skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

COVID-19: Kids at Home? Nutrition, Activities Still Necessary

play audio
Play

Monday, March 23, 2020   

MINNEAPOLIS -- With Minnesota schools closed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, parents may be trying to impose more structure at home than they're used to. Health experts say being flexible and creative can help families don't stay on track with healthy habits.

Sueling Schardin is a registered dietitian with the American Heart Association. She said keeping unhealthy snacks out of reach is a good start. She says that can be done by only leaving out one or two each day and hiding the main supply.

And if your local store is running low on fresh fruits and vegetables, she said other options can work.

"Even if you don't have the lower-sodium canned vegetables, you can always drain the liquid and rinse the vegetables to get rid of some of that sodium," Schardin said.

She said bags of frozen fruit work well, too. As for keeping kids active, family walks and having kids help with yard work are possibilities.

For lower-income households, Schardin stressed local schools still are making free meals available. And if you don't have a yard or ample play space in your home, simple things like a family dance party will keep kids moving and even boost morale.

Schardin says constant video-gaming or binge-watching with no exercise is never a good idea, but technology can be useful in these situations.

"Teachers have been great about posting different activities that kids can do, so take advantage of those resources," she said. "And the dance community has been awesome, and they're posting a lot of free online classes on Instagram."

Schardin said if you're making any food donations, try to ensure they're healthy items, such as rice, pasta and canned vegetables. More tips are available at heart.org.

Disclosure: American Heart Association of Minnesota contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Smoking Prevention. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Including the $236 million in federal funding for wildland fire management recently announced for 2025, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested a total of $1 billion to the cause, according to the Department of the Interior. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

This month, the federal government announced funding for next year's wildfire management, totaling $236 million and experts hope threatened …


Social Issues

play sound

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Environment

play sound

Groups concerned about pollution and climate change are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a trio of bills dubbed the "make polluters pay" package…


Ohio is among 13 jurisdictions requiring Saturday and Sunday hours for early voting. (PX Media/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election. The latest reports from …

Health and Wellness

play sound

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging caregivers to take some much-needed time for themselve…

Menhaden are forage fish species and filter feeders, each capable of filtering up to seven gallons of water per minute. (Photo of female Osprey with Menhaden/TRCP)

Environment

play sound

In Virginia's waters, the decline of a small but critically important fish is causing growing concern among conservation groups and fishermen alike…

Social Issues

play sound

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

Environment

play sound

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service C…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021