If you ask people what foods to avoid, many are careful of their fat intake. However Omega 3 fats are one type of fat Canadian families are not getting enough of. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential nutrients for health. Essential means that our body can’t produce this important nutrient on its own. We must get omega 3 fatty acids from food or supplements.

Let’s face it – getting kids to eat healthy and stay active is a common challenge for parents. Children need a wide variety in their diet to get all the nutrients they need, but most kids are happy to live on macaroni & cheese with a side of peanut butter & jelly while mastering their latest downloaded app. While they will get some health benefits from this menu IF you are a savvy parent and offer up only whole wheat noodles, make your own sauce using real milk and shredded cheese and switch to

If only Vitamin Zzz was sold in the vitamin isle with a label that advised children to take it with their eyes closed for at least 10 hours a night! Maybe that would help them understand why bedtime is so important and why Mom and Dad are not happy when they tip toe down the stairs at 11 o’clock! Kids of all ages need sleep to give their bodies time to rest after a busy day. It is just as important for keeping us healthy as any other vitamin. . .

The common cold is, well, common. So is how we tend to combat it. We send out an S.O.S. for more tissue, cold medicine, chicken noodle soup and then drag ourselves back to bed until we can function again. While more rest is definitely in order when your are not feeling well, there is more you can do to not only start feeling better sooner, but also to protect yourself from catching the next round of the common cold.

Kids love knowing mom and dad are thinking of them during the long day at school. Start a tradition this Valentine’s Day and keep it going the rest of the year! You don’t have to write a long love story, or buy an elaborate card. In fact those store bought valentines can work perfectly well for the month of February. Add your own little note to the prefab card with lots of x’s and o’s from mom and dad.

Trying to get kids outside when its cold and windy while they are all comfy and cozy in front of the TV is no easy task. We know fresh air is good for us, even in the winter, but sometimes it’s just easier to stay where it’s nice and warm. Give them a reason to go outside and maybe give them an extra nudge out the front door with your own snow pants securely fastened! Want your kids to love the outdoors, even in winter? Get outside yourself!

Ever wonder why so many people get sick as soon as the winter months are upon us? School starts, schedules get busier, we sleep less, windows are closed, germs are shared and we tend to stay indoors more with each degree the temperature drops. You can’t avoid the germs, especially if you have children in daycare or school, but you can keep your immune system strong to avoid them taking hold of your family!