Kids Be Aware, Inc. provides a 5 step guide to creating a safer and healthier environment for children during the summer months. The steps include avoiding pesticides, using non-toxic products, cleaning indoor air, eating healthy, and being wise with plastics. Tips are given under each step such as using gentle soaps and safer cleaning products, checking labels for toxic ingredients, and using glass containers instead of plastic when possible. The full newsletter also provides recipes and articles on promoting physical activity in children to reduce obesity.

1. June 2012
KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Volume 1, Issue 3
A Safer Summer
Here are five steps to create a safer, essential oil of eucalyptus and 1 tsp
healthier, environment for children essential oil of pennyroyal with 2 cups
especially during the summer months. water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend.
Spray along baseboards, backs of counters,
Step 1 - Avoid Pesticides inside cupboards. Do not rinse
Weeds, bugs, rodents can be a pest and no For ants, you can sprinkle red chili powder,
one wants them around. In the spring and paprika or dried peppermint (or its
summer months are times for cutting essential oil) where the ants are entering.
grass, killing weeds in gardens and flower For outdoor pets, place their food bowl
gardens and getting rid of insects. Most within a larger bowl of soapy water.
often pesticides are used and can be Table of Contents
harmful. Pesticides are poisons, and in Step 2 - Use Non-Toxic Products CEO’s Corner ............... 2
most cases, their negative effects can far We use many personal care products,
outweigh any positives of being rid of the cleaners, computers, carpeting, cabinetry, Highlights ......................... 2
pests. Pesticides have been linked to a cushions, cosmetics and the list goes on
range of health problems, including and on. Checking labels to ensure they are
asthma, hyperactivity and behavior non-toxic is essential for a safe Featured Articles:
problems, cancer, learning disabilities, environment for children and the entire
reproductive disorders, and compromised family.
Healthy Recipes.............. 3
brain development. Body Wellness................ 4
What to Do
What to Do Use gentle castile soap and water and
........................................... 5
Avoid unsafe chemicals inside and out buy safer cleaning products. For Look for
Instruct caregivers about the hazards of products made with certified organic
pesticides and talk to school or daycare ingredients and those with the fewest
centers about pest management ingredients.
practices For personal care products use fewer
Prevent pests through good sanitation products and smaller amounts. Look for
and food storage habits, and by products made with certified organic
preventing their entry structurally ingredients and those with the fewest
Take off your shoes at the door to ingredients.
prevent tracking pesticides indoors
Step 3 - Clean Up Indoor Air
Safe Solutions Because we breathe more than we eat we
Examples of some safe solutions are: need to be careful and be mindful what our
All-purpose pesticide spray: Combine 1 tsp children are inhaling. Young children
Our Mission and Vision
breathe faster than adults – inhaling 50%
more air per pound of body weight. The To increase disease
worst air is generally inside, where most awareness among
people spend roughly 90% of their time.
children and parents;
Safe Solutions To promote healthy
Indoor products we use could contribute to behaviors, reduce the
pollution and an unhealthy environment. spread of infections,
That is why it is essential to know what’s in
and to reduce health-
the products you buy and opt for the most
natural and non-toxic choices. related issues in our
nation’s children.
Continued from Page 5

2. Page 2
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
CEO’s Corner...
I am pleased to partner with local organizations as
with our board to reach our we reach out to children
families across the nation. I and parents.
believe that the greatest We realize that parents
asset this country has is our have a tremendous job to do
children. community.
– raising their children in
With the help and support difficult times. We want to If we can join you in your
of a dedicated board, we are help! established meeting place,
excited about the many contact us! We would love
Our Board of Directors are
changes we are to introduce Kids Be
diligently seeking area
undergoing ! This year will Aware, Inc. to you!
schools, churches, local
be a year of great businesses to join us as we By
expansion and outreach. reach out to the Jeannette Bryant, CEO
We anticipate partnering
Monthly Highlights
“We strive to partner with schools, churches, KIDS BE AWARE GALA
and organizations to focus on the health and TO BE ANNOUNCED
well-being of our children” SOON
FOLLOW US ON
Our JUNE Activities FACBOOK OR GO TO
OUR WEBSITE
We are having a Disease Education
Program for Families on We are planning a
SPECIAL surprise in
JUNE 23th. August! But, we will
PLEASE SIGN UP SOON!! give you a hint- We will
host a special event in
Boston for children and
Parents!
Facilitator Training
Get more hints as
We are seeking NEW Enrollment! August draws near!!!
We are seeking Volunteers for various roles. You will not want to
Contact us and Volunteer! miss it!

3. KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Page 3
Healthy Recipes
Zucchini Oven Chips
Preparation
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs Preheat oven to 425°.
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl,
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder stirring with a whisk. Place milk in a shallow bowl.
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Dip zucchini slices in milk, and dredge in
2 tablespoons fat-free milk breadcrumb mixture. Place coated slices on an
2 1/2 cups (1/4-inch-thick) slices zucchini ovenproof wire rack coated with cooking spray;
(about 2 small) place rack on a baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 30
Cooking spray minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve
immediately.
Citrus Chicken
. PLACE RECIPE HERE WITH THE IN-
STRUCTIONS AND VALUABLE TIPS;
,MAYBE HAVE INGREDIENTS ON ONE
SIIDE AND THE INSTRUCTIONS ON
THE OTHER COLUMN.

4. Page 4
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Body Wellness
“Hop To It”
Renee Sullivan, M.A., CCLC
Spring has arrived and the weather has gotten warmer, but fewer children and adolescents seem to be outside
engaging in activities that require physical energy compared to times in the past. It seems that if children are outside at all, most
are riding some motorized vehicle instead of riding a bike or some other object that requires physical energy to operate, while
many are inside playing video games or playing on the computer. As a result, the numbers of overweight children and
adolescents in America have significantly increased through the years. In 2010, President Obama issued the President’s
Challenge which encourages children to participate in physical exercise at an increased level in their local schools. Parents can
help by discussing the programs with their child’s principal and encouraging the school to participate in the program. Children
can earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) each school year for the next three years. Information on this program
can be found at www.presidentschallenge.org.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2012), the obesity rate for children aged 6-11 increased from 7%
in 1980 to 20% in 2008 and from 5% to 18% for those aged 12-19. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
(AACAP, 2011), childhood obesity has become a major problem in the United States, with 16 to 33 percent of children and
adolescents considered to be obese. This problem of obesity has cost over $100 billion dollars and is believed to be fueled by a
lack of physical exercise and poor dietary habits. Studies have shown that obesity begins between ages 5 and 6 or during
adolescence and if one parent is obese, the child has a 50 percent chance of being obese as well, but if both parents are obese,
this chance increases to 80 percent (AACAP). Problems contributing to child and adolescent obesity include: lack of exercise,
overeating or binging, poor eating habits, family history of obesity, medications (i.e., steroids, some psychiatric medications),
medical illnesses (i.e., endocrine, neurological problems), stressful life events (i.e., divorce, deaths, abuse, moves, separations),
low self-esteem and depression or other mental health problems such as anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (AACAP).
Although only 1 percent of problems are caused by obesity, other physical problems can include diabetes, increased heart
disease and high blood pressure, breathing problems and trouble sleeping.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, 2012) suggests that parents help
children who are overweight or obese by encouraging them to engage in physical activities such as playing catch, dancing, playing
on a jungle gym, hopscotch or bouncing a ball. Because children and pre-adolescents are not ready for adult-style physical
activity, it is recommended that they participate in these “fun” activities for up to 60 minutes per day, which can be
accomplished in short 5 to 10-minute intervals until they have achieved the full 60 minutes per day. Of course, parents can set
a good example by joining their children in activities at the park, walking, or even riding a bike and they can encourage their
child to participate on a local sports team and if their child is uncomfortable playing physical sports, the parent can encourage
him or her to participate in activities such as playing tag with friends or family members. Families can even participate in daily
or weekly chores together such as vacuuming, or washing the car (NIDDK).
Changing poor dietary habits is essential as well. This can easily be done by incorporating more fresh fruits and
vegetables, fruit canned in light syrup or juice, low sugar and whole grain cereals with low-fat milk and small amounts of dried
fruits (i.e., raisins, apple rings, apricots). Parents can encourage healthy dietary habits in schools, daycares, churches and other
organizations in which their children participate (CDC, 2012). In addition, ensuring that children start their day with a healthy,
nutritious breakfast will increase their energy level overall, cause them to feel less hungry during the day and increase their
ability to perform academically. Eating less fast-food and planning and eating nutritious family meals together can also help. Of
course, accepting children regardless of their weight, while listening to their concerns and making them feel important is also
crucial and essential to their overall development (NIDDK, 2012). Be an excellent role model for your child by adopting a
healthier lifestyle that includes smart dietary choices, water, and exercise.
References
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2011). Obesity in children and adolescents, No. 79. Retrieved from
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children_and_teens.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Childhood obesity facts. Retrieved on April 15, 2012 from http://
www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2012). Weight-control information network: helping your
overweight child. Retrieved on April 15, 2012 from http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/over_child.htm.

5. KIDS BE AWARE, INC. Page 5
A Safer Summer Continued from Page 1 Providing Safe Drinking Water for Your Family
Choose personal care products that are fragrance-free and KNOW YOUR WATER SOURCE
sprinkle baking soda on your carpet to absorb odors before •Find out if the pipes in your home or apartment building are
vacuuming. made of lead or contain lead solder.
•Send tap water samples to your local EPA-certified labora-
Step 4 - Eat Healthy tory for testing, or buy a water test kit.
Pesticides, bacteria, industrial chemicals, and food additives •If your water is supplied by a public system:
all find their way into our children’s foods, often at levels ◦Ask your supplier what chemicals and parasites are tested
that can be harmful to them in myriad ways. Pound for for and how the water is treated.
pound, children eat and drink more than adults. Therefore, ◦Obtain a Consumer Confidence Report on your water qual-
healthy eating is essential in order to safely nourish their ity from your public water authority.
growing bodies. •If your water supply is a private well: ◦Test your water yearly
for pesticides, metals, coliform bacteria and other possible
Safe Solutions contaminants.
The easiest way to eat healthier is to start making your food ◦Avoid using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals near
instead of buying prepared food and warming it. Have the your well's supply source as they can pollute your ground-
tap water at home tested. Also, trim fat off of meat, poultry water.
and fish, broil or bake instead of frying and eat a wide
IMPROVE YOUR WATER SUPPLY
variety of foods. Lastly, read labels. Look for foods with few
•Install water treatment filters or conditioning systems.
and identifiable ingredients.
◦Several types are available, depending on what contami-
nants are present.
Avoid the top five risky additives: Artificial Colors (anything •Consider buying a water distiller.
that begins with FD&C ), Chemical Preservatives (Butylated •Flush your pipes by running cold water for at least one min-
Hydroxyanisole [BHA], Sodium Nitrate, Sodium Benzoate), ute.
Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame-K, Saccharin), •Do not use hot water from the tap for cooking or drinking,
Added Sugar (High Fructose Corn Syrup [HFCS], Corn Syrup, as toxins are more likely to leach into hot water.
Dextrose, etc.), Added Salt (Look at the sodium content and •Make sure formula is prepared with safe water since boiling
choose foods with the lowest amounts.) increases the lead concentration. Infants are at particular risk
of lead poisoning because of the larger amount of water they
Step 5- Be wise with Plastics consume relative to their body size.
Plastic is generally toxic to produce, toxic to use, and toxic •If necessary, install shower/faucet filters since babies can swal-
to dispose of. Some common plastics release harmful low water when bathing.
chemicals into our air, foods, and drinks. We may not be •Immediately dispose of household chemicals like batteries,
able to see it but if you’re serving your dinner on plastic, fluorescent bulbs, used motor oil, etc., at your municipal haz-
you’re likely eating a little plastic for dinner. ardous waste depot. (Do not leave them around your home
where they may contaminate your water supply.)
Safe Solutions
IMPROVE YOUR WATER SUPPLY
Buy and store food in glass, ceramic or stainless steel
•Read the label of your bottled water. "Spring" water comes
containers. If using plastic storage containers, make sure
from one or more underground sources and some bottled
hot food items have cooled before placing them in the
water may come from a "municipal source" or from a
container. "community water system," and may have had additional treat-
Find safer substitutes for plastic toys your child mouths. Do ment.
not heat plastics even if they say they are microwave safe. •Avoid plastic bottles with the following recycling codes #1
Recycle, re-purpose or discard plastic bottles and food PET, #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Polycarbonate, which may leak
storage containers that are worn, scratched, or cannot be suspected carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
identified. •Look for safer plastic bottles, such as #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE,
and #5 PP.
Material taken from Healthy Child Healthy World
Read more: http://www.healthychild.org/live-healthy/checklist/
providing_safe_drinking_water_for_your_family/
#ixzz1sbN9gsgz

6. Page 6
KIDS BE AWARE, INC.
Kids Be Aware, Inc.
P. O. Box 3226
Woburn, MA 01888
We are on the Web!
Visit us at: www.kidsbeaware.org
We are also on Facebook!
KBA Board Members
Jeannette Bryant CEO kidsbeawarenow@gmail.com 781-535-2448
Tiffany Henderson Treasurer donald_and_tiffany@yahoo.com 678-431-6543
Florette Dihewou Board Secretary dflorette3@yahoo.com 774-242-8480
Susan Ruiz Co-chair susan.ruiz@waldenu.edu 301-302-4215
Teresa Godley-Chase Co-chair teressa.godley-chase@waldenu.edu 240-515-4222
Renee Sullivan Board Member renee.l.sullivan@gmail.com 478-718-1306
Regina Rainey Board Member reginarainey@ymail.com 864-303-2151
Andre Bikai Board Member andrebtwo@yahoo.com 770-369-5305
Felix Bikai Board Member
Krissy McGarvey Board Member