Tag Archives: Children

Marta Rode – If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Posted on by
Reply

knownow

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

Posted on by
Reply

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

7 Ways To Help Your Child With Stress

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Mother’s Day Gifts Help Children Across The Globe

Posted on by
Reply

girlglobeThe U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced a line of Mother’s Day gifts that help provide children in developing countries with a healthier childhood. Purchasing items like hand-carved jewelry from UNICEF’s cards and gifts collection, or a special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston handbag, will support survival and development programs for children worldwide.

Shoppers can also choose to give lifesaving UNICEF Inspired Gifts like a Safe Birthing Kit, which may be purchased in honor of mom and delivered to an area of the world where access to health care for expecting mothers is limited. A donation of $93 toward a Safe Birthing Kit can save lives and help babies gain a healthy start by providing enough medical supplies and equipment for 50 safe deliveries.

“Mother’s Day is a time when we honor the vital role a mother has in her child’s life,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “At UNICEF, we believe that ZERO children should die of things we know we can prevent and we know that healthy moms make for healthy children.”

Each year more than 500,000 women die in childbirth or from complications during pregnancy. Babies whose mothers have died during childbirth have a much greater chance of dying in their first year. To shop and learn more about safe birthing kits and other Inspired Gifts visit http://www.inspiredgifts.org.

This Mother’s Day UNICEF also offers a variety of more traditional cards and gifts, including Crystal Bangles and other jewelry, and unique handmade items like the Mother and Child Sculpture made from Haitian soapstone and decorative Wooden Pisanki Eggs authentically hand-painted in traditional Polish designs. Individual Mother’s Day cards are also available for purchase online or at select retail stores, including Barnes and Noble, Hallmark Gold Crown, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Kohl’s and Safeway. A portion of the retail price of items from UNICEF’s Cards & Gifts collection support UNICEF’s programs. To learn more and to shop online visit http://www.shopcardsandgifts.unicefusa.org.

For the fifth consecutive year, Gucci Creative Director and 2011 UNICEF Woman of Compassion honoree Frida Giannini designed a special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston handbag. This new version of the signature Boston handbag comes in alabaster micro Guccissima leather. Twenty-five percent of the retail price of each bag sold through May 2013 will benefit UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” and “Schools for Asia” initiative in Malawi, Mozambique, and China. Over the past two years, the “Gucci for UNICEF” bags have generated more than 2 million USD for UNICEF. The Boston Bag is available in Gucci stores worldwide and on http://www.Gucci.com.

- Courtesy of PRWeb

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

Posted on by
Reply

knownow

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

Healthy Tip # 203

Posted on by
Reply

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

The Role Model In You – Deane Waldman, MD MBA, Emeritus Professor Of Pediatrics, Pathology And Decision Science

Posted on by
Reply
Role Model

The Role Model In You
Today’s Guest – Deane Waldman

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

Deane Waldman, MD MBA, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, Pathology and Decision Science; age: 69 years young.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

Wasn’t role model for eating healthy. It was for being a good doctor

3. What did they do to inspire you?

The following is from my book “Uproot US Healthcare.” This man was a profound, positive influence on every doctor with whom he came in contact, me very much included. In today’s litigious medical malpractice environment, what he did would be professional suicide. Yet his behavior is the perfect role model for ALL doctors, and one I continue.

“In 1975, I had an experience that radically changed my view of medicine, indeed changed my life. I wish everyone in health care could have been there.

In my sixth year of training after medical school, I was studying Pathology at a very prestigious medical center. I had been there just a month when I performed an autopsy on a child who had died after complex heart surgery.

I was the lowest academic position possible: Instructor. The man who operated was a world-renowned surgeon. I had to present the autopsy findings before approximately 75 physicians of various rank (all higher than mine).

Haltingly, I projected pictures of the heart with incisions, patches, tubes, etc., carefully avoiding the Cause of Death. After about ten excruciating minutes, the surgeon stood up and spoke.

“Dr. Waldman, I do not know why you are beating around the bush. This child had complex double outlet right ventricle of a type I had never seen before. I misunderstood the anatomy, sewed the patch so that it prevented blood flow into the lungs. As a result, he died.”

Then he sat down. One of the greatest surgeons of his time had just said, in public, that he killed a child! I was literally speechless. When I eventually sorted out this event, several things became apparent that I have never forgotten and need to share.

Firstly, the surgeon took responsibility for his acts. He made a decision (what angle to sew the patch), he made a mistake, and the child suffered.

Secondly, he certainly meant to help, not harm, the child. The problem was his, indeed all medicine’s, limited understanding of this complex heart problem. Our knowledge and understanding were incomplete.

Thirdly, he learned from that surgery, especially because he was willing to see what he had done and was willing to accept responsibility. He would never make that mistake again.

Fourth, because he accepted this openly, the rest of us learned two things: 1) the details of the anatomy in this child and what to do; and 2) the behavior that he modeled. Hide nothing, look at all outcomes, accept the consequences of our decisions so you learn from them to do better in the future.”

4. How did their lesson change your life?

Made me willing to say in open (against the strong objections from my wife who feared negative professional consequences): I made a mistake. This went wrong. I could have done better by __________ .

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I continue his role model in my behavior and teach the students the same, admitting there are powerful forces that oppose such openness.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

As my answer to #5.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

www.uproothealthcare.com

The Best Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

Posted on by
Reply

newspaperFor our visitors to Your Health Journal who may be visiting Chicago with their children…..

Chicago is renowned as being home to some of the best museums in the world with collections of art, astounding science exhibitions and a wealth of historical information. There are tons of things to do in Chicago with kids this spring, and many of the best events, attractions and shows will be fun for the whole family. Check out some of the next exhibits around town, some of the upcoming Chicago events like festivals, shows, and more, or maybe spend this time seeing it all while the crowds aren’t as big on one of the popular Chicago tours! Kids love experiencing all the sights, foods and even the history of the city by boat, bike, bus or on foot, and it’s a great way to see it all on short trip. After the tour, get an up close look at the best things in Chicago – and don’t miss any of these top attractions!

Head to the Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most popular things to do in Chicago with kids year round, partly because all kids love these animals, and partly because all parents love the pricetag for one’s of the world’s few remaining free zoos! Traveling in Chicago can be expensive, so spend the afternoon here for free sometime this spring and enjoy the season’s sparse crowds as the days get longer and warmer over the next few months. Another great zoo near Chicago is the Brookfield Zoo, which has just released a few enormous reasons to visit at the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit. Get a glimpse of the animatronic T Rex, stegosaurus, and shantungosaurus as they roam the grounds near the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain through October 27th, 2013. The exhibit is an extra $5 for adults and $3 for children in addition to the price of admission to the zoo, but well worth the extra dollars for a very accurate display of the species that walked the Earth more than 65 million years ago.

Spend the Afternoon at Museum Campus
This 57-acre green space in Chicago is the perfect place to spend an afternoon learning and exploring with the entire family. The three museums in Museum Campus are all kid-friendly, but parents love them just as much as their young ones do. The Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium in the Western hemisphere, and is still the only one in the world with two full-size theaters. Kids will love checking out the interesting exhibits on planets and the universe, and if weather permits it can gaze up into the cosmos at the Doane Observatory.

Make a splash under the sea at the Shedd Aquarium,where mammals like dolphins, sharks and sea turtles thrive and hundreds of species of fish make their home. Kids can even pet and feed some of the animals with the supervision of the trainers. In addition to all of the great wildlife, children will be entertained by the interactive exhibits, 4-D movies and other fun activities. The Field Museum is filled with infinite wonders that are bound to pique a child’s interest, including the world famous T-Rex, Sue! Pick up an Adventure Guide at the front desk to help narrow down which of the numerous sections of the museum to check out first and foremost.

See all these museums for even less with Chicago museum discounts. Spend the whole day exploring these three great museums in Chicago, and lounging on the green space in Grant Park in between, and check out all of the best restaurants near Museum Campus so you have enough time to see it all.

Take Them Out to the Ball Game
There’s no better time of year for sports in Chicago, and baseball is one of the best sporting events for kids! Wrigley Field is full of history, and this beautiful park, home to the Chicago Cubs, is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening this spring with the family, enjoying a cold beer, delicious hot dog and great game of ball. Also in Chicago over at the US Cellular Field, families can enjoy a Chicago White Sox game. Kids love getting pictures with Southpaw, the Mascot, and there are tons of great upcoming games this season. Find great deals on Chicago sports tickets to ensure great seats as a Cubs or White Sox game this spring!

Spring in Chicago is a beautiful time of year. The crowds aren’t as large and the lines at top attractions aren’t as long, so families can do even more while they’re here. One way to skip the line and save money is with Chicago discount cards that get travelers admission to all of the best things to do, as well as discounts at many restaurants, shops and more. These coupons are great for families traveling to Chicago, especially those traveling on a budget. Many of the best Chicago hotels are kid-friendly, and this time of year is great for finding Chicago hotel deals and packages that cater to family vacations.

- Courtesy of PRWeb

The Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia Play Area

Posted on by
Reply

boygirlplayThe Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has sponsored a new, indoor soft play area at King of Prussia Mall. The play elements, created by PLAYTIME, LLC, are designed to encourage creative play and exercise by incorporating tunnels, climbing elements and slides.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) celebrated the opening of a children’s play area at King of Prussia Mall with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 1,200-square-foot, CHOP-sponsored play area benefits local families, serving as a place for young children to play and exercise while at King of Prussia Mall. The soft playgroung was created by PLAYTIME, LLC.

“CHOP is proud to partner with King of Prussia Mall to provide a fun space that promotes healthy habits and nurtures kids’ imaginations,” said Madeline Bell, CHOP president and chief operating officer. “We are dedicated to serving families and children in the communities surrounding Philadelphia through our extensive Care Network of primary and specialty care offices.”

The CHOP play area features bright, colorful, soft play elements representative of CHOP, including a replica of the Hospital, an ambulance, stethoscope, rescue helicopter and thermometer. The play elements are designed to encourage creative play and exercise by incorporating tunnels, climbing elements and slides.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has a well-established history of providing top-notch pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network. A nearby example is CHOP’s Specialty Care Center located on Mall Boulevard, which since its opening in 1997, has expanded clinical services to more than 20medical specialties, including a robust sports medicine program.

The CHOP Specialty Care Center in King of Prussia is one of more than 50 CHOP Care Network centers in Philadelphia, the surrounding counties and South Jersey offering top-ranked primary and specialty care services to families close to home.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to offer this wonderful family amenity to our shoppers,” said King of Prussia Mall Manager Bob Hart. “This children’s play area is a welcome addition to the center and we hope our shoppers with young children will enjoy it.”

- Courtesy of PRWeb