Childhood Obesity
December 31, 2007
Economist John Kenneth Galbraith has said that more people die in this country of too much food than of too little. It’s an appalling notion - but an accurate one. As of 1999 more than 60 percent of American adults were overweight or obese - and obesity among children was increasing faster than among adults. In 2000, 22 percent of U.S. preschoolers were overweight and 10 percent clinically obese.
Nevertheless, there are many who consider obesity an individual responsibility. Writing in the Los Angeles Times in December 2001, Brian Doherty ridiculed former surgeon general David Satcher’s "fat war." He called on taxpayer-funded agencies to think twice about spending Americans’ money to lecture us on what he considers a matter of private health. He believes obesity is a condition "caused by freely chosen behavior" and maintains people can simply cure themselves of obesity by eating less and exercising more.
Five Questions To Ask A Computer Training School Before Signing Up
December 31, 2007
As with any field, there are good technical training schools, and bad ones. When you sign up with one of these schools, you’ve made a significant investment in time and money. You deserve to know everything about the school and your job prospects after leaving that school before you put down your hard-earned money. The problem is, sometimes it’s hard to know the right questions to ask.
The point of this article is not to bash technical training schools. That’s how I got my start in IT eight years ago, and today I’m a CCIE? and own my own Cisco training company and my own consulting firm.
Before I ever put down the first dime, though, I asked some tough questions. So should you.
What are my true job prospects and legitimate salary levels after I graduate from your school?
We’ve all heard the ads on the radio? "Did you know the average salary of an MCSE is $80,000?" "Are you worth $65,000 a year? If not, call us!"
I’m an optimist, and I often tell people that no field rewards individual achievement and drive like IT does. Having said that, none of us start at the top, and darn few of us start at that kind of salary.
Top 25 Children Quotations
December 30, 2007
Why First Borns Fuss, Seconds Are Resilient and Last Borns Like To Laugh
December 29, 2007
How can two or three children in the same family be so different? They are brought up in the same broad social environment, under a similar set of rules and an identical family value system. They also come from the same genetic pool yet they can be so different in personality, interests and achievement. While they may be born into the same family they are not born into the same position. The effects of their birth position have a significant impact on children, their behavior and their personalities. In order to really understand children it is useful to look at how their position in the family impacts on their development.
If we look at the big three in birth order ? first, middle and youngest ? we will notice that children born in each position share a similar set of characteristics. Note that birth order presents possibilities only for parents. Also only children share similar birth order characteristics to first borns ? they are super first borns.
The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby
December 28, 2007
Your Libra Baby..
September 23 - October 22
Libras can be really beautiful babies. Personality wise, your Libra baby will not like to be hurried and will hate having to choose between two things. Libra children often seem older than their years and unexpectedly knowledgeable. Libras thrive when treated fairly and will obey rules that are seen to be fair. They treat others well and are kind-hearted.
Parents will need to guard against the Libra child’s ability to wheedle almost anything out of adults, especially given their fondness for sweets. Your Libra child will quickly learn to argue with total conviction and will be adept at making their needs and wants known. You will need to guard against giving in to well-reasoned demands too often in case you spoil your child.
Libras thrive in a harmonious environment and it is essential to give them lots of attention and affection. Whilst enjoying company, Libras can pursue interests on their own and are naturally private. Your child will respect the privacy of others and will keep confidences.
Your Libra child will be thoughtful and enjoy learning from books. A young Libra should not be fussed over too much or spoilt, but will rarely need to be strongly disciplined.
15 New Years and Holiday Resolutions For Parents
December 27, 2007
Have you made your usual New Year resolutions? You know the resolutions where you turn over a new leaf to get fit, steer away from junk food and start a savings plan. While you are reflecting on past bad habits and setting new directions for your personal life consider taking stock of your parenting as well.
A word of warning — you will probably feel a little inadequate as you look back on some of your past practices. If you are like most parents you nag your kids too much, over-react when they mess up and you probably regret not spending enough time with them. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Not only is parenting the world’s hardest job but children aren’t born with owner’s manuals so we tend to rely on trial and error a great deal.
As you ponder the next twelve months of parenthood here are 15 New Year’s resolutions to consider. Avoid trying to adopt every idea. Be realistic and choose one or two to add to your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Potty Training Caveats- Dont Start Too Soon
December 26, 2007
The First Reason: For one thing, child development experts are concerned that previous generations of parents were putting too much pressure on their children to potty train early. Children were often being punished for not learning to use the toilet.
Another Reason: Behind the delayed potty training are disposable diapers. Disposable diapers are more absorbent than cloth diapers and less uncomfortable for a child when soiled or wet. They are more convenient for parents who want to get away from the laundering of cloth diapers.
Remember, it is not recommended that you use negative reinforcements (verbally, punishments or spankings) when the child has an accident or wets the bed. Positive reinforcement as simple as a hug, sticker or praise for successful potty event is much more effective. Taking cues from your child will make the process of potty training go more smoothly for everyone.
If Potty Training Signs of Readiness Are Missing. Not every sign of readiness needs to be there. If you already notice a few signs, your child may be ready and willing to start using the potty.
After A Few Potty Training Attempts. It’s wise to back off if your child still wants to resist using the toilet.
Difference Between Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy As Related Services In Education
December 26, 2007
Difference Between Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy As Related Services In Education
by: Christine Dugan
One common question asked by parents is what is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy services provided through schools as a related special education service? Both therapies are related services to special education and are provided only if the child needs therapy to function in the educational setting. The role of physical therapist and an occupational therapist is to facilitate a student’s independent functioning and decrease the effects of a disability on his/her ability to participate in the educational setting and process. The following is a general response to the difference between the two.
Physical Therapy (PT): emphasizes the acquisition of basic motor skills necessary for functional mobility about the school environment as well as the physical capability for participating with peers during education and recess. Areas of focus for the school physical therapist include:
- Gross motor skills: activities that use large muscles
- Mobility skills: moving safely throughout the school environment, including entering and exiting the school bus
- Postural control and alignment needed to perform school activities and for increasing independence in life skills
Aquini Potty Training Dolls - A Great Tool For Potty Training!
December 25, 2007
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dolls
This is the very best potty doll we available. This potty doll is a much better value than slightly cheaper potty dolls because it functions perfectly, and will remain a great toy when you are finished potty training. Benefits include:
Potty doll is all vinyl and vanilla scented.
Potty doll is machine washable.
Potty doll has an internal bladder that responds to pressure exerted on the tummy.
He/She potty doll drinks from her baby bottle and will piddle on her potty.
He/She potty doll comes with removeable clothing, Disposable Diaper, Pink Potty Chair, Bottle, Pacifier.
Serves as an effective Potty Training Tool!
The boy and girl potty doll are two popular items. Their waterproof vinyl bodies are 13 inches tall, making them suitable for bathtime and beachtime. Each doll comes complete with a hooded terry towel and play potty, along with a bottle.
Boy doll wears and blue and white outfit and has a light blue potty.
Girl doll wears a light pink and white outfit and has a light pink potty.
The Personality Traits of a Leo Baby
December 24, 2007
Your Leo Baby..
July 23 - August 22
Leo children are sunny, friendly personalities who love to be the centre of attention. They love parties and seem to have endless energy. Your young Leo will be more often on the move than still and will love playing games and joining in physical activities. A Leo child will be adventurous and can sometimes be reckless. Leos love parties and will be generous with possessions.
You will soon notice that your Leo baby will like to be waited on and Leo children dislike doing menial tasks. Leo girls may go through a tom-boy phase as they are happiest when doing something physical.
Leos need freedom in which to grow and experiment. Emotionally they can be turbulent and dramatic. A Leo child is trusting and needs plenty of love. Lies can be hurtful, even if they are flattering ones. There is a danger that Leos may become boastful and parents will need to watch for this from an early age. Young Leos should be encouraged to help around the home from an early age to ensure that they do not grow into little tyrants.
