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19 · Wednesday, August 11, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Ask questions about food and exercise (NC)--Nip obesity in the bud by paying full attention to your child's developing attitude towards food and exercise, experts say, especially at school. "Obesity is a risk factor for developing lifethreatening diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, so it is never too early to nurture the enjoyment of healthy choices," says Dr. Tkachuk at LifeLabs, a leading diagnostic test centre. "Make a deliberate effort to show your children how delicious healthy eating can be--and also how much fun it is to be physically active in sports and play." " Since a good portion of daily hours are spent in school, parents are advised to find out the parameters of the supervision. Here is some food for thought from LifeLabs as you determine what you need to know: What supervision is assigned at lunchtime to ensure children eat the lunch they bring with them, with no trading and no substitution? Some studies show that children who eat lunch at school consume from 40 to 120 calories more than those who don't, increasing their chances of becoming overweight from 2 to 4 per cent. The cafeteria, however, isn't always to blame. Similar studies show that home-packed lunches often contain too many salty, sweet and nutrient-poor snack foods too. If you pack a healthy lunch, the key is to make sure your child eats it. How is the cafeteria menu decided? Even a limited school budget can be directed to buy fresh fruit and vegetables just as readily as high fat, high salt and highly processed meals. Find out who, or which food industries, influence the school lunch program and determine if it results in the best nutrition for the kids. Does the curriculum include lessons about making good food choices? Structured guidance, facts and encouragement go a long way. It may surprise you to know that several studies show a positive response when children are given fresh or organic foods to try. Kids even prefer the age indoor and outdoor physical healthy options when sugary, fatty alterna- education every day--with a contingency plan in inclement tives are nearby. weather--should be applauded. What exercise is planned if recess is www.newscanada.com cancelled due to rain or snow? Recent research points to the necessity of combining far more aerobic exercise with classroom time. Stepped up physical activity is essential for overall good health and growth. It improves classroom conduct, boosts learning, and is even credited with improved test results. Schools that encour- HOME TUTORING AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE STUDENTS 647-955-2864 Celebrating 50 years of Excellence All classes taught by professionally certified teachers · Classical Ballet · Preschool (Baby Ballet) · Curriculum to Professional Levels (R.A.D. & Cecchetti) · Recreational Division · Professional Division · Pointe · Pas de Deux · Character - Folk Dance · Modern/Jazz · Adult Classes Students perform with the Oakville Ballet Company in Oakville's own "The Nutcracker" Offering classes in downtown Oakville and at our Glen Abbey Campus Consistently voted Oakville's top dance school. Founder & Artistic Advisor: Elizabeth Paterson Former Major and Children's examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance (30 yrs.) Oakville School of Dance Offering the best in Ballet training since 1960. Amanda Bayliss, Artistic Director 260 Robinson St., Oakville ON L6J 1G6 905-844-7035 (also located in Glen Abbey) www.oakvilleballet.com / email: oakvilleballetinfo@cogeco.ca