Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 3
June 6, 2022
Tragic Fire in NYC Kills Thirteen. Was It Parental Negligence?
Tragic Fire in NYC Kills Thirteen. Was it Parental Negligence?
by
James L. Casale
Ignorance is not bliss; it’s dangerous. Remember the four-year-old boy who fell into the zoo enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016? He was unharmed, but the gorilla was executed. The police considered charging the parents with negligence. They didn’t. They should have. Even the gorilla knew more about caring for his offspring.
In New York City, on December 29, 2017, a preschooler playing with the burners on his mother’s stove caused one of the deadliest fires in NYC in decades. Was it the toddler’s fault? Of course not. His mother’s ignorance of her solemn responsibility to protect her child reveals a situation that too often occurs here and around the world. Or is it sheer stupidity and laziness that is part of this deadly equation?
Who pays the price?
Toddlers are NOT tuned in to danger. They are curious about everything they can touch and see and put in their mouths. They, along with infants, are at the mercy of their caregivers, and they often pay the price for it. The boy who fell into the zoo enclosure should have been tethered to a stroller or holding his father’s hand. The toddler fascinated with stove burners should never have been out of his mother’s line of sight. According to reports, this was not his first adventure with the stove. He and his mother escaped unharmed. Twelve others didn’t.
Pool deaths and children left in cars
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics reveal that 350 children under the age of five die each year because of drowning in backyard pools. In addition, NBC News reports that 38 children—infants and toddlers—suffocate each year as a result of being left in cars where temperatures soar to a high of 120 degrees. Six hundred of these needless deaths have occurred since 1998.
Such negligence causes infinite pain to many loved ones and steals the lives of children who will never have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. This is the unbearable cost of parental negligence.
What can be done?
If parents and caregivers don’t comprehend the magnitude and responsibility that comes with being a parent, all hope is lost. Yes, parenting is difficult and challenging. But these children didn’t choose their parents; their parents chose them. When you choose to be a parent, you are required to leave your narcissistic cocoon and care for another human being.
Parents can break through their ignorance by reading appropriate books and magazines and talking to teachers, early childhood experts, and other professionals. Most parents are not prepared for what lies ahead of them. If they at least understand that, they may seek to educate themselves about effective parenting and their solemn responsibility. I recommend this before the child is born. Too many new parents busy themselves with decorating a child’s room and buying the right diapers. The focus should always be on the child’s health and safety.
Dr. Casale is a state and national award-winning educator and the author of the highly praised book published by Skyhorse Publishing, Wise Up and Be the Solution: How to Create a Culture of Learning at Home and Guide Your Child to Succeed in School and Life. It is available at bookstores and online.
His second parenting book, Family Pledge; Raising Lifelong Learners and Good Citizens, has received five-star reviews on Amazon and is also available at bookstores and digitally.
He is available as a speaker.
Website: www.jamescasalephd.com
Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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The article Tragic Fire in NYC Kills Thirteen. Was It Parental Negligence? by Dr. James Casale appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Dealing With Picky Eaters…Kids And Adults
Having picky eaters in your family can put a strain on meal prep and trying to adopt healthier eating habits. My daughter is very picky, but, luckily for me, she is picky for the right reasons (most of the time), and prefers healthier foods, but for many, “healthy” food can sometimes get a bad reputation for having less taste which is not true. Just because something is good for you doesn’t make it our enemy. Here are a few tips that can help you overcome the battle with the picky eaters in your family. The 3 M’s:
Mix it Up – Part of being a picky eater and turning away food is having a certain set of meals that you really enjoy. A good, easy way to ease picky eaters into branching out is finding something a meal that they really enjoy and mix in something new. A new healthy choice for a side paired with a favorite meal will give the eater less stress and anxiety of trying a new food and their taste buds will not be thrown off completely.
Make it Fun – Often times picky eaters are scared away from a food without even tasting it because of its look, texture, color, or smell. By incorporating shopping for the food and making the meal a fun experience, some of those fears can be erased. My daughter enjoys shopping trips, and we use the shopping list as reading and spelling practice as well. Being hands on with a food the picky eater has hesitation about can turn a scary eating experience into a fun memory that they can build on, creating a healthy eating plan.
Motivation – When all else fails, motivation can do a lot of good. Using motivational tools such as positive rewards can help nudge someone into trying something new. This tactic can be especially helpful with children but do not hesitate to use it with adults including yourself. Find a special meal, healthy dessert, or desirable experience like a day trip somewhere as a way to encourage embracing a new food choice.
Use these 3 strategies as tools to assist in expanding the menu of a picky eater.
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The article Dealing With Picky Eaters…Kids And Adults by Michelle Rutkowski appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Ignore These 4 Energy-Saving Myths
by Guest Author
Whether your energy bills arrive via your snailmail or email, you likely don’t always celebrate their arrival. Few people would turn down a reduction in energy bills, even if it meant adopting energy-saving tactics. Unfortunately, there are many energy-saving myths about what you can do to bring down the cost of your utility bills that may actually not be effective at getting costs down.
Put a Freezer Chest in a Cold Room
[image error]Image via Flickr by digitpediaWe’ve all stood by an open door of a refrigerator in the heat of the summer and likely wished we could stand inside the appliance. Some people think that keeping a refrigerator or a freezer in a room will help keep that room cooler. However, unless your freezer system has serious leaks in its seals, the unit itself will not help a room stay cooler. Instead, keeping a freezer chest in your basement may do the trick. The relatively small cooling motor will have to work slightly less to keep its chill in a cool environment (like your basement).
Close Vents in Unoccupied Rooms
Sometimes, people try to save money by sealing off vents in rooms that are usually unoccupied for extended periods. But this tactic rarely works for several reasons. First, your home‘s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system operates under the assumption that all vents will be open and unimpeded. Sealing off a vent can cause the system to work harder to compensate. Second, shutting a vent does not shut off the room from the house. Unless you also apply an airtight seal to doors, air will circulate between rooms, causing the same amount of net energy use. If your HVAC system needs more refrigerant get bluon.
Leave the Air Conditioning or Heat On in Your House All Day
One of the greatest myths is that you can save money by leaving your HVAC system operating all day. Conventional thinking suggests that the amount of energy required to take a room from the outside temperature to a desired temperature is greater than the amount of energy required to maintain it during the day. In truth, no cost savings exist. Leaving the hvac system off when you are out of the house can reduce your energy expenses if you are gone for any length of time. Instead, save money on home energy costs by keeping up with regular HVAC system maintenance and getting that air conditioning repair service you need.
Use a Fan In an Empty Room
Fans help people feel more comfortable in unpleasantly warm weather. A logical thought would be that leaving a fan running in an empty room will help lower the temperature throughout the day. However, this is just one of several misunderstandings about how house fans operate. Fans don’t lower the temperature in a room; instead, they keep the air in a space moving, which makes air feel cooler when it comes into contact with skin. But the feeling is an illusion: A fan by itself won’t significantly affect the real temperature in a room.
The best strategy to reduce overall energy use is to simply use less energy. If you can tolerate a higher level of cold or heat in your home, you can increase your home’s energy savings by reducing the amount needed to change your indoor temperature.
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Having Trouble Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution? Registered Nutritionist Shares Her Personal Tips to Help You Avoid Food Temptation
Committing to a healthy active lifestyle in the New Year is no easy feat. As a matter of fact, according to one statistic, 80 percent of us will fail to keep our New Year’s resolutions; however, having a plan of action and the right tools in place will set you up for long-term success. Nutritionist Susan Bowerman shares tips that help her avoid temptation and stay on track.
As a nutritionist, I have to lead by example, which isn’t always easy. However, I have learned how to make smarter choices and also to leave room to enjoy some of the foods I love. Below are a few tips that have helped get me through the holidays, family gatherings, and work events that I hope they will also come in handy for you.
Food-on-the-go. When I travel for work to attend a conference, eating on-the-go is often the only option. However, instead of opting for the convenience of fast food, I have a meal replacement shake instead. A Herbalife Formula 1 meal replacement shake is a great option! The shakes are quick and easy to prepare, and I can carry it with me, and it provides me with the essential vitamins and nutrients I need to get me through the day.
Beware of overindulging. There are probably certain foods you associate with the holidays and family gatherings, which might be the only time you are able to enjoy those foods. If that is the case, I think it’s okay to spend a few extra calories enjoying those particular food items. However, try not to waste calories consuming those foods you do not care about or that you can get anytime like cookies, crackers, cheese, and chips. If it is something you can only eat once a year, you can justify spending a few extra calories.
Avoid temptations at work. Work settings can be full of temptation. For example, I used to work in a doctor’s office and, during the holidays, office parties, and staff birthdays; we had bounties of cake, cookies, candies, caramel popcorn, cheese, and crackers. The food was all on display in the lunchroom. If you find yourself in situations like this, it is helpful (but not always practical) to avoid the lunchroom altogether. If you cannot bypass the lunchroom, ask yourself, “Would I walk across the street for this?” or “Was I thinking about eating this food before I saw it there?” If the answer is no, you probably shouldn’t eat it.
If you are looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle, sharing your health goals with your family and friends is imperative to your long-term success. Building a support group of people you can count on helps to encourage you along your journey. Additionally, there are nutrition and fitness apps you can download as well as online communities you can join to connect with like-minded people who help keep you motivated and on track to living a healthier and happier life.
For more articles on nutrition from Susan Bowerman visit www.DiscoverGoodNutrition.com
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article Having Trouble Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution? Registered Nutritionist Shares Her Personal Tips to Help You Avoid Food Temptation by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Enjoy Cleaner Drinking Water at Home
by Guest Author
4 Ways to Enjoy Cleaner Drinking Water at Home
Water is the basis for human life, but any health or access problems with it can also cause a great deal of human distress. While clean water is both refreshing and necessary, contaminated water poses a huge risk to the lives of you and your loved ones. If you suspect water problems in your home, here are some concrete steps to get cleaner drinking water.
Know Your Area’s Water
Do you live in a hard water town? Is there a history of some kind of waterborne illness in your area? The first step to improving your water quality is to find out what could be wrong with it, and gathering regional intel is the first step in that direction. While your realtor may have disclosed some of the information you need when you first moved into the home, you can’t be sure they disclosed everything if not legally required. In addition, water issues may have sprung up later after you moved in. Poking around on the internet and in your local paper’s archives can provide information on water problems in the area.
Get a Water Test
Although knowing the general state of the local water system can help you make good decisions about how much energy to put into checking and repairing your home’s water connections, you’ll also want to check out your specific water consistency before making any big decisions. There are simple kits to test for common dangers at many supermarkets and department stores. But if you suspect a deeper issue, you will want to call in some professionals to do a thorough check of your water quality, as different kinds of contamination could call for different solution protocols.
Check Your Pipes
While your plumber is checking your water, you might have them also take a look at your pipes. Degraded pipes can become a major source of dangerous contaminants in your drinking water. Older pipes are far more likely to pose a threat, of course, but even relatively new ones might turn out to be an issue in the right circumstances. No one wants to pay for a massive re-piping project, but if the option comes down to swapping out bad pipes or drinking unsafe water, there’s really no contest. You have to contact this reliable plastic pipe manufacturer to help you solve your plumbing mishaps.
Use a Filter
[image error]Image via Flickr by emdotIf you have a low level of water contamination but would like to enjoy cleaner and healthier water anyway, you can get a commercial water filtration system. Over-the-counter brands, like Brita, may not be able to completely clean up swampy or heavily poisoned water, but they are certainly capable of filtering out low levels of contaminants in areas where the water system could use a little work. There are also more extensive business water purification systems, many of them designed to work over the whole house, but those tend to be at the pricier end of the spectrum.
Fixing water problems is often quite a lot easier than people suspect. Instead of avoiding the problem, make an appointment with someone who can help today. The sooner you begin solving the issue, the sooner you can return to drinking water without fear of health-related repercussions.
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Upgrade Your Bath Time Experience with 5 Bathroom Lighting Ideas
by Guest Author
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5 Bathroom Lighting Ideas
When it comes to home decorating, most of us would probably allocate a huge chunk of our time and budget on the living room and the bedroom rather than the bathroom, where function is more important than form. As long as the toilet flushes properly and there’s hot water coming out of the tap 24/7, then everything’s a-okay, right?
Not so fast! There is a lot of design potential in the bathroom, like new custom glass shower doors or decorative shower ventilation, so partner up with the best bathroom remodeling designers for this project. Besides, taking a luxurious bath or even just a long, hot shower can be a powerful stress-reliever after all those bathroom renovations. You can enhance this relaxing experience simply by upgrading your bathroom lighting, while you’re at it, you might as well consider buying a medicine cabinet to give your bathroom a whole new look.
Enhanced Natural Light
There’s a certain kind of charm that you can achieve only with natural light. The warm, buttery rays of sunshine pouring into any room—yes, even the bathroom—somehow gives both a cheerful and peaceful effect. But while barely decorated windows can maximize the amount of sunlight streaming in, they also provide very little privacy. Fix this problem by adding bathroom window shades in sheer or light-colored fabrics that allow light to filter through. This can transform the harsh glare of the sun into a more welcoming glow. Cellular shades are also a good idea since they can help maintain the right temperature in the room, which makes bathing and showering a more pleasant experience overall.
Chandeliers
Quickly add a touch of luxury to your bathroom by installing a chandelier. It can either be your main source of light, an accent or area lighting, perhaps above the bathtub or the vanity mirror. There are also various designs of chandeliers that can match any style of bathroom, from elaborate Baroque to clean-cut contemporary. One thing to remember about using chandeliers is that they have to be the right size and installed at the correct height so they don’t overwhelm the entire room.
Tube Sconces
The right amount of light is important in any bathroom—just ask any makeup enthusiast who carefully applies cosmetics every single day. Installing tube sconces on either side of a vanity mirror can help provide sufficient and uniform illumination. You can also use these rather sleek-looking fixtures for a soft-looking glow. Just select a style with a frosted shade or cover and a warm yellow bulb instead of a cool white light. You can also install dimmer switches to customize the brightness, as needed.
Colored Shades
Give your bathroom a quick, fun update by adding a pop of color using colored shades or lighting covers for your sconces, domed overhead lights, floor or table lamps or hanging lanterns. What’s even better is that this is a relatively easy project that you can do yourself, even without any prior experience in crafting. You can use either paint or fabric for this, but remember to use light colors so you don’t end up with a too-dim bathroom.
Recessed Lighting
Using recessed lighting like this led flat panel light in the bathroom ceiling is a good way to provide general illumination that is at the same time flattering to your facial features—just as long as the light isn’t pointing directly down on your head. You should also avoid installing too many recessed lights, as this can make your bathroom ceiling look like a pockmarked face or a sea of black holes. One or two lights in each corner will work just fine, especially if you have a smaller space. You can also install different switches so that only one or two lights turn on at a time, which creates the appropriate atmosphere for taking nighttime soaks in the tub.
We spend quite a lot of time in the bathroom grooming and pampering ourselves, so it’s only reasonable to make it a place that’s comfortable at the very least. We found so much inspiration for this article looking at the items and styles listed on www.bathroomcity.co.uk/products/shower-enclosures-and-cubicles/wet-wall-panels. The next time you’re thinking about updating the look of your home, don’t forget to include bathroom remodeling in your list. Remember, your home and its decor is a reflection of yourself and your personality, and this extends to every corner of the house—even the bathroom.
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Blogging for Profit
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2018’s Best Weight Loss Solutions For Women
by Guest Author
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With the new year already here, millions of women around the world are trying to make good on their New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Maybe you put on a few pounds over the holiday season or maybe you just want to get in better shape. Whatever your motivation, it really doesn’t matter when it comes to the number of solutions available to you. The new year brings a variety of new weight loss diets and tactics for women.
Don’t Skip Meals
When women are trying to lose weight, they often skip breakfast or lunch. While this might seem like a good idea if you are counting calories, it really isn’t. When you become too hungry, you are probably going to make some unhealthy choices later on. For instance, you might be so hungry that you reach for the nearest thing in sight, which could be something unhealthy for your body. In addition to this, when you finally do get a meal, you could potentially overeat since you are starting out so ravenous. In order to avoid this, make sure that you are choosing healthier and leaner meals and not skipping.
Take Advantage Of Supplements
With weight loss being such a big concern around the world, there are now a variety of different proven weight loss supplements available. One supplement that is growing in popularity is HCG drops. This all-natural supplement was specifically designed to support female weight loss, and it uses a hormone that is present in the body when you are pregnant. With that being said, when you combine this supplement with its proven diet plan, you can achieve your goal weight.
Mediterranean Diet
If you have tried a variety of commercial diets without success, it may be time to consider trying the Mediterranean diet. This diet consists of principles and foods from the Mediterranean food pyramid. It adheres to specific standards and distributes carbohydrates, protein and fat to create a well-balanced diet for women of all ages. The Mediterranean diet promotes weight loss and health. Previous studies have shown that people who reside in the Mediterranean basin, including Greeks and Italians, live longer and have fewer incidents of cardiovascular diseases and cancer than people living in the United States.
17-Day Diet
While the 17-day diet is considered a commercial diet, it can be effective in helping women lose a specific amount of weight in 34 days. Do not try the 17-day diet without speaking with your primary care physician, because it poses some health risks. The diet is divided into four phases, with the fourth phase being the most difficult and requiring the most discipline. This is a 1200-calorie per day diet, which means it may not be suitable for some women with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.
Stay Active
Staying active will play a huge role in helping you lose weight and improve your overall health. While it is not necessary to run a marathon, it is crucial to commit to a consistent exercise program. A decent workout program will include a moderate amount of aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching exercises. Now, you should not expect to be able to accomplish a lot in your first few days. Pace yourself! However, within the first week, you should be able to lift some weight and walk at least a quarter mile. Start low and build up to support your fitness and prevent injury.
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Easy-to-Follow Style Tips For Working Moms
It can be tough for busy working moms to find time to follow the latest style trends. Follow our tips below and you will look and feel your best.
Sometimes a ponytail and lip gloss is the best choice moms can have. On the other hand, sometimes moms want to get a complete glamorous look, or look their best for board meetings and date nights. We know its hard for working moms to get ready in the morning, so what a style-conscious mom to do? That’s why here we’re providing you some fashion tips that actually work for busy working moms.
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Style Tips for Working Moms[image error][image error]1. A Trench Coat: This classic outfit can make anyone look chic, whether you wear it with jeans or something dressier. Since a trench coat is timeless, it’s worth investing in a well-made one to last you season after season.
2. A crisp button-down shirt: This versatile piece is must have as it can be paired with a pencil skirt or black pants for a complete formal look or with a midi or maxi skirt for summer or jeans to have a casual-cool look.[image error][image error]
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3. Neutral work pants: A pair of neutral-colored pants like the ankle-fit texture pant are go-to for work events. Since they can be paired with a blazer and wedges or dressed down with flats and a blouse.
4. A Ponte dress: A well-fitting dress in a wrinkle-resistant fabric is a dream item for working mom to own.
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5. Flats with flair: When the rest of your outfit is simple, a pair of flats with a cute flair like a fun or texture embellishments can really enhance your complete look.[image error][image error]
When you’re a mother, you take care of everyone before yourself. However, putting a little time and effort to ready your wardrobe for the week will make you feel great and save time as well.
What is your favorite clothing in your wardrobe? Leave us a comment below.
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Potty Training – Tips, and Advice
by Tammy Jones
Potty Training – Tips, and AdvicePotty training is basically the procedure of teaching a child, especially an infant or young kid, to use the potty for elimination and bowel movements. Traditionally, attitudes toward potty training haven’t varied much and can vary significantly across generations and even depending on demographics. In today’s culture, potty training can be viewed as both a positive and negative event. Some parents (especially male parents) would welcome the challenge of toilet training their children, because they feel it is an essential part of their responsibility to teach their kids how to live a healthy lifestyle.
On the other hand, there are quite a few mothers and fathers who feel that potty training is a nightmare and wish that it was over as soon as possible. A lot of them consider the whole process as an unnecessary and painful experience for the little one, thus bringing down the parents’ self-esteem. To these parents, the best way to deal with potty training is to just leave everything to the experts. After all, they are the ones with the skills and knowledge, and they know what’s best for your little one.
Basically, there are a lot of options available for those parents who are having a hard time potty training their toddlers. One of the most popular methods is using diapers. Diapers can keep a toddler’s bottom dry, which can help avoid rashes and can help him or her to be able to go for a potty training.
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Some people would prefer to let their dogs completely potty train themselves. However, dogs don’t like to disappoint their owners. They will try to get their needs met by using the bathroom. You can also try to let your pet use adult diapers. Adult diapers can absorb the accidents better than diapers made specifically for little accidents, and you don’t have to replace them as often as you need to.
Aside from diapers, there are also other types of potty training products that you can buy. There are plenty of accidents that can be prevented by using toilet training products, such as seat covers, toilet bowl cleaners, newspaper, paper towels, and toilet training aids. Toilets nowadays also come in colorful and interesting designs, which makes potty training more fun. You can get your child his or her own personalized toilet seat cover made especially for potty training. Your child can pretend to be a big kid for a few days by wearing these seat covers.
If you want to ease up on your potty-training efforts, you can also use disposable diapers and encourage your child to go to the bathroom when he or she needs to. You can try giving your child’s diaper a funny shape or adding colorful accessories to it. These accessories, especially if they match your child’s toilet seat design, will surely help your child seems more like a little one. Buying disposable diapers in bulk will also save you a lot of money.
For puppies, you can try using a dog crate instead of a toilet seat. A dog crate has the same effect as a small potty training seat without the risk of accidents. Some dogs refuse to potty train with a toilet seat, so this may not be the best option for your puppy. In this case, you can try giving your dog a chew toy, or you can try leaving a dog biscuit or dog treat out in the open. Giving your dog something to do instead of going potty training can help your puppy learn faster, since dogs don’t really enjoy doing things that cause pain.
Another thing that you can do to speed up the potty training is to make sure your child is ready to be potty trained. When your child is ready, start by removing the diaper and putting it in the toilet. Wait for at least 10 minutes to make sure the diaper gets wet. Then, remove the diaper and place it in the potty chair. Reward your child by saying “good boy!” And giving him a sticker that identifies him as a good boy.
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