In this day of saturated versus unsaturated fats and monitoring cholesterol levels, chocolate candy has taken a bad wrap. A little research into the notional value of chocolate brings some revelations over which candy lovers everywhere can rejoice – chocolate can be good for us!

Chocolate candy does not raise the bad cholesterol (LDL) as other saturated fats do. It also contains antioxidants, the same types of antioxidants found in a glass of red wine. Antioxidants improve & strengthen your immune system. They are thought to help prevent stroke, heart disease and cancer. And if that wasn’t enough many more health benefits are contributed to antioxidants including slowing the aging process & the visible signs of aging. The darker and more pure forms of chocolate contain the most antioxidants.

Chocolate candy does not contain as much caffeine as you might think either. An average serving of chocolate candy has far less caffeine than a cup of coffee.

I bet you didn’t know that chocolate is a rich source of phosphorus and magnesium too. The benefits of each are well documented. Magnesium helps to maintain muscle and nerve function, is good for strong bones, and supports a healthy immune system and more. Phosphorus is important for bone and teeth formation in children and for works with calcium to keep bones strong and healthy for us throughout our lives.

Some ingredients in chocolate can even trigger happy feelings in our brain. What better choice could there possibly be for an afternoon pick me up?

Children from 1 to 100 love candy. Remember the joy when you poured your trick or treating loot out onto the floor to behold it in all its glory? There before your eyes, laid the candy cane, candy bar, chocolate candy, and sweet candy of all types. If you had a health conscious neighbor,

you might even have some sugar free candy to try. And guess what? It tasted just as fantastic as the rest of your loot.

Reminisce a bit today and enjoy some chocolate. Don’t wait only for holidays or special occasions to enjoy chocolate candy. Lose the guilt; after all, chocolate in moderation is good for you!

PUBLIC POOLS: Make sure that your local pool has trained, experienced lifeguards on duty at all times. Alert lifeguards of any specific needs that your child may have, such as breathing issues like asthma that may cause problems during swimming. Also make sure your child has the necessary swimming gear if he or she is a new swimmer – such as flotation devices and goggles. Finally, remind the kids to stay in the shallow end of the pool and to pay attention to the commands of the lifeguards and chaperon.

BIKING: Going to friends houses, to the park and to the pool means long hours of biking. Children’s safety vests are a good way to keep them safe on the road when they’re biking home.

COMMUNITY: Get to know your neighbors and the parents of your children’s friends. Have their phone numbers so you can make sure the kids got safely to a friend’s house or other destination. Having a network you trust and can rely on will make you and your kids feel safer.

NIGHT TIME: If your kids are going out after dark make sure they’re well equipped with bike lights and reflective gear on their clothes and/or backpacks. Child sized reflective vests are always a good option.

SUN: heat related sickness such as exhaustion and fainting are easily avoided by taking a few precautions.

a. Drink plenty of water – for young, active children make sure they are re-hydrating every 20 minutes

b. Get out of the sun once an hour – take a 15 minute break indoors or in the shade

c. Use sunscreen and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming. Don’t forget your sunglasses!

d. Wear appropriate clothing – avoid dark colors and stick to light, breezy material; mesh vests are a good alternative for safety in the sun!

e. Stop strenuous exercise – playing outdoors, running, biking or playing a sport can be dangerous in extreme heat; at the first sign of dizziness or faintness, take a break.

Remember that taking just a few extra minutes to lather on sunscreen and strap on a helmet can save everyone a lot of worry and guarantee a safe and fun summer!