Healthy Choices
Fall 63
dynamics and overall well-being. Even if you cannot have a
family dinner every day, it is worth looking at how you can
do it more often. Here are a few of the benefits:
• Better family relationships: After being apart all day and
moving in different directions, sharing a meal together
brings families to a place where they can share and
bond. Family meals also provide a sense of security and
belonging to children and an avenue to just talk. This
works best if you apply a “no technology” policy during
meal time. Turn off the television, and hide phones and
video games. Family meals are also a great place to work
on communication skills and manners. It’s also a great
way for parents and kids to unwind after a stressful day
and spend quality time with loved ones.
• Healthier food choices and more budget friendly: Eating
at home is typically much healthier (and less expensive)
then eating on the run. Family meals at home result in
kids and adults consuming more fruits and vegetables
and having a more balanced meal. Portion control is also
easier to attain at home. When we eat out, all the food
is in front of us, whereas at home, we take a portion and
can go back if we want, making it easier to identify when
we are full.
• Better grades in children: Several studies have shown
that teens that have more family dinners tend to earn
better grades in school.
• Chance to explore new foods and be involved in meal
preparation: The sky is the limit when it comes to what
you can prepare at home. If time allows, it’s great to get
the whole family involved in grocery shopping and meal
preparation. Look what’s in season, and make your meals
revolve around those items. The fall and winter months
are a great time to try sweet potatoes, which are high in
nutrients such as vitamin A. Bake it, mash it or make
sweet potato fries as a side with your family meal.
• Relieve stress: Research has shown that sitting down to
a family meal helped working parents reduce the tension
and strain from long hours at the office.
Clearwater has some great options when it comes to
shopping for food to prepare together at home. Along with
a variety of grocery store options, there are several produce
stands and farmers markets. Make food a family experience,
and visit the different places to find some tasty and in-season
produce to include in your meal. And if dinner doesn’t
always work, remember you can also sit down for lunch or
breakfast as a family.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Month in December
The American Cancer Society has updated their
recommendations for colorectal cancer screenings.
Colorectal cancer starts as a growth on the inner lining
of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps.
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most
common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the
United States.
Getting a regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the
most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer. The
American Cancer Society now recommends that people
at average risk begin getting screenings at age 45. Those
at higher risk need to speak to their physician to determine
when they should start testing.
BayCare offers a number of classes and support groups for a
variety of health needs, including those related to cancer. For
more information about upcoming events, visit BayCare.org.
/BayCare.org