic. If you answered yes to all five questions...........(A+): Congratulations! You are making nutritious breakfast choices for your family's health. Keep up the good work! THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3.1997 PAGE 29. LHEALTH on the hill Give Someone a Second Chance. Discuss organ donation with your family and sign a donor card today. The Kidney Foundation of Canada A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL “LIVING THROUGH DEATH'’ EDUCATION COURSE begins Wed. Sept. 3rd. Participants are encouraged to explore their altitudes towards dying and death and to understand the emotional and physical state of the terminally ill, primary caregivers, and the bereaved. Palliative Care, Multidisciplinary Course, Introductory "Level I, Fanshawe College Certificate upon successful completion of Course. For further information and to register, please contact Shirley Dinsmore, Director of Huron Hospice @ 527-0655. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP which may be highly beneficial to individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Confidentiality will be upheld in order to ensure a safe place where peo­ ple may share their fears, loneliness and problems. Il is sponsored by Huron Hospice Volunteer Service and will next be held Wed. Sept. 3rd (bi-monthly meetings will be held on the first and third Wednesday of every month) at 8:00 p.m. @ Maplewood Manor, Church Street, Seaforth (enter through rear door off parking lot). Anyone interested is most welcome to attend. For further information, contact Joan Stewart 522-0897 or Shirley Dinsmore Office: 527-0655 Res. 527-1005. Applicants for JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM al the Hospital, are being accepted until Friday, September 13, 1997. Students ( mini­ mum age 12 years) must pre-register by contacting Frances Teatcro, Liasion Officer at 522-1979. One orientation only for the upcoming year is planned for September 1997. HURON HOSPICE CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT was a great success and is due directly to the support of the many people in the communities of Clinton, Goderich & Seaforth. We weathered everything including having to retreat to the club house during a downpour, thunder and lightening. However, the sun came out and we were able to complete 18 holes of golf as planned, enjoy the entertainment of Pete James, John Davidson and the many other celebrities. A delicious dinner was pre­ pared by John Patterson & staff. A fun day was enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers. The committee wants to thank everyone who participated and helped out in the planning and organizing “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” A self-help program for caregivers is available on loan from Nursing Office by calling 527-1650 Ext. 219. The physical and emotional stresses that you face as a caregiver can be over­ whelming. These audio tapes with accompanying booklet, will give you some of the information you will need to help you cope with the chal­ lenges of caregiving. DIABETES EDUCATION offered by Dianne Wood, Reg. N., CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) weekly on Thursdays, 1 -3 p.m. Topics include: Insulin, Oral Agents, Monitoring Technique, Travel, Days of Illness, Self-Management to Prevent Complications, M.D. relcrral not required for appointment. Pre-register by calling Nursing Office Mon. - Fri. 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. 527-1650 Ext. 219.