Jamaicans prepare for back to School...

As the school season draws near everyone is making all the necessary preparation to ensure that their child/children is well prepared for the start of the semester...

It is important to remember that nutrition is an important factor in academic performance...

Let's look at some back to school health tips: 
(retrieved august 20 2015.http://jis.gov.jm/tips/back-to-school-health-tips/)

1. Ensure that a complete medical examination is done.
Before your child starts the new school year, make sure that a complete medical examination is done to determine the child’s health status.
2. Ensure that your child is fully immunized.
Making sure that children of all ages are fully vaccinated is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children’s long-term health, as well as the health of friends, classmates and others in the community.
3. Plan healthy breakfasts and lunches.
As you prepare to send your children back to school, remember that nutrition is an important factor in academic performance. Studies have shown that children who eat healthful, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the school day and earn higher grades than those who have an unhealthy diet.
4. Food Safety
Parents are reminded to adhere to food safety practices when preparing any type of food. These include:
Washing of hands with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds before preparing food.
Cooking of foods that require cooking to an appropriate temperature to prevent loss of nutrients.
Refrigerating foods that need refrigeration at the required temperature before preparation
Preparing food on a clean surface to prevent food-borne illnesses
Checking of canned food labels to determine if they are safe for your children to eat
5. Give your child plenty of water to drink.
Remember, water is the best drink for kids and even adults. Soda, sweet teas, fruit drinks and sports drinks contain too much sugar, and have been linked to overweight and obesity.
6. Ensure that your child eats the right food.
This requires eating from the five Caribbean food groups which includes proteins and fats, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, legumes and beans in moderate proportions, which helps your child to function effectively in school.
7. Promote exercise as part of your child’s daily routine.
Exercise enhances the brain’s metabolism, and reduces obesity, which can lead to heart disease. Studies have shown that children, who exercise a lot, have better memory retention, which helps in their overall performance in school.
8. Helping to prevent harmful diseases.
Children should be taught to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds before and after using the bathroom, to prevent communicable diseases.
Children should also be taught to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds before handling any type of food to prevent against bacteria, germs and other parasites.

Thank you Williams' family

Jaital wishes to express a big THANK YOU! to the Williams' family for their recent donation of school supplies to the Children of Jamaica.

Thank you Lamonica's family

Jaital wishes to express a big THANK YOU! to the Lamonica's family for their recent donation of school supplies to the Children of Jamaica.

Happy 54th Birthday, President Obama!

 A Special Happy Birthday to President Obama!

Yes we can!

Jamaica celebrates 53 years of Independence August 6.....Jamaica 53...Proud and Free!

When is the Independence Day of Jamaica?
Jamaica, in the Caribbean Sea, celebrates its Independence Day on August 6 each year to commemorate its freedom from British colonial occupation.

Jamaica gained independence in 1962.

How is Independence Day celebrated in Jamaica?
Fifty Three years ago at midnight on August 5, 1962, the Union Jack was lowered and the flag of Jamaica was unfurled for the first time. The birth of an independent Jamaica was, perhaps, the most significant event in the nation's history. Today, Jamaicans celebrate the day to commemorate that historic movement, and to reflect on the struggle undertaken to gain autonomy. It is a day of national pride and commemorates the country's achievements.

What is the historic significance of Independence Day of Jamaica?
Christopher Columbus first sighted Jamaica in 1494, and by 1509 Spanish colonists occupied the country. Britain established its control on Jamaica in 1655, but it was not until 1670 that the Spaniards gave up their control and recognized British dominance. The 1700s saw an economic boom with Jamaica becoming largest producer of sugar across the world. The economic boom, however, led to the growth of slavery and other evils. Slavery was later abolished in 1834 after the British colonists enacted the Emancipation Law in wake of growing slave revolts and uprisings.

Learn more here: http://www.mapsofworld.com/jamaica/independence-day.html

Thank you Throneberry's family

Jaital wishes to express a big THANK YOU! to the Throneberry's family for their recent donation of school supplies to the Children of Jamaica. 

Thank you Palmer's family

Jaital wishes to express a big THANK YOU! to the Palmer's family for their recent donation of school supplies to the Children of Jamaica.