June 2012

Studies show families who eat meals together regularly benefit.  Both parents and kids are included in these benefits.  Food patterns for the future generation are healthier when families eat together. In other words, eating together today can impact healthy food patterns of tomorrow. University of Minnesota research shows that teens that ate meals together with their family ate more fruits, vegetables, dairy with a good source of calcium, and dark green vegetables. The teens also drank fewer soft drinks and had a better nutrient intake.

Quality time spent together is also increased.  The kids in families that eat together are shown to have better vocabulary skills and higher test scores.  Studies show these kids fare better physically, emotionally, and intellectually with greater self confidence.  An Iowa State University Extension study revealed that families who eat meals together teach kids table manners, family values, basic cooking skills, and a sense of community.

Studies show most families believe eating together to be very important. The surveys show 88 percent of families believe this to be very or extremely important.  The top barriers to meals together include conflicting schedules, work schedules, and kids’ activities.  This time seems to become harder to find as the kids get older and become teens.  Teen drug and alcohol use is connected to number of meals eaten together. Studies show that the more often a teen eats dinner with his or her family the less likely they are to drink alcohol, smoke or use drugs illegally.

In conclusion, the simple act of family meals can do so much to benefit the whole family. With the costs of food rising, cooking, and eating at home as a family certainly can be cost effective, but as stated earlier, the other benefits can really play a huge role in making that family meal a priority.

Source:  Ohio State University Extension, Ohioline, Factsheet FLM-FS-4-03.

http:/ohioline.osu.edu.

Author: Liz Smith, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.

January 28, 2011 by lisabarlage

Have you joined the Zumba fitness craze? I have to admit that I haven’t, although I have tried it a couple times when I have been at conferences with Zumba offered as a fitness break. My sister-in-law loves the Zumba program and goes about four times a week to classes, as well as participating in Zumba weekend fund-raisers. So if you haven’t tried it – what is it??

The Zumba program is Latin-inspired dance fitness that combines fast and slow rhythms with international music. WebMD tells us that a benefit of Zumba fitness over other dance style classes is that it focuses on only 4 or 5 steps per song that are repeated over and over. So it is easier to learn and you can be a beginner and not feel intimidated by someone who has been coming for a while. Like most cardiovascular workout programs – Zumba classes burn calories, can decrease your blood pressure and body fat, increases stamina and bone density, and can improve your balance and muscular tone. You can tone your legs, arms, abdomen, and gluts.

One of the great benefits of the Zumba program is the social aspect. Instructors often use a party atmosphere to make the classes fun and participants find that they forget they are exercising. I think this is one of the things that my sister-in-law loves about the Zumba program.

Classes can be found almost anyplace. To find the one closest to you go to http://search.zumba.com/classes/ and enter your zip code or the name of a nearby community. I found them listed at:

• Fitness Centers
• YMCA’s
• Library’s
• Community Centers
• Senior Centers
• VFW’s
• Hospitals
• Dance Schools
• Public Schools
• Almost anyplace

There is also a program called Zumba Gold that is targeted to older adults or those who are just getting back into exercise. Some of these classes may also offer an armchair version.

Once you find a class close by that you want to try – it is important to wear comfortable clothing and good exercise shoes, and bring a bottle of water, a small towel, and lots of energy.

So – what is your excuse for not trying a Zumba program or another new style of exercise? I promise that one of these times I will go to Zumba fitness when my sister-in-law asks who wants to go with her this week. After all, if my 12-year-old daughter can do it, why can’t I??

Note: This message is not intended as endorsement of this product by The Ohio State University or Ohio State University Extension, merely as a means to inform about a newer fitness program. Zumba® is a registered company; there are also fitness programs that offer similar workouts that may be called Latin Dance Classes or Latin Dance Fitness. To offer Zumba an instructor must have been trained with the Zumba Company.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/zumba-fun-is-secret-ingredient-of-latin-dance-workout?page=2

http://www.zumba.com/us/about/

Author: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.