Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 73

Strength Training vs. Cardio: Which Form Of Exercise Is Better?

by LouAnn Moss

[image error]Whether you’re trying to lose weight or you’re focusing on keeping a regular fitness regimen, one of the biggest hurdles is determining what method of exercise is going to do the most for you. Each has its own merits, and any form of exercise will be beneficial for your overall health. Learn the key differences in these areas and you may be able to come to a decision on what is best for you.

Calorie Burning

According to various scientific studies about how many calories certain activities burn, you typically burn more if you weigh more no matter what activity you’re doing. For someone who weighs 160 pounds, they will burn about 250 calories for every 30 minutes of jogging at a moderate speed. If the same person weight trained for a 30-minute session, they would burn between 130 and 220 calories.

Research has shown that a weight training session can burn more calories in the hours following the session when compared to a cardio session. This is because weight training builds muscle, and muscle burns more calories at rest. To generate a high post-calorie burn from a cardio session, you would have to do an activity for a longer duration or a more intense activity like sprinting. If you’re doing more intense activities like that during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you will want to take precautions like wearing proper sunglasses and staying hydrated so that your overall health doesn’t suffer.

Weight Loss

For many, the goal of exercise is to lose weight and the choice between different methods will be highly dependent on which method is more effective for that. According to a study at Duke University that compared the effects of cardio and weight training on people who were overweight, the cardio group lost about four pounds while the weight training group gained two pounds. The latter group gained weight because of added muscle mass.

While cardio’s help in losing fat and muscle can give you a smaller body, weight training is more effective at reshaping your body. For those looking to enhance their body’s natural curves or achieve a more toned look, weight training is more effective. Lifting weights will also raise your metabolic rate, which promotes more fat burning and greater definition as the fat disappears.

Other Health Benefits

Exercise isn’t just for those looking to shed some pounds but also for anyone looking to live a longer and healthier life. Compared to strength training, cardio has a bigger influence on cardiovascular health as your heart and lungs are more engaged throughout the workout. You can also decrease the risk of chronic illnesses with just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as bicycling, running, and swimming.

According to the co-author of the Duke University study, Cris Slentz, PhD, weight training is still important for maintaining your body’s strength and being functionally fit for daily life. It is also a great exercise for anyone who needs to strengthen certain muscle groups after an injury or trauma. In people who suffer from lower back pain, 80% reported alleviated pain after engaging in strength training.

So what does all of this research and information really mean? You’ll see health benefits when you commit to any form of exercise and you’ll likely see the most when you do a combination of cardio and weight training. In the Duke University study, another group engaged in a combination of sessions and while they spent twice as long at the gym, they lost the most weight and added lean mass.

The article Strength Training vs. Cardio: Which Form Of Exercise Is Better? by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

5 Tests To Perform In Your Home To Keep Everyone Healthy

by LouAnn Moss

[image error]Your home is where your family members spend the bulk of their lives as they sleep, eat, relax, play, and make memories there. Something as simple as the water in your home, which every American uses approximately 88 gallons of every day, could pose a threat if contaminated. Whether you’re moving into a new house or you’ve lived in your home for a decade, make sure you’ve performed these tests that can help your family members have long and happy lives.

Test For Radon

Radon gas comes from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in the soil underneath a home. Radon enters the home through cracks in the foundation, crawl spaces, and basements. It is a radioactive gas that the Surgeon General has warned is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country. You can hire a professional to test for radon in your home, or buy a DIY test kit at a local hardware store.
Test For Lead

Lead-based sources that can lead to lead poisoning include lead paint, lead fumes during construction, and lead in a contaminated water supply. Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children, as it can damage their organs, put them at a higher risk of developing a learning disability, or lead to death in extreme cases. You can buy DIY kits to test for lead on painted surfaces and contact water authorities to test for lead.
Test Water Supplies

Outside of lead, there is an entire collection of other contaminants that can be lurking in your water supply. These contaminants can be either biological or chemical and can include bacteria and pesticides. As about 70% of our bodies and 85% of our brains are made up of water, you should have the water that your family uses to drink, cook, and bathe tested. To test for bacteria in your water, you can use a DIY test and get results within 48 hours. As with lead testing, you can contact local water authorities to test for other contaminants.
Test For Asbestos

Although asbestos is not used for insulation in homes now, it was very common in construction projects up until about 1980. Crews used it in all areas of a home, from interior heating pipes to exterior shingles. Asbestos is very hazardous to human health if its particles are inhaled. For anyone with a home that was built before 1980, you should have an inspector check for asbestos hiding in your house.
Test Your HVAC System

Maintaining the integrity of your home’s HVAC system is crucial. This one system controls your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If it is dysfunctional or if it is circulating dangerous pollutants through your home’s air ducts, your family’s health could be compromised. Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by professionals and ensure that the air ducts in your home are clean as well.

Your home needs to be in the best shape possible from top to bottom. Performing any necessary tests will be well worth the effort if it means that you can protect your family’s health.

The article 5 Tests To Perform In Your Home To Keep Everyone Healthy by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

3 Fun Dry Ice Experiments For Your Young Scientists

by LouAnn Moss

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There’s no two ways about it; dry ice is just plain cool. When it’s not being used for cold packaging or other purposes, dry ice can be incredibly fun to watch and play with, especially for young kids. Dry ice is rare in that it’s one of the few substances that changes directly from a solid to a gas, skipping the liquid state altogether.

This strange quality makes it perfect for some simple home science projects. Next time you find yourself with some dry ice, get the family together for a few fun, bizarre experiments that are perfect for scientists of any age.

Fun with fire: Make sure a parent or responsible adult sets up this neat trick. Place a candle in a shallow dish, and fill the dish with small dry ice chips. Give the dry ice a chance to evaporate. Have your kids watch as you try to light the candle with a match. The match will magically blow out every time you get close to the dish. They’re sure to be shocked!
Haunted quarter: This one is perfect for the little ones who love to listen to new sounds. Set dry ice in a dish so that there’s a flat side facing up. From there, have your child gently drop a quarter onto the surface. The metal will react to the intense cold and create a “shrieking” sound.
Balloon blow-up: Use this one to show your kids how dry ice changes from solid to a gas. Carefully place a small chip of dry ice in an uninflated balloon, and tie it off. The dry ice will evaporate gradually into gas form, causing the balloon to inflate. Be careful though, as using too big of a piece of dry ice will cause the balloon to over-inflate and pop.

With all of these experiments, make sure you use gloves and protection when handling the dry ice. Dry ice is extremely cold at -109 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be dangerous if touched directly. Use standard safety precautions, though, and a simple block of dry ice can turn into a fun family experiment and science project for everyone.

The article 3 Fun Dry Ice Experiments For Your Young Scientists by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

The Flu Shot Won’t Make You Sick — But Not Getting One Could Be Deadly!

by LouAnn Moss

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Last year’s flu season was one for the books. While around 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for flu-related complications during an average year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that hospitalization rates during the 2017 to 2018 flu season were higher than ever. There were anywhere from 700,000 to 900,000 flu-related hospitalizations in total. Even scarier, as many as 56,000 flu-related deaths have occurred since 2010, with 180 of the deaths occurring during last year’s season among children.

But despite those scary flu season statistics, research shows that Americans are skeptical about the best preventative method currently available — the flu shot. Not only do many of us suspect the shot isn’t as effective as medical professionals would have us believe, but we’re also convinced that the vaccination will actually make us sick. Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot won’t make you sick.

What parents should know about the flu shot

According to a new national survey conducted by the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, more than half of the parents surveyed (who have children under the age of 18) believe their child can contract the flu from the flu shot itself. Around one-third of parents don’t believe the shot actually protects against the virus.

What many Americans aren’t aware of is that the vaccine takes about two weeks to build up the protective antibodies needed to fight the flu. If someone gets the shot but contracts the virus before those antibodies develop, they can still get sick. And since the flu doesn’t always appear right away, you could even be sick before you get the shot.

It certainly is possible to experience certain symptoms of illness after you have your yearly flu shot. These may include arm swelling and tenderness, body aches, and even low-grade fever. But don’t get it twisted: this is not actually the flu. This is simply your body stimulating its immune response. It’s actually a good thing, though it may not feel that way.

Simply put, it’s impossible for you to come down with the flu from the flu shot. As experts have to explain again and again to misinformed patients, the vaccine does not contain the live flu virus. The virus is inactivated, which means you literally cannot contract the flu from it. Subdued flu-like symptoms are possible, but they’re nothing like the real thing. This will prevent you from getting sick later on in the season (or if you do still contract the flu, it’ll be much less severe). But it also protects people around you from getting the virus — particularly those with depressed immune systems or who are physically unable to get the shot.

Why do some parents opt out of the flu shot?

Some people think there’s no point in getting the shot at all. In fact, 30% of parents surveyed in the aforementioned study feel the flu shot is actually a conspiracy (not to mention the staggering 28% of parents who believe this and other vaccines cause autism). And while the flu shot is not 100% effective, data shows that the vaccine from the 2016-2017 flu season prevented more than 5 million flu illnesses, 2 million medical visits, and around 85,000 hospitalizations. Considering the average cost of one day in a U.S. hospital was $4,293 in 2013, that should be enough to convince you to take action and go get your shot before winter hits. Now is the time to get it, as flu season can start as early as October and carry on through March.

If you simply can’t do needles, you should be able to opt for the nasal spray version of the vaccine, as the CDC has confirmed it’ll be available for this year’s flu season. However, pregnant mothers should opt for the shot instead. The American Academy of Family Physicians has recommended that everyone over the age of six months who does not have a health condition that prohibits them from getting the vaccine should get the shot. Since children under the age of five, pregnant women, seniors over the age of 65, and people with special medical conditions are most susceptible to the flu, your decision to get immunized may impact more than just you and your immediate family; you could also be providing protection for anyone with whom you come into contact.

Need even more incentive? Most insurance plans (including Medicare) will cover your flu shot at no out-of-pocket cost to you. These shots are also more accessible than ever, available at grocery stores, doctors’ offices, community events, and pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, and ShopRite. You’d actually have to work hard to not go somewhere that offers free flu shots. But please don’t. No matter how much hand-washing you do or home remedies you try, nothing will boost your immunity more than getting the shot. Even though the flu shot won’t make you sick, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, after all.

 

The article The Flu Shot Won’t Make You Sick — But Not Getting One Could Be Deadly! by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

5 Weird (But Totally Normal) Pregnancy Symptoms

by LouAnn Moss

[image error]Being pregnant is weird. Expectant mothers never know what to expect. There are some symptoms that most women have heard of and won’t be surprised to encounter. Achy boobs, weird cravings, swollen ankles, and having to pee every twenty minutes are just a few common side affects of having a baby on board.

But what about the weird symptoms you don’t expect? If baby-growing can result in a whole array of bodily responses, how can a mother know what bodily responses are cause for concern?

Fear not. There are lots of weird symptoms that are actually perfectly normal. Here are just a few funky side-effects you might notice while pregnant. Though perhaps alarming, these conditions are no reason to raise the alarm:

1. Hair Growth

Though you might have heard that pregnant women often grow luscious, thick locks of hair on their head, the scalp isn’t the only place where hair flourishes while pregnant. Arm hair, pubic hair, and even a mother’s eyebrows can become bushy thanks to fluctuating hormones, according to Parents . Some women even grow hair where they normally wouldn’t, like on their face or chest. This growth is totally normal, and extra hairs often fall out around six months after the baby arrives.

2. Loss of Your Sense of Smell

Another odd thing that can happen to pregnant women is alteration or loss of their sense of smell. Anosmia may seem odd, but according to Good Housekeeping, it can lower a pregnant person’s chance of nausea and vomiting while pregnant.

3. Forgetfulness

Thanks to the hormones, the stress, and the sleeplessness that often come with pregnancy, a pregnant person might have trouble staying focused, or might lose their keys a bit more often. In fact, up to 80% of pregnant women experience memory impairment.

4. Chadwick’s Sign

Increased blood flow has some interesting effects on a woman’s genitalia. Though it may seem unusual, a bluish or purple vagina is totally normal during pregnancy. Called Chadwick’s Sign, this symptom used to be the way doctors tested a woman for pregnancy.

5. Teeth Problems

In 2017, approximately 127.6 million U.S. adults visited a dentist. If you’re a pregnant woman, you might want to join the crowd and head to a dental clinic ASAP. According to Better Health, pregnancy hormones and unusual food cravings can lead to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Vomiting while pregnant can also weaken tooth enamel, so be sure to talk to your dentist about how to protect your teeth from morning sickness.

Mothers’ bodies do some incredible things while pregnant. In fact, the average woman’s 17 square feet of skin stretches to an unbelievable 18.5 square feet by the ninth month of pregnancy. In other words, growing a baby requires crazy changes. If you notice any of the changes on this list, don’t panic, and consider the symptom a sign of a job well done.

The article 5 Weird (But Totally Normal) Pregnancy Symptoms by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Saying No to Your Kids is Good Parenting

by Guest Author

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Image: Pexels

Do you find it hard to refuse your child’s every requests? Sure you’ve tried a couple of times, but eventually caved into those sweet puppy eyes or to their deafening screams. It doesn’t hurt to keep your kids happy all the time, right? Just kids being kids.

Well, if your child always gets what they want, they learn to behave in a way that ensures you will give in every single time. It may influence an inflated sense of entitlement. And it can become stressful if their demands become impossible. Sometimes you just have to say no to excessive and unnecessary demands.

1. Saying no can manage unwanted behavior.

When you say yes to everything, you are actually reinforcing your child to repeat the behavior. Your child will pick up this cycle knowing he or she will get what they are asking for.   Children pick up cues from their caretakers as they grow up on how to act and respond in social situations. You are teaching the child that it’s okay to cry, shout and be angry if things don’t go their way. Teaching your kids discipline will allow them to recognize negative from positive behavior.

2. Saying no does not make you a bad parent.

It can be embarrassing when your child decides to throw a tantrum at a grocery store just because you denied him a candy bar before dinner. Looks from other shoppers become overwhelming so you give in.

You become obsessed with the idea of keeping your child happy and do not want to disappoint them that you allow them to take control over your decisions. You buy them that toy and you let them eat candy as often as they’d like. You’ll end up having to deal with your child’s overall health and dental issues. It can be quite difficult to pacify your child’s fear of visiting the doctor or dentist. Sometimes, parents resort to lying to convince their child to distract them from uncomfortable situations.

However, this dentist works well with parents and has a way with kids while getting it done. As the primary caregiver, you are in charge of how you take care of your kids. Letting your kids run the show without consideration will make you a negligent parent and not because you said no.

3. Saying no instills life lessons.

Kids who are spoiled rotten may result to manipulative behavior. Setting them up for the real world by giving them the experience of being denied, when needed, teaches them to deal with the rejection, anger, and disappointment. They gradually begin to understand that life does not always go with every want and whim. That sometimes you have to work through it and accept that it’s okay.

4. Saying no is part of parenting.

One of the hardest part of raising your kids is to deny them of what clearly will give happiness but at the same time is also unacceptable. You try your best to shield your kids from awful experiences but this will not help them thrive. As a parent, it is your duty to equip your child the right tools to navigate through life as they grow up to become who they want to be.

Creating a balance of a parent-child relationship is achieved through open communication and great understanding.

Sponsored Advertisement

The article Saying No to Your Kids is Good Parenting by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

How To Prepare For The Onslaught Of Halloween Candy Coming Your Way

by LouAnn Moss

[image error]Halloween is here. Soon enough, you’ll have an army of costume-clad children at your door begging for candy you’ve probably already eaten.


After all, Halloween has become a staple in American households and retail stores in more ways than one.


Even wine bars in Missouri have offered to pair your favorite candies with a delectable selection of wines this holiday season. Ever tried to pair wine with candy corn? It’s not easy. But guests are able to sample around six pairings of wine and candy to celebrate the holiday.


Candy, dressing up, partying the night away; it’s no surprise that Halloween has persisted throughout the decades. In fact, humans have been adorning their appearance for over a millennium. The first nail polish even dates back to 3,000 BC where early cosmetics were used in China.


But candy is the highlight of the season and it can wreak havoc on your health in more ways than one.


If you’ve already begun to eat your second bag of candy before Halloween, dentists are telling adults and children alike to slow down.


It’s common for children to feast on their Halloween victories as soon as they get home. The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend upwards of $2.6 billion on Halloween candy alone. But many try to indulge in their favorites all in one sitting — and some are worse than others.


“It’s important to let your hair down and let kids be kids. We [need to] make sure that they brush their teeth for a longer period than normal to remove any remaining sticky candies left behind.” said Dr. Ramin Tabib in an interview with AOL.


Dentists have even released a list of the nine worst candies for your dental health. These include particularly sticky, or tacky candies that linger in your mouth for long periods of time. Here are some of the worst transgressors this Halloween season.

Butterfinger
Sour Patch Kids
Tootsie Roll
Jolly Rancher
Lollipops
Swedish Fish
Laffy Taffy
Caramel
Gummy worms

Of course, all these candies should be eaten with moderation. Following the feast, you should encourage your children — and yourself — to brush your teeth with special care before retiring for the night.


Too much sugar can have detrimental effects on your oral health if you don’t take care of your teeth. In fact, nearly half of the entire U.S. population — a whopping 48% — is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.


Others face even worse issues due to poor dental hygiene. Even if you have a diet that limits sugars, poor brushing habits, incorrect brushing technique, smoking, and failure to visit the dentist can result in cavities or periodontal disease. In fact, an estimated 47.2% of adults over 30 have a form of periodontal disease.


It’s especially important to take care of your health during the sweet, sweet holidays. While letting your hair down and indulging is okay on occasion, remember to brush your teeth after eating too much candy.


Your mouth will thank you.

The article How To Prepare For The Onslaught Of Halloween Candy Coming Your Way by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Having a Special Needs Child and a Visit to Disney World

by Rosie Moore

 

What is a Special Needs Child?

Many times as a parent I am asked what is a special needs child, shouldn’t they have a physical handicap?  Many people look at a special needs child as a child that is misbehaved, impulsive, rude, and undisciplined by their parents, but the truth is, there is more to it than that.  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of special needs is “any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation) students with special needs.”

As a parent of a special needs child who was born 13 weeks early, weighing 1lb 10oz and spending almost six months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I understand the difficulties that many parents face.  My son had a 5% chance of survival at birth, he had one functioning kidney and odds against his survival without multiple disabilities.  We had prayer warriors praying worldwide for his recovery and they worked! He was discharged from the NICU after almost six months on round the clock oxygen, 18 doses of different medications per day, two different kinds of breathing treatment per day every 3 hours, tube feedings every three hours, multiple doctor’s appointments during the week, speech, physical, and occupational therapy at home daily, and BPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia).  According to the American Lung Association, bronchopulmonary dysplasia is “a form of chronic lung disease that affects newborns (mostly premature) and infants. It results from damage to the lungs caused by mechanical ventilation (respirator) and long-term use of oxygen. Most infants recover from BPD, but some may have long-term breathing difficulty.”

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Today Kaleb has overcome all the health challenges that he was born with and defied all odds.  He is healthy, despite having only one kidney and tiny lungs.  He gets dehydrated quickly if he is not drinking plenty of fluids, but other than that physically he is doing amazing and catching up with his weight.  Since he started VPK (Voluntary pre-kindergarten) it was discovered that he had a learning disability but he was too young to determine what type it was.  He has difficulty reading, but besides that, he is very intelligent, creative, artistic, and spirited.  He attends the mainstream school with his peers but also takes classes to enhance his learning challenges.

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Disney Experience

Why is all this relevant?  Well, let me share my recent experience visiting Disney World for my son’s birthday weekend celebration.  First and foremost, the Disney employees with the exception of one were amazing, they know how to work with special needs children.  They entertained my son’s questions and made his experience fun.  Now for some guests that was not the case.  Our day started with a friend of ours gifting us tickets to The Magic Kingdom for Kaleb’s birthday, we were so touched!  We had a great start to our day waiting until we were under the purple umbrella that says Disney World in order to announce to our son that this was his birthday surprise.  He enjoyed walking around, riding the tram, monorail, and the steam engine train.  We rode several rides in Fantasy Land and he had a great time.

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We arrived at the seven dwarf’s ride, now he had seen this ride and knew it was a bit rough, but age appropriate for the little ones.  He was very excited despite the 65-minute wait.  We chatted with him about the ride and his experience in the park and anything else that we could think of to keep him distracted from the long wait.  There was a woman in front of us, dressed in a striped long sleeve dress with fancy sandals.  I thought it was a bit dressy for my taste at a theme park, but who am I to judge anyone right?  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” Matthew 7:1.  As we waited for her husband and two daughters worked their way through the middle of the line with ice cream and “excuse me’s.”  As all little boys do, my son was playing with the interactive diamonds that the park had for the kids to play with amongst other things like jumping,  making jokes, and just being a kid.  After 30 minutes of waiting in line, the woman came right up to me space in my face (any closer and she would be kissing me!) and said, “my kids have been knocking into me as they get bored on the line and I don’t like it, so please take control of your son and do not have him knock into me as I do not tolerate that.  Wow, all he had done was accidentally bump into her once as she was standing there and he was moving around as all kids do.  The next 35 minutes I had to hold his hand and keep reminding him of what the woman stated so that he could avoid bumping into her.  Thankfully they split our group up and she was not on the same train for the ride and we never saw her again.

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As we walked around Liberty Square, there were some photo opportunities, one being the prisoner picture.  My son immediately ran to this in the square to get his picture taken there.  There was a woman that was walking toward it and she paused with her friend to allow me to take a picture of my son.  When I walked around to take the picture, the older gentleman taking the picture of his older daughter who allowed us to get on the platform after my son left, stated, “you know your son cut the line.”  I apologized and indicated I was not aware and he walked away shaking his head at us.

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Our third incident was when we stopped at Peco’s to eat.  We were looking at all the rooms to find a place to sit and eat, we caught sight of one table in a room but the guests had just left and they had left all the trays and trash there.  There was a woman hostess standing there and as I approached her with my son and my husband I was about to ask her if she could clear that table for us so that we may sit down and eat.  She looked at me with looks that could kill, I said I was only going to ask if she could clear the table and as I started to ask, she walked away from us.  We ate our dinner and watched as another employee greeted everyone, waived to guests, and offered her assistance to guests.  I thought to myself, I wish I had that cast member earlier.  We ate our dinner, but as we collected our belongings, I started to feel like it was just my husband and me taking care of my son and as if we did not have a friend who could ever understand what we were going through with a special needs child.  I felt alone for the first time in our 9 year journey and wondered what would become of our lives and our son’s life.

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The fourth incident was at the Emporium store where a Disney Cast member waited on us as my son took three little toys that he selected for his birthday gift one from us, one from his grandma, and one from his savings, to purchase.  We had purchased two other items for ourselves and a cast member came to assist the cashier with placing the items in the bag to help out, and my son requested politely if he could have his toys in a separate bag.  The cast member stated that she was never that spoiled to get three items for her birthday when she was growing up.  Kaleb, my son, replied to her that this was his birthday gifts from his mom and dad and grandma.  The woman quickly changed her tune as she heard this explanation from this spirited child.

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I did get many compliments on my Disney Dalmatians shirt that is many years old!  People kept asking where did I get that from!

Time to Go Home A Good Night was Had By All or Was It?

Lastly, it is time to get on the tram car to get to the parking lot.  As we patiently waited on the long lines, the 4th tram car came by.  Kaleb immediately ran to the first car, we were in-between lanes and maybe he should have run to the 2nd tram door, but he ran to the first one ( which has two rows of seating anyway).  As we went in a woman behind us indicated that this was her car and we should have been in the second car not the first one, but the tram personnel spoke over the loudspeaker to quickly take your seat.  We took our seat and as she came in with her young daughter, husband, and grandbaby and stroller (which took up about 4 seats 2 in front and two behind due to the stroller size) she rammed the stroller into my son’s leg and he said “ow that hurt” there was no apology, excuse me, and she gave us a look of anger.  I tried to catch her eyes, but she would not catch my eye.  Of course, Kaleb being the friendly happy boy that he is was singing the song from the Carousel of Progress, “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow

shining at the end of every day.”  This seemed to annoy her more.  As other guests commented on his happy go lucky behavior especially since they heard this woman complain that we were in her car that seated 5 people per row and with her family, my son and myself there were 6 total because she sat in the middles blocking anyone else from occupying the other 4 seats due to the stroller the way she positioned it.  My husband sat in the next tram car so as not to cause any more frustration. We were in the last parking lot so we had a few stops.  On the second to last stop, the tram car stopped and as the family exited, my son said, “have a good night” as he did not receive a response, he repeated the sentence until the daughter looked at him and just nodded, but the grandmother never acknowledged him.

You may ask again, what is the point of sharing these experiences.  First of all to make those folks that do not have a special needs child aware that although someone may not look like they have a physical disability, that they may not have another type of disability that is not known to you.  The child may have a learning disability, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, dyslexia, or any other disabilities that are sometimes chalked up to bad behavior.  Just remember that a Learning Disability is not a mental illness, it stems from a neurologically-based problem which in this instance for Kaleb being born 13 weeks premature.

Thankfully the Cast Members at Disney on all the rides and places we went to received my son with open arms, high fives’ and have a magical day!  The one cast member at Peco’s that was rude to us, well, I can say maybe she was having a bad day, and we will chalk it up to that. Disney is still truly a magical place where a child no matter what age, what disability physical, or learning they have, can still be a kid and parents can rest assured that their child will have fun.

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The article Having a Special Needs Child and a Visit to Disney World by Rosie Moore appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Join Komen Chicago in the fight to end breast cancer – this month and every month

by Tiosha Bailey

Every October, many Americans infuse a little extra pink into their wardrobes to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is so important, and we in the breast cancer community are grateful for every pink endeavor that takes place all month long – after all, the association we now make between pink and breast cancer is one reason the disease has gotten so much more attention since Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded 33 years ago. That attention has resulted in more people getting mammograms and more funding for research and treatments – in other words, it has saved lives.

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But it’s important that we don’t get lost in the sea of pink each October. We have to remember what breast cancer pink really stands for: awareness and action. We must act to both take care of ourselves and advocate for health equity. We must act to help others who are bravely fighting the disease. And we must act to help organizations like Susan G. Komen Chicago meet critical needs in our communities and invest in breakthrough research so that we can realize the vision to live in a world without breast cancer.

Since becoming executive director of Komen Chicago last June, I have been incredibly inspired by the shared passion for preventing breast cancer and improving the lives of those who are fighting. Everywhere I go, I meet women and men who want to take action and be part of this lifesaving work.

This means so much to me, as I have seen the devastating and long-lasting toll that cancer can take on an entire family. In my family, I’ve experienced both the victory of survivorship and the pain from losing my mother, grandmother and cousin to the disease. . I also have two cousins currently undergoing treatment. This fight is personal for me.

Did you know that more than 1,000 women in Chicago die each year from breast cancer, and there is a large disparity in the city, with the mortality rate of African-American women being 40 percent higher than Caucasian women? This is an unacceptable truth that Komen Chicago is fighting to change. Over its 21-year history, the organization has distributed more than $17.5 million in grants that help the underserved get breast health services. In addition, Komen Chicago has funded $5.5 million in research to end breast cancer forever.

We are continuing to fight, and, in fact, taking the fight to a whole new level. This means collaborating with a broad spectrum of healthcare partners, to make sure more people have access to quality healthcare options – because we ALL deserve a fighting chance. It also means investing in the promising research we see today, as well as empowering women by shining a light on the importance of early detection.

You can join us in this important work. And there’s no better time to get started than Breast Cancer Awareness Month – or Breast Cancer ACTION Month as we call it here at Komen Chicago! Here are some important actions you can take this October:

 

Make your own health a priority; GET YOUR ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM! People who develop breast cancer will have a much greater chance of survival if it is detected early. Today’s screening tests can find the disease before it causes any warning signs or symptoms, which means patients can often get treated before it spreads and have a much better outcome. It’s also important to regularly get a medical checkup and have a clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider. We all get busy, and women often put their family’s health and wellness ahead of their own. But we must carve out time to take care of ourselves! The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. It’s important to know how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice a change, see a doctor.

 

If you are being treated for breast cancer or have concerns about the disease (for yourself or someone you love), check out the resources and education at KomenChicago.org. You can also call us at 773-444-0061.
If you know someone who is being treated for breast cancer, make sure they’re aware of the resources and information available through Komen Chicago. And reach out to help if you can – whether it’s a meal, a ride or a friendly conversation, the support that patients receive from their family and friends can make all the difference.
Get involved in the fight against breast cancer by helping Komen Chicago. If you’re a runner or cyclist, join us at Race for the Cure or Ride for the Cure. You can also volunteer your time, or donate to this important cause.
And, finally, consider joining us at our biggest party of the year – the Greatest Show Under the Big Pink Top Gala on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. We’re going ALL OUT for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our 21st birthday this year, with a vintage circus theme (with a Komen pink twist, of course). Guests will be captivated by star-studded entertainment and exceptional circus acts and attractions, including high-flying trapeze artists, jugglers and stilt walkers . Elaborate food stations will be provided by some premier Chicago restaurants, including a fiery dessert presentation by STK. This is truly a Chicago Gala unlike any other, a celebration that pays tribute to the many brave people who have fought or are fighting breast cancer, while raising money to enable Komen Chicago’s lifesaving and life-changing work. Some tickets are still available. Please get yours today. I’d love to see you there!

 

The article Join Komen Chicago in the fight to end breast cancer – this month and every month by Tiosha Bailey appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Varicose Vein Treatment Options That Doctors Recommend To Patients

by Guest Author

With one-quarter of the total adult population experiencing some symptoms of varicose veins, it has become extremely important for people to understand what this condition is and the treatment option that one has if they are diagnosed with this. Varicose Veins is a condition that occurs when the veins in the body undergo a certain amount of expansion or dilation. Because of this, the veins generally appear swollen and are more prominent on the skin. Because of the pressure that is applied as a result of the swelling, the veins under the skin may appear to be a shade of blue or purple, and in some instances, red. Often, the severity of this condition correlates to the amount of pain that one experiences. In the early stages of Varicose Veins, the individual normally experiences little to no pain, but once the condition progresses, the pain experienced may also increase.

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There can be several reasons why an individual may get Varicose Veins. Things like pregnancy, menopause, prolonged standing, obesity and family genetics may all play a role in contributing to the prominence of Varicose Veins. People who are above the age of fifty are also more likely to be diagnosed with this condition.

Treatments For Varicose Veins

Because of how common Varicose Veins are, there are several treatment options that are incredibly easy to seek from a good doctor. The following are some of the treatment options that are available to those who are diagnosed with this condition.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the options that one can go in for when trying to seek  Varicose Vein treatment. This is a minor surgery and the patient is usually allowed to go home soon after.

Laser Treatments

Laser Surgery is another option that patients diagnosed with this condition can opt to go in for. This is also a non-invasive procedure, but can only be done for those who have caught the condition in its earlier stages.

Ligation And Stripping

Ligation and Stripping is one of the most common kinds of procedures that doctors tend to recommend when treating patients with Varicose Veins. This treatment entails making small incisions near the groin and the ankle and passing a thin flexible wire through the vein from one end to the other. This procedure also doesn’t require a person to stay at the hospital or clinic.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is another Varicose Vein treatment that doctors tend to recommend to patients on a regular basis. In this procedure, a chemical is injected into the veins which are experiencing swelling, which causes them to get to normal. Several injections may be required on a regular basis for a patient to start seeing visible improvements.

Seeking Varicose Vein Treatment

While going in for a treatment is something that one should do as soon as they start to notice symptoms of this condition, the doctor that one approaches also something that can make a difference when trying to curb this condition as much as possible. When it comes to good treatment centers, Metro Vein Centers is one clinic that has gained a lot of recognition for the work that it does. Founded by Dr. Ali Meslemani, this chain of clinics offers specialized care for the treatment of varicose veins.

The clinics are located in several states and have prominent centers in the states of Michigan, Texas, New Jersey and New York. The doctors here are incredibly well trained and are able to understand the different needs of different patients. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctors at these clinics are able to provide the patient with the best course of treatment for their Varicose Veins.

The article Varicose Vein Treatment Options That Doctors Recommend To Patients by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.