• 5 a day is the healthy way.  Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and veggies every day
• 2 or less for success.  Don't watch more than 2 hours of "screen time" a day (television, computer & video games)
• 1 or more builds a strong core.  Be active for an hour or more every day

5-2-1 is an easy way for children and adults alike to form healthy habits.
Good nutrition and physical activity promote normal physical growth and development and prevent childhood and adolescent health problems like overweight, dental cavities, iron deficiency anemia and even diabetes.  The benefits of these healthy habits also include lowering the risk of future chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.

Children who spend a significant amount of time in front of a television, computer or playing video games have less time to be physically active, are exposed to unhealthy food advertising and are at increased risk of becoming overweight.

Regular moderate physical activity promotes healthy development of bones, joints, and muscles.

Getting the whole family involved in 5-2-1 will help keep everyone motivated. Here are some suggestions:

• Plan family physical activities like a walk around the neighborhood or a trip to a local park or swimming pool.
• Pack healthy snacks such as cut up fruit or vegetables with low fat dressing, bean dip, salsa, or yogurt for dipping.
• Plan evening activities to avoid the television or computer. Play games or read together.

For more information about nutrition and physical activity, visit www.mypyramid.gov or www.bluecrossma.com/jumpupandgo.

Create-a-Cook for Aspiring Chefs, Grades 6 through 10:  Once a week, your kids make dinner!   Sophisticated, multi-cultural cooking and baking classes starting in January.  "Saute, Simmer and Stir Fry": Wednesdays and Thursdays 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM for 7 weeks $295. "Calling All Bakers": The art and science of baking explored through English Muffins, Blueberry Crumb Coffeecake, Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, Rocky Road Brownies and a 4-layer Decorated Cake.  Mondays 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM for 4 weeks, $195.  Also classes for adults and younger kids.  Winter vacation camp half day sessions still available. www.createacook.com  53 Winchester St. Newton Highlands (617) 795-2223.

Register Now for GCKS Spring Soccer:  Garden City Kindergarten and Pre-K Spring Soccer registration begins January 5, 2009.
 
Children
in Pre-K (4-5 years old) and students currently enrolled in
Kindergarten are invited to participate. GCKS provides an introduction
to the game of soccer; teaching a variety of basic skills in a fun,
non-competitive environment. Team sizes are limited to 10 players in
each group.
 
Registration
is limited to 80 players per league. Fall session runs from April 11,
2009 to June 6, 2009. Practice/games are held Saturdays from 9:30-10:30
am for the Kindergarten league and 10:45 AM -11:45 AM for the Pre-K
league. Games are played on the field at Burr School, Pine Street in
Auburndale. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. No experience is
necessary and training will be provided.
 
Cost
is $60 per child. GCKS is a joint venture of Lincoln-Eliot &
Franklin School's Parent Teacher Organization. Proceeds benefit both
schools PTO programs. To register, email gardencitysoccer@gmail.com. Registration forms can also be downloaded at www.lepto.org or www.franklinpto.org. 
For more information, call L-E School parent Melanie Varady at (617)
244-5773 or Franklin School parent Deb Rooney at (617) 630-8520.
Registration deadline is March 20th. Register early. Space is limited.

Part-Time Volunteer Needed:  The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, headed by Newton parent Adam Pertman, is looking for a part-time volunteer for our Newton Highlands office, near the "T".  We are a national not-for-profit organization devoted to improving adoption laws, policy and practice -- through sound research, education and advocacy - in order to better the lives of everyone touched by adoption. [For more information please go to our website: www.adoptioninstitute.org.  This is a great opportunity to make a real difference while your children are in school or aftercare. We can be very flexible on days and hours, but need a commitment of at least two days a week, three to four hours per day, during regular work hours. Duties include basic administration and project assistance.  Computer knowledge preferred, advanced computer skills desired, but not mandatory.

April Vacation Soccer Clinic at Boston College: The Women's Soccer staff invite girls aged 6-14 to join them for a soccer clinic at BC. The program runs April 21st - 24th  from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, however, late pick up is available. The focus is on fun and development. Come and join the BC players and coaches for a great soccer experience. For information on all our programs and registration please visit: http://bceagles.cstv.com/camps/bc-w-soccer-camps2.html or call (617) 552-0982 or email soccer.clinic@bc.edu.
 
Think Spring! Think Softball! Newton Girls Softball has begun online registration for the Spring season. The program is open to all girls in grades 1-8. Players of all skill levels will have a rewarding experience. Visit our website www.newtongirlssoftball.org for details about the Spring season, on-line registration, and our ongoing Winter indoor clinics. Register before January 31, 2009 to avoid a late fee.

Baseball in the Bubble up to age 12 Starting Soon! (at Boston College): Three winter clinics are scheduled for kids aged 6-12.  "Holiday Shopper's Clinic" December 21st - run, catch, throw in the bubble while parents do holiday errands.  "Holiday Youth Clinic" December  27 - December 30 - Play Bubble-ball during the holiday break.  "Parents' Night Out" January 17, February 7 and February 14 (Valentine's Day) - The folks get a nigh t off while the kids play Birdball.  Info and registration, and info about upcoming summer clinics, at www.birdballclinics.com.

Pre-K Art Classes at the New Art Center:  Create art together! Register now for Parent & Child Pre-K art classes at the New Art Center. Draw, paint, build, and grow! Choose from a variety of classes: Art for Every Season, Parent & Child Clay, Creative Constructions, and Parent & Child Art.  Call for more information (617) 964-3424 or visit us online www.newartcenter.org.

February Vacation at the New Art Center: Medieval Mayhem:  Jesters and jousting, dragons and distressed damsels! Travel back in time with us as we create art worthy of kings and queens. Spend the week painting, drawing, sculpting, and having fun! Students in grades K-5 will attend four art classes throughout the day, as well as a snack time, lunch, and recess. February 17-20, 2009, 9am-3:30pm. Call for more information (617) 964-3424 or visit us online www.newartcenter.org.
 
Saturday Drop-In Art at the New Art Center:  Need something to do on Saturday mornings? Stop by the New Art Center for our Saturday Drop-In Art class. Parents can either drop off their children or stay and create art together. A fun and exciting art project each week! Saturdays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, $15 cash/check. Class meets: November 1, 8, 15, 22, December 6. Call for more information (617) 964-3424 or visit us online www.newartcenter.org.
 
Birthday Art Parties at the New Art Center:  Bored of just cake and balloons? Celebrate your child's birthday with a unique art experience! We provide a talented art instructor, a space for art and a space for refreshments, and 7 possible themes to inspire your party. Call for pricing and more details (617) 964-3424 or visit us online www.newartcenter.org.