Summer is such a wonderful time to practice good eating habits. It’s easy to find fresh, yummy fruits and brightly colored vegetables in abundance at the grocery stores and farmers markets.

But we also hear about the joys of summer and sugary snacks such as ice cream sundaes and root beer floats. So how can you keep the balance of fun and yummy while you entertain in the summer sun?

So many people view the New Year as the clean slate upon which they will build resolutions and goals. It is a wonderful concept… but how many people do you know who give up their new year resolutions? Are you one of those people? Where are you now with your goal attainment?

We are living in unique times when it comes to medicine. We have the ability to prevent and cure so many life-threatening illnesses. Many have completely eradicated due to preventative medicine - most often in the form of vaccinations. This is the part I just don’t get. Why in the world would a responsible parent choose to not protect their child against the well-known horrors and consequences of many of these diseases? Why do some parents see vaccination as a threat to their belief system? Isn’t it within every parent’s belief system to protect your children to your highest ability?

As I sit and watch my daughter’s gymnastics class, I am surrounded by all of the parenting styles I could ever imagine. I listen to the comments, dialogue, and discussions. I also observe the body language and interactions. It is all very interesting to me. Naturally, my question is which one are you?

As most everyone is aware, we are still in the midst of the cold and flu season. According to the CDC, “The geographic spread of influenza in 25 states was reported as widespread; 16 states reported regional influenza activity; the District of Columbia and four states reported local influenza activity, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and four states reported sporadic influenza activity.”

It is no secret that most people fall off the wagon of healthy eating habits and regular exercise routines during the holiday. It’s no wonder! There are more parties now than any other time of year. Seems everyone wants to raise a glass to the joy of season and to the possibilities that lie in the new year.