Sweet home Santa Barbara

By Dr. Dan Brennan

The only thing better than growing up in Santa Barbara, is coming back home to raise my own children in paradise. When my wife, Yael, and I moved back to Santa Barbara seven years ago, we were excited for the opportunity to give back to the community that gave so much to us as kids. When I’m not wearing my stethoscope, coaching one of my son’s teams, out for a run or hanging with the family, I enjoy writing a health column to advocate for the health and well being of our local children and families.

I now look forward to bringing my new column, Pediatrics in Paradise, to you through the Daily Sound to share important health-related information and encourage a healthy lifestyle. My aim is to offer timely tips on topics such as illness prevention, nutrition, exercise, education and how to spend quality time together. 

For many in our community and country, the last twelve months has been a challenge. The good news is that 2008 was so last year and many are already hard at work to ensure success in 2009. Here are some fun and affordable suggestions to enjoy more time with your family.

Set aside protected family time

The sluggish economy has forced many people to work extra hours or in some cases take unpaid vacation days. No matter your situation, don’t forget to set aside time to spend together. Take a walk at the beach, a bike ride or visit the Ellwood butterfly preserve. Outdoor activities combine bonding and much needed exercise for kids and their parents.

Family meals

Remember those 50’s sitcoms when families sat down and had dinner together? Pick a night next week for ‘retro’ night and dine in. You’ll find that you’ll eat less, as compared to eating in front of the television, and you’ll enjoy the time to catch up on each other’s lives.  If you really want to impress your neighbors, rent a movie and throw some popcorn in the microwave for ‘family dinner and a movie night’.

Volunteer as a unit

Are you looking for a free activity that has a lot of value? Sign up the whole gang for a beach clean-up or dedicate an afternoon to volunteer for a local organization. Lending a helping hand to someone in need is a great way to spend time and will set a wonderful example for your children.

Save some money, take a vacation right here

To save some money this year, take your next vacation right here in Santa Barbara. Get out your best Hawaiian print shirt and be a tourist. One of our family’s favorite outings is to get up early, head down to Sambo’s on the beach, eat a stack of pancakes and read the Daily Sound over a cup of coffee. After breakfast we head out with the boys to be tourists at the beach, harbor, zoo or a favorite park.

We work so hard, but we often forget to set aside enough quality time to spend with our loved ones. Don’t wait until you can afford a fancy vacation, make the time now and take advantage of all that Santa Barbara has to offer. I hope that my new column will help to inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle while spending more time with your family.

Dr. Dan Brennan is a board certified pediatrician, Santa Barbara native and proud father of two. Contact him at 563-6211 or visit www.SBPediatrics.com

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I love Sambos! : 2/10/2009

The best pancakes in SB

Hungry for Sambos

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