Walk It Off

Millions of Americans don't exercise because they think working out has to be challenging to be beneficial. Walking can be a good form of exercise and can keep you thin. A 2009 study of nearly 5,000 men and women found that Americans gain an average of more than 2 pounds a year once they reach middle age. They also found that the more walking they do the less weight they put on.

For best results the American Heart Association, in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine, recommends adults walk briskly for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. To read more about walking to keep thin read the November 2009 issue of "Family Circle".

Random Act of Kindness: Day 21

December 21, 2009

I started testing the fifth grade classes. These children made remarkable progress since the beginning of the year, and it is really hard to improve older children's reading fluency. I talked to the teachers and told them how proud I was of their classes and the hard work they were doing. We just need to remember that everyone needs to feel appreciated. Tell someone they are doing a good job today!

Random Act of Kindness: Day 20

November 20, 2009

I was listening to my grand-daughter laughing in the family room as she watched a Christmas movie. She turned 13 this past August and it is hard to believe time goes so quickly. She is such a wonderful young lady and I am so proud of her. I stopped and wrote her a card to tell her how proud I am of her and how much I appreciate her. She was really surprised and just hugged and kissed me. Make sure your loved ones know how proud you are of them and give them some encouragement today!

Let's Be Mindful!!

I decided to take the challenge of doing one "Random Act of Kindness" a day for the entire month of December. When I decided to do this my cousin, Meera, (who I found this precious family member on fb), commented that it would make one mindful of what they are doing throughout the day. That was such a true statement. It has made me think about what I say and do, because I am constantly thinking about the impact I will have on some one's experience while I am with them. It has been challenging at times, but it also has changed the way I interact with others on a daily basis. I not only try to do one "Random Act of Kindness" a day, I think about the impact I can make throughout the day. We need to teach our children about being kind and thoughtful and being mindful of our actions and words. It has truly blessed me this month.

Random Act of Kindness: Day 19

December 19, 2009

There is a winter storm all over the Northeast section of this country. That is home for me and all of my family lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia and New Jersey. I called my dad, two sisters, and some of my cousins to make sure everyone was alright and prepared for the storm. Everyone had power and food and were in for the weekend. Try to stay in touch with loved ones during these times. It will mean a lot to them that someone is thinking of them and concerned.

Random Act of Kindness: Day 18

December 18, 2009

I went to the store today to get two books for my grand-daughters school Christmas Party. There were no other customers in the store and the cashier came over and we started talking. She told me about her twin boys and showed me a picture of those precious children. We talked about Christmas and her boys and my grand-children. We laughed and enjoyed each others stories. It is nice to show interest in someone else.

Face The Music

According to the November 2009 issue of "Family Circle" magazine, 13% of children ages 6-19 already show signs of permanent noise induced hearing loss, says a new CDC report. Many experts blame the increased use of MP3 players. Below is sound advice from Ron Eavey, M.D., an ENT at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, on how your kid can keep their hearing safe.

1. Weigh In - Whenever you can hear what your child is listening to on the iPod, it's too loud. Develop a hand signal, like tapping your ear, to alert the music is too loud.

2. Take Control - Most MP3 players allow you to set a maximum volume limit. (For iPods, visit www.apple.com/sound ) If you can't tell get your child to keep it at 50% or less.

3. Change Headgear - Swap earbuds for earphones that cover the whole ear. Research shows that they block more outside noise, so kids are less likely to crank up the sound.

4. Limit Listening - Have your child play music through speakers when she's at home. Kids shouldn't have noise flowing directly into their ears for more than an hour a day.

5. Call a Doctor - If your child uses an MP3 player more than seven hours a week, take your child to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. Find one at http://www.asha.org/ .