Healthy Halloween Handouts

Healthy Halloween Treats are really a no-brainer. But, I think we are so conditioned to buy the candy we see in all the stores that I thought I would include a quick note on this...You don't have to be too creative to come up with these and more, but hopefully, this list will give you ideas and save you some time.

Crayons, stickers, colored pencils, colored chalk, bookmarks, fancy erasers, glow bracelets (can even be used while trick or treating!), temporary tattoos, tiny bubble bottles (one of our favorites) individual fishes crackers bags, fruit leathers and granola bars. You can even have a variety of things and include some candy to let the kids decide. Most likely the big kids will want candy, but the little kids will think colorful erasers and crayons and bubbles are more fun!

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Fun Runs with the Kids

We just participated in the Fremont Happy Fish Fun Run at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont yesterday and had a great time. It is a benefit run for the Guy Emanuele Sports Fund which supports children's after school programs. It is the 4th year and it was a lot of fun for the whole family. 4-6 year olds run a 1/4 mile and 6+ get to participate in a 1/2 mile race. It is all fun but they still make it realistic. The kids all feel like winners and get goodie bags with their ribbons. The adults can run 10K or run/walk a 5K. While mom and dad are running, they have a supervision area for the kids. They have a few booths and they have some entertainment. Check it out next year! Otherwise, look for the following upcoming runs to do with the whole family and get active in this passive and computer-using, tv-watching, video game-playing society!

Sun, Nov 2 -Apple Hill Harvest Run - http://www.applehillrun.org/ or 916-492-8966
Sun, Nov 9 - Monterey Bay Half Marathon and 3K kids fun run - http://www.bsim.org/
Sat, Nov 22 - Davis Turkey Trot - 5 and 10Ks and kids' fun runs - http://www.changeofpace.com/

For current running calendars with local events for family activities, check the following sites:
The Schedule - features running race schedule nationwide with additional resources and tips for runner.
Youth Runner Magazine
California Running Races
Run the Planet
California Track and Running News
with the Runner's Schedule Calendar
And a blog that is a great overall resource for runners: Complete Running and site for training and diagnosing aches and pains associated from running: Cool Running

Happy Running!

Pumpkin Patches Galore

Have you been to the pumpkin patch yet? Headed to Half Moon Bay for their annual pumpkin festival? This Festival is this weekend on Oct 18 and 19th from 9-5 on Main Street and with the many pumpkin patches on Hwy 92 on your way there. However, there are many people who head out to Half Moon Bay. If you are looking for something more local, check out this web site: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/CApsanfran.php. We found a great patch - G & M Farms in Livermore. Not only do they have a ton of pumpkins, they have pony rides, a great corn maze, some good ol' cooking like corn on the cob and peach cobbler, a cow train ride and a fun corn kernal play box! Check it out or visit one of the other local areas. Happy Halloween!

Q-tips No Longer Recommended

I think all of us have grown up with Q-tips being used in our ears as kids to clean out the ear wax. However, these days it is definitely not recommended by the medical community and can lead to health concerns such as poor hearing and in rare cases, a punctured ear drum. I know that our pediatrician said "nothing larger than an elbow" should be put in the ear. I have to admit I do use a tissue on my fingertip on the outer part of the ear. However, I have never used Q-tips as there is really no control over how far we can push them in and I just don't want to do any damage. There are also over the counter kits to help with ear wax if there is a lot of build up or your doctor can remove it safely in his/her office. Here is an article from web MD to help provide you with some additional info. But, feel free to do your own research. That is always the best proof! http://blogs.webmd.com/all-ears/2006/01/earwax-good.html