It’s National Nutrition Month and Stef's got a story to share :o)

Even though no kid wants to utter the words, “My mom was right,” in this case, I am proud to say it. Every time I reach for the salt, I can hear my mother asking “Did you even taste it?” So, now, I think of that every time I go for the salt.

The CDC says 9 out of 10 people eat more sodium than recommended. Too much sodium can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, stroke, stomach cancer, and more. And for what? A little flavor? Add some fresh parsley, rosemary, cilantro, lemon juice…the world is full of flavorful herbs and fruits! Use them. Your heart will thank you for it.

A few tips:

    -   When at a restaurant, remove the salt shaker from the table (you may not even miss it)
    -   When using beans or veggies from a can, rinse them well (it washes off unnecessary salt)
    -   Keep an herb garden and snatch some leaves to boost the flavor of your meal

Our friends at eatright.org have a ton more info for you about National Nutrition Month and staying healthy all-year round!

Happy Munching :D

Our hats are off today to celebrate someone whose art and wisdom has inspired us (and so many others!)  Let's take a moment to enjoy one of Dr. Seuss' "secret arts" and, in my humble opinion, one of his most important & beautiful msgs:

     A Prayer for a Child
          From here on earth,
          From my small place
          I ask of You
          Way out in space:
          Please tell all men
          In every land
          What You and I
          Both understand . . .

          Please tell all men
          That Peace is Good.
          That’s all
          That need be understood
          In every world
          In Your great sky.

          (We understand.
          Both You and I.)

Hi everyone! We've had a lot of fun this month talking about heart health and listening to the heart-happy songs from WebSpider's Jukebox. But I'd like to take a moment to talk about something more serious - congenital heart defects.

A congenital heart defect exists at birth. It is not heart disease, but an abnormality or defect - often the heart or blood vessels near the heart don't develop normally before birth. Usually these defects originate in the very early weeks of pregnancy, when the heart is first forming. Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect - approximately 35,000 infants per year are born with heart defects in the U.S. If the heart is not pumping enough blood for circulation, fluid builds up in the heart and lungs, and can cause further damage, including congestive heart failure. Look out for symptoms like rapid heartbeats, trouble breathing, problems when feeding, low weight gain, or swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes. Consult your physician if you think your child might have a congenital heart defect, and consult closely for treatment options.

Remember: Technology is improving every day. So, don’t give up and don’t be shy. Ask your doctor about any concerns you may have about yourself or your child.

Check out this site for even more info on this issue: www.Marchofdimes.com

The Puppet Treehouse's newest addition, Intern Stef, has some heart-happy facts for everyone!

*In less than a minute, your heart is able to pump blood to every cell in your body.

*The human heart is about the size of a fist.

*During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times.

*The heart weighs less than one pound (roughly the same as two apples).