Brava

August 2013

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live with family Dip it, Dunk it, Devour It Ask Doctor Mom Revolutionize the fruit-and-veggie spread with cool dips your kids will savor to the last finger lick Prep your little athlete for a new season By Dr. Sumita Ram Chocolate Avocado Fruit Dip It's August and the annual mad dash to get those pre-participation sports physicals has begun. Wisconsin requires that all students participating in organized sports have a physical exam by a qualified provider every two years to make sure they're healthy enough to participate in sports. Why is this so important? While it's rare, serious conditions such as a congenital heart disease or arrhythmia can be picked up. More often, the physical discloses issues that require follow up such as physical therapy, nutritional counseling, or previously undiagnosed hypertension. It's also an injury prevention opportunity: Your doctor can prescribe an effective conditioning program, and advise to get certain conditions, such as asthma, better controlled before sports season begins. In addition, physicals help adolescents develop a relationship with their physician who can address "high-risk" behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, unsafe sexual practice, etc. Medical history is one of the most important parts of the sports physical and is a very good indicator of any potential issues. Please take time to obtain your family's history and answer the questions on the WIAA form you bring home as well as you can. Make a list of the following items: • Chronic medical problems such as asthma, diabetes, seizures • Previous hospitalizations and surgeries • Past orthopedic problems, injuries or fractures • Current medications • Allergies • Family history of any heart disorder (especially family members under 50) or any unexplained sudden death in the family history from concussions or head injuries (even if no one called it a concussion) • Whether they've ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain or significant trouble breathing during exercise or sports 4 ripe avocados 1 c. pitted dried dates (about 20 dates) 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted 1-2 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk Soak dates in a small bowl of water (enough to just cover the dates) for an hour (or longer—the softer they are, the easier they are to puree). Place soaked dates and water in a large food processor and puree until they form a paste. Add avocados, maple syrup, vanilla, 1 cup almond milk and chocolate. Process until mixture is smooth. If too thick, add another ½ cup almond milk (up to another cup) until desired consistency (it should be thick and creamy). Cover and refrigerate for an hour until set. Stir before serving. Use within 5 days. Asian Peanut Dip Featured in "Super Snacks for Super Kids," by Sarah Fox and Julie Stephenson ½ c. natural style peanut butter 3 c. reduced fat firm silken tofu 3 Tbsp. packed brown sugar Juice from half of a lime (about 2 Tbsp.) 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ½ tsp. crushed red pepper 2 garlic cloves, crushed Process all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. 22 BRAVA Magazine August 2013 Have a great summer, and don't forget to schedule your sports physicals early! Dr. Ram is a pediatrician at the Meriter Deming Way clinic and a mom of two. Photo by Sarah Maughan Courtesy of local food/mommy blogger Abbie Chaffee of The Feel Good Foodie

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