AUTUMN SENSORY BIN FOR MY PRESCHOOL CLASS

This year I am doing older 3s after doing the 2 year old class for 6 years. It is a big difference but not. Fortunately my first class was mine just a few months ago when they were in my 2 year room so it was nice to have them back and do something new!

I am excited about the change of room and the new abilities my class comes to me with. 5-6 months makes a big difference when we are talking toddlers so I cannot wait to see where we are in the next few months.

Two weeks ago I made them a sensory bin for Autumn using mostly Dollar Tree items. 

My daughter and I grabbed some mini soft pumpkins, plastic acorns, mini hay bales, and leaves  dumped them into a big Tupperware and wah la instant sensory bin.

I had purchased 2 bales of hay but it is so much in the one that I only opened one. this is:

1 bale of hay

2 packs of plastic acorns

2 different bags of fake leaves

a bag of wooden letters I had from a sign

The kids love it. They look for the letters and the acorns then hide it all again for another friend to find. They ask for it every day.

Nap Time Isn't For Kids

Why is it that toddlers never want to sleep during nap time? I mean who doesn't love sleep?

As a preschool teacher I want to nap after lunch. The light go off making the room darker, the baby lullabies go on, your mat and blanket are on the floor allowing you to shut down for two hours yet four out of five are wide awake fidgeting and crawling around their mats while I fight the urge to fall asleep. 

Little weirdos! They have no idea how lucky they are.

New Online Tool to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls and Injuries

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CDC Foundation and National Council on Aging Launch New Online Tool to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls and Injuries

New Evidence-Based Tool Screens for Fall Risk

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 (ATLANTA) - Today, the CDC Foundation and National Council on Aging (NCOA) launch Falls Free CheckUp, a new online tool to help older adults check their risk for a fall, a leading cause of injury and death for adults 65 and over. The Falls Free CheckUp was developed by the CDC Foundation with support from Amgen and leveraged technical resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase awareness of older adult falls and offer preventative evidence-based tools. Today’s launch is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of falls prevention during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 19–23, 2022.

Each year, 1 in 10 older adults will experience a fall that results in injury, such as a broken bone or head injury, according to the CDC. Fall prevention is very important because these injuries can be life-altering and difficult to recover from.

The Falls Free CheckUp asks 13 simple questions and only takes a few minutes to complete. It can be completed by either the individual or by a family member on their behalf. The screening results include: 

• Recommended next steps, such as speaking with a doctor about fall risks
• A downloadable report to share with a doctor
• Resources to help prevent falls

After completing the screening, users can set up an account to receive reminders to visit their doctor and revisit the tool to continue to monitor their fall risk.

“Falls are not a natural part of aging, and the Falls Free CheckUp is an important tool to understand what you can do to prevent a fall. Knowing your risk and talking to your doctor about your Falls Free CheckUp results are critically important to ensure that a fall does not impact your health or independence,” said Debra Houry, MD, MPH, CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director and Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

“Regular checkups are an important way to stay healthy as we age — and that includes checking your risk for a fall,” said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director at the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging. “With their Falls Free CheckUp results in hand, older adults can take action to reduce falls in partnership with their health care providers, caregivers, and local community-based organizations.”

“A fall can have a devastating impact, particularly for those with osteoporosis, a condition that affects 10 million Americans. For many, falls can result in fractures, which can lead to hospital stays and life-changing consequences,” said Darryl Sleep, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Amgen. “The Falls Free CheckUp can help people understand their risk and take steps to prevent falls; this is an important component of fracture prevention.”

The Falls Free CheckUp, developed using research and design guidance from NORC at the University of Chicago, is the first of two resources aimed at preventing older adult falls and fall injuries. The second tool will help older adults create a plan to decrease their current and future fall risk. This prevention planning tool will include information and action items specifically tailored to the user’s unique needs, such as home safety improvements, managing chronic conditions, and suggestions for strength and balance exercises. A communications campaign will follow in 2024 to educate caregivers about ways to talk with their loved ones about fall risk and how to use the two online tools to prevent falls and fall-related injuries.

According to Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, “Falls become more common as we get older, but many falls can be prevented. The CDC Foundation is proud to work alongside Amgen and our valued partners at the NCOA and NORC to bring this valuable tool to older adults and caregivers.”

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About the CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1 billion and launched more than 1,000 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of CDC-led programs in the United States and in more than 140 countries last year. Follow the CDC Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

About the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease starts at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world. CDC’s Injury Center protects Americans by tracking data and trends on fatal and nonfatal injuries, researching what works to prevent injuries and putting it into practice, and providing Americans with information to protect themselves, their families and communities. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/injury.

New Data: National Immunization Month & Ongoing Risk To The Unvaccinated

COVID-19 disrupted many healthcare routines, especially for children who have fallen behind on receiving recommended vaccines. In fact, a polio case was recently identified in the U.S and poses an ongoing risk to those who are unvaccinated. 

With school quickly approaching, and in honor of National Immunization Awareness Month  (August), MedStar Health surveyed caregivers of children (ages 5 to 18) in the U.S, to highlight the importance of vaccination for kids. The survey found that the majority of children are up to date on all immunizations. 

Please find an overview of the results below: 

What is your child’s immunization status? 

• My child is up to date on all immunizations (73%) 
• My child received some but not all immunizations (18%) 
• My child is not immunized (6%) 
• Not sure (3%)

As the flu virus changes often, the vaccine should be given each year for the best protection. 

How often does your child get the flu shot? 

• Every year (24%)
• Most years (57%)
• Only when there is a spike in flu infections (8%)
• Never (11%)

Vaccines help protect children as they head back to school, where potential for vaccine-preventable disease transmission is higher. 

When do you usually get the flu shot for your child? 

• Before school starts (41%)
• At the beginning of the school year (40%) 
• Nov-December (13%)
• Jan-Feb (3%)
• Only when the flu is on the rise (3%)

MedStar Health recommends getting the flu shot sometime after September 1st. It takes about 4-6 weeks to respond fully to the vaccine, so if people are vaccinated in Sep/Oct they should be protected by Nov/Dec which is usually when flu starts.

MedStar Health has providers available to address parents’ health concerns for their children as they go back to school, and how they can help them live healthier lives.

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Hard To Forget Fungies When They Taste SOOOO Good! Lion's Mane Mushroom

 

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Goes Mainstream

Are you curious about the lion’s mane mushroom’s growing popularity? Like how it can help with your focus and energy or even your mood?

Fungies™ is a whole new way to try out lion’s mane mushroom without weird powders, bitter flavors, or questionable dosing!

Each chewy, fruity gummy is packed with the good stuff to help you handle your day whether that’s chasing after little ones, logging serious hours in front of the computer screen, or hitting the gym.

Fungies™ Highlights:

• Each gummy contains 500mg of dual extracted lion’s mane mushroom (fruiting body standardized to contain 30% Beta-Glucans)
• Packed with antioxidants
• May help with memory, focus, clarity, and overall cognitive performance
• Shown to help improve mood, increase energy, provide immune support, and manage inflammation
• Naturally flavored with juicy blueberries and sweet strawberries
• Vegan
• NO yeast, dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, gelatin, peanuts, shellfish, artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives

If you’ve wanted to give lion’s mane a try, Fungies™ are the perfectly edible introduction you’ve been waiting for!

Plus, you’ll be helping women and children get access to proper nutrition through their 1-for-1 donation to Vitamin Angels for every purchase.

THE 411:

I have yet to forget having 2 since getting them August 5th. They are like a treat after my morning coffee every morning. 

They taste amazing, a berry flavor (blueberry/strawberry) and hey I think they do help with my memory, focus and mood. 

It has been a stressful few weeks at work and I have managed to stay focused in the moment, not allow my emotions to get the best of me and my memory seems to be getting better. The summer has been jam packed yet, I have been remembering everything I need to manage, work on, finish or get started on. Is it the Fungies or is it mind over matter? I have no idea, but I know I use to enter a room and forget why I was there just a month ago. Old age is setting in and I feel it most days. Brain Health has become more important than ever to me so I will try everything to make sure I am of sound mine and body until the day I belly up!

$19.95/60 count - Learn more at www.eatfungies.com 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for a review. No monetary compensation was offered. 

Importance of Monitoring the Development of Your Child

Observing your child's development is a vital aspect of raising a child. Parents eagerly share milestones with others. As the old African proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child. In this modern-day village, parents, neighbors, teachers, friends, and relatives all play an essential role in monitoring their child's development. If you follow your child's developmental progress, you'll notice the early signs of trouble and prevent further issues. You may visit child development Cypress TX to learn more.

Monitor your child's development

You may have heard the term "monitor your child's development" and might even be the parent. This practice aims to watch your child's development to determine if something is going on that concerns you. This includes checking on the development milestones, answering questions about PEDS, and attending regular health checkups. While the above tips can help you monitor your child's development, they should not be the only way you watch it.

A pediatrician will often conduct developmental monitoring during well-baby visits and can ask relevant questions about your child's progress. Sometimes, a specialist can perform more detailed tests to determine if your child is on track. But if the milestones aren't met, you can continuously monitor your child's development using tools such as Milestones in Action, a FREE library of pictures and videos of children demonstrating specific developmental milestones.

Develop a developmental screening plan

Developing a developmental screening plan for your child is essential for various reasons. The goal of developmental screening is to monitor the child's development regarding fine and gross motor skills, language and communication, cognitive functioning, and personal-social skills. Screening is a systematic process that uses validated tools to determine whether a child is at risk of developmental delay. Early identification of these problems is vital for a child's healthy development.

The best way to develop a developmental screening plan is to have it done periodically, so you know what to expect. Having regular checkups will also help you identify concerns and make referrals. Depending on your child's age and developmental stage, you may want to use phone apps or milestone-tracking resources to monitor your child's progress. The pediatrician will administer developmental screenings and may refer your child to specialists for further evaluation.

Observe your child's behavior

When monitoring your child's development, observe their behavior. Examining antecedents, you can learn a lot about a child's behavior. A prototype is an event that precedes the behavior. For example, a child's behavior may begin before the parent leaves the room to get a teddy bear or before the child puts on shoes. These observations are goldmines for finding out the causes of certain behaviors.

When monitoring your child's development, observe your child's behavior for clues that point to possible problems or developmental delays. The more observations you record, the more accurate your observations can be. Observe your child as they play, learn, and interact with others. Observation helps practitioners plan lessons and improve the development of the child. Observation is a process that requires patience and observation.

Identify problems early

Identifying problems early when monitoring your child's development is crucial to the child's overall health and development. Parents naturally monitor their child's progress in specific areas, such as speech, learning to walk, and developing motor skills. Children develop at different rates and understanding these milestones can help you identify issues early and reassure your child that everything is on track. Listed below are some ways to identify problems early:

During the developmental screening, the doctor can see whether your child is learning essential skills at the appropriate time and is experiencing any problems with learning these skills. The doctor may ask questions during the examination and play with your child. This helps the doctor to see your child's learning style and behavior. The doctor will consider the big picture when identifying potential developmental problems. During the developmental screening, the doctor will also assess whether your child is developing according to the recommended age range or if they are deviating from the typical developmental range.

Top Reasons to Make Your Own Clothing

People have been making their own clothes for a longer period in history than they’ve been able to buy them in stores, and it is something that a lot of people are starting to take up again. There are many different reasons why making your own clothing may prove to be a great idea. There is no doubt that it has become a whole lot more popular over recent months and years. The following blog post will check out just a few of the major advantages that are worth discussing. 

Options for All Abilities 

There are all sorts of different options available, ranging from those who are beginners in the field to those who are more advanced. For example, you could simply try making some jean shorts out of an old pair of jeans. If you are looking for a stage-up, you could check out somebody who says I made a cute pinafore dress for my toddler girl by using some simple PDF sewing pattern instructions. Ultimately, you can work out what fits your ability levels the best.

Ensure a Perfect Fit 

When you are buying clothes that are off the rack, there will always be certain size imperfections that you will have to deal with. On the other hand, when making your own clothes, you can ensure a perfect fit by tailoring them to your body. When clothes fit exactly as they should, there is no doubt that they look at their very best, so this is another major factor to bear in mind.

Save Yourself Some Money 

Next up on the list is the financial factor, which is what drives many people to make their own clothes in the first place. Everyone certainly lives in a world where the cost of living is biting hard on many families, and money-saving options will always seem appealing. Rather than paying to have the whole clothes made, you save a lot by simply investing in the fabrics, the thread, sewing equipment, etc. 

You Will Be Wearing Unique Items 

You also know that when making your own clothing, you will wear one-of-a-kind items. We live in a world where chain stores have a high level of dominance, which inevitably means that many people will always wear the same thing. However, when you are making your own clothes, you can put your own individual spin on them and create them exactly as you would like rather than following along with the rest of the herd. 

A Creative Pursuit 

One of the major areas in life that can do wonders for people’s mental health is the opportunity to engage in creative pursuits. Making your own clothing is one option you can take advantage of. Plus, you will have something you can regularly use at the end.

These are just a few of the major reasons that you should consider, if you’ve been on the fence about making your own clothes, but there’s no better time to start a new hobby than now.

Photo source

The Five Things Seniors Should Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life in the Post-Pandemic Era:

After decades of seeing the average life expectancy of Americans increase, we saw a dip last year due to COVID-19. The pandemic hit hardest among older adults.  So, what can be done in this post-pandemic era, for seniors to live longer and healthier?

The healthcare team at Carmel Valley Manor has doubled down on their commitment to using technology and cutting-edge programs to help its senior residents and staff live longer and healthier and setting new standards for geriatric healthcare.  Dr. Pablo Veliz, Medical Director at Carmel Valley Manor, provides his top 5 tips for staying healthy into your nineties:

The Five Things Seniors Should Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life in the Post-Pandemic Era: 

1. Diet – We continue to see data that indicates a balanced diet with a focus on plant-based nutrition is important as we age. Seek out fresh, seasonal ingredients wherever possible.2.

2. Hydration – It is simple, but important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eight glasses a day are recommended.3.

3. Keep Moving – Staying active and exercising helps counteract the aging process. Whether you join a walking group like we have at the Manor, have a personal trainer, frequent a gym, or have a favorite walking circuit, it is important to do it regularly.4.

4. Mental Wellness – One of the big negatives of the pandemic has been isolation and reduced human interaction. This lack of social comradery has resulted in isolation and cognitive atrophy for many. We need to re-engage with friends, family and get out into the community again.

5. Alcohol – Another side effect of the past couple years has been increased alcohol consumption. Enjoy them in moderation.

About Dr. Pablo Veliz: 

Dr. Veliz, a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, serves on the staff of the acclaimed Montage Health. He received his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico, after earning a bachelor's degree from Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and completed his residency in family medicine at Abrazo Health Network in Phoenix, Arizona. With his clinical areas of interest in preventive, integrative, and geriatric medicine, he is a vital part of the Carmel Valley Manor Wellness Team, aiding its residents to age well. 

Drink! Drink! Pee! Pee! You Don't Want A Damn IV!

Ever since I did the AVON 3 Day Walk I chant Drink! Drink! Pee! Pee! You Don't Want A Damn IV when I am thirsty. It was what we chanted every time we got to a resting area during the walk. Hydration is key to good health and one of the most important things to do for your body and mind. It is good for your organs, your skin and YOU!

Since I have a constant, chronic nasal drip, I am always thirsty. It is an annoyance and without water I struggle with dry mouth. Water is something I never leave the house without until I was sent my newest additionOrganic Cactus Water was launched after Sarita began personally experiencing some of the health benefits of juicing with the cactus leaves that grew on her family farm.  Sarita set out on a mission to get more people to experience the hydration benefits of cactus paddles and soon ¡CACTUS! Organic Cactus Water was conceived.   After much experimenting with the recipe, Sarita produced a refreshing low-calorie drink full of electrolytes and Vitamin C in lime, watermelon and papaya flavors.  ¡CACTUS! is an ideal hydrator for runners and people who do cardio and an excellent.

I have tried the watermelon and the lime. They are delicious! 

5 Tips for Improving Co-Parenting Relationship

  I know many people who successfully co-parent. They are doing it right! It is amazing to watch and the children are better for it. 

Dads’ Resource Center explains cooperative co-parenting and tips for doing it

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania – (July 7, 2022) – With millions of divorced people co-parenting around the country, they must have the tools and information they need to do it successfully. While there are different ways of co-parenting, some will lead to better results and less stress, making them worth learning about and trying to implement. Dads' Resource Center helps put cooperative co-parenting in the spotlight so that more people can have a positive experience and better outcomes.

 

"Relationships don’t always work out, but when there are children involved parents can’t just walk away.” said Dads’ Resource Center Executive Director Jeffrey Steiner. “When you have children you are committed to them for life. If parents separate, they need to find a way to work together on behalf of their sons and daughters.”

 

Many divorced parents have the child going to each home and having a different experience. There are different rules, and there's very little communication between the parents and a lot of stress results. This is referred to as parallel parenting because there are two lives and experiences parallel to one another. While it's common, it's not an ideal situation.

 

A more peaceful route that brings about a better experience and healthier outcomes is cooperative co-parenting. This is when the two parents agree to be unified in raising their child. They both communicate effectively regarding the child, there is low conflict, and the child gets a more seamless experience. This requires parents to set aside any anger or resentment they have for one another and to put the child's needs and health first.

 

Here are 5 tips for improving co-parenting relationships:

• Become cooperative. Make a goal of adopting a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Both parents need to be on board with this to succeed.
• Choose communication. Determine what communication style works best and then stick with it whenever possible. Some people prefer texting, while others would rather have phone calls. 
• Get scheduled. Create a schedule that works for both parents so there are no questions about how the week or month will go. Both parents need to be somewhat flexible, so there is wiggle room for unexpected things that may arise.
• Create consistency. Kids need consistency from one home to the other when it comes to the rules and expectations. Agree to some household rules across both houses, especially regarding curfews and activities not allowed.
• Get help. Some people may struggle to put a cooperative co-parenting plan in place. That doesn’t mean it’s time to give up. Instead, seek professional help from someone who can give guidance on the topic. It may be something that needs to be worked on over time.

“Children today face extraordinary pressure,” said Dads’ Resource Center Founder and Chair Dr. Joel N. Myers. “With the internet and social media, they are bombarded by negative outside influences. The high costs for post-secondary education and our rapidly evolving job market make it increasingly difficult for them to plan for their future. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for both parents to be fully involved in the upbringing and lives of their children.” 

 

Dads' Resource Center was started by Dr. Myers, a father of eight and the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. The mission is to help combat the issues associated with children growing up without their fathers in the home. At its heart, the center is a child advocacy organization that aims to ensure that each child has the appropriate involvement and contributions from both parents. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

About Dads’ Resource Center

The Dads' Resource Center is committed to providing education, resources, and advocacy for dads who are separated or divorced and are determined to uphold their sacred responsibility as fathers. The Dads' Resource Center was founded by Dr. Joel N. Myers, the founder, and CEO of AccuWeather. His own experience as a single father led him to start the group. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

 

 

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HP Lovecraft's Witch House On DVD NOW

 

From Horror Wasteland Pictures International, releasing for the first time on digital and DVD this July, H.P Lovecraft’s Witch House.

 Graduate student Alice Gilman (Portia Chellelynn, Hematic Web) is running from an abusive past. She seeks refuge in the infamous Hannah house; a historic home with an ominous past. Determined to prove the possibility of alternate dimensions, she unknowingly unlocks a gateway to unimaginable horror. Facing a series of bizarre and violent events, Alice is plagued by nightmarish dreams of these evil entities. Trapped between the 4th dimension and reality, the diabolical truth is revealed as Alice fights for her sanity and her very soul.

 Based on the H.P. Lovecraft's short story The Dreams in the Witch House, Witch House blurs the boundaries between reality, dreams...and the beyond.

 Easley and Ken Wallace scripted the pic, which was shot in Indiana's Historical Hannah House which is known to be haunted.

 Look for the digital and DVD NOW.

 

Essential Tips for First-Time Mothers

Having your first baby is an incredibly exciting yet understandably frightening time in your life. If you haven’t had any children already, your first baby is a huge milestone that comes with many questions and a whole variety of occasionally contradictory answers. Fortunately, there is no correct or incorrect way to have your first baby. There is no set script for life, and this most definitely applies to this particular occasion. Take a look at the following tips to help you think about what you need to know prior to your baby’s arrival and shortly after.

Preparation

Getting ready for your baby means taking good care of your health and preparing the environment. Set up a safe, comfortable space in your home where you can look after your new infant in peace. This might involve decorating a nursery or making space in your own bedroom for the baby to sleep in. It’s also important to be careful about what you eat, drink and do during your pregnancy, as this affects your baby too.

The Big Day

Pregnancies vary so greatly between individuals that it's almost impossible to predict or plan for yours in detail. However, by talking to your doctor and taking as many opportunities as possible to check up on the baby before the estimated birth date, you can feel more prepared for the big day when it comes.

Feeding Options

There are a few different choices when it comes to what you can feed your new baby. Some mothers breastfeed, others use formula, and some prefer a combination of both, depending on their routine. Your doctor should inform you whether your baby has any food allergies or intolerances that might restrict their diet either during infancy or long-term.

Sleeping

Deciding the sleeping arrangements for your new baby is extremely important. Safe sleeping tips for new babies can make it clearer for new parents how to protect their child while asleep. Since babies’ bodies are so new, they can’t always regulate their temperature or breathing rhythm as an adult can, so being able to monitor their sleep is vital.

Accept Help

You may feel more than capable of taking care of your new baby by yourself, but there is no need to do it alone. Your family and friends can support you throughout the first few weeks and months while you get to grips with motherhood. You might mistakenly believe that accepting the help of other people decreases your quality as a parent, but this just isn't true. When you accept the help offered to you, you show strength and self-knowledge.

Embrace Mistakes

No parent is perfect, and expecting to get everything right only serves to put unnecessary pressure and stress onto your plate. It's important to remember that making mistakes is a part of learning and growing, something essential to being a capable and attentive parent. Don't punish yourself for the occasional error or lapse in judgment. Simply use it as a lesson and build your confidence for the future.