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Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Colds vs. Flu
Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms:
Symptom
Cold
H1N1 Flu
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.
Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.
Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.
Symptom
Cold
H1N1 Flu
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.
Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.
Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Elite DefensiveTactics Halloween Party
Halloween Party Pictures 
, A Special Thanks goes out to all the people who helped setting up and cleaning up. I very much appreciate your time.
Shihan Gary
, A Special Thanks goes out to all the people who helped setting up and cleaning up. I very much appreciate your time. Shihan Gary
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Nothing Good Happens After 11:00pm
Nothing Good Happens After 11:00pm
Years ago when I began doing security work I remember one of the veterans telling me "Nothing good happens after 11:00 pm." Since that time, there has been little to prove him wrong.
On October 18th at approximately 1:00am, Star University of Connecticut (UConn) cornerback Jasper T. (Jazz) Howard was murdered following a stellar performance on the gridiron against the Louisville Cardinals only hours earlier. Howard, who was in attendance at a student dance late Saturday night, was stabbed to death on the Storrs campus. Details of the event are murky while the assailant still remains at large.
As the story unfolds on this tragedy, one can only think of how this could have been avoided. Personally, I have could ended up just like him, a college kid after a big game, in the wrong place at the wrong time. My judgement impaired by alcohol combined wi th the invincibility of youth would make me an easy target for a steet wise thug.
What we learn as we get older is that there are certian situations that increase our exposure to risk. One of those situations is the "witching hour". That point in the evening when more bad than good can happen. That time is 11:00pm. People out at this time are usually coming home from dinner, happy hour or even a long day at work. Either way, a little drunk or alittle tired makes you a prime target.
It has only been through personal experience that you come to realize when you are getting in over your head. Coming home alone after a big game on a college campus one might think that one was safe. But kids away from home for the first time are easy victims of violence They are on their own for the first time, dealing wi th new freedoms and new responsibilities ad of course making new and more dangerous mistakes.
Experience is the best teacher. It's only by getting burned that we learn how to avoid the fire.The hope is that we can teach others to avoid the mistakes that we made so that we can evolve and grow.
It is unfortunate that we must learn from the mistakes of the innocent and there is no way to bring someone back, but you can honor their memory by teaching others how to avoid this pain and suffering.
The choice is yours, turn a blind eye or swing a clenched fist.
Start Doing Something NOW
www.theselfdefenseco.com
Until Next Time,
Damian Ross
Master Instructor and CEO, The Self Defense Company
Police Investigation is Ongoing
UConn Police and the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit are actively investigating Howard’s death and are asking anyone with information pertaining to the incident to contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800.
Years ago when I began doing security work I remember one of the veterans telling me "Nothing good happens after 11:00 pm." Since that time, there has been little to prove him wrong.
On October 18th at approximately 1:00am, Star University of Connecticut (UConn) cornerback Jasper T. (Jazz) Howard was murdered following a stellar performance on the gridiron against the Louisville Cardinals only hours earlier. Howard, who was in attendance at a student dance late Saturday night, was stabbed to death on the Storrs campus. Details of the event are murky while the assailant still remains at large.
As the story unfolds on this tragedy, one can only think of how this could have been avoided. Personally, I have could ended up just like him, a college kid after a big game, in the wrong place at the wrong time. My judgement impaired by alcohol combined wi th the invincibility of youth would make me an easy target for a steet wise thug.
What we learn as we get older is that there are certian situations that increase our exposure to risk. One of those situations is the "witching hour". That point in the evening when more bad than good can happen. That time is 11:00pm. People out at this time are usually coming home from dinner, happy hour or even a long day at work. Either way, a little drunk or alittle tired makes you a prime target.
It has only been through personal experience that you come to realize when you are getting in over your head. Coming home alone after a big game on a college campus one might think that one was safe. But kids away from home for the first time are easy victims of violence They are on their own for the first time, dealing wi th new freedoms and new responsibilities ad of course making new and more dangerous mistakes.
Experience is the best teacher. It's only by getting burned that we learn how to avoid the fire.The hope is that we can teach others to avoid the mistakes that we made so that we can evolve and grow.
It is unfortunate that we must learn from the mistakes of the innocent and there is no way to bring someone back, but you can honor their memory by teaching others how to avoid this pain and suffering.
The choice is yours, turn a blind eye or swing a clenched fist.
Start Doing Something NOW
www.theselfdefenseco.com
Until Next Time,
Damian Ross
Master Instructor and CEO, The Self Defense Company
Police Investigation is Ongoing
UConn Police and the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit are actively investigating Howard’s death and are asking anyone with information pertaining to the incident to contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
45 Lessons Life Taught Me
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others.
You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one20else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,
Don't take no for answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this
matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is,
not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab
yours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others.
You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one20else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,
Don't take no for answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this
matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is,
not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab
yours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
PUMPKIN PAINTING CONTEST
Pumpkin Painting
Halloween Madness. ? What would Halloween be without decorative pumpkins? It wouldn't be the same. You will be the envy of your neighborhood.
First, let everyone pick out their own pumpkins. This will add to the enjoyment and create individuality. It also creates bonds between family members.
Now while out looking for the pumpkins that you want to carve or paint you will want to try to seek out the pumpkins that have at least one side that is a little more flat than round.
Time to start painting those pumpkins.
The secret to great pumpkin painting is getting the right type of paints. Most craft stores will have a simple paint that will get the job done. Acrylic paint might work well here. Be sure not to try to use watercolor or oil paints when painting your pumpkins as they will not so through and they can get expensive here.
Get crazy with the way you paint your pumpkins. There are many ways and designs available for that Halloween secret pumpkin painting that you want to do.
Posted by Elite Defensive Tactics Martial Arts Academy at 8:20 AM 0 comments
Halloween Madness. ? What would Halloween be without decorative pumpkins? It wouldn't be the same. You will be the envy of your neighborhood.
First, let everyone pick out their own pumpkins. This will add to the enjoyment and create individuality. It also creates bonds between family members.
Now while out looking for the pumpkins that you want to carve or paint you will want to try to seek out the pumpkins that have at least one side that is a little more flat than round.
Time to start painting those pumpkins.
The secret to great pumpkin painting is getting the right type of paints. Most craft stores will have a simple paint that will get the job done. Acrylic paint might work well here. Be sure not to try to use watercolor or oil paints when painting your pumpkins as they will not so through and they can get expensive here.
Get crazy with the way you paint your pumpkins. There are many ways and designs available for that Halloween secret pumpkin painting that you want to do.
Posted by Elite Defensive Tactics Martial Arts Academy at 8:20 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 18, 2009
Dog Walking Safety
This is a product that everyone with a dog needs. Check it out!
Retractable Dog Leash with Flashlight
Retractable Dog Leash with Flashlight
Monday, September 14, 2009
Always a Cop:
Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether they can see it, or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline and no one who has ever worn it with pride, integrity and guts, can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.
When Cops Retire
When a good cop leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet . We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.
These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.
So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,' and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.
Civilian Friends vs . Police Friends
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you..
POLICE FRIE NDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are for life.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences. ...
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.
There are those that think they understand. And then,. . . . there are cops
Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether they can see it, or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline and no one who has ever worn it with pride, integrity and guts, can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.
When Cops Retire
When a good cop leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet . We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.
These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.
So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,' and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.
Civilian Friends vs . Police Friends
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you..
POLICE FRIE NDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are for life.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences. ...
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.
There are those that think they understand. And then,. . . . there are cops
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What Makes the Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System So Special?
0 comments
What Makes the Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System So Special?
The Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System gives you the body-sculpting and fat-burning benefits of boxing without expensive equipment or the need to go to the gym. It’s easy to use - you just slip on the Shadow Boxer belt, click in your level of resistance, and you’re ready to go.
* Shadow Boxer 3-Minute Burn Rounds – Work out with time-efficient burn rounds that combine 2 minutes of fat-burning cardio and 1 minute of ultra body-shaping resistance so you get a hot, sexy body in record time.
* Shadow Boxer 7 Signature Moves – Forget complicated dance moves. Shadow Boxer uses 7 easy-to-follow signature moves to quickly tone your arms, shoulders, chest, back, abs, buns, and thighs, so you get the lean, firm body you’ve always wanted.
* Shadow Boxer 10 lb. Guarantee - The Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System is so effective that we guarantee you’ll lose up to 10 pounds in your first 10 workouts or your money back!
What Makes the Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System So Special?
The Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System gives you the body-sculpting and fat-burning benefits of boxing without expensive equipment or the need to go to the gym. It’s easy to use - you just slip on the Shadow Boxer belt, click in your level of resistance, and you’re ready to go.
* Shadow Boxer 3-Minute Burn Rounds – Work out with time-efficient burn rounds that combine 2 minutes of fat-burning cardio and 1 minute of ultra body-shaping resistance so you get a hot, sexy body in record time.
* Shadow Boxer 7 Signature Moves – Forget complicated dance moves. Shadow Boxer uses 7 easy-to-follow signature moves to quickly tone your arms, shoulders, chest, back, abs, buns, and thighs, so you get the lean, firm body you’ve always wanted.
* Shadow Boxer 10 lb. Guarantee - The Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System is so effective that we guarantee you’ll lose up to 10 pounds in your first 10 workouts or your money back!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Attention All Parents
As you know, Dr. Robyn is doing a FREE parenting tele-seminar THIS WEDNESDAY evening at 8pm eastern time! Here is the link to SEND OUT TO THE PARENTS OF YOUR STUDENTS --> http://www.drrobynsilverman.com/ts/bts2009/
* This will be a great opportunity for your prospects to see some of the Powerful Extra Value that you bring to your students familys' lives!
* This will be a spectacular opportunity for you to REMIND your current students why they absolutely LOVE your school!
* This will be a great opportunity for your prospects to see some of the Powerful Extra Value that you bring to your students familys' lives!
* This will be a spectacular opportunity for you to REMIND your current students why they absolutely LOVE your school!
Dr Roybyn Silverman
How Can I Get My Child to Get More Active?
Posted on August 24, 2009 by Dr. Robyn
family_bikeBy Dr. Robyn Silverman
Dear Dr. Robyn,
We have 3 children (ages 11, 7, and 4)– and only 1 of them is really into sports. I worry that the others are going to become very unhealthy because the activities they choose to do typically don’t require them to do much physical activity. I worry about their weight, their health…everything. I don’t want to harp on them because I don’t want to make them hate getting active or make them think that I think they’re fat or they’re going to get fat (1 of them is a girl). Please give me some suggestions on how I can help them to get more active! —Lisa M., Durham, NC
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your question–
There’s so much talk about body issues these days—on the one hand, we’re dealing with what is being labeled “an obesity epidemic” and on the other hand, we’re dealing with more and more children with body image issues (both boys and girls ), eating disorders, and challenges with food. On top of that, more children are becoming lethargic and leading sedentary lifestyles —perhaps a function of new and fun technologies as much as more homework, more parents at work during the after school hours, and less “active time” during school hours due to budget cuts.
Interestingly, as children get older, their activity level drops dramatically. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health:
* Ages 9-11 years old: More than 90% of the children evaluated met the recommended level of 60 minutes of more of MVPA per day.
* Age 15: Only 31% met the recommended level of MVPA per weekday and only 17% met the recommended activity level on weekends.
Many of you who are reading this blog, like Lisa, are parents who are interested in getting their children active from a very young age. There are many studies that show us that children who are active have fewer problems with weight and body image. So how can we get our kids to love being active?
(1) Play with them: Children learn by what they see. If their parents are sitting on the sidelines, they are more likely to do so too. Get involved—bike ride with your kids—play hopscotch, jump-rope, and play ball in the back yard. Join activities with them. There are plenty of fun things you can do together! Try martial arts where family programs are prominent—or swimming programs that allow you to get in the pool with your kids. Get in touch with a Powerful Words Member School- so many of them have family programs! By getting involved in an “active way” you relay “this is important—not just for you to do, but for the family.”
(2) Get messy and dirty: If children are always afraid to get their clothes dirty, they are less likely to get active. Make sure that their play clothes are exactly that—for play. And don’t be afraid to get dirty with them! Run around—roll around—splash in puddles and get sweaty! It’s fun and your kids will enjoy, well, being kids! And don’t make the mistake that only boys should get messy—girls should too. We never want our girls to think that they can’t be as active, powerful, and strong as the boys. These sentiments get transferred to girls easily—so be sure that you are saying something empowering rather than destructive.
family_walk
(3) Make the time: There are so many things to do in the day—school, homework, piano practice, family time—that it’s often difficult to make time to get active. But getting active isn’t something that should be negotiable or expendable. We need to make the time for it. Children should be active for at least an hour per day! If they don’t like competitive sports, there are plenty of other activities that will get them moving—martial arts, gymnastics, dancing and swimming are all great ways to get active without necessarily getting competitive.
(4) Let them know that you’re proud: Whether they win, lose, have a tough day, or a great day, let them know you’re proud of the way they get out there and take responsibility for keeping their bodies healthy. If we are constantly being judged on how well we did when we were active, we may be less apt to get active! Praise effort over outcome—and determination over trophies and you will be helping your child learn to love activity.
(5) Help them to set goals: It’s fun to achieve. We achieve by setting appropriate goals for ourselves and then going after them! Be warned though—make sure these are YOUR CHILD’S GOALS—not yours. And be sure that these goals are not “in comparison to” a sibling, friend, or other peers. Make your child’s physical goals something that is right for him or her—and that is completely about him or her and nobody else. This is not “the biggest loser” or “Survivor.” Your child should not get “kicked off the island” if s/he isn’t as strong, fast, or successful as anyone else.
(6) Get them active inside too: While so many technologies are linked to sitting on the couch, there are also technologies that can get kids moving. The Wii Fit and Dance Revolution are great ways to get active while inside on a rainy day– or just a day that the kids want to play with some neat technology. In fact, these games that are now being used as a source of fitness in gym classes. Studies are beginning to show that they “make a very positive contribution to players’ stress management, weight management, fitness and health.”
family_naturewalk
(7) Be innovative: Don’t love sports but love science? Go on nature walks! Prefers to history over hopscotch? Go walk the museums. Think outside the box. Sports aren’t the only way to get physical. Children can get active by gardening, dancing, jump-roping, building and painting outside. Go on camping trips or boating excursions. Splash in the rain. And again– all sports aren’t competitive with big crowds. Your child might be more interested in individual activities and sports where they can work at their own pace and make their own personal goals. Moving the body feels good– it’s just a matter of finding out what your child loves best.
(6) Don’t tie it to weight: It would be easy to do so—after all, weight is a huge issue these days. But when we tie physical activity to “exercise” and “losing weight” we make it seem like work—or punishment. That’s no fun! Children can be physically active at any size—so praise them for getting out there no matter what the scale says.
In the end, we all want our children to get active to be healthy. Our bodies need physical activity for the health of our cardio-vascular system, our muscles, our brains, and our souls. It feels good to get active. Let’s teach our children young to love getting up off the couch and moving around. It will serve them well…for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Robyn Silverman signs
Posted on August 24, 2009 by Dr. Robyn
family_bikeBy Dr. Robyn Silverman
Dear Dr. Robyn,
We have 3 children (ages 11, 7, and 4)– and only 1 of them is really into sports. I worry that the others are going to become very unhealthy because the activities they choose to do typically don’t require them to do much physical activity. I worry about their weight, their health…everything. I don’t want to harp on them because I don’t want to make them hate getting active or make them think that I think they’re fat or they’re going to get fat (1 of them is a girl). Please give me some suggestions on how I can help them to get more active! —Lisa M., Durham, NC
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your question–
There’s so much talk about body issues these days—on the one hand, we’re dealing with what is being labeled “an obesity epidemic” and on the other hand, we’re dealing with more and more children with body image issues (both boys and girls ), eating disorders, and challenges with food. On top of that, more children are becoming lethargic and leading sedentary lifestyles —perhaps a function of new and fun technologies as much as more homework, more parents at work during the after school hours, and less “active time” during school hours due to budget cuts.
Interestingly, as children get older, their activity level drops dramatically. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health:
* Ages 9-11 years old: More than 90% of the children evaluated met the recommended level of 60 minutes of more of MVPA per day.
* Age 15: Only 31% met the recommended level of MVPA per weekday and only 17% met the recommended activity level on weekends.
Many of you who are reading this blog, like Lisa, are parents who are interested in getting their children active from a very young age. There are many studies that show us that children who are active have fewer problems with weight and body image. So how can we get our kids to love being active?
(1) Play with them: Children learn by what they see. If their parents are sitting on the sidelines, they are more likely to do so too. Get involved—bike ride with your kids—play hopscotch, jump-rope, and play ball in the back yard. Join activities with them. There are plenty of fun things you can do together! Try martial arts where family programs are prominent—or swimming programs that allow you to get in the pool with your kids. Get in touch with a Powerful Words Member School- so many of them have family programs! By getting involved in an “active way” you relay “this is important—not just for you to do, but for the family.”
(2) Get messy and dirty: If children are always afraid to get their clothes dirty, they are less likely to get active. Make sure that their play clothes are exactly that—for play. And don’t be afraid to get dirty with them! Run around—roll around—splash in puddles and get sweaty! It’s fun and your kids will enjoy, well, being kids! And don’t make the mistake that only boys should get messy—girls should too. We never want our girls to think that they can’t be as active, powerful, and strong as the boys. These sentiments get transferred to girls easily—so be sure that you are saying something empowering rather than destructive.
family_walk
(3) Make the time: There are so many things to do in the day—school, homework, piano practice, family time—that it’s often difficult to make time to get active. But getting active isn’t something that should be negotiable or expendable. We need to make the time for it. Children should be active for at least an hour per day! If they don’t like competitive sports, there are plenty of other activities that will get them moving—martial arts, gymnastics, dancing and swimming are all great ways to get active without necessarily getting competitive.
(4) Let them know that you’re proud: Whether they win, lose, have a tough day, or a great day, let them know you’re proud of the way they get out there and take responsibility for keeping their bodies healthy. If we are constantly being judged on how well we did when we were active, we may be less apt to get active! Praise effort over outcome—and determination over trophies and you will be helping your child learn to love activity.
(5) Help them to set goals: It’s fun to achieve. We achieve by setting appropriate goals for ourselves and then going after them! Be warned though—make sure these are YOUR CHILD’S GOALS—not yours. And be sure that these goals are not “in comparison to” a sibling, friend, or other peers. Make your child’s physical goals something that is right for him or her—and that is completely about him or her and nobody else. This is not “the biggest loser” or “Survivor.” Your child should not get “kicked off the island” if s/he isn’t as strong, fast, or successful as anyone else.
(6) Get them active inside too: While so many technologies are linked to sitting on the couch, there are also technologies that can get kids moving. The Wii Fit and Dance Revolution are great ways to get active while inside on a rainy day– or just a day that the kids want to play with some neat technology. In fact, these games that are now being used as a source of fitness in gym classes. Studies are beginning to show that they “make a very positive contribution to players’ stress management, weight management, fitness and health.”
family_naturewalk
(7) Be innovative: Don’t love sports but love science? Go on nature walks! Prefers to history over hopscotch? Go walk the museums. Think outside the box. Sports aren’t the only way to get physical. Children can get active by gardening, dancing, jump-roping, building and painting outside. Go on camping trips or boating excursions. Splash in the rain. And again– all sports aren’t competitive with big crowds. Your child might be more interested in individual activities and sports where they can work at their own pace and make their own personal goals. Moving the body feels good– it’s just a matter of finding out what your child loves best.
(6) Don’t tie it to weight: It would be easy to do so—after all, weight is a huge issue these days. But when we tie physical activity to “exercise” and “losing weight” we make it seem like work—or punishment. That’s no fun! Children can be physically active at any size—so praise them for getting out there no matter what the scale says.
In the end, we all want our children to get active to be healthy. Our bodies need physical activity for the health of our cardio-vascular system, our muscles, our brains, and our souls. It feels good to get active. Let’s teach our children young to love getting up off the couch and moving around. It will serve them well…for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Robyn Silverman signs
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