What’s inside: New Food Guide

Dental Tips • Fun ActivityCalendar of Events • Coupons

¡GUÍA bilingüe!

SMILE BRIGHT AND EAT RIGHT • Winter 2012

familyguide

Last year, the United States Department of Agriculture introduced a new nutrition icon: My Plate. The plate is divided into four sections that represent a balanced, healthy meal: fruits, vegetables, whole grains (like bread, rice or pasta) and lean proteins (such as meat, chicken or beans). In addition, a drinking cup represents a low-fat serving from the dairy food group (milk, cheese or yogurt).

The USDA’s My Plate website provides information on how to build better diets. Paula Ryan, a San Diego registered dietitian, offers ideas to make some of the My Plate principles work for kids:

Eating the Right Amount — Don’t focus on calories, but on feelings of “fullness.”• Enjoy food: Talk with children about the

taste of food at meal times and let them eat until they feel satisfied. Don’t force them to finish everything on their plate.

• Avoid large portions: Use a smaller plate for young children and let them get seconds if they are still hungry.

Goodbye Food Pyramid

- Hello My Plate!Foods to Increase — As long as these foods are appropriate for your child’s age and health, these tips apply to everyone.• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.• Make at least half your grains whole grains.• Switch to nonfat or low-fat (1 percent)

milk after age 2. The fat in whole milk is essential to brain development before age 2.

• Focus on lean proteins like white meat chicken and turkey, as well as vegetarian sources of protein found in beans (try boiled or baked beans instead of refried beans).

Foods to Reduce — These are great tips for everyone!• Compare sodium and sugar in foods like soup,

bread and frozen meals — and choose foods with lower numbers.

• Drink water or reduced-fat milk instead of sugary drinks, like soda or juice.

• Choose foods with less added sugar. Compare your favorite cereals and pick the one with the lowest amount of sugar. Look for the “low-sugar” versions of your favorite foods.

• Avoid foods with the trans fats often found in vegetable shortening and some margarines and packaged foods. Try to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks instead of packaged foods, and pick baked or grilled instead of fried foods.and pick baked or grilled instead of fried foods.

Use your smart phone to scan this code and access all the websites and resources mentioned in this guide.

By visiting the Family Guide

Winter 2012 Resource Page at

www.ReadySetGrowLA.org/

SmileBrightandEatRight you can

see how My Plate can work for your

family, and learn more healthy

eating tips at the USDA’s

My Plate web page and Paula

Ryan’s Healthiest Regards

website.

Everyone says your child needs to eat healthy meals and snacks. But they don’t know how picky your child is — no matter what advice you try, he still refuses to eat anything but chicken nuggets and crackers. How can you get him to eat right without all the battles?

The Mayo Clinic has 10 tips for picky eaters (and their parents). Here are a few:

• Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to do the same.

• Respect your child’s appetite — or lack of one. If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force her to eat. Serve small portions and don’t bribe her with dessert.

• Be patient with new foods. Unfamiliar smells, textures and tastes can scare a child. He may need to see, touch and taste it many times before deciding he likes it. Serve new foods along with favorites, and don’t push.

• Don’t be a short-order cook. Your child can choose to eat the food you prepared, or not. If you make a separate meal after she rejects the first one, you could be making the picky eating problem worse.

If you’re concerned that your child’s growth, health or development is being impacted by his picky eating, discuss it with his doctor. The Mayo Clinic also recommends writing down everything your child eats for a few days — you may see that, in the big picture, it’s more than you think!

Picky Little Eaters:Stop the Battles!

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is easier, cheaper and tastier than most people think. Megan Hanson, co-founder and executive director of RootDown LA, has seen first-hand how community and residential gardens can change eating habits — and lives!

“With just a little patch of dirt or a small container, something delicious and nutritious can grow,” Megan says. In South Los Angeles, where RootDown LA works, gardens are available for residents to either grow their own produce, or buy low-cost, fresh food.

But Megan knows that, for a lot of people, it’s not just about buying fruits and veggies — you have to eat them too! Megan and RootDown LA aim to prevent obesity and related diseases by re-introducing people to the healthy eating cultures and habits they know, but ignore.

The RootDown LA website has ways to make good food more flavorful. For example:

• Caramelizing means to cook vegetables, like onions and garlic, in just a little bit of oil for a long time, until the natural sugars come out.

• Salting a raw fruit or vegetable, like a tomato, is a great way to enhance its own natural flavors.

• Blanch hard vegetables, like cauliflower and broccoli, by cooking them in boiling water for a few minutes and then placing them in ice-cold water. This makes them crisp and easier to eat.

• Grate vegetables, like beets, carrots and zucchini, and mix them in a salad, quesadilla or stir fry to get the nutritional benefits without the strong taste.

Visit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org/SmileBrightandEatRightto see the Mayo Clinic’s full list of tips and to learn more

about your child’s nutrition.

Visit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org/SmileBrightandEatRight to learnmore about RootDown LA, its recipes and programs — as well as information about other organizations that work with community gardens.

Join the Movement:Real Gardens, Real Food

Breastfeeding:The Best Nutrition Can Be Difficult

There is plenty of information about all the great benefits that babies get from breastfeeding, like reduced risk of obesity, protection from infections and illness, and strong brain development. And moms benefit too — mothers who breastfeed lose the “baby weight” fast, save money and form strong emotional bonds with their infants.

What people often don’t talk about, though, is how difficult breastfeeding can be. Here are a few common problems, and ways to overcome them:

• Baby won’t latch right. A slight pain or tugging when nursing starts is normal, but if it lasts more than a minute, a bad latch may be to blame. To fix this, remove your baby, squeeze your breast so the areola is flat and gently rub your nipple on the baby’s lips, keeping your hand on the back of his head. When he opens his mouth, quickly push the breast inside by bringing it and his head together. Try nursing skin-to-skin and lying next to him.

• Flat or inverted nipples. A small percentage of women may notice that their nipples don’t stick out enough, which makes latching hard. Try pumping briefly before nursing to draw them out. A lactation consultant can also provide you with an inexpensive silicone shield to help baby latch.

• This is weird and I feel alone. Many women dislike or even resent the responsibility of caring for an infant when they breastfeed. Some women have a hard time accepting the role and lifestyle change that comes with being a parent who breastfeeds. There may not be any friends or family members who you feel you can talk to. But there is free or low-cost assistance available. Breastfeeding support groups, both online and in person, offer advice and camaraderie for new parents, and groups like the Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles offer great resources.

Visit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org/SmileBrightandEatRightto learn more about breastfeeding, find help or make connections

through the Breast Feeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles.

Is Your Baby

Getting Enough to Eat?

The best way to know is by her

weight gain, comparing her mood

before and after nursing, looking

and listening to make sure she is

swallowing and the number of wet and

dirty diapers (expect about six to eight

wet diapers and three to four dirty

ones, which look like a yellow

mustard, each day during

her first week).

During pregnancy, mothers produce colostrum. It is

yellowish and thicker than breast

milk, and contains important antibodies

to help protect newborns from disease.

First-time mothers will notice that their

breasts become filled with milk usually

about three or four days after birth. Until

then, feeding your baby colostrum

early and often will help ensure an adequate milk supply.

Use your smart phone to scan this code and access all the websites and

resources mentioned in this guide.

Ages and Stages: Mouth Care Tips

More than 40 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Many oral health diseases can easily be avoided with brushing and trips to the dentist. Start mouth care early with these tips:

Infants• From birth, it’s good to use a clean, soft cloth or soft infant toothbrush to clean

your baby’s gums. Besides keeping them clean, you’ll get her used to fingers in her mouth for care.

• The first tooth usually comes in around 6 months … Make your child’s first dental visit right after it does!

• After the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a smear of fluoride-free training toothpaste on a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.

• Don’t expect your baby to spit or allow you to brush or wipe for a long time at this age. A brief swipe at the gums and first teeth is enough.

Toddlers• Now is a good time to start “modeling” proper mouth care by brushing and

flossing your own teeth while your child watches.• Wean your baby from her bottle soon after her first birthday.

If your child falls asleep with a bottle or sippy cup, be sure it is filled with water — not milk or juice — to avoid cavities.

• Continue brushing twice a day with just a smear of fluoride-free toothpaste on a soft, age-appropriate sized brush. It’s safe if they swallow the toothpaste.

Thumb and pacifier sucking are perfectly normal for infants, and most children stop on their own between ages 2 and 4. Prolonged

sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. If the habit continues

beyond age 3, speak to your pediatric dentist. He or she will be glad to

suggest ways to addressan ongoingsucking habit.

Brush in circles or

lines moving away from the gums. Most

children need help brushing until they are about 7 or 8 — roughly

the time they can tie their own shoes.

Visitwww.ReadySetGrowLA.org/

SmileBrightandEatRight for a link to learn more about caring for your child’s teeth from the

American Academy ofPediatric Dentistry’s Parent

Resource Center.

Preschoolers• Now is the time to let her try brushing

her own teeth, or practice on a favorite doll or stuffed animal. Just be sure you take your turn brushing her teeth, too.

• Have your child start practicing spitting the toothpaste out while brushing.

• Brushing should last for about two minutes. Trying making it fun by telling jokes or singing a favorite song.

A dental home is more than just a dentist’s office. It’s a place where all of your baby or young child’s oral health care needs are met. Dental homes give oral health care in a way that is easy, complete, compassionate, culturally sensitive and family-oriented. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. This keeps the risks, and costs, of oral health care down... and helps ensure healthy, bright smiles!

As early as 6 months old, but by age 1, all children should visit a dentist. Why not make these dental checks educational and fun by asking your pediatrician to help you find a dental home, like The Children’s Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles’ Shannon Kelly Toothfairy Cottage.

Inside a cheery home on a quiet street in Inglewood, the Toothfairy Cottage welcomes low-income and uninsured families to its Smile Store. Your child can use oversized toothbrushes to practice brushing on large teeth and gums, or dress up like (tooth) fairies! Meanwhile, staff dentists and dental students from local colleges help with examinations, cleanings and other treatments.

A Dental Home to Call Your Own

Find the six differences between the two food trays below.

Go towww.ReadySetGrowLA.org/SmileBrightandEatRight

to find pediatric dentists and learn more about The Children’sDental Center of Greater Los Angeles.

Inside a cheery home on a quiet street in Inglewood, the Toothfairy Cottage welcomes low-income and uninsured families to its Smile Store. Your child can use oversized toothbrushes to practice brushing on large teeth and gums, or dress up like (tooth) fairies! Meanwhile, staff dentists and dental students from local colleges help with examinations, cleanings and other treatments.

Tooth problems

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why kids miss

school.

Find the six differences between the two food trays below.

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ToddlersChicken and Potatoes1 ounce chicken breast3/4 cup mashed potato1/4 cup green peas1/2 small whole wheat roll1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat milk

PreschoolersRice and Beans with Sausage1/2 cup cooked brown rice1/4 cup black beans1/4 cup bell pepper1 ounce turkey sausage1/4 cup broccoli1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk

The sample meal pattern plans

are based on age,

amount of daily phys

ical activity and

calories. For more

information, be sure to

read the preschooler’s sect

ion

at the My Plate website. V

isit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org/

SmileBrightandEatRight to fi

nd information.Di

nner

Note that none of these meals include extras you may use to prepare the food, like olive oil or salad dressing.

Babies still need

the fat found

in whole milk

until age 2 for

healthy brain

development.

Eating Right

Toddlers Yogurt and Strawberries1/2 cup plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt4 sliced strawberries1 slice whole wheat toast

PreschoolersApplesauce Topped Pancake1 small pancake1/4 cup applesauce1/4 cup blueberries1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat milk

ToddlersEnglish Muffin Pizza1/2 whole wheat English muffin2 tbsp. tomato sauce2 tbsp. mixed veggies1-1/2 tbsp. nonfat or low-fat shredded cheese1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat yogurt

PreschoolersGrilled Cheese Sandwich and Salad1 slice whole wheat bread1 slice low-fat cheese1/2 cup salad greens or lettuce1/4 cup chopped tomato

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The USDA’s My Plate website has ideas for kids’ daily meals that are balanced and nutritious. Here is a sample, but you can visit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org/SmileBrightandEatRight to find more meal plans, recipes and other tips online.

1/2 whole wheat English muffin1/2 whole wheat English muffin

Fun for families: Places to go& things to do

Dates and times are subject to change or cancellation without notice.Parents are encouraged to double check the event before attending.

Free Dental ScreeningsMon. through Fri. during Feb. • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Kids’ Community Dental Clinic 400 West Elmwood Ave., Burbank, CA 91502818-841-8010 • kidsclinic.org Cost: Free for children 14 and underThe Kids’ Community Dental Clinic offers free dental screenings every Monday through Friday during February. Appointments and walk-insare welcome. Head to the clinicto learn more about oralhealth and receive a free toothbrush.

Hollywood Farmers’ MarketEvery Sun. • 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.Intersection of Ivarand Selma Avenues323-463-3171 • farmernet.comCost: FreeSpending a Sunday morning at a farmers’ market is a great way to teach your child about the importance of eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Take the time to look through the stalls and try something new. The Hollywood Farmers’ Market also accepts EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP.

Bookworms: A Free Storytelling ProgramFirst and third Wed. of the month • 10 – 11 a.m.Third Sat. of the month • 2 – 3 p.m. The Arboretum301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007626-821-3222 • arboretum.orgCost: Free with admission (Adults $8, Children 5 and under free)This storytelling program goes on rain or shine three times a month in The Arboretum library. There is a new plant and nature-related story each month, and a take-home craft activity for little ones.

EcosystemsDaily • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.California Science Center700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037323-724-3623 • californiasciencecenter.orgCost: Free for children under 3Visit the California Science Center’s newest gallery to learn about the delicate balance of people, plants and animals in different environ-ments. Older children can learn about ecology, and the younger ones can play with the interac-tive exhibits and check out the aquarium.

NexGen Family Days at LACMAEvery Sun. • 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036323-857-6000 • lacma.org

Cost: Free for Arts for NexGen members and one accompanying adult.Every Sunday is family dayat LACMA! Just showup during the eventhours and decidewhether to go ona bilingual tour ofthe galleries or toget creative andmake art.

Discovery HourEvery Tues. • 10 – 11 a.m.Petersen Automotive Museum6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036323-930-2277 • petersen.org Cost: Adults $10, Students $5, Children 5 and under freePetersen’s weekly Discovery Hour features storytelling, scavenger hunts, races and other interactive games. Activities are for children 6 and under.

Project Youth GreenThird Sat. of the month • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.12467 Osborne St., Pacoima, CA 91331818-890-2928 • youthspeakcollective.com/programs/project-youth-green/Cost: FreeProject Youth Green’s four acres of land are used to provide low-income youths and families with access to green spaces and fruits and vegetables. If you live nearby, you can lend a hand once a month.

Target Free Family Saturday at JANMEvery second Sat. • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.Japanese American National Museum369 East 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012213-625-0414 •janm.org/events/Cost: FreeThe Japanese American Museum invites families to spend the second Saturday of each month doing arts and crafts, learning and playingtogether. The event focuses on a different theme each month.

Target Free Family Sunday at MOLAAAfro-Latino FestivalEvery third Sun. • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Museum of Latin American Art628 Alamito Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802562-437-1689 • molaa.orgCost: FreeEvery third Sunday of the month, MOLAA opens its doors free of charge and offers bilingual guided tours, art workshops and/orperformances. Be sure to call the museum or check the MOLAA website for more details.

Native BeginningsSat., Mar. 3 • 2 – 3 p.m.Paramount Library 16254 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA 90723562-630-3171colapublib.org/calendar/events/Cost: FreeHosted by Enrichment Works, come see David

Guerra’s interpretation of traditional Native American stories in this interactive storytelling session at the Paramount Library. Stick around after the performance and spend some quality reading time with your children.

Free Family Night: Russian DanceTues., Mar. 6 • 4 – 8 p.m. Kidspace Children’s Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103626-449-9144 • kidspacemuseum.orgCost: FreeJoin Kidspace Children’s Museum to watch and learn about Russian folk dancing and ballet.Admission is free from 4 – 8 p.m.The performance begins at 6 p.m.

El Día del Niño(Children’s Day)Sat., Apr. 2810 a.m. – 4 p.m.Belvedere Park4914 Avenida Cesar Chavez, East Los Angeles, CA 90022Cost: FreeA traditional Latin American celebration comes to L.A. A com-munity event with activities, gamesand resources.

Los Angeles Times Festival of BooksApr. 21 – 22 • 10 a.m – 5 p.m.University of Southern CaliforniaExposition Blvd. and S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90089213-237-5000events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/Cost: FreeThis popular annual event features plenty of music, food, special guest appearances, and of course, books! Be sure to visit the craft station sponsored by First 5 LA in the Hoy Cultural Neighborhood, as well as their booth by the Target Stage for a free book.

Arts for NexGen LACMA offers free general admission to children 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. To join, visit the LACMA box office.

There

are plenty of

certified farmers’

markets throughout

L.A. County. Check out

farmernet.com to find

one near you.

Learn more

about community

gardens in your

neighborhood, visit

www.lanlt.org.

First 5 LA oversees the Los Angeles County allocation of funds from Proposition 10, which added a 50-cent tax on tobacco products sold in California. Funds raised help pay for health care, education and child development programs for children from the prenatal stage to age 5 and their families. First 5 LA’s

mission is to increase the number of young children who are physically and emotionally healthy, safe and ready to learn. Visit www.First5LA.org for more information.

Even more for you and your family! Visit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org for additional resources, tips, games and activities for the whole family.

Present this coupon at the Zimmer Children’s Museum ticket window and receive one free child admission with the purchase of one regular adult admission (adult admission $8). Half-price basic memberships for families who qualify for California’s Healthy Families program. Proof of enrollment required. Limit four free admissions per coupon. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Prices subject to change. Valid through 12/31/12.

Zimmer Children’s Museum6505 Wilshire Blvd. #100Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 761-8984 • zimmermuseum.orgCoupon Code: F-5

FREE CHILDADMISSION

with the purchase of oneregular adult admission

EBT cardholders are admitted free tothe museum when card is presented.

Present this coupon at the Aquarium ticket window and receive $5 off regular adult admission (adult admission $24.95) and $2 off regular child admission (child admission $13.95, ages 3-11). Limit four discounts per coupon. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Prices subject to change. Aquarium closed April 13-15 and December 25. Valid through 12/31/12. P-FIR2

Aquarium of the Pacific • 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100 • www.aquariumofpacific.org

Touch sharks, feed lorikeet birds, and discover more than 11,000 animals at

the Aquarium of the Pacific!

$5 OFF $2 OFF

regular adult admission

regular child admission

Skirball Cultural Center2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90049

(310) 440-4500 • www.skirball.org

PROMO CODE:99761

ENJOY 50% OFFVisit Noah’s Ark, one of Southern California’s

most family-friendly and inspiring destinations. On Saturdays and Sundays, families are welcome to dig into the

Skirball’s simulated outdoor archaeological dig and field laboratory.Valid for up to six tickets per user per day. Advance tickets are recommended on weekends, all Thursdays and during school holidays.

www.skirball.org or (877) SCC-4TIX. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum adult/child ratio is 1 to 4. Offer valid through 12/01/12

Offer valid through 12/31/12

Petersen Automotive Museum • 6060 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90036 • (323) 930-CARS • www.petersen.org

Experience the history of automobiles and motorized transpostation at the Petersen Automotive Museum. PROMO CODE: 99509

FREEADMISSION

for children under 5

$2 OFF ANY ADULT TICKETwith purchase of child (5-12 yrs) admission ($3)