Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H. One of the best things you can do for yourself throughout the life cycle is to stay physically active. Notice that I did not say exercise; I said stay active! Physical activity simply means moving your body. For children it means playing actively, and it should be fun for adults…
By Nancy Olsen-Harbich, MA Young children are often very eager to help with household chores, especially chores that look like fun and are usually reserved for big kids or adults. Seize the opportunity and capitalize on your child’s natural desire to feel grown up and useful. Just realize that it is an opportunity to teach…
By Cristina F. Toscano 5 Fun Recipes to Cook WITH your Toddler Cooking with your little one is a great way to bond while establishing healthy eating habits. It can be a fun rainy day activity, a learning experience, and a teaching moment-all in one! Here are some ideas for easy meals you can create…
By Dinah Torres Castro Music can play an important part in boosting resilience and mental health. Let’s take a look at some other benefits that music can provide as children experience music in their everyday activities. The Environmental Rating Scales Institute tells us that children can gain language skills, fine motor skills, social skills, balance…
By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. A July, 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the risk of teens developing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with the amount of time they spend on video games, streaming devices, and social media sites. This study followed 2500 teens…
By Dinah Torres Castro How many parents have sweetly and politely asked their three year olds to clean up their toys and waited to no avail? Yet, those same parents can come into the room where the three year olds are playing and simply start singing that familiar clean up song, and magically those children…
By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H. Talking with your children about sex and sexuality can be uncomfortable, but it is extremely important for their healthy sexual development. Here are some guidelines to get you started: Start early: Children are naturally curious about sex from an early age. When they are young, their questions are often easier…
By Nancy Olsen-Harbich, MA Leaving your little one at a preschool or early childhood program for the first time can cause uncomfortable feelings of separation anxiety for both you and your child. Remind yourself that as painful as separation anxiety may be, it represents a big step in your child’s development. It means that your…
By Cristina F. Toscano My toddler will only eat ______. Fill in the blank as you wish—macaroni and cheese, French fries, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, etc. This is one of the most common complaints I hear from parents with young children. Parents would rather make a special meal every time the family eats than worry…
By Dinah Torres Castro If you are concerned about the fat, sodium, or sugar in your food, then preparing food at home instead of eating out just may be the answer to good health for your family. Home-cooked food is usually lower in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and higher in good nutrients like fiber,…