You could easily miss a lot happening above our atmosphere if you didn’t stay up late or watch the news beforehand. Once the sun sets tonight, look up at the sky. As long as you’re not in an area with heavy light pollution, you should be able to see brilliant constellations. On some nights, you may even see more than you expected. No, we’re not talking about UFOs or little green men but about naturally occurring phenomena deep in outer space. Explore the Celestial Highlights of 2024 Keep Your Eyes to the Sky
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let’s delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development. Weight Management Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-prepared meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children. Positive Effects on Child Development Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. Emotional Well-Being Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows family bonding and may even improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure. Educational Benefits Mealtime conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school-aged children. Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with numerous benefits. The advantages are numerous, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you. FOOD FOR THOUGHT — THE BENEFITS OF EATING AS A FAMILY
Several unique events take place in 2024. Here are the highlights you don’t want to miss!
Meteor Showers Seeing a shooting star is magical, but witnessing a meteor shower is awe-inspiring. Meteor showers occur when interstellar dust particles enter our planet’s atmosphere at high speeds. The first meteor shower of the year is the
Quadrantids Meteor Shower, which should take place a few days after New Year’s, but if you miss it, you won’t have to wait long to see another. April, May, July, August, October, and November should also have
meteor showers. Be aware that if the moon shines too brightly, you likely won’t be able to see the meteors.
Saturn Looking at other planets can be fascinating but not always possible, especially without a telescope. Thankfully, you won’t need a telescope to see Saturn and its rings on Sept. 8. Once the sun sets, head outside and look to the east. You should see a bright yellow star that’s not usually visible. That’s Saturn! Total Lunar Eclipse You won’t have to wait until night to see this rare occurrence. On April 8, the moon will pass perfectly between the Sun and Earth, creating an eclipse. Residents of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will see a total eclipse for only a handful of minutes. The rest of the country will still see an eclipse, but it won’t be as extreme. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur until August 2044, so get out there and see it this year! Just be sure to wear protective eyewear!
2 • 678.902.2822
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator