A study conducted by Baylor College of Medicine found that playing video games featuring fruits and vegetables may encourage children to have healthy eating habits. The children reported an increased intake of fruits and vegetables after playing two video games designed to promote healthy eating and then answering questions about the information. Two of the sites recommended are the Food Champs website (www.FoodChamps.org) and the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters consumer website (www.FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters.org).

General Mills has announced it will lower the sugar content in children’s cereals from 11 grams per serving to no more than 10 grams per serving. The move comes in response to the growing problem of childhood obesity and the associated health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Researchers at the University of California have been taking a closer look at human milk and are finding that a large part of the breast milk seems to have a role beyond infant nutrition. An indigestible substance in breast milk  promotes a strain of bacteria found in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. This bacteria may act as a probiotic and provide support for the baby’s immune system. Researchers are looking at the contents of breast milk to discover how to best feed and defend the human body. A great read!

To lighten the back to school load, parents can encourage their children to pack their own lunches. Younger kids can help in the lunch packing process while older children can assume most of the responsibility. The combined child parental involvement creates an opportunity to teach healthy food choices. The complete article can be viewed at the Baylor College of Medicine website.

Before purchasing back-to-school supplies for their children, parents can check the Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies on the The Center for Health, Environment and Justice website. The guide lists safer PVC-free school products such as backpacks, lunchboxes, and binders. Our Bumkins waterproof art smock is listed on page 7. All our Bumkins waterproof products are PVC, phthalate, and BPA free.