Posted 4/3/2012 by UNMC Physicians
Many families will celebrate Easter this coming weekend. But how can they do it with one eye on fun and the other on health and safety? Dr. Michelle Johnson, General Internal Medicine, shares a few tips for both the expected and the wacky things that might happen when kids, candy, animals and family mix.
How many eggs should I or my kids be allowed to eat on Easter?
General dietary recommendations from the American Heart Association are that adults eat no more than four egg yolks each week. There aren't any formal recommendations for children, but like adults, it is recommended that children limit their intake of cholesterol to 300 milligrams (mg) each day. A large egg contains about 213 mg of cholesterol, so two would put a child over the limit. For a one-time thing, a few eggs in the same day are okay. While kids usually know when to stop on their own, don’t let small children eat more than four eggs, or it is likely they will become sick.
What if someone accidently ingests egg shells?
If eggs shells are swallowed, there is no immediate risk. However, remember that eggs do come straight from a chicken’s bottom. They often have Salmonella and other bacteria on them. However, when eggs are hard-boiled as with Easter eggs, they become sterilized. For most people and especially children, the main concern is that egg shells can be a choking hazard. Very rarely, their sharpness can cause harm to the digestive tract.
Is touching chicks okay?
While baby chicks are adorable and fun to play with, they are common carriers of Salmonella bacteria. Touching them is fine, as long as everyone who does so (especially children) wash their hands thoroughly afterward.
What are the healthiest Easter foods?
Eggs are a good source of nutrients. The cholesterol in them can be avoided by eating only the white and not the yolk, or mitigated by eating less cholesterol over the course of the day. They also contain lots protein and Vitamin D. Potatoes have gained a false reputation as empty calories. Potatoes contain resistant starch, which triggers your body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates. Horseradish can help clean your sinuses and support breathing, all for no calories. Parsley contains many cancer and anti-aging nutrients.
If I’m watching my weight or diabetic, how can I still enjoy Easter?
There are plenty of sugar-free alternatives for the sweets we typically like to consume around the holidays. Watch out for sugar-free candies that have a lot of calories. Good sugar-free candies will contain 10 to 12 calories each and shouldn’t affect blood sugar. Unfortunately, chocolate is going to contain calories even if it is sugar free, because the calories come from fat, not sugar.
Comments
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Prudy said:
5/3/2012 1:06 AM
There's nothing like the relief of fniindg what you're looking for.
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Rahmat said:
5/3/2012 11:22 AM
My son and grandson are ineedd blessed to have a wife and mother like you, Dwiana. Thank you for being the generous, gentle, loving, talented, practical person that you are. We are all blessed to have you in our lives. Love, Mom
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vaibhav said:
6/25/2012 10:10 AM
I have never heard of a Easter egg hunt for college age kids, but it sodnus like a fun idea. If more than one kid is hunting for Easter eggs, be sure to give each kid a chocolate Easter bunny just for participating (so he/she won't be upset about not finding the grand prize ). As a kid, I remember that the grand prize was a stuffed animal (bunny of course) that you'd get if you could find the special egg (an egg with a coupon for the toy in it, a purple real egg in a park full of tiny candy eggs, etc.). Since your gf is an older kid, you could get one of those hollow plastic eggs (that opens up) and put a coupon (you can make the coupon) for a prize in it. The prize can be anything you want but I'd suggest a dinner on Easter Sunday at a nice restaurant. Be sure to get a reservation ready. You can also put foil wrapped chocolate eggs all over the apt. for her to find.
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Sabrina said:
10/24/2012 7:39 AM
It's great to read something that's both enjoyable and provides pragmatdisc solutions.