Wierd and wacky animals of the world.

 Happy Halloween!

 

In celebration of Halloween, the Smithsonian has posted an article called, "The Scariest Monsters of the Sea."  Below are a few highlights as well some others from National Geographic:  

Red Octopus (Stauroteuthis syrtensis)

Photo: David Shale

"This red octopus is eerily beautiful. Found in the deep Atlantic waters off the U.S. Coast, the eight arms of Stauroteuthis syrtensis are connected by webbing that it uses to swim. Rows of glowing bioluminescent suckers trail down its eight arms and glow in the deep-sea. Scientists think these glow-in-the-dark suckers may be used to attract planktonic prey like insects drawn to a light. The species has been recognized for at least 100 years, but it wasn't until 1999 that scientists realized it glowed." 

 

Photo: NOAA, Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Deep-sea blob sculpin (Psychrolutes phrictus)

"Remember the horror movie, The Blob? This sculpin bears some resemblance to the invading alien. These fish are usually found at depths of up to 2,800 meters along the U.S. West coast and can get caught in nets that indiscriminately trawl the seafloor for commercially important species like crabs."

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

"The goblin shark is reminiscent of a prehistoric dinosaur with its long snout, small eyes and jagged teeth. The shark's extended snout helps it look for food on the ocean floor and its jaw extends and retracts."




Read the full article on the Smithsonian website here.

And here are some from National Geographic:

Photograph by Alessandro Mancini, Alamy

"A mata mata (Chelus fimbriatus) is a freshwater turtle that inhabits the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The bizarre turtles are entirely aquatic, although they prefer shallow, stagnant water, where they can easily reach their head out of water to breathe.
The mata mata can grow quite large, up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms). They feed on invertebrates and fish and aren't dangerous to people, despite their appearance.
Mata mata are fairly sensitive to water quality, both in captivity and in the wild, so they can be harmed by pollutants."

Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan

"A Cambodian man observes a Mekong giant catfish on the Tonle Sap River. Fishermen captured this specimen, which weighed about 500 pounds (230 kilograms), as bycatch in a stationary bag net. It was later released."



You can see more from National Geographic at their website here.



Hurricane Sandy: Don't Leave your Kids in the Dark

 

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9639915/Hurricane-Sandy-live.html

As North Carolina and the Northeast brace for what meteorologists are predicting to be the worst storm to ever hit the area, some parents may be wondering how best to communicate with their kids during this natural disaster.  Chances are, your kids are excited.  Some schools are closed and everyone is talking about it! Change from the daily routine can be exciting for kids and fear invoking for others.  As adults, we have weathered many storms and natural disasters and we generally know what to expect through all the media hype. The media tends to sensationalize things, and many times for a good reason: so that people will take the threats seriously and be prepared.  But kids don't necessarily know how to seperate the media "doomsday" hype from reality because they don't have enough life experience reconcile the two.  It is important to explain to children that with preparation and common sense, storms like this are not life threatening.  It is true that people's homes may be flooded, but the important thing is the health and safety of the people.  Material possessions can be replaced. 

Source: http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/

Events that are occuring in real time, make the best teaching moments.  Hurricane Sandy presents two good opportunities:

 

1. Hurricane Science

 

2. Natural Disaster Preparation and Safety

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the government agency charged with conducting atmospheric, climate, and weather science for the country.  They employ meteoroligists, climate scientists, and oceanographers, among other scientists to keep us abreast of the latest science that will be affecting our nation.  They also serve as a source for science education.  If you visit their website, http://www.noaa.gov/stormcentral/ , you can track Sandy, learn the science behind hurricanes and hurricane tracking, read about preparedness, read the latest predictions, and much more.

Natural History Halloween

 

Celebrate Halloween this weekend at a nearby nature center or museum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Source: "My Little Lady Bug" by Janelle Bradshaw,
via Flickr

On Saturday, Oct. 27 at 9:00am the Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting Natural History Halloween. Don't miss the Museum’s annual Halloween Celebration! You’ll hear talks such as “Zombie Invasion of the Insect Kind”, and learn about some cute, cool, and creepy critters! Kids in costume (12 and under) can register to win some great prizes in our costume contest! Contest categories include "Creepy and Crawly," "One of a Kind," "Fantastically Fictional," "I Belong in a Museum," and "Creatures of the Night."

Complete Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:http://coablog.ashevillenc.gov/2012/06/

On Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10am to 7pm the Western North Carolina Nature Center is having Howl-O-Ween.  There will be a costume contest, bat ecology games, animal presentations, face painting and more!  The center features over 60 species of animals including river otters, black bear, red wolves and cougars.  They have red wolf pups on exhibit now!

 

Complete Details

 

 

Use our map feature to find a nature center near you and search their calender of events.

 

 

When Nature Comes Inside!

Stink bugs in the home

 

Source: N.C. Cooperative Extension


Seen this guy lately?  Don't worry, you're not alone.  Though this critter goes by the name, "stink bug," it's presence in your house is not an indicator that you have been slacking off on your cleaning duties.  In fact, all across the state, these insects are taking up residence in locals homes.  These insects are not harmful to your home and they won't get into your food, but they are a nuisance.  And if you have ever killed one, you will know why they are called "stink bugs."

 

This particular insect is called a brown marmorated stink bug.  These are non-native, invasive species that have hitched their way over from Asia.  They first appeared in North Carolina in 2009 and populations this year are at an all time high.  So why are they in your home?  They are searching for a suitable, warm habitat to winter over.  Cooler weather triggers their hibernation patterns. 

 

Though they do represent a significant threat to agriculture, they are harmless in the home.  The N.C. Cooperative Extension does not recommend using pesticides in your home.  This would be a short term solution and potentially more harmful to household residents, particularly children.  The best way to control these critters is to put up as many physical barriers as possible; fix any screens with holes, replace door stops to create a tighter fit, and just generally try and plug any possible pathways into your home.  They also recommend vacuuming them up and throwing away the vacuum bag...or use old pantyhose as a vacuum filter so you won't have to discard all those vacuum bags!

 

The other solution is to just wait it out.  Joanna Radford of the N.C. Cooperative Extension predicts that we will see a decrease of stink bugs by the end of October as they start dying off due to cooler weather.  But Radford also predicts a rise in lady bugs over the next couple weeks.  Lady bugs, also innocuous in your home, are actually beneficial to agriculture as they eat harmful pests such as aphids.  So pack your bags stink bugs because lady bugs are moving in!

Source

 

 

Track Out Days and other Fun Things

 

Several parks in Wake County are holding sessions for track out kids/homeschoolers next week, the last week in October.  See these and other fun outdoor things to do with your kids below:

 

Source: http://momentum.bigfuel.com/2012/07/
is-the-social-mom-a-night-owl-or-early-bird/

On Monday October 29th, Lake Crabtree County Park in Morrisville is having "Amazing Owls." Learn about the unique adaptations of owls and find out which species call Lake Crabtree home. Discover what an “owl pellet” is, and see what’s hiding inside. You’ll learn how to identify common owls by their calls and learn about their habitats and food webs. Pre-registration is required.

 

Complete Details

 

On Tuesday the 30th- Thursday the 1st, Historic Yates Mill Park is having "Aquatic Adventures."  Join us for one, two or all three days of Aquatic Adventures. Experience hands-on, outdoor science and learn all about water, water power and the critters that call our pond home. Children in Grades K-5 will participate in curriculum-correlated activities, both together and by grade-level.   

 

Complete Details

 

Source: http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/fort-fisher-aquarium/

On Friday, November 16th, the Aquarium at Fort Fisher is hosting a family sleepover event titled "Stars and Fishes."  Ever wondered what happens when the sun goes down at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher? Bring the family and your pillows to see for yourself.

“Stars and Fishes” sheds light on the wonders of the night inside and outside the Aquarium doors. Star-gaze, learn to identify constellations and discuss the nocturnal behavior of local animals on a guided, night hike. Educators bring the outside in with live-animal presentations, too.
When it’s time for bed, you won’t need a night light. Drift off to sleep watching sharks, rays and other animals swim in the two-story Cape Fear Shoals habitat. Wake in the morning to complete the adventure with a private, guided tour of the Aquarium.

Complete Details

 

 

Visit our calender for more events near you!

  

 

Natural Playgrounds:

Beneficial to Children and the Pocket Book!



Source: http://playgrounddesigns.blogspot.com



Source: http://saturatedroots.blogspot.com

I was sitting outside of a restaurant one day while waiting on a table.  It was a busy area with a lot of people coming and going.  Next to the sidewalk, there were a few trees and a boulder about the size of an office chair, small enough for a kid to climb on.  As I sat there for a period of a few minutes, every kid that walked by, without fail, climbed up and sat on the rock.  One parent, who was in a hurry, had to pry away her kid.  He sat on the rock and protested.  "No mommy!  I just want to sit on this rock.  I don't want to go!"  While I too thought the rock was a pleasant addition, I was amazed at how every single kid was magnetically drawn to this rock. 

 

There is already a slew of research that has shown a correlation between outdoor play and an improvement in children's physical and mental health.  But a recent study from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, takes it a step further to show that natural playgrounds, that incorporate elements such as logs and flowers, may be more beneficial to children than the traditional playgrounds that use mostly man-made materials.  The study followed the renovation of a playground over a period of time and analyzed before and after activity levels of students on the playground.  Researchers found that the physical activity of children doubled when playing in the natural playground that had a creek built into it that was landscaped with rocks and flowers.  The children also appeared to be using their imagination more in this natural playscape.

Source: http://theelmtree.org/playscape.html



Though it might take a little more manpower to build, these natural playscapes can be built from found materials around the home or neighborhood.  Pay attention to the places where you feel relaxed and at ease.  What's around you?  What is the layout like and what kind of design elements are included?  What do you like about it?  And then think about environments where you don't feel relaxed and try and determine what it is about the space that doesn't feel right.  Your children probably will react similarly to those environments even though they are probably unaware of it.  If you are thinking about designing a playscape for your child, or even adding natural features to one that already exists, try and incorporate elements/design from environments where you feel relaxed.  These same benefits will most likely transfer to your child.

 

And...if it is not in the cards to design a natural playscape, there are plenty of places in North Carolina you can take your child that are devoted to providing natural outdoor areas for the public.  They can be found on the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs website. 

 

If you live in the Durham area, you should be aware of a new farm and outdoor learning center that is opening this weekend!  Learn more about it on their Facebook page.

 

 

Don't go chuckin' your pumpkin in the landfill!

Source: http://www.annarbor.com/news/saline/great-pumpkin-roll-races-smashes-composts-pumpkins/

 

 

Some folks get pumpkins for Halloween, some for Thanksgiving, and some just to celebrate fall.  One thing is for sure, pumpkins abound at this time of year.  Although pumpkins are a minor crop for North Carolina growers, they still take up an estimated 3000 to 4000 acres of production per year!  Illinois is the number one pumpkin producing state, putting out nearly 5 million pounds per year.  Imagine if all of those pumpkins ended up in the landfill.  Below is a list of ideas for how you can use your pumpkin to it's max and keep it out of the landfill when it's final days have come:

 

Source: http://pan.intrasun.tcnj.edu/501/projects/
Asay/pumpkinsciencelesson.htm

1. Remove the seeds and make a delicious, healthy snack!  All it takes is a little oil and some salt.  Roast your seeds at 300 degrees for about 40 minutes.  Check them often and stir them around.

 

2. Conduct a science experiment with your kids.  Try and determine if there is a correlation between size of pumpkin and the number of seeds.  This involves getting multiple sized pumpkins and counting the seeds in each one.  Don't forget to come up with a hypothesis first! 

 



Source:http://blog.littleonebooks.com/?p=3016

3. Save the pumpkin guts for making a broth.  Mix the innards with some water and bring it to a boil on the stove.  Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let is simmer.  The longer the better.  Also mix with carrots, celery, and other vegetables good for making a stock.  Once you are satisfied with the flavor, you can strain the solids out of your broth.  Then throw them in the compost heap!

 

4.  When your pumpkin has finally slumped and is starting to attract bugs and other fauna, don't throw it away!  Composting is a faster and safer process if you first chunk your scraps into smaller pieces.  Here is where fun for the kids comes in.  Pumpkin smashing with permission!  Make sure no person or thing will be harmed, and your pumpkin chucking can't be construed as vandalism and then let the kids smash away.  To make it more fun and raise awareness, you can organize a neighborhood event, or even challenge each other to make the most effective pumpkin sling shot.  If you turn the age old neighborhood prank into an event approved and managed by adults, you'll be sure to see premature pumpkin smashing decline on your street.

 

Learning Extensions: As always, you can optimize most activities into learning moments for your children.  Talk about why you are smashing your pumpkins and trying to use them for all they are worth.  You could even turn it into a field trip to your local landfill.  Remember, don't focus on the negative environmental impacts with small children.  Just show them where our trash goes and explain that we are helping by trying to reduce our waste that goes there by composting things that bugs, bacteria, and fungi like to consume!  And by doing so, you are creating your own microcosmic ecosystem in your backyard. 

Pumpkin Time is Here!!

Source: http://my-indiana-home.com/pumpkins-from-patches-to-pies/

 

 

We're finally getting some of that crisp fall air under blue skies...instant nostalgia for drinking apple cider on haybales bumping along in pumpkin patches on the back of a tractor.  Hues of orange, yellow, and red warm our fall memories.  This particular cultural tradition presents a great opportunity to start building those fond memories for your child while at the same time exploring local farms to make that farm-food-table connection. 

 

At a recent meeting about expanding environmental education in urban communities, we were reminded that even adults can have this "information gap" about where food comes from.  We were told a story of a boy who went to his local butcher to ask where the meat comes from.  Surprised by his question, the butcher responded, "From the truck that comes once a week, of course."  Perhaps the most striking anectodote of this misconception came from a high school student asking a teacher, "So what if the fish in the sea are endangered? We still have that fish in a can from the grocery store."  

 

Source: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=15673

Back to the pumpkins...Next time you are facing the orange barage at the grocery store, consider taking a family excurision to a nearby farm where your child can see them still attached to the vine!  There are many things North Carolina is good at, and growing pumpkins is certainly one of them.  There is no shortage of pumpkin farms across the state and a quick google search "pumpkin farms in north carolina" turns up a beaucoup of options.

 

If you aren't pumpkined out after that, there are pumpkin events on our calender:

 

Fall Harvest: Pumpkins

Thursday, Oct 18, 2012 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM at Greystone Community Center, Raleigh

Have you ever wondered where pumpkins come from? We get them from a grocery store but they are plants we can grow in our yards. We will learn about seeds, decorate a pot, plant a seed and take it home to watch it grow. Seeds will be provided but you can bring your own if you prefer.

Ages 2-5yr; $5 per participant

Complete Details

 

Pumpkinpalooza

Thursday, October 25, 2pm – 3pm at Historic Yates Mill County Park, Raleigh
There’s something about a pumpkin that is absolutely magical! Come discover the story of our favorite autumn gourds. Paint your own pumpkin to take home and discover what lies beneath the rind. Please bring comfortable shoes for walking, as we will go on a pumpkin hunt! For ages 7-9: fee: $4/Child. Pre-registration is required.

Admission: $4/Child

 

Complete Details
 

For more fall events, see our calender.

 

Stay tuned for more about pumpkins!

 

Earth Science Rocks!!

Source: http://www.discoveringfossils.co.uk/fossil_hunting_trips.htm

 

 

Rocks are not just things that we climb on, build on, and walk on.  Rocks tell a story!  They've been around longer than any living thing on the planet...for millions to even billions of years!  So long that we cannot even fathom.  Earth Scientists are like detectives, peicing together clues of events that took place that have no living witnesses.  When a fossil is found embedded in a rock, it is a clue to uncover the story of past life forms.

 

Next week starting October 14th is Earth Science Week.  In celebration of this week, National Park Service has designated October 17th National Fossil Day™.  Fossils are important records for piecing together Earth's history by providing evidence of past climates, mass extinctions, and changing species.  The National Parks serve as a laboratory for uncovering fossils and studying Earth's history.

 

The mission of National Fossil Day is to promote public understanding fossils and how they are used in science and education with the hope of fostering stewardship of fossils and public lands on which they are found.

 

There are several events happening around the state to celebrate National Fossil Day:

 

National Fossil Day at the Aurora Fossil Museum

Date: Oct 17, 2012 Time: 10 am and 1 pm
Contact: 252-322-4238 or aurfosmus@yahoo.com

The History of Life: The Fossil Record (10am)

Miocene Fossils of Eastern NC (1pm)

 

Website: http://www.aurorafossilmuseum.com/

 

Fossil Day at Discovery Place

Oct 13 10 am - 2 pm

Celebrate National Fossil Day here at Discovery Place. Look at some of the fossils from our own collections, make a fossil craft, discover some animals that are considered living fossils, and even excavate your own fossil.

 

Website: http://www.discoveryplace.org/

 

National Fossil Day at North Carolina Museum of Natural Science

Oct 17 12 pm - 5 pm

National Fossil Day Talks: Plants are the primary producers in ecosystems and the more that is known of them, the better our understanding of ancient ecological relationships. The distribution and structure of vertebrate and plant communities are intertwined through feeding relationships and the physical setting. Come learn about the insights fossil plants provide about the landscapes and life of the distant past.

 

Website: http://naturalsciences.org/

 

Don't forget to check out our calender for other great events happening around the state.



Environmental Health in Schools

 

Webinar: Why Environmental Health in Schools Matters

Wednesday, October 17, 2pm-3pm

 

Healthy Children are Happy Children
Source: http://www.theslowcook.com/2010/03/22/tracking-obesity-in-healthy-schools/

 

 

It is just as important as ever these days for parents to be involved in their child's school.  One of the most helpful things parents can do is donate their time in areas where they see an extra need.  If you are thinking of raising an issue, it is important to remember that the school system has your child's best interest in mind just like you do.  Check out this webinar to get some ideas on how you can help your child's school have a healthy environment.

 

"Healthy school environments play an important role in the health and academic success of children. Children spend 90 percent of their time indoors, and much of that time is spent in school. Unhealthy school environments can affect attendance, concentration, and performance, as well as lead to expensive, time-consuming cleanup and remediation activities. Join our webinar to learn more about what schools can do to better address environmental health in schools. We will also introduce EPA’s new voluntary School Environmental Health: Development and Implementation Guidelines for States."

 

 

Register for this free webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Education and see other webinars offered, here.

Eye on Research: Endangered species and 5 year olds

 

“Knowledge without love will not stick. But if love
comes first, knowledge is sure to follow.”

-John Burroughs, 1919

 

Source: http://www.zmescience.com/other/videos/
elephants-cooperate-to-save-baby-elephant-from-drowning/

Katie Slivovsky with the Brookefield Zoo in Illinois came out with a research based article on teaching young children about endangered species and human affects on the environment.  She begins her piece with an account of a 5 year old boy at a zoo, in awe of seeing an elephant for the first time.  While he is taking in this beautiful creature, the interpreter is talking about how elephants are hunted for their tusks and how it is a huge problem for their species.  The author raises the question of how this young boy is supposed to reconcile his feelings of wonderment for the elephant and mental images of them being shot by poachers.  She argues, that while he can understand the message that the intepreter is sending, it is developmentally inappropriate and he doesn't "get" the larger picture.  She highlights this point by titling her paper after a campaign slogan written by an eight year old girl after studying elephant poaching.  The slogan is, “Save the Elephants: Don’t Buy Ivory Soap.”

 

Her other main point in the article is that teaching small children about environmental problems before they have had time to develop a relationship with nature, may turn them off all together.  Children cope with bad news by distancing themselves from it.  They are less likely to form a relationship with something if they associate sadness and negative feelings with it.

 

Of course you don't want to lie to your child, nor keep them too sheltered, but the main point is that we should focus on providing positive, nurturing, exciting, awe inspiring experiences in nature and wait until middle school age to start delving in to topics such as endangered species, pollution, habitat destruction, etc.  The author provides suggestions for age appropriate ways of dealing with such topics with your child.

 

The complete article can be found here, under Age Appropriate EE.

 

Source: http://confedmo.org/cfm2/index.php/
programs-and-activities/missouri-children-in-nature-challenge

An article with ideas for nurturing biophilia in children can be found here.  Biophilia, coined by E.O. Wilson in 1984, is the idea that humans have an inherent connection with nature that brings them enjoyment and well-being.  Consequently, if children have negative associations with nature at a young age, this can lead to biophobia, an aversion to nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't forget to check out our events calender for things to do, and our location listings for places to go that will help your child's biophilia flourish! 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Hike-a-Thon:

Agapé Center for Environmental Education

 

Sat November 10th!!

 

8:45 – 9:25 am    Registration

9:30 am                Hiking

11:30 – 12:30      Lunch served

12:30 pm             Raffle

1:00 pm               Closing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Message from Agapé :

Please join us for our 9th annual Hike-a-Thon & Basket Raffle on Saturday, November 10th.  Hikers of all ages are invited to join us for a day of hiking and exploring in Agapé's beautiful natural setting.  The fall foliage in November is spectacular!  So gather your group, family, and friends and join us for a day of fellowship and fun.   

 

The Hike-a-Thon & Basket Raffle will help fund the Agapé environmental education program, ACE Education, as well as expand a vision for more programs that meet the needs of our guests.  Annually we serve over 5,000 area children in ACE Education field trips. 

 

All hikers with a minimum of $25 in pledges will receive a FREE T-shirt.  To make certain we have enough T-shirts available, we need your registration and pledge information by October 27th.  We will still take registrations up to the day of the Hike-a-Thon, but we can't be certain there will be enough T-shirts after this date.

For further questions about the event contact:  Camp Agapé (919) 552-9421, ACEed@agapekurebeach.org.

Complete details and registration forms

In Celebration of Children's Health Month

 

Here is a list of tips, links, and events to help you celebrate this month...

 

 

Eat Smart, Move More, and Go Green

This is a North Carolina resource offering tips on how you can eat smart and move more every day.  Here are a few highlights from their 21 tips on how consumers can eat healthier, be more physically active, and more enivronmentaly friendly.  I've added ideas on incorporating kids more into the ideas as well.  You can veiw the whole document at the website:

 

Source: http://nutritioneer.net/2012/04/cooking-with-kids/

1. Prepare more meals at home from fresh foods.  Avoid processed foods and frozen meals as these tend to have a lower nutritional value and a higher ecological footprint.  Involve your child in cooking.  Kids love to do what adults do!  Let them plan a meal and discuss the importance of balancing differenet kinds of foods.  Measuring is an excellent way to teach kids about fractions.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Unplug the TV.  Appliances that are plugged in still use electricity even if they are off.  This brings me to an event.  This Saturday, Oct 6, is Worldwide Day of Play sponsored by Nickelodeon.  First Lady Michelle Obama will flip the switch and all of Nickelodeon's networks will go dark for three hours.  This is to encourage kids to go outside and play.  You could go on a bike ride, a nature walk, or visit one of the Environmental Education Centers across the state found here.

 

3. Create a compost area in your yard.  Food scraps are the largest compenent of solid waste at the landfills!  They take up unneccesary space and place undue burden on the landfill.  You and your child can learn about composting together and then create a household competition in which one loses points everytime a food scrap is thrown in the trash can.  A compost pile is also a great way to teach kids about decomposers while you watch your food turn into soil!  Learn more about composting here.

 

4. ReThink Your Drink. 

 

Amount of Sugar in Typical Beverages
Source: http://epicnutritiontoday.com/is-drinking-soda-really-that-bad/

Before you run for that bottled water, consider this:  It takes 500 years for a plastic bottle to decay in a landfill.

For all the tips, check out the document here.

 

 

 

And don't forget it is walk to school month!  If you live in an area where it is safe to walk with sufficient sidewalks, consider walking your child to school.  



Source: http://www.parents.com/blogs/goodyblog/

Be Aware and Take Care: Environment, Health, and Children

Healthy Kids Make Happy Kids
Source: http://webndbitesoflife.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/make-sure-your-children-have-the-best-chance-to-be-healthy/

 

 

We're kicking off the month of October today, which holds nice, mild to crisp days and pretty fall colors.  As the segway month into cooler weather hibernation, October has aptly been named National Farm-to-School month, Children's Health Month, and International Walk to School Month to remind the public that we still need to be connected to the outdoors and thinking about environmental health.

 

Obesity is still on the rise in the nation and statistics show that the epidemic is even more prevalent in North Carolina than other parts of the country.  Data from the 2004 NC Nutrition and Physical Activity Surveillance System (NC-NPASS) show that childhood obesity affects:

•27.2 percent of youth 12 to 18 years of age
•23.8 percent of children five to 11 years
•14.9 percent of preschool children

Source: http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/advice_from_doctors/your_childs_health/obesity

 

Studies have shown a correlation suggesting that the amount of time spent outside decreases obesity and ADHD symptoms, and it has been shown to improve school performance on End-of-Course standardized tests.

Sources: http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Time_Spent_Outside; https://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There/Benefits.aspx

Environmental factors also play a role in the childhood obesity epedimic by affecting our eating habits.  These include lack of access to healthy food choices and oversized food portions.  Often the cheapest and easiest foods to obtain are processed foods that are high in fat and in high in sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup. 



Healthy Choices!
Source: http://www.fitnessmantra.info/

For many school children, the cafeteria is where they will consume over 50% of their meals for the day.  National Farm to School month promotes Farm to School programs that are based on the premise that students will choose healthier foods, including more fruits and vegetables, if products are fresh, locally grown, and picked at the peak of their flavor and if those choices are reinforced with educational activities. Farm to School programs not only benefit children by providing healthier choices, but also benefit the environment by promoting local farmers and decreasing the need for fossil fuels.  For complete information on this program and how you could become involved in your child's school, click here.

Another children's health issue in North Carolina is asthma. A recent survey of North Carolina middle school children revealed that 10 percent had been diagnosed with asthma and another 17 percent had asthma symptoms that had never been diagnosed.  Asthma in children has been linked to both outdoor and indoor air quality.  Source: http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/oii/mold/healtheffects.html

To learn more about environment and children's health, visit the EPA's website. The EPA is celebrating Children's Health Month with the mission to protect human health and the environment.  Children are more affected by pollution than adults for many reasons. They are smaller, their organ systems are still developing, their play and learning behaviors expose them to additional environmental threats.  Learn more here.

Stay tuned for more events in October that promote children's environmental health.