Friday, May 04, 2012

May Community Events

Health Impacts of Border Crossings Conference 2012
Friday, May 4 from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the San Ysidro Civic Center
This binational conference focuses on local health impacts of the U.S.-Mexico border. The emphasis is on avenues for reduction of exposures to traffic pollutants experienced by people crossing the border at the U.S.-Mexico Ports of Entry, workers and the community on both sides of the border. The conference includes participation of researchers and stakeholders from the San Diego-Tijuana region and other areas along the U.S.-Mexico border with similar issues. For more information, visit http://www.healthyborders2012.com/. Registration Fee: $25 (lunch will be provided)

Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sunday, May 6 from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Third Avenue
The Third Avenue Village Association invites you to experience a taste of Mexico at the Festival Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 6. Festival guests will receive a true cultural experience as they sway with Mexican dancers, peruse the work of local artisans and taste authentic south of the border cuisine. For more information, visit http://www.thirdavenuevillage.com/.

Chula Vista Community Fun Run
Saturday, May 19
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Chula Vista Community Fun Run set for Saturday, May 19. Held at the inspirational U.S. Olympic Training Center, walker, runners, families, and kids are welcome to partipate in this fun and engaging 5K event. Strollers and four-legged friends on leashes are welcome. To register, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/goto/funrun.

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 19 at UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center
Sunday, May 20 at PETCO Park
As San Diego County's largest child care provider, the YMCA Childcare Resource Service will honor more than 1,000 child care providers from all around the county at two events for this year's Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. On Saturday, May 19 we will be hosting a movie morning at UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center and on Sunday, May 20 we will be at the Padres vs. Angels game at PETCO Park. For more information, visit http://www.crs.ymca.org/events.html.

Building Your Child's Self-Esteem (in Spanish)
Thursday, May 24 from 9:00am to 10:30am at the Southwestern College Family Resource Center
Have you ever questioned your own child's self-esteem? Learn the importance of self-esteem for children and various techniques to build your child's self-esteem in a positive environment. RSVP Required: (619) 216-6672

Dementia Care Without Drugs: A Better Approach for Long-Term Quality of Care
Monday, June 4 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Vi and Joe Jacobs Center, Market Creek
The use of anti-psychotic drugs nearly doubles the risk of death for seniors with dementia-- and yet they are often the first-line of treatment! Join us for a symposium to learn about new breakthroughs in non-pharmacological dementia care. To reserve your spot, visit http://www.seniorlaw-sd.org/. Registration Fee: $30 (lunch will be provided)

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Water, please!

Written by: Alison D. Olsen

Next time you are thirsty, maybe it's time to have a glass of refreshing water.

Did you know that water has no calories and no sugar?
Water is a healthy alternative to drinks with high sugar and calories such as soda and juices. Water is the perfect beverage for the whole family, especially someone with serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Water has many other health benefits as well. Water cleans your body and gets rid of wastes.

Did you know that the United States has some of the safest water in the world?
Another great fact about water is that it is usually free! If you are trying to save money, water will definitely help you lower your food costs. If you think water is boring, you can always add a slice of lemon or lime to give the water some flavor.

In any case, water should be part of your everyday life. Your body needs water to survive and stay healthy!

Learn more about the benefits of drinking water:

How to Help your Child Gain Healthy Eating Habits

While physical activity is an important part of life for a healthy weight and a healthy mind, having a balanced diet also increases your energy and makes you feel better. When you eat different vegetables, fruits, and whole grains each day, and limit sugary and high fat foods, you have more energy and can do things without feeling so tired. When you feel good, you want to move.

It is the same for your children, but children do not think about how many servings of vegetables they have in a day. All they want to eat is what tastes good, which is why they need your help.

If you are worried about your child being overweight or not getting enough physical activity, you may ask "How can I help?"

Here are some tips to helping your child gain healthy eating habits and feel better about it too. If they have a healthy diet, they will be able to do better in school and have more energy to play.

Bring lunch to school
If children eat school lunches, they sometimes pick the unhealthy option and skip the fruits. Try to plan ahead and have them help you make a sandwich and pick out healthy snacks. Some ideas: carrots or celery with peanut butter, cut up fruit for easy eating, yogurt, small amount of cheese, whole grain crackers or tortilla chips.


Don't force your child to eat
During dinner, use smaller plates. If your child is full before they finish, let them stop. Making them eat all of their food will teach them to eat more even when they are full. Children will eat when they are hungry.


Drink more water
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water. Children usually do not drink until they are really thirsty. Water is always the best thing to drink. Limit juices and soda. Try low fat milk instead.


Make grocery shopping fun
Grocery shopping can be good physical activity, but can also be a great area for kids to learn about how to pick healthy foods. Let your child help as much as they can. Theymay look for coupons or pick out fruit for their dessert in their lunch. Have them help make a list ahead of time so they will not ask for many sweet foods.


Be a good role model
Children want to do what their parents do. If you try new fruits, vegetables, and grains, and drink low fat milk instead of juice or soda, your children may try them too. Also, playing outside with your children and taking family walks will show them how being physically active can be fun!


Starting healthy habits when your children are younger will help them grow into healthy adults!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

NHLBI Special Report on HCHS/SOL

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute releases a special report on the landmark Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

http://www.cscc.unc.edu/hchs/NHLBIReportSummer2011.pdf

Binational Health Week

Binational Health Week is here!
Come celebrate with SOL on Sunday October 2nd from 11am-3pm!


Free health exams, health information, fluoride treatment for children, laughing yoga, zumba, Aztec dance, Oaxaca dance, Mexican folk dancing, Mariachi, food, & raffles!


We will be waiting for you in Chicano Park!

Semana Binacional de Salud

Semana Binacional de Salud ya está aquí!
Ven a celebrar con SOL el domingo 02 de octubre de 11 am a 3pm.
¡Exámenes de salud gratuitos, información sobre salud, tratamiento de fluoruro para niños, yoga de la risa, zumba, danza azteca, danza de Oaxaca, ballet folklórico, mariachi, comida, y rifas para premios!
¡Los esperamos en Chicano Park!