Spring 2010 TAKE5 Newsmagazine: Fatherhood
Winter 2010 TAKE5 Newsmagazine: Oral Health
Fall 2009 TAKE5 Newsmagazine: Early Literacy
Summer 2009 TAKE5 Newsmagazine: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention
Spring 2009 TTAKE5 Newsmagazine: Childhood Obesity Prevention
Winter 2009 TAKE5 Newsmagazine: School Readiness
Fall 2008 TAKE5 Newsmagazine: Court System

Message from Executive Director, Jolene Smith

As summer approaches and great weather is finally upon us, it is the perfect time for a father or male mentor figure to get more involved with their children. What better way to do so than bonding with your children through a variety of outdoor activities that abound in the Bay Area? From camping, to hiking and biking, from beach holidays to throwing the ball around or just turning on the sprinkler in the back lawn, there are many fun and inexpensive activities that men and children can enjoy together. All of these activities also serve to get your children away from the XBox and you away from the television. You and your children will benefit from better health, confidence, demeanor, and richer memories.

Also, as kids begin their summer break, many families enjoy going to the movies. Heading to the concession stand before a show is common, yet, have you noticed that the prices get marginally cheaper the more you upsize your drink? In other words, $3.50 for a regular, $3.70 for a large, and $3.80 for a super? Our value-for-money ethic is pushing us towards consuming larger sweetened drinks.

Whatever the economic incentives, we find ourselves surrounded by sodas. The omnipresence of sweetened drinks makes them appear familiar and safe. However, they are just the opposite. Their high sugar content and increased caffeine levels are habit forming. Our children are forming a deadly habit - one that leads to diseases like Diabetes. It is imperative that we stop this and make a commitment towards a soda free summer for you and your children.

Enjoy the summer months by spending more quality time with your kids playing outdoors and making healthy choices that will make a difference for a lifetime!