Posts from — January 2010

The idea of taking fish oil, vitamin D, and other nutritional supplements might feel like a relatively new thing, but Carlson Laboratories has been at it for four and a half decades.  Thanks for keeping us healthy, Carlson!

For both kids and adults in the U.S., nearsightedness is increasing.

A new survey comparing eyesight information for 4,400 people tested in 1971-1972 and 8,300 people tested from 1999-2004 found that instances of myopia has increased by 66 percent in the last three decades. What’s more, the severity of nearsightedness has increased, too, with moderate and severe cases both more than doubling.

What’s changed? While nearsightedness isn’t completely understood, many point to the increased amount of time now spent in front of TV and computer screens, which may strain the eyes. Another factor, specifically for children, is marked decrease in the amount of time spent outside. According to vision experts, more exposure to outdoor light allows the eye to see farther and focus better. Additionally, the lack of time in the sun can translate to lower levels of vitamin D, which is known to regulate eye growth (nearsighted eyes are usually longer than eyes that can see 20/20).

What does this mean for the long-term? Researchers aren’t sure. At the very least, it sounds like another great reason to limit your kid’s screen time and encourage outdoor play.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Moms-to-be, say goodbye to the ice chips. A new review of existing studies has found that banning food or drink during labor has no benefit to for most healthy women in labor or their babies.

The old restriction, which was put in place during the 1940′s, was meant to protect women against Mendelson’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when the contents of the stomach are drawn into the lungs when a patient is under general anesthesia (treatment which was the norm for women giving birth during that time). Today, though, the use of general anesthesia during labor is extremely rare, with even Cesarian sections using only a local anesthetic.The outcome? Food and drink during labor no longer pose a threat.

Some hospitals are now allowing women to consume fluids during labor, however, the use of general anesthesia during emergency C-sections has caused obstetricians to err on the side of caution in giving food the OK.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Like most of you out there, I am a big supermarket-goer.  Whether I am stopping by the market to pick up my weekly necessities or on my lunch break, I always hit three sections:  juice aisle, salad bar, and the deli counter.  Normally, I’m guilty of picking out the same stuff each visit—but not this time.  Instead of my usual Vitamin Water XXX, I decided to go for something different and pick up a bottle of  Welch’s Grape Juice.  Boy, am I glad I did!  I haven’t drank the stuff in years but now I remember why I loved it so much as a child: it’s sweet, refreshing, and hasn’t changed a bit. Best of all, it’s good for you. Welch’s 100% Grape Juice not only supports your immune system and heart, but has twice the antioxidants of OJ,  contains no added sugar, and has 120% of your daily vitamin C.  What’s not to love?

-Brittany, KIWI marketing manager

Is your kid a star in the kitchen? Enter a video of her whipping up her signature dish for a chance to be named KIWI’s 2010 Next Great Young Chef! The grand prize winner will receive $2,500, plus a feature in an issue of KIWI Magazine!

Need some inspiration? Check out last year’s winning video:

KIWI is excited to be one of the sponsors of this FREE upcoming event on Sunday, February 7 at noon: Mama Moves Post-Natal Fitness and Pilates at Nimble Fitness.

Personal trainer and pre/post Pilates instructor, Charlotte Blake, will be offering a post-natal FREE Pilates class that will launch a regularly scheduled Mama Moves Pilates class on Sundays at noon. (Read more about why KIWI loves Charlotte.) Nimble is a unique fitness facility, offering integrated personal training, cutting-edge classes, and holistic workshops and seminars.

This exciting event will be an hour for you to rejuvenate your body, ask questions, meet other moms, learn about pelvic floor and diastasis rehabilitation, and connect with your NYC mom community. Bring your baby (although not required), a blanket to rest your baby on, small toys for your little one, and wear comfortable clothes. You will walk away feeling more limber and more connected with your community, resources, and body. You’ll get a goody bag that includes the latest issue of KIWI, too!

Space is limited, so RSVP with Nimble Fitness: info@nimblefitness.com, 212-633-9030.

Have fun!

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

I adore my local Whole Foods (fresh, organic produce and a fresh peanut butter dispenser? Of course I love it!). But I was a little wary when I heard about the company’s latest program.

The grocery chain has started an initiative called the Team Member Healthy Discount Incentive. Whole Foods employees with low BMI’s (Body Mass Indexes) are eligible to receive a bigger store discount than employees who are above a certain BMI level. So even though every employee gets a 20% discount, those who are deemed healthier by the store can get up to 30% off. According to Whole Foods’ CEO John Mackey, the program is an effort to reduce the company’s health care costs.

I’ll be honest: This doesn’t sit well with me. I definitely think it’s important to stay healthy, and offering employees incentives for doing just that could be a good thing. But considering that many experts are uncertain about the accuracy of measuring health with BMI, and the varying definitions of what really makes a person “healthy,” this just seems fishy. What about an employee who’s perfectly healthy but whose BMI is higher than the company wants? She may have to accept her standard discount while her “healthier” coworkers enjoy 10% more.

On the other hand, the program is optional. And the employees’ “Healthy Discount Levels” aren’t just based on BMI; they also take into account cholesterol and blood pressure. What do you think? Is this incentive a good way for employees to stay healthy? Or is it unfair?

-Michelle, KIWI editor

Here’s how to eat every last item in your kitchen—without a trip to the store!

One day last March, Crystal Paine, a Kansas mom of three, wanted to save some money by going a few extra days without a trip to the grocery store. So she headed to her pantry, found shelves full of food she hadn’t used, and got cooking. It was eye-opening to see how well her family could eat without several (expensive) trips to the store. So now, they take on the challenge of eating what they have for eight to ten days at a time almost every month. “I think my frugal nature carried over to my pantry,” Paine says. “I didn’t want to let things go to waste.”

Paine is onto something: By making an effort to eat through the things they’ve already bought, families across the country are becoming much more aware of what they consume. In the process, they’re saving money, getting creative in the kitchen, and teaching their kids an important lesson about avoiding wastefulness. Are you up for the challenge?

Getting started

If the thought of eating through your pantry seems more idealistic than practical, think again. It doesn’t have to be hard. Here, some common reasons you might resist—and the simple reasons you can still go for it.

• “I just don’t have the time.” Cooking with what you have doesn’t necessarily take more time—especially since fewer ingredients often means less time. “It’s all in the planning,” says Anne Marie Carver, an Arlington, Virginia, mom of one. Before you begin the challenge, spend 15 minutes taking inventory of your cupboards and freezer. That way, when it comes time for dinner you can hit the ground running. And don’t limit yourself to handling one night at a time: If you whip up double batches of minestrone and rice soup one night, you can refrigerate the leftovers for lunch the next day.
• “What happens when I run out of basic food and still have three boxes of mac and cheese left over?” You can make the challenge fit your needs—even if it means “cheating” a bit. Try eating through your pantry with only one trip to the grocery store: You can make a supermarket run in the beginning to stock up on the basics (milk, eggs, bread), or try eating what you have at home for a few days and visiting the store when you’ve gotten desperate but still have half the pantry to go. This works especially well if you plan menu ideas in advance based on what you have.
• “Pantry meals are, well, boring.” In fact, your cupboard boasts tons of opportunities for interesting dishes. Try dressing up pasta with roasted red peppers, artichokes, and anchovies, or give a spicy kick to refried beans with cumin and chili powder, suggests Carver. Got a bag of tortilla or bagel chips on hand? Crush them up as a garnish for soup or whirl them in the food processor and use in place of bread crumbs. Forcing yourself to get creative will help you see your pantry in a whole new light.

Making it fun

Involved your kid to make the pantry challenge exciting for the whole family. Some fun ways she can help:

• Get her opinion. When deciding on meals, Carver makes sure to get input from her 4-year-old daughter. “We consult every day. I find that when she’s involved in the process she’s much less likely to be fussy at dinnertime—even if it’s just a matter of going to the pantry together,” Carver says. Using up the last of the black beans from the back of your cupboard? Ask your kid if she thinks they’d work better as a soup, dip, or taco filling.
• Play a game. “We put on my daughter’s little apron and make it a game to see what’s hiding in the pantry,” says Carver. Try using Pantry Hide-and-Seek as a nutritional learning experience for your kid. Help her create a balanced meal by finding a whole grain (like whole wheat pasta), a protein (like canned tuna), and a vegetable (like canned tomatoes). Then talk about why those foods are all good choices for a meal.
• Cook to compete. If your kids are too old for hide and seek, try a cooking competition. Assign a night to each family member and put that person in charge of coming up with a creative dinner plan. (Bonus: Tweens and teens can probably cook some of the meal on their own.) When the pantry challenge is over, vote on which meal your family liked best—and remember it for next time!

Culinary inspiration

Add balance and variety with these meal ideas, which rely on cupboard and freezer staples most families have on hand.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Last year, it was a gluten-free cake. Now, Starbucks is partnering with Dr. Lucy’s Cookies to offer its customers a sweet treat that’s vegan—plus free of other common allergens including wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts.

While positive and negative opinions abound about the coffee giant, Starbucks’ move to offer a snack that’s free of animal products is a good thing for two reasons: Not only does it provide another option for those with special diets, but it introduces said diets more into the mainstream. And since eating less meat and dairy in favor of plant-based foods is better for the environment, here’s hoping the cookie offering will inspire coffee drinkers across the country to eat more vegan meals and snacks.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Photo by SOCIALisBETTER, flickr

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Green and Clean Mom explores the idea of reforming the Toxic Substance Control Act, which could save $5 billion a year in health care costs.
• Want to slow down? Mama-Om shares three ways she practices peace and finds self-connection.
• Enviromom reduces waste with reusable baby wipes.
• The next time your kid wants a new plaything, check out Green SAHM‘s four toys you can make rather than buy.
• A campfire in the winter? PhD in Parenting did it, and has a great picture to prove it.

Are you a mom blogger? Enter our Mom Blogger Giveaway to win a natural cold and flu care pack from Boiron!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

US map by chumworth, flickr

We all know that President Obama’s State of the Union is this week (especially since we learned it wouldn’t conflict with the season premiere of Lost). And whatever he says, there are some kids out there who have their own opinions about the world. Here’s just some of what a group of 9-13 year olds said in a survey conducted by TIME for Kids and KidsHealth.org:

*Two out of three kids agree with the statement, “My future is going to be great.”

*51 percent of kids think the world will be a better place in 10 years.

*63 percent of kids say they worry about money “a lot” or “sometimes.”

*39 percent of kids think math is the school subject most important to their future careers. That’s followed by reading (20%), science (13%), and technology (10%).

How would your child answer those questions? Ask him: You might be surprised! (Also: Are you going to watch the State of the Union? Will your kids?)

—Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Last week we here in the KIWI offices got a box marked “Chocolate Inside” and let me tell you, there’s nothing like a box marked “Chocolate Inside” to warm your heart.

There was indeed chocolate inside (that would have been pretty mean otherwise, right?), from Qbel. They make these crunchy, tasty chocolate wafers (I guess think Kit Kat, but then don’t–these are better). And every day this week around 4 p.m. I’ve been standing in our supply closet, trying to decide between milk and dark, flat wafer or roll. (I just polished off a dark chocolate roll, if you must know. 130 worth-it calories.)

Look, I know it’s a candy bar, and they know it’s a candy bar. But it has good ingredients and no bad ingredients, so it doesn’t really feel like a candy bar. It feels…happy. So maybe I won’t have one every day next week, but I sure enjoyed myself this week. Do you have a favorite better-for-you indulgence? Do you look for stuff like this to give your kids as treats? Want some Qbel for yourself? Check out their Facebook and Twitter pages–I hear they do contests and giveaways!

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

I’ll admit it—once in a while, I’m guilty of taking 10 minutes to load up on mental junk food by scanning celebrity blogs. Recently, though, I actually saw a post about Angelina Jolie and her tomboy-clad, three-year-old daughter that sparked some thought: At what age does it make sense for your kid to pick out her own outfits?

By around 4 years old, a child will be able to do a decent job putting on her clothing and shoes. Her skills probably fall short, however, if she’s deciding on the outfit herself. (Think tutus or superhero capes, a mishmash of clashing patterns, shorts in the winter time…) While your little kid’s sense of fashion might be a bit embarrassing for you, most experts agree that letting children get creative with their clothing is fine. In fact, it might even be a good thing, since choosing an outfit provides another outlet for identity expression and creativity.

Next time you start stressing about the rain boots and pajama pants combo? I say, let it go. Who knows—your kid could be onto an awesome trend.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Two years after the National Toxicology Program declared that bisphenol A poses health dangers, the FDA has followed suit. The department, which previously stated that BPA posed no risk to humans, now says exposure to the chemical is “of some concern” for infants and children and that additional research by the National Institute of Health is needed to learn more.

Countries like Canada and Japan have already taken steps to remove BPA from many consumer products, but the United States has lagged behind. While the FDA currently lacks the power to regulate BPA, their statement is a significant first step to keeping Americans safer and healthier. Hopefully, work by the NIH will convincingly demonstrate the dangers of the chemical, prompting Congress to place the FDA in a position to limit or ban BPA use by manufacturers.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Every time an old light bulb in my apartment burns out, I replace it with a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb. Of course I do!—conventional bulbs are becoming a thing of the past, and CFLs are one of the easiest steps to living green. But whenever I’m screwing the new bulbs into their sockets in my 10foot ceilings, I worry about what kind of mess they’d make if they fell.

The mercury in CFLs has always scared me, even though they contain very low levels of it and there are safe ways of cleaning it up should a bulb break. Still, why not avoid the problem altogether? The new ArmorLite bulbs from ClearLite ($15 for 2 at amazon.com), help protect people from the chemicals in CFL bulbs with an outer silicone shell. If the bulb breaks, the coating helps contain it within the shell, making the bulb both safer and a whole lot easier to clean up (no more broken glass!). I’m moving to a new apartment soon, but when the bulbs there burn out, I’ll be ready!

-Michelle, KIWI editor

If you live in the Los Angeles area, be sure to go check out the Go Green Expo being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center this Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm in South Hall J.  This event showcases the top green services and products in the nation and offers panel discussions and speakers covering a variety of subjects including sustainability practices within organizations, financial experts, wellness professionals, etc.  Buy a full weekend pass at the door for only $10.  Best of all? Kids are welcome! If you attend, be sure to stop by KIWI’s booth, #247, and say hello to David!

Brittany, KIWI marketing manager

Winter is prime time for soup, but if you’ve been making a lot of it lately, you might be in a bit of a rut. Instead of another bowl of chicken noodle or butternut squash, try sunflower butter soup. Full good-for-you veggies, protein-packed chicken and nut butter, plus warming ginger, I’m willing to bet you’ve never had anything like it (but will want to it eat again and again!).

Sunflower butter soup

Recipe by Cricket Azima

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 small white onion
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp. ginger
1 lb. chicken breast, cubed (optional)
1 large carrot
1 6″ to 8″ sweet potato
1 11-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 cup sunflower butter
4 to 6 cups chicken broth (depending on desired consistency)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1/2 bunch scallions, chopped
1 cup cilantro leaves
3 limes, cut into wedges

METHOD:
1. In a large stockpot, warm oil over medium heat.
2. Dice onion and mince garlic and ginger. Add to warm oil and cook for 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
3. Add diced chicken; raise heat to medium-high temperature and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 8 minutes, until cooked through.
4. While chicken is cooking, peel the carrot and sweet potato and cut both into fine dice.
5. Add carrot and sweet potato to pot.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes and sunflower butter; mix to combine.
7. Add broth and raise heat to high temperature. Bring to boil, and then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Ladle soup into bowls; serve with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, scallions, cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime (to be juiced into bowl prior to eating).

Serves 6-8

NUTRITION FACTS:
Per serving: calories 322, fat 22g, protein 16g, carbohydrate 20g, dietary fiber 2g

Looking for more? Check out the rest of our winter soups to keep you cozy.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” That was the mantra Michael Pollan set for eco-conscious eaters across the country in his 2008 book, In Defense of Food. Now, the author and food activist has a new book out with a whole host of tips and guidelines to help Americans make choices that are both healthier and better for the planet. Meet Food Rules.

In an effort to simplify the message of his previous books, Pollan sought eating advice from doctors, scientists, chefs, and readers, plus thought about his own personal approach towards food—then put them in everyday language. The end product? 64 rules to eat by that are smart, sensible, and approachable. Here are a few I particularly like:

• #19. If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t.
• #36. Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk.
• #47. Eat when you are hungry, not when you are bored.
• #58. Do all your eating at the table.
• #64. Break all the rules once in a while.

The basic message is one I love: Most of the time, eat whole, healthy foods. Once in a while, give yourself a break. And whatever you choose to eat, take the time to enjoy it.

If you’ve read the book, what are your thoughts? Does your family have any food rules?

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Did you know that every year, 1 in 33 babies in the United States are born with birth defects? While some are caused by unknown factors, many can be prevented. January is National Birth Defect Prevention Month, so educate yourself on the best preventative measures:

Getting enough folic acid is essential for the proper formation of your baby’s spinal column and brain development (which occur extremely early in pregnancy). Aim for 0.4 mg a day, starting prior to conception or as soon as you know you’re pregnant, to avoid defects such as spina bifida.

Get screened for sexually transmitted diseases before becoming pregnant. STDs, like genital herpes and syphilis, can cause blindness and even death in newborns.

Avoid (certain) foods like deli meats, which have been know to carry the listeria bacteria and cause miscarriages. Other foods, such as fish with high levels of mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and others), should also be avoided, since they’ve been linked to developmental delays and brain damage.

Keep blood sugar in check with proper diet and exercise. Pregnant women should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise three to five times per week to prevent gestational diabetes, a disease that carries a risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and heart defects in newborns. Even after delivery, these babies face an increased risk for problems like respiratory disease and type 2 diabetes.

Ask your doctor about the safety of herbal supplements. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate herbal supplements, their effect on infants won’t appear on the label. Some commonly used herbs to avoid during pregnancy include ginseng, which may cause embryo malformations, and ginkgo, which may lead to excessive bleeding. Others, like peppermint tea and ginger root, are safe and can be useful in quelling nausea.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date before becoming pregnant. Viral infections like rubella and chicken pox put your baby at risk for birth defects if you contract one during pregnancy.

Don’t smoke or drink. This one’s a no-brainer. Both alcohol and the countless chemicals in cigarettes can cause major problems like fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, low birth weight, and congenital heart defects.  

–Stephanie Eckelkamp, KIWI intern

Calling all mom bloggers! We want to help your family stay healthy this winter. Enter Boiron and KIWI’s Mom Blogger Giveaway, where fifty grand prize winners will receive a natural cold and flu prize pack featuring Boiron’s Children’s Oscillococcinum, Children’s Cold Calm Pellets, and Children’s Chestal Cough Syrup. Check out the details and official rules now—you only have until February 28th!

Lately, I’ve noticed some tweens and young teens hanging around the local coffee houses. While it’s great that they have a safe, relaxed atmosphere in which to hang out, I’m more curious about the stuff they’re drinking. I remember by my junior or senior year in high school, some students would slide coolly into first period with a Starbucks cup in hand—and even that seemed a little strange at the time (this, of course, spoken by someone who didn’t try coffee until her final year in college). But what about fourteen-year-olds? Twelve-year-olds? Kids even younger? With it’s high levels of caffeine, is coffee OK for them to drink?

No matter what your age, too much caffeine can negatively impact the body, causing things like jitteriness, upset stomach, headache, difficulty concentrating, and increased heart rate. While it would take most adults a couple of cups to feel coffee’s ill effects, kids’ bodies are smaller and less accustomed to that feeling of perkiness accompanied by a daily morning mug of joe.

There’s no official recommendation for caffeine intake for kids in the U.S., but the Canadian government puts the limit at 85mg for kids 10-12. To put that in perspective, the average cup of coffee (that’s 6-8 oz., which is considerably smaller than any of the cup sizes at most coffee shops) contains about 100mg of caffeine. In other words, java and kids don’t mix—at least not until they’ve reached their teens. According to a health care provider quoted at Parent Map, parents shouldn’t worry if their teenager has a cup of coffee each day. It doesn’t stunt growth, and as long as it’s drunk in moderation, won’t cause hyperactivity.

How to deal if your younger kid wants coffee? Let her drink decaf (it’s got only 6mg of caffeine) or antioxidant rich brews like green tea (35-70mg caffeine) or herbal tea (caffeine free).

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Even without a gym membership, it’s easy to get plenty of exercise in the warmer months. After all, family walks after dinner, bicycle rides to the park, and pick-up games of soccer provide just as much of a workout as a half-hour on the elliptical—and are a lot more fun. But what about when the weather turns cold? During the winter, motivating myself to stay active is a whole lot more difficult. And while hanging out on the couch with a blanket, a book, and a hot cup of tea can be great, after a while I start to feel sluggish and icky. Here, some of my favorite ways to keep fit when the mercury drops:

• Go online. Exercise DVDs are great, but I get bored after doing the exact same routine a few times. Websites like ExerciseTV and YogaToday have a variety of free streaming videos, while FitSugar has printable PDF circuit workouts.
• Use your space. Run up and down the stairs, perform tricep dips against your coffee table, do modified pushups against a wall, or try walking lunges across the living room floor.
• Clean. Who doesn’t love multitasking? For instance, thirty minutes of mopping or vaccuuming will get your floors spic and span while burning 100 calories—not to mention tone your arms and shoulders.
• Bundle up. Sometimes, the cold isn’t as bad as you think. My foolproof method for layering (that even allows me to bicycle comfortably in 20-degree weather)? Two pairs of socks, leggings under a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved thermal plus sweater, a coat, gloves, and ski mask. I might look like a puffed-out roly-poly, but at least I’m warm!

What are your favorite ways to keep moving when it’s cold out?

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Just like everyone else facing the cold winds and twenty-degree weather, I have been feeling the wrath of winter.  Thanks to my cold of the month, I’ve spread my germs (and love) onto my kid sister—who in turn is now suffering from a harsh, dry cough.  Enter Boiron’s Children’s Chestal, an all-natural cough medicine that’ll give my sick sis the relief she needs. This stuff is different than most of the cough syrups out there because it works with your body to improve cough symptoms rather than acting as a suppressant.  Plus, its sweetened with honey (yum!) and contains no artificial colors or flavors.  Is it worth checking out?  Just ask my kid sister (who, by the way, is now cough-free)!

Learn more at childrenchestal.com.

-Brittany, KIWI marketing manager

Just about everyone knows to stay away from paint, toys, or other products that contain lead. Now, there’s a new toxin that’s popping up in children’s jewelry: Cadmium. Like lead, it’s a heavy metal and a known carcinogen that can affect brain development in kids.

How’d it get there? Chinese manufacturers began using cadmium to replace lead’s shine and sparkle in bracelets, necklaces, and other trinkets. Further, recent tests indicated high levels of the heavy metal in kids’ jewelry purchased in U.S. stores like Wal-Mart, Claire’s, and some dollar stores. The findings are especially troubling since children can be exposed to consistent, low-level doses of cadmium by putting the jewelry in their mouths. The best thing to do? Avoid any items that tested positive for the heavy metal.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

If you have a teen or tween, I’m willing to bet she (or he) is pretty fashion-conscious—and is constantly trying to update her wardrobe with the latest trends. But what to do with the old clothes your kid has (literally or figuratively) outgrown? If the item in question is denim, consider donating to Jeans for Teens, a campaign that collects gently used jeans for homeless teens.

Taking part in the program is easy: Just drop off any pair of used jeans to a local Aeropostale store between January 19th and February 14th. The pants will be given to a local homeless shelter or charity—and participants will receive 25% off a new pair of Aeropostale jeans. I say, take it to the next level and encourage your teen to collect used jeans from her friends, or even start a jean drive at her school!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

A new Whole Foods opened up in my neighborhood late last year, and I have to say that shopping there is a lovely experience. It’s nowhere near as crowded as the one I used to go to (where you can’t see any sign of the registers from the back of the incredibly long lines), the butcher’s really nice, and they sell the cheapest milk for miles around.

But my frustration with the other location–and my glee when I can get out of there with only spending $20–speaks to a peculiar love-hate relationship that a lot of shoppers (not to mention a lot of health-food advocates) have with the store. The long but interesting New Yorker article on John Mackey, the CEO and co-founder, gets at part of it: Is the store a big business that happens to sell healthy foods, or a health-food store that happened to get big? The fact that so many of us even care is actually great news for whole foods (the actual food, if not the store), because I think the more we talk about the best ways to get healthy foods to people, the better. Do you shop at Whole Foods? What do you think of the selection and the experience? What’s the least (or most!) amount of money you’ve spent there? (My record: $8.43, for milk, butter, and some samosas from the hot bar. Yum.)

–Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Boiron, world leader in homeopathy, is presenting a free webinar, “Natural Approaches to Treating Cold and Flu for the Whole Family,” on Thursday, January 14 at 1 p.m.  The 45-minute webinar, will feature Dr. Woodson Merrell, author of Power Up and chairman of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Dr. Merrell will offer helpful wellness tips and discuss various natural treatment options in addition to answering questions from participants.  Free full-size product packages containing Children’s Oscillococcinum, Children’s Coldcalm Pellets and Children’s Chestal honey cough syrup will be awarded at random to 300 participants completing the webinar.  Registration must be made in advance by visiting http://bit.ly/kiwimag.

When I first started dating my partner, I thought I’d hit the jackpot. Not only is he a funny, smart, wonderful guy, he also has a degree from culinary school. Can anyone say gourmet meals at home?

I still think I’ve hit the jackpot, but after dating him for a while, I noticed that the way I was eating had changed. Whenever we cooked together, he’d serve me up a plate as full of food as his (even though he’s nearly twice my size). And when we’d go out, he’d want to have three-course meals filled with butter, salt, fat, and all manner of delicious, unhealthy things. I quickly learned that my appetite–and my waistline–just couldn’t keep up.

Turns out, other women have the same problem. It’s no surprise that women with children naturally gain weight after giving birth, but a recent study has shown that childless women who have a partner also gain a significant amount more than single gals. The reason? Behavioral changes. Whether it’s more date nights out at restaurants or an unconscious attempt to eat as much as their better halves, women tend to gain weight simply by having a partner in their lives.

So this year, I’m going to keep reminding myself that I don’t have to keep up with my guy’s endless appetite. And if I want to have a Waldorf salad for dinner while he has two cheeseburgers, that’s OK (although I still might steal a couple fries off his plate!).

-Michelle, KIWI Editor

Expecting a baby or know someone else who is? Dedicate some time this week to learning and spreading the word about folic acid, a nutrient that’s vital for proper cell growth and can prevent up to 70% of some forms of serious birth defects like Spina Bifida if taken before and during early pregnancy.

According to the National Council on Folic Acid, women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should take 400 mcg of the B-vitamin each day. Additionally, it’s recommended that women who have a child or pregnancy affected by Spina Bifida or have Spina Bifida themselves take 4,000 mcg of folic acid for one to three months before becoming pregnant.

How to make sure folic acid’s included in your diet?  Eat plenty leafy greens like spinach, plus fortified grains, pastas, or cereals—all of which are good sources of the vitamin. However, it’s likely that you won’t obtain the recommended amount of folic acid from food alone (at least not on a daily basis), so it’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor about taking a supplement.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Renowned children’s author Lori Lite will be returning to ABC’s reality series Shark Tank on Friday, January 8th.  Lite is the author behind a series of books and CDs which provide children with techniques to manage and reduce stress and anxiety, plus positive messages to help build kids’ self-esteem.  Lite first appeared on Shark Tank in August 2009 when Shark real estate mogul, Barbara Corocran, decided to invest in Lite’s brand, Stress Free Kids.   As a result, her company has grown tremendously and her books are available at Border’s Books and Music stores nationwide.

For more information on Lori Lite and Stress Free Kids, check out stressfreekids.com.

-Brittany, KIWI marketing manager

On the whole, America has made a lot of progress when it comes to eating healthier. For a lot of us, swapping white flour for whole grains has become the norm, and saying no to sugary drinks in favor of water or 100% fruit juice is default. Many packaged food manufacturers have cleaned up their acts to offer healthier products, while some states now require chain restaurants to include calorie counts on their menus. Unfortunately, new research indicates that some nutrition labels may be inaccurate. In other words, our virtuous food choices may be less healthy than we think.

Researchers from Tufts University found that some frozen meals and chain restaurant entrees contain more calories than their nutrition labels suggest. According to their study, the average sit-down restaurant meal contains 18% more calories than it’s stated value, while the average frozen meal contained 8% more calories. The result? Even people trying to watch their food energy intake may be eating more than they think, creating the potential for weight gain. According to the study’s lead investigator, even a 5% increase in daily calorie intake could add up to 10 lbs in a year. Yikes!

The best way to avoid sneaky calories? Avoid pre-made meals in favor of ones you cook yourself. That way, you’ll know exactly how much of each ingredient has gone into your dish as well as the correct serving size. (To calculate the calorie count per serving of your recipe, check out this handy tool from Spark Recipes.) And perhaps even better? You’ll save money on your food bill and avoid waste from excess food packaging. Sounds like a win-win!

Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

While there’s near-unanimous agreement on the indispensable roles cell phones play in our lives, there’s less consensus over the potential effects of cell phone radiation. Is it really hazardous to our health? Is it more dangerous for kids? Or are the risks overstated?

According to the EWG’s fall 2009 report, cell phone radiation is similar to the kind that’s emitted by televisions or radio—and therefore aren’t as harmful as the stuff that comes out of say, x-ray machines. Safer though it may be, however, most scientists agree that even the radiation from cell phones and other electronics can still penetrate body tissue. And since cell users are in closer proximity to the radiation emitted by their devices than TV watchers or radio listeners, the chances for absorbing the waves are greater.

What effects does cell phone radiation actually have on the body? Since cell phone technology hasn’t been around very long, science isn’t sure. While earlier, short-term studies found no ill effects, more recent research has yielded unsettling results, including an increased risk for certain types of cancer.

Fortunately, you don’t have to swear off cell phones to reduce your level of radiation exposure. Some ways to stay safer:

• [Read more →]

I went running this morning. It was COLD. There were days last month that were 15 degrees warmer, and yet I managed to talk myself out of putting on those running shoes. But it’s a new year, and I have a new goal.

I’m not usually one to make resolutions (I can never think of a good one), but here’s what happened: I went for a Christmas run with my brother, who’s a college running coach, and as I moaned and groaned through a slow run, I told him how hard it is to get up when it’s dark and cold. I thought he’d say, “Yeah, I know how that is, but keep trying!” But he didn’t. He said, “I think you need a new goal. How about a half marathon this year?”

This might sound slightly crazy, but here’s the thing: I think it’ll be much, much easier to train for this race than it would be to just “get healthier.” I don’t know about you, but I need specifics. My brother’s going to give me a training plan, and I’ve found in the past that when I run regularly, I eat and sleep better too. Also, I like running–I think that’s key to a good goal, to like at least some aspect of it–but I just haven’t been motivated lately.

So, it’s exciting to have a new challenge that I’m pretty sure I can do–but not entirely. And I’ve already paid the 60 bucks for the entry fee, so I guess I’m in. I’ll keep you updated, but in the meantime, do you have a goal for 2010? Do you do better with narrow or broad goals? Anyone want to run this race with me?

–Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Happy New Year! This week, we’re highlighting bloggers that are participating in One Small Change. Started by Hip Mountain Mama, the project is challenging families to adopt one planet-friendly change each month leading up to Earth Day (4/22/10). Want to participate? Learn more here.

• Hip Mountain Mama‘s first small change towards living greener? Cutting back on TP use with the family cloth.
• Plain and Joyful Living isn’t giving up coffee—but her family is saving energy by brewing the drink on a wood stove.
• Green Acres in the City shares some pretty pictures of the snow and her family’s first small change: Installing a low-flow shower head.
• Earthmonkey Mama‘s family is cutting back on their meat consumption, opting for 2-3 veg meals each week.
• Recycling isn’t yet commonplace in Gypsy Forest‘s southern Louisiana community, but it’s her family’s small change for this month.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer