Family concerned about child
DEAR DR. BLONZ
>> I recall an article of yours about picky eaters, and this now describes my 7-yearold granddaughter. Her parents and I are concerned for her proper bone growth, as she refuses to consume milk, yogurt or most of the calcium-rich foods often recommended for growing children. She will eat Parmesan cheese with pasta, but not at every meal or anything near that. She is not a big eater, and doesn't want to drink juice fortified with calcium, other plant-based milks or vegetables containing calcium. The popular advice is not to worry about this, but we wonder how she can get enough calcium for proper bone growth.
— E.B., via email
DEAR E.B. >> Note your granddaughter's preferred flavors and desired foods. Keep nonfat powdered milk on hand, which you can add to her favorite recipes — two tablespoons provide 123 mg of calcium. Tomato-based pasta sauces are a good option, as the dominant flavors can hide the presence of the dried milk. You will have to strategize to see what works best. Be assured that her eating habits will change as she grows. In some kids, the senses — sight, smell and taste — can develop out of sync and cause periods of quirky behaviors that even they might not understand. Another option is to associate healthful eating with physical development, including skin, hair and the rest of the body, appealing to the fact that she is making decisions about the body that will be hers for the rest of her life. Having older role models she admires can also be beneficial. Remember that this doesn't work as a “do what I say” situation, so other family members should be setting a positive example, or efforts in this area can fail.
DEAR DR. BLONZ >> I am involved with a committee that stockpiles foods for earthquake survival kits meant for neighborhood families. How long can one store canned goods such as soups or meats before they spoil or lose their nutritional value?
— C.M., El Cajon,
California
DEAR C.M. >> Canned foods, when properly stored, can remain edible and retain nutritional value for many years. Canning is a highheat process designed to eliminate any foodborne bacteria that could threaten the safety of the food. Once the food is in the can, spoilage or further loss of nutrients is unlikely as long as the container remains undamaged and shows no sign of corrosion or swelling. As a rule, the quality of canned foods is best preserved if the cans are stored away from any heat sources. After your committee has selected the foods, contact the manufacturers for specific recommendations. Stick with domestically canned foods to avoid any possibility of lead-soldered seams. Check the CDC page at b.link/vv58c5b for more on food and water preparations for a disaster. Earthquake survival kits for children will require more than just food, so look for outlets offering kits specifically designed for the needs of children after a catastrophe.