Fort Myers Daycare Center Debuts eBook to Help Parents Instill Healthy Eating Habits in Children

Feb. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- With a very simple mission, “To strengthen and enhance the lives of children and their families”, Child Care of Southwest Florida (CCSWFL) has been a resource in the education and development of children and their families for over 40 years. CCSWFL has recently released a free eBook, 12 Nutrition Hints & Tips for Your Children adding to the multiple resources they provide for families and childcare providers. Tips on choosing healthy foods, how to shop for groceries and getting that picky eater to try new foods, are just some of the topics discussed.

“Eating nutritious meals builds healthy, happy children,” stated Beth Goldberg, Director of the Child Care Food Program, CCSWFL. “This is a great way for parents to learn how to feed their children healthy foods, prevent childhood obesity, and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Childhood obesity has been the topic of multiple national news headlines, and is reported as being one of the most serious health threats to our nation. According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. CDCP statistics suggest that “…one-third of children and adolescents in the U.S. are overweight or obese.”

Providing valuable information, 12 Nutrition Hints & Tips for Your Children, addresses such issues as, how to choose foods that promote: digestive and heart health, normal blood sugar levels, and a healthy weight. Foods high in fiber, potassium, healthy protein and amino acids are plainly listed with the benefits of each explained. Parents are also provided with strategies on how to pack healthy lunches, make favorite foods healthier, and make healthy food fun!

Goldberg added, “Every child and family deserves a great start…we can help. We know that overweight and obese children will face many health risks. Teaching and modeling healthy eating habits, early on, is essential and can have positive lifelong benefits.”

A CDCP report supports Goldberg, stating “…childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being… Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.” The research indicates high incidences of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, certain cancers and social and psychological problems are reported in obese children even well into their adulthood.

“Parents only want the best for their children, but can be apprehensive and tense about how and what to teach them about nutrition,” explains Goldberg. “At CCSWFL, we provide the latest information and resources to our parents. There is no judgment, just information, so that every family can have a great start!” CCSWFL participates in a federal program called Child Care Food Program (http://www.ccswfl.org/services/usda-child-care-food-progr...). Children enrolled in this program receive nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. In addition, caregivers are trained in menu planning and understanding USDA nutritional guidelines.

The Staff and volunteers at CCSWFL agree that publishing 12 Nutrition Hints & Tips for Your Children underscores their desire for families and children to be strengthened, and provides them access to resources that will enhance their lives. The eBook is free, and can be accessed by visiting http://www.ccswfl.org/ebooks/12-nutrition-hints-and-tips-....

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ABOUT CHILD CARE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA:
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc.(CCSWFL) is the region’s leading child care resource, established as a private, non-profit organization in 1967. CCSWFL provides quality Fort Myers day care centers in 3 locations as well as Labelle, Clewiston, and Lehigh Acres. Their mission is to to strengthen and enhance the lives of children and their families in Southwest Florida, and that children enter school with an eagerness to learn and achieve school success.

CCSWFL services include the operation of high quality child care centers, Circles of Care Annual Early Education Conference, and DCF Mandated Class for child care providers. They are also licensed to offer the FCCPC (CDA – Staff Credential). For more information, call (239) 278-1002 or visit http://www.CCSWFL.org.