Exercise Helps those with Chronic Pain

A new study presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine states that modest exercise (physical conditioning) gave immediate and long term help to patients suffering from chronic pain. The study had hopes of showing people that deal daily with chronic pain how important exercise is. The catch 22 is that people with chronic pain are often found with physical deconditioning because of a lack of activity and exercise due to the significant pain they endure. The more pain, the less they move, the greater the decrease of conditioning. This study shows that for people with chronic pain, exercise may be a significant piece of the puzzle. If these patients can get some modest exercise, their physical condition will improve and their pain will decrease. Good news for all. Check out the study in depth here www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570268?sssdmh=dm1.336919&src=nldne.

Saturday Inspiration

In doing some research for an article I wrote yesterday, I came upon the quote, "The greatest wealth is health" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson. So much truth in five little words. Teaching our children to be good stewards of their own health is one of parenting's greatest responsibilities. Without their health, our children's futures are bleak. Without our own health the future of our familys, inherently our children, are compromised. Remind yourself when you have trouble finding the time (and I will do the same!) between work and life obligations to lead a healthy life, that it is only thru health that you can endeavor to succeed anywhere else. Have a great Saturday!

ADHD & Sleep

A study released this week closely connected ADHD type behavior and sleep disorders in children - sleep apnea being the leading culprit. The study cited behavior from tired children as being similar to the behavior exhibited by a child afflicted with ADHD - restlessness, hyperactivity, lack of focus and frustration. The study pointed out that these are also symptoms of children who are fatigued, a by-product of sleep apena. For more information check out www.sleepdisorderhelp.com.

Mississippi House Representative Proposes Bill to Ban Obese Patrons from Restaurants

Check out my article today on www.healthcareersjournal.com. Friday a Mississippi Hosue Representative proposed a bill to ban obese patrons from eating in restaurants in Mississippi.
Interesting slant on the obesity epidemic.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Every year my family gathers on the steps of the Capital in Lansing, Michigan to celebrate my sister, Jessica Leigh Walsh, and her blessed defeat of breast cancer and remember my grandmother, Helena Christine Hamilton Steinbower, as she lost her battle to the disease. We are all involved - some run the 5K, some walk. The kids run the Kid's mile or giggle thru the sprint. There is a blow up obstacle course, music and supportive companies with booths. There is a general atmosphere of community and kinship that is both embracing and rewarding.

Check out the link below to find a race in your area. Lead your family toward better health and fitness thru a good cause! http://www.komen.org/

De-Stress ...

This morning soft snow is falling at an alarming rate. School is cancelled for the day and I spent a few brief moments in the last hour gazing at a magazine including property for sale in the British Virgin Islands ~ my favorite place to visit on earth. The scenic views, warm soft sand (unlike the soft, cold snow) looks inviting at the very least and like heaven at the best. A quick respite in my mind to faraway places and now I'm ready to get back to work ~ albeit a little nostalgic of vacations gone by ~ but still, ready to get back to work.

Admittedly, day dreaming is not my only, nor even my main, method of reducing stress. I've been known to hammer out a good work out, walk around our country block, sing at the top of my lungs or indulge in a long, hot bath. My kids have their own unique ways to accomplish stress reduction ~ Jack plays guitar, runs or plays with his virtual zoo of imaginary animal friends. Cooper reads, walks in the woods, builds something or ... yells. Aiden, well at four he just cries.

Knowing that stress is ... well, a stressor on your body, brings to light how important it is to know what reduces your stress in your own unique style. What works for you? How do you de-stress? Let us know!

Sleepy Heads

Last week I worked in Jackson's 2nd grade classroom. For a few minutes as class was getting started I was sitting in the back of the room observing. In a matter of 10 - 15 seconds I watched four out of the 21 kids (nearly 25%) yawn simultaneously (my own son included!). Upon further observation I saw two kids with their heads down and another three with their mouths open just a bit while their eyes glazed over. Nearly 50% of these 7 and 8 year olds were visibly tired ... exhausted even.

It was, in all fairness, the Tuesday morning after a long holiday weekend following the second marking period which ended on Friday. But still ... 50%? We spend a lot of time at our house talking about how important sleep is ~ Sundays are "early bed nights" in which the boys have lights out a 7 or 7:30 depending on our schedule. We try and stick to a definitive bedtime schedule. Clearly, we are not 100% effective. The boys (Jackson and Aiden in particular) have a difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep. What to do?

What are your opinions? Why do you think our children are collectively so tired? What can we do about it?