Kids Need Daily Recess Time

Recess Time

NWF Advocates for Policy Changes to Bring Back Daily Recess

Most adults remember daily recess as a time they were able to let off steam, exercise their bodies and refresh their minds. Today however, as many as nine million children (approximately thirty percent of elementary schools) get far less recess time according to a 2011 study by researchers at the University of Illinois.  Worse still is the fact that schools with predominately non-white student populations are least likely to have sufficient recess periods.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is tackling this problem head on by launching their “Ranger Rick Restores Recess Campaign”. Ranger Rick of course is the beloved mascot of NWF’s award-winning children’s magazines Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr.

How to Minimize Allergens in Your Home

Allergens - Boy Sneezing

Simple Tips to Eliminate Your Children’s “Wheezes and Sneezes” in The Winter

 

Most parents expect the winter months to lessen their children’s allergies because there’s no pollen in the air, but allergies still affect many kids this time of year because of what’s inside your home: cats, dogs, dust mites, mold and more.

Robin Wilson is CEO of Robin Wilson Home, an ambassador to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and has a hypoallergenic bedding line at Bed Bath and Beyond.  She says most parents don’t realize that their home is probably making their kids sick, but there are simple solutions to help eliminate the “wheezes and sneezes.”

How minimize allergens in your home

  • For allergy and asthma sufferers, make sure and use synthetic pillows over feathered ones, and anti-allergen or hypoallergenic pillow cases and covers. Wash your pillow case once a week, your pillow protector at least once a month and wash your pillow at least twice a year. Replace pillows every three years.
  • Don’t use a vinyl shower curtain because it holds mold more easily and off gases. Use a nylon curtain instead. It’s also less expensive.