Jill Vialet, Founder and CEO of Playworks, has been a recognized leader in the physical activity and play for the past 15 years. She recently addressed TEDxABQ on the moral imperative of building schools where all parents would send their children. Vialet is a proud mother of five.
Play supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Research on play concludes that play isn’t just fun; children literally can’t do without it.
I took my 4-year-old to the grocery store yesterday for our regular semi-weekly trip. He rode in a plastic race-car cart and mostly talked to himself or made various vocal observations about how long the trip was taking (ahem). But when we got to the cereal aisle, he was suddenly completely engaged. (You know where this is going, don’t you?)
“Mom! Stop! I want that! Go back! See that one! LET’S GET THAT!” he shrieked giddily.
During this time of year, with back-to-school vaccinations and flu shots available, I see lots of parents in my office who are concerned about the side effects of vaccinating their children. In fact, a survey released by the Center of Disease Control in 2011 showed that more than 75% of parents were concerned about the side effects of vaccination.
As a mother, health journalist, and former pediatric emergency room nurse, the decision to vaccinate our children was a no brainer.
I'm a mother of three, who believes that living an active lifestyle is of the utmost importance not only for my sanity but for my childrens as well. As a result, I am constantly striving to find ways to keep the kids motivated to move!
Most people don't consider that kids have strokes. Although it's relatively rare, a small percentage of children suffer strokes every year. The causes can vary but most are related to birth defects, infections, trauma or blood disorders like sickle cell disease.
Here is one mom's story:
"On January 22, 201, our lives were turned upside down. Early that day our son Lucas said to my husband Lee that he felt dizzy. Not really thinking much about it my husband told him to go lay down and try to take a nap.
Should you vaccinate your kids? It's the million dollar question - but there's no easy answer.
This is the second piece in a three-part series from Bright Beacon on energy drinks. Don't miss the first part - Energy Drinks: Do You Know What Your Kids Are Drinking?
We all teach our kids to say no to drugs, but how many parents think to warn their children about the dangers of Red Bull? Here are five reasons why kids should stay away from energy drinks:
5. CAFFEINE - Heavy caffeine use has been linked to negative health effects. Energy drinks have more caffeine than coffee, and they aren't regulated by the FDA.
This is Part I of Bright Beacon's series on Energy Drinks. Don't miss Part II - "Skip The Speed: 5 Reasons Teens Should Avoid Energy Drinks" and Part III - Energy Drinks: The Danger Of Creating "Wide-Awake Drunks"
“Energy” drinks are caffeinated beverages advertised as boosting the immune system, enhancing performance, and creating a “buzz” or a “high.” Most parents cannot differentiate between an energy drink and a carbonated soda. And even fewer can explain specifically to their kids why energy drinks might be unhealthy.
This may sound a little out there, but I believe that we have more healing power within us than most of us are in touch with. It takes a lot of inner trust to let yourself go there, both mentally and physically. If you can let go of mental barriers, and really, truly, subscribe to the notion that anything is possible, you never know where it might take you.
