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.