- Written by Tiffany Longley, BS, Nutritionist, DPH Dietetic Intern
- Category: Media Releases
Finding time to sit down, have a meal, and share stories about the day can be a difficult task for today’s families. Often, meals are eaten on the go, in the car, in separate rooms, at sporting events, or not at all. If mealtime is shared among family members, the focus is often on the television instead of each other.
Family meals, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner can positively benefit children in a variety of ways.
Family meals, prepared at home, are more nutritious. Meals prepared at home typically contain fewer processed foods and calories than meals prepared in restaurants. According to a Harvard study, families who eat together are twice as likely to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables as families who do not share mealtimes. Family meals can influence food intakes and behaviors, and as a result will impact a child’s eating habits, diets, and overall health.
Family meals provide an opportunity for parents to be role models. This is a chance to model healthy eating habits and build better relationships by spending quality time together. This often results in better self-esteem and a sense of belonging for children. Frequent family meals can foster a more open environment for kids to talk to their family about their day.
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- Written by Tiffany Longley, BS, Nutritionist, DPH Dietetic Intern
- Category: Media Releases
Anytime is the perfect time of year to play outdoors together. According to a 2010 study, children aged 8-18 spend more than 7.5 hours per day using entertainment media. This amount of time differs greatly from the 25 minutes per day children typically spend reading books or the 4 to 7 minutes a day playing outside without structure. Children are carrying this sedentary lifestyle and disconnect with nature into adulthood; as a result, this is altering the future health and wellness of our communities.
Generation Alpha, children born after 2010, have more alternatives to playing outside than any previous generation. From iPads to video games to smart phones, or even the television, this generation seems to have it all at their fingertips.
Screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, however, too much time can have negative effects on children. Too much screen time can lead to inadequate sleep, lower grades in school, reading fewer books, spending less time with friends and family, not enough outdoor or physical activity, elevated BMI, or even mood problems. Too much occupancy with a screen leaves little time for the growth, brain development, and responsibility that is gained from being in nature.
4 Ways to decrease screen time and increase active time outdoors1. Set limits. Sounds simple, right? It’s easy to set limits, but often the limits are unrealistic and quickly disregarded. See chart for screen time recommendations by age.
2. Plan ahead. Sit down with your family and create realistic goals that are displayed in the home. Make certain that your child has a safe and convenient place to play outdoors.
3. Be an example. Be active outdoors with your children. Do activities such as hiking, scavenger hunts, exercise, play games, crafts, or take bike ride.
4. Focus on fun. Keep the activities or time you spend with your children outdoors fun. Don’t overdo it. Do things with your kids they enjoy.
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- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
Cherokee County, GA - The Cherokee County Health Department’s Canton and Woodstock Health Centers will close at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 4th, for a joint staff meeting. The health centers normally close on Fridays at 1 PM in Canton and at 1:30 PM in Woodstock to allow for longer hours of service on Tuesdays; however, we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the early closing of these facilities this Friday. Please find all public health services provided in Cherokee County, along with clinic hours, contact information and locations, at https://nghd.org/nghd-locations-listing/category/cherokee.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
Dalton, GA - Due to the potential for icy road conditions, the MAKO Medical COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing site in Dalton will DELAY OPENING to 10 AM tomorrow, Saturday, January 29th and will remain open until 1 PM. The location is Pleasant Grove Park, 1732 Pleasant Grove Drive, N.E., Dalton, GA, 30721.
For information about how to register for COVID-19 testing at the MAKO Medical site in Dalton or at their other locations in North Georgia, log onto the North Georgia Health District website at https://www.nghd.org/news/media-releases/free-covid-19-testing-available-in-north-georgia.
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