Tag Archives: Child

Marta Rode – If I Knew Then What I Know Now

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Life Lessons From Adults To Children
Today’s Guest – Marta Rode

1. Your message to kids today that you wish you knew back then what you currently know now. Be specific.

I wish I knew more about autoimmune disease. I wish I knew how hard life is with so many of them and that if any of my family had one of the 100+ diseases I was at higher risk of getting one myself. I wish that I knew that if you had one, even a minor one like eczema that this opens the door to some potentially deadly ones and being aware of what goes into my body can be the difference between a healthy productive life or a life with chronic illness and way too much time spent in doctor’s offices or hospitals. I wish I knew that 1 out of 5 Americans (and by association Canadians) are dealing with an autoimmune disease or disorder and out of that 20% of our population 70% are females. I wish I would have known that autoimmune disease is one of the top ten causes of death for female children and women under 65 years old.

2. How did you learn your lesson or what was your lesson? Did you get hurt, did you upset someone, did you get scared?

I learned my lesson the hard way by acquiring one of those diseases. There are about 140 some of which are rare, some are very rare and some are not rare at all like MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Ciliac, Crohn’s, Type 1 Diabetes, and on and on. I have one of the rarer ones, Wegener’€™s Granulomatosis, but when you look past the part of the human anatomy being affected, it’€™s no different from all the others on the list. All of us have an immune system that has stopped recognizing the difference between self and non self and is attacking its own vessel. My lesson was that there is a gaping hole in the information about this disease group as a whole that can help people make more educated and conscious decisions in their life that could eliminate contact with a possible trigger if you happen to be predisposed. I got motivated. Motivated into action to do everything in my power to change this and unite all of those with autoimmune diseases to stand together and raise that needed awareness that can save lives.

3. What you would have done differently back then if you could turn back time?

Had I known this info before I got sick I would have done greater research into foods that can help prevent and deal with minor inflammatory responses, I would have stayed away from having contact with anything that would increase the normal immune response to higher than normal levels. I would also have gone in the right direction at the onset of symptoms (currently getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease is a long, difficult process rife with insinuations of hypochondria and melodrama from society and the medical profession – through no fault of their own, it’s a lack of knowledge and education in this field) and possibly could have had the possibility to reverse the process rather than being stuck with a lifelong incurable disease.

4. Do you convey this message to children in your life today?

Yes, I convey this message to my daughter, to my friends, my community and anyone willing to listen. I wish everyone knows now what I wish I knew then. I started Pajama Day to raise awareness and we have now had two with it growing exponentially. We now have interest from large corporate sponsors and I will make sure this piece of info snowballs forward and reaches maximum velocity to a point where we will find the common thread to all these diseases and autoimmune will no longer be a problem.

5. Anything else you`d like to add?

Here’s a page on my blog that will give you a rundown of our last two PJ Day events in Jasper. We managed to get a TV Breakfast Show to come up and shoot their entire 3.5 hour show live from our town where the Second Annual PJ Day was taking place. You will find links to those live shots, as well as photo links and viedos of our evening show.

- Marta Rode

Healthy Tip # 206

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Another healthy tip courtesy of Tamara Duker Freuman

healthyplateResolve to get more “culture” this year. Cultured foods rich in beneficial, probiotic bacteria, that is! Cultured dairy products – like yogurt and kefir (drinkable yogurt) – contain la variety of live and active bacterial strains that can survive the journey into our digestive tract, where they take up residence and fortify the ranks of health-promoting, protective allies. Lactose intolerance is no longer an excuse for foregoing your daily dose of cultured dairy, either, as there are more low-lactose and 100% lactose free options available than ever. Goat’s milk yogurt and kefir (I like Redwood Hill Farm brand) are a great option with about 25 percent less lactose than cow’s milk yogurt. For lactose free products, a brand called Green Valley Organics yogurt, kefir and sour creams are available nationally. Unlike resolutions to lose weight and exercise more, eating a daily dose of probiotic-rich, cultured dairy is a healthy commitment that most people will probably actually enjoy taking on! As a bonus, if you’ve resolved to shed some pounds this year, that low fat, plain kefir you keep in the fridge can do double-duty as a reduced-calorie, lower fat and lower cholesterol substitute for heavy cream, buttermilk and condensed milk in your favorite recipes for soups, pancakes and baked goods.

- Tamara Duker Freuman, MS, RD, CDN, Registered Dietitian And Food Blogger In NYC

Is Your Child A Delayed Reader?

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booksAccording to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization, experts estimate that nearly 40 percent of U.S. 4th graders do not achieve basic levels of reading proficiency. Because reading really is so fundamental to success in the classroom and beyond, promptly addressing the challenges of struggling readers is critical.

Is your child a delayed reader? When should you be worried? In an article in Education.com, Dr. Kristen Kinney-Haines, director of primary literacy at K12, the largest provider of technology-powered individualized learning, said, “If you have a child who isn’t reading by the middle of first grade, you should take action.” She added, “The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to remediate.”

According to K12, there are several things parents can do to encourage literacy:

* Set a good example: If parents spend much of their time watching television, children are likely to emulate that behavior. On the flip side, children who see their parents routinely reading each day are likely to want to read, too. Taking family outings to the library and taking advantage of reading apps are fun and often free ways to get the reading rolling.

* Be involved in the reading process: While reading in the same room as your child is good, reading to your children and asking them questions about the book is even better. Spending this quality one-to-one time with your child can go a long way toward increasing reading skills and the overall enjoyment of reading.

* Explore phonics programs: By using phonics, a reading method involving letter recognition, parents can help prepare their children to become independent readers. K¹² PhonicsWorks™ is designed to help children:

* Recognize the relationship between sounds and letters

* Blend sounds represented by letters into words

* Read and spell longer, unfamiliar words by breaking them into syllables

* Read “sight words”—frequently used words such as “said” or “was,” some of which do not follow the spelling patterns that have been taught

* Investigate literacy programs: Many reading remediation programs are available through your child’s school or an outside source. For example,MARK12 Reading is a course available to full-time K12 students in third to fifth grade who are struggling readers. Dr. Kinney-Haines, who formerly taught kindergarten and first grade in Upstate New York and K–3 Special Education in Northern Virginia, is responsible for the creation and development of MARK12 Reading, K12’s first remedial product, as well as the second generation of K–2 Language Arts and Phonics.

To read the complete press release…..Click here

- Courtesy of PRWeb

7 Ways To Help Your Child With Stress

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By Dr. Cammi Balleck

friendHow much stress is your child under? What is stress? Stress is a function of the demands placed on us and our ability to meet them. These demands often come from outside sources, such as family, jobs, friends, fears, thoughts, or school. So stress can affect anyone who feels overwhelmed, even kids. In preschoolers, separation from parents can cause anxiety. As kids get older, academic and social pressures (especially from trying to fit in) create stress.

You may not realize it but many kids are under stress and it is affecting their health. Stress related illness is the number one cause of hospital visits for adults. Compared with what adults face, it might seem like kids don’t have that much to stress about. But kids have their own concerns, and sometimes feel stress, just as adults do. And kids’ stresses can be just as overwhelming, particularly if they don’t have effective coping strategies. Most kids don’t know how to cope with stress, or even know that stress is what they are feeling. Most adults don’t even know how to cope with stress. For kids, feelings of stress, frustration, helplessness, hurt, or anger can be overwhelming, especially if they don’t know how to release the feelings.
What you can do for them:

Shut off the news and don’t let your kids hear you talking about your anxiety caused by the world that you get from the news.

• Shut off the news and don’t let your kids hear you talking about your anxiety caused by the world that you get from the news.

• Handle your stress wisely. If you are stressed, you need to first handle your own stress so your kids learn from you. As a parent, it is important you recognize if your kid is under stress. You may not be able to prevent your kids from feeling frustrated, sad, or angry, but you can provide the tools they need to cope with these emotions.

• Make sure your child is getting proper rest; kids need a good 9-10 hours a night.

• Make sure your child is getting good nutrition, limit sugar, processed foods, no caffeine, and no sodas. Kids don’t need caffeine and shouldn’t have it, it is only a stressor to their body, this includes iced tea, not just coffee.

• All kids need to be on a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral, especially if they are stressed.

familyrun• Make time for your kids, be there for your kids whether they need to talk or just be in the same room with you, make sure you make yourself available for them.

• Talk with them about what stresses them, maybe you need to help them cut back on afterschool activities or help them exercise, do yoga, dance, read, or journal to relax. Let your kids know that it’s OK to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious, and that other people all have those feelings. Be sure to reassure them that everything is ok.

- Cammi Balleck, Ph.D, is a leading Happy Hormone Doctor. She specializes in teaching how to unleash your happy hormones and nutrition. She graduated in 2003 with a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Health. Cammi has been the owner of the successful Elite Wellness Center since. She has also been a Director at Colorado Northwestern Community College since 2007. Cammi’s passions are helping everyone improve their health, in addition to finding their full potential, accepting who they are and helping others live happy, healthy, whole lives. More information can be found at /

Healthy Tip # 204

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Another healthy tip courtesy of Jessica Drummond

womanpushupMy best health tip is to take a look at your calendar and see what you can let go of doing. In my practice, I see a lot of burned out women. While I believe that being generous is one of the best things that you can do for your health (and for the health of your community), it’s essential do be strategically generous in order to preserve your own well of giving strength. For example, instead of constantly picking up the pieces of volunteer or work projects when things fall apart, take a look at your calendar for the year ahead, think about the ways that you most enjoy giving, and plan those in advance. If you enjoy cooking, volunteer for the committee that brings food to the next event or to bring meals to seniors in your community. If you hate to cook, but love to be a fly on the wall with your kids and their friends, volunteer to chaperone the field trip or drive the carpool to the out of state soccer games. When women give from a place of ease and strength their well of giving is that much deeper and more flowing. And, don’t forget that we all have different strengths and like to do different things, so one project that might feel like a complete burden to you will gladly be picked up by someone else if we are all working together from a place of strength.

- Jessica Drummond, MPT, CCN, CHC, licensed physical therapist, certified clinical nutritionist, and certified health coach.

Childhood Injury Health Alert: Sliding Board Injuries Preventable, Putting Child On Lap Not Safe

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From the webmaster…..if though National Playground Safety Week has passed, I wanted to still share the information here…..

newsIn honor of National Playground Safety Week (April 22-26), doctors at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) want to help prevent children from experiencing broken lower leg fractures while going down playground slides. Doctors warn parents not to place a child on their lap while going down a slide.

“Adults seeking to protect a child from injury on a sliding board often slide down the board with the child between their legs. However, if a child is wearing a rubber-soled shoe, their foot catches and then the weight of mom and dad riding behind them results in a broken leg for the child,” says Edward Holt, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at AAMC. “When this happens, the foot twists, rotates outward and a fracture spirals its way up the tibia bone. It’s awful for the adult, too, who simply was trying to protect the child,” adds Dr. Holt.

Dr. Holt estimates he sees as many as 10 toddlers each year, all with spiral tibia (lower leg) fractures. “This fracture is entirely preventable,” notes Dr. Holt. He is providing warning posters for local pediatrician offices and a YouTube video alerting parents to the hazard.

Dr. Holt offers the following solutions to prevent these injuries:

- Remove the child’s rubber-soled shoes.
- Let the child slide alone.
- If you slide together, don’t let the child’s feet touch the slide.

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Paige Arnof-Fenn – If I Knew Then What I Know Now

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Life Lessons From Adults To Children
Today’s Guest – Paige Arnof-Fenn

1. Your message to kids today that you wish you knew back then what you currently know now. Be specific.

I wish I had realized that my definition of success would change over time so that I would not have gotten so hung up on things that really did not matter (office politics, bad bosses, top bonus possible, etc.). I was in such a rush back then to be promoted and receive recognition for my career achievements but really it was much more important long term just to learn my craft and build a strong reputation which I was doing but did not appreciate until much later in my career. I had no idea back then then I would not stay on the corporate path and become an entrepreneur instead and that would in fact be a much happier route for a fulfilling life. I ended up learning a lot more from my tough bosses and career setbacks than I would have if things had gone smoothly. Sometimes not getting what you think you want is actually a gift but that can be hard to see at the time. At 47 I am very grateful for all the bumps and bruises along the way.

2. How did you learn your lesson or what was your lesson? Did you get hurt, did you upset someone, did you get scared?

As the motto of my high school states, discumus agere agendo, you learn to do by doing. I have learned patience, compassion, humility, gratitude through my life experience.

3. What you would have done differently back then if you could turn back time.

I would have chilled out more, gotten less stressed over little things, taken more creative classes in college, and never take my health for granted.

4. Do you convey this message to children in your life today?

I try to share these lessons with my nieces, nephews & godkids every chance I get!

- Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls

Where Are Worried Parents To Turn If Their Child Is Obese?

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doctorglobeFrom Your Health Journal…..”An interesting article from Ireland in a publication called the Independent that I wanted to promote. It brings up the interesting question for parents…..Where Are Worried Parents To Turn If Their Child Is Obese? Childhood obesity is on the rise all over the world as children are showing risk factors for heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, weak joints, and asthma. The reduction of physical activity, increase of sedentary lifestyle which includes technology, as well as poor diet have all contributed to this growing concern. But, where should a parent turn to for help? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Your child’s pediatrician
2. The school nurse, principal, or PE teacher
3. A nutritionist
4. A dietician
5. A grandparent
6. A coach
7. A family role model

You get the point. A parents objective in this situation is to have long list of supporters who may be able to help an overweight or obese child. Once this is in place, then parent and child can become educated on lifestyle changes that may help them get on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Please visit the Independent web site (link provided below) to read the complete article.”

From the article…..

Where do you go and who do you turn to if your child is overweight or obese? Apparently, parents have little or no services to turn to. This startling fact was revealed at the launch of the INDI (Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute) Nourish Children Week in Dublin.

This lack of services is particularly worrying when, according to figures from the national Growing Up in Ireland survey, one-in-four of the 30,000 primary school children in this country are either overweight or obese.

The school yard is a jungle for all kids. The last thing a child needs is to be singled out for their weight. Overweight children often complain about bullying in school. This, on top of their already fragile self-esteem, is a dangerous combination.

Nourish Children Week is aiming to highlight the lack of HSE childhood obesity services. Dietitian Richelle Flanagan, INDI’s president, said there is a dearth of services despite child obesity now reaching epidemic levels.

“73pc of the country doesn’t have access to a child obesity programme and 88pc of the country doesn’t have access to a group intervention programme when kids are already obese,” he says.

The INDI presented a map of Ireland which showed that just three HSE childhood obesity prevention programmes exist across seven counties, along with two group treatment programmes that cover three counties.

To read the complete article…..Click here

Healthy Tip # 203

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Another healthy tip courtesy of Tamara Cameron

saladheartsmallThe easiest way to increase nutrition, and thereby health, is to eat a salad every day. Brightly colored vegetables, especially leafy greens, contain the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy. Eight to ten 1/2 cup servings of vegetables each day is not too many. Ideally, 40 to 50 percent of those servings are raw. Committing to eat one salad each day will give your body at least three or four servings of immune boosting, energy enhancing raw nutrition. Be sure to add a tablespoon of your favorite vinaigrette, a few chopped nuts or a tablespoon of seeds to ensure maximum vitamin absorption. Mix it up! Create different combinations of veggies that you love. A salad a day helps with weight control, stabilizes blood sugar and enhances the immune system. Easy and delicious!

- Tamara Cameron, Health & Nutrition Coach

Sharon Pelham – If I Knew Then What I Know Now

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Life Lessons From Adults To Children
Today’s Guest – Sharon Pelham

I wish I knew that I am fine just the way that I am and that what I think of myself is far more important than what anyone else thinks. I have large, almond-shaped eyes, and I didn’t start to dislike them until I was in high school when a boy that I had a crush on called me “fish eyes” in front of others.

I remember being stunned and hurt that someone would say something like that, especially about a physical attribute that I couldn’t change. I just stood there before saying something like, ‘I do not!’ while his friends laughed.

It was in that moment that I gave another person the power to influence how I felt about myself. And that is a dangerous thing to do. Every attribute that others admired in me melted away in light of one person’s cruel remark said to get a laugh and boost his ego. I don’t even remember his name, but I won’t forget how those words made me feel and how I began to look at myself differently as a result of them being spoken.

From then on I wanted to, but couldn’t, make my eyes smaller; however, I could look away when someone was speaking directly to me. Why? Because in my mind if the person focused on my eyes, they would see how big they are and how much I looked like a fish, all because someone told me they did. I didn’t have enough self-confidence or self-esteem to know that my eyes were and are just fine the way they are.

It didn’t matter what my parents or friends said, I let what he said mean more than what I thought. Even worse, I internalized it. Some years after the high school incident, during an exam for my first pair of glasses, the simple words of my optometrist made me realize that I should be grateful for my large, almond-shaped eyes. You have wonderful eyes for glasses he said. I mumbled something about them being so large and he said, very quietly, “Do you know what some people would give to be able to have your eyes, to be able to see? “œ In that moment, I realized that I was blessed to have my sight and that I should be thankful for it. And I stopped being defensive about the size of my eyes.

I’d held on to what someone else thought about one of my physical attributes for far too long. What a relief it was to take that power away from someone who had no right to it in the first place. During the years and romantic relationships that followed, I‘ve received compliments on my eyes. I appreciate them, but I don’t take them to heart.

My eyes are beautiful because I believe they are and that is what matters and I tell the children and young adults in my life that all the time. One last thought: Knowing what I do now, if I had an opportunity to go back to that day in high school my response to my ‘crush’ would have gone something like this: Really? Is that lame, stupid remark the best you can do?  I then would have rolled my ‘big eyes’ and walked away.

- Sharon Pelham, Founder, Executive Consultant, Smith Carey Communications