Eating healthy at a party or get-together

11795691_SWith so many temptations, eating healthy at a party or get-together can be difficult. Here’s a great way to make healthier choices:

Hit the veggie tray. Going to a party? Offer to bring the vegetable tray, fruit salad, or another healthy dish. That way, you know you’ll have something nutritious to eat regardless of what’s on the menu. If you’re at a party, hit the vegetable tray first before moving on to other types of treats.

Stay hydrated — with water. Many party beverages are high in calories. Drinking water is a great way to stay hydrated and healthy.

Watch those portions. Portion control is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Take smaller portions and smaller bites of your favorites. Smaller meal portions will allow you to have more self-control on the amount of food you eat because you’ll be more satisfied by eating slowly. Savor each bite, and stop when you’re not hungry anymore.

Eat what you like. Pass on the treats you don’t really love!

Keep your children safe while having fun with art

Little happy artist lying

There’s no doubt about it: Most children love art! But each year, children end up in emergency rooms due to accidents and mishaps while working on art projects at home.

Did you know that even those art supplies labeled as ‘non-toxic’ can have harmful effects if a child uses them in an unintended manner? That’s why adequate supervision is a must when allowing children to do art projects at home. It’s a good idea to keep art supplies such as paint and glue in a cabinet that’s out of reach of the youngest children. Another preventative measure: When selecting supplies, look for those designed for children that have the AP or CL seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).

While your children are working on an art project, be on the lookout for hazards in the “workshop.” You may not think of your kitchen or living room as a production zone. Even so, when you’re applying glue and paint and cutting and assembling paper and other materials, it often involves chemicals and sharp objects. Chemicals can be absorbed by a child in a number of different ways. That’s why you’ll want to discourage children from applying paint to their skin unless it’s paint specifically for that type of use. And don’t serve a meal or snacks during an art project. Encourage children to thoroughly wash their hands after working with art supplies.

Don’t forget that babies and young children experience life as one long tasting adventure. Whatever is nearby may go directly into the mouth at any time. Preschoolers in particular have a penchant for putting objects in their mouths. And just like little children, animals can get into trouble in a matter of seconds. Rover may get curious and decide to sniff that glue-laden spoon you just set down on the table. Taking the dog to the vet on the spur of the moment can definitely put the chill on the fun.

For more information about art supply safety, check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Art and Craft Safety Guide.