When Talking to Kids Doesn’t Work
By Erica Curtis and Ping Ho
Talking is important but not always the best approach with kids. As adults, we tend to over-talk to them. Our words can be ineffective if not irritating. A well-meaning “can we talk?” can trigger defensiveness and anxiety (“uh oh, I’m in trouble”). Moreover, talking can be overwhelming, embarrassing or difficult, when kids don’t have words to communicate their experience. Words may not even be accessible because stress can interfere with the speech center of the brain. Stress can also inhibit brain functions that enable problem-solving, decision making, and focus.
Fortunately, even during times of high stress, we can open lines of communication non-verbally through art. (more…)
Healthy On-the-Go Meals and Snacks
By Andrea Donsky
As a registered holistic nutritionist, I routinely hear parents’ battle cries for help feeding their kids healthy foods. It’s not easy to work full time, hustle kids to and from after-school activities, and prepare nutritious meals.
While we have abundant opportunities to eat real food, it often seems easier to choose junky processed food. Unfortunately, these unhealthy choices make it harder for our kids to focus in school, keep their energy up, and get a good night’s sleep.
Here are some simple meal and snack ideas to help parents tackle these dilemmas. I’ve also included a few smart supplement suggestions. (more…)
How to Reverse Sun Damage
By Jen Copfer, RN
Now that summer is coming to an end, it’s a perfect time to start focusing on reversing the sun damage that was incurred during the summer season and/or the damage that has incurred cumulatively over the years.
The damage I’m talking about specifically is sun spots, also known as hyperpigmentation or solar lentignes. These flat brown spots develop most commonly on the face, neck, chest, arms, and the back of hands, and are caused by an over production of melanin (the cell responsible for pigment) due to UV radiation damage of sun exposure.
In terms of visible aging, sun is the #1 enemy of the skin and the #1 cause of premature aging such as wrinkles, skin texture, and sun spots/hyperpigmentation. The best way to prevent this damage is by habitual use of broad spectrum sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours, and to avoid direct sun exposure. But for those of us who didn’t know any better and basked in the lovely sun rays for most our childhood, early adult and adult life, either unprotected or not protected enough, the damage has already incurred. (more…)
Coping with Back to School Bathroom Anxiety
By William “Dr. Bill” Sears, M.D.
We’ve encountered and survived many back-to-school health issues in my over 50 years as a pediatrician, 52 years as a parent of eight children, and now 15 grandchildren. Now, I’m sharing some of my family’s best tips for three of the most common issues your children are likely to face this time of year.
• Bathroom anxiety and belly aches. Parents are sometimes surprised when their children won’t use a school bathroom, and they’re often just as perplexed about how to solve the problem. (more…)
The Which, When, How, and Who of SAT and ACT Prep
Starting the college prep journey? Here’s a quick overview of the whys and wherefores of SAT and ACT tutoring.
Which (as in, which test: SAT or ACT)? I have a long answer to this question, but here’s the short one. Students who are fast workers and do well in their math and (importantly) science classes usually do better on the ACT. Students who are exceptional readers and writers, and who like to take their time with their work, usually do better on the SAT. Note that the tests are graded on a curve, and most students tend to score about the same on both of them. But choosing the right test can be worth a few percentage points. (By the way, I do not recommend getting tutored for both tests.) (more…)
The Celery Juice Craze
Is it the Cure-All that it’s Cracked up to Be?
By Lauren Rashap C.N.
With over a million followers on Facebook and Instagram, Kim K and Pharrell won’t leave home without it; it’s official, celery juice has gone global.
As a clinical nutritionist and a bit of a research geek, there simply is zero science to support what Anthony William’s a.k.a The Medical Medium claims is the “cure-all” for everything from acne to autoimmune conditions.
Had I not witnessed several years ago, Mr. Williams channelling his healing “Spirit” into the DNA of desperate health seekers, (myself included), I most likely would not have traded in my AM raw apple cider shot for a bitter tasting 16 oz celery juice. (more…)
Cultivating Cultural Competency
By Dr. Trina Moore-Southall
Have you ever used a product for your child that seemed incredibly challenging or frustrating to use? It is possible that the team used to create the product had no one who actually had children on the team. How about a product for women that is designed by men? A product to help seniors created by millennials that consulted no seniors in the design? It happens.
The most successful and productive teams employ the widest ranges of experiences, identities, and backgrounds. This multicultural skillset begins at a very young age. It is a valuable skill that strengthens throughout our lives. Your child will be a better friend, a better student, a better employee and ultimately a better person if they are culturally intelligent.
A Perfect Family Vacation to Israel
Israel is a well traveled country for Jewish families seeking to connect to their heritage, religion and family roots. Numerous families return yearly to Israel to visit relatives and enjoy a vacation at the same time. Many families choose to also celebrate a Bar/Bat Mitzvah on this occasion.
Puzzle Israel travel experts skilfully built a 10-day winter tour itinerary designed for such families to tour together (this of course includes families that have never visited Israel).
Read more below to learn about this special opportunity for an exciting and meaningful family tour to Israel organized by the boutique travel company – Puzzle Israel.