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Which Food to Shop For a Healthy Liver

Still trying to get healthy for the New Year?  Today we focus on the second largest organ in your body – the liver. Considering that your liver has to work overtime filtering chemicals from the blood, you shouldn’t take this particular organ for granted. Like everything else in your body, the key to ensuring that your liver stays healthy is eating healthy and not indulging in substance abuse. As a part of the whole digestive process, everything that you consume, whether it may be food, drink or medicine, goes through your liver. This means that when you put too much harmful stuff into your system, your liver will have to filter those through and prevent those from coming into your bloodstream. Do note that while the food listed below will help in ensuring that this vital organ remains healthy, everything will be useless if you make your liver work overtime when you consume harmful substances for your body. With that in mind, let’s begin our list of food for a healthier liver.

  1. Turmeric. The Global Healing Center has named turmeric as the “liver’s favorite spice”. Turmeric helps the body process fats and will encourage bile production. Adding turmeric into your diet will help your liver detoxify by getting rid of carcinogens.
  2. Green leafy veggies. Remember when your mom would force you to eat your green veggies and you grudgingly obey? Well, as it turns out, that simple act done regularly will help you avoid issues with your liver later on in life. It’s even better if you consume organic products. Why so? Well, as previously mentioned, you liver filters everything you put in your mouth, including some possible leftover pesticides that may have been left there from non-organic veggies. Leafy vegetables have a neutralizing ability, which will help your liver when it encounters metals, chemicals and pesticides that you have consumed through food.
  3. Cruciferous vegetables. You can almost never go wrong with veggies. Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower belong to this category. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in compounds called glucosinolate, which helps the liver get rid of toxins you have ingested into your system.
  4. Grapefruit. This is not the first time that eating vitamin C rich food has proven to help your body. Grapefruit contains vitamin C and glutathione, which has been found to be helpful in aiding the liver do its job of filtering harmful toxins in the body.
  5. Walnuts. Fond of munching on these? Like grapefruit, walnuts are rich in glutathione, which as mentioned above, will help your liver do its job. Plus, walnuts also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, so consuming it will not only ensure your liver’s health, but also that of your heart.

With the many unhealthy food and substances we tend to consume daily with our diet, you can imagine how much a football-size organ has to do in order to filter those from our bloodstream. Remember, eating food such as the ones mentioned above in a regular basis is only a part of the whole process in ensuring that your liver remains healthy. With proper diet and avoidance of harmful substances as much as we can, there is no reason why we cannot save ourselves the trouble of dealing with liver disease in the future.

Stop The Mess – Three Ways to De-clutter Your Child’s Bedroom

I will be the first to admit that the holidays can be a seriously messy season. Usually in our household, the mess starts around November and doesn’t stop until the decors are neatly packed and stored in the attic for another year. I’m not talking about regular household mess, but we have those, too. I am pertaining to all the garbage that seem to accumulate within the house during this season – from candy wrappers that are remnants of the kids’ trick or treating to the gift bags and toy boxes that arrive in the house together with my in-laws and other relatives.

Don’t get me wrong, I welcome the gifts and the holiday visits. However, after all our loved ones ride their cars out of our driveway, I am usually the one who has to clean up after the wrappers and tags from gifts. This is by no means an easy task as the children get a substantial number of gifts from their aunts, uncles and grandparents. Over the years, I have learned to form a system when it comes to the mess during the holidays, particularly in my kids’ rooms. As a mother, I felt the need to share some ideas on how to de-clutter rooms to other mothers out there who might need these ideas just as badly as I did years ago. So, to all mothers out there, listen up…

  1. Put up shelves. Since I’m not handy with tools, I asked my husband to do this for me. We had to get those wood planks from our local home improvement store; they have those that are perfect as shelves. You may or may not need to sand them, it depends how rough the planks’ surface are. My kids have a collection of storybooks that they received from my parents and sisters, so we put them all in there. If one of them wants to read one, they need to inform us since the shelves are out of their reach. That pretty much controls at least a quarter of the mess in their room.
  2. Contain them. This is another helpful way to de-clutter your child’s bedroom and it works best with toddlers and preschoolers. At that age, they tend to scatter all their toys around the house and just leave them everywhere when they lose interest. I have found plastic veggies in my shoe once and another one in the bathroom. Basically, what we did was purchase those plastic boxes with lids on them. We placed their toys in boxes and just gave them one box-full of toys to play with. It may not sound that efficient, but we were able to lessen the mess by doing that. That way, they don’t scatter all their toys around the room. I also saved my husband from stepping into LEGO parts and for anyone who has had that misfortune, you know how much that actually hurts.
  3. Donate. This is not an easy thing to do and I understand it. I watched Toy Story movies from 1-3. Believe me, I understand. However, it is a sad reality that kids will outgrow their toys and rather than leave them to gather dust, we donate them. It wasn’t easy at first and you just have to let them understand that other kids with no money for new toys would love to play with their discarded toys. This also goes for clothing. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment you’ll feel when you see your kids saying goodbye to their well-loved toys knowing that they will cheer other children up is priceless.

There you have it, folks. I’m sure some of you have used these methods in the past with varying success. While the task can be quite daunting, I find that it’s really just a matter of reaching out to your children. Talking to them and making them understand how important it is not to make a mess in their rooms is something that parents must not neglect to do. While the above methods have all worked out for me, it will not be possible without my children’s willingness to work with us.

Do you have other ideas on how to de-clutter your child’s room? Share it with us by commenting down below.

Volunteering is Beneficial for the Whole Family

The benefits of families volunteering together are substantial.  Of the adults, teens and children who volunteer about 75% report being more physically, mentally and emotionally healthier than those who don’t.  They have lower levels of stress and are better able to manage it.

Volunteering can teach life skills such as time management, teamwork, effective communication, goal setting and developing compassion for others.  Family members are working toward a common goal, which leads to them functioning better as a unit. They’re more likely to feel that life has a purpose, and develop a deeper connection and commitment to their community, family and friends.

Families who volunteer together may be more productive at and satisfied with work and school.  The experience is a good addition to a resume and gives an edge over another candidate who doesn’t have it.  And it’s a given that good colleges are looking for more than test scores and grades on applications, volunteering is a must.

In addition to all these benefits volunteering together can also address an on-going issue for today’s families, “With everyone going off in different directions how can we spend some time together?”  A sound strategy for getting children and teens invested in it is to get and keep them involved in the decision making, even young children can contribute.  Be open-minded to their interests and don’t dismiss nontraditional ideas.

One family, of self proclaimed non-running couch potatoes, organized a 5k walk/run for a son’s terminally ill classmate.  They enjoyed the experience so much they do it as an annual event, donating the money to a different charity each year.  Another family adopted the local no-kill animal shelter as their project.  The 5 year old’s job was “petting coordinator”, which she was quite diligent and serious about.

A Greek proverb states, “A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.”  Families flourish in the same way; think about creating a tradition of volunteering for your family today and a legacy for your descendants of tomorrow.

Nicole Abbott – writer, educator and psycho-therapist

Suzuki Piano – Musical Instruction

We began our journey in the Akron area with the Suzuki method by pure chance. Finding a piano teacher I believe is quite simple. Finding one that can inspire, nurture, and teach a child is quite difficult on the other hand. For us, finding a Suzuki trained teacher for our daughters was the beginning of a learning experience that encompassed many other areas of their learning.

The Suzuki method believes that every child can learn. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the creator of the method was a violinist himself that believed parental involvement, repetition and loving encouragement from parents and teachers could teach a child how to play an instrument beautifully. The idea that by listening to the music taught, and practicing it every day, the child could acquire skills that no other method could teach.

Every child is different and learns things differently too, but I believe the Suzuki method approach is for every child that wants to learn to play an instrument, and play it well. The misconception that Suzuki students do not know how to read music is only that, a misconception. Before reading music, children learn how to play the instrument of their choice first. By the time sight reading and music theory are introduced, the child has learned how to play his instrument, and is ready for another skill to learn.

A Suzuki trained teacher knows these steps, and knows how to teach them. They have special Suzuki teacher training, and they put their training to use when teaching young children. Your job as a parent is to find a good teacher, but the hardest part I believe is to encourage your children to practice daily. Parental involvement is a very hard and important part when using this method, but the rewards are worth it.

What are some of the benefits of learning to play an instrument or to listen to classical music? There are many. A myriad of studies have shown the direct link between playing a musical instrument and better performance in math. Even listening to a Mozart Piano Sonata improves a students ability to perform reasoning and spatial skills right away.

For our daughters, the Suzuki method taught them how to play piano beautifully, but most importantly, it taught them that with consistency and daily work they can achieve almost anything.

If you are interested in learning more about this method or to find a Suzuki teacher, click on this link to take you to the Suzuki Association of the Americas to learn more.

Planning a Momentous Wedding

Probably the best advice for planning your wedding, would be to have fun! Expert wedding planners all agree that setting the budget is an essential thing; yet this can also be quite challenging given each of your preferences, so a bit of ‘give and take’ — Even before budget conversations take place — can be very helpful in trying to order priorities. In a way, it’s one of the first collaborations you both will be closely engaged in, so a great attitude toward this adventure can signify your life ahead, and your love, between each of you, and among all of your family and friends for years to come.

Questions to ponder will include a list of guests, so try to think honestly about who it is that you each want to be there to share this day with you; and where and when this most memorable moment will be taking place. A traditional venue is the bride’s Church; but outdoor and indoor weddings very often occur now in other places that the couple both find to be meaningful to them.It is very useful to keep an initial list of various things to be considered, as you make the plan. Organizing items such an album or binder to gather into one place any images that represent your own taste, even if it may take some inspiration from others. Also included might be brochures of possible venues or destinations, and notes relating to services (such as catering, for example, and photography or videography, florists, cakemakers, and others), or of executing any contracts relating to the marriage. Also helpful would be notes relating to any certificates or legal documents relating to Church or State requirements for the marriage or Federal documentation for foreign travel.

A checklist of each of these items, also, along with contact information for the individual responsible for coordinating each of the deliveries and the services that will be taking place on the wedding day, itself, is also essential, as is a tentative “rainy-day” plan, just in case!

Take a few breaths before you decide on all the variables, and take time to think about your shared vision of what characterizes the best-possible wedding, for the best-possible marriage of a lifetime.

Study Tips For The Middle Schoolers

Whether your children is in a posh, high performing district or a more challenged district, Middle School is a difficult time for kids because it is a big adjustment.

The grammar stage of the elementary school child begins to give way to the logic stage of their learning by the middle school years. Your child cannot be satisfied with parroting facts and figures anymore without questioning the logic behind it.  These are very fun years as parents, because our children are beginning to  question our knowledge and our answers to the questions they ask.  Taking that into consideration, they still need our help in school, and will seek help from us and from teachers alike.

What can you do at this stage to help them prepare for high school and beyond?

Here is a list to help your middle schooler achieve her/his potential.

  1. Make sure they have a place to study, keep materials handy, and have a comfortable chair and lighting available to them. Some children prefer having a quiet space, while others do not mind doing their homework on the kitchen table. Ask them their preference.homework
  2. Labeled folders for all their classes where they can keep materials organized is imperative. Homework, handouts, and quizzes and tests should be kept in that folder.  They can use them as study guides later in the year.
  3. A planner where they can keep their assignments’ due dates is so important for them. Make sure they write when homework due on their planners as the teacher assigns them. Forgetting it at the bottom of their backpack won’t help them at all, ask them to use it
  4. Time management. If they have a 10 page paper to write and is due in three weeks, what can they do?  Ask them and make sure they do a bit every day. It will ensure that the paper will be done and ready by the time is due. Begin by taking a trip to the library to check out books to research the topic, ask them to read about it, and then to begin writing an outline. A bit of writing every day will make it easier and less daunting for them, and perhaps they will start understanding the power of preparation.
  5. Regardless of what their assignment is for the day, ask them to read. Remember that the more they read, the more they know.

I hope this list gives you, and your child a starting point to develop better skills to succeed in their middle school years and beyond.

Small Breed Dog Health Issues

Whether you like a Great Dane or a Chihuahua for a pet, there are many problems associated with each breed that you need to consider before heading out to a dog breeder or pound.  Small Breed Dogs tend to live longer, but do have some common health issues.  Every family is different and their choice of dog reflects their lifestyle, likes or dislikes. If you are intent on having in your family a Lhasapoo or any other small breed dog, then you need to read the health related issues related to them.

Small Breed Health Related Issues:

1.Dislocated Kneecaps

Although any breed can suffer from this condition, small dogs seem to be more prone to this         health issue than other dogs.

2. Upper respiratory Problems

Small dogs with flat-faced, button-flat or short noses tend to have this issue more frequently than bigger dogs.  When over heating by a sunny spot, or over exercising,  give your small dog fresh cool water after their hacking passes and leave them alone as they control their breathing.

3. Small bladders

As your small dog ages, it is more difficult for them to hold it for too long.  Frequent outings to relieve themselves are necessary, and recommended.

4. Hip Problems

Many small dogs have hip related issues that eventually makes walking painful, and laying down an ordeal. Providing your pooch with a vitamin that helps support bone and joint health can help them live longer, and live with less pain.

5. Teeth and Stomach

Teeth and stomach problems seem to be persistent issues with these small pooches. Keeping them on a healthy diet that contain antioxidants can help them live a longer, healthier life as they aged.

Before you decide the type of dog you want, visit the local animal shelter to see what kind of dogs they have, and see if you can save a life. If not, you can visit a reputable breeder that has taken care of the puppies with all the responsibility and concern they deserve.  These tiny puppies need to be with their mother for 12 weeks at least, as they need frequent feedings as they grow.  Avoid breeders that offer to sell you puppies only a few weeks old.  These puppies can grow with an array of health related problems in the future.

Enjoy your new addition to your family whether you choose a small or big breed.

How To Keep Your Children Healthier This Year

Many parents around the country try successfully or unsuccessfully to keep their children healthy. Eating well, and reminding them to wash their hands, are some of the many things we as parents remind our children to do.  But, one of the things that researchers know that can benefit your child now and in the future is getting enough sleep. Researchers have found that children with late bedtimes are more likely to be obese as adolescents than those with early bedtimes (8:00 pm) http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(16)30361-4/abstract. The difference between early bedtimes and late bedtimes for children’s obesity in their adolescent years is approximately 13%.  Turning off the TV and electronic devices to ensure proper rest for our children seem to be something we can do as parents that will benefit our children all their lives.

For preschoolers and kindergartner children an 8:00 p.m. bedtime is feasible, but for older children, the idea of sending them to bed at 8:00 p.m. seems a bit ridiculous.That’s why the new recommendation guidelines from The American Academy of Sleep Medicine breaks down children by age and the recommended amount of sleep children should get daily.

  • Babies 4 months to 12 months should get 12 to 16 hours
  • Children 1 to 2 years old should get 11 to 14 hours
  • Children 3 to 5 years old should get 10 to 13 hours
  • Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours
  • Teenagers 13 to 18 years old should get eight to 10 hours

Many researches agree that not only early bed times are important, but the number of hours of sleep children get on a daily basis. Letting our children’s bodies get the rest they need improves their capacity to concentrate at school, and researches have found that getting enough sleep benefits their mental health as well.

Next time before turning on the TV at night, ask yourself if that is really a good choice for your family. Read a book, do a puzzle, or any other activity that will keep your children on a good bedtime schedule.

 

What Shots Needed for Cats? (and why)

It is important to keep your cat’s shots up to date. Even if they lapse by a couple of weeks, you may lose your pet. If your cat is bitten by a wild animal, the only way to tell if it has rabies is to examine the brain and if the feral animal is not present, your cat will be at risk.

The important inoculations are rabies vaccination, distemper(FPV) vaccination and Feline Leukemia vaccination.

Rabies

Kittens are usually inoculated for rabies at 8 to 12 weeks. Adult cats acquired with no knowledge of immunization history, should be inoculated with either killed or recombinant rabies vaccine. Cat who have received recombinant vaccine should receive a booster on an annual basis. The killed rabies vaccine regimen is a booster after the initial inoculation, followed by three year vaccines.

Distemper

This disease is frequently fatal. It is caused by a parvovirus, which occurs virtually everywhere. If the cat’s immune system fails to protect it from the virus, the cat will succumb to this highly contagious disease. Vaccination can be administered to 12 week old kittens and thereafter, every three years.

Feline Leukemia

This is a very dangerous and highly contagious viral cat disease. It is a retrovirus that suppresses the immune system and inhibits a cat’s ability to fight off infection. It can cause both leukemia and cancer. Cat blood and saliva carry the infection typically through wounds caused by biting. Outdoor cats and cats living together are more susceptible to this disease.

Before a cat can is vaccinated, a blood test is conducted, to make certain that the cat is not infected. If the test is negative the cat can be vaccinated. The vaccine will give it immunity to this virus. When possible, kittens should be immunized at 8 to 10 weeks with booster 3 to 4 weeks following the initial dose. Another booster should be given in one year and annually thereafter.

Vaccines are important in maintaining your cat’s health. Your cat relies on you to keep her safe.

Indoor Cold Weather Family Activities

It is usually cold in the Winter, but sometimes it gets really cold.  You know what I mean.  The “not going out in this unless I have to” cold.  If you are an active family, you may find yourself suddenly bored and trying to figure out what to do together in your home.  Of course there is always the Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime binge.  But there are also other things you can do that back in the day people did as a family but have fallen out of popularity.  Here are some ideas of things you can try doing in your house with some tea or hot chocolate.

  1. Unless you are very young, you probably have some board games around the house covered in dust.  Monopoly, Risk, Clue, Hungry Hungry Hippo, Scrabble, Chess, Checkers, Yahtzee – there are a lot of options and these were so fun before everyone got sucked permanently into their phones.
     
  2. No board games?  How about cards?  Rummy, Texas Hold’um, Go Fish – depends on the age of your kids but cards are a lot of fun and can teach critical skills and strategy.
     
  3. Another option is art and crafts.  Maybe you have not done them since you were a young child, but there is something therapeutic and fun about sitting and sketching or painting. If you have the stuff, you could always build a birdhouse in anticipation of Spring, or just do a mosaic of stuff you have around the house.
     
  4. Start learning a language – I know this sounds a bit out there but with online systems such as Babel, you can start learning a language for free.  Planning a trip this Summer?  Why not use these cold times to start the family down a linguistic journey.
     
  5. Maybe less of a group project and more a good way to spend some solo time is to start writing the book you always talk about.  Lots of people think about it but indoor months are the perfect time to turn off the TV and start putting pen to paper.  It is actually easy to publish your own book on Create Space, a service of Amazon.
     
  6. Declutter a room – OK, maybe not fun but think of how good it will feel when you have gone through the junk drawer or cleaned out a closet.  If you are going to be inside anyway you can always do this now so when it is nice you can be out hiking or swimming.

Yes, it might be too cold to be doing a lot of outside things for anyone other than die-hard outdoorsy types, but this can be a very positive time to have fun, connect with your family and get some useful things done.  Enjoy the cold.