Are plastics making you gain weight?
SPRINGTIME CRAFTS
Inspire a love of nature
3
Quick and Simple Sheet Pan Meals
Kids and Climate Change How their health may suffer from a warming planet
Mental Health Matters
Simple steps to support your kids through the pandemic
SPRING 2022
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The tiny snack that saves the day Fall in love with the world’s first apple that’s naturally grown to be miniature — bringing all the flavor, nutrients and energy your family craves this spring. Whether you’re cozying up together at home or out on the go, Rockit Apples make for the perfect family snack this spring.
Scan the QR code
for more information, recipes and where to buy Rockit Apples.
Contents KIWI
Spring 2022
Yummy Meals Made for Busy Nights (p. 20)
FEATURES 13 WHAT’S CLIMATE CHANGE DOING TO OUR KIDS’ HEALTH? A breakdown of risks and preventative measures for parents.
27 MENTAL WELLNESS FAMILY CHECKLIST Actionable steps to help your family in uncertain times. BY MAUREEN FROST
20 QUICK AND SIMPLE SHEET PAN MEALS Simplicity and flavor reign supreme in these three delicious dinners. BY KAREN KELLY
32 3 CRAFTS TO NURTURE A LOVE OF NATURE Think spring with these fun family activities. BY BROOKE COHEN
BY MAUREEN FROST
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KIWI On-The-Go Read KIWI magazine anywhere, anytime, on your tablet or mobile device with the Issuu app.
Contents KIWI
Kids’ Health and Our Changing Climate
13
32
Oh-so-cute Nature Crafts IN EVERY ISSUE 4 EDITOR’S LETTER 6 BEYOND THE ISSUE 7 KIWI NOW
10 WHAT’S HOT AT MOMSMEET.COM 41 IN SEASON NOW: ONIONS
11 READING CORNER
ON THE COVER CLIMATE CHANGE AND KIDS HEALTH
3 kiwi Spring 2022
13
SHEET PAN DINNERS
20
NATURE CRAFTS
32
MENTAL WELLNESS CHECKLIST
27
PLASTICS AND WEIGHT GAIN
8
S
pring always brings about a feeling of hope, offering us a chance to recommit to what’s truly important for our families. In this issue, we focus on two major factors shaping childhood today and in the future. In our feature story, “What’s Climate Change Doing to Our Kids’ Health?” (p. 13), we explore the health risks facing the kids of today and future generations from a warming climate. In it, we discuss the eye-opening risks and offer up preventative measures and resources for families to protect your children.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANIELLE MCDERMOTT
EDITOR’SLETTER
Over the past three years, the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health universally, but especially for our kids. Addressing their emotional needs as we wade through the uncertainty is imperative for their wellbeing. That’s why we created our “Mental Wellness Family Checklist” (p. 27) to help you foster emotional openness and spark joy as a family. If you’re looking to streamline mealtime, our “Quick and Simple Sheet Pan Meals” (p. 20) need to be on your menu. Healthy, delicious, and light on dish duty? Sign me up! As you spend more time venturing out in the warmer weather, let “3 Crafts to Inspire a Love of Nature” (p. 32) be your guide to an afternoon of fun! From all of us at KIWI, we wish you joy in togetherness, peacefulness in nature, and health and wellness throughout this spring season.
Maureen Frost Editorial Director maureen@kiwimagonline.com
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Beyond the Issue
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UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE Don’t miss these virtual events from KIWI and Moms Meet!
WOW EVENTS MARCH 29–31, 2022 SUMMIT
Moms Meet WOW Summit ‘22 Virtual WOW Summit is back for year nine this coming March 2022! During this virtual threeday event you’ll gain the knowledge you need and the community you crave to raise a happy, healthy family. Attend educational workshops, learn from compelling speakers, and network with like-minded moms. Discover the newest natural, organic, non-GMO, eco, educational, homeopathic, and allergy-free products in our Virtual Exhibit Hall and get to know the brands on a deeper level. Register now! FOLLOW MOMS MEET FOR UPDATES:
Moms Meet Facebook Live APRIL 28, 2022 – 2 p.m. EST SUMMIT
Discover a New Powerful Cleaner from the EU Meet KH-7 Degreaser, a concentrated degreaser specially formulated for the thorough and effortless removal of all types of grease, oils, and heavily encrusted dirt. Formulated to high standards, KH-7 Concentrated Degreaser is free from phosphates, perfume, caustic soda, caustic potash, and dye. Learn how this cleaner will make your life easier during this Facebook Live. LEARN MORE
WOW EVENTS AUGUST 1–5, 2022 SUMMIT
KIWI magazine’s Beyond the Lunchbox Digital Conference Save the date for the third annual Beyond the Lunchbox Digital Conference! This free weeklong online event is dedicated to educating parents on the big ideas and practical solutions behind sustainability, health and wellness, nutrition, and kid’s lunch. FOLLOW KIWI FOR UPDATES:
Raising Healthy Families Podcast with Moms Meet and KIWI Conquer healthy living at all ages and stages of life with us. Raising Healthy Families will give you the tools to nurture and raise your kids naturally, parent with intention, and enjoy the beauty and chaos of life with little ones. Our third season is now streaming. Listen here!
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W O R D TO K N OW:
REDUCETARIAN
Now KIWI
®
If you eat less meat and poultry than you have in the past, you may just be a reducetarian! With diet trends all around us, this way of thinking and eating can benefit more than just yourself.
What’s New
According to the Reducetarian Foundation, those practicing this way of life eat less meat, dairy, poultry, seafood, and eggs and champion small steps in the right direction towards reduction.
Reducetarians focus on getting more fruits and vegetables which helps improve overall health, as well as gut and cardiovascular health, and prevents disease.
DID YOU KNOW?
Industrial animal agriculture alone is responsible for 57% of the global food production greenhouse If you eat less meat and poultry than gasinemissions. you have the past, you may just be a reducetarian! With diet trends all around Source: “Global greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based foods are twice those of plantus, this way of thinking and eating can foods” benefitbased more than just yourself. According to the Reducetarian Foundation, those practicing this way of life eat less meat, dairy, poultry, seafood, and eggs and champion small steps in the right direction towards reduction. 7 kiwi Spring 2022
What’s Hot
What’s Wow
Better for you
Better for the Earth Reducing the dependence on industrial animal agriculture by eating less animal products also means less greenhouse gas emissions and less deforestation contributing to climate change. Better for the Animals Lastly, factory farms produce much of the meat, dairy, and poultry products consumed but commonly rely on inhumane practices like keeping animals confined to indoor, crated spaces, amongst others. This creates breeding grounds for sickness and disease, leading to increased antibiotic use that can lead to drug resistant bacteria, harming animals and humans.
ARE PLASTICS CONTRIBUTING TO WEIGHT GAIN? According to a new study published this January in Environmental Science & Technology, chemicals found in plastic products may affect your metabolism and increase fat production. According to the source,
“While some plastic products contained known metabolism-disrupting substances, others did not but nevertheless induced the development of fat cells. This means that plastics contain currently unidentified chemicals that interfere with how our body stores fat.”
Mom Stress is Real Whether you’re new to the world of parenting or in the thick of it, the stress can feel overwhelming. That’s why we often turn to Dr. Ilyse DiMarco (Dr. CBT Mom) who offers science-based psychological strategies to help us handle the ups and downs of raising little ones. Catch her on our podcast, Raising Healthy Families with Moms Meet and KIWI (Season 2, episode 4), and pick up her book Mom Brain: Proven Strategies to Fight the Anxiety, Guilt, and Overwhelming Emotions of Motherhood—and Relax into Your New Self (Starting at $14.95, Amazon) See her speak about how moms can better handle stress at WOW Summit Virtual ‘22, happening March 29–31, 2022. Register now! kiwimagonline.com
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EMPOWERING MOMS TO RAISE HAPPPY AND HEALTHY FAMILIES
March 29–31, 2022
! n e p o s i n o i t a r t s i g e R REGISTER NOW
Moms Meet is going virtual again! Join us for our 9th annual WOW Summit. Spend three fun-filled and educational days focused on raising happy and healthy families. Follow Moms Meet for updates Copyright ©2022 May Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
What’s hot at momsmeet.com! Meet Our Speakers Iben Sandahl, Author, Psychotherapist MPF and Educator Iben Sandahl comes from Denmark and is an internationally-acknowledged public speaker, psychotherapist and best-selling author of The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids. MARCH 29–31, 2022
Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, DO, MPH, MS, FAAP, Board-Certified Pediatrician,
Join Us for the Ninth Annual WOW Summit Join Moms Meet from March 29–31, 2022 to gain the knowledge you need and the community you crave to raise a happy, healthy family. Attendees can participate in educational workshops, learn from compelling speakers, network with like-minded moms, and more. Virtual WOW Summit is FREE to attend for members of Moms Meet. Plus, there’s a unique track just for bloggers and influencers.
Register now!
Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national boardcertified health and wellness coach, and author of A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy.
Vasavi Kumar,
Licensed Therapist, Mindset, and Business Coach Vasavi Kumar is a therapist and former TV host turned self-talk and Camera Confidence Coach. Through her programs, she helps thought leaders and experts feel more confident on camera and clear in their creative process.
Dr. Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco, Clinical Psychologist and Author
Dr. Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco, also known as Dr. CBT Mom, is a clinical psychologist and writer specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy for maternal anxiety and stress.
Jen Hemphill,
Accredited Financial Counselor and Author Jen Hemphill is a Latina Money Expert, an Accredited Financial Counselor, author of Her Money Matters, speaker, and host of the Her Dinero Matters podcast. She helps the busy careeroriented woman become the reina (queen) of her money and love her dinero more.
Learn more about WOW Summit ‘22
Virtual’s speakers here.
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HEALTHY FAMILIES
READINGCORNER
MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE Five newthatreleases inspire perseverance and self-love.
By Jenna Sims
Wonderful Babies by Emily
Winfield Martin (Starting at $8.54, Random House, Baby–3) This adorable board book captures the beauty of diversity with simple text about different moods. Wonderful Babies would make a great baby shower gift from the same bestselling author as The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams (Starting at $10.70, Balzer + Bray, Ages 4–8) In this New York Times bestselling children’s book based on the author’s own experiences, Stacey is chosen by her teacher to compete in the school spelling bee. Although she loves words, fear creeps in. Follow Stacey’s journey as she learns just how powerful words can be.
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
by Joanna Ho (Starting at $15.49, HarperCollins, Ages 4–8)
Just Help! by Sonia Sotomayor
(Starting at $12.58, Philomel Books, Ages 4–8)
Inspired by her own family, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor tells a story to motivate all people to work together to make the world a better place. Each evening, Mami asks Sonia the question, “How did you help today?” and Sonia always works hard every day to make sure she has a good answer. 11 kiwi Spring 2022
As a companion book to the bestselling Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by duo Joanna Ho and Dung Ho, this beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates what it means to be truly you. A young Asian boy notices his eyes look different from his friends’ and later finds inspiration from the men in his family.
Spy School the Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs (Starting at $11.52, Simon & Schuster, Ages 8–12) The first book in the New York Times bestselling series has been adapted into a graphic novel that tracks awkward middle schooler Ben Ripley as he survives his first year at the Academy of Espionage and becomes the secret agent he’s always dreamed of being.
Are you ready to rethink lunch? Join our FREE weeklong online event to discover the big ideas and practical solutions behind sustainability, health and wellness, nutrition, and kid’s lunch.
Save the Date August 1–5, 2022 Follow Us for Updates
Copyright ©2022 May Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
WHAT’S CLIMATE CHANGE DOING TO OUR KIDS’ HEALTH? By Maureen Frost When I daydream about what the future holds for my one-year-old and three-yearold children, I’m filled with happiness at all the good to come. I pull from memories of my childhood—long beach days, plenty of competitive sports, and lifelong friendships that start before you can read. Yet, it’s already clear that their childhood will be vastly different from mine. Joyous, I hope, but under the thumb of a changing climate, no doubt. They don’t know it yet, but extreme weather will become commonplace in their lives, as we increasingly see now. In our little corner of the world on the southern coast of New Jersey, we’ve had to shelter in place for the first time in my memory under threats of tornados, something I never did as a child. We see a seasonal cycle of beach erosion, not necessarily new, but more menacing and pervasive now. I’ve lived through Hurricane Sandy, seen family members lose their homes, and heard of fish swimming in my cousin’s flooded school. Yet things are still relatively calm here compared to other areas of the globe. No matter where you live, climate change will affect our kids’ lives, if it hasn’t already. According to a report from UNICEF, The Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis, one billion kids are at an extremely high risk from climate change and that number is likely to rise. (You can read the full report here.)
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Health risks are a major concern. The ripple effects may influence their ability to be active, worsen some chronic conditions, and could hinder their mental health, just to name a few. Yet, we can help protect them, continue to work towards evading the worst-case scenarios of climate change, and adapt to a new normal. When it all feels overwhelming, knowing what risks they face is a good place to start.
Why Climate Change Has a Greater Effect on Kids’ Health As researchers at Harvard Chan C-CHANGE who focus on the effects of climate change on kids put it, “Kids are not little adults.” Children are in a constant state of development and growth—this includes their immune systems, organs, brain, and even maturity— leaving them more vulnerable to adverse effects from negative events. For example, the team noted, “They breathe at a faster rate, increasing their exposure to
Children are more vulnerable to climate and environmental shocks than adults for a number of reasons:
1
They are physically more vulnerable, and less able to withstand and survive shocks such as floods, droughts, severe weather, and heatwaves.
2
They are psychologically more vulnerable. Toxic substances, such as lead and other forms of pollution, affect children more than adults, even at lower doses of exposure.
3
They are more at risk of death compared with adults from diseases that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change, such as malaria and dengue.
4
They have their whole life ahead of them— any deprivation as a result of climate and environmental degradation at a young age can result in a lifetime of lost opportunity. Excerpt from The Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis:: Introducing the Children’s Climate Risk Index. New York: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2021
dangerous air pollutants that can damage their lungs.” UNICEF expands on this notion in its report noting a variety of reasons including kids’ vulnerability to extreme weather events, toxins, and disease. The report also points out that each of these adverse risks can overlap each other. “These
climate and environmental hazards, shocks, and stresses do not occur in isolation. Droughts, floods, and severe weather, coupled with other environmental stresses, compound one another. These hazards can not only exacerbate each other, but also marginalize pockets of society and increase inequality.”
The Health Risks from Climate Change for Children Some of the risks of climate change may be more obvious than others. Yet the domino effect of tipping the delicate balance of our natural world can be far reaching and expose vulnerabilities the average person may not think of. One instance that drove this idea home for me came out of a study from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It uncovers how climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stones. The authors explain that with an increase in heat comes an increase in the incidence of kidney stones due to dehydration. They highlighted how this increase in disease could potentially put an added burden of $99.4 million on the healthcare system in just South Carolina alone, the model location. Below are some of the major—and sometimes dizzying—ways research shows the children of the world may be affected by climate change.
Air Pollution Burning fossil fuel is the top contributor to climate change. It creates airborne fine particulate matter that’s responsible for about one in five deaths worldwide, according to a 2021 study published in Environmental Research. As I noted before, children are at an increased risk with their developing lungs. The research found that respiratory infections from fossil fuel pollution leads to thousands of deaths each year for kids under five years old. Living in cities with higher pollution levels, less green spaces, and near busy roads can put kids at even higher pollution exposure.
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The burning of fossil fuels also raises temperatures, which leads to an extended and intensified pollen season. This can cause a worsening of respiratory issues like seasonal allergies and asthma. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, pollen season in North America has increased 20 days since 1990. Wildfires also create air pollution by indiscriminately burning everything in its pathway, emitting toxic smoke into the air that can endanger children who breathe it in. According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, smoke from wildfires is 10 times more harmful for kids’ respiratory health. While there used to be a season in which wildfires typically occurred in the Western part of the United States, it now extends longer than usual because of increased droughts and elevated temperatures. The air pollution doesn’t stay local either. When wildfires rage in the west, the poor air quality travels across the country with the shifting weather patterns. Air pollution can also have a major effect on children’s health even before they are born. In Dr. Susan E. Pacheco’s article, “Catastrophic effects of climate change on children’s health start before birth,” she details all the ways that climate change can affect pregnant mothers and their developing fetuses. In it she shares that, “Fetal exposure to air pollution has been associated with prematurity; LBW [low birth weight]; atopic diseases, including asthma, aero allergies, and eczema; impaired lung development; neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ASD; thinner brain cortex and impaired inhibitory control; cognitive impairment; and malignancy.” Air Quality Trackers airnow.gov waqi.info Breathelife2030.org Source: Recommended by Harvard Chan C-CHANGE
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HOW PARENTS CAN PREPARE
Monitoring the air quality where you live is a great way to stay informed. You can search your local weather app for daily pollen counts as well. If your child has asthma or allergies, change their clothes and wash their hands and face when they come inside during high pollen count days. Some families turn to indoor air purifiers, especially if they live where wildfires are common, yet this option is often too expensive for many.
Extreme Heat 2020 was the hottest year on record and roughly 820 million kids are currently exposed to heatwaves, according to UNICEF’s report. The fallout of extreme heat is wide ranging. When kids are exposed to higher temperatures for long periods, they may become sick with symptoms ranging from the mild, like headaches, to the serious, like heatstroke. Those with underlying medical conditions may be at more risk for serious outcomes, too. When body temperature reaches 104°, heatstroke can occur and cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles in children according to data from Harvard Chan C-CHANGE. Infants are less able to regulate their temperature and therefore are more likely to die from heatstroke. When the heat rises, the risk level for outdoor athletes also rises, especially during pre-season and summer training. Likewise, when it’s too hot to play outdoors, kids may not be getting enough access to exercise. With less time spent being active, kids are at more risk of being overweight and obese. Extreme heat can also make learning harder if the conditions in which they are learning are uncomfortable and lacking in proper ventilation, according to UNICEF’s report. Warmer temperatures can bring an increased risk in disease as well. With changing weather, humidity, and heat patterns in certain parts of the world, mosquitos that carry the viruses that cause malaria and dengue fever are able to proliferate. Kids are more vulnerable to poor
Where We Could Be Headed Heatwise
“Without global action to reduce heat-trapping emissions, the number of days per year when the heat index—or “feels like” temperature—exceeds 100°F would more than double from historical levels to an average of 36 across the country by midcentury and increase four-fold to an average of 54 by late century.” Excerpt from Killer Heat in the United States: Climate Choices and the Future of Dangerously Hot Days. Cambridge, MA: Union of Concerned Scientists, 2019
outcomes from both, according to UNICEF, and in 2019, 67% of malaria deaths around the world were from children. HOW PARENTS CAN PREPARE
When temperatures are extreme, parents, guardians, school officials, and coaches need to be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion (e.g., fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.) and heatstroke
(e.g., cold, pale, and clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, fainting, etc.) in kids. See the CDC’s full list of what to look for and what to do. To prevent overheating from happening, check the heat index in the summer, avoid being outdoors or active in the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids, wear light clothing, and utilize shade. Early mornings and dusk are usually good times to get outside for light activity when heat is an issue. You could schedule a post-dinner family walk or enjoy breakfast outdoors when temps are high.
Natural Disasters Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, cyclones, and tornadoes are increasing in regularity and can put children in immediate danger. These events can destroy homes and communities, take away access to learning opportunities, and make food, clean drinking water, and sanitation scarce. Floods and water contamination present a serious risk for children who are especially vulnerable to water-borne illnesses. According to UNICEF’s report, over half a million children die from diarrhea, mostly from contaminated water each year. Droughts lead to food scarcity and undernourishment and affect the most vulnerable around the planet who can’t afford the inflated food prices. The report details that “Climate change affects both agricultural incomes and food prices, and so both farmers and consumers (particularly those who spend a high proportion of their incomes on food) are at greater risk of being pushed into poverty.” HOW PARENTS CAN PREPARE
For natural disasters, families should have pre-packed bags—filled with essentials— prepared when threats arise and always follow local evacuation orders. These packs should include non-perishable food, water, batterypowered flashlights, cell phone chargers, blankets, and first aid kits. (Visit ready.gov for a full list.)
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What the Expert Says I reached out to Dr. Aaron Bernstein, Interim Director of The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan C-CHANGE) who focuses on the health impacts of the climate crisis on children’s health. Here’s what he had to say:
Q:
What is your biggest health concern for children with climate change?
“Climate change impacts every organ in a child’s body, from their heart and lungs to their brains, and research shows that children’s bodies may feel the effects of climate change just as much, if not more so in some cases, than adults. I have been heartened to see greater attention over the years on combating the root causes of climate change, especially on how to reduce reliance on fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for our transportation and electricity, as burning fossil fuels harms our children, especially those growing up in low-wealth homes and communities. This means that every action we take to transition to clean energy can immediately benefit our children’s health and promote health equity.”
Q:
How can parents prepare for and protect their children against the effects of climate change?
“Most towns and cities want to stop burning fossil fuels and become more resilient to climate change, and parents can play a role in shaping
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those efforts. Ask the local leaders at your school, religious institution, or local government if your community has a climate action plan, and how your neighborhood can become more resilient to climate shocks and healthier by making it greener, more walkable, and bike-friendly. You can ask decisionmakers to improve access to public transit, create policies for healthy school environments, invest in electric vehicle infrastructure, and add green space by planting trees. These actions will benefit everyone’s health and especially the health of our children.”
Q:
Lastly, what effects of climate change do you see in your community?
“In Boston where I am a pediatrician, we are already seeing the effects of climate change in children, especially in communities that were historically redlined, which tend to be hotter and have less green space than in surrounding neighborhoods. Climate change matters to everyone’s health, but especially to children who have more obstacles and fewer resources—like children living on the frontlines of pollution, children with chronic medical problems, children from low-wealth communities, and children who face discrimination or live in areas shaped by racist policies. Policies and programs that focus on frontline communities, such as those that add greenspace or invest in converting diesel buses to electric, can improve child health equity.”
The Psychological Effects The idea of climate change and its impending doom can be scary for kids, as it certainly is for adults. Beyond the existential anxieties, the realities of experiencing a natural disaster can do lasting psychological harm to children. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common responses to the traumas associated with events like losing your home, or a family member, or even access to basic hygiene and food and water. According to Harvard Chan C-Change, Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) like those associated with natural disasters can create “toxic stress” that can harm brain and physical development. They explain, “ACEs can lead to social, emotional, and cognitive impairment as well as risk-taking behaviors that lead to chronic diseases throughout life.” HOW PARENTS CAN PREPARE
The team at Harvard maintains that the best way to prepare young people for the effects of climate change is to instill a sense of resiliency in them. They also suggest being a supportive force in their lives while also setting good examples of how you respond to adversity in your life. In acute situations, remember that your kids are looking to you in how to respond, so remaining steady and calm is imperative to helping them feel safe.
Resources for Talking Climate Change with Your Kids TO READ
How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst into Action by Harriet Shugarman BUY ONLINE
TO WATCH
Climate Change Inequity As is often the case, those living with less are more vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change. Furthermore, these populations are also the least responsible for the causes of climate change. According to UNICEF, “The highest-risk places on Earth contribute least to the causes of climate change—the 33 extremely high-risk countries emit less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The 10 most extremely high-risk countries emit only 0.5% of global emissions.”
Earth’s Ekko - Together We Can Make A World of Difference A film from Plastic Oceans International WAT C H N O W
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Likewise, UNICEF notes in its report, “Not only do climate and environmental hazards negatively affect children’s access to key essential services, but children’s lack of access to key essential services also reduces their resiliency and adaptive capacity, further increasing their vulnerability to climate and environmental hazards. Thus, a vicious cycle is created, pushing the most vulnerable children deeper into poverty at the same time as increasing their risk of experiencing the worst and most life-threatening effects of climate change.”
How You Can Do Your Part Investments on a global scale to drastically lower carbon emissions, switch from fossil fuel to renewable energy, reduce water and food scarcity, strengthen healthcare, improve education, reduce poverty, and create social safety nets are imperative for governments to enact now. While those are the biggest changes needed to protect children, there are also things you can do on an individual level for your family. Talk to your pediatrician about your local and personal risks. Support organizations fighting climate change. (We love Plastic Oceans, Science Moms, UNICEF, amongst others.) Get involved at the local legislative level. Do the work at home to reduce, reuse, recycle, eat less meat, shop ethically, grow a home garden, compost, and beyond. And educate those around you on the risks we face now and in the decades to come. As always, once we collectively know better, we can collectively do better. Despite everything I’ve laid out, I’m hopeful for my kids’ generation, for the sustainable advances already happening (We’ll explore this in the future), and for everyone choosing to do better for each other and the planet.
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sheet pan meals QUICK AND SIMPLE
Homecooked, healthy meals don’t always have to lead to a sink full of dishes. With only one sheet pan, simplicity and flavor reign supreme in these three delicious dinners. BY KAREN KELLY
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KIWI recommends ORGANIC ingredients
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shrimp fajitas SHEET PAN
Take your tastebuds on a trip south of the border with this light and fresh meal.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1. Preheat the oven to 450° and place rack in the center of the oven.
2 bell peppers, sliced thin
2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels on both sides.
½ large red onion, sliced thin
3. Place the shrimp, peppers, and red onions into a bowl and sprinkle with olive oil, cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Toss gently.
2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons cumin 1 Tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon kosher salt Cilantro and cotija cheese for serving (optional)
4. Pour onto a sheet pan and cook for about 8–10 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through. 5. Turn the oven to high broil and cook for about 2 minutes or until the vegetables turn slightly brown. Watch carefully. 6. Serve in tortillas with cilantro and cotija cheese.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS 210 calories, 10 g fat, 24 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 3 g sugar
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gnocchi with vegetables
SHEET PAN
Bursting with color and flavor, this vegetarian dish is sure to satisfy without leaving you too full.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
16 ounces fresh, shelf stable gnocchi
1. Preheat the oven to 400° and place rack in the middle of the oven.
½ cup grape tomatoes
2. Put the gnocchi, grape tomatoes, red onion, sugar snap peas, and bell peppers into a medium sized bowl.
½ small red onion, sliced thin 1 cup sugar snap peas 2 bell peppers, sliced thin 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder
3. Sprinkle with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Toss gently to cover everything with oil and seasoning. 4. Pour onto a sheet pan.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
5. Cook for about 20 minutes, tossing gently a few times during cooking.
Chopped basil and Parmesan for garnish, optional
6. Serve with chopped fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS 427 calories, 9 g fat, 11 g protein, 97 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 6 g sugar
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chicken and vegetable stir fry SHEET PAN
Spice up your stir fry with this simple recipe and Asian-inspired sauce.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 pound chicken tenders or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1. Preheat the oven to 425° and place rack in the middle of the oven.
1 cup sugar snap peas 1 small red onion, sliced thin 2 red peppers, scored and sliced thin Stir Fry Sauce ¼ cup soy sauce 2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon honey ¼ teaspoon ginger
2. Combine all the stir fry ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk well. Put chicken into a bowl and pour stir fry sauce over it, coating all the chicken. Set aside. 3. Cut all vegetables and place onto a sheet pan. Pour chicken and marinade onto sheet pan and toss well so the vegetables are coated with sauce. 4. Bake for about 18–20 minutes, tossing gently at least once during cooking. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables start to brown. 5. Serve with rice or quinoa and top with sesame seeds if desired.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS 405 calories, 25 g fat, 19 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 6 g sugar
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Mental Wellness Family Checklist By Maureen Frost
As we enter year three of the Covid-19 pandemic, morale may be low in your house, especially for your kids. Yet there are actionable steps you can take to boost spirits, foster emotional openness, and find joy in the midst of uncertainty.
First, acknowledge that mental health is just as important as physical health. The recently published Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory calls attention to this. It says to “Recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall health. Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable, and people experiencing mental health challenges deserve support, compassion, and care, not stigma and shame. Mental health is no less important than physical health. And that must be reflected in how we communicate about and prioritize mental health.” (Read the full report here.)
Have Increased s e u Iss h t l a ing the Pandemic r u Youth Mental He D “Recent research covering 80,000 youth globally found that depressive and anxiety symptoms doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms.” Source: Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory 27 kiwi Spring 2022
Then, open the lines of communication with your kids.
“I noticed you’ve been getting more frustrated lately. I feel the same way about…”
While doing so, it’s helpful to validate their feelings and avoid judgment. You can create a safe space by relating to them and offering empathy. Be curious and listen to all they have to say.
“Yesterday you said X, and I just wanted to check in on how you’re feeling.”
Segue into these conversations in calm moments when you aren’t needed elsewhere. Perhaps you ask them to go on a walk or join them in their favorite activity.
ti o a s r e
“Seems like something’s up, do you want to talk about it? … I’m always here if you need me.”
ters
Tr y these conv
Practice modeling behavior for your kids.
t ar s n
“I know it’s been really hard to not get to hang out with your friends.”
Our kids notice how we handle adversity and how we take care of ourselves. Both parent and child will benefit when the caretaker prioritizes their own mental and physical health. Feel your feelings, utilize downtime to recharge and unwind, and hold healthy boundaries in both your professional and personal life.
u ho
l
to Raise a Res ilient Child trive S d
“When we shield children
u S from failure or choreograph o Y y Wh
successes for them, we’re distorting the experiences they need in order to grow.” – Madeline Levine, PhD, author of Ready or Not:
Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain World
Resiliency allows a person to bounce back when something challenging happens and go on to thrive in the face of hardship. It’s important to foster this mentality in our kids from a young age instead of shielding them from suffering. This will help them be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. kiwimagonline.com
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Originating in Norwegian culture and popularized by the Danish, hygge Spark joy as a family with fun (pronounced hue-gah) describes activities. a lifestyle that celebrates small Creating a persistent space for love and comforts and togetherness, and bonding gives your kids a strong foundation to emphasizes well-being and empathy. lean on when they go out into the world.
You can practice hygge by snuggling up with your family for a movie night, gathering around the table for Sunday dinner, and getting cozy in front of a warm fire.
Get outdoors together, kickstart a family dance party, experiment in the kitchen, engage in each other’s hobbies, and serve others as a family.
Watch out for signs your kids may be struggling.
Hygge as a Family o D
According to Dr. Mona Delahooke, child psychologist and author of Beyond Behaviors and Brain-Body Parenting, “A child’s challenging or confusing behaviors are often (subconscious) communication.” These behaviors could be a response to how much stress they are currently experiencing as well as their psychological state. Look out for signs and seek help when needed.
S
ns of dist g i
n ildren ch
Irritability, anger, withdrawal
This information serves as a conversation starter for families but be sure to reach out to your family physician and/or school counselor for any mental health advice.
Additional Family Resources Child Mind Institute Covid & Kids Mental Health CDC Mental Health Parental Resources Kit
Sleeping or eating patterns, or other behaviors Source: Raising Healthy Teens 29 kiwi Spring 2022
ss i
re
Changes in thoughts, appearance, performance at school
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Conquer healthy living at all ages and stages of life with us.
Listen to Season 3 Now!
What Listeners are Saying
“Excellent information! As an
educator, I can apply these lessons to my students, too.”
—Elizabeth R.
Raising Healthy Families is available to listen to on kiwimagonline.com, momsmeet.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
Our Guests
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podcast because it makes my family and I feel like we can have an impact! True— we can change the future our kids live under!”
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Dr. Gina Cunningham
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Jon Douglass Copyright ©2022 May Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
3 CRAFTS TO NURTURE A LOVE OF NATURE
by Brooke Cohen
Enjoy the blooming outdoors with these three spring crafts that welcome the new season. kiwimagonline.com
32
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Line a tray with parchment paper. Then, place your cookie cutters on the tray and spray them on the inside with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Mix ½ cup cold water in a bowl with the gelatin. Let it sit for one minute. 3. Boil the other half cup of the water and pour it into the bowl. 4. Add corn syrup and peanut butter and mix all contents together until smooth. 5. Add the birdseed and mix again. 6. Pour the mixture into the cookie cutters and poke a hole for the string with the skewer. 7. Place the tray in the fridge for 30-60 minutes or until it has hardened.
MATERIALS • 2 cups birdseed • 1 Tablespoon peanut butter • 2 packets unflavored gelatin • 2 Tablespoons corn syrup • 1 cup water • ¼ cup flour
8. Once the molds are ready, take them out of the cookie cutters, and tie the string through the hole.
• Non-stick cooking spray
9. Hang these tasty bird treats outside your window and sit back and watch as nearby birds fly down for a snack!
• Parchment paper
33 kiwi Spring 2022
• Twine • Bamboo skewers • Cookie cutters
BIRD SEED TREAT This bird seed treat is the perfect craft to foster a love of nature’s creatures for your child. Hang this yummy snack outside your window and watch as birds appreciate the goodies. kiwimagonline.com
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NATURE SUNCATCHER
Welcome in the spring season with a gorgeous flower suncatcher. This fun and easy craft brings the vibrant colors of nature inside for you to enjoy each day.
35 kiwi Spring 2022
MATERIALS • Flowers • Leaves • Twine • Sticks • Clear contact paper • Book • Parchment paper
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Explore nature and collect your favorite flowers, leaves, and sticks. 2. Place your flowers and leaves in parchment paper, then close them in a book. Place something heavy on top and let it sit for a day or until dry. 3. Once they are dry, lay out your sticks in whatever shape you want, such as a diamond, triangle, or square. 4. Once they are cut to size, use string to tie the ends of the sticks together and then measure the length of your sticks. 5. Roll out the contact paper and measure a length double the measurement of the sticks, you will want to be able to fold it over your design. 6. Peel back half the contact paper and embrace your creativity as you design the layout of your suncatcher. 7. Once your layout is complete, take the other folded-back end of the paper backing and press down on your flowers to make sure they are all stuck to the contact paper. 8. Peel off the entire backing of the contact paper and fold the open side of the contact paper of your design. Press down to seal it and cut off any excess on the edges. 9. Punch a whole in the corners of your design and tie it to the sticks. 10. Hang your suncatcher and enjoy the beautiful colors of nature. kiwimagonline.com
36
MATERIALS •
Air-dry clay
•
Rolling pin
•
Seeds of choice
•
Beans of choice
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Take a piece of air-dry clay and roll it into a ball. 2. Place it on parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it flat. 3. Place your beans and seed in bowls for easy access. 4. Come up with an idea for your design and when you are ready, press the beans and seeds into the clay and watch your design come to life!
37 kiwi Spring 2022
BEAN AND SEED MOSAIC Create an easy-to-clean piece of art with your child. This bean and seed mosaic will help your child refine their motor skills, while simultaneously providing them with an entertaining activity.
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SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, contact KIWI magazine at 856-753-3800 or visit us at kiwimagonline.com. KIWI magazine is published quaterly by May Media Group, LLC,. Contents, including standing headings and department titles, copyright ©2021 by May Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. KIWI is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or art. Queries accepted in writing only. No part of KIWI may be copied or reproduced in any way without the written consent of May Media Group, LLC. Products advertised are not necessarily endorsed by this publication.
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INSEASONNOW
PHOTO CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK
By Jenna Sims
ONIONS WHY WE LOVE THEM:
From scallions to sweet to red, white, and yellow varieties, onions are the flavorful sidekick in many recipes. They are low in calories and nutrient dense, providing many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancers, improved bone health, and lower blood sugar levels.
HOW TO CHOOSE THEM:: Choose onions that are firm with dry skin and avoid those with sprouts and soft or brown spots. When deciding which onion to use in your meal, yellow onions are the standard cooking option for most recipes; sweet onions really are on the sweeter side; white onions have a strong flavor but less aftertaste; and red onions have a spicier flavor.
HOW TO STORE THEM:: Whole raw onions can last up to six weeks if stored in a dark, cool place, or up to two months in the refrigerator. Keep chopped onions in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator or up to six months in the freezer.
DELICIOUS WAYS TO USE THEM:: As the perfect starter for soups, stir fries, and casseroles, onions are often chopped and sauteed with garlic in olive oil. White and red onions are great for grilling on skewers while scallions and green onions make delicious garnishes. For recipes that call for raw onions, red or sweet are your best option.
TRY THESE KIWI RECIPES
Vegetarian French Onion Soup
Green Bean Casserole with Oven-Baked Onion Rings
Black Fried Rice with Snap Peas and Scallions
Head to kiwimagonline.com for more healthy and delicious recipes.
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