You can talk to your children or other young people you know about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Tell them about the harm that nicotine in any form can do to their growing brain. Let them know that you have a strong stance against them using any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, now or in the future.

We are fortunate in the Farmington area to have a lot of great, affordable, healthy food options easily accessible during this time of year. See below for a list of resources, links and short descriptions of just a sampling of some of the food sources in our area, besides the standard grocery store.

To celebrate National Nutrition Month, let’s encourage our children to eat more fruits and vegetables. An overall healthy diet includes a rich assortment of fruits and vegetables. The health benefits include a reduced risk for heart disease, certain cancers, obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes . Childhood nutrition sets the stage for lifelong eating habits – so how do we get our picky eaters to consume more fruits and vegetables? Follow these tips on how to make fruits and vegetables a fun and convenient snack choice in your home:

The Farmington School District is part of a growing movement to advance health equity within schools and their surrounding communities. The aim of this work is to dedicate more attention to the students who are at higher risk due to social determinants and conditions. This involves identifying students that face barriers to health, by creating spaces for open dialogue among students, parents, and educators (i.e. focus groups, wellness meetings, safety forums). These assessments will shed light on how to improve the school environment and policies to better support all students in achieving optimal health.

As we head into the freezing cold Minnesota winter season, our children often struggle to find ways to stay active. Avoid the urge to snuggle in a blanket and watch movies every night! Physical activity has many health benefits –muscle strength, heart health, flexibility and coordination. Let’s set the bar higher this winter and get moving! Instilling a healthy lifestyle in childhood will roll over into adulthood. Here are a few activities that you might not think of as “exercise” that your family can try this winter!

Consuming dairy is important for bone health, as it provides the necessary nutrients - calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein – for building bones and teeth. Childhood and adolescence are critical periods to encourage a diet with adequate dairy intake, as the body is continually building bone mass. By age 30, the bones will reach their maximum strength and density, as known as peak bone mass. Not eating enough dairy can put children at increased risk of osteoporosis later in life, as well as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Halloween is right around the corner! With the chance to dress up in fun costumes and stock up on treats, it’s no wonder Halloween is a favorite holiday for both kids and adults. If you plan to take your kids trick-or-treating, use these simple tips to keep it fun, healthy and safe.

School is back in session! Let’s jump-start the year by eating a healthy breakfast each day. Feeling too crunched for time in the morning? The Breakfast Power Plays won’t slow you down. In fact, these quick meals will boost alertness and brain power, which can lead to better school performance. Step up to the plate and try these out!

Summer is right around the corner, which means kids are at home, and are hungry. Where can families get affordable healthy food?

A family that plays together stays together but can also be much more happy and healthy. For many families, play is the missing ingredient that glues the family together. What can you do to introduce more play into your family routine?