Marion General

Untitled Document

Healthy Eating Class
Marion General's dietitians want all of us to learn how to become heart healthy by learning how to eat healthy. This class was developed to help you with grocery shopping, interpreting and reading nutrition labels, choosing foods that are better for you, and learning how to prepare them in a healthy manner.

Visit our Events Calendar for a schedule of upcoming Heart Healthy Classes.

Pre-registration is required for this free class by calling MGH Central Scheduling at 740/383-8484. Healthy snacks will be provided.

I am feeling overwhelmed with my daughter’s boyfriend being around all of the time.
Because you are the parent, it is necessary for you to set limits about your daughter’s behavior. When your daughter has her own place, she can have a say in how long guests stay, but at this point you are within your rights and responsibilities to politely and firmly tell the boyfriend it is time to go home. A rule of no guests after 9:30 pm on week nights would be fine. You have a right not to be inconvenienced by the boyfriend, and your daughter needs a wise, cool- headed parent to enforce a rule she might not be able to do by herself. Also, setting one “no friends” day a week for a family dinner will provide you with a break. Talk to a counselor about balancing the adolescent’s need for independence with your need for some control over your life, while maintaining oversight of hers.

Which leads to the next question: How much oversight of my teen is appropriate?
I want to give her as much freedom as I can, but I am terrified of what can go wrong. Balancing independence with accountability is a challenging task for parents. You can help your daughter become aware that her behavior has consequences, both positive and negative, and that she can earn more freedom and independence by behaving responsibly. One way to help establish this is by having your daughter suggest rules for when she goes out. For example, what time to be home, when to call, etc. Then hold her to the precise letter of the law that she has established. If she cannot stick to this plan, then her curfew will be as you set it. She can earn back the right to keep her own curfew if she can prove to you that she can keep yours. Pick your battles carefully.

My 13 year old daughter is arguing with me and my husband all of the time. I feel like we are not communicating like we should. I want her to be able to come to me for anything. What should I do?
This is a difficult time for the parent and teenager. Teens do not want to talk with parents and parents feel they must ask multiple questions to get information. Letting your child know you are there when she needs you is a big start, and letting go of your need to have the last word can change the way you handle conflict. Remember, the responsibility is more on you as the adult to hold your cool and not argue back. Communication is a big part of the parent teen relationship. A counselor in a neutral setting may be needed for both parties to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings calmly.

My son is having problems with a bully at school. How can I help?
First, encourage your son to discuss the whole situation with you . Help him find positive ways he can handle the bully. If the bullying continues, you may need to discuss the situation with the teacher or principal so others can monitor the behavior at school. More and more schools are addressing bullying; your son’s school may have a program that may help. As reported in Psychiatric News, (April 2, 2004) half of the children surveyed between the ages of 8 and 11 reported bullying as a problem. Two thirds of those surveyed between age 12 and 15 reported bullying as a problem.

Good Nutrition is Key
to Health & Performance
Good nutrition and exercise play crucial roles in enhancing human health. By utilizing realistic eating strategies to help you make the right food choices in today’s eat-and-run society, you can boost your energy, reduce stress, lose body fat, build muscle, and improve your overall health and performance. There is a wealth of knowledge available online regarding proper nutrition and exercise.

The dieticians in the Marion General Hospital Nutrition Services Department are pleased to provide the following list of credible nutrition websites for your information and use:

General
http://www.5aday.com/html/consumers/consumers_home.php

http://www.eatright.org
http://www.diabetes.org
http://www.healthyohioans.org/nutri/nutri1.htm
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic
http://www.nml.nih.gov/medlineplus/nutrition.html
http://extension.osu.edu/health_and_nutrition/index.php
http://www.odh.oh.gov/hohc/nutri/nlinks.htm
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dga
http://www.foodsafety.gov
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200010
http://www.nutrition.gov