The PBS KIDS Summer Road Trip to Health
Thursday, June 5, 2008
This summer, PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! invite children on a virtual road trip with a destination all about being engaged and healthy. Beginning June 2nd, kids can fuel their minds and bodies with health-themed episodes and online activities learning how their favorite character role models in ten different series live healthy and smart. See more at pbskidsgo.org and listen to They Might Be Giants sing the summer theme song "Get Up and Go!" Our first stop - CAILLOU! Caillou gets active this week on PBS KIDS!6.2.08 (check local listings) CAILLOU #305 Caillou's Gym Day: Caillou gets a special invitation to go to Andre's gym class. A little intimidated at first, Caillou tries his best and ends up having great fun. When they try a rhythmic coordination exercise, Caillou discovers that some things are not that easy.
6.3.08 CAILLOU #107 Caillou Cooks: Someone's in the kitchen; it's Caillou! After making too much of a mess trying to help Mom, Caillou plays pretend-cooking with Sarah, and they bring Mom a bouquet of dandelions and a tasty cake made of toy blocks.
6.4.08 CAILLOU #306 Caillou the Snowman: Caillou wants to play hockey with Billy and the other big kids. He goes with Daddy to the store to get the equipment he needs, but he finds he just can't keep up with the big kids. After Daddy gives Caillou his old hockey sweater - which is way too big for Caillou - he tells him that if he keeps practicing he'll be really good by the time he grows into the sweater.
6.5.08 CAILLOU #302 Caillou The Sports Star: When a new, longer set of monkey bars is installed at the park, Caillou is disappointed that he can't climb as far as Leo. He asks his Daddy how he can get bigger and stronger and finds out that eating right, exercising and getting lots of sleep is the best way. Later, when Clementine and Billy join them Caillou finds he can lift up Billy's bike. He couldn't do that last year! Caillou realizes he's getting stronger every day!
6.6.08 CAILLOU #419 Games To Play: Caillou's friend Andre has come to visit. André is a soccer player and Caillou wants to play too... only Caillou isn't very good at kicking the ball. He wants to give up, but Andre and Dad encourage him and eventually he makes the biggest kick of the day.
For more information on the PBS KIDS Summer Road Trip to Health visit http://pressroom.pbs.org/programs/get_up_and_go_summer_road_trip
Labels: children, entertainment, family, TV
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, June 05, 2008,
,
PBS Kids Celebrates Black History Month
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
As
Every Friday throughout February, PBS KIDS GO! will air "GO! Figures" -- a series of interesting facts about influential African Americans. These pop-up facts will air during PBS KIDS GO! programs throughout the month. Samples include:
- Did you know Thurgood Marshall was the first black American Justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
- Did you know the author Toni Morrison became the first black American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature?
- Did you know over 125 years ago, Cathy Williams was the first recorded black American female to serve in the United States Army?
Online, pbskidsgo.org highlights Black History Month content, available year-round, to provide interactive learning activities beyond broadcast.
African America World (pbskids.org/aaworld)
This website features a matching game that teaches facts about the contributions of African Americans, as well as custom e-cards kids can create and send to their friends.
The Inequality Quiz (pbskids.org/wayback/fair/index)
Kids can play games such as the Inequity Quiz where two players square off to show what they know about fairness in
Stand up for your Rights (pbskids.org/wayback/civilrights/features)
Read an interview with Melba Patillo Beals, one of the "Little Rock Nine," the first African American students to attend Little Rock's Central High; and learn more about brave Americans who have stood up for their rights throughout history.
Labels: children, entertainment, TV
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, February 06, 2008,
,
Rounding Out the Weekend: Magazines for Kids, Part 2
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Yesterday we featured a few of our favorite magazines for children. Here are a few more we enjoy.
Highlights for Children Magazine
Sports Illustrated For Kids Magazine
Labels: children, education, entertainment, reading
posted by Jennifer James @ Sunday, December 23, 2007,
,
Magazines for Kids
Saturday, December 22, 2007
We know our children love to receive their own mail and we know yours probably do, too. Even though Christmas is next week you can get your children a gift that will last all year: a magazine subscription. Here are a few of our favorites. Check back tomorrow for a few more children's magazine we love.
Ladybug (2-6)
1 Year, 12 issues - Ladybug Magazine opens the door to reading for children ages 2 to 6.
Nat. Geo. Little Kids (3-6)
1 Year, 6 issues - National Geographic Little Kids Magazine will help enrich preschoolers' early learning adventures"
National Geographic Kids (6-14)
1 Year, 10 issues - National Geographic Kids Magazine is packed with stories about science, sports, technology & more
posted by Jennifer James @ Saturday, December 22, 2007,
,
Overweight Children Lose Weight Eating Peanuts
Friday, December 21, 2007
A new study published in the December issue of Pediatrics says overweight adolescents between the ages of 10-15 can lose a considerable of weight if they substitute the high calorie, low nutrient snacks they typically eat with peanuts or peanut butter along with a fruit or vegetable.The researchers used peanuts and peanut butter in the children's weight loss program because peanuts were well-liked among the students and peanuts are known to keep people fuller longer. The adolescents in the study lost weight over a 3 month period of time and were able to keep the weight off for six months.
Labels: children, education, health, schools
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, December 21, 2007,
,
Holiday Health Check: How to Avoid Alcohol Poisoning in Your Kids
Thursday, December 20, 2007
When you throw a party or get-together this holiday season be sure to throw away all alcoholic beverages that your guests leave behind and be sure to put all alcohol in a safe place where your children do not have access to it. Alcohol poisoning is common throughout the year, but tends to increase during the holidays."This often occurs when children drink the leftover cocktails after parties, or when adults allow them to drink from their glasses," said William Norcross, M.D. UCSD Family and Preventive Medicine physician.
As a rule you should make sure alcoholic drinks are cleaned up and out of reach during and after a party. Additionally, make sure products such as colognes, perfumes and aftershaves, which also have high alcohol content, are far out of the reach of small children because they may believe these products are consumable.
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, December 20, 2007,
,
Discover Green Spaces After the Holidays
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
After the rush, anticipation, and celebration of the holidays finally subsides you'll probably need a heavy dose of fresh air and nature to set your senses back to normal and undoubtedly so will your children and visiting family.The National Wildlife Federation has teamed up with NatureFind to provide quick online access to green spaces in your area including regional, state and national parks. Simply log on to www.naturefind.com, plug in your zip code, and you'll instantly be taken to a treasure trove of great natural resources right in your backyard.
The Natural Wildlife Federation's web site, the Green Hour, also provides a plethora of easy-to-do outdoor activities for you and your children to get involved in and gain an appreciation for nature. Visit www.greenhour.org for more information.
For further reading:
Labels: children, education, entertainment, family
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007,
,
Bye, Bye Cupcake: Schools Ban Traditional Treat for Better Nutrition
Monday, December 17, 2007
When I was in elementary way back in the eighties every child knew that holiday parties meant no classwork and plenty of cupcakes! Room mothers would bring in long boxes of the little sweet delights meticulously counted for every child in the class plus a few extra for the teacher and her assistant. Yes, it was good times then. Now, in this new era of fat kids and even fatter adults parents have banned cupcakes from classrooms in the hopes that children will not ingest unnecessary calories during a holiday party.It's funny because when I was a kid very, very few of us were overweight and even fewer of us were obese. We used to eat just as much junk during my day, but we also went out and played during recess and if it was too cold or raining out, the teachers let us run wild in the gym where we climbed roped or played hopscotch or ran away from boys who always tried to put something sticky on us. There was an unspoken balance then. People instinctively understood that children need to burn calories during an eight-hour school day, not simply sit latent in a chair and watch their teacher scribble on the blackboard.
New-age parents sadly have missed the boat on the cupcake issue. It's not about cupcakes. It's about society as a whole -- technology that fosters idleness plus a ready-made fast food meal waiting for families on every corner. Parents need to look at the bigger picture here. Banning cupcakes simply isn't the solution.
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, December 17, 2007,
,
Children Play More When Child-Care Center Provides Balls, Jump Ropes
Friday, December 14, 2007
If your children attend a child-care center ask their teachers and assistants if they have balls and jump ropes for the children to play with because a new study out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill says children are more active when their child-care center provides jump ropes and balls for their charges. Being more active longer helps to fight against childhood obesity researchers say."Childhood obesity is an epidemic that threatens the future health of our nation," said Dianne Ward, director of the School of Public Health nutrition department's intervention and policy division and a co-author of the study. "We know that about 57 percent of all 3- to 5-year-olds in the United States attend child-care centers, so it's important to understand what factors will encourage them to be more active, and, hopefully, less likely to become obese."
The study also determined that children engage in more vigorous play when their child-care center has portable play objects around such as hoola hoops, mobile vehicles, jump ropes and balls.
To find out more about how to make sure your child does not become obese or to help them loose weight visit The Mayo Clinic and the Center for Disease Control.
FOR FURTHER READING
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, December 14, 2007,
,
Heavy Traffic Makes Breathing Hard for Children
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Children who live and go to school close to vehicular traffic are exposed to increased pollutants that increase respiratory problems and reduce lung function in children with asthma."Our results show that close proximity to vehicular traffic-related emissions, either at home or at school, can lead to chronic effects in the respiratory health of children with asthma," said Fernando Holguin, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of pulmonary medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, and lead author of the study, which appeared in the second issue for December of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.
Living within 50 meters of high density traffic increased asthmatic problems in children by percent. "These results may have implications for asthmatic children residing in these conditions -- especially among those who may not be adequately controlled with medications -- for they may be more susceptible to vehicular emissions," said Dr. Holguin.
To learn more about childhood asthma visit the American Lung Association.
FOR FURTHER READING
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, December 13, 2007,
,
Jump Start World, a Learning Adventure for the Younger Set
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
If you are a big fan of the latest software technology and exemplary educational tools, you will be highly impressed with Jump Start World First Grade. Jump Start World offers first graders the unique opportunity to choose a character and then race through a 3-D world full of educational adventures where they can steer a boat to hit a correct number in a math game or put together a crossword puzzle that challenges their thinking skills, for example. Jump Start World encourages youngsters to build their math, reading and critical thinking skills. It even helps young children become more advanced in correctly using a mouse and familiarizing themselves with the computer.If you are concerned about how Jump Start World can enhance your child's education at school, there is no need to worry. Jump Start World is curriculum based on both National and State standards. Plus, the software helps you keep track of your child's progress and also rewards them whenever they have mastered a level or completed an activity.
Jump Start World First Grade provides skills in math, including telling time and using fractions, reading where phonics are the building blocks of reading and spelling, as well as problem solving and leadership development skills.
Jump Start First Grade requires a broadband connection and retails for $9.99. Buy or download on JumpStartWorld.com.
Labels: children, education, technology
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, December 12, 2007,
,
Children and the Internet: Crucial Tips for Parents
Monday, December 10, 2007
According to a recent Pew Internet & American Life Project released in April 2007, nearly two-thirds of teens with profiles (63%) believe that "a motivated person could eventually identify them from the information they publicly provide on their profiles." How can we be sure that the information we post on our profiles isn't too revealing? How can we make sure our kids and teens are safe?
Omar Wasow, Internet analyst and co-founder of BlackPlanet.com, outlines these easy steps to ensure online safety.
1. Never post your last name, home address, phone number or social security number on your profile page. These types of personal details can be easily used by someone with bad intentions to identify you or members of your family.
2. Adjust your account settings on social networking sites so only people you know have access to any detailed information on your profile. By doing this, new friends can still send you messages and invite you to join their network, but you retain the power to decide whether or not to share your page with them.
3. Be involved in your child's online life. Take time to talk to your children about the Internet, and the potential risks involved. Spend time surfing the Net with them and make sure they know what to do if someone solicits them online. The Internet is a wonderful place filled with information, potential friends, interesting news facts and entertaining videos; help keep it that way by protecting yourself and your children. The same old fashioned rules that applied to you growing up still work today: children shouldn't ever meet with strangers. Be sure your kids understand that even though they might think they are talking to other kids on the Internet they can never be sure.
4. Stick to reputable companies. A wonderful aspect of the Net is that there are a lot of different social networking sites available to meet different types of people. Whether you're looking for friends your own age, friends with whom you share a common ethnic heritage, or a place to meet people with like hobbies, do a little homework before joining a site. In particular, check with friends to make sure there are safe-guards in place to protect you and your family.
Omar Wasow is the Strategic Advisor to Community Connect Inc., the leading publisher of niche social networking sites.Labels: children, education, tips
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, December 10, 2007,
,
The Sneaky Chef | Tricking Your Kids to Eat Healthy Foods
Sunday, December 9, 2007
We're not quite sure how we feel about the new books The Sneaky Chef and Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. As parents, do we really want to trick our children into eating fruits and vegetables? We don't think so, but this parenting practice is such a phenomenon these days we decided we'd be a little remiss if we didn't talk about it just a little. We decided to let Missy Chase Lapine, author of The Sneaky Chef speak for herself.From Our Newsroom
Buy The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids Favorite Meals
Buy Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food
Labels: books, children, health, obesity, tips
posted by Jennifer James @ Sunday, December 09, 2007,
,
How to Ace a Parent-Teacher Conference
Friday, December 7, 2007
(Mom Logic) Educator and Mother of three gives us Cliffs Notes on how to make the grade.Most parents hate it. Teachers dread it. Why are parent/teacher conferences so uncomfortable? Teachers complain that parents are unprepared and talk about nothing. Parents complain they feel rushed. Lucille Kurtz, a Mother of three and teacher for more than 25 years, has some tips for us. She knows what it's like to be on both sides of the desk.
1. Do your homework. Come prepared with questions and concerns, and be specific. General questions will get you general answers. Also, try and ask about your child's curriculum if you're not clear. It helps to know what is expected of them.
2. Be courteous. Most parent-teacher conferences are by appointment, and other parents are scheduled before and after you. Stick to your time, and if for some reason you think you may need more, schedule it in advance.
3. Keep an open mind. As a parent, it's easy to become defensive when someone, anyone, criticizes your child. Remember, the teacher is there to help, so hear them out. Ask for suggestions that will help rectify whatever the situation, whether it pertains to academics or behavior.
4. Don't wait for a parent-teacher conference. If you have concerns about your child, contact the teacher immediately and set up a time to meet. Most issues are better addressed right away. And remember, contact the teacher first, don't go straight to the principal. Then, if you're unsatisfied with the results, include the principal.
Labels: children, education, schools
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, December 07, 2007,
,
Mothers' Fat Can Determine Child's Heart Attack Risk
Thursday, December 6, 2007
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, December 06, 2007,
,
Parents Want Teachers Who Make Their Children Happy
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
A new University of Michigan study says low-income parents want teachers who stress student achievement, whereas families who have higher incomes prefer teachers who make their children happy.The findings appear in the new issue of the Quarterly Journal of Economics.
This study consistent with the belief that in high poverty areas since there is a lack of academic and financial resources parents prefer teachers who will bypass student's enjoyment for a more rigorous education. This is the exact opposite for higher income parents. In schools where academic and financial resources are abundant, these parents want their children to enjoy school and learning.
"The value of this study is that it helps education practitioners and policymakers better understand how factors such as family poverty can influence what parents are looking for in a school," Brian Jacob said, the study's co-author and director of the Center on Local, State and Urban Policy at the U-M Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. "While all parents presumably want what is best for their children, this can mean very different things depending on the school and neighborhood context."
What do you want from your child's teacher and school in general?
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007,
,
Mama Mirabelle's Kwanzaa Episode
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
If you haven't seen Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies on PBS yet we definitely encourage you to check it out. It's one of the best kids shows on PBS in our opinion. Airing on Saturday or Sunday every weekend, depending on your local station, Mama Mirabelle shows home movies of the animals who live around them on the African savanna. Starring Vanessa Williams as the voice of Mama and using wildlife footage from National Geographic and the BBC the "home movies" teach preschoolers about African animals and their habitat.During the month of December PBS will air "A Savanna Kwanzaa". In this charming episode Mama Mirabelle teaches the baby animals all about her big Kwanzaa celebration and stresses the importance of family.
Labels: children, entertainment
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, December 04, 2007,
,
AmberWatch Tips for Kids This Holiday Season
Monday, December 3, 2007
When kids are out of school for the Christmas holiday many parents cannot be home with them during the day unless there is a parent who stays at home. The AmberWatch Foundation wants all children to be safe while their parents are away at work. Here are some tips you can discuss with your child to reiterate their safety during Christmas break.1) Know what emergency numbers to call if you're home alone and you need help.
2) Don't give out your name, age, address and phone number on the Internet.
3) Don't get close to any car that slows down or stops near you. If the car stops near you, run away and tell a trusted adult. Never get into a car with anyone you don't know.
4) Say "NO!" and run away if someone tries to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared. Tell your families or trusted loved ones if this scenario occurs.
5) If someone tries to hurt you, yell for help, fight as hard as you can and run away.
6) Keep doors and windows locked and secured when you're home alone. Don't open the door or let anyone in without your parents' permission.
7) Stay with your parents or a trusted adult when you are in a public space. If you lose them, go to the nearest security officer or store clerk with a nametag and tell them that you're lost.
8) Never take shortcuts. Always walk along well-traveled streets and follow the route that your parents planned out for you.
9) Don't tell anyone on the phone that your parents are not at home. Just say, "They can't come to the phone right now" and take a message.
Labels: children
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, December 03, 2007,
,
Black Children Dying From Diabetes
Thursday, November 29, 2007
I ran into an article today that absolutely jolted my senses: More Black Children Dying From Diabetes. Although the article's headline sounds scary enough, the numbers are not as bad as it appears. According to the Nov. 16 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 89 children died from diabetes between 2003-2004. Despite these relatively small numbers, however, black children were more than twice as likely to die from diabetes than white children.
From 2003 to 2004, the diabetes death rate per million for children and teens was 2.46 for blacks and 0.91 for whites, the report found.Most of these children died from extremely low insulin levels who eventually went into a diabetic coma and eventually died.
"These complications are readily recognizable in children and don't require a great deal of technology to treat them," CDC epidemiologist Dr. Laura L. Polakowski said. "The rate of death among black children can be lower, because there is a lower rate among white children," she said.As a parent there are several ways to prevent your child from getting diabetes. Make sure your child eats plenty of fruits and vegetables; cut the amount of colas, sweet drinks and fruit juices they drink; curb TV, computer and video game time; and make sure that your child gets regular, vigorous exercise. For more information visit the American Diabetes Association.
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, November 29, 2007,
,
Young Cancer Patients Respond Favorably To Music Therapy
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Young cancer patients between the ages of 4 and 7 show significant improvements dealing with stress when their hospital care includes music-based activities. Children who participated in "active music engagement" were more apt to smile and laugh; turn the pages of a book while playing; fix their eyes on an activity; or initiate a comment, question or request from a parent, sibling or other person."Those are not things kids tend to do when they are under stress. They tend to withdraw and shut down," said Dr. Sheri L. Robb, a behavioral oncology fellow in the School of Nursing at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the study's principal investigator.
When young cancer patients are confined to the hospital for long stretches of time their coping mechanisms can be threatened. "The study supports the use of music-based activities to help hospitalized pediatric oncology patients, says Robb, who is also a certified music therapist. The coping behaviors studied included positive facial affect, behavioral engagement and initiation."
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, November 28, 2007,
,
Soil Exhibit at the Smithsonian
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
If there wasn't enough to learn about the earth already, museum goers will soon be able to learn about every facet of the nation's soil. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the world's most visited natural history museum, will launch a new exhibit about soil conservation and sustainability.Opening next year on July 19, 2008 "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil" will feature a collection of state soils, hands-on educational games, multimedia programs, a large-screen theater, and other activities that will demonstrate to visitors the vital link between soil and the health of mankind, the environment, and our planet.
The soils exhibit will occupy a 5,000 square foot space and will be on display until January 2010.
To learn more visit https://www.soils.org/smithsonian or http://forces.si.edu/soil.
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, November 27, 2007,
,
Original Art for Children
Monday, November 26, 2007
If you have a daughter, I don't know how partial she is to Angelina Ballerina, but I will say my daughters absolutely love her! I have to admit, I love Angelina Ballerina as well. She's such a lovely character with plenty of charm and loads of ambition. Plus, she lives in a happy community of friends and family that I find refreshing. You may not know that you can order original Angelina Ballerina drawings by Helen Craig. To be such classic originals they are quite affordable. Visit Images of Delight to see pieces for sale and to browse other illustrators and their work.
If these works are a bit pricey for your pocketbook, I recommend taking an e-jaunt over to Ned Design. Neds are whimsical children's characters created by Susie Lubell. They're great to decorate any children's room with something other than run-of-the mill posters.
Labels: children
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, November 26, 2007,
,
November 19th is Child Abuse Prevention Day
Friday, November 16, 2007
According to the Department of Health and Human Services over 3 million cases of child abuse are reported each year, 60 percent of which are deemed serious enough to warrant an investigation. November 19th is Child Abuse Prevention Day and there are several things you can do to help prevent child abuse and neglect.Melissa Jonson-Reid, Ph.D., a child welfare expert and a professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis, offers these suggestions to get involved in protecting children from abuse.
1. Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care. More information is available at http://www.nationalcasa.org/about_us/index.html
2. Check with your local Department of Transportation to see if they offer Children's Trust Fund license plates or something similar.
3. Join an organization that helps lobby for and support child protection and child welfare efforts like the American Humane Association, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), or the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (IPSCAN). A detailed list of organizations across the world that work on issues related to child abuse and neglect can be found at this link.
4. Volunteer with your local crisis nursery program. Crisis nurseries offer residential care with the hopes that they can prevent abuse or neglect by caring for the children briefly while a parent addresses the current crisis.
5. Consider a career in policy, programs or intervention that prevent child maltreatment and/or assist children who have experienced maltreatment. A discussion of careers in child welfare can be found at this link.
Reading Resources
Broken Children, Grown-Up Pain (Revised): Understanding the Effects of Your Wounded Past
Helping Abused and Traumatized Children: Integrating Directive and Nondirective Approaches
Beyond Betrayal: Taking Charge of Your Life after Boyhood Sexual Abuse
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, November 16, 2007,
,
Living a Healthy Lifestyle With Asthma
Monday, November 12, 2007
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) were presented during the Annual Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recently. According to the Institute, 23 million people live with asthma every day, 6.5 million of them are children.“Asthma is not an event, it is a chronic disease that can be managed so that symptoms are controlled and severe attacks are prevented,” said Michael B. Foggs, M.D chief of asthma, allergy and immunology, Advocate Health Care, Chicago. “The guidelines underscore the fact that people who are diagnosed with asthma do not have to suffer breathing difficulties or cut back on their activities. We want to make this a reality for all asthma patients.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Management
According to Dr. Foggs, the guidelines put a new emphasis on the physician-patient partnership and ongoing monitoring and management. Specific recommendations include: :
• All patients with asthma should be monitored by a doctor every one to six months, regardless of how severe their condition is and whether they are experiencing symptoms.
• Every patient should have a written asthma action plan with instructions for daily treatment and what to do if symptoms become worse. The action plan should be developed by a doctor or nurse, with input from the patient, and shared with all those who interact with the patient such as family members, teachers and coaches.
• Education that takes into account cultural background and literacy should be part of asthma care, and patients should play an active role in managing their condition.
• Asthma treatment based on severity is classified in six steps, rather than four in previous guidelines. A stepwise approach to treatment is still recommended, with medication stepped up or increased when asthma symptoms increase and stepped down, if possible, when asthma is under control.
“When patients and physicians work together to follow these guidelines, asthma symptoms can be prevented and patients can participate in all activities, and not miss days of work or school because of asthma. No one should expect anything less,” Dr. Foggs said.
Reading References
Natural Relief for Your Child's Asthma: A Guide to Controlling Symptoms & Reducing Your Child's Dependence on Drugs
Free Your Child from Asthma
Control Your Child's Asthma: A Breakthrough Program for the Treatment and Management of Childhood Asthma
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, November 12, 2007,
,
Violent TV Linked to Aggressive Behavior in Boys
Monday, November 5, 2007
Watching violent television programs between the ages of 2 and 5 clearly creates aggressive and anti-social behavior in boys between the ages of 7 and 9, says a new study published this month in Pediatrics."This new study provides further evidence of how important and powerful television and media are as young children develop," said Dimitri A. Christakis, MD, MPH at the Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute and the University of Washington School of Medicine. "However, the news here is not all bad. While we found that shows like violent cartoons or football can make children more aggressive, we found no such effect for other programs such as educational ones. This points out that parents must be informed and very selective when making media choices for their children."
The researchers suggest that parents limit the amount of television their children watch and instead of allowing violent themes to permeate their children's TV viewing to instead opt for high quality, educational programming.
Labels: children, education, health
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, November 05, 2007,
,
New Social Network for Kids
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I just spent an entire hour of pure, unadulterated, childish fun at GoLive2.com Kraze™. Playhut just released a free social networking, magical e-playground for children ages six and up and, in my opinion, it's a pretty cool place for little ones to spend time online.Although I am pretty efficient on the Net, it took me (a 32-year-old) a little while to work my way around the site because I am not at all familiar with sites where you can actually walk characters through different scenes and environments. But when I let me nine-year-old tool around, she got a hang of it pretty quickly and put me to shame quite honestly.
One of the things I like about GoLive2.com Kraze is Playhut created gender specific worlds, one specifically for girls, called Mystikats Kutties, and a world for boys called Wowbotz. Here, children can customize their own character, design their home, pick their clothes, earn coins, go shopping, play games, and meet online with friends who are also playing online.
The only thing I did not like about GoLive2.com Kraze was girls cannot customize the ethnicity of their characters and they only have a handful of pre-made characters to choose from. There could be a little more selection and diversity in the character choices.
Other than that, parents can feel safe with their children being online and creating their own virtual world on GoLive2.com Kraze.
Labels: children, technology
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, October 30, 2007,
,
Kajeet Cell Phone for Kids -- A Must-Have
Monday, September 10, 2007
Since I grew up in the days predating cell phones I have always been skeptical about getting a cell phone for my children. My oldest, who is nine now, is getting to the point where she can work the TV much better than I can, so conceivably she could masterfully use a cell phone as well. So, we sat down and tried out the new kajeet cell phone for kids. She loved it and I did, too. The Sanyo Katana cell phone from kajeet, which retails for $99.99, has a huge display screen and large keys, which are great for easy usability and fast functionality. Plus, here's the thing: It's pay as you go, so your kids won't run up a $600 bill by talking to their friends for hours about nothing or texting to their heart's content without realizing that text messages cost money! Parents can set up a budget for the phone that effectively limits the amount of extras kids can download like games, ring tones and wallpaper. And kids and parents can have a co-account which allows children, particularly teens, the opportunity to pay for some of the services they use or learn this valuable lesson in money matters: Cell phones and the extras that come with them are not free.
The kajeet Sanyo Katana also comes equipped with all the features kids love like a digital camera, voicemail, and speakerphone. Plus, the Katana comes with Bluetooth technology allowing kids the fun of hands-free communication.
The kajeet Sanyo Katana cell phone is a great gift for the holidays. But most importantly, it puts your kid's cell phone use back in your hands while giving them valuable talking privileges at the same time.
On the web: kajeet.com
Labels: children, must-haves, technology, teens
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, September 10, 2007,
,
Bulletproof Backpacks -- Just in Time for Back-to-School
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Once upon a time our children could go to school, get an education, make lifelong friends, and all they had to worry about was the kid in class who picked on them or the school bully who harassed them for their lunch money. Now, in 2007, children get killed in schools and that's not an old wives' tale. That's the truth. A group of concerned fathers have gotten together and created a bulletproof backpack for children to use in the unfortunate event some kid or adult goes ballistic and starts shooting to kill. Usually I would scoff at such a notion, but parents have got to protect their kids, even if their measures seem a bit extreme. In my opinion there's absolutely nothing wrong with arming one's child with the tools to survive.
These bulletproof backpacks are not as heavy as police officer's 15 pound bulletproof vests. In fact, they're much lighter; even a small child can wear one. They will retail for $175.
On the Web: MJ Saftey Solutions
Labels: