Hypnobirthing Memperlancar Persalinan

Foto: Corbis

KETENANGAN ibu menjadi kunci penting saat proses melahirkan. Metode relaksasi hypnobirthing membantu melancarkan persalinan dan meminimalisasi rasa sakit.

Hamil dan melahirkan adalah anugerah yang luar biasa bagi wanita. Sayangnya, ibu hamil (bumil) kerap dihinggapi rasa takut dan cemas akan bayangan proses melahirkan yang sulit dan menyakitkan.

Lupakan segala mimpi buruk itu, karena proses persalinan sebetulnya tidak harus melalui rasa sakit yang menakutkan. Apalagi hingga menjerit-jerit.

Seorang bumil bisa saja melahirkan tanpa rasa sakit, atau dengan rasa sakit yang minimal. Salah satu cara yang ditawarkan adalah latihan relaksasi melalui teknik yang disebut hypnobirthing.

Metode itu berakar pada ilmu hipnosis dengan metode pendekatan kejiwaan yang memberi kesempatan untuk berkonsentrasi, fokus, dan rileks. Namun, tetap dengan kesadaran sepenuhnya.

Ahli hipnoterapi dari New Hampshire AS, Marie F Mongan sebagai orang yang pertama kali mengembangkan metode tersebut. Kemudian dipatenkan menjadi "hypnobirthing".

Intinya, prosedur hypnobirthing adalah memadukan self-hypnosis dan proses kelahiran alami. Ada proses penanaman sugesti positif ke alam bawah sadar, termasuk agar rasa sakit tidak muncul. Ingatlah bahwa semua sistem rasa dikendalikan di otak.

Jika alam bawah sadar sudah diprogram supaya tubuh tidak mengirim sinyal rasa sakit ke otak, rasa sakit pun tidak muncul. Namun, saat melakukannya, individu yang bersangkutan tetap dalam kondisi sadar.

Menurut ahli hipnoterapi klinis dari Pro V Clinic Jakarta, Lanny Kuswandi, relaksasi dengan hypnobirthing terutama ditujukan untuk kesehatan janin yang akan dilahirkan. Pasalnya, banyak pasien bumil melahirkan bayi dengan kondisi autis atau bahkan infeksi HIV. "Salah satu penyebabnya adalah proses kehamilan yang penuh tekanan atau stres," ungkap alumnus Sekolah Kebidanan St Carolus ini.

Hal utama dari hypnobirthing adalah ketenangan si ibu. Dengan terbiasanya ibu berlatih relaksasi, jalan lahir untuk janin akan lebih mudah terbuka sehingga proses persalinan tidak terlalu melelahkan. Kondisi rileks juga akan mendorong pengeluaran hormon endorphin atau yang kerap disebut hormon bahagia yang membantu menghilangkan rasa takut, tegang, dan kepanikan saat melahirkan.

"Latihan relaksasi bisa dimulai pada usia kehamilan berapa pun, bahkan sejak perencanaan kehamilan," katanya.

Pada tahap awal, bumil akan dipandu ahli hipnoterapi. Penanaman afirmasi dan sugesti ke alam bawah sadar bisa dilakukan dengan cara dan media apa pun. Misalnya, mendengarkan dan mengikuti ucapan hipnoterapis, latihan fokus dengan pendulum, teknik "memanjangkan tangan" hingga ke langit-langit, atau menggerakkan tangan dengan pikiran. Boleh juga dilakukan sambil berzikir.

"Setelah terbiasa, kita gampang melakukannya sendiri di rumah," kata Evariny Andriana, penulis buku Melahirkan Tanpa Rasa Sakit dengan Metode Relaksasi Hypnobirthing.

Manfaat yang dipetik dari latihan relaksasi, ungkapnya, tidak merasa sakit saat melahirkan putranya pada 25 Januari 2006 silam, hanya rasa mulas seperti nyeri haid.
(sindo//tty)

article source: http://lifestyle.okezone.com/index.php/ReadStory/2008/05/24/27/112009/hypnobirthing-memperlancar-persalinan

Are Your Kids Overweight? Tips to Get Your Kids to Eat Right

Almost 30 years ago, the USDA made an earnest attempt to classify ketchup as a fresh vegetable in school lunches. For obvious reasons, the proposal was widely ridiculed and shot down. In 2004, the department had another go, this time championing batter-coated french fries. So don’t feel guilty about super-sizing your fries anymore; just think of them as a salad—the USDA does.

The food industry has always influenced our eating habits, making it more difficult for parents to control what their children eat. But now the industry’s marketing strategies have become much more sophisticated and invasive, bombarding children with products and advertisements from every conceivable angle, even infiltrating our schools.

The food lobby is a profit-driven business like any other and would never voluntarily enforce non-mandatory health regulations—that’s why we need to demand more vigilance from school boards and the FDA in keeping profiteering corporations out of our kids’ schools. With fast fooderies sprouting up on every corner and a national obesity epidemic that—appallingly—is increasingly afflicting even toddlers, (According to National Academies’ Institute of Medicine, the rate of childhood obesity has doubled in 2-5 year olds over the past 30 years) it’s no surprise that parents are laying the blame with those who have the most to gain.

Certainly, many food companies neglect the social responsibility that comes with the territory, and sometimes it can seem like the media has replaced us as our kids’ role models, but the ability, and responsibility, to instill good eating habits ultimately lies with the parents— the ones actually selecting and buying the food. There is absolutely no excuse for having a junk-food stocked kitchen in which your sole function is that of an on-call chef. It’s especially essential to instill a healthy routine in children from a young age to teach them about and adjust them to good nutrition practices.

If a 2-5 year old is obese, only the parents are to blame for his/her poor dietary habits. But the good news is that it’s never too late to start eating healthy, and according to leading experts, the benefits of doing so extend beyond physical wellbeing to improve general attitude and mental health.

A common obstacle many mothers and fathers face before taking the first step toward healthy living is knowing where to start. With the intimidating litany of books and opposing ideas on health topics available today, it’s easy to think the laws of nutrition have no rhyme or reason. (After all, the medical communities’ position on children drinking coffee seems to change almost monthly, and just last November a study in Aberdeen revealed that slouching is actually good for your back!) To help sort out some of the confusion, we’ve compiled several general guidelines below to help make sense of it all and debunk a few common misconceptions.

THE CLAIM

Children should be allowed to eat until they are content.

THE FACTS

There is no consensus on this issue, but many experts agree that children should be allowed to choose their own portions. The Weight-Control Information Network additionally recommends starting with small portions and letting your child ask for more if s/he is still hungry.

There are two caveats: children should only eat their fill if the meal is healthy (limiting your child’s daily juice intake is an acceptable and recommended weight management method); secondly, coercing a child who’s not hungry to eat can facilitate bingeing and is discouraged. Even if your child seems overly-lean but grows at a normal rate, there’s no reason to worry. If you are concerned your child may not be eating enough, start a log of his/her growth progress to identify a potential development stunt in addition to consulting with a pediatrician.

Lastly, keep an eye out for various factors that can further mitigate eating habits: for instance, children have been shown to eat more in groups, making playtime the right time to have plenty of wholesome and portioned snacks available. A study released by researchers at the University of Buffalo last Friday showed that children also tend to eat more while watching TV. It’s easy to overeat when distracted, so we suggest limiting television time to one hour a night.

THE CLAIM

Athletic children need more nutrients, particularly protein, in their diet.

THE FACTS

Along with watching what you eat, exercising is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and building muscle is just one of its many advantages. While kids who are active use more energy and certainly require more calories to replace it, more protein does not, contrary to popular opinion, add up to more muscle. This misconception most likely stems from the deterioration associated with protein deficiency, an extremely rare condition among American children. Nutritionists recommend a mere 15% daily intake of protein for athletes, with 50% allotted for carbs—the body’s primary fuel.

Another common misconception is that kids who are active need more vitamins. In fact, taking too many supplements (such as iron) can lead to an overdose. Fluid requirements, on the other hand, are greatly elevated during any strenuous exercise, especially since thirst is not considered a reliable indicator of hydration. The Center for Disease Control recommends drinking water every 15-20 minutes before, during and after exercising, especially in the heat.

This brings us to debunk another myth: though water quenches thirst better than Gatorade, sports drinks are better suited for strenuous or prolonged exercise because they contains electrolytes which help maintain body fluid levels as well as the power-fuel glucose. This means that sports drinks not only slow dehydration but also provide energy. To sum up the key points, athletic children need extra food-energy but shouldn’t change the balance of calorie-type ratios in their diet. Even more important than a balanced diet for an athlete is constant attentiveness to his/her hydration schedule.

Tip: Eating or exercising directly before a vigorous activity will slow your performance.

THE CLAIM

Eating sugar provides a temporary energy boost.

THE FACTS

The energy rush we get from sugar strolls by leisurely more than it rushes; the body relies on stored energy—glucose stored in the muscles and liver—so not only is the sugar useless, but it can even increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as cramps and nausea according to Suzanne Nelson Sc.D. RD, University of Washington.

The most important thing to remember is that no matter how difficult junk-food companies make it to change your kids’ eating habits, your role as a parent holds more influence—we think you’ll be surprised by how painless the transition can be when you incorporate a little fun and variety in the menu! Keep in mind that meal times are a perfect opportunity to embed a positive outlook on eating healthy in your children, so try to keep it fun and avoid conflict. Also, feel free to indulge in your favorite foods occasionally (variety is a great way to build excitement and a positive attitude towards nutrition), just don’t compromise healthy eating right out of your routine!—always remember who decides the menu.

About the Author:

Alex Tatarinov-Levin is a web content editor for Yodle, a business directory and local online advertising company offering practical and innovative solutions for advertising in the 21st century. Find consumer guides, tips and articles at local.yodle.com/articles.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/are-your-kids-overweight-tips-to-get-your-kids-to-eat-right-748023.html

Author: Alex Levin

How To Find Kids Affordable Health Insurance

Unless we are eligible for an excellent employer-sponsored group health insurance package, health insurance can sometimes be anything but affordable. When this is the case, many of us opt not to purchase health insurance for ourselves. We rationalize not purchasing health insurance by telling ourselves there are mouths to feed, bodies to clothe, and other bills to be paid.

Denying ourselves health insurance is not wise; however, denying our kids health insurance is even worse. Kids' health needs even more attention than our health. For example, kids need immunizations to help them ward off infections and diseases and grow healthy and strong. Kids need special attention to help them learn to practice good dental care habits and nutritional ways of life. Plus, a bout of the flu, which usually means lots of rest and chicken soup for adults, could be much more serious for kids.



Do, how can we find affordable health insurance for our kids - especially if we can not seem to afford it for ourselves?



The best option is to contact our state's department of insurance. Many states in America provide at least one kind of state-sponsored health care program for individuals who can't otherwise find affordable health insurance. Even better news is that most states in America provide kid-specific state-sponsored health care programs for kids with parents who can't otherwise find affordable health insurance for them.



Health care provided by state-sponsored affordable health insurance for kids includes all or any combination of the following: regular check-ups and hospital visits, immunizations, X-rays, lab work, prescription medications, and even dental care.



There may be days when obtaining affordable health insurance for yourself seems impossible, but finding kids affordable health insurance is always possible. Just pick up the phone and call your state's department of insurance. Or, check their Web sites for more information. Find affordable health insurance for your kids; make sure they grow up safe, healthy, and happy.

About the Author:
Kids Affordable Health Insurance Affordable Insurance Plans in Ohio

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-find-kids-affordable-health-insurance-151043.html

Author: Elizabeth Newberry

These Early Disease Detection Tips Help Keep Your Kids Healthy!

Keeping an eye on your kids health is fundamental to every parent, and essential to be able to deal with health problems as soon as they occur. The obvious signs you want to see are a healthy tongue free from sores, fresh cool skin with a clear complexion, bright eyes, a cool brow, regular breathing, and a normal abdomen not sticking out abnormally.

A healthy appetite and thirst, with resultant normal bowel movements are fundamental signs of good health in your kids. Your kids should also be cheerful and energetic, with lots of laughter and playtime. When asleep your child should appear calm, with their features relaxed. If your child is frowning, or showing an expression of pain, you should check for signs of fever, or if any bumps and scrapes have happened in rough play. A fever could be the first sign of an onset of illness or contagious infections that kids are prone to.

As a parent it is important that you do the research to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of the most common infections that kids get including, chicken pox, measles, ringworm, colds & flu. Most common is the ?tummy ache? that can mean almost anything, and while it is normally a 24 hour wonder, it can also be life threatening. This article will help parents to be better prepared to detect an emergency if it happens. That way you can respond quickly and get treatment without waiting unnecessarily.

* Interpreting Symptoms of Abdominal Pain in Children *

Tummy aches are one of the most frequently complained about problems in children. There are many causes attributed with it, and it is a challenge for the parent or the physician to find out the exact problem.

Some cases of abdominal pain need emergency care, so be alert to the degrees of pain you child shows. The causes can be related to food, infections, poisoning, insect bites, etc. Bacteria and viruses are responsible in case of abdominal pain due to infections. Gastroenteritis and stomach flu are some of the examples of infections that can cause stomach aches. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation and irritation of stomach and the gastrointestinal passage.

Extra care must be taken by travelers, as the food and drinks can be contaminated at new locations and can lead to traveler?s getting diarrhea. Stomach pain due to viral infections ward off quickly, but bacterial infections demand the intake of antibiotics. In both the cases, some children recover very fast by vomiting and excreting. In case of diarrhea, excess drinking fluids should be given to the kid to avoid dehydration.

Some stomach aches can be caused by contaminated foods or drinks, or food allergies. Problems because of food poisoning are temporary and can cause bloating. Symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea. Usually these symptoms surface within two days of consumption of contaminated food.

Depending on the severity chill, fever, bloody stools, or damage to the nervous system can follow. In case of a group of people who consumed the contaminated food, this situation is known as an outbreak. Over two hundred diseases are known to be transmitted via food. Food can be poisoned because of toxic agents or infective agents. Infective agents are parasites, bacteria, and viruses.

Be aware of various toxic agents like uncooked or undercooked foods, or foods left out of the refrigerator, or simply kept too many days in the refrigerator. Food can get contaminated because of handling by unclean workers at the local restaurant, too. Parents should check out the cleanliness and should visit a trusted restaurant.

Particular foods can cause the irritation, such as diary products can cause lactose intolerance. If this is the case, the child is allergic to certain food or drinks and swallowing even a small amount can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and skin rash.

Parents need to be alert for common food allergies, as that condition is occurring more frequently in kids nowadays than in the past. Since these items are harmless otherwise, such kind of allergic reactions are known as hypersensitivity reaction. Sometimes the symptoms can be life threatening and are known as anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis.

Poisoning can also be due to overdose of medicines and even due to eating non-food stuffs. Insect bites such as black widow spider bite can also lead to pain in the abdomen. It can be accompanied with muscle cramps, weakness, nausea, tremor, vomiting and in severe case it can cause dizziness, faintness, respiratory problems, and chest pain. Also, the heart rate and blood pressure increases.

If the pain is severe and unrelenting, be aware of the possibility that your child could be experiencing appendicitis. This is a result of blockage and inflammation of tissues. Young kids have a higher rate if complications are considered and should be immediately rushed to the hospital. The pain starts slowly in the abdomen, specifically near the belly button. The pain shifts slowly to the right side of the lower abdomen within a time period of over twenty four hours.

Clear symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, fever and loss of appetite. Diabetes can also be a reason of abdominal pain. Small children usually curl up, cry and express pain through facial expression. Some kids will be reluctant to talk, but the parent should try to get clear explanation of the problem.

Along with close monitoring of the symptoms, studying the location of pain, pain duration, nature of vomiting, and urinary problems will help. After that a pediatric should be consulted who can further refer to a gastroenterologist. Parents should do anything they can to keep the child relaxed and calm until help is reached. Often, lying with face in downward direction can relieve pain due to gas. In the case of vomiting and diarrhea, fluids should be given to the child to drink constantly. Parents should wait for approval before they give the kid any solid foods at the time of the attack.

About the Author:

These tips will help parents to be alert about early detection of potential health problems in your kids, and there is so much for a parent to know when it comes to kids health! You can get many more health tips here: http://www.squidoo.com/health-for-kids and also helpful online kids health information here: http://www.squidoo.com/kids-health-info Help is only a click away!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/these-early-disease-detection-tips-help-keep-your-kids-healthy-683765.html

Author: Gen Wright

Connect the Fitness, Fun Fit Tips for Educators Looking to Inspire Healthy Lifestyles for Grade School Age Kids

When it comes to our kids' health, we want to inspire them. We see everything they could become and we want them to see it for themselves. We try to inspire kids so they want to live a healthy and active lifestyle, so they can reach the potential we see in them. But where does that inspiration come from? How can kids see the creation of a healthy lifestyle as a fun thing? How do we make learning about health and fitness something they can actively participate in? And most importantly how can we inspire the kids in a way where they take responsibility for the development of their fit and active lifestyle?

It seems like a tall order. But the key here is inspiration. It might seem like a hard won commodity, but all my experiences as a trainer have proven that inspiring health starts with one simple step:

Believing in their potential, showing them you believe, and engaging them to find and create their own healthy lifestyle.

Another way to think about this simple step comes from the relationship between a trainer and a client. A good trainer always acts a coach for their client; while the client strives in competition with themselves, challenging themselves to reach their goals and meet their potential.

When it comes to our kids, our job as educators is the same: Help the kids see their potential, instill the skills and knowledge they can use to create their own healthy lifestyle, and let them have some fun doing it.

An incredibly fun example of an activity that we can do with our kids to inspire the creation of a healthy lifestyle is the "Healthy and Fit Olympics". In this activity the entire class is one team competing against themselves, with the teacher playing the coach. This way the entire class acts a team trying to beat their own personal bests from the beginning of the competition. At the end of the year, the champions (everyone who beats their own personal bests) get medals that the class can design for themselves. And if the entire class as a team reaches all their goals: the entire class gets a trophy.

The activity starts at the beginning of the year: the kids make a movie, comprised of interviews with each kid and footage of each kid participating in a physical activity. Then all year long the class trains to become "healthy and fit champions".

A big component of the "Healthy and Fit Olympics" is the activities to get ready for the competition. Some prime examples of multi-faceted "training" activities come from adapting the old stand-by: the relay race into a fun hybrid of a race with strong emphasis on nutrition.

Relay Race One: Racing Towards Health

Have the kids trace an outline of a healthy body and post in on a wall as a goal. Then have each group of racers cut out seven pictures of healthy foods/activities. Have the kids use the healthy pictures as the hand-off racing the healthy pictures towards the goal. Whatever team's Body is full of the healthy pictures first wins. (UPGYM will even provide your class trophies for the winning teams).

Relay Race Two: Connecting the Fitness

Have the class decide on a picture of health, then make an outline of the picture—in dots. Each kid then picks a dot and races towards a spot on the floor corresponding to their dot's location on the picture. When all the kids are in their places, you get involved by running around "connecting their dots" thus finishing the picture.

Some Other Training Activities

• Agility: Eraser drills

• Speed: Sprinting drills

• Coordination: Playing catch, throwing medicine balls

• Flexibility: Lunges and squats

• Balance: Single leg hops

For examples of these and other activities visit: www.survivalseattle.com]

At the end of the year videotape the competition and the award ceremony and watch it with the kids. They will have worked hard all year to learn about what makes a healthy lifestyle. Letting them watch their performance will solidify the fact that they reached their goals and lived up to their potential. Their experiences over the year training to become a "Healthy and Fit Champion" will carry on, providing them with self-confidence and skills to live a healthy and fit life.

It all starts with inspiration. If we believe in our kids, and challenge them to set their own goals and reach their potential—if they know you believe they can do it and their whole class (as their team) is rooting for them—They will become the champions of their own fitness.

About the Author:

Personal Fitness Training Seattle

Cody Moss received his Personal Trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine [N.A.S.M.].

His personal training experience: Cody has been an athlete all of his life. From gymnastics to baseball and even wrestling and martial arts, he dedicates himself to lifelong health and wellness. And with more than 12 years of intense weightlifting under his belt, he is no novice to the gym.

His Professional Experience: Cody has 5 years experience as a personal trainer. He started his career at the University of Washington as an instructor. He was in charge of running a beginning weightlifting class and was the creator of many new classes because of the demand for his knowledge and leadership skills. From there he trained at a corporate gym and gained vast amounts of knowledge in the studies of human movement. He now has his own business with numerous pleased and fulfilled clients.

Personal: I am a professional sculptor who uses nature as a source of inspiration. I also train in the martial arts to expand my knowledge of movement and the human body.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/connect-the-fitness-fun-fit-tips-for-educators-looking-to-inspire-healthy-lifestyles-for-grade-school-age-kids-53106.html

Author: Cody Moss, N.a.s.m. Cpt

Florida Health Insurance for Kids- Keep Your Child Secure

The cost of the health insurances in Florida has surged up tremendously over the past few years. Still health insurance for kids is mandatory. Not due to any kinds of governmental clause but because kids are really accidental prone and fall ill frequently due to their tender age and intelligence. So, to avoid the unforeseen it is essential that you take up health insurance for your kids as soon as possible. Florida health insurance companies have come up with several schemes through which your kid will be fully covered if he/she has to visit hospital for un-favourable reasons.

What should you expect when applying for Kids Health Insurance Plan in Florida?

Kids are taken to the hospital, periodically at times, for routine check up, or may be if they fall ill. Kids are vulnerable to the several grave diseases due to yet to be completely developed immunity system in their body. Kids’ health insurance plans of Florida cover up mostly- doctor visits, surgeries, emergencies, regular check–ups regarding vision check, hearing and dental care. Health insurance of kids covers entire cost of preventive care to prescriptions. Most of the plans work up for less than 19 age group kids and teenagers. For your kids you are advised to select the best fitting insurance plan only. As, not all cover all aspects and if you want more clauses to be included you need to pay more premiums accordingly.

Where will you find one?

Florida government- understanding the need of health care policy, has come up with the clause that no matter what be your source of buying a health care policy, you will pay the same premium for same scheme at all places. So that means you need not take extra trouble to save your bucks. There is no extra cost or hidden tags to be paid for same policy. So you can sit at home and apply for policy online. There are many online agents running for your convenience at no extra cost. All you have to do is visit the respective website and compare the quotes and clauses of the policy of your desire of several companies all at one place and apply accordingly at the click of a button! And you are done- without paying a penny extra! Simply search the net to find out the websites of the online agents providing health insurance for kids and give your kid a happy and secure life.

7 Reasons To Rethink Use Of Tanning Beds

One, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ultraviolet radiation is a proven human carcinogen.

Two, frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UV dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure.

Three, nearly 30 milliion people tan indoors in the U.S. every year; 2.3 million of them are teens.

Four, on an average day, more than 1 million Americans use tanning salons.

Five, seventy-one percent of tanning customers are girls and women aged 16-29.

Six, first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75%.

Seven, the indoor tanning industry has an annual revenue of - wait for it - $5 billion!

They are making money off our health and our kids' health.

One afternoon, I had finished an errand which was right next door to a tanning salon. I saw two girls, about sixteen, heading for the salon. I said, "Hi, girls, going to the tanning salon?" "Yes," they replied. I figured I had about two more seconds and then they'd be gone. "Do you know it causes cancer?" "Yes," one replied, "But we'll be old when we get it."

I'm sure my mouth dropped open but all I was going to get in it were flies if I held it open any longer. Yes, they know it causes cancer. But they'll be old they they do.

Had there been tanning salons when I was a teenager, I suppose I could have, wanting a tan to look 'healthy' (there's an odd twist), come up with the same 'logic'. My parents were only in their late 30's but that felt old to me at the time.

But now, wisdom having visited me through the death of my husband to skin cancer, I thought what on earth would have to be said or done to keep these girls from NOT going in there? When teens are determined, there is little on this earth that can stop them.

Besides new rules and regulations for tanning salons, which would be a great start, I think the second part of the equation is the "p" word. You know it ... parents. The only other thing I can think of is instilling real, genuine, heart-pounding fear into them. Not by threats of punishment, but by showing them a photo and a story they could read about someone closer to their age who died of skin cancer.

Melanoma is seven times more common between the ages of 10 and 20 than between 0 and 10 years. Ninety percent of pediatric melanoma cases occur in girls aged 10-19.

There are a lot of facts here to digest. But if you only retain one point, please let it be this one: tanning beds do not make you look healthy. They are not healthy. If you or your kids visit them regularly, they could kill you. So, if there's a long line to get in, be the one to take the hand of your daughter and step out of line and go to an aerobics class instead. THAT will make you and her feel, look and be ... healthy.

LYNN ROSE is the founder of Soleil Chic UV Umbrellas. After a long career as a pianist-vocalist-composer and award-winning screenwriter, Lynn changed her career after losing her husband to malignant melanoma. SOLEIL CHIC umbrellas have been seen on THE TODAY SHOW as well as in the hands of celebrities like Cate Blanchett. Soleil Chic umbrellas are endorsed by top doctors including a dermatologist, rheumatologist, plastic surgeon and professor of anatomy and neurobiology. The Mayo Clinc recommends Lynn Rose's umbrellas as well. Top resort/spas such as the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, and The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, carry her products. Soleil Chic's worldwide customer base continues to increase every day. Visit the website @ http://www.soleilchic.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Rosenberg

By Lynn Rosenberg

The Sun Will Shine Tomorrow

It’s a very sad fact that adults are not the only ones who suffer from cancer children get it too. Very young children, who are too young to understand what is happening to them, get it and very often they are far braver than we as adults could ever be. It could be that children have a natural optimism about them. The sun will always shine for them and if it doesn’t shine the next day it is sure to shine that day after. They take great joy in simple things like coloured crayons and scraps of paper. We could learn a great deal from them.

It will come as a great relief to learn that childhood cancer is relatively rare, only 14 out of every 100,000 children in the US is diagnosed with cancer each year. Some of the most common types are leukemia, lymphoma and brain cancer. In teens one of the most common cancers is osteosarcoma, which is bone cancer. Most cases of childhood cancer arise from non-inherited mutation in the genes of growing cells. The process is random and unpredictable so there is no effective method of preventing it. In some cases children who have been treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for prior cancer have an increased risk of getting cancer, which just doesn’t seem fair, does it? Cancer is difficult to diagnose early in children, as the symptoms often resemble other conditions, it is only sometimes that a doctor will be able to pick it up as cancer during the regular check ups.

Once cancer has been diagnosed it is important to go to a centre that specialises in paediatric oncology for the best possible all round treatment for your child. Treatment for children includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Leukemia and lymphoma are the least likely to be treated with surgery as they are linked with the circulatory system. Solid tumours can be removed relatively easily via surgery, which is then used in conjunction with either chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Bone marrow transplants are carried out when the cancer affects the functioning of the blood cells; this is often done in conjunction with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is therefore used mostly as a complimentary tool to get rid of any lurking cancer. It can be given intravenously, orally or intrathecally or into the spinal fluid. Radiation is very commonly used in the case of children. A stream of high-energy particles or waves is aimed at the cancer area and they destroy or damage the cancer cells. It is also used in conjunction with chemo or surgery.

Children should be involved with their own cancer treatment. They should be kept informed about the facts and progress and all effects should be explained to them in language that they can understand. The primary goal is to prevent fear and misunderstanding. You may find that older children may feel responsible for the cancer, as if it is their fault somehow. The psychologists and social workers that are part of the cancer team can really come to the fore at this moment and help reassure them. They can also visit the school and chat to teachers and classmates about the cancer and explain things to them in a friendly way.

All of this comes from http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer.html and I would just like to add a quick spot of information on some of the most common types of childhood cancers. Leukemia: cancer of white blood cells. The most common childhood cancer. A large amount of abnormal white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, they crowd the bone marrow and flood the blood stream. This interferes with the production of other types of blood cells and anaemia develops as well as other bleeding problems and an increased risk of infection. Leukemia makes up roughly 25% of childhood cancers. Leukemia can divided into 2 categories, acute (fast developing) and chronic (slow developing), 98% of all leukemias are acute. Leukemia can be further divided into acute lyphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) depending the specific white blood cells affected. 60% of the cases are ALL, 38% are AML and roughly 2% are chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Lymphoma is the third most common childhood cancer. It is found in the lymphatic tissue i.e. lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, bone marrow and connecting channels. It is divided into 2 types, Hodgkin’s disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Reed-Sternberg cells are found in Hodgkin’s disease, which affects around 3 in 100,000 Americans. Symptoms include swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin. If it’s in the thymus symptoms will include an unexplained cough, shortness of breath and problems with circulation around the heart. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma targets specific types of lymphocytes; there is minimal bone marrow involvement. It is more common in white males and those with sever immune deficiencies.

Osteosarcoma is the 6th most common childhood cancer and the most common bone cancer. It begins in the bones and spreads outwards unlike a lot of other cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and then attack the bones. It affects teens the most, usually during a growth spurt. It affects boys more than girls and is usually found in the knee.

It seems that childhood cancers seem to really enjoy messing with the growth systems of children. They don’t want the kids to grow up at all. Rather mean spirited really. However, a really solid piece of good news is that childhood cancer has a high recovery rate. Up to 70% of all children with cancer can be cured. Now if that isn’t worth a bright yellow crayon sun with a big smiley face, I don’t know what is.

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Tell Her UK cervical cancer one of the most informative and reader friendly sites on cervical cancer on the web

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Cosser

By Sandy Cosser

Influencer - The Power to Change Anything - A Book Review

Influencer: The Power To Change Anything, by Kerry Patterson - Joseph Grenny - David Maxfield - Ron McMillian & Al Switzler, is dedicated to scholars and practitioners that have made each of us a powerful agent of change.

Influencer is an easy read that uses a variety of examples; medical, kids, health, professional and more. The wide variety of examples make it easy to understand how each person can be a positive part of the change process. The different type of examples also makes it easy to understand that this can be used in my life, or my business. No matter what your circumstances are and no matter what business you are in.

The Book is divided into 2 parts. The first section is:

The Power To Change Anything.
This section gives the general examples that are used through the rest of the book. Examples in which the authors were active participants and other examples that that are easily referenced in the rest of the book.

Make Change Inevitable,
The second section breaks influence into motivation and ability domains, and these 2 domains are further subdivided into personal, social and structural sources. The range of influence in the six sources are the main content of Influencer.

When trying to influence change, the authors say that if you don't deal with personal motivation your influence will fail. People need training to enhance their personal ability. If you don't enlist help of others you will be missing the key factor of social ability.

If people involved in the issues that you want to change don't include others to help, you will be missing the factor of social ability. Unless circumstances change you have a serious problem with social motivation.

If you try to move forward without addressing structured motivation your influence won't reach far and if you don't work on structural ability you are also likely to fail.

Failing to include one resource and you are likely to fail.

Read the section with a particular issue in mind, then design your own six-source influence strategy. Done properly you will resolve issues that have stumped others, possibly for years.

Once you have read Influencer you will be in position to put it all together and make positive change inevitable.

To Make Change Inevitable you need more than speeches. People that are going to change, need to improve their skills. People that are going to change need to improve their skills. Once trained, people need to know that they didn't learn "just because" but that they are being given the chance to become the person that they want to be. This is personal ability and personal motivation.

Training needs to be taught to existing teams. The training is best lead by the present supervisors. Opinion leaders need to be found in the group that needs change and they have to be convinced that the change is required, and a good thing. These opinion leaders need to lead the change. This is social ability and social motivation.

People in position of authority have to master the behaviors that are changing and be willing to support the change. Environment changes will be required, and these changes must be implemented. This is structural ability and structural motivation.

Influences rarely work alone and major problems require a community of influencers working together. Working with others brings more aspects of influence to the problem and the combined sum of these influences is greater than the combined sum of the individuals as parts.

Influencer is a great read for anyone serious about managing a change and once you learn what causes a behavior and how to influence the behavior you will have the power to change anything.

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Cindy King is a Cross-Cultural eMarketer & International Sales Specialist, aligning businesses with different cultures. She has over 25 years field experience in international business development and helps mid-sized business owners create international business development strategies that shorten time to profitability

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_King

By Cindy King

Discover Why Soon There Will Be No Healthy Americans Left In America!

I do not know about you, but I grew up in a relatively health conscious family (at least 50% of my family)!My mom was a ballet teacher of all things, so if we were not being told to stand up straight or point our toes, we were being fed carrots and cod liver oil and soy lecithin. Prevention Magazine was her Holy Scripture, and she was one of the first to have a home grown, truly organic fruit and vegetable garden by importing thousands of ladybugs, and letting them have at it in her garden to get rid of the fruit and vegetable eating critters.

My father, on the other hand, loved to eat, was overweight, but was deduced to closet eating since everything in the house was either green or orange and belonged in a salad or fruit compote. I ended up somewhere in the middle of the road, pretty healthy and weight conscious by the time I was 18, just sneaking a "slice" (N.Y. lingo for a piece of pizza), or a fast food burger on occasion.

My upbringing and individual food habits have had me asking lately, why is 80% of the American population overweight?

We are all aware from the education that we get from media and different resources, that we ought to eat less carbohydrates, consume more vegetables, protein, and certainly we should exercise.

So What's The Deal? Are we all uneducated? Do we just WANT TO DIE early? Are we all rebellious? I don't think so!!!

The bottom line and the problem is that our general society does not support healthy eating and lifestyles.

Fast food franchises are everywhere! They taste good, they are affordable, and they are welcoming to families and families with children. When is the last time you went into a "healthy" restaurant that had kids "health" meals including a toy, were accommodating to all types of clientele, and was affordable to a lower or lower middle class family? Oh, and I forgot to mention....actually tasted good!!!

Delicious healthy food needs to become more mainstream and appealing for America to slim down. It needs to be tasty, enjoyable, and fun, and not just available in the South Hamptons. We need to remove the stigma of eating healthy and make it "cool." Ronald McDonald has had his day! How old is he anyway, 98?

We need new and refreshing and inspiring healthy food models, such as Tiffany Tofu, Sexy Shauna Salad, lose the Trans Fats Torrell? Lets make healthy eating fun, sexy, inspiring, and cool! Come on America! 80% of us do not need to be overweight and it's time to fight back!

Along the same lines, why are we not we all exercising? I don't know about you,but I think exercising stinks! Within 45 seconds of treadmill or aerobic "boring" exercise, my pulse is racing, my body is dripping with sweat, and I am gasping for my next breath! We are supposed to PAY for this torture?

Again, society needs to be more supportive. Lets make gyms fun! Gyms should have Hop Scotch stations, jump rope stations, badminton courts, bingo ball, balance beams,etc. With some creativity and imagination, we can have indoor "play" centers with climbing walls,and mazes, and actually have some fun! Since when does adulthood have to be more rigid then military school!

My point here is, it's no wonder 80% of us are overweight. It's easy, fast, and inexpensive to eat foods that are deemed unhealthy for us, and there currently is not enough incentive to exercise and join gyms. Lets make it fun and cool and see what happens while 80% of us become svelte and trim!

Meridith is a freelance writer and journalist. You can learn more about weight loss at http://www.martialarts3000.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meridith_D._Alspektor

By Meridith D. Alspektor

Help Your Kids Fight Off the Diabetes Onslaught

Some tragic news was released recently and we need to take action fast. You have got to get involved in a new health battle and help your kids fight off the diabetes onslaught that is creeping across America. Here is the sad news - The number of our kids taking medication for diabetes has doubled over the last few years. This increase apparently is most profound amongst our teenagers, with females showing the highest percentage increase. This was recently published in the Pediatrics - The Official Journal of The American Academy Of Pediatrics, based on a study sample of over 3.5 million children aged 5 to 19 years of age, from medical data stretching from 2002 to 2005.

How did this come about?

Well it looks like it has got something to do with our diet and how it is getting us fat. Fact is, we are getting fat in unprecedented numbers and so are our kids. Obesity and being overweight has become the prime suspect for this rise in diabetic incidence because being overweight grossly increases your chances of becoming a diabetic.

Let me tell you that diabetes is one horrible disease that you rather be without. Now having your kid deal with it at such a young tender age will be heartbreaking and you can help minimize their risk.

Fix it before it fixes you.

Here are some of the thing you can do right now.

Become a physical family.
As a parent, you need to take the lead and get physical. Kids these days spend too much time in front of the TV or with their computers. Get them to a gym or just out into the open doing any form of physical exercise can work wonders for their health. If you are not the physical type yourself, then this is a great reason to start. Look at it as quality time that will be well spent with the family that comes with great health benefits as well.

Just 30 minutes a day of exercise will do wonders for the family. Now if your kids are overweight, then set a goal to lose 5 to 10 percent of their body weight as this has been shown to reduce their risk of getting diabetes and other related diseases. Physical activity burns up energy which then helps the body perform better, control blood glucose levels and blood pressure as well.

So, how do you get physical quick?
Set some goals and get the whole family on a daily physical routine. Do regular brisk walking, at least 30 minutes each time, failing which, go for family walks after dinner. Ideally this is done daily but if that is going to be a challenge for starts, then at least 3 times a week and build it up from there. If going to the gym is your thing then why not get the whole family there as well. Join a club that has physical fitness facilities for the family.

The surgeon general has recently recommended that kids and teenagers get at least one hour of physical activity daily, including exercises which will include bone and muscle building activity at least three time a week. Having just quoted that, I would say from experience that taking you couch bound kids out for a 1 hour walk with a couple of push-ups thrown in is going to get them slouched back where they were before for a week, never to hear the word physical ever again. I would suggest that you start slowly and build up your routine over a month or two. Make it a fun activity and I do not mean picking up some ice cream on the way back. Seek guidance for a good regime to follow.

One good way to get your kids into a regular physical activity, and at the same time taking the heat off you is to get them seriously involved in PE at their school. Check out if there are any after-school programs as well and encourage them to participate.

Now, how did this all come about?
Food, food and the wrong kind of food. Period. Fact of the matter is we are just not eating right. Now this is where it has to start with you. Let us face it, your kids are going to eat what you eat. If a burger and fries is your idea of a great meal, then you can bet it is going to be your kids thing as well.

Research has shown that contrary to popular belief, children value and respect their parents opinion. Apparently, so do our rebellious teens and thus you have the power to influence them to eat the right food. There are lots of things you can do at home to get things right. Source out for recipes for home made meals with value. Quite obviously, I am not referring to any of the Value Meals you would get at the fast food restaurants. When eating out, look for places that offer nutritious dinners and many today provide such information on their menus. Here is one thing you can do right now. Why not start by replacing the diabetes in a can fizz drink with some healthy fresh home made fruit juice.

When you are at the supermarket, check what you are buying. Read the labels and bear in mind that processed foods generally lack nutrients and are normally devoid of enzymes that are needed for proper digestion.

Sorry, no quick fixes here.
Obesity and its related diseases is a major health challenge facing our kids and we need to address it now. There is no quick fix to this and any step you take now is a step forward towards your kids health and their future.

Do whatever it takes to get your kids on a path to a healthier life. Talk to them about it and explain the reasons why taking action now is going to help. If reasoning does not work in getting them to change their habits, then fear therapy might. Not that I am advocating it, but then, back in the old days it worked on us did it not? And the health authorities have used fear successfully to wean us of cigarettes haven't they?

Whatever way you choose, you have a role to play is helping your kids fight of the diabetes onslaught. Look at it this way, getting your kid to love carrot juice over a can of fizzed-upped sugar syrup beats having to watch them take insulin jabs daily.

P.Qimm has been a health professional for over 30 years. He currently works with a health care provider and is actively involved with health related activities in his community. More information on diabetes prevention, care and management can be obtained at http://www.diabetes-and-you.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Qimm

By Patrick Qimm

Choosing the Best Wooden Toy For Your Children!

In finding that right item for your kid, there are of course several things to remember. It might differ from one parent to the other, since they have various opinions on whether the toy is suitable for their kid or not. Nevertheless, the product is still there, to search for the best toy there is for their kids. For some parents, wooden toys are the best because they do not have sharp edges nor do they contain metal that can be harmful to their kids' health.

Others prefer electric toys because they do not need to put so much effort to make it move. Just a little push is all it takes to make it mobile. Some like peculiar toys because it makes them think and wonder how to play with it. Whatever toy you prefer, surely there is always a smile in your face whenever you grab hold of it. Children and adults alike love the idea of helping each other figuring out and tinkering on their toys. It makes them more knowledgeable about the toy and its makeup.

Wooden toys are to be the best for the toddlers. They help the kids learn more about shapes, sizes and colors. They can even put the toys together to make one massive structure that they can play with. If you notice, most of the schools provide wooden things for children to play with. It helps them develop motor skills as well as thinking skills. Such toys are not heavy thus making it ideal for the little hands to play with. Cleaning is also not an issue because you just need to pick them up effortlessly and put it in their toy boxes.

The perfect toy does not necessarily mean that it must be expensive. It can be cheap and simple yet you know that you kid will still have a great time playing with it. If you really want to buy your child something costly, make sure that he will appreciate it. There are times that kids do not want to play with the expensive toys for whatever reason they have. They still prefer those old toys that they have in their room and toy box. Let the child realize too that the toys are for sharing too. When they have visitors, he must let the other kids play with his toys.

Whatever the child wants, whether wooden toys or not, they just want to have fun with the things they have. Giving them something special for a job well done is a reward they will surely be grateful. More so, when they see that the gifts are for their accomplishments that are their drive to strive to achieve more. However, tell them that not all the time they will receive gifts because they need to be better because they want to and not for the reward, which awaits them in the end. Still, the thought is there that parents want the best for their kids and the children want the same too.

For more tips and information about wooden toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Nunez

By Rachel Nunez

Behavioral Problems, Allergies Link - Allergies Can Cause Behavioral Problems In Kids And Teens

Children are the pride and joy of their parents. They are the future and hope of our society. There is nothing more disturbing for parents than when their children become ill. Fortunately, kids are very vibrant and vital, so when it comes to a disease, they usually fight it much easier than adults would.

Homeopathy is one of the modalities used by naturopathic doctors to treat kids because it is one of the most gentle, simple and precise ways of addressing kids' health issues.

One of the most common challenges faced by parents today is the so-called bad behavior of their children. Some of the causes of behavioral problems in children are food allergies or sensitivities (such as sensitivities to food additives or to refined carbohydrates like sugar and/or sucrose, deficiencies - such as iron deficiency, which is the most common and heavy metal e.g., iron toxicity).

Other causes include lack of creativity in their day-to-day lives, emotions reflecting their parents' moods, strong will and early understanding reflected in their keen moral sense.

One way a parent can tell whether his/her children are experiencing behavioral problems is to start noticing the difference (if any) between how active and creative the children are allowed to be, compared to how much the children would actually like to be.

We start putting restrictions on kids at a very early age. They have to understand the rules of the "game" adults play ( a game called life) and have to obey them before they even understand these rules. This is why kids need (more so than adults) an outlet to make and express their own rules.

Some kids like to play a little longer than we think they should, some might enjoy a particular sport, while others are touched by music or any other kind or art.

Regardless of the type of hobby or activity they enjoy, parents should encourage their children to express their feelings. This encouragement inevitably helps balance any behavioral problems.

Another way parents can make a difference in their kids' behavior is diet. Avoiding overfeeding, keeping regular meals, cutting down milk (research shows too much milk is linked to violent behavior), eliminating toxins ( such as artificial flavoring, coloring and preservatives) and eliminating possible sources of food sensitivities are a few steps one can take toward improving their kids' diet.

Pay special attention to milk, peanuts and oranges in kids showing signs of malicious behavior.

When the behavioral problems are primarily emotional in origin, the parent should ask, "Who is rally feeling like this right now?" When family tensions run high, the children might pick up on somebody's emotion and act it out.

Once the emotion is returned to the owner ( who, by virtue of being an adult, can handle it differently), the children suddenly feel better.

Given the chance, kids are truly the pride of their parents and without behavioral problems.

And now I'd like to invite you to learn more how naturopathy can help you address your child's behaviour and allergies by offering you FREE access to my upcoming Tele-seminar on this topic; for details, go here: http://www.doctoranca.com and click on SURVIVORS link

From, Dr. Anca Martalog, N.D- survivors' coach of survivors network. http://www.telehealthsecrets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Anca_Martalog_N.D.

By Dr. Anca Martalog N.D.

Walking - Easy and Effective Exercise For Everyone

Man has walked from a very long time. Right from the time he could stand without the support of his hands unlike his predecessors, he has walked miles and miles. Hence, walking is part of our genetic make up and fabric of our being. Walking can be whatever you make of it. If you are tired, it can be a form of recuperation, if you are bored it can be a recreation and if you need to exercise, walking can help you burn calories in a very low impacted way.

Earlier man had no modes of transport. He would walk his way to any where. HE would climb mountains, wade in rivers and walk to his destination. So, there was nothing known as obesity since whatever man ate could be used up for his physical exercise. Then as time passed by he discovered alternatives to walking like using animals or carts and now cars. Now days it's surprising that people just don't like to walk. They go to run an errand; they use their car or bike! They want to post a letter, they use their vehicle. As a result, there is an increase in the obesity levels amongst the young and the old.

What can mere walking do for you when there are so many options like jump boxing, tai chi and aerobics clamoring for your attention? Here are some great things that walking can do for you:

• Weight loss: If you are obese or have never exercised before, then you are likely to strain a muscle or something if you start with high impact aerobics or something. Walking can help you to ease into your weight loss initiative and knock of those heavy kilos. Once you start walking you can increase or decrease your intensity as you like depending on your fitness levels.

• Increasing the good cholesterol: Researches have shown that walking can keep your cholesterol problems at bay because it can enhance the production of good cholesterol and inhibit the bad cholesterol. With walking as a regular exercise there are less chances of you getting strokes and heart problems since it aids in increasing the blood circulation.

• High blood pressure: If you are suffering from high blood pressure then you may not want to risk a high intensity exercise. Rather walking can be your exercise and tailor made to suite you mood and health.

• Pregnant mothers: Before those modern Lamaze classes came into being, walking was the best exercise for all mothers to be. Walking regularly helped them to relax and even remain well. Some old thought people advocate walking for pregnant mothers to advocate an easy natural delivery.

• Walking with kids: IF you want your kids to be health conscious and fit from the very beginning, then walking is a great way to do it. It can turn into a great adventure as you walk through the hills, plains and valleys of your neighborhood. Walking can also be a great way to bond with your kid and give him quality time, share perspectives and generally talk about things.

Walking is one of the best ways to meditate about life, improve your metabolic rate and bond with the family. Which other exercise offers you such great benefits?

Dr. Saman Bakhtiar, a widely respected fitness professional, operates Weight Loss Pomona, which helps residents all over Southern California get into their beach ready bodies with a fast, proven, safe, and effective fitness system. Saman also serves people in Upland who want to get in the best shape of their lives with Upland Personal Training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Bakhtiar

By Sam Bakhtiar

5 Kids Franchise Opportunities That Keep Kids Fit

Between diet and lifestyle changes in the last 50 years, America has become a very unhealthy and overweight place. When people and public services address this subject, they generally mention that roughly one-third of Americans are obese, and that obesity is one of the deadliest killers in the United States. What they sometimes fail to mention is that an estimated 16% of children are obese, some 70% of those kids will grow up and remain obese and one in 15 children are so bad-off today that they need medical intervention such as gastric bypass to recover from their condition.

Though it may initially seem unrelated, this has had an interesting effect on the business world. In much the same way that America's weight problem (and sudden societal awareness of it) has prompted fast food restaurants to begin offering healthier alternatives to standard menu items; the nation's new health consciousness has changed the way we look at kids, even in the franchise business world. Our newest concern is child fitness. If you have a knack for working with kids and a passion for healthy living, then there are business opportunities perfect for you, and here are just a few of them.

Fitwize 4 Kids

The first of its kind, Fitwize 4 Kids is essentially a kids' gym, offering circuit training that addresses the specific bodily needs of a child age 6 ½ to 15 in a quick 45-minute set of workouts that is both effective and fun. But their work with kids doesn't stop at cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and agility training; they focus as well on nutrition. Hoping in all things to make a lasting impact not only on the body, but on the mind, this business' ultimate goal is boosting each child's sense of worth as a person. As far as the business is concerned, overhead is relatively low because the designs are so compact that every possible inch of space is used, and professional relationships tend to last for many years, making cash flow solid.

Pro Martial Arts

Though it's not solely targeted at serving kids, they tend to make up a majority of the clientele in a martial arts studio. This franchise opportunity is the perfect chance to tap a $19bil industry without operating a traditional weight-lifting and aerobics gym just like everyone else. There's no harm in not having any previous experience in teaching Grandmaster Samane Karate or running a studio, because the franchisor can and will teach you everything you need to know. Design and layout, marketing, operations, recruiting teachers, and website development are all included in the franchise packet, so all a franchisee has to bring to the table is a passion for martial arts, a drive to succeed in business, and the genuine desire to see people grow in physical fitness and confidence.

Kinderdance

In their own words, they are the "original developmental dance, motor skills, gymnastics, music, and fitness program blended with academics and specifically designed for boys and girls ages 2 to 12." What that looks like varies greatly from one franchise to the next. With four different business design options (bronze, silver, gold, and gold plus), franchisees with this home based business have many choices in regard to how their businesses will run. Each different business plan entails a different number of weekly classes to be taught, and depending on the desires of the franchisee, those can be taught either by the franchisee himself or by a hired teacher. Startup costs are very low, as are overhead costs, because there is no studio space to lease.

Monkey Joe's

The undisputed key to getting kids to exercise is finding a way to make exercise fun, and no one does it better than Monkey Joe's. Designed to be children's activity centers, these franchises provide kids with a great way to get away from the TV, video games, and movies that have so flooded their lives; be playful and physically active for a spell and let out some of that boundless childhood energy. And as children safely play on a full array of indoor, inflatable bounce equipment, with a trained and child-loving staff supervising the children, mom and dad get some time to relax in the designated parent space, watching some TV, surfing the web, or just sleeping. It's a great opportunity for the whole family and an even greater one for a talented franchisee with a heart for kids.

Skyhawks Sports Camp

If you see sports camp as an opportunity to teach children life lessons and develop character, then you are right in line with the purpose of Skyhawks Sports Camp. With 29 years in the business of teaching athletics around the country in a summer camp setting, this business has developed some of the best methods, one of which is franchising. Franchisees work from home and spend most of their year marketing and publicizing their camp to bring in more clients when summer rolls around. The franchisor provides every work at home franchisee with the tools necessary to get up and running and stay in operation, including initial sales training, technical support for web-based software, accounting, marketing, and much more.

For the entrepreneur interested in helping kids achieve a good level of fitness and a greater sense of personal value, there are no better business opportunities than these kids' health franchises. Weight and poor health are major issues in our society, but if the next generation is taught how to live healthier lives now, the trends may change when they grow up.

Find more children's franchise opportunities like tutoring franchises and day care franchises at Franchise Gator

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candice_Clem

By Candice Clem

Is Pushing More Drugs on Kids Curing More Diseases?

A recent study done by a pharmacy manager, a Dr. of pediatrics and the Kansas health Institute concluded that medications prescribed for US children are skyrocketing.

From 2002 to 2005 prescriptions for drugs to treat ADHD skyrocketed by more than 40%.

There is concern that doctors are feeling more comfortable drugging younger and younger children almost indiscriminately. Yet others claim that chronic diseases are on the rise and there is no choice.

But health is a choice, your choice!

I'll tell you what I'm concerned about . . . in spite of more and more drugs being "pushed" on children at younger and younger ages . . . these so-called diseases are spreading. First of all let's call a spade a spade here, we know these drugs do not cure these problems, in fact there is a blatant disregard for even seeking any cures.

More money is spent researching, discovering and marketing new "ailments" and medical conditions each year, than on finding natural cures.

Bottom line cures are just not on the fiscal agenda for any of the big pharmaceutical companies funding these "designer drugs." We are seeing new drug commercials popping up everyday and every other day they are being "black box labeled" or "recalled" by the FDA.

Let's step away from the fact that ADHD isn't even a real disease for a moment. Let's look at type 2 diabetes . . . prescriptions have doubled for children in this same study. How do you justify prescribing more than 46% more asthma drugs for kids?

Worst of all they're prescribing cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) to children, at least 15% more than before 2002.

These health concerns are NOT being resolved by selling more drugs. It is no wonder at all why America has a healthcare crisis . . . these corporations are bleeding us dry.

For how much longer are Americans going to justify this kind of corporate over-control? Do you see anything wrong with this behavior? Based solely on the fact that more kids are taking the same drug-products sold to adults without reducing prevalence, should be enough to open your eyes.

ADHD is NOT a real disease or even a legitimate medical condition.

Surprised? You should be. Did you know cholesterol has nothing to do with causing heart disease? The pied piper of pharmaceuticals is leading children astray . . . just as it did American adults.

But it doesn't need to be this way . . .

There are natural cures "they" don't want you to know about.

The numbers in this report were generated by insurance claims for more than 3,000,000 children age 5 to 19 years old.

If you think I am making this up just read the news. Did you read about the psychiatrist that racked up $2,800,000 in "consulting" fees from a GlaxoSmithKline grant. Doctors like Charles B. Nemeroff of Emory University represent the classic conflict of interest issue by people breaking federal research rules left and right.

Once again the question is why would a reputable doctor throw away his career and why would Big Pharma condone this behavior?

The answer: To Sell Drugs To More U.S. Children.

I never thought I'd see the day when Americans would give up their children to indiscriminate drugging. For those of you who still believe in self-sustainability, self-responsibility and self-determinism I have a natural solution for your ADHD dilemma.

As with any "group of symptoms," the root cause can be naturally addressed. The best way to increase a child's "attention" is by looking at the whole child. That's means diet, lifestyle and environment.

I agree with Anatole France, a French author from the 19th century who said, "Nine tenths of education is encouragement."

This letter went on a little longer than I planned, but ADHD and drugging children is a hot topic and more people need to know the facts. Let me encourage you to take control of your health and the health of your loved ones . . .

If you are in need of learning more about what you can do to help please follow the link below for further information.

Live well

Martin Jacobse Medical Researcher Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Jacobse

By Martin Jacobse

The Health Benefits of Kids' Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and has literally become a mass phenomenon. The game of soccer involves two teams of eleven players, a referee, a ball and two goals. The objective of the game is to put the ball in the old onion bag using your feet or your head. The only player allowed to touch the ball with the hands is the goal keeper.

Soccer also known as football in Europe is a great outdoor activity for kids. The continuous nature of the game makes it great for fitness and cardiovascular health. Soccer helps increase the aerobic capacity of children and helps burn excess calories that can be consumed at a young age. Soccer is one of the greatest enemies of children obesity.

The physical demand of soccer also lowers body fat and also develops and improves muscle tone. Can PlayStation do this? Not only will Kids Soccer build strength, it will also improve the child's flexibility and endurance while developing bone strength.

The nature of the game is generally a non-contact sport which reduces the chances of your child getting hurt. It teaches your child co-ordination and promotes good social skills like Team work and sharing. There is no better way for players to make new friends and meet different people from different backgrounds.

Not only will Kids Soccer increase fitness, it will also increase skills such as concentration, persistence and self discipline. Inevitably participation in Soccer will lead to an increase in confidence and self-esteem and reduce the effects of anxiety.

The best part of Kids Soccer is that it requires very little equipment. A soccer ball and two knees that bend are the requirements. You have two choices, your kid could be another obese statistic or he might be the next David Beckham.

Are you looking for a site that is dedicated to Kids Soccer?

Soccer Mastermind is the community for you. Join other Soccer Parents; Youth Coaches, Players and Fans help raise tomorrow's superstars. Make sure to bookmark this site as it will be giving away great prizes and will be hosting one of the biggest soccer competitions. Stay tuned

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Karapatsos

By Thomas Karapatsos

Colorado Children's Health Insurance - How to Find the Cheapest Kids Colorado Health Insurance Plan

When you are wondering about how to find the best health insurance for children in Colorado, there are a few different approaches you can take. There are a few different ways people with children who live in CO can find the best health insurance for their children. One way is to consider the children's needs and try to find the best insurance plan to meet them. Another approach to finding cheap Colorado kids health insurance is to look at your budget first and then get the most coverage you can afford.

Make A Wish List

If you decide to use this approach, then your first step is to make up a shopping list of the types of services you want covered by the insurance plan you choose. You will want to be sure that you have coverage for such services as:

Checkups

Doctor Visits

Vaccinations

Hospital Stays

Surgery

Prescription Drugs

Compare Several Plans

Now that you have a list of benefits you want to get coverage for, you can start to look for an insurance plan. One of the wonderful things about the Internet is that you can get good information with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Check out some quotes for CO kids heath insurance and compare the type and level of coverage you get from each company against your list. You may not be able to find a policy that will pay for everything on your list, but you should be able to get a plan that pays for the portions of your wish list that are the most important to you.

Look At Cost First

The other way to approach the issue of trying to find affordable Colorado health insurance for kids is to get quotes from several different insurers and make your decision based on cost alone. This may seem like a good idea, especially if you have limited funds available for this purpose, but you want to get the best level of benefits you can afford.

Looking for health insurance is not something you can decide quickly and the last thing you want is to find out that you have been paying for coverage that doesn't really give you the right type of benefits for your children's needs. Take the time to consider your decision carefully.

Compare Children's Colorado Health Insurance Quotes Online

Are you ready to work on how to find the best Colorado health insurance plan? You can get started right away by comparing quotes and plans from top agents and companies across the state of CO. Be sure and compare rate quotes from at least 3 different insurance companies before you make your final decision.

Get started finding children's health insurance quotes today! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_J._Robinson

By James J. Robinson

Omega 3 For Kids - A Vital Nutrient For Proper Development

Some vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are needed more by adults than children. But one of the most vital substances for youngsters is omega 3 for kids.

And it starts before they are even kids. Studies have shown that breastfeeding is so beneficial because the highly important omega 3, known as DHA (docosohexanoic acid) is passed from mother to baby during these feedings.

Of course, it's also important that the mother herself gets enough omega 3 in her diet. Indeed, almost every adult should be using a high quality fish oil supplement because of their tremendous and overall health benefits.

However, let's get back to why fish oil for kids is especially important. Babies who get an optimal intake of omega 3's, especially DHA (and to a lesser extent EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid), generally have higher IQs. Better overall brain functioning, from focus to memory.

Did you know that the human brain is made up of 60% fats by weight? Of course, not all of that fat is omega 3 fats, but almost half of that 60% is DHA! That's astounding, and it just goes to show you how important omega 3 fats, especially DHA, is to our brain's health.

Even adults can improve their mental functioning by using a quality fish oil supplement. But omega 3 for kids is especially crucial because their brains are still developing and require large amounts of these essential fatty acids.

Studies have also shown that fish oil for kids is beneficial for a host of conditions, including ADHD and ADD, which is increasing at an alarming rate.

The omega 3 fats in fish oil helps the brain modulate mood swings and, therefore, hyperactivity.

Adults and children need not use different fish oil products.

Generally speaking, the omega 3 products made just for kids, like the chewable ones, are of low quality. Oxidation and rancidity poses a major problem for these products (fish oils go rancid fast) and they are laden with sugar or corn syrup to make them palatable.

My young children use a very high quality fish oil capsule product that I use myself. My solution is very easy. I simply gently slice into the gel capsule and the fish oil contents can be squeezed into a healthy treat like yogurt and consumed by children who have difficulty swallowing tablets, gels, or capsules.

Visit the doctor run website I have found during my research, and educate yourself on how to choose a quality omega 3 fish oil product.

Dan Pedersen is a passionate proponent of preventative health care. He specializes in educating the public about the numerous benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Visit the doctor run website http://www.myomegamd.com/ that Dan recommends after researching thousands of health sites online

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Pedersen

By Dan Pedersen

Chef Susan Teton Campbell - Feeding Our Children Healthy

In this article, Chef Susan Teton Campbell shares on feeding children including cultured foods, snacks for the car and more. Susan is a food evangelist and author of "Raising a New America" and co-author of "The Healthy School Lunch Action Guide."

Kevin: Tell us a little bit about your experience working with schools, working with children. What's a good way to start introducing these foods to kids?

Susan: When I worked in the schools that was in the 90s so I think it depends on the children. I think it's so important to start kids out at a young age with just the foods from the earth and not the factory. I have neighbors that will stop at McDonald's as treats for their kids. They'll say once in a while. It's like the treat kind of thing. They'll come home with these sugary colas and all this kind of stuff, milkshakes. They're just all over the place. They are so amped up.

I raised a son that had a lot of problems with allergies and focusing and all the things we call ADHD now. He's all grown up now but these things, this is how I first learned that food could be this powerful. If parents think that a little is okay, I really don't think it is anymore. The children that are being born in today's world are not as strong as they were 20-30 years ago. Each generation we get a little weaker because of all the environmental influences and everything else. I think it's absolutely vital to start your kids out on a very healthy diet. I would definitely include a cultured food in their diet. If they're young and you're raising them with a good diet, their formation will be a lot stronger and a lot more able to handle junkier foods as they enter into a larger, more expanded social life.

I know it's an issue with a lot of parents. I know it's really difficult. My friends make sure that they sit down to a sit-down dinner every single night, despite the fact that they do these other things at times. On the whole their children get dinner every night and they have that family time. I think that's really important too.

I would highly recommend a cultured food. If you don't have time to make them then make sure they get probiotics in pills or in some way. There's a lot of products on the market now.

The other thing is I don't think parents should push so much food on their kids and make them finish all the food. Most kids don't require as much food as people think they need. They'll let you know when they're hungry. So you always want to make sure that you have nuts and seeds and things like that in the car or a little pack-n-go kit, so when you're out and the kids get hungry or blood sugar goes down that you've always got liquids and you've always got maybe some dried fruit and nuts and seeds for them to snack on. You'll find if they're really hungry they'll grab it and they'll eat a handful and then they're done. They don't need all that much food.

I think as long as they have good, wholesome foods around the house, if they really don't want to eat their broccoli then don't make them.

The thing is eventually they will. Things that I eat now, I never ate when I was a child.

And I don't like to get into vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, high-fat. I'm really just trying to educate people to eat from the earth and not the factory. If people really want to incorporate animal foods into their lives then what I say is make sure the animals are as healthy as you'd like to be.

If you're going to drink milk or eat cheese, just make sure. I've found in all my research and just watching families, if they eat animal foods and they eat other really wholesome other foods from the earth, they're usually pretty well off. It's the junky factory foods that are the worst and the highly processed foods and all the chemicals.

Kevin: I'm not ethically opposed to dairy or eggs but I read something like The China Study and I say, what's the answer? Do you know what I mean? Do you have any thoughts on that?

Susan: I think the answer is not nearly so much of them. A lot of these diets, the low-carb diets or whatever, they're having you eat like salmon every day or eggs every day. I think if you have an egg a week or something it's not going to be that big a deal. But I agree, I think we're a lot better off on a more vegetarian diet. But a vegetarian diet doesn't mean you're eating a lot of starches.

Kevin: Right.

Susan: That's why I'm a real advocate of trying to inspire people to eat more legumes. Not so much beans but more lentils and chickpeas and mung beans. These things are really great foods. All these vegetables and high-quality, alkaline grains and cultured foods. If you're going to eat animal foods they should be more sparingly, which is like the centenarians do. They have like 10 - 15 percent of their diet is some animal protein. It's a very small amount. They might take a piece of meat and make a stew and you have maybe two bites of meat. That's all you're really having because it's enough.

****************
Kevin Gianni the host of "Renegade Health Show" - a fun and informative daily health show that is changing the perception of health across the world. His is an internationally known health advocate, author, and film consultant. He has helped thousands and thousands of people in over 21 countries though online health teleseminars about abundance, optimum health and longevity. He is also the creator and co-author of "The Busy Person's Fitness Solution"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Gianni

By Kevin Gianni

Health and Fitness For Kids - Ten Steps For a Healthier Life

Today more than ever it is harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle with sedentary pastimes such as watching television, playing video games and surfing the Internet competing for our kid's time and replacing more physical activities.

Combined with the easy availability and low cost of unhealthy processed foods or 'junk food', then this can have an impact on children's health, not only throughout their childhood but leading into adulthood causing serious health problems at a later date.

It is therefore important to make a concerted effort to ensure children lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain overall fitness. However it can be difficult to make a start and to inspire your kids to follow your lead, so we have compiled a list of ten tips to help you along the road to health and happiness.

1) Involve the Whole Family - Sometimes kids can be reluctant to take part in sports and games, especially if they think that they are being 'forced' to do them against their will. Children take their lead from their parents so if they see their parents taking part in sports and fitness then they are more than likely to want to copy. Ensuring that the whole family stay fit and healthy can provide the right motivation for the less reluctant child to get involved. Embracing a healthier lifestyle yourself can help teach a child that they need to do the same.

It doesn't have to be all about playing 'football'. For instance a family outing to the zoo, theme park or local attraction such as a ruined castle will keep kids on their feet, give them something interesting to see and do whilst keeping them fit at the same time. Making an effort to have days out where the whole family joins in can lead to a child having an overall healthier lifestyle.

2) Use 'Active' Transport - Ditching the car when possible and either walking or cycling instead can help keep the whole family fit and healthy. Perhaps this means walking to school instead of taking the car or maybe a trip to the local park or shops can be accomplished by cycling there instead.

Although it may not be possible for everyone to ditch the car so easily due to distance or time constraints the occasional journey can still perhaps be substituted. Not only is walking or cycling better for your health, it can save you money and help the environment- all great examples to set your kids!

3) Regular Exercise - The key to staying fit and healthy for both adults and children alike is to exercise regularly. Try to schedule exercise activities (whatever they might be) at regular intervals but do let your kids set the pace. As soon as a child feels they are being forced to take part in a 'fitness' regime then you may start to get some resistance and refusal to join in.

Pushing your kids beyond their limits may have a negative impact on them wanting to do anything at all. Forcing them to train to become better at a sport or activity can seem like the right think to do if they appear to have a talent for something, but it is important to ensure that your kids are happy and not resenting the activity, as long term this will end up becoming a problem.

4) Keep Fit Through Daily Chores - Lets be honest, no kid enjoys having to do their weekly and daily chores, but chores are a good thing to implement as they help teach a child responsibilities whilst helping them to 'earn their keep'.

If your child isn't that keen on sports and outdoor activities then a subtle way for them to get some additional exercise is by combining their chores with physical activities. For example washing the car, mowing the lawn or vacuuming the house all are great ways to burn some extra calories and to get your kid moving and keeping fit without them even realising it!

5) Keep it New and Fun!

Many of us can recall sports lessons at school when we were forced to do sports we didn't enjoy, more often than not in the freezing cold, without proper clothes. These horrible moments cement a negative impression on sports and fitness in a child's psyche. This negativity needs to be avoided so the buzz word to remember is 'fun'. If you ensure that any activity you take part in is fun for your child then fitness doesn't become a burden or a chore and soon becomes a normal, everyday part of their life.

Kids can bore easily so an activity they have enjoyed in the past may quickly loose its shine from one week to the next. Unless you are intent on turning your kid into the next sporting superstar then whatever activities they do to stay fit is unimportant as long as they enjoy it.

Introduce new sports and activities into a child's routine can be a great way of finding new active hobbies so it's worth experimenting and trying different things. How about crazy golf, trampolining, horse riding or kayaking? There are plenty of things to try!

6) Turn the TV Off - When you live a busy life and have a full time job to contend with then it's easy to let your kids entertain themselves in front of the television. Years ago kids TV was limited to a few hours in the afternoon and morning, but now with the advent of cable and satellite channels, children have dedicated stations that they can watch all day. There's nothing wrong with watching TV, it can be fun and educational, but it's a very inactive pastime.

Try to limit screen time and turn off the TV after a few hours. There may be arguments to start with but your child will start to get into a routine and will also look for other things to do whilst the TV is switched off- ideally more active things to do!

Kids also love playing computer games which are traditionally thought of as being very inactive. Lately things have changed a little- with the release of games such as Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Sports, you can now get a workout in front of the TV. Where possible steer your child towards these 'active' games and then they'll get the benefit of keeping fit and healthy, whilst doing something they really enjoy.

7) Try the Scouts & Guides - Not all kids are the outdoors types so may not suit absolutely everyone, but getting your kids involved with the Scouts, Guides or similar well organised groups can be a great way of ensuring your child lives an active lifestyle. For example the Scouts in the UK are open to young people from the ages of 6 to 25 and they take part in a wide range of activities from rock climbing, camping to sailing and hiking. Also there are a lot of creative and educational pastimes that these groups get up to making it a completely rounded experience.

8) Nutrition & Healthy Eating - To maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise needs to be combined with healthy eating and good nutrition. Good nutrition doesn't always have to be about boring foods that your child doesn't like, so try to introduce a wide range of cuisines and styles to your child's diet. You never know what they might enjoy eating.

Moderation is the buzzword for eating healthily. Minimise unhealthy snacks such as crisps, chocolate, biscuits and sweets and perhaps introduce them only as treats or for special occasions. Your child will not get used to having these 'treats' all the time and will appreciate them much more when they do have them. Unhealthy foods as listed above do not provide much if any nutritional benefit and can contain unhealthy additives which most nutritionists agree are not great for long term health.

Be wary of processed foods, they can sometimes contain unhealthy amounts of salt, sugar or other additives. Try to cook meals using raw ingredients, that way you'll always know what goes into your food. It can be more expensive and time consuming to do this but the long term benefits to the whole family can be immense.

9) Team Games - If your child is showing signs that they enjoy sports such as: football, hockey or netball, then getting them involved in a local youth squad is a great way for a child to get all the exercise they need. Not only will they have fun and get fit, they may make friends with other kids on the team providing additional reason to go to team practice sessions. Adults can also get involved, perhaps by helping out with coaching or lifts to and from training sessions.

Again, having fun is key- if your kid stops wanting to go to practice, initially some light coaxing or persuasion may be necessary to get them back in the mood. However if this reluctance persists, long term you are better off letting your child dictate what they enjoy doing. As mentioned previously in this article, kids can get bored easily and can soon go off any activity, no matter how much they previously liked it.

10) Activity Holidays - Looking to kick start a new healthy lifestyle for the whole family? Taking an activity holiday where your child can get to try a wide range of sports and activities can be a great way of getting fit and finding new and interesting things to do. Venue's such as Center Parcs offer the perfect weekend break escapes with a wide range of activities that suit all ages and they also run special offers such as 'kids eat free', which can save you money. Finding activities that inspire your children to become more active is the best way to ensure that they keep fit and healthy. Activity holidays are a great way on 'hitting the bullseye' and finding things that your child enjoys, that you may not have ever considered before.

Julie Samuels is a freelance writer and loves to write on a wide variety of topics

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Samuel

By Julie Samuel