Calling for a Little
Peace & Quiet
Ever felt the need for a peaceful retreat if for no other reason than to collect your thoughts? Your kids might need to do the same. Some experts fear that in a world muddied with thousands of distractions, structured activities and constant entertainment options, our children do not spend enough time alone simply relaxing or engaging in quiet, unplugged play.
Children who are constantly entertained prove less likely to show initiative and more likely to have problems motivating themselves upon entering the work force. On the other hand, kids given regular time alone are more likely to exhibit time management and problem-solving abilities. Time alone also fosters creativity, self-confidence and independence. Plus, solitude gives kids the opportunity to drive their own play without having to compromise or go along with what the group demands.
Follow your child’s cues. No doubt, extracurricular activities enhance a child’s physical and social development. However, when those activities dominate a child’s day, they don’t get ample opportunity to unwind. A child’s reaction to overstimulation varies depending on their personality, but typical signs that your kiddo might need some downtime include crankiness, irritability and not getting along with others.
Schedule daily quiet time. Carve out quiet time in the day if your child isn’t used to initiating it on their own. Daily quiet time allows kids to relax, listen to music, read or simply daydream. However, your child’s needs may vary. While all children need downtime, not every child must be alone to recharge.
Babies as young as two months old can play on their own for a little while. Have your baby play in 5-to10-minute increments on a blanket on the floor. Babies of this age can amuse themselves by looking at pictures in board books or at mirrors or lights.
Alternate between playing with your baby for five minutes and giving her five minutes to play on her own. Slowly increase the amount of time.
With an older child, set a timer and encourage them to play alone for 10 minutes. When the time is up, play for 10 minutes with your child and then set the timer again for 10 minutes of solitary play. If your preschooler no longer naps, set aside an hour a day for your child to play quietly, look at books and relax.
Encourage self-directed play. Even if your youngster complains about how bored they are, avoid jumping in as the designated entertainer. Self-directed play leads to more imaginative play.
If your child isn’t used to playing alone, suggest activities that they can do on their own. List activities on a chart, have them pick an idea out of a jar, or create an “imagination bucket” and change out the contents often, such as popsicle sticks, crayons, glue, beads, pipe cleaners or stickers. Let them go to town creating, coloring or designing. Afterward, reward them with a sticker or extra time with you and use positive reinforcement.
Model time alone. Constantly playing the role of entertainer or running from one activity to the next is exhausting and stressful. Set an example for your children about how to best manage stress by modeling quiet time on your own, whether it’s through reading, journaling or simply resting.
From enhanced introspection and creativity to valuable life skills, a restful respite in the middle of a busy day will support your child’s physical, mental and emotional health today and into the future. And, as a hardworking parent, you’ll reap the benefits, too!
By Christa Melnyk Hines, for Family & Kids
HOO’s HEALTHY
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a medical condition that causes the heart muscle to become thickened. Many people who have this condition have very few or no symptoms and are not aware that they have HCM. For a small percentage of those with HCM, the disease may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythms, chest pain and may even cause sudden cardiac death. While it is rare for athletes to suffer a sudden cardiac death (a death caused by a heart-related issue), it is estimated that 36% of the cases of sudden cardiac death in athletes occur due to HCM.
In most cases, HCM is caused by changes in genes that lead to a thickening of the heart muscle. This genetic change can be passed down from a parent to a child. If a parent has the gene that causes HCM, there is a 50% chance of passing the gene to the child.
• The bottom two chambers of the heart (the ventricles) are the ones typically affected by HCM and are thickened. The wall between the two ventricles (called the septum) may also become thickened. This thickening of the septum
What is:
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
can block the blood flow out of the heart, a condition called obstructive HCM. Obstructive HCM may cause shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting.
• HCM may cause a condition called myofiber disarray, which can trigger irregular cardiac rhythms, leading to complications such as atrial fibrillation.
• HCM may cause the left ventricle to become stiffened by HCM. This causes a reduction of the amount of blood that can fill the left ventricle and be pumped to the body during each heartbeat.
If someone has a parent, a brother or a sister with HCM, it is important to determine early if they have inherited the condition. A screening test for the gene that causes HCM is available. A test called an echocardiogram that takes ‘pictures’ of the heart can also help diagnose HCM.
Always call 911 or your local emergency number if someone is experiencing an irregular heartbeat or a heartbeat that is rapid when at rest, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Highlight On HOO’s PICKS
St. Francis Heart Hospital, an affiliate of Emory Cardiothoracic Surgery, is the only hospital in the Chattahoochee Valley that provides a full range of cardiac surgeries, including open-heart surgery or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement. We have the most advanced heart program in the region, performing life-saving procedures right here, keeping both patients and their loved ones close to home in a heart emergency.
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare provides the area’s only distinguished Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center recognized by the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma for excellence in emergency heart care.
The Heart Hospital is also on the forefront of the most technologically-advanced surgical treatments. An estimated seven million Americans are affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib) – an irregular heartbeat that feels like a quivering heart. Patients with AFib have a five-fold increased risk of stroke due to blood clots that can form in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage and travel to the brain. The heart experts at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare are the first in the Chattahoochee
Valley to offer the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device, the newest version of the WATCHMAN stroke risk reduction technology for patients with non-valvular AFib seeking an alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy.
The hospital recently celebrated its 100th TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure. TAVR is a less invasive approach to aortic valve replacement compared to open heart surgery. During the procedure, the cardiologist and heart surgeon work together to make a small puncture, usually in the groin, inserting a small flexible tube into the artery, guiding the valve up to a patient’s heart and then expanding the valve into place.
TAVR is a viable treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, which occurs over time as the leaflets of the aortic valve become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close. This can make patients feel short of breath, dizzy, light-headed, fatigued and unable to walk short distances or enjoy their normal activities.
When it comes to all things heart, you can trust the experts at St. Francis-Emory.
RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/
SCHOOL/CHILDCARE GUIDE
Join the Winter Reading CHALLENGE
By Tiffany Wilson, Community Engagement Coordinator, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries
This winter, let the joy of reading bring your family together! The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries’ Winter Reading Challenge is happening now through February 28 and it’s completely FREE to join. Perfect for readers of all ages, this program offers an easy and fun way to keep the family entertained while modeling healthy reading habits to your little ones.
Participation is simple! Younger children can aim to read (or be read) 30 books, while teens and adults can log 15 hours of reading. Tracking your progress is easy—choose between traditional paper logs or the user-friendly Beanstack app, available for free on Apple and Android devices.
The best part? Reading means prizes! Every family member who completes their goal earns a prize and is entered into the grand prize drawing for a chance to win a VISA gift card.
By participating as a family, you’re showing your kids that reading isn’t just for school—it’s a lifelong joy. Plus, with both digital and paper tracking options, it’s easy to make the challenge work for your busy schedule.
Need inspiration? Cozy up with winter-themed picture books for little ones, thrilling chapter books for older kids, or heartwarming novels for adults. Want to make it extra fun? Set up a cozy reading nook, host a family read-aloud night, or explore audiobooks during long car rides.
Stop by your favorite branch of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries to pick up paper logs or download them online at cvlga.org. Whether you’re reading snowy adventures, magical stories, or thrilling mysteries, the Winter Reading Challenge is your ticket to family fun and fabulous prizes. Let’s make this winter one to remember—one book at a time!
GUN VIOLENCE Discussing
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
In today’s interconnected world, your child may hear about events involving gun violence that occur locally or elsewhere in the world. Though you may do your best to see what your child sees online and on TV, it is hard to control what they hear from their friends and classmates. Even if an event occurs a distance away from where you live, your child may worry that the same type of gun violence event could happen close to home.
When is the right time to discuss gun violence?
Sometimes, your child may feel curious about a gun violence event and ask questions about it. However, other times, it can take some time for your child before he tries to start a conversation about it. It may be hard for your child to know how to get a conversation started on such a difficult topic. Instead, you may notice that he seems worried about something and expresses his feelings through other means such as art or writing. If your child does not attempt to start a conversation, do not push too hard. Instead, ask if there is something he needs to talk about and try again another time if he says no.
Keep the discussion age-appropriate
Very young children do not need an in-depth explanation of the gun violence event. If your young child finds out about a gun violence event, be honest and acknowledge in simple terms that the event occurred, but do not go into details. Listen to the concerns about gun violence that your child is trying to communicate, either through words, pictures or writing. Be careful not to try to simply dismiss your child’s feelings. Instead, let your young child know you understand her concern
and why he might feel frightened after hearing about a gun violence event. Instead of saying something such as ‘Nothing will happen, you are fine at school’, remind your young child that adults, such as teachers and police officers, work every day to keep him safe and protect him while he is at school.
When discussing gun violence with older kids, talk with them about the basics of gun safety and that it is wrong to hurt anyone else. Explain that some people may choose to keep a gun in their home for protection but that the gun should always be stored and handled safely and never used to hurt someone. Also, explain to older kids the details of what is being done in your community to prevent gun violence events like the one they heard about. Your child may be curious about what steps his school takes to prevent gun violence. Share with him how teachers and police officers drill to prevent gun violence events and keep everyone safe if there is a threat of one occurring.
Teens may have access to in-depth information about gun violence events and have questions about why someone would hurt others. Discuss with your teen the possible causes of such events, such as alcohol use, drug use, anger and mental illness, and how adults in the community work together to spot such issues to help prevent gun violence events. Let your teen know that these adults (teachers, law enforcement, school officials) should be notified if he feels concerned because someone he knows is very angry or has an issue with drugs or alcohol. Also let your child know that if he feels frightened or upset about the event, he can talk to you, a school counselor, doctor or other trusted adult about it.
Southern Stitched Southern Stitched
CHILDREN’S RESALE AND MORE
Event and Everyday Florals
HOO’s PARENTING
Today’s world is rapidly changing and is much different from the world our parents were raised in. However, some parenting techniques and pieces of wisdom have endured the test of time and still apply today.
Establish rules for your household. These rules define the expectations and boundaries for your child. Discuss these rules in family meetings to ensure they are understood, but you, as the adult, have the right to make the final decision. Your child might be upset her friend can use her phone past 8:00 PM and she cannot, but what others are doing does not matter. You have carefully thought about and decided what is healthy and best for your family and your rules stand.
It is OK to be bored. It is beneficial for your child to have some time each day for unstructured ‘free play.’ Kids learn to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to find activities to occupy their free time. Supervise them to ensure safety, provide access to materials that encourage creativity and suggest some ideas, but let them plan activities to fill some of their free time instead of doing it for them.
old school
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
Consistency is key. When you set boundaries for your child and make clear there are consequences for ignoring them, it is important to follow through. For example, if you tell your child that if he does not stop screaming then you will have to end the shopping trip, follow through if he does not stop. It is confusing for your child when household rules seem to be constantly changing and something is OK one day but not another.
You are your child’s parent, not his best friend. You can enjoy spending time together, but do not forget that you are the adult and the parent. Sometimes your child will be upset when you say ‘no’ to a request or when you follow through with a consequence for disrespecting a boundary. As the parent, you are responsible for making the final decisions, and sometimes, it is OK to say ‘because I said so’ when a situation requires immediate compliance and there is no time for an explanation.
1
Father /Daughter Dance. 5-9pm. $40. St Luke Ministry Center; rccac.org/events
1 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
1 Take Your Child to the Library Day. Families. All Day. Columbus Library and North Columbus Library.
2 The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy. 7:30pm. $59-$79. RiverCenter; 706-2563612
3 Family Movie Night: Disney’s Soul (PG). 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
4
Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
4 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
6 Simple Steps: Play. Ages 2-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
6 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
6 Anime Club. Teen. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
7 Culture Quest: House of Chattahoochee. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813
7 All Is Fair In Love & Cupcake Wars: A Teen After-Hours Event. 6:15pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811
7-8 River Dragons Hockey Game. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460
8 NEA Big Read: Family Keepsake Show & Tell. Families. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
8
Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
8 Valentine’s Day Dinner Train. 5:30pm. Sam Shortline; 877-GA-RAILS
9 Dinner & A Movie. 4-8pm. Bluebelle Local Mercantile; 706-327-1181
10
Creative Kids Theatre. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
11 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
11 After School Art Break. 2:30-4:30pm. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
11 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-11. 3pm. South Columbus Library. 4pm
11 Tabletop Tuesday. Teen. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
11 Art Therapy: Harness Your Creativity to Relieve Stress. Teens. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
13
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805
13 Postpartum Group Circle. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
13 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
14
Jumperoo: Big Fun for Little Jumpers! 10am-Noon. Ages 0-5. Urban Air Adventure Park, Columbus; 706-341-1124
14
Drop-In Day at the Sweetheart Café. Families. All Day. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
14
Anti-Valentine’s Party. Teens. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
14 Ballet Magnificat!: Prodigal’s Journey. 6:30-8:30pm. Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts; clement-arts.org
14-15
River Dragons Hockey Game. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460
15 February Family Festival. 10am-2pm. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
15 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm. RSVP. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
15 D&D for Teens. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
15 Valentine’s Day Dinner Train. 5:30pm. Sam Shortline; 877-GA-RAILS
15 Side-by-Side Concert. TBD. RiverCenter; yogc.org
18 Dragon Racers! A High-Flying Obstacle Course. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
20 Half Day Mini Camp. 9am-1pm. Just Breathe for Kids Yoga. Ages 5+. Justbreatheforkids.com
20 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
20 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
20 Grannycore for Teens: Found Object Art. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855
21 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:35pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460
PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
February Events
21-23
Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. Times vary. $18-$21. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688
21-23
Agatha Christie’s Spider's Web. $5-$18.50. Family Theatre; 706-4313752
22 Character Breakfast. 9am & 11am. $18-$25. Cascade Hills Student Center; jlcolumbus.com/character-breakfast
22 Jumperoo: Big Fun for Little Jumpers! 10am-Noon. Ages 0-5. Urban Air Adventure Park, Columbus; 706-341-1124
22
CSO: Young People’s Concert. 12:30pm. $10-$25. RiverCenter; csoga.org or 706-256-3612
22 Kids’ Weird Talent Show. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
22
CSO: John Williams & Friends. 1:30pm. $10-$50. RiverCenter; csoga.org or 706-256-3612
22 Blippi: Join the Band Tour. $27-$67. Columbus Civic Center; blippintour.com
25 Grown Up + Me Yoga. Just Breathe for Kids. 9-10am. Justbreatheforkids.com
25 Brain Twister Trivia. Ages 7-11. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
25 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
25 Teens: Snack Food Taste Test. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811
26
Teens: Honoring Black History Month. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
27
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
27 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Noon-2pm. Urban Air Adventure Park, Columbus; 706341-1124
28 Stitch by Stitch: Yarn, Needles, and Hooks Crafting Circle. All ages. RSVP. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
28 Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. 7pm. $18-$21. Springer Opera House; 706327-3688
28 Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies. 7:30pm. RiverCenter
28 Agatha Christie’s Spider's Web. $5$18.50. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752
31 PNO Pizza Party. Just Breathe for Kids Yoga. 5:30-8:30pm. Justbreatheforkids.com.
EventsWeekly
MONDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 2/17)
TUESDAY
Simple Steps Story time. Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-24 mo. 10am; Preschoolers. Ages
3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855
Get On Board With Board Games: Chess & More. Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
WEDNESDAY
Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813
Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813
THURSDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880
Sight Word Support. K-3. 3:30-5:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
FRIDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
Fun Fridays. Ages 5-12. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 2/14)
SATURDAY
Kids Alma Thomas Workshop Series. 2-3:30pm. Columbus Museum; 706-7482562.
Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.
SCREENTIME and Emotional Regulation
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
When a toddler temper tantrum occurs at the worst possible moment, it is tempting to calm her by handing her a phone or tablet to distract her. However, a new study suggests that increasing your toddler’s screen time may lead to an inability to manage anger and more tantrums.
The study, performed by Professor Caroline Fitzpatrick at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, found that adding an hour of screen time each day at the age of 3.5 years led to an increase in angry outbursts a year later. The study found that this increase in outbursts then led to an additional increase in screen time by the time the study subjects reached 5.5 years of age. This suggests a ‘downward spiral’ in the ability of kids to regulate emotions at a key time in their development when they should instead be learning to regulate their emotions.
During toddlerhood, children should be coached by parents on how to regulate their emotions and, through interaction with their parents, observe the techniques their parents use to regulate their emotions. However, if toddlers are interacting with a tablet more than they are interacting with a parent, it is difficult for this emotional coaching and teaching by example to occur.
Here are some alternate ways to help prevent and, if one does occur, calm toddler temper tantrums without using a screen as a babysitter.
Plan well
To avoid situations in which it seems there is no solution other than to hand your toddler a tablet to calm her down, try to plan errands and activities around your toddler’s schedule. Your toddler is more likely to lose control and enter an angry outburst if she is hungry or tired.
Set expectations
Part of planning ahead is setting expectations for your toddler before you enter a situation. Communicate the
rules you wish your toddler to follow in terms she will understand. For example, before entering the library for story hour say ‘Please use your inside voice in the library and do not run. If you yell and run, we will have to leave.’ Communicate well with your toddler by making eye contact with her and avoiding using a harsh tone of voice or sarcasm while you are coaching her.
Teach your toddler to self-soothe
Choose a time when your child is not having a tantrum to teach your child calming techniques. You could model them, saying, ‘When I am feeling upset, I stop and take deep breaths and count to ten like this before I do anything else.’
Stop the tantrum before it escalates
If you see your toddler’s frustration is building, help your child identify her feelings and deal with them. You could say ‘It looks like you are feeling angry your brother will not share his toy. Let’s come over here and color for a little while.’ Redirection to an activity she enjoys gives her a chance to take her mind off what she wants (but cannot have at the moment) and calm down enough for you to help resolve the situation peacefully.
Remove your child to a safe place
When a tantrum does escalate, remove your child to a place where she will not hurt herself or others while she works on calming down. Do not give in to what she wants, as that does not teach her how to manage disappointment.
Parenting experts suggest that if you need to use a screen to calm a toddler as a last resort, track how long your child uses the screen so the time does not get away from you.
Dining Deals for Kids
With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!
MONDAY
Barberitos
Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm
Sapo’s
5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée
The Office
4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.
Tuesday
Chicken Salad Chick
Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
Ruby Tuesday
5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée
wednesDAY
Your Pie
Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal
Red Robin
Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under
thursDAY
Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos
Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only
friday
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
sunday
The Simple Greek
Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined
multiple days
219 On The Lake
5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)
Bruster’s Ice Cream
Kids under 40” get free baby cone
McAlister’s
Kid’s meals are $2.79 with dine-in order
The Food Mill
Kids receive half off a breakfast egg and cheese biscuit with the purchase of one full price breakfast item (M-F, 9-11am)
All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.
HOO’s HUNGRY
GRANOLA Easy Homemade
A super easy basic homemade granola recipe-perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack or parfait! You'll love that it uses only simple pantry ingredients and takes just minutes to mix together.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix everything but oil and vanilla in large bowl. (I like to mix it in my roasting pan and then just bake it in that).
2. Add vanilla to oil, then add to dry ingredients. Mix well.
3. Pour into oven safe dishes (if you don’t have a large roasting pan, cake pans work well) and bake at 250 degrees until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
TIPS: Use whatever type of oats you prefer, as long as it equals 16 cups. If you like your granola chunkier, use less honey and brown sugar. This makes a large amount, feel free to freeze some of it.
INGREDIENTS
• 8 cups quick oats
• 8 cups rolled oats
• 1 ½ to 3 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups wheat germ optional
• 2 cups coconut flakes
• 1 cup sunflower seeds or nuts optional
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 cups coconut oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla
Add-Ons: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, raisins, dried apricots.
Courtesy of thriftyfrugalmom.com
Monday/Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am
Tuesdays/Thursdays 2pm-5pm Saturdays 11am-3pm Sundays 1-4pm
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE
HOO’s Healthy
or not?!Healthy Beverages,
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
Many of us search for healthy beverages when we get tired of drinking water. Diet sodas and fruit drinks that are marketed as being low-calorie and heathy may seem to be valid choices. The well-studied benefits of antioxidants in coffee called polyphenols also seem to make it a good beverage choice. However, a recently published international study has analyzed data from 32 countries and found that carbonated beverages, both artificially sweetened and sweetened with sugar, fruit juice drinks and drinking more than four cups of coffee a day increases the risk of ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
Fruit juices and sweetened carbonated drinks are thought to increase the risk of stroke because the high sugar content can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for a stroke. Artificial sweeteners may have negative impacts on vascular health and also may cause inflammation, thus increasing the risk of stroke. The caffeine in coffee can raise blood pressure, thus drinking a large amount (over four cups a day) can increase the risk of a stroke.
On the other hand, the study found that drinking a moderate amount of coffee, less than four cups a day, did not increase the risk of stroke. Also, the study found that drinking certain types of tea, such as green tea and black tea, had protective effects and helped reduce the chances of a stroke. The protective effects of tea are linked to the antioxidants contained in tea, which help reduce inflammation in blood vessels. However, the research found that adding milk to tea reduced the protective benefits.
The researchers also found that drinking more than seven cups (56 oz) of water a day decreases the risk of stroke. This is because drinking enough water helps keep the blood from thickening and forming clots that block blood vessels and also ensures that there is an adequate blood volume for the body to regulate blood pressure well. Dehydration can lead to hypertension, which increases the risk of stroke.
PerFect
DIRECTIONS
1. Boil the water. Add in the gelatin and stir until dissolved. Mix in the bird seed.
2. Lay the cookie cutter on a baking sheet. (I covered it with wax paper, but I don’t think it’s necessary.) Start filling with the bird seed mixture. Place the drinking straw where you would like the hanger to go and pack seed mixture around it. Finish filling cookie cutter and press down with your fingers.
3. Set outside or in the refrigerator to cool. Once it is set, remove from cookie cutter. Remove straw. Allow to dry overnight.
4. Thread cord through hole to hang from tree. To hang ours, I used a thin piece of flannel cut from old pajamas.
SUPPLIES
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