Developing healthy back-to-school routines

Healthy habits set children up for success inside and outside the classroom, but where are parents to start after a busy summer? Join Northern Inyo Healthcare District’s Tamara Loy, MSN C-PNP; Kalina Gardiner, RDN; and Denice Hynd, RD MPH, on Thursday, August 25, 5:30 p.m. as they help families tackle important topics that can build healthy lifestyles for a lifetime.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and mother Tamara Loy will discuss the importance of your child getting a good night’s sleep. We all know that when children follow consistent sleeping patterns, they are more likely to be attentive and productive with school activities. For parents who struggle with their child every night at bedtime, Tamara will offer tips to develop a routine to help create a calm, relaxing pre-sleep environment. She will also talk about the key wellness exams during childhood and adolescence. These annual screenings and assessments help pediatricians and primary care providers track growth and development, while giving parents a chance to raise any concerns they may have.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Kalina Gardiner, a long-time advocate for sustainable lifestyle habits, will offer up healthy snack and school lunch ideas that veer away from pre-packaged, empty calorie options. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity affects about 19 percent of youth in the U.S. – about 14.4 million children and adolescents. Most children simply do not meet their daily intake of recommended fruits and vegetables. By packing healthy lunches alongside your children, parents can set the example and show their children how to properly fuel their bodies at a young age, giving future generations a chance to live a healthier lifestyle and decrease risk for chronic conditions.

Registered Dietitian Denice Hynd, a mother of two, will round out the evening’s presentation by adding her knowledge to an open question and answer period for those parents in attendance. Denice will guide parents in finding hidden sugars and fats in their children’s meals, offers tips on dealing with picky eaters, and talk about how a healthy diet is associated with improved cognitive function, stabilized energy, better attention span, and improved mood and mental health.

This educational presentation is part of NIHD’s ongoing Healthy Lifestyle Talk Series. The talks are open to public and free of charge. Once again, the talk will be presented in three formats:

• In-person at the Birch Street Annex, 2957 Birch St., Bishop. Space is limited to 15 people and masks are required.
• Broadcast LIVE on the Northern Inyo Healthcare District YouTube channel: 
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfiAFpCrakUdTqc55LiyVxQ
    Please note that to participate in the Q&A session on YouTube, you will need to be logged into that service. If you do not have a YouTube or Gmail account, it would be best to log into Zoom.
• Presented live on Zoom:

  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84848897294?pwd=YlR0dWd6UXY5bEdBcm5oN3IwVlhWZz09

  Meeting ID: 848 4889 7294
  Passcode: 802706
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  Meeting ID: 848 4889 7294
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Educational downloads:

• Parent Tips: Getting Kids in the Kitchen
• Consejos para padres: Cocine con los niños
• Parent Tips: Secrets to Making Healthy and Fun School Lunches
• Consejos para padres: Secretos para preparar almuerzos saludables y divertidos

Photos: Left to right: Tamara Loy, MSN C-PNP; Kalina Gardiner, RDN; and Denice Hynd, RD MPH