February LIfe Lines.....

February is National Heart Health Awareness Month. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in America. The most common type is Coronary Artery Disease. This form causes a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. So, let's support our kids by helping them develop healthy habits now. We can start by being good role models and keep things positive. Kid’s don’t like to hear what they can’t do, tell them what they can do instead. Keep it fun and positive. Everyone likes to be praised for a job well done. Celebrate successes and help your children develop a good self-image. Try limiting time in front of the television, encourage physical activity and make dinnertime family time.
February is also National Children's Dental Health Month. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

SmileMobile is coming to:
VAUGHN
March 21^st- 25^th, 2012
Vaughn Elementary School
17521 Hall Road Vaughn, WA 98394
The SmileMobile:

¨ provides dental care to children (birth through high school) with limited family income

¨ accepts State of Washington Services Card (Provider One) and sliding fee scale based on family income

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call:
Jennifer Bunch at 253-272-1101before March 15^th.
Appointments must be scheduled before March 21st

The SmileMobile is operated by Washington Dental Service Foundation in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital. This event/activity is NOT being sponsored by the school district and the district assumes no responsibility for the conduct of or safety of the event/activity. In consideration for the privilege to distribute these materials, the school district shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including all costs, attorney’s fees, and judgments or awards.

Life Lines

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. About 215,000 young people under 20 years of age have diabetes. Most of them have type 1 diabetes. As obesity rates in children continue to soar, type 2 diabetes, a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45, is becoming more common in young people. To lower the chance of getting the disease be active and make healthy food choices.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner so why not try something new this year.  Replace your traditional mashed potatoes with creamy mashed cauliflower or creamed parsnips. These vegetables make a perfect low-carb stand-in. Are you in charge of making the stuffing? Try using whole wheat bread and adding some dried fruit mixed with a variety of nuts.  And instead of taking a nap before pie, take the kids for a nature walk to enjoy the colorful season. The American Diabetes Association recommends 20 -30 minutes of increased heart rate 3 to 5 days a week.