“Mini and Me” bites into a Weighty Issue

We are very excited about our recent article in the Weight Management section of the Ft. Worth Star Telegram this past Sunday.  I have copied the article below:

By Rhonda Aghamalian

Special to the Star-Telegram

When Arlington residents Sandi Stewart and Shelly Stockum fell victims to corporate downsizing in early 2008, the best friends and colleagues decided it was time to pursue the dream they’d discussed so many times over lunch: writing a book that would help children learn how to live healthier lives.

The following summer, the duo published , a touching story about a little girl, Madison, who adopts a rescue dog named Mini. As Madison learns to properly care for Mini, she discovers the rewards of exercise and healthy eating for both herself and her furry friend, who both have a bit of a weight issue.

The story is based in part on Stockum’s experiences with her childhood pet, for whom the Mini in the story is named.

“She changed my life,” said Stockum. “Even though she had clearly been abused and was a bit different looking, even tragic looking, she was always happy and always put a smile on my face.”

It was perhaps the spirit of the real-life Mini that inspired the pair to leverage a negative turn of events into an opportunity.

Layoff leads to changes for the better

“When we got laid off, we fretted about it for a couple of days, then we realized this might be a blessing,” said Stewart. “We used that time to get educated and certified as children’s fitness specialists and nutrition and wellness consultants.”

Written for children ages four through eight, Mini and Me features an simple but engaging narrative, colorful illustrations and a removable educational guide for adults.

“The whole family needs to be involved in the process of developing healthier habits for children,” said Stewart. “One child shouldn’t be singled out by receiving a different dinner plate than the rest of the family. You can’t tell your child to go out and exercise when you yourself are a couch potato.

“Sometimes parents or caregivers have the best intentions, but how they handle the situation has the opposite effect of what they intended,” she said. “So the guide contains examples of words that hurt, and tips related to certain pages of the book, like ‘this page represents a good opportunity to talk to your child about self-esteem’.”

Author appearances

The book lends itself to classroom or group discussions; in fact, the authors are available for live readings.

“The kids were so excited,” said Stewart, describing a recent reading she gave in a Fort Worth ISD classroom. “After we discussed the book, we did a fitness routine, we did some yoga and we talked about activities they can do outside and things they can do at home when the weather is bad.”

Stewart and Stockum said that personal experiences related to the interconnected issues of weight management, self-esteem and healthy habits motivated them to embark up on the Mini and Me project.

“I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life,” said Stockum, who recently completed a successful weight loss program. “Sandi never learned how to eat healthy when she was kid, and when she got older and less active, this was a problem for her.

“We’re not saying kids can’t ever have a cupcake or watch TV, we’re saying it’s all about balance,” she said. “We want to help kids so that they can grow up healthy and not have the same struggles we have had.”

http://www.star-telegram.com/751/story/1894609.html

Mini and Me: Learning Healthy Habits

Start 2010 as an Active Family

Happy New Year and welcome to 2010! 

So many of our New Year’s Resolutions focus on losing weight.  Let’s make a change this year and focus on health instead.  And to be more specific, not only our own health but the health of our family. 

Less than 60% of adults are physically active on a regular basis and 25% of adults are not active at all.  Is that the habit you want to pass down to your children?  Inactive people are at a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.  If we are going to have healthy children, it’s up the parents to teach them healthy habits.  Let’s start 2010 by being an active family!

Experts say that children need 60 minutes of active play or physical activity per day.  However, it doesn’t have to be all at one time, encourage your kids to get 10- 15 minutes of activity several times throughout the day.  Whatever works best for  your family. 

How to get started:  If your like most families…you are going to have to make some changes in regards to screen time.  This includes, TV, video games and computer time.  Experts have calculated that today’s children spend on average 6.5 hours per day in front of a screen.  Really…6.5???   YES!   We have to learn how to limit screen time to a reasonable amount and get our kids moving!  One way to do this is to have your kids pick their favorite shows for that week and then Tivo only those shows or watch only those shows and then turn the television off.  Also, have set hours that your child can be on the computer and cut out the senseless surfing.  As parents, we also have to be a good example.  If you’re the main couch potato of the family, now is a good time to change your habits as well.  And don’t forget…be creative, make it fun and your children will learn to love the active parts of their week!

Becoming a Fit Family:   It is important that your children see you, as the parent, engaging in healthy habits.  There are so many fun, active things you can do as a family.  Start implementing a family walk after dinner.  This is a great time to talk to your kids…no distracting TV.   Have a weekend Game Day, where as a family you play football, soccer or basketball.  Let each child be in a charge of a day where they pick an activity that they like best.  It may be riding bikes, setting up an obstacle course, or going on a nature walk.  Try joining the area recreational center, like the local YMCA.  They usually have weekly activities, a health club, a playground, a swimming pool and tennis or basketball courts.  What’s important is that as a family, you start moving!

You can also use Mini and Me: Learning Healthy Habits as a great way to jump start your younger kids into a healthy 2010! www.miniandmethebook.com

We would love to hear your ideas on how to limit screen time and ways you plan to get your family up and moving!   Share with us…                                    S&S