At our recent September SMA, we had many new SMArt Kids plus a great showing of recent graduates. The returning patients reported on their summer successes and did a stellar job showing our new participants the ropes. We reviewed our SMArt Kids objectives for 2012-13:
- Limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day – This includes computer time!
- Participate in at least 1 hour of active play – Ride your bike after school!
- Limit sugary drinks to 0-4 ounces per day – Water and low fat milk are best!
- Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day – Try a smoothie with fruit, ice, low fat milk or yogurt!
- Limit fast food to less than once per week
- Make breakfast a priority – How about peanut butter on toast?
- Choose healthy snacks – Have pre cut veggies and dip ready for after school!
- Plan for family meals – Prepare a healthy meal on Sunday night dinner so there are no excuses!
- Get enough restful sleep – Take 20 minutes to unwind before bed!
- Know where your food comes from – Try local organic food!
- Focus on mindful eating – Think before you bite!
We are very excited about our third SMArt Kids series, as it will fill a gap for many families struggling with healthy lifestyle choices. The shared medical appointment setting offers an added benefit of collaboration among the families – something that is unique and hopefully productive for everyone in attendance. To learn more about Shared Medical Appointments at Harvard Vanguard, please click here.
Both kids and parents alike were engaged and participating in the ninety minute shared medical appointment. Linda Germaine-Miller, our SMArt Kids nutritionist, and I were impressed with both parent and child involvement, especially given it was our first meeting as a group!
In addition to reviewing the SMArt Kids’ lab results and our SMArt Kids goals, we discussed a novel way to approach healthy eating. Linda reviewed Dr. Joanna Dolgoff’s book Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right: The Food Solution That Lets Kids Be Kids. With a simple concept of Go, Slow and Stop (or Uh-Oh!) foods, we proposed that the SMArt Kids consider this method at home.
Many families have found success with this approach. Think about the stoplight the next time you prepare a meal – More ‘Go’ or ‘Green’ foods are better.
Here’s an example of green, yellow or red breakfast options. Our SMArt Kids know to go for the green!
The SMArt Kids will reconvene in October to report on their progress and pick new goals for the upcoming month. Since school is back in session, we will also explore healthy lunch alternatives. Keep up the “SMArt” work! Looking forward to seeing all of you in October!
Brittanny Boulanger, MD