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Most Recent Articles
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- Keeping The Sun Fun
Advancements in sun care protection are hot as researchers continue to seek more effective and longer-lasting sunscreens.
Wearing sunscreen is an important part of keeping summer fun from coming back to haunt you later. Not only can sunscreen keep you from burning, it can help prevent skin cancer later in life. - Backyard Fun In The Sun. Learn How To Reduce The Chance For Play Set Injuries This Summer
Now that the weather is warmer and kids are heading outdoors to play, it is important for parents to take some essential precautions to create a safer backyard play environment. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), there were nearly 47,000 injuries to children under age 15 on home playgrounds in the last year studied. The chance of these injuries occurring-ranging from bumps and bruises to head trauma-can be reduced by following some simple guidelines.
"Nothing is more important than active adult supervision to enforce the rules that will help prevent a serious injury on backyard playgrounds," says Meri-K Appy, president of the nonprofit Home Safety Council. "In addition, parents and caregivers should make sure their children's play set is age-appropriate and in good condition-and that the surface underneath and around the equipment provides a soft landing if and when their kids do take a tumble." - Get A Jump On Healthy Water Fun
During the warmer months, it can seem like there's water, water everywhere-the beach, the pool, the lake, the sea shore. Before you make a splash, health experts suggest you get a jump on healthy water fun and get the facts about swimmer's ear.
Swimmer's ear is a very common and painful infection of the outer ear canal. When water gets into the ear, it can become trapped in the ear canal, turning the area moist and spongy and allowing bacteria to grow. Most frequently, swimmer's ear develops with consistent, extended exposure to water. For this reason, swimmer's ear is very common during the summer months, and most often in older children and young adults. - Think Sun, Think Zinc
It's a good idea to give zinc its day in the sun. That's the advice from experts who say that the amount of zinc oxide in sunscreen is more important than sun protection factors (SPFs) and "waterproof" claims when it comes to protecting your skin.
"SPF ratings do not have any relation to a product's ability to provide UVA protection. UVA rays are most associated with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The incidence of melanoma has doubled since 1986 and has increased so quickly that it is one of the nation's most serious epidemics," explains Dr. Don Kilday, Pharm.D., president of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. - National Public Education Campaign Under Way To Reduce Underage Drinking Substance Abuse And Mental Health Health Services Administration
Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America's youth. A higher percentage of young people, ages 12 to 20, use alcohol (29 percent) than use tobacco (24 percent) or illicit drugs (14 percent), making underage drinking a leading public health problem in the United States. A new national effort to encourage parents to speak with their children about this critical problem is under way. Some people find it hard to believe that by the time they reach eighth grade, 41 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink, and almost 20 percent report having been drunk. It's also a fact that adults who had first used alcohol before age 15 are five times more likely to report dependence on or abuse of alcohol than adults who first used it at age 21 or older. In addition to its negative impact on health, alcohol use among youth is strongly correlated with violence, risky sexual behavior, poor academic performance, driving incidents and other harmful behaviors.
Yet many parents do not see drinking as a top-of-mind issue. To help bring this issue to the forefront, a new campaign is encouraging parents to speak with their children about the negative effects of alcohol to delay the onset of, and ultimately to prevent, underage drinking. - Peer Pressure And Alcohol: A Difficult Combination For Many Teens
For most young people, the teenage years are a fun and exciting time, filled with first-time experiences: a new school, a part-time job, getting a driver's license, maybe a first romance. In general, it is a period marked by greater responsibility and freedom.
However, teens can also experience feelings of doubt and may lack self-esteem. For these reasons, they are particularly susceptible to peer pressure: an overwhelming desire to fit in and do "what everyone else is doing," even if it means participating in such high-risk activities as drinking, smoking and sex. - Youth Connect Communities With New Technology
From blogging to podcasting to creating online videos, 4-H youth are leading the way, using new media and communication tools to share breaking news, event coverage and educational information with their community.
For example, the 4-H News technology club in Jefferson County, Wash., provides on-the-spot reports through video clips and podcasts posted to their 4-H Network News Web site. Club members have covered a fire in an historic hotel and a Red Cross disaster training exercise and conducted interviews with local business leaders. - A Child Is Calling For Help. Wireless Amber Alerts Put Wireless Devices To Use
Statistics show that the first three hours after a child's abduction are most critical to recovery efforts. By combining the efforts of the wireless industry with the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and law enforcement agencies, the Wireless AMBER Alerts™ initiative will be a catalyst for the more than 200 million wireless subscribers to aid in the search for and recovery of an abducted child.
AMBER - Test-taking Tips Help Reduce Student Anxiety
Standardized tests are becoming increasingly common at all levels of public and private schooling. For many students, these tests can be a source of anxiety. But by following some simple strategies, both students and their parents can be fully prepared for success on test day:
Tip #1: Read all directions carefully! Oftentimes in test-taking environments, the adrenaline gets pumping and students read through instructions too quickly. Taking the extra time to slow down and make sure they understand the question not only saves students from making wrong answers, but also saves time in the long run. - Planning A Party To Remember: Pick A Theme
Birthday parties are everyone's favorite reason to celebrate and a great opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind original event. One fun way to plan a memorable birthday party for your child is to start with a theme. A theme can inspire the food, activities and invitation design, neatly tying everything together.
Select a fun theme tied to the child's interests such as favorite toys, books or hobbies, and allow him/her to assist in party planning and preparation. - "hunny" Of A Bear--pooh Receives Hollywood Star And Other--tributes For 80th Anniversary
Winnie the Pooh, one of the world's best-loved characters, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame commemorating his 80th Anniversary, becoming one of a select few animated characters to ever receive the honor.
Here are a few fun facts about this tubby little cubby and his friends that you may not know: - Organizing Kids To Make The Grade
-Can being organized really improve a student's school performance? Absolutely.
"Teachers agree that a child's lack of organization dramatically impacts homework, studying skills and test scores," says parenting expert Stacy DeBroff, who surveyed hundreds of teachers and parents for her recent book, "The Mom Book Goes to School: Insider Tips to Ensure Your Child Thrives in Elementary and Middle School." - Small School Big Advantage For Teens
In the typical classroom, the teacher lectures, the student takes notes, then the student's grade is based on test scores-or test scores and a few papers. Students who are taught this way do not necessarily become enthusiastic or well-rounded learners.
At a small, college-prep school in New Hampshire, teaching and learning are very different from the age-old model. At White Mountain School, a boarding and day school near Littleton, New Hampshire, the mantra is "Small school. Big outdoors." However, it might well be "Small school. Big ideas." - Delightful Ways To Help Kids Love To Learn History
Many parents and teachers have found six steps toward making education more fun. They bring history to life by:
1. Visiting an historic home, old churchyard or restored village. - Outdoor Classrooms: A Smart Way To Teach Teens
When it comes to learning, the best classrooms aren't always inside a school. That's the word from experts who say that one of the latest trends involves using the great outdoors to teach teens life lessons.
For instance, Matt Schmitz may seem like an average 18-year-old. He's enjoying his senior year in high school and looking ahead to graduation. However, he's already developed the type of leadership skills that many people strive for well into adulthood. - Giving Teens A Boost To Stay In School
The high school dropout rates in this country are staggering. One student drops out of high school every nine seconds in America. Additionally, the rate at which students leave high school between grades nine and 10 has tripled over the last 30 years.
Add to this the fact that aside from increased unemployment, dropouts are often at a greater risk for drugs, gangs, poverty and teenage pregnancy and it's clear that dropout prevention is a critical issue deserving of the nation's attention. - Our Youngest Heroes
Thousands of children across the U.S. have faced natural disasters and other crises-but they've still found a way to help themselves and help others. A new program will honor a number of high school students who were affected by catastrophe and made a positive impact on others.
The Student and Youth Travel Association's Youth Foundation's (SYF) Silver Lining Program will give selected students the opportunity to meet other students who have gone through similar circumstances-and help them share, heal and develop friendships that could last a lifetime. Participants will attend leadership classes and team-building workshops and have plenty of fun. - Building Better Citizens
Children are never too young to learn how to be good citizens. "Explain to your children that they are citizens of many communities-their town, the country and the world," says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation's leading provider of early childhood care and education. "Most important," says Bergen, "is for parents to model good citizenship."
Bergen suggests parents explain to their children that being good citizens means caring about others. She offers these tips: - Your School: Ready For A Renaissance?
A new system that lets teachers get immediate feedback and real-time accountability for all students in the classroom is getting high grades. The wireless response system was created by a provider of computerized assessment and progress-monitoring tools for pre-K-12 schools. It provides teachers with comprehensive real-time data in an easy-to-read graphical format so they can optimize their lessons and deliver individualized instruction.
"We just recently started using the Renaissance Classroom Response System and already are seeing a difference. The immediate feedback we receive is such a great way to gauge the progress of each student, and helps me determine the lessons I need to review," said Dawn Deher, English Teacher, Milford (Delaware) High School. "My students' enthusiasm and engagement in class has increased substantially. Several of my students have said to me that they wished they had the Responder available to them in their other classes because they see how it helps them in the learning process." - Youth Save Horses Thousands Of Miles Away
Nearly 3,000 miles-close to the entire width of the United States-separate Salmon, Idaho from Abaco Island, Bahamas. Yet when the Salmon 4-H Model Horse Club learned of the plight of endangered horses living there, they took action.
"Our 4-H leader told us about how the Abaco Barb horses on Abaco Island are close to extinction and we knew we had to help save them," said 11-year-old Cameron Angeny. - Whooping Cough Is On The Rise. Mom And Actor Cheryl Hines: Keep Yourself And Your Family Healthy
Whooping cough has been popping up in communities across the country and it's affecting people of all ages. If you haven't heard about this serious infection yet, chances are you will. But protection against whooping cough is readily available for you and your family.
That is why popular film and TV actor Cheryl Hines has teamed up with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' (NFID) Wipe Out the Whoop campaign. Together, they are encouraging all moms to make an appointment for themselves and their families to get the whooping cough booster vaccine. - Vaccines Crucial To Preventing Diseases
Experts say keeping children vaccinated in a timely manner is essential to keeping them healthy.
However, studies show only 9 percent of children receive age-appropriate vaccinations at the recommended times. Now is a good time to see if your kids are up to date. - Understanding Autism
Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. That's three an hour and 67 a day. This complex neurobiological condition, which can inhibit a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or form relationships with others, is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States and presents lifelong consequences for individuals, family and society.
The statistics are alarming: Thirteen years ago only one in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism; today it's one in 166, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Despite these epidemic proportions, research shows that many parents of young children are generally unaware of autism. - Preventing Birth Defects
There are easy ways to prevent spina bifida, a common birth defect that happens during the first month of pregnancy when the spine of the baby fails to close.
It's the most common, permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S. Each day, eight babies are born with a birth defect of the brain and spine. Every woman who could possibly become pregnant is at risk of having a baby with spina bifida. Fortunately, research studies show that taking a multivitamin with folic acid every day can reduce the risk by up to 70 percent, especially since half the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. - The Season When Asthma And Allergy Sufferers' Thoughts Turn To...runny Noses
Allergy and asthma sufferers may be the only ones who don't look forward to spring. To them, the green season mostly means runny noses, constant sneezing and endless amounts of tissues.
Children may actually have it the worst: According to the American Lung Association (ALA), while 35 million Americans have some kind of allergy, studies have shown that kids with asthma usually have significant allergies as well. Asthma is the most common chronic disorder of childhood, affecting more than 6.2 million children. - Cancer Survivors Move Beyond The Cure
Doctors have some good news, for a change, about cancer. Today, 79 percent of U.S. children diagnosed with cancer survive it. The bad news, however, is that nearly two-thirds will experience physical or psychological problems or learning disabilities as a result of their diagnosis or treatment.
These "late effects" can occur months, even years after cancer has been treated. If survivors don't know about late effects, they might not associate the problems with the cancer diagnoses and a minor health problem could become a life-threatening issue. - Choosing Appropriate Toys For Children With Adhd
Choosing just the right toy for any child can be difficult. But the challenge is magnified if you are looking for the perfect gift to give one of the 4.4 million children affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Children who have ADHD may have special play needs, so I urge parents of my young patients to buy toys that help their children focus, gain self-confidence and learn to socialize and interact appropriately with other children. The following suggestions may be helpful: - Shriners Hospitals Gave Patient Strong Foundation For Life
Judith Irving knows a strong foundation when she sees it-she does, after all, have a degree in architecture. In regard to her life, Jude credits her successes to the foundation laid by her supportive mother and family, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
When Jude was born in 1971, it was discovered she had a rare form of dwarfism called diastrophic dysplasia. Before her first birthday, Jude became a patient at the Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis. At the age of 12, she was referred to the Chicago Shriners Hospital, where the doctors knew more about her form of dwarfism. - Rsv: What Parents Of Preemies Should Know
With premature births at a record high, more babies are facing serious health challenges during their first year of life. These problems may include respiratory infections that can compromise infants' lung function, making them more immediately susceptible to serious respiratory problems.
According to a new survey conducted by the National Perinatal Association, nearly one-half of parents of premature infants are not aware of the preventive measures they can take to help protect their babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory ailment that can lead to serious illness in preemies. In addition, almost 58 percent of parents whose babies have been hospitalized with RSV said they did not know about medication that could have helped prevent their child's hospitalization. - Teens Likely Target For New Vaccines
Vaccines have come a long way since 1022 A.D., when a Buddhist nun fashioned what many consider the precursor to vaccines in an effort to fight smallpox.
Since then, vaccines have stopped smallpox virus, are close to eradicating the polio virus and have slowed numerous other disease-causing microbes. Where are they headed? - Protecting Children From The Harmful And Deadly Effects Of Inhalants
Parents who think they are doing everything they can to protect their children from drugs may not be aware of all the dangers found right in their own homes. More than 1,400 common household products are currently being abused by kids across the country to get high.
Inhalants are easily accessible, legal, everyday products. When used as intended, these products are completely harmless and have a useful purpose in our lives, but when intentionally misused and abused, they can be deadly. Most parents and educators are in the dark regarding the popularity and dangers of inhalant abuse, and unfortunately, the practice is becoming more common and accepted among children. - Make Time For Family Meals
Whether it is running around to participate in after school activities or putting in overtime at work, a big challenge that families face is balancing the demands on their time. The slow-paced family dinners of past generations seem almost impossible in today's fast-paced society. Making family dinner a priority is not easy, but the long-term benefits are well worth the effort.
A family dinner offers a natural forum that fosters togetherness. It can become the highlight of the day and a way to build pleasant family memories. This time together can also give family members a chance to share their lives and to receive encouragement and support. - A Luau To Remember: Party-planning Tips For Parents
If planning your child's birthday party leaves you too exhausted to even say the word balloon, try this: Throw a backyard summer luau-with some help from the Web.
With parents increasingly strapped for time and feeling pressured to come up with unusual themes that all the other kids haven't used before, sites like PartyCity.com can be a lifesaver. That may be especially true in the summer months when-try as you might to think of exciting outdoor activities to take advantage of the warm weather-all you really want to do when you get home is soak in a cool bath for hours. - Tips For Planning A Fun And Successful Family Reunion
Planning a reunion can be a major undertaking, but with the help of a local convention and visitors bureau, it can be made easy. For example, the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau in Southeastern Pennsylvania provides free assistance with booking hotels and banquet facilities, tour buses and even planning tours. Reunion planners can get competitive bids and work closely with a service representative to make the best choices for their group. This can save hours on the phone, and give planners ideas for adding special excitement to their reunion.
"We can help a group plan customized tours around its special interests," said Paul Decker, president of the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Our area has an abundance of gardens, history and recreation, and we've developed itineraries for groups interested in spending a day or two of their reunion touring the area." - Tips On Seeing Stars In Your Backyard
There's an easy, fun and educational activity the whole family can enjoy and it can be as close as your backyard: stargazing. People have been fascinated by the night sky since humankind's first days. Now, in the 21st century, more and more people are turning this fascination into an exciting hobby-not only professionals but also serious amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts, young and old.
Here are some tips to help you get the most from your viewings: - Helping Children With Disabilities Get "fit For The Future"
A new program may help improve the lives of children with disabilities-and help them better manage their health.
Sixty-six percent of adults with disabilities are not very satisfied with their lives; 78 percent are unemployed; and they have increased health concerns, including greater susceptibility to additional health problems. - Gift Ideas
Trying to find just the right gift for the special person in your life? Consider giving a gift that gives back. Buying a gift that benefits a charity rewards the giver, the recipient and a worthwhile cause.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, the world's premier pediatric cancer research center, offers several unique gift-giving options for the special people in your life. Individuals can help fight childhood cancer by making a donation in a gift recipient's name with a St. Jude Tribute Card. St. Jude's Gift Catalog includes a line of e-cards as well as a collection of printed cards that can be personalized and mailed directly to recipients to fit many occasions, including seasonal greetings, birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, christenings, bar mitzvahs, first communions and more. - It Takes A City: Strengthening Families
Increasingly, local government leaders recognize that building stronger families and improving outcomes for their children and young people are the keys to long-term social and economic success.
"A community's quality of life can be measured by the opportunities available to help children and families succeed," says Ron Gonzales, mayor of San Jose, Calif., the past chair of National League of Cities' (NLC) Council on Youth, Education, and Families. "Without this investment, communities face higher costs for public safety and human services, tighter municipal budgets, reduced potential of the local workforce and weakened growth of the local economy." - Children Across The Country Help New Orleans Students
As workers in New Orleans use bricks and mortar to rebuild the city, Lego is joining the efforts by asking children and parents across the nation to donate Lego bricks for schools and students in New Orleans. The company will match every Lego brick donated to the cause with a new Lego brick.
The rebuilding efforts in New Orleans are under way but locals say there is still a need for more help, especially for the schools. More than 70 percent of schools in New Orleans were damaged by Hurricane Katrina and now just seven of the city's 117 public schools remain open. The school district used to employ 3,500 but has been forced to cut its staff to just 300 people. Several displaced students are now in charter schools, but access to supplies and funding can be limited. - Incarcerated Fathers And Their Children Find New Life
A group of inmates are learning how to breathe new life into their relationships with their children through a unique program at a maximum security prison.
Through the 4-H LIFE-Living Interactive Family Education program at the Potosi Correctional Center in Mineral Point, Mo., youth build relationships with their incarcerated fathers through 4-H club work. Developed jointly between the fathers and local 4-H staff, the program focuses on improving parenting skills and bettering the children's social and academic adjustment and overall well-being. - A Card That Celebrates Giving All Year Long
A greeting card that does a world of good for children around the world will now be available year-round.
For the first time ever, greeting cards carrying the logo of UNICEF-The United Nations Children's Fund-will be available all through the year at participating Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. UNICEF has been raising money for its programs from the sale of greeting cards since 1949. To date, over 4 billion cards have been sold. - Making The Move Easier On Children
Whether it's across the country or down the block, moving can be stressful. Experts agree this is particularly true for young children, who often fear leaving their friends and familiar surroundings for a new home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 10 million children relocate each year, leaving many parents to struggle with how to create a smooth move for their kids.
Allied Van Lines has teamed up with Thomas Olkowski, Ph.D., a top child psychologist and author of "Moving with Children," to offer expert advice designed to help parents ease their youngsters through the relocation process. - America's Promise Invites Communities Across Country To Come Together For Children And Youth
Last year, America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth and Founding Chairman Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) launched the first-ever competition to identify the 100 Best Communities for Young People. The goal: to identify counties, cities and towns working to make their communities great places for young people to grow up. Over 1,000 communities took part in the inaugural competition and winners were named from 40 states.
To continue to build upon the success of the competition, America's Promise is conducting a series of five regional 100 Best Forums to provide communities with an opportunity to share how they provide healthy, safe and caring environments that effectively educate young people and help them become productive citizens. - Teen Safety In The Workplace
When teenagers go off to work-sometimes for the first time in their lives-parents want to know they will be safe in the workplace. Who will look out for their safety? Industrial hygienists are professionals who specialize in ensuring safe and healthy work environments for employees of all ages.
Are teenagers safe in the workplace? Do they know what to watch out for in terms of safety? Consider these statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): - Healthy Neighborhoods Make Healthier Kids
Experts say many communities across the nation are becoming less healthy, a dangerous trend that can harm children's health.
Often, these problems exist because the way communities are designed can have serious health consequences, especially for children and families. - Homeless Youths Are Finding A Home And Hope
A program committed to helping young people make the transition from homelessness and hopelessness to stability and success is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Each year, more than one million young people under age 21 find themselves homeless in the United States. Many are runaways, throwaways (young people asked to leave home) or youths who have aged out of the foster care system. - Helping Homeless Youths Rebuild Their Lives
You can make a difference in millions of fragile young lives.
Every night on streets throughout the Americas, an army of nameless, faceless young people fights to survive. They are homeless youths, driven to the streets by situations including physical, emotional or sexual abuse, parental drug or alcohol abuse or discharge from foster care. - Music Teachers Team Up To Feed Hungry Children
Tune in to a rewarding charity. The World's Largest Concert (WLC) is a musical performance in March celebrating Music In Our Schools Month. This year, the organizer of the event, MENC: The National Association for Music Education, is collaborating with Feed The Children (FTC), an international nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty, or natural disaster.
Before children can learn music, they must have the most basic of life's necessities, such as food, clean water and health care. That's why MENC is working to raise $1.2 million to support FTC's important work. - Young Tsunami Survivors Find New Start At Shriners Hospitals
When the Indian Ocean tsunami crashed ashore on December 26, 2004, many things were lost. Homes were swept away, belongings gone forever. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives in the disaster. And many of those who survived, including children, literally lost a part of themselves.
Seven-year-old Tara Aulia and 11-year-old Hamdani survived the tsunami that ripped through their villages in Indonesia's Aceh province, but along with their homes and family members, both children lost a limb. - Unique Gift Giving Through Shriners Hospitals
Those in search of an unforgettable and timeless gift may find an excellent opportunity in a surprising place. In a gesture that gives in more ways than one, you can recognize loved ones and admired role models by naming a physical structure at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Donations may be designated at any of the 22 Shriners Hospitals. Structures include buildings, wings, hospital rooms and other major public or patient areas. - Getting Kids Moving Can Be A Slam Dunk
Run, walk, jump, dance-do whatever it takes to get the whole family moving.
That's the advice parents are getting as the weight of the nation's children continues to climb. - Place To Have A Ball
Bowling centers today are strikingly different than they were a generation ago.
Although the game of knocking down pins with a heavy ball is still basically the same, everything else is changing inside these popular hangouts. - Kids Survive With Modern Camp Experience
Studying marine biology. Snow survival skills. Electricity. Wildlife tracking. At camp today, kids enjoy much more than the traditional crafts and canoes experience. 4-H offers a wide range of specialized camping programs all over the country where kids learn leadership, citizenship and life skills while they participate in fun activities.
Shamee Hurd, 14, gets a charge out of learning about safety at 4-H Electric Camp. "I am more aware of my surroundings as a result of 4-H Electric Camp. I learned to stay away from electric lines when they fall on the ground. I do very well in school studying science, especially when we study electricity," she said. - Multitasking Made Simpler
Whether it's updating your handheld while listening to voice mail or writing checks while dealing with a houseful of kids, odds are you find ways to multitask throughout the day.
In fact, 54 percent of workers read e-mail while on the phone and 11 percent write to-do lists during meetings, according to a recent survey by ComPsych, a Chicago provider of employee assistance programs. - Youth Counselor Skills Work Well In Boardroom
It may seem that the skills a Youth Counselor acquires working in the outdoors have little relevance to a corporate boardroom-but that is not the case.
"Youth Counselors become incredibly skilled in time management and problem solving techniques that are relevant to any corporate experience," said Robyn Roett, the director of recruiting for Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA). "Youth Counselors master patience and conflict resolution, as well as become excellent leaders despite difficult circumstances." - "me First" Not So For Counselors
Despite today's "me first" society, there are still college graduates who want to make a difference.
"We can tell if a counselor job applicant has a passion about our work," said Malia Kekahuna, who hires counselors for Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA), a leading provider of services for troubled youths. "They want to have an impact on these kids. They change society one child at a time." - Networking And Volunteering Is Key For Career-minded. College Students And Graduates
College students and recent graduates seeking to get a foot in the door in the working world can gain valuable experience through volunteering. The key to success is in thinking beyond traditional jobs to find volunteer opportunities and resources that will jump-start a meaningful and fulfilling career.
Volunteering experience can be a significant asset to the resumes of college students and graduates. Many recruiters now look for volunteer service on resumes as a telltale sign of strong moral character, good work ethic and proven leadership skills. Not only does volunteer experience show potential employers that a candidate is a responsible citizen of the world, but it also provides networking opportunities, a critical component of the business world that may be a new concept for those in college or recently graduated. - The New Generation Of Young Women Leaders Study Defines Skills Needed To Fulfill High Aspirations
How do today's young women see themselves and their futures? A recent student-designed survey from an innovative high school came up with some intriguing revelations.
Compared with high school boys, high school girls are significantly more likely to see themselves as leaders, are just as likely to say they would run for U.S. president, and have higher college aspirations than their boy counterparts. - The Opportunity To Explore Different Career Paths
Parents, educators and legislators want to give students the highest-quality educational foundation possible and today's career and technical education programs can play a key role in assuring educational excellence for many students.
Career and technical courses give students the opportunity to explore different career paths, to find out if the jobs involved are appealing and to discover which opportunities are best suited to their individual talents. - American Teens Still Mean Business
For the fourth consecutive year, "Businessperson" has been cited as the most popular career choice for American teens.
That's one of the key findings of an annual survey of teenagers on topics such as career expectations and their opinions about the world of business. The study, the 2006 Junior Achievement Worldwide Interprise Poll on Kids and Careers, also revealed that for the first time in the seven-year history of the survey, salary expectations for young women are on a par with those of young men. - Tech Teen Makes "cents" With Tractors
The first time one of Jenna Greckel's clients told her to put her father on the phone, she convinced him to change his mind and sold him a $6,000 tractor.
Jenna, 18, has learned a lot about bridging age and information gaps since she was the first 4-Her in her Nebraska county to complete the 4-H Business Sense program. At age 12, she took what she'd learned about communication skills, advertising, bookkeeping and creating business plans and started a pet-sitting business. - Choosing The Right Student Loan
When it comes to college, what types of student loans are right for you?
Borrowing for college is a long-term investment, one that will ultimately pay a lifetime of dividends. It is important, however, to educate yourself on the options available to you so that you do not end up down the road with more education expense than you planned for. - Students: Consolidate Loans Now To Save Thousands In Interest
Going to college is about to get even more expensive.
At a time when rising tuition costs already weigh heavily on future college graduates and their families, Congress recently passed a Bill raising interest rates on student loans and cutting $13 billion from the federal student loan program. These higher rates promise to have a significant impact on the cost of repaying student loan debt for years to come. - Does Your Student Health Insurance Make The Grade?
A growing number of colleges and universities have instituted a new requirement-student insurance.
However, when they attempt to comply, some students find that the insurance plan offered by their college may be less than adequate or that they are no longer eligible for coverage under their parents' health plan. Others find that their school is outside the HMO or PPO region or their parents' plan. - Besting Bullying
As youngsters we all remember name-calling and teasing. The most common triggers for such abuse remain physical traits-hair, height, weight and teeth.
However, the National Association of School Psychologists estimates 160,000 children stay home from school daily because they fear harassment. - Help Teach Teens: Math Counts Every Day
Many parents may admit math was not their favorite subject in high school. Many may also admit that math now plays an important role in their lives and careers-and will be necessary for their own children's futures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2014, 6.3 million jobs will require science, engineering or technical training-24 percent more than in 2004. These statistics show that today's middle and high school students will need a strong math background to be competitive in the job market. - Managing Math
A recent math assessment of 15-year-olds from around the world placed American students 24th out of 29 countries taking part in the study. To raise scores and improve math skills, many frustrated parents are turning to the Internet to get homework help for their children struggling with math. - Teens Need Math To Land Dream Jobs
What do doctors, lawyers and architects have in common? For one, they are among teens' hottest career choices. They also require a significant understanding of math at work every day. Despite this, many teens are not motivated to take advanced math classes to help them prepare for success in these future careers.
A telephone survey of 1,000 12- to 17-year-olds commissioned by Texas Instruments revealed that four out of five teenagers believe math is important for achieving their goals of being doctors, scientists, executives and lawyers, but only half are planning to take advanced math classes beyond their schools' minimum requirements. - Making Math Fun With Everyday Activities
Ever wonder if your insecurities about math will be passed down to your children? You're not alone. Many parents who struggled with math in the past believe that their children may have similar problems in the future. Relax. Remedial and even advanced math skills are not genetic.
You can help your child acquire a love of math by turning everyday activities into learning opportunities. - Gymnastics Provides A Great Fitness Option For Today's Kids
Studies show that today's youngsters are a very inactive generation, and that inactivity and poor dietary habits have contributed to their lack of fitness. Statistics indicate that one in three kids is overweight or at risk of becoming overweight today, a percentage that has more than tripled in the last 30 years.
To help get kids off the couch and into better shape this summer, USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods have joined forces to create a fitness initiative designed to encourage physical fitness through fun activities that emphasize four fundamentals of fitness: cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility and nutrition. - Getting Active Together
Studies have shown that only one-fourth of us get the 30 minutes of exercise each day the Surgeon General recommends. Sedentary children are more likely to become sedentary adults, so it's important to encourage healthy habits early on.
"Getting fit and staying active is something families can do together," says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation's leading provider of early childhood care and education. "In addition to the many health benefits, it can be great family fun." Bergen offers these tips for parents: - Buddy Up, Slim Down
Whether you're trying to lose weight, shape up or just live a healthier lifestyle, it can help to know you're not alone in your efforts. Experts agree that the road to fitness is best traveled with a buddy.
Here are some suggestions: - Safe Drinking Water Saves Live
Water is one of the most fundamental elements of life. Yet an estimated 2 million children die each year from diseases caused by unsafe drinking water.
But this grim picture is changing, thanks to the Children's Safe Drinking Water program and water purification technology by P¯UR. The program is taking a fresh approach to the global problem of contaminated drinking water and is helping prevent water-related diseases and death in children. The Children's Safe Drinking Water program, initiated by Procter & Gamble (P&G), includes emergency relief work related to natural disasters, education of local communities about the importance of clean drinking water, and the establishment of not-for-profit markets to distribute P¯UR water-cleaning technology to those in need. - Jiggling Jammin' Snacks
There's a whole lot of shaking going on in the snacking department, especially when it comes to the kinds of snacks kids love.
For example, gel snacks-that kids will jiggle and jump for-are now made with 50 percent fruit juice and natural flavors. Kid-pleasing, tasty gel snacks have real fruit juice, no artificial preservatives and, unlike gelatins, are vegetarian. - Nutrition Improvements For Lunchtime. Make The Grade For Mom And Kids
Busy parents often face the daily challenge of packing a school lunch that meets their nutrition standards while keeping the taste kids' love. The good news is that there is an answer to this lunchtime dilemma. Lunchables is taking steps to make its products better, so they'll always be a lunchtime option both kids and moms can love.
Mom and registered dietitian Bridget Swinney supports the idea that a child's lunch should be nutritious, delicious and fun. "Lunchtime is often a highlight of your child's day so it's important to pack something that they'll look forward to eating and you'll feel good about serving," says Swinney. "I think the Sensible Solution Lunchables products are a perfect example that better for you doesn't have to be boring." The Kraft Sensible Solution Program identifies products that meet "better-for-you" nutrition criteria-just look for the green flag on the front of the box. - Summer Snacks Can Keep Kids Happy And Healthy
Summer typically means kids will be spending more time around the house. Idle time sometimes means kids will be poking around the kitchen in hopes of finding a quick and easy snack-often an unhealthy one.
To help keep kids healthy, be sure to keep the refrigerator and pantry stocked with nutritious snacks that kids will enjoy. Start with a wide range of choices from the milk, fruit, vegetable and grains food groups. - Delicious Do-it-yourself Snacks For Kids
Nearly seven million American children come home from school to an empty house, clamoring for a quick, appetizing snack only to settle for junk food. But instead of reaching for the sweets during those cool after-school days or hot summer nights, kids can put on the chef's hat and prepare their own easy, tasty snacks that are just as satisfying.
Kids often shy away from preparing anything other than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because it's too difficult and time-consuming. But there is a wide variety of products available at the grocery store, like Tyson® refrigerated, fully-cooked chicken and steak strips, which simplify the snack- and meal-making process for kids. The strips go from package to plate in minutes-making it easy to prepare kid-favorite snacks and meals such as pizza, tacos and pasta. These well-balanced, do-it-yourself options are high in protein and have zero grams trans fat, so parents can feel good about providing kids with a wholesome alternative to help power them through their active days. - Top Toddler-feeding Essentials
Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters and yours is likely no exception. Following his first year of rapid growth, your toddler will gain weight more slowly during his second year and will need less food. This developmental change, combined with a toddler's growing need for independence and his inability to sit still for prolonged periods, can turn the dinner table into a battleground.
When your toddler turns his nose up at a new food or refuses to eat or drink something that was a favorite at one time, don't worry. For toddlers, what and how much they are willing to eat may vary daily. Just offer food that packs lots of nutrition in small doses and makes mealtime fun. - Moms Require Energy And Nutrition Fit For An Athlete
Moms let their inner athletes shine through from the minute they step out of bed in the morning to the moment they turn in for the night. Career, household, children, community responsibilities-they tackle it all on a daily basis. A nationwide survey found that 70 percent of moms believe that all of the activity they pack into each and every day makes them similar to athletes. Since good nutrition is vital to an athlete's performance, it may be time for moms to begin thinking about food as fuel for their busy lives.
By choosing foods rich in energy and nutrients, moms can ensure a strong finish at day's end. Grain-based foods such as crackers and tortillas made from enriched white flour, and bread and cereal made from whole grains, provide important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and iron, and pack a powerful energy punch. The B vitamins also help to convert food to energy, another way that grains work to increase a woman's endurance. - Kids' Calcium Consumption Is Key Concern For Parents
Parents play a key role in ensuring their children meet the daily requirements of calcium intake, according to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The report also states that most children and adolescents are at risk for bone fractures and osteoporosis later in life due to low calcium consumption when they're young. Three servings of low-fat milk, cheese or yogurt, or up to 1,300 milligrams of calcium depending on age, are recommended each day to build strong bones. - Just A Bite: Encouraging Kids To Try New Foods
Eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way for your child to get needed nutrients. But how do you encourage kids-notorious for being picky eaters-to explore the wide world of food? According to the health and parenting experts at KidsHealth, the answer is pleasant persistence.
It turns out that once is not enough when it comes to kids and trying new foods. It may take up to 15 tries before children warm up to new tastes, research shows. So if your child turns up his nose at green beans or broccoli, don't assume he will never like those good-for-you green veggies. - Smart Snacking
Less than one product a week-that's what a recent survey found children eat from vending machines.
That may surprise some people who see vending machines as a culprit in the nation's escalating rates of childhood obesity. - Will A Spoonful Of Sugar Make Your Child Overweight?
Childhood obesity is on the rise. According to a recent National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) survey, almost one-third of American children can be described as overweight-an increase of nearly 20 percent from a study a decade ago. Fortunately, there's a lot parents can do to keep their children from becoming overweight.
While many people associate sweetness with table sugar, called sucrose, this is just one type of sugar that provides this taste. There is also sugar in fruits, called fructose, and many foods contain added sugars such as corn syrup, honey and high fructose corn syrup. All sugars are carbohydrates containing four calories per gram and after digestion they travel through the bloodstream where they are used as fuel for the body. - Scientists Give An "a" To Vitamin E. Vitamin E Is Safe And Offers Well-documented Benefits, Scientists Say.
At a recent conference, scientists that specialize in nutritional oils met to examine vitamin E, discuss recent scientific advances and answer questions raised by a highly publicized 2004 article in Annals of Internal Medicine. Their conclusion was that vitamin E is safe and offers well-documented health benefits.
The Hot Topics symposium at the American Oil Chemists Society annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, covered "extensive science supporting the role of various vitamin E constituents with careful evaluation and scientific discussion by the large audience of oil chemists," said conference moderator Professor Ronald Watson, Ph.D., University of Arizona. Attendees also discussed recent research that has identified a group of components of natural vitamin E, the tocotrienols, which may be effective in treating strokes and for nerve regeneration. - What Parents Should Know About Administering Medicine To Children
Administering medicine to a sick child can be a frustrating experience for parents, with children often resisting medication necessary to help them feel better. According to a recent survey commissioned by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of McNeil-PPC, Inc., and conducted by Harris Interactive, more than 65 percent of parents have experienced difficulty getting their children to take liquid suspension medication, and 62 percent of parents noted that the taste of certain medicines is their children's primary complaint.
Now, a new product aims to make the medicating experience an easier one. Children's Tylenol® (acetaminophen) with Flavor Creator is the first customizable over-the-counter medicine. With four possible flavor combinations, Children's Tylenol® with Flavor Creator makes administering medicine an easier experience for parents by reducing children's attempts to avert taking medicine due to taste. Parents can create flavor combinations that match their child's taste preferences, thereby creating a better medicating process. - Keeping Beauty On Mom's To-do List
Apparently, there's no "me" in "mommy." A recent survey revealed that the seemingly never-ending demands of family, work and household duties often cause moms to neglect their own beauty routines.
In fact, some might say this selflessness is reaching surprising proportions. The survey found that 75 percent of moms have skipped their own showers to take care of their children's needs-with one-fourth confessing that they have actually gone three days or longer without showering. - Seven Steps For Keeping Teeth Healthy For A Lifetime
A smile can last a lifetime-if you take care of it. For that reason, it's important for parents to instill good oral health habits in children as early as possible.
According to U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona's "National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health" report, children lose more than 51 million school hours and adults lose more than 164 million work hours each year due to dental disease or dental visits. The nation's total bill for dental services was estimated to be more than $70.1 billion in 2002. - Celebrate Your Child's Achievements
Getting good grades has its benefits-dean's list, scholarships, and now free food. Parents may be pleased to learn that not only is it easier to help youngsters do well in school than they may have thought-it can also be rewarding and fun.
Here are some tips: - How Teens Cope With Stress
Being a teenager can involve a lot of juggling. Trying to manage demands at school, home and from friends can seem stressful-even overwhelming at times.
To help teens handle stress and stay focused, parents should encourage their teens to budget their time, eat and sleep well, exercise, and ask for help when they need it. - Stress And Fatigue Top Students' Concerns About Exam Time
Students across the country are gearing up for year-end exams and standardized tests, in addition to meeting class deadlines and heavy homework loads. Unfortunately, increased pressure for good grades has many students taking the wrong approach when it comes to exam time preparation.
According to a survey conducted by The Princeton Review and Wrigley, more than 85 percent of students admit to feeling increased stress and tension at exam time, in many cases leading them to make less healthy choices. - Choosing Video Games For Your Family. Tips For Parents About The Video Games Your Kids Want, And What You Should Know To Be Sure You Pick Right
Computer and video games are a favorite pastime among people of all ages, especially kids. But many of the video games of today are quite different from classics like "Pac-Man" and "Asteroid." The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which assigns video game content ratings, offers the following tips for parents to help them choose the games they consider appropriate for their families, as well as to be prepared for the realities of playing games online.
• Check the ESRB ratings for each game you purchase. The rating symbol on the front of the package indicates age appropriateness, and content descriptors on the back provide additional information about game content that may be of interest or concern. - It's Casual: Fun, Online Games For Families
Whether it's a quick game of Bejeweled while waiting on hold or a game ("Please, just one more!") of Zuma before bed, Americans of all ages are enjoying the fun of casual games on their computers.
And these addictive pastimes are gaining in popularity-even as sales of boxed PC games have declined. Casual games are becoming so popular, some of the Web's top sites are offering a downloadable or online casual games page. - Ten Tips For Mobile Families
A little planning and a mobile phone can go a long way toward helping your family save time, money and trouble. Family-friendly wireless pricing plans and services can help parents stay connected with their children and manage life on the go. Here are 10 ways you can put mobile phones to work for your family:
1. Reach out to your family using text messaging or stay connected via e-mail. - Smarter Phones Become Favorite Vacation Accessory
Sleeping bags, tent, ice cooler and…a GPS navigation device? As families hit the road for a vacation, they may pack the proverbial station wagon with more gadgetry than travelers past. Fortunately, technology can also help lighten the load.
Whether for entertainment or utility, people increasingly use mobile technology to stay connected while they travel. The wide range of affordable high-tech products can also make family vacations all the more enjoyable. - Easy-breezy Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie seems to say warm weather, maybe because it's as yellow as sunshine and has clouds of sweet meringue. Simple to love, it was a real challenge to make until now.
Here's a recipe that's quick and easy but still has that homemade flavor you crave. Starting with a lemon bar mix gives it a luscious citrus flavor, while eggs and sugar make it taste so fresh and rich. And the crust? Golden, buttery and sweet. - Never Too Young To Enjoy California Avocados
Just like adults, most children can benefit from getting at least five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day; many children, however, fall short. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reported that 23 to 33 percent of infants and toddlers studied did not even get a single serving of fruit in a day.
Most children need to more than double their daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Keeping your kitchen stocked with a wide variety of produce, including fresh California avocados, is one way to get children to increase their daily consumption of fruit. - Delivering Kisses And Miracles
There are many ways chocolate makes people happy and one of the worthiest is a tour that has been described as the "chocolate lover's dream."
For 10 years, the Hershey's Kissmobile Cruisers have crisscrossed the country to raise awareness of and donations for the 170 nonprofit Children's Miracle Network hospitals. - Simple Scratch Cooking For Healthier Families. Homemade Meals And Desserts Can Be Easier To Make Than You Think, And Good For Your Family.
There's a quick and easy way to help your kids become happier and healthier-try planning and preparing a meal together.
Cooking as a family activity is fun and can be surprisingly quick. In fact, preparing a satisfying meal or dessert from scratch can take less time than dining out. The time it takes to decide where to eat, get everyone ready, drive there and be seated, order and finally eat, takes much longer than you think. The time could be better spent with your loved ones with everyone helping to get the food on the table. - Hidden Hazards In Pools And Hot Tubs
As more kids enjoy the warm weather with a dip in the pool, it's important for parents to be on guard against one of the leading causes of accidental death in children: drowning. Fortunately, there are a number of ways parents can keep their kids safe-and new legislation may help. The legislation will encourage states to require protection-such as fencing and devices that reduce drain suction-around pools and hot tubs.
Every year there are 2,400 pool-related drownings from various causes among kids aged 1 to 14. Many parents do not realize that one of the most alarming dangers to children in pools and hot tubs is drain entrapment, which occurs when a child's body or hair gets attached to an underwater drain in a pool or hot tub. - Fighting Formula Stains
While infant formula with iron may be good for your baby's nutrition, chances are it's wreaking havoc on your laundry. Baby formula stains are one of the toughest stains to fight.
There are a few universal rules to follow when it comes to fighting stains. Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones, so when possible, try to treat the stain right away. Avoid machine drying or ironing until you've exhausted all stain-removal efforts. Finally, read manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning.
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